《Legendary Broken Player - VRMMORPG》


 Chapter 1 - 1 - My Name is Broken

    <h4>Chapter 1: - My Name is Broken</h4>


    Immortal Legacy was a virtual reality game that had gained immense poprity during its time. It offered yers the chance to escape to the enchanting world of Yunatea, where time moved three times faster than in real life. Just imagine, yers could live longer in the game than they ever could in the real world!


    In Yunatea, time was measured differently and referred to as "Yunatea time."


    Three years had passed since the gameunched, and many yers had already established themselves in this virtual world. Most felt they had found their new lives there, working and starting families, while others got so caught up in the game that they forgot about their real lives (although that wasn''t rmended).


    Then, on that particr day, a yer named Broken finally stood before the Temple of Blessing. This temple was a special ce where a yer could enter the spirit world and attempt to make a contract with a spirit. However, ess to the spirit world can only be obtained through a special quest, which not everyone would have the chance.


    This was a rare quest; no one knew for sure how to obtain it. However, most yers who received the quest to make a contract with a spirit were low-level or slow-progressing yers. Some believed this quest was the game''s way of motivating yers who were less active.


    Considering Broken''s situation at that moment, it seemed relevant. He had been ying the game for over a year, yet he was still only at level 25.


    "Everyone who began when I did should be level 100 by now," he muttered to himself.


    He enjoyed the game, but he could only y for one hour each day in the real world. He couldn''t keep up with other yers who had more time to level up.


    "So, finally... my first contract with the spirit," Broken sighed, the sunlight reflecting off his ck hair and illuminating his bright blue eyes. He stood tall at 1.79 meters (5.88 feet).


    The Temple of Blessing itself was a sight to behold, masterfully crafted from stone and various materials that bestowed upon it an ethereal, shadowy appearance. This magnificent edifice was nestled in the heart of a dense forest encircled by ancient, towering trees that contributed to the area''s ancient ambiance.


    Broken approached the temple entrance, his heart pounding in his chest. He drew a deep breath, the air thick with anticipation. ''Let''s see what this quest has in store,'' he muttered, his voice barely a whisper. With a firm push, the grand doors creaked open, revealing the shadowy interior within.


    The interior of the temple was dimly lit, with flickering torches casting eerie shadows on the walls. In the center of the room stood an ancient altar adorned with mysterious symbols and artifacts.


    "Wee, traveler," a voice echoed through the chamber. Broken looked around, trying to locate the source of the voice, but saw no one.


    "Who... who are you?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly.


    "I am the Guardian of the Temple," the voice responded. "You havee to make a contract with a spirit, have you not?"


    "Yes," Broken replied, trying to steady his nerves. "I am ready."


    "Very well," the Guardian said. "Approach the altar and ce your hand upon it."


    Broken did as instructed, feeling a surge of energy coursing through him as he touched the ancient stone. The symbols on the altar began to glow, and a swirling mist enveloped the room.


    "Please be aware that this journey can only be undertaken once per month. Failure to form a contract will reduce your chances of sess in future attempts. Are you ready?" the voice echoed.


    Without hesitation, Broken nodded. A surge of unfamiliar energy enveloped him, whisking him through dimensions until he arrived in a realm ensconced in clouds.


    He found himself in a breathtaking expanse where small inds floated amidst the sky. Some teemed with verdant foliage and towering trees, others were cloaked in a pristineyer of snow, and still others showcased volcanic peaks, their silhouettes stark against the horizon.


    Rooted to the spot, Broken watched in awe as a kaleidoscope of glowing, multicolored orbs danced around him, their light casting ethereal shadows on the cloud-covered ground.


    "So, this is the appearance of spirits to those who have yet to form a contract," he mused silently.


    Spirits of all forms and sizes inhabited the realm, each offering unique abilities and advantages. They would grant the yers elemental affinities and distinctive skills and even adopt forms of spirit beasts to aid them in battle.


    Making a contract with a spirit not only provided a significant boost in power within Immortal Legacy but alsoid the groundwork for future advancements. This initial bond was crucial, offering high-level yers the opportunity to enhance their abilities further down the line. Thus, securing a spirit contract was a milestone every neer in Immortal Legacy aimed for.


    "I like him," a voice, youthful and imbued with a divine essence, resonated around him.


    The surrounding spirits shimmered, radiating an otherworldly glow.


    "He''s quite handsome," another voice observed.


    "He harbors immense potential for the future," added a third, the excitement palpable in its tone. "I can''t let this opportunity slip by."


    "It is I who deserves to stand by his side," another dered with confidence.


    [Faith, an Epic-grade Spirit of Light, is offering you a contract.]


    [...]


    [...]


    [Tansy, a Rare-grade Spirit of Power, is extending you an offer.]


    Notifications flooded Broken''s vision, signaling the spirits eager to form a contract with him. However, Broken could only form a contract with one spirit, so he had to decide who to choose carefully.


    "Broken, please, ept my contract..."


    The game ssified spirits in a hierarchy starting from the lowest¡ªCommon, progressing through Rare, Elite, Epic, Unique, Legend, and so on. Therefore, being presented with an offer from an Epic-grade spirit was a stroke of remarkable luck, as only a few had ess to spirits of such caliber.


    He observed the spirits floating around, contemting which one would best suit his journey forward in the game.


    "Seven contract offers at the same time? Is this amon urrence, or am I experiencing something extraordinary?" he pondered.


    His warrior ss, coupled with a fire affinity, naturally inclined him towards spirits aligned with fire, promising synergy and enhanced prowess. Yet, the proposition from an Epic-grade spirit of Light intrigued him. This left him mulling over how a Light element spirit would mesh with his fire-based abilities, considering the potential impact on his ss and existing skills.


    [Birch, a Rare-grade Spirit of Nature, is offering you a contract.]


    [...]


    [...]


    [Oceana, an Elite-grade Spirit of the Sea, is proposing a contract.]


    As contract offers from a dozen spirits began to flood in, including two of Epic grade, Broken was caught between shock and sheer delight. His face lit up with unmistakable joy as he eximed, "I can''t believe I received offers from so many spirits!"


    Suddenly...


    [Birch, a Rare-grade Spirit of Nature, withdrew its contract offer and darted away without a second thought.]


    "Wait, what''s happening?" Broken was puzzled.


    [Oceana, an Elite-grade Spirit of the Sea, retracted its contract offer...]


    "Let''s leave now," a spirit whispered urgently.


    "We don''t belong here anymore, and I fear the consequences of lingering."


    "I wish we could stay, but it''s time for us to depart."


    Broken suddenly felt a pang of panic as he watched the spirits all depart, leaving him behind. He tried to run after them, but they slipped through his fingers.


    "Wait! No, wait! Hey! Why is everyone leaving all of a sudden? What''s happening here?" he called out.


    All the spirits that had initially offered contracts to Broken abruptly retracted their offers, leaving him empty-handed and bewildered. He had been contemting which spirit to choose, not intentionally dying his decision, but now they had all vanished. This was clearly something strange.


    "Why? What happened?" he muttered, still unable toprehend what was going on.


    Trying to regain hisposure, Broken took a deep breath. For him, ying this game was a respite from his busy life and responsibilities. He allotted himself an hour each day to escape into this virtual world. Despite his slow progress, he knew he wasn''tzy. Given his limited ytime, his advancement was impressive, only constrained by his real-worldmitments.


    As Broken grappled with his thoughts, a portal suddenly materialized in front of him, spinning rapidly.


    "What...?" he uttered, taken aback by the unexpected urrence.


    From within the swirling portal, a slender, white, and luminous foot emerged, heralding the arrival of a young woman dressed in pure white. She materialized before Broken, a vision of elegance and mystery.


    As she lifted her gaze to meet Broken''s, he was struck by her extraordinary beauty. Her silver hair cascaded down her back like a river of moonlight, and her emerald eyes sparkled with an otherworldly light. The white dress she wore clung to her slender form, entuating her graceful figure, while dazzling jewels added a touch of splendor to her appearance.


    "Who... is she?" Broken inquired, his voice a mixture of awe and confusion.


    "Hi Broken." she answered, her voice as soft and melodious as a serene melody.


    "I will bless you to be the greatest yer in Yuna...," Her sentence, however, was abruptly cut short.


    With fluid grace, she bent her knees and gently lowered herself to the ground, eventually lying t, with her cheek tenderly pressed against the cool earth.


    Approaching cautiously, Broken moved closer to the woman.


    "Hey, are you okay?" he asked, concerned.


    Broken analyzed the status of the woman, who was clearly an NPC, and the information that appeared was:


    [Akidia - The Goddess of Sloth]

 Chapter 2 - 2 - Goddess of Sloth

    <h4>Chapter 2: - Goddess of Sloth</h4>


    "Goddess of Sloth?"


    Broken''s eyes widened in disbelief at the sight before him. A goddess had appeared, an experience unlike any he had heard of; perhaps he was the first yer to encounter such an event.


    "Was she the one who scared off the spirits earlier?" he wondered.


    Uncertain whether to feel happy or sad about the spirits'' sudden departure, he realized that a goddess''s blessing was undeniably better than a mere spirit contract.


    As Broken observed Akidia, the Goddess of Sloth, lying motionless on the ground, confusion and curiosity overtook him. In the game, deities yed significant roles, often choosing champions to bless and strengthen. Deities were worshiped by their followers and wielded power far beyond that of mortals.


    Broken knelt to get a closer look at her face, captivated by her serene beauty. Despite knowing this was a virtual world, the line between reality and the game blurred.


    "I know this is just a game," he whispered, "but distinguishing between what''s real and what''s not is bing increasingly difficult. She embodies perfection as a goddess. Could it be that I''m the first yer to encounter one?"


    The realism of Immortal Legacy was unparalleled, crafting a world that felt as tangible as the real one. Even though Akidia was technically an NPC, her lifelike beauty and the surreal situation left Broken in awe.


    "But wait," Broken suddenly gasped, noticing that the goddess was deep in slumber. "How could she fall asleep so soundly and swiftly? Is this because she is the Goddess of Sloth?"


    [[The one who doesn''t really aplish much, but seems to have good luck on their side.]]


    A global announcement shed across Broken''s field of vision, a feature within Immortal Legacy that broadcasted messages to all yers.


    "That''s me!"


    [[A yer has had the unparalleled honor of meeting the Goddess of Sloth in person, a deity of iparable beauty and unmatched sluggishness. To those who have seen the pinnacle of beauty in this world, the allure of the deities remains beyondprehension.]]


    [[Yet, for this legendary yer, the journey begins anew from this extraordinary encounter, blessed by the deity herself.]]


    "So, it''s true. I''m actually the first yer to directly encounter a deity?"


    A personal notification appeared for Broken.


    [You have been awarded the title "He Who Encountered the Deity" in recognition of your unprecedented experience.]


    [Title Effect: All Basic Stats +10, New Conditional Active Skill "Ethereal Form"]


    [Ethereal Form (Conditional Active Skill)]


    [Transform into an ethereal being with the power of Ethereal Form! Physical attacks will no longer be a bother as they will simply pass through you like a ghost. However, be cautious of magic wielders as they will have a greater advantage against you, dealing double the usual magical damage. Don''t fret though, your Health will automatically be regenerated to 100% during the duration of Ethereal Form.]


    [Duration: 5 Seconds]


    [Cooldown: 1 Hour]


    [Activation: When you would otherwise take fatal damage that puts your life in danger.]


    Broken couldn''t contain his excitement upon realizing the magnitude of the boon he had just received. The title not only increased each of his basic stats by an impressive 10 points but also endowed him with a new skill, "Ethereal Form," capable of transforming him into an untouchable specter, albeit with a vulnerability to magic.


    Mindful of not disturbing Akidia, who was still enveloped in her slumber, Broken carefully distanced himself before gently reclining on the ground. He positioned himself so that hey lower than her, a gesture of deference to the deity''s presence.


    "I hope this gesture shows her the respect she deserves. I''ll stay right here until she awakens," he resolved.


    He foundfort in the thought that the wait would be brief.


    "Just an hour," he reassured himself, already mentally preparing for his uing shift at the store with a manager known for his strictness.


    As the minutes slowly morphed into an hour, Broken felt a tug of disappointment. Despite his hopes, the time to depart had arrived without any change in Akidia''s state.


    Torn between staying and leaving, Broken wrestled with his decision. The privilege he had been granted was something beyond the ordinary, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that many could only envision in their wildest dreams. He understood the inherent value of this encounter; while other yers had received blessings from the deities, none had the honor of sharing thepany of a goddess.


    In the midst of his contemtion, Akidia''s eyes fluttered open. She paused, gathering her thoughts, seemingly puzzled by her own slumber. Her gaze then shifted towards Broken, and a look of amused pride adorned her face.


    "What is he doing?" Akidia couldn''t help but smile warmly. "Oh, this adorable human, so engulfed inziness that he dozes off in my presence. How could I bear to disturb such peaceful slumber?"


    Akidia gentlyid her head back down, a weary sigh escaping her lips. "I''ve been working so hard thesest few days, crafting a reward for my future champion. I''m simply worn out from all the effort."


    And with that, she sumbed to her fatigue, drifting back into a deep sleep.


    "Wait, was that something I heard?" Broken thought, his curiosity piqued.


    With cautious movements, he lifted his head, turning towards Akidia. A whisper, so delicate and lulling, had reached his ears, yet as he searched for its source, he found Akidia in the embrace of sleep once more.


    "Ugh, how much longer will she stay asleep?"


    Broken couldn''t help but express his frustration. In the real world, he was now three hours behind, which tranted to a critical hour of dy for his job.


    "I might lose my job." He opened the user panel and saw an unsettling notification.


    [Due to the presence of a deity, the logout feature has been temporarily disabled.]


    He sat down abruptly, bringing his hands to his face in disbelief.


    "But, what? Seriously?" he eximed.


    He couldn''t log out until the goddess before he awoke.


    "What am I supposed to do now? Wake her up? No, that doesn''t seem right."


    [There''s something happening outside the game that affects what you feel inside the game! This physical sensation will be transmitted into the in-game sensations by 30%.]


    As the game transmitted a physical sensation from the outside world into Immortal Legacy, Broken felt a peculiar tingling sensation creeping across his stomach and neck. Initially faint, it rapidly escted into a difort so severe it seemed akin to torture.


    "Lily, please, I can''t take it anymore!"


    Lily, Broken''s little sister with whom he shared a home, was undoubtedly trying to wake him, concerned about his well-being and their shared responsibilities. Broken knew he needed to exit the game swiftly to attend to his job.


    [Outside voices continue to prate the game''s barriers, allowing snippets of reality to seep through.]


    ["Leon... Leon... Are you off work today? You didn''t mention anything before diving into the game. Aren''t you supposed to be at work? Ugh... Let me check your schedule. I hope you can hear me somehow..."]


    Lily''s voice, once a distant echo, now brought a wave of relief to Broken as her attempts to wake him ceased.


    He had been in the Spirit World for six hours. Finally, the Goddess of Sloth, Akidia, began to awaken from her slumber. Broken couldn''t help but smile, and a few tears even escaped his eyes from holding back Lily''s tickling earlier.


    Akidia''s eyes snapped open, her surprise mirrored in her wide gaze as she looked at Broken. "Ah, you''re finally awake," she observed softly, her eyes scanning his tearful expression.


    "Why is this human crying?" she pondered, a mix of curiosity and affection in her heart. "Could it be joy at seeing me awake? This lovely human, I think I''ll grant him additional rewards for our first meeting. I mustn''t disappoint my champion."

 Chapter 3 - 3 - Divine Champion

    <h4>Chapter 3: - Divine Champion</h4>


    Akidia''s eyes snapped open, her surprise mirrored in her wide gaze as she looked at Broken. "Ah, you''re finally awake," she giggled. "I woke up earlier, but seeing you sleeping so soundly, I decided to sleep again."


    Broken furrowed his brow, realizing the Goddess Akidia had woken up once before. But he hadn''t been asleep!


    He hesitated, wondering how to address a deity properly. "How does one greet a goddess in a respectful way?" he pondered.


    "Good day, Goddess Akidia. It is a great honor to meet you here," he managed, his voice steadying as he spoke.


    "Hello, Broken. It''s a pleasure to finally meet you," Akidia smiled, her eyes shining with excitement. "You''re quite adorable," she added, reaching out her hand from where she was sitting on the ground. "But I could use a little assistance getting onto that rock over there."


    Without hesitation, Broken stood up and approached Akidia. He took her hand carefully on his own.


    It was a sensation that couldn''t be described with words. This game felt so real; the five senses could truly be experienced within it. As he felt the softness of the deity''s hand, he also felt a sense offort and warmth just by being near her.


    "Please,e closer," Akidia invited softly, her hand resting lightly on Broken''s shoulder.


    Broken tried to support her and wrapped his left arm around her waist to help her stand. At that moment, he felt the gentle touch and the sweet fragrance that enveloped his senses.


    "Oahhh...," Akidia yawned, covering her mouth with her left hand. "Sorry," she said and smiled. "I''ve been so tiredtely because of all the things I''ve been doing. It''s been draining my energy and mind."


    Broken nodded in understanding, realizing the demanding nature of being a deity in this world. He couldn''t help but wonder what kind of responsibilities Goddess Akidia had been juggling that caused her to doze off so easily.


    "I actually spent a good amount of time choosing the perfect gift for our first meeting," she revealed with a giggle.


    Broken''s mind raced, "So... she had been preparing for this meeting with me?" he pondered.


    Broken gently guided the tired Goddess Akidia and then carefully helped her sit on a nearbyrge rock, making sure she wouldn''t fall again after he released her.


    "Are you okay here, Goddess?" he asked.


    "Yes, thanks, sweetheart," she replied warmly.


    [[Someone very fortunate has felt the touch of the great and worshiped goddess Akidia, known for her majesty and beauty. It was an unforgettable experience to feel the gentle touch of a goddess, a moment everyone dreams of, but he is the one who had the chance to experience it.]]


    Broken was surprised to see the global announcement again, clearly describing his experience to all yers of Immortal Legacy.


    [[He felt overwhelmed by joy, and if he couldn''t contain himself, he might have jumped for joy over this extraordinary experience. He might carry this memory until his death.]]


    "That''s too much! I''m not like that," Broken mumbled.


    Akidia giggled, seeing Broken''s expression suddenly change. "Is something bothering you?" she asked.


    Broken then realized and looked back at the deity. "A global notification, Goddess."


    "Yes, I saw it too," she said, smiling.


    So, the deity could see global notifications as well? Just how do they perceive the game, while every NPC in the game believes they have their own lives in this world?


    "We will talk a lot next time about your curiosity. I love that curiosity, but I''m sure you want to see the reward you''ve earned first, don''t you?" she said.


    [You received the title "He Who Savored the Fragrant Touch of the Goddess" in recognition of your remarkable achievement of being the first yer ever to experience the delicate caress of a goddess.]


    [Title Effect: Luck Stat +20, Charisma Stat +50]


    [New Luck Stat has been Unlocked]


    [New Charisma Stat has been Unlocked]


    Broken once again stood stunned, shocked at the incredible title he had just received. He had unlocked two special stats immediately after gaining the title. Luck, a stat that not everyone possessed, influenced the rate of sess in all aspects of the game. Simrly, Charisma would make it easier for anyone tomunicate and form rtionships with many NPCs in the game.


    He gazed up at Akidia, "Thank you so much for your blessings, Goddess Akidia."


    "So you''re happy?" she said, giggling. "You''re so adorable! As a deity, I love hearing praises. So, it''s okay if you want to thank me even more," she said, smiling.


    She then yawned delicately, covering her mouth with her palm, betraying a hint of fatigue. "Ah... The preparations have left me quite tired. But let me get straight to the point and share with you the reason for my visit."


    As Broken wrestled with his surging emotions of joy and intrigue, he inhaled deeply, trying to steady himself. This was only the beginning, yet the reward she had granted was already so significant.


    "Are you familiar with the concept of the Divine Champion?" Akidia inquired, her gaze piercing yet gentle.


    "The Divine Champion..." Broken echoed softly, his mind whirling with thoughts of Immortal Legacy''s elite yers. These were the individuals who stood at the pinnacle of power within the game, each bearing the mark of divine favor, chosen by the deities themselves to wield extraordinary abilities andmand respect as the most formidable among yers.


    "Yes, Goddess Akidia," he answered. "I''ve heard of the Divine Champions of this realm¡ªthose blessed by the deities, endowed with unique powers, and revered as the mightiest in all thend."


    Akidia''sughter filled the air once again as she listened to Broken''s earnest words.


    "Yes, precisely," she began, her voice carrying a hint of amusement. She paused, gathering her thoughts before borating. "You see, each deity is allowed to choose up to five Champions. However..."


    Her chuckles briefly interrupted her speech. "This may very well be my inaugural venture into selecting a Champion who is not a native of Yunatea. Yet, I''ve been observing you for some time, and I''m convinced you''re the ideal choice to be my very first Champion."


    The natives of Yunatea referred to yers as "yers," just as the yers introduced themselves. Even though every entity in Yunatea seemed to have its own consciousness, they regarded yers as beings who could enter and leave their world at will. What was even more terrifying was that yers were considered strange entities because they could never be killed permanently; when they died, they could rise again.


    Upon hearing Goddess Akidia mention the Divine Champion, Broken automatically harbored hopes of receiving the same blessing, something he had never even dreamed of before. Divine Champion was a blessing that granted yers privileges, allowing them topete with the wealthy who poured their riches into the game or evenpete at the highest levels within the game.


    Therefore, Divine Champion holders were almost universally known for their incredible strength, their significant influence in every region they upied, and even their impact on the game''s world.


    "Thank you, Goddess Akidia. I''m so happy to hear this news, I can hardly believe it."


    "Yeah, congrattions," Akidia responded. "But my time is very limited. There are many things I must do, especially since my sleep is still insufficient. So, let us proceed swiftly. All you need to do is ept my blessing. And remember, should you ever seek guidance, I am always here to provide answers. As my Champion, your prayers will reach me directly. You hold a ce of unparalleled significance to me, being the sole human I''ve chosen for this honor."


    As Akidia spoke, she gently levitated from the ground, her white robes dancing gracefully in the ethereal breeze, a sight of divine elegance.


    Watching her ascend, Broken marveled at the spectacle before him. A question tugged at his thoughts¡ªwhy would Akidia need his assistance to stand if she possessed the ability to fly?


    As Akidia descended gracefully, she reached out to gently caress Broken''s cheek with both hands. The softness of her touch and the delicate scent that surrounded her captivated him. With her face now mere inches from his, Broken found himself utterly mesmerized by her extraordinary beauty.


    "Broken," she spoke, her voice as soothing as a gentle stream, her smile radiating warmth and kindness.


    "ept this blessing from me. From this moment forth, you will act as my extension in this world. Remember, to be the strongest, hard work isn''t always necessary... Please, be my proudest Divine Champion. Next time, I will meet you again when you are ready for greater things. Congrattions, and ept my blessings..."


    Broken nodded slowly, captivated by the beauty of Goddess Akidia and the softness of her voice. She then flew away slowly, just as notifications appeared before his eyes.


    [The Goddess of Sloth, Akidia, has chosen you as her Divine Champion.]


    [You are now the Champion of Sloth.]


    [As the Champion of Sloth, you will continuously gather experience even without actively leveling up. However, you will not gain experience from killing monsters.]


    [Your leveling progress may be slower than average yers, but you will level up passively, allowing you to use your time for rxation.]


    "Eh?!" Broken''s initial wonder turned to shock as he processed the notifications unfurling before him.


    He attempted to look up at Akidia for rification, only to find that the goddess had mysteriously vanished from his sight.


    "Wait, what about my level?" he stammered, the realization of the blessing''s implications dawning on him.

 Chapter 4 - 4 - Self Transcendence

    <h4>Chapter 4: - Self Transcendence</h4>


    [The Goddess of Sloth, Akidia, has chosen you as her Divine Champion.]


    [As the Champion of Sloth, you will continuously gather experience even without actively leveling up. However, you will not gain experience from killing monsters.]


    [Your leveling progress may be slower than average yers, but you will level up passively, allowing you to use your time for rxation.]


    [Your affinity with Akidia - the Goddess of Sloth, has increased to 55.]


    [Akidia is happy to have fulfilled her duty of selecting a champion. She is extremely content with her choice.]


    [Keep strengthening your rtionship with Akidia to gain even more of her favor.]


    After reading the notification, Broken swallowed hard, a wave of realization washing over him. Being a Divine Champion was a blessing every yer in Immortal Legacy desired. It was an incredible privilege, no doubt about its power. However... he thought for a moment. He could level up passively, which suited the Sloth''s behavior, but he wouldn''t gain experience from killing monsters. So, his leveling up would be restricted by this blessing.


    "This might be good, but it seems like just the beginning. There must be more I can gain from this blessing, right?"


    Without leveling up, he wouldn''t be able to increase his stats directly. But then again, stats could be improved through other means. Levels unlock so much more. What now?


    Indeed, stats could be obtained not only by leveling up. When a yer leveled up, they received ten stats points. However, bypleting certain quests or achieving titles, stats could also be gained. When Broken had acquired his previous two titles, he received a 10-stat boost in all his basic stats, which added up to 50 stats in total, equivalent to gaining five levels. Additionally, he received 50 Charisma stats and 20 Luck stats. Although special stats couldn''t be increased using stat points, the total stats he gained were substantial.


    As he pondered the consequences of his newfound status, a global announcement once again shed before the eyes of every yer in Immortal Legacy.


    [[The person who always put things off and never got anything done was picked by the most skilled procrastinator.]]


    "Well... I''m not that much of a procrastinator. That happened because I don''t have as much time as others," he thought to himself.


    [[After taking a long time to decide, Akidia has chosen the person who will represent her in the world of Yunatea.]]


    [[This amazing event will be the catalyst for major changes on the horizon, signaling the beginning of a new era for the Immortal Legacy. Get ready for even more incredible things toe.]]


    Standing tall amidst the unfolding revtion, Broken embraced the moment with pride. He took a deep breath, savoring the sense of victory that enveloped him. The wind caressed his face, and unbeknownst to him, spirits in a kaleidoscope of colors began to drift towards him, drawn by his new title.


    "But here I am, having joined the ranks of the Divine Champions. Those yers who have been granted privileges and soared to extraordinary heights. Soon, I will be among them," he whispered to himself, a mix of anticipation and resolve in his heart.


    [By Akidia''s will, you have been granted the title "The Champion of Sloth."]


    So, the notification about the Divine Champion was still not over, and this time, Broken received the title. He expected various blessings to follow, especially extraordinary skills like those possessed by other Divine Champions.


    Most Divine Champions had incredibly powerful skills, almost like cheats, that made anyone who knew about them envious. Particrly, the Champions of Gluttony, affiliated with demons, used their skills to wreak havoc in the game. But then, many Divine Champions used their privileges to secure strategic positions within royal governments, gaining greater benefits than other yers and exploiting them for personal gain.


    [You are now endowed with the privilege of Self Transcendence Blessing, a divine gift bestowed upon the Champion of Sloth.]


    Self Transcendence Blessing? Just the name sounded extraordinary. Broken could feel his heart racing as he awaited the skill notification that appeared agonizingly slowly.


    [This divine favor brings with it the potential for unforeseen enhancements to emerge at unexpected moments, affecting everything you possess¡ªfrom your abilities to any constraints you face.


    There will be a percentage that will increase as you refrain from killing monsters. The higher the percentage, the higher the potential for the Blessing to activate on its own.


    You will receive upgrades to whatever you possess, albeit randomly, but you can hope that your mediocre skill might suddenly be a god-tier skill or your useless item might turn into a legendary item. Who knows?


    Yet, please temper your expectations; this doesn''t mean you''ll suddenly ascend to unparalleled heights of power. True miracles require more than just good fortune; they are forged through one''s own efforts.]


    Broken nodded slowly after reading the notification. So, the Self Transcendence Blessing seemed like an incredible gift that would unlock the potential of anything he owned, although it would appear based on a certain percentage.


    [Self Transcendence Blessing Activation Progress: 75%]


    He checked the new progress bar that appeared in his system, showing the activation progress of the Self Transcendence Blessing. It seemed that as long as Broken refrained from monster hunting, this progress would continue to rise and eventually activate on its own.


    Currently, it was at 75%, indicating it would activate soon. He was curious about what kind of effects this Blessing would bring him.


    "Based on what I''ve learned, Self Transcendence is the primary blessing from the previous Sloth Champion, allowing them to break the limitations of a mere mortal. I''m really curious to see how this blessing will manifest on my journey."


    Before the yers arrived, the native people of Yunatea had also received simr blessings. Now, these blessings are being bestowed upon yers as well. However, it''s important to note that there has only been one Champion of Sloth among the yers, and that was Broken.


    "It''s mentioned that this divine blessing will reveal itself at specific moments. However, given its origin from Sloth, I just hope the blessing isn''t so sluggish that it forgets to make its presence known when I need it most."


    Now that Broken had officially be a Divine Champion, the spirits that had initially retreated began to slowly return and gather around him. It was clear that they had moved away to make room for the arrival of Goddess Akidia in this realm.


    "Hi, Broken, congrattions on being chosen as a Divine Champion," they began expressing their admiration and congrattions to him.


    "Broken, I desire you even more now..."


    "Broken, I want to fight alongside you."


    At least Broken felt a bit relieved. Even though he had received extraordinary rewards, he had not lost the opportunity to make contracts with these spirits.


    The skills that he had gained from Goddess Akidia seemed passive at first nce, but he was curious to see how impactful these skills would be. Being the blessing from the Goddess of Sloth, it was bound to be extraordinary.


    As he tried to re-engage with the spirits, another notification appeared before him.


    [The Blessing of Self Transcendence has granted the user five powerful new passive skills.]


    His eyes widened, and his expression changed to one of awe, realizing that the rewards were far from over. He had now received five powerful new skills!

 Chapter 5 - 5 - Bountiful Harvest

    <h4>Chapter 5: - Bountiful Harvest</h4>


    [The Blessing of Self Transcendence has granted the user five powerful new passive skills.]


    [New Passive Skill "Bountiful Harvest" has been Unlocked.]


    [Bountiful Harvest (Passive Skill)]


    [Grants the user bonus rewards from defeating his opponents, increasing the likelihood of obtaining rare rewards or even doubling them.]


    [A high probability of raising the reward grade by one level.]


    [A small probability of raising the reward grade by two levels.]


    [A minuscule probability of getting the reward twice.]


    "Bountiful Harvest?" he murmured as he read the description of his new skill.


    It wasn''t clear whether this skill only applied to monsters or to other entities as well. Would it also have an effect if he defeated other yers? While he wouldn''t gain experience points from hunting monsters, he could still obtain exceptional rewards.


    He pondered this further. If he engaged in monster hunting, the progress from the Self Transcendence Blessing wouldn''t advance. But there would be times when he would need to utilize this skill to gain rare items.


    In Immortal Legacy, the natives of Yunatea were divided into two categories. Monsters, who had no real intelligence and acted like beasts, and intelligent races like Elves, Dwarves, Demons, and others. Additionally, when yers killed each other, there was a chance that items such as armor or weapons, or even items from the inventory, could drop and be acquired by the victor.


    If this skill also applied to yers, it would be highly advantageous if any yer attempted to confront Broken and ended up being killed by him.


    "So, I won''t gain any experience or progress in defeating monsters," he acknowledged quietly. "However, the loot drops from these encounters aren''t just intact; they''re enhanced. There''s even a potential for rarer drops, and this skill gives me the opportunity to double what I receive. Targeting monsters of higher grades and levels seems to be the strategic approach to maximize the benefits of this skill."


    [New Passive Skill "Adaptive Equipment" has been Unlocked.]


    [Adaptive Equipment (Passive Skill)]


    [Grants the user the ability to equip any type of equipment or weapon regardless of any requirement attached to the items, albeit with a slight limitation.]


    [The user is able to equip or wield weapons and equipment that are up to 100 levels higher than their own level.]


    "Adaptive Equipment." He murmured the name of the skill he had just acquired.


    This was an incredible skill. Every item, whether armor or weapon, had greater potential at higher levels, especially when considering the stats attached to them. Now, he could use any item without any restrictions. This was extraordinary, as it made him a versatile yer who could fight in closebat with a sword, engage from a distance with a bow, or even utilize magic weapons effectively.


    However, working with such a variety of weapons would require him to allocate his stats more evenly, which could be a slight disadvantage as it would prevent him from focusing on one stat to maximize its potential.


    For the time being, he decided to focus on his current ss, Warrior, which utilized a sword and relied on Strength and Constitution stats.


    The second skill he acquired was truly a game-changer: the ability to wield any equipment with a 100 level higher than his level, ss, or other typical restrictions.


    "This opens up so many possibilities for me," he pondered. "Even if my level is still low, and my stats are too. With the right gear I could significantly enhance my abilities."


    He was aware of the power that high-grade armor and weapons could bring. However, he also recognized the practical challenge he would face: he needed ess to such items. The higher the level and grade of an item, the harder it was to obtain. If he wanted to buy them, the prices would be exorbitant.


    Still, with these kinds of blessings and skills, he should be able to find a way to gather resources quickly and obtain the perfect gear for him to use.


    "I need to n some strategies to secure these essential items," he concluded.


    [New Passive Skill "Quality Enhancement" has been Unlocked.]


    [Quality Enhancement (Passive Skill)]


    [The user has a chance to upgrade any items or structures they create or produce. This upgrade is only applicable to objects produced directly by the user, and the upgrade process will take ce after the object has beenpleted.]


    [There is a high chance of upgrading items to one grade higher.]


    [There is a small chance of upgrading items to two grades higher.]


    [There is an extremely small chance of upgrading items to three grades higher.]


    And now, Quality Enhancement. Just as Broken was considering how he would obtain the equipment needed to enhance his battle potential, he received this skill. This incredible ability allowed him to upgrade any items or structures he produced. It seemed perfectly aligned with being the Sloth Champion, as he would not gain experience points from hunting monsters. Instead, this skill would motivate him to take on a production ss.


    With this skill, he could be a cksmith, Alchemist, or Tailor and create something extraordinary. He could produce high-grade items, use them himself, or sell them to others for a substantial profit.


    So far, all the skills he had acquired were truly remarkable. He couldbine these skills to be an incredibly powerful and versatile yer.


    Shaking his head in amazement, Broken was astounded by the array of skills bestowed upon him. "Ah, the future seems filled with endless opportunities for fun and innovation."


    "If I can produce high-quality items, I could sell them for a high price. Could this be a viable way to earn a substantial ie?"


    He immediately thought about securing a production ss as soon as he left this spirit realm. He would focus on gathering resources and producing high-grade items. He didn''t need to worry about leveling up, as his level would increase passively. Isn''t this a unique way to be strong in this game?"


    Broken was in awe, feeling that the blessings and skills he had received were beyond imagination. He wondered if other Divine Champions also received such privileges from their deities. Though he was behind in levels, he now had a tremendous opportunity to catch up.


    If he wanted to be a cksmith, he would certainly need to gather resources to craft his items. Therefore, he would utilize his Bountiful Harvest for this purpose, ensuring he collected enough material resources to craft his items.


    He would then leverage the Quality Enhancement skill to obtain items of a higher grade than what others might produce. This way, he could create many high-value items. He nned to focus on producing items he could use personally and then make extra money by selling them to other yers. This approach seemed straightforward enough.


    He knew he needed to quickly secure the production ss and implement his ns. But he wondered if the skills he had received as the Champion of Sloth wereplete. One extraordinary blessing and three remarkable passive skills were already dazzling.


    He needed to continue conversing with the spirits to decide which spirit he would choose before they departed. By this point, he had forgotten that he needed to log out of the game soon.


    However, another notification appeared in his vision.


    [New Passive Skill "Domain Boundless ess" has been Unlocked.]


    Broken''s eyes widened as he read the new notification. "Domain Boundless ess? What could this be?" he thought, eagerly anticipating the details of thistest skill.

 Chapter 6 - 6 - Domain Boundless Access

    <h4>Chapter 6: - Domain Boundless ess</h4>


    [New Passive Skill "Domain Boundless ess" has been Unlocked.]


    [Domain Boundless ess (Passive Skill)]


    [The user can traverse any realm and bypass any form of barrier or restriction, allowing ess to any domain with fewer limitations or constraints.]


    [The user can enter any dungeon up to 100 levels higher than his level.]


    [The user can enter any local or private domain up to 100 levels higher than his level.]


    "Domain Boundless ess," Broken read aloud, a mix of awe and anticipation in his voice.


    His current level was only 25, but with this skill, he could participate in dungeon expeditions up to level 125. This was an incredible upgrade to his potential in the game. By essing higher-level dungeons, he could acquire significantly more valuable resources.


    Additionally, he could easily enter and exit any local or private domain. This refers to areas restricted by barriers that are usually created to trap or protect something from others. Now, he was unrestricted by anything other than level, making the potential of this skill immense. If used strategically, he could navigate domains effortlessly, bypassing traps or barriers set by other yers.


    However, this new skill also presented a challenge. He couldn''t reveal his current level to others just yet. A level 25 yer entering high-level dungeons would undoubtedly attract attention and jealousy. It was best to keep this advantage under wraps for now.


    "If I can somehow catch up in levels," he mused, "I could ess dungeons that no one else in the game has reached. The potential of this skill is truly extraordinary."


    The realization of his newfound capabilities filled him with excitement. With Domain Boundless ess, he could explore areas and gather resources far beyond what his current level would typically allow.


    Shaking his head in amazement, Broken couldn''t help but feel that his path in Immortal Legacy had taken an exhrating turn. The blend of his unique skills created a gamey experience unlike any other, and he was determined to make the most of it.


    As he looked around at the spirits, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. It was time to continue their conversation and choose the spirit that would bestplement his abilities.


    But then another notification appeared on his vision.


    [New Passive Skill "Quest Advancement" has been Unlocked.]


    [Quest Advancement (Passive Skill)]


    [There is a possibility to advance the rating of a Quest by introducing new challenges and increasing the rewards.]


    [There is a high chance of receiving an upgrade on the Quest rating received.]


    [There is a normal chance of receiving an A-rated Quest.]


    [There is a low chance of receiving an S-rated Quest.]


    Ah, yes, Broken had forgotten that he was to receive a total of five passive skills from the Blessing. He had been so euphoric with the extraordinary skills he had gained that he felt overwhelmed by their magnitude. And now, here was the final skill he was granted from the blessing.


    It seemed thisst skill was yet another incredible one. High-rated quests were coveted by all yers. The higher the quest rating, the more challenging it became, but the rewards increased significantly as well.


    With this new skill, Broken could easily receive high-rating quests, boosting the potential for greater rewards. He had nowpleted his collection of five passive skills and had already begun nning the optimal way to use them. He couldn''t wait to experience the full extent of the blessings he had received.


    After meticulously going through the descriptions of the blessings and skills bestowed upon him, he felt an overwhelming sense of fortune. The abilities he now possessed transcended any realm of sense or fairness.


    With a p of his hands, Broken couldn''t help but revel in the numerous gifts he had been granted. It was then he noticed the subtle murmurs around him, a reminder of his initial mission in this realm.


    Spirits, drawn by his elevated status and divine favor, floated closer, each expressing a desire to form a contract to aid him on his journey.


    "I''d be honored to be your spirit and make a contract with you."


    "With me by your side, you''ll achieve unprecedented strength and power."


    "He''s so admirable; it would be my pride to partner with him."


    The irony of the situation wasn''t lost on him; he had ventured here to forge a pact with a spirit yet found himself under the grace of a deity. And still, the spirits remained eager to align with him.


    A chuckle escaped him, and a wide smile spread across his face as he contemted the potential.


    "Now that I''m under the Goddess of Sloth''s favor, it seems I''ll attract even more distinguished spirits eager for a contract."


    Just then, a notification chimed, breaking his train of thought.


    [You have received an email from Akidia, the Goddess of Sloth.]


    Upon receiving the unexpected email notification, Broken''s curiosity was piqued.


    "Email?!" he eximed, opening the inbox to discover the content.


    [Dear my cute champion, Broken


    I must apologize for my abrupt departure earlier. It seems I left without bestowing upon you the additional reward I had promised.


    Please ept this gift, crafted with great affection and care.


    Warmest regards,


    Akidia.]


    [im your reward!]


    With a mix of excitement and anticipation, Broken clicked the ''im the Reward'' button. Instantly, a new notification materialized before his eyes.


    [Congrattions! You have imed 2 High-grade Spirit Contract tickets.]


    [These tickets grant you the privilege to force contracts with high-grade spirits up to Unique-grade, thereby extending your capacity for spirit contracts beyond your normal limit of one.]


    "To force a contract?" Broken furrowed his brow in contemtion. "To be able to force a contract with spirits up to Unique-grade... isn''t this gift exceptionally valuable?"


    Swallowing hard, he realized the depth of Akidia''s generosity in bestowing such an incredible reward upon him.


    The grade hierarchy for Spirits and Items in Immortal Legacy was Common, Rare, Elite, Epic, Unique, Legendary, and so on. If he could force a Unique-grade spirit to form a contract with him, this ticket held immense value.


    Although finding a spirit of such a high grade wouldn''t be easy, he now had a significant advantage. He just needed to strengthen himself and venture out to find a suitable spirit to contract with.


    Normally, a yer could only contract with one spirit unless their ss allowed otherwise. However, with these tickets, he could contract with up to three spirits.


    This realization filled Broken with a renewed sense of determination. He was now equipped with unparalleled skills, blessings, and an incredible opportunity to form multiple high-grade spirit contracts. The possibilities were endless, and his journey had only just begun.


    "I should have expressed more gratitude toward her," he thought. "Everything I''ve received feels like too much, considering how little time I''ve had to y the game."


    But then, with all the blessings and skills he now possessed, Broken began to consider focusing more seriously on the game. Earning money should be easier with his current status. He decided to think this through more carefully afterpleting his current mission.


    The spirit orbs, which had been gently swirling around him, now intensified their movements, converging in greater numbers. Their excitement seemed to peak, buoyed by the potential that Broken''s new capabilities represented.


    "Goddess Akidia, thank you so much! I love you!" he shouted, his voice filled with joy and appreciation.


    "I need to finalize this contract and then log out of the game immediately."


    Just then, another notification chimed, breaking his train of thought.


    [You have received an email from Akidia, the Goddess of Sloth.]


    "But then, another email?" he thought to himself. "Could this be another reward?"


    He opened the inbox, curiosity piqued once more.

 Chapter 7 - 7 - Nine-Tailed Fox

    <h4>Chapter 7: - Nine-Tailed Fox</h4>


    [You have received an email from Akidia, the Goddess of Sloth.]


    "Another email?!" Broken was taken aback by the sudden notification, his surprise turning into anticipation at the sight of Akidia''s name.


    [Dear my cute champion, Broken,


    I''m d you liked my gift.


    I love you, too.


    Akidia.]


    The message was simple, yet it carried a warmth that made Broken feel slightly embarrassed, almost as if Akidia had been watching him all along and witnessed his heartfelt thanks.


    From the email, it was clear that somehow the Goddess could hear his voice and was monitoring him. Whether this observation would continue indefinitely was uncertain. He knew that the Goddess tended to spend most of her time sleeping and only spoke when necessary.


    "I guess I should be more mindful of what I say," Broken quietly said to himself, realizing that Akidia might be listening and making him reconsider his casual outbursts.


    Turning his attention to the newly acquired item, he read its description carefully.


    [High-Grade Spirit Contract Ticket]


    [Activate this ticket by tearing it. Doing so will draw andpel any high-grade spirit in your area to enter into a contract with you.]


    The ticket will be most effective if you have already identified the targeted spirit, ensuring that you secure a spirit with the desired grade.]


    But then, he would first see what spirits might offer contracts to him. At least he could secure a spirit with an Epic grade, one level below Unique. He could save the ticket for another time.


    Broken sensed a gentle pull at his consciousness. Looking around, he was greeted by a mesmerizing sight. A group of spirits, each calling out his name in a harmonious chorus, danced and twirled around him. Their movements were so graceful and synchronized that he couldn''t help but be swept up in the spectacle, a spontaneous smile lighting up his face.


    "It''s so beautiful," he uttered, genuinely moved by the scene.


    One spirit, brimming with curiosity, floated closer to inquire, "Broken, what aspirations do you harbor in this world?"


    Without hesitation, he responded, "Me? I aim to be the strongest!"


    Now that he was officially a Divine Champion, of course, he would aim for a higher target. He had so much potential and couldn''t wait to utilize it all.


    Another spirit, intrigued by his answer, followed up, "And what kind of spirits are you in search of?"


    With a casual shrug, he shared, "Well... I''m on the lookout for apanion. Ideally, I''d love to befriend a spirit that syncs well with my ss," his tone light but sincere.


    Amidst the assembly of spirits, one, in particr, caught his eye, shining more luminous than the rest¡ªa white orb of light adorned with streaks of green, standing out against the backdrop of its peers.


    "Broken, Broken..." came a voice, youthful and melodious, as if a teenage girl were speaking directly from the radiant spirit.


    Mesmerized, Broken watched as the orb gracefully descended to the ground, where it underwent a stunning transformation. Before his eyes, the light coalesced into the form of a translucent fox adorned with three majestic tails, its appearance ethereal and captivating.


    Settling gently onto the ground, Broken observed the unique patches of green fur that adorned her, their translucent quality giving her an otherworldly beauty.


    [Polly, a Unique-grade Nine-Tailed Fox, really liked you and wanted to be your friend. It kindly asked if you would make a contract with her.]


    Broken''s heart swelled with a mix of surprise and joy. A Unique-grade spirit was beyond his wildest expectations. He reached out a hand toward Polly, his voice steady despite his excitement.


    "Hi, Polly..." he greeted the spirit softly.


    Polly, the spirit beast, returned his gaze with eyes brimming with a pure, unspoken plea. "Broken... please, be my friend," she asked, her voice carrying a hopeful tone.


    "A Unique-grade?" Broken whispered to himself, taken aback by the realization of Polly''s rarity and value.


    While he had two tickets to force a Unique-grade spirit to form a contract with him, here in front of him was a Unique-grade spirit willingly offering to bond with him.


    "Hi, Polly... It''s nice to meet you. So, you''re a Spirit Beast?" he affirmed, a smile forming on his lips.


    A Spirit Beast was a rare form of spirit, often possessing a physical form and engaging in battles directly. Unlike other spirits, they couldn''t be permanently killed, as they would revive after some time. Their potential for evolution was immense, with the possibility of eventually gaining a human form.


    As he reached out to gently stroke her head, Polly closed her eyes, savoring the moment. An ethereal bond seemed to form between them, signaled by a new notification that appeared before his eyes.


    [Affinity with Polly, the Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit Beast, has increased to 57.]


    [Polly is a distinguished spirit with the potential to evolve into a formidable ally. Herbat prowess and magical talents render her an invaluablepanion in any confrontation.]


    [The opportunity to form a contract with a spirit beast of such caliber is a dream for many, a dream that could cost them everything.]


    [Currently manifesting three tails, Polly is destined for growth. With time, she will gain in strength and grade, promising a future of even greater power.]


    Absorbing the details provided by the system, Broken nodded in understanding. His attention was quickly recaptured by Polly, who looked at him with eyes brimming with eagerness and hope.


    "Hi, Broken," she began, her voice tender yet insistent. "I can assist in battle. I have arger form, and you can ride me to enhance your mobility. Please, let''s be friends. I wish to stand and fight by your side... May I?"


    "Sure, let''s make a contract," Broken agreed, feeling a connection with Polly that he couldn''t quite exin.


    [Do you wish to enter into a contract with Polly, the Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit Beast?]


    Without hesitation, Broken selected ''Yes''.


    As he did, a vibrant surge of energy coursed through him, wrapping around Polly as well. Her form seemed to solidify before his eyes, and if he wasn''t mistaken, a gentle smile graced her ethereal features.


    In a burst of joy, Polly darted around him in a yful dance before leaping into his arms.


    "Thank you, Master..." she eximed, her voice resonating with genuine happiness and gratitude.


    [You have now entered into a contract with Polly, the Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit Beast]


    [Affinity with Polly the Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit Beast has risen to 72.]


    [Name: Polly]


    [Grade: Unique]


    [Level: 95]


    [Race: Nine-Tailed Fox]


    [Skills - 3]


    [Illusion Casting (Active Skill): Polly could create four illusions to confuse and disorient her opponents. Each illusion had 30% of her total HP, and she could only use this skill once every five minutes.]


    [Natural Weapons (Passive Skill): Allowed Polly to fight using her ws, teeth, and tail. These physical attacks were strong, and her illusions could also deal 20% of her total damage.]


    [Magic Resistance (Passive Skill): Giving Polly a 60% resistance to various forms of magic. This made her a formidable opponent in battles against opponents who relied heavily on magic.]


    Broken''s expression shifted to one of sheer amazement as he learned more about Polly''s abilities. "You''re highly resistant to magic?"


    The realization that his newpanion boasted such potent skills filled him with anticipation for their future battles together. Polly''s magic resistance made her an invaluable asset against spellcasters, while her illusion-creating ability and resilience against physical attacks meant she would be a challenging adversary for any yer, regardless of their fighting style.


    Feeling a sense of aplishment and contentment with the day''s achievements, Broken decided it was time to depart from the spirit world. He had lingered longer than intended, and responsibilities in the real world awaited his attention.


    He gestured farewell to the gathering of spirits, their forms a vibrant spectacle of colors swirling around him.


    "Hi, everyone," he greeted them. "Thank you for such a warm wee today. I promise to return, and I hope you''ll greet me just as kindly then."


    "Bye, Broken," the spirits replied in unison.


    "Until we meet again, Broken."


    "I will wait for you, Broken."


    [The visit to the Spirit World has concluded; you are now exiting.]


    As the spirit world faded away, Broken felt an unseen force gently ushering him back to the Temple of Blessing. The next moment, his feet made contact with the cold, familiar floor, marking the end of an extraordinary journey for now.

 Chapter 8 - 8 - Stupid, Fat Ass

    <h4>Chapter 8: - Stupid, Fat Ass</h4>


    The room was suddenly pierced by an unexpected hissing sound as a capsule device sprung into action, its lid retracting to reveal its upant. Insidey a 20-year-old man, blond hair framing his face, his piercing blue eyes wide with the shock of abrupt re-entry into reality.


    Leon Chambers found himself gasping for breath, hisplexion pale, a stark indication of the panic that gripped him. He had remained encased within the virtual reality capsule for four grueling hours, marking his longest dive into the game since the day he had acquired the advanced piece of technology.


    With swift movements, he extracted himself from the confines of the capsule, rising to his full height of 1.79 meters (5.88 feet). Despite his slender build, the definition of his muscles spoke volumes about the physical efforts he undertook in the real world, a sharp contrast from the nature often associated with avid gamers.


    His room, bare except for the essentials¡ªa bed, a table, and a few chairs¡ªfelt alien after the richly detailed world he had just left behind. The simplicity of his surroundings was a cold reminder of the divide between the virtual world and his physical reality.


    The rusty door to his room creaked open, breaking the silence. Through it stepped a sixteen-year-old girl of 1.65 meters (5.42 feet), her blonde hair falling just above her shoulders, framing her slender face. Her fair skin and the blue eyes she shared with Leon made her presence all the more striking. This was Lily, Leon''s younger sister, whose concern for her brother was evident in her anxious tone.


    "Leon," she began, "I''ve been trying to wake you up... but you were like a dead man, not responding, even after I tickled you repeatedly. Are you okay? You should be heading to work, right?"


    "It''s okay, Lily," Leon assured her quickly, his movements brisk as he snatched his bag from the desk. "I got caught up in something big inside the game, and it took me until now to sort it out. I''ve got to head out immediately."


    Without a moment''s dy, Leon dashed from the room, exiting the modest home nestled on the outskirts of town where he, Lily, and their uncle made their lives. He swiftly mounted his bicycle parked outside and began pedaling towards his destination.


    As Leon made his hasty departure, Lily followed him to the door, observing with concern how unusually hurried he seemed, clearly eager to reach his workce.


    "It''s not like him to be so absorbed in the game," she whispered to herself, a hint of worry in her voice. "He''s always been disciplined, limiting himself to just an hour each day since we got that capsule a year ago. Could it be that he''s grown tired of his daily routine?"


    Contemting how she could possibly brighten his mood, a thoughtful idea struck her. "I know. I''ll prepare his favorite meal tonight!" she said and giggled.


    ***


    Leon, with his heart racing and breathsing in quick gasps, hurriedly parked his bicycle outside the convenience store. As he approached the entrance, he noticed Bob, the store manager, storming out. Bob was a man in his early twenties, plump with usually rosy cheeks, which now were contorted in anger, painting a rather intimidating picture. He and Leon had been ssmates in high school.


    "This is bad," Leon muttered to himself. "It looks like I''ve triggered something that made him furious."


    Bob, catching sight of Leon, flung the door open with a force that reflected his fury.


    "You stupid fool," he barked, "do you really think you own this ce? That you can just waltz in and out as you please? Discipline should be your priority!"


    "I... I had an emergency," Leon stammered, attempting to exin. "I''m really sorry, Bob."


    "Do you think I''m a fool, Leon? You''re useless to us. For breaking our rules, you''re fired. Now, get lost. I can''t stand the sight of you."


    "You can''t be serious about firing me just for beingte once, right?" Leon protested.


    "Shut up, and rot on the streets, you fool! Poor scum!"


    Bob had always been wealthy since their senior high school times. Therefore, someone like Leon never belonged in his circle. Bob had been displeased when Leon started working at the convenience store where Bob was the manager. He had been looking for a way to get rid of him for a long time.


    "Give me my sry, Bob!" Leon demanded.


    Bob took out his wallet, pulled out a few bills, and threw them at Leon''s face. "Here''s your pay for thest ten days!"


    Bob then turned his back and disappeared inside the store. With a sharp snap, the door shut, sealing Leon''s fate.


    A wave of frustration washed over Leon, leaving him standing alone. "Damn you, Bob! At least he gave me my sry."


    Leon bent down, picked up the scattered bills from the floor, counted them briefly, and shoved them into his pocket.


    He made his way to the parking lot of the convenience store, feeling the weight of his recent firing heavy on his shoulders. He slumped down, seeking a moment of escape from the harsh reality he now faced. It was then that the sound of a news broadcast from inside the store floated through the air, its volume cutting through the quiet of the early evening. The topic, "Immortal Legacy," snagged his attention immediately.


    "Something big is going to happen..." The voice from the screen was faint but carried a tone of significance that he couldn''t ignore.


    The screen showed a scene from the virtual world of Yunatea, where a female reporter stood beside a man d in striking red metal armor. His hair was as fiery as his armor.


    "We''re broadcasting live from Yunatea, and with us right now is Natsu, a top 100-ranked yer," the reporter introduced the man.


    "We''re here to discuss a major event that has just unfolded in Yunatea. There''s startling news about a global achievement¡ªa yer has had an actual encounter with a deity and even touched the deity."


    "What''s your take on this, Mr. Natsu?" she inquired.


    Natsu seized the moment with a grin that lit up his face. "Hmm!" he started, his smile broadening. "Before I dive into that, may I take a moment to talk about my guild?" he asked.


    The reporter paused, thrown off by the unexpected request. After a brief moment of hesitation, she conceded, "Yes, that''s alright."


    Natsu leaned into the microphone with confidence. "Alright, everyone," he began, his voice carrying a blend of charisma and assurance, "I know you''re all looking for a guild that values professionalism and dedication. At the Mirajane guild, we''re opening up five new spots. For those of you craving an unparalleled adventure in the world of Yunatea, look no further! Our memberse from a wide array of sses, ready and able to tackle any challenge thates our way."


    The reporter interjected, "Sorry... Mr. Natsu... we need your answer for this phenomenon," her words trailing off as Natsu continued his enthusiastic promotion.


    "You guys will never regret it, hahaha," Natsu chuckled. Turning back to the reporter with a cheeky grin, he asked, "Is that all clear to you?"


    "That''s really clear, Mr. Natsu," the reporter confirmed. "Now, could you please share your thoughts on the current global phenomenon?"


    Natsu responded with a heartyugh. "I''m sure we''ll see more yer-deity encounters following this event," he said. "And I''m certain the Mirajane guild is home to many skilled yers ready for such encounters. So, joining us is a decision you won''t regret."


    "Alright..." she interjected with a professional smile.


    She took over the microphone. "In light of that ambition, we''re all eagerly awaiting the incredible developments following a yer''s direct encounter with the goddess of Sloth, Akidia. Her legendary beauty has been a topic of many discussions, but this marks the first asion her physical form will be revealed in Immortal Legacy. This event is a historical milestone for Yunatea, and we''re diligently working to uncover the identity of the mysterious yer."


    She continued, "This suggests that the champion of Sloth may have been chosen. This development is significant, especially considering that champions representing the other sins have reached top rankings within Immortal Legacy. We''re all on the edge of our seats, anticipating the major updates and changes the game will undergo following this event. Stay tuned for our next live report for more updates!"


    Leon, who had been watching the report, finally picked up his bike and continued his journey home, his mind still swirling with thoughts of the game and the harsh reality of his recent job loss.


    "You''d better watch your mouth next time, you stupid, fat ass," he grumbled under his breath.


    Upon reaching home, Leon quickly parked his bicycle and rushed inside, instantly greeted by theforting aroma of food.


    "Ah, it looks like Uncle is home tonight. Thank goodness, Lily''s cooking smells amazing!" he eximed.

 Chapter 9 - 9 - It’s Not a Romantic Relationship

    <h4>Chapter 9: - It''s Not a Romantic Rtionship</h4>


    "Leon...?" Lily''s voice called out from the kitchen. She suddenly stepped into the living room, wearing an apron. "Hey, I didn''t expect you to get home so soon."


    "Ah, yes..." Leon replied, still unsure how to exin the situation to his sister.


    They lived with their uncle, who worked tirelessly to support their education. Ever since Leon started senior high school, he had been working part-time to pay for his own studies. Now, in his second year of university, he continued to work to help cover their daily expenses, hoping to also contribute towards Lily''s school fees. Naturally, the news of his sudden job loss would cause concern for his little sister.


    Leon and Lily were both students, with Leon in his second year of university and Lily in her second year of senior high school. Ever since their parents had left when Leon was nine, they had to rely on each other and their uncle for support. Despite the challenges they faced, they managed to make ends meet thanks to their hard work.


    Having gone through many hardships in the past, the three of them now shared a small living space. Their uncle often had to go out of town for work, leaving Leon and Lily to take care of themselves. With Leon''s busy schedule from work and school, he was rarely at home as well.


    "How do I put it?" he thought.


    "Are you okay?" she asked, sensing his unease.


    Lily wondered why Leon was acting so strangely tonight. From ying video games longer than usual toing home early from work, his behavior was off. She tried to make sense of it, thinking perhaps he was stressed and had be addicted to the game he was ying. She was used to hearing her ssmates talk about games, especially Immortal Legacy, so it seemed normal for someone of Leon''s age to get hooked on a game.


    For about a year, Leon had been home more frequently ever since a pricey, cutting-edge virtual world capsule device arrived at his doorstep in an anonymous package. Although the sender of the mysterious gift was unknown, thebel addressed to Leon made it clear that the device was meant for him.


    His uncle was initially worried when the expensive package arrived, fearing it might be a scam that could harm them, especially Leon. However, after leaving it unused for a few weeks, Leon finally decided it was indeed a gift meant for him. From whom? No one knew.


    The capsule device was the only hardware that allowed full dives to y the virtual game Immortal Legacy. It was a costly device, but many people were eager to buy it due to the game''s poprity and the various job opportunities it offered within the game.


    Despite having a capsule device worth more than their home, their uncle forbade Leon from selling it to meet their needs. His uncle''s reasoning was that it might have been a gift from someone who knew their father, but he never discussed it further, not wanting to delve into the topic of Leon and Lily''s parents.


    "I''m sure the game means a lot to him," Lily thought. "As far as I know, it provides a gateway to a new world. Perhaps Leon has found something in this virtual world that he couldn''t find anywhere else? A girlfriend maybe?"


    The thought of Leon finding a girlfriend in the virtual world amused Lily, and she became curious. Boys Leon''s age often did strange things when it came to romance. She intended to dig deeper into this and giggled to herself.


    "Is Uncleing home tonight, Lily? Did you cook for him?" Leon asked.


    Lily showed an annoyed expression on her face. "I cooked for you! You haven''t eaten since this afternoon, right? But it appears you''ll have to wait a little while. Is that alright?" she asked.


    "Ah, okay, thanks," Leon replied, ncing up at the clock on the wall. "I''m certainly happy, but shouldn''t you be getting ready for school tomorrow?"


    Lily only smiled at his question, then shook her head. "It''s okay," she replied. "I''m just feeling happy and wanted to do something in the kitchen. I had a sudden urge to cook."


    "Good," Leon nodded. "Do you need my help?"


    "No, I''m okay," she shook her head. "I think you should return to your room and finish your game. Will you be out in a few minutes so we can have dinner together?"


    However, Leon refused and immediately put down his bag, heading to the kitchen. "It''s okay, I''ll help with the cooking. I''ll cut this one," he said.


    Lily looked annoyed and tried to grab the knife from his hand. "Stop it, I said go to your room and y the game."


    "Why? I want to help you. Wouldn''t it be faster if we did it together?"


    "No! You''re just getting in my way. Let me handle it myself."


    They ended up seemingly fighting over the knife, and Leon tried to ensure it didn''t harm his sister.


    "What are we doing?" she said, giggling.


    "I just want to help."


    "No! Go to your room and y the game!" Lily insisted. "Someone is waiting for you, right? A girlfriend, perhaps?"


    Leon furrowed his brow at his sister''s words. "Where did you get that idea, Lily?"


    "What else could it be? You''ve been ying the game for over three hours, and you came home from work so quickly. It''s not because you want to help me cook, is it? My ssmate said that it''smon for someone your age."


    "I couldn''t log out of the game because I met someone."


    "A girl?"


    "Uh, yes."


    Lily grinned broadly, feeling victorious. "So, it''s a girlfriend. Tell me more about her... is she pretty? Do you have her picture?"


    "No, how do I exin it to you... um, she''s sleeping, and I need to wait for her to wake up because she said she would give me something... special."


    "Ah..." Lily felt she had heard something she shouldn''t have. "So, you''re staying with a girl while she sleeps, in the game..." she hesitated to continue.


    "It''s not like that. It''s not what you think," Leon said.


    Lily raised an eyebrow, still grinning. "Then what is it like, Leon?"


    Leon sighed, trying to find the right words. "She promised me something special but she suddenly fell asleep in front of me."


    Lily giggled. "Oh, so it''s all about the game, then. Well, you better go back and make sure you get that special thing."


    Lily had clearly heard from her ssmates that people could start families inside the game, even getting married and having children, though the children were game characters. With this fact in mind, she also read that people could do "that thing" inside the game. Her face flushed as she tried to banish the thought from her head.


    Leon was a young adult. It was normal for him to have a serious rtionship with a woman, so it was understandable. Maybe soon, he would introduce a woman to her and their uncle. He had worked so hard until now; it was natural for him to have some fun with his own interests.


    "So... Leon," she said. "Uhm... I''m d you finally have a special rtionship with a woman... so... please make sure it''s a yer, and not an NPC, right?" she said, giggling.


    "It''s an NPC, but it''s not as special as you think. It''s not a romantic rtionship."


    Lilyughed. "Just go already. And don''t forget to join me for dinnerter."


    "Okay then," Leon finally agreed, which actually aligned with his own thoughts. "I''ll be out shortly to join you for dinner. Bye, Lily."


    He then raced back to his room, his eyes gleaming when he saw the advanced capsule device.


    "Here we go," he said with a smile before hopping back into the capsule and logging back into Immortal Legacy.

 Chapter 10 - 10 - The Challenge of Two Friends

    <h4>Chapter 10: - The Challenge of Two Friends</h4>


    HeroLick and BuuBuu had been friends since they were young. Thirty years ago, they began the ambitious project of creating the virtual world and the super AI that would eventually be the foundation of the Yunatea virtual world. After extensive research and a significant investment of both energy and money, they were able to bring their dream to fruition.


    Immortal Legacy was an immersive game with a virtual world called Yunatea, a ce with a seemingly real and time-honored history spanning tens of thousands of years. Its lifelike, elerated progression was made possible by a remarkably advanced Artificial Intelligence. When yers started entering the virtual world marked by the game''s release, Yunatea had already be an independent world withplex and expansive plots and characters.


    Upon its grand opening to the public, Yunatea transformed into a remarkably realistic alternative world, developing organically with minimal involvement from the game developers. The game''s evolution was driven entirely by the actions and decisions of the natives and yers within the game.


    When BuuBuu became the most influential person in the Golden Age Company, taking on the role of CEO in charge of Immortal Legacy, HeroLick had been missing for over a decade. He had vanished without a trace, as if swallowed by the earth, and his disappearance wasrgely concealed, especially since he had hidden his real identity from the public, including information about his family.


    HeroLick left behind a huge ambition that he never sawe to fruition, at least as BuuBuu understood. HeroLick''s vision had been realized, however, as Immortal Legacy grew into an international phenomenon with tremendous investment value, revolutionizing the lives and lifestyles of people around the world.


    In a tall building in the heart of downtown West Lake, a 49-year-old man with salt-and-pepper hair sat in an office. His frame was draped in a long white coat, and a pair of sses framed his eyes. Marco re, better known by his gamer name ''BuuBuu'', was renowned for his contribution to the sess of the popr game ''Immortal Legacy''.


    Marco, as was his usual practice, was sitting in front of hisputer, monitoring and preparing the best way to develop Immortal Legacy in the future. The task had been weighing heavily on him recently, particrly since one of the deities of sin had yet to choose their champion.


    Suddenly, the pocket of his white coat vibrated. Marco, without hesitation, answered his ringing phone.


    "Yes?" he said.


    "Mr. Marco, it''s good news!" came the hurried voice of a woman on the phone. "Akidia, Goddess Akidia!"


    "Yes, what about the Goddess?" Marco asked casually.


    "She has chosen her Divine Champion!" the woman responded firmly.


    "Wait for me," hemanded. "I''ll be right there; make sure you have all the information I need."


    By evening, while thepany required employees to work regr hours, a few were assigned the night shift. In a spacious control room with a big screen on one wall and several smaller ones on the other, a group had gathered to monitor the significant events that had just transpired in Immortal Legacy.


    Hurrying over, Marco adjusted his sses as he gazed at the screen. Upon seeing Akidia conversing with a yer none of them were familiar with, he murmured, "Akidia? What made her decide to go with this yer? Could you show me the status of that yer?"


    Marco''s eyes widened in surprise. "What?!" he shouted. "A level 25 yer? How is that possible?"


    "Broken..." Marco murmured under his breath, referring to the yer''s online gamer name.


    The woman beside him responded, "Mr. Marco, I am not sure what Goddess Akidia thought when she chose that yer, but ording to the data we found, it seems he has only been online for an hour every day over the past year. Despite this, he aplished a remarkable feat. Hepleted almost all of the side quests at his level, as well as hidden quests and a few other tasks that only a few yers manage toplete. Even though he wasn''t focused on leveling up, he still reached level 25 within a year of ying Immortal Legacy."


    She added, "This urred when the yer named Broken waspleting a hidden quest to find a spiritpanion, and Akidia suddenly appeared before him."


    "What kind of reward did the system give him for this encounter?" Marco asked.


    Marco then read the details of the reward, specifically the two titles the yer had received.


    "The boost in stats is quite significant, but the real game changer here is the Ethereal Form. This skill will be very troublesome for many yers, and if used by the right person, he could be untouchable," he said.


    Marco remained silent and thoughtful. "I''m still trying to wrap my head around how Goddess Akidia made this decision," he said. "She has always gone her own way, and this time seems no exception. But she must have chosen wisely... this person is certainly hardworking."


    "Yes, Mr. Marco," replied the woman, "even though he doesn''t log into the game very often. I wonder if this will make him y more frequently now that he''s been given this honor?"


    Marco paused for a moment, considering the possible oues of the situation with thest champion selected. It was clear that a new age was about to dawn on Immortal Legacy.


    "Good, then," he said with a nod and a smile. "We will work even harder after this. All the deities of sin have chosen their champions, and there are sure to be numerous exciting adventures ahead."


    "But, Mr. Marco," his assistant added.


    "Yes?" Marco asked.


    "There is one pressing matter that needs to be addressed," she said hesitantly. "If I may, I would like to show you..."


    The big screen in front of them again disyed the data about the blessings and all the bonus rewards Akidia had given to her Divine Champion.


    "She gave the Transcendence Blessing to him? And five passive skills?!" Marco eximed, disbelief and a slight tremor evident in his voice. "Not only that, but she also gave him spirit contract tickets. Oh my goodness!" He added, his breaths quickening. "This... this is far too much, too unfair for the other yers or even the other Divine Champions."


    "Does she know the risks of her actions, Mr. Marco?" asked one of the assistants, her voice tinged with concern.


    Marco responded with a hint of pressure, his breaths quickening. "By choosing only one champion, she risks everything. Without any backups, if her champion encounters trouble due to all the blessings she has bestowed upon him, she will be the first deity to lose the chance to have a champion. She could be an outcast deity or even lose her deity status entirely."


    The room fell silent. One of his assistants shook her head in response to Marco''s words. "Does this mean bad news, Mr. Marco?" she asked anxiously.


    "This is bad because she''s cing too much responsibility on a single yer. Are you sure she really understands how to y this champion system?" Marco turned to his assistant, his eyebrows furrowed in thought. Then he took a deep breath and exhaled, a hint of despair in his voice. "It looks like we can''t expect too much from the Goddess of Sloth."


    Marco massaged his forehead, feeling dizzy with the current situation. "Please keep an eye on the uing developments," he said. "And since this is going to be a very big phenomenon, make sure Leon also gets enough security because of this incident."


    With that, Marco walked away from therge room, leaving his assistants frowning in confusion.


    "Leon?" one of them asked. "Who is Leon?"


    "Leon is the one behind the gamer name of Broken," another replied.


    "But, how did the director know that name? Haven''t we mentioned that to him yet?" another asked.


    "I don''t know," the other responded, "maybe he is also monitoring the same thing in his room?"


    They conversed, trying to solve the puzzle they had been presented with.


    Marco returned to his office, and his gaze immediately fell on the most advanced capsule he had, which he often used to enter the virtual world of Yunatea.


    He walked over to his desk, and his eyesnded on a small frame containing a picture of two men in long white coats, both with cheerful faces.


    "Arthur...," he muttered softly. "Please tell me this is just a coincidence."

 Chapter 11 - 11 - On My Own, Alone

    <h4>Chapter 11: - On My Own, Alone</h4>


    Broken logged back into Immortal Legacy and found himself among the towering trees of an ancient forest.


    Scanning the forest surrounding the Temple of Blessings, he realized he was alone. No other yers were in sight. This area was supposed to be a high-level area, making it dangerous for him. He needed to leave quickly and find the nearest safe ce to rest and n his next move. He also had to get to the nearest vige or town to execute his n, starting with securing a Production ss.


    An orb-shaped light appeared around him; it was Polly, the spirit. As the orb of light descended to the ground, a three-tailed fox materialized. The fox, Polly, looked up at Broken and was silent for a few moments.


    "Hey, Polly," Broken said, sitting cross-legged and observing the little fox. "How are you?"


    "Hey, Master..." Polly whispered. She didn''t speak much unless prompted. She seemed to be a shy character, which suited Broken, who also didn''t talk much.


    "What are you nning to do, Master?" Polly inquired quietly.


    "There''s a lot to do, and I''m really enthusiastic about all of it," Broken replied calmly. "I need to get to the nearest town soon, but before that, I need to check all the stats and items I have after the goddess Akidia appointed me as the Divine Champion."


    Broken examined the map in his system and spotted a Shrine of Regeneration within a reasonable walking distance from his current location. This shrine had the special ability to enhance the regeneration rate for yers who stayed nearby. As a result, the area was often bustling with NPC merchants and yers who had set up shop.


    There, he could find something he might need for the journey to the nearest town. He could also sell items he no longer needed and start focusing on his new n.


    "If I walk to the nearest town, it might take two hours. I''ll have to hide and run from any monsters I encounter," he said to himself. "I need to go to the Shrine of Regeneration. Maybe I can find some merchants there who could offer me the supplies I''m looking for, or even somepanions who might be heading to the town too," he concluded.


    "Master..." Polly whispered, her eyes calm as they gazed at Broken.


    "Do you have any other ideas, Polly?" he asked.


    "You can reach that ce faster if you ride me. I have arger form, and you can sit on my back. I''ll help you navigate this ancient forest safely," Polly suggested.


    Broken recalled what Polly had mentioned before. She had arger form, though he wasn''t sure howrge it would be. Given Polly''s higher level, she could certainly help him fend off monsters. However, he wondered why a Unique-grade spirit had a level below 100 when it should have been around 200.


    Perhaps this was the game''s way of bncing, giving him a spirit whose level wasn''t too far above his. But no worries, Polly''s level could still be increased, and she should be able to gain experience from monster hunting.


    He smiled broadly and replied, "I think that''s a great idea, Polly. Please show me yourrger form."


    Polly leaped around, and a magic circle appeared beneath her feet. Her white body was enveloped in light, rapidly growing to the size of an adult horse, though she still looked like a young fox with three shining tails gracefully swaying. As she looked at Broken, she said, "Master, I''m ready."


    Broken was amazed at Polly''srger form. He walked closer, rubbed her head, and smiled. Polly closed her eyes and nuzzled her head against his cheek. "Thanks, Polly."


    Broken immediately jumped onto Polly''s back, positioning himselffortably. To his surprise, it was quitefortable to sit on the fox''s back. "Let''s go, Polly."


    The fox took off, dashing through the trees as Broken directed her.


    "Oh, this is so fun..." heughed, exhrated by his first ride in Yunatea. The wind blew through his hair as Polly gracefully hopped between the massive roots and trees.


    In Immortal Legacy, the speed of movement on foot was limited and only affected by the Basic Stat Agility. Consequently, sses that could maximize this Agility stat demonstrated remarkable movement speed in battle.


    For sses that didn''t benefit from the Basic Stat Agility, they could use certain skills to leap, elerate their motion, or employ mounts they obtained during their adventures.


    Movement speed was crucial in this game due to the vastyout of the map, which required significant time to explore, especially when traveling between towns, kingdoms, or even continents. The world was so expansive, with only a small fraction explored by yers worldwide.


    "I remember something." At this moment, Broken suddenly remembered. "Speaking of movement speed," he thought to himself, "I haven''t checked mytest status yet. Let me take a look."


    [Name: Broken


    Level: 25


    ss: Common Warrior


    Health: 850 Mana: 600


    Strength: 100 Agility: 52 Intelligence: 50 Constitution: 85 Stamina: 79


    Charisma: 50 Luck: 20


    Avable Stat Points: 0


    Weight: 332/600]


    Broken smiled slightly as he reviewed his overall stats. After gaining a +10 boost to all his basic stats, his overall stats had increased drastically. It was incredible. His total stats were clearly higher than the average yer at level 25, possiblyparable to those at level 30.


    However, the stats disyed in the system were abination of the yer''s base stats and the stats provided by their equipment, including armor, weapons, and essories. Unfortunately, Broken wasn''t using any notable armor at the moment, so the stats shown on his system were only his base stats without any equipment boosts.


    "Ten extra points for each Basic Stat is an amazing reward."


    Gaining such a significant stat boost was incredibly valuable, especially for higher-level yers, as leveling up became progressively harder. Thus, stat points were precious to every yer.


    In addition to this, Broken also received two Special Stats. The difference between Basic Stats and Special Stats was that Avable Stat Points obtained from leveling up orpleting quests could only be spent on Basic Stats, while Special Stats had unique methods for increasing them.


    [The Charisma stat will provide a greater affinity boost when interacting with NPCs and a higher sess rate when using social-rted skills.]


    [The Luck stat will increase the probability of sess in various endeavors. The sess rate will be influenced by factors such as the yer''s level, the level of the rted skill, the difficulty of the task, and other elements.]


    Broken would greatly benefit from the Luck stat, especially in rtion to his Passive Skills obtained after bing a Divine Champion, such as Bountiful Harvest, Quality Enhancement, and Quest Advancement, all of which relied on chances. With the Luck stat, he had a greater chance of activating these skills.


    However, to experience the impact of the auto-leveling provided by the Title of Sloth Champion, he would need to wait a while to see how quickly his leveling progress advanced.


    For now, Broken was only using an Iron Armor set that didn''t have significant value, providing only a modest boost in defense. But he did have one sword that was quite decent.


    [+6 Ironwood de]


    [Grade: Rare]


    [Attack Power: 21~26]


    [Durability: 57/100]


    [Weight: 50]


    [This sword, specifically designed for novice swordsmen, is lightweight and easy to wield, perfect for those who aspire to be a master.]


    [Skills:]


    [Multiple cutting edges ¨C Launches two consecutive attacks and deals physical damage of 120% and 140%


    Mana Cost: 100


    Cooldown: 30 Seconds]


    [User Restriction: Level 10 or Higher


    A Warrior ss]


    Satisfied with his review, Broken felt more prepared for his journey ahead.


    "Let me check how many coins I have right now."


    [Coins: 0 gold 27 silver 43 bronze]


    The value of gold was one hundred silver pieces, and the value of silver was one hundred bronze pieces. Each bronze piece was equivalent to ten cents ($0.10). Therefore, one silver piece was worth $10, and one gold piece was worth $1000.


    Due to Immortal Legacy having its own currency, somepanies offered exchange services that converted the nominal value into dors, though the rate could vary depending on both external and internal game factors.


    So, for convenience, yers could use in-game currency for transactions outside the game and vice versa. Wealthy individuals could easily grow stronger in the game by topping up their in-game currency with real money. Meanwhile, yers like Broken had to work hard to earn in-game money to convert into real currency for their needs outside the game.


    "My overall in-game money is worth around $270, I think," he said optimistically. "I don''t think I''m short of coins, right? I usually convert them into cash, but it looks like now it''ll be even more convenient to get coins. Isn''t that fascinating?"


    "I guess I should be more disciplined in how I spend the money I have and only buy what I need initially so I can get the most out of all my resources."

 Chapter 12 - 12 - Player Killers

    <h4>Chapter 12: - yer Killers</h4>


    After passing through the ancient forest riding Polly, Broken arrived at a massive tree in the middle of a lush meadow, having left the ancient forest behind. Near thisrge tree was a small shrine that granted yers quicker Health and Mana regeneration if they drew closer to the area. This ce was usually bustling with yers and merchants, but today, it was eerily empty.


    This was highly unusual since the area near the Shrine of Regeneration was the mostfortable ce to rest and camp. Given that the ancient forest nearby was a prime spot for monster hunting, there should have been many yers of the appropriate level in the vicinity.


    Broken dismounted from Polly, who reverted to her smaller form. She then frolicked through the grass, rolling around and sniffing flowers, clearly enjoying the area.


    "This is really strange," he said to Polly, who responded by staring at him with her wide eyes. "It''s odd that there are no merchants here. It looks like we''ll have to make the journey to the nearest town," he sighed.


    Polly remained silent, observing Broken closely as he spoke. "We can go to the nearest town, Master..." she repeated his words.


    Just then, Broken received a private message from the only friend listed on his friend list.


    "It''s from Booba," he said.


    [Booba: Hey, Broken, have you secured your contract with the spirit? Hahaha. I''m on my way to your location. Wait a few minutes. I want to see just how pathetic the spirit you contracted with is.]


    Broken checked the map and saw that Booba was indeed close to his position. Did he reallye all this way just to find out what spirit Broken had contracted with?


    Booba was a yer he had met early on in Immortal Legacy. He was very loud and forced his friendship on Broken, who eventually epted his friend request.


    From what Booba had told Broken, he came from a wealthy family, which exined why all his armor and weapons were so eye-catching. He leveled up very quickly and had already reached level 155, while normal yers were still around level 100.


    In fact, Broken had learned about the rare quest to form a contract with a spirit from Booba. Booba provided everything, from the requirements to helping Broken progress with the quest. He liked to go the extra mile for those he considered friends and was willing to help.


    A few minutester, a figure flew in from the distance on arge bird, or more precisely, a wyvern. The wyvern swooped down, its wings pping powerfully, causing the grass to sway. Atop the wyvern was a man in swordsman armor with an Asian face, ck hair, and a height of 1.85 meters (6.07 feet), quite tall for an Asian from Broken''s experience.


    "Hey, Broken. Hahaha," Booba walked confidently towards him. "You''re still leveling up so slowly. Why do you even bother ying this game? Hahaha," he said casually,ughing heartily.


    Broken only smiled in response to his words.


    Booba then turned to show off the wyvern he had ridden to meet Broken. "Do you see this magnificent creature? It''s grown sorge now, hahaha... I can go anywhere riding this wyvern. Isn''t it amazing? Hahaha... I made a contract with this Epic-Grade wyvern. Isn''t that incredible, Broken?"


    Broken observed therge wyvern, which looked back at him with a menacing gaze, simr to the looks he often received from others. It was true; having a flying Spirit Beast like Booba''s wyvern was incredibly practical in Immortal Legacy. It was highly coveted because it allowed yers to travel more easily and quickly. Booba truly had an exceptional privilege with his Spirit Beast.


    "But..." Booba continued, "I think my sister is even luckier."


    He often talked about his little sister, who was also a top yer in Immortal Legacy. "She managed to secure a contract with a Unique-Grade Spirit," he sighed. "That''s why she''s climbing the ranks to the top 100 yers so easily. But I''m confident I''ll catch up to her soon, with my talent and the money I have. Hahaha," he continued.


    Broken listened and nodded as Booba spoke.


    "So, have you secured your contract with a spirit? Come, show me," Booba said.


    Broken then nced at the little white fox ying nearby. "That''s my spirit beast."


    Booba turned to look at the small fox, an odd expression of amusement on his face. "Hahaha, what can this little fox do? Are you looking for a battlepanion or a pet? Hahaha," he said confidently.


    "I suggest you send it back to the spirit world right away. I''m afraid my wyvern might get hungry and swallow your cute fox, hahaha," Booba replied.


    He then turned back to Broken. "What''s its grade?"


    "A Unique," Broken answered.


    "Okay, not bad," Booba responded casually, but then he seemed to realize something and turned back to Broken. "A Unique?! Are you kidding me?!"


    He looked at Polly again. "This little fox has a Unique grade? You''re not joking, show me its status."


    Broken smiled and then exined, "So, Polly is actually abat fox. She has arger form, so I can ride her. And she has a set of skills that are very good in battle too. I believe she has a lot of potential to grow in the future."


    Booba nced back at Polly, who was now sitting and gazing at him with her round eyes. Polly then seemed frightened by Booba''s intense stare, and she ran behind Broken''s feet, hiding there.


    Broken shared Polly''s status with Booba to convince him.


    "Damn, it really is a Unique-Grade. You''re so lucky, Broken... I want a Unique-Grade spirit beast too," Booba said in awe.


    A few minutester, Booba noticed something as he looked around the unusually empty area near the shrine.


    "What are you doing here, Broken?"


    "At first, I was looking for a merchant, and I nned to go to the nearest town as well."


    "Do you know this ce is deserted because there are a lot of yer killers around here?"


    "yer killers?"


    Broken had not heard about this, but if what Booba said was true, it made sense why the area was empty. They both immediately became more alert.


    "We should leave here quickly. I''m not in the mood to deal with those stupid yer killers," Booba exined.


    "What are they after? Doesn''t the kingdom usually crack down on yer killers?"


    "They''re just a bunch of idiots trying to be edgy, thinking it''s cool to join some dumb cult and hunt yers for fun. They make it worse by killing Yunatea natives too. They have no brains, hahaha. Maybe they''re just broke and can''t think of anything smarter to do," Booba said confidently.


    Booba then walked back to his wyvern. "I''ll meet you in the town. Please let me know if you need my help... You should focus more on enjoying the game and not worry too much about real life. Look at me, I can enjoy this game without a care in the world. See? Haha."


    "Shut up, rich kid. You can just y games all day and still have your parents'' money to fall back on," Broken retorted.


    "Haha, it''s not my fault, Broken. It''s not like I chose to be born into a wealthy family," Booba responded with augh.


    He added. "But don''t worry, if you quit your job, you can make money from ying this game."


    "I wish it were that simple. I was actually forced to quit my job," Broken sighed.


    "Ah, that sucks. Well, I''ll catch up with youter. Gotta go," Booba said, dismissing the conversation.


    Booba then climbed onto his wyvern, and therge creature pped its wings powerfully and took off.


    Broken sighed, intending to log out from the game, as Lily was probably waiting for him. But then, ncing around, he noticed movement among the bushes. Soon, one, two, three, and finally, five yers emerged from the foliage. Each one was dressed in a different ss. None of them had red game names, so they might not be yer killers, but it was clear they had been hiding, waiting for Booba to leave. There was definitely something suspicious about their actions.


    "Are you guys yer killers?" Broken inquired loudly, his body tensing in anticipation of the possibility that he might have to confront multiple yers who could be looking to cause him harm.

 Chapter 13 - 13 - Out Of Luck

    <h4>Chapter 13: - Out Of Luck</h4>


    Broken readied himself as five yers suddenly encircled him from every direction. Based on Booba''s report and their aggressive posturing, it was clear that these yers had murderous intentions.


    "Tsk!" The warrior ss yer shook his head in disbelief. "Useless," he eximed firmly, a cruel smile spreading across his face. "Why are we robbing this poor soul?" he said, gesturing to Broken. "Just look at him. He doesn''t even have any decent armor on."


    Broken was indeed wearing armor, but their assessment was partially correct, as his armor had no value. If their goal was to rob him, the only valuable item he had was his Iron Sword, but even that wouldn''t be worth much to these yers.


    "Ha ha ha," another yerughed. It would be more enjoyable if we still teach this yer a lesson. He has the audacity toe to such a dangerous ce. It seems he wants to y games with us."


    "Yeah, look at his name, Broken!" one of them chuckled. "I wonder what he was thinking when he chose that name! And look at him now¡ªwalking around here alone, low level with a..." they nced at Polly, "cute pet fox."


    Broken swallowed hard, struggling to think of a way to fight off the five yers. A quick nce revealed they were not too high in level, likely between 50 and 70. Unfortunately, some yers had a sick hobby of mistreating new yers for their own amusement.


    yer Killers do not escape penalties in the game. After killing one person, their gamer name turns orange,sting for six hours. During this time, if they kill another yer, their name bes red, allowing anyone to hunt them without penalty and increasing the risk of their items dropping. In the Red Gamer Name condition, a yer needs one to seven days to normalize their name, depending on the number of yers they killed.


    However, of the five people now in front of Broken, none had a gamer name that was red or even orange.


    "Are they serious about bing yer Killers?" Broken wondered aloud.


    Standing menacingly beside Broken, Polly growled and snarled at the yer killers. Polly might have a chance to fight back against the five yers, but Broken knew he would be easily defeated with his current stats, level, items, and skills. He needed to be stronger, even with his new title as Divine Champion.


    If word got out that a Champion of Sloth died foolishly to five low-level yer killers, it would tarnish Goddess Akidia''s reputation. He couldn''t let that happen.


    "Hey, look at that," one of them said, gesturing toward Polly. "Can we take that from him? It looks pretty cute. I want a pet like that."


    "A three-tailed fox?" another questioned, curiosity glinting in their eyes. "Will it grow more tails as it levels up?"


    "And will it turn into a beautiful woman if it grows even more? I mean, having a spirit beast that can take a human form would be fun," another suggested.


    "A spirit is soul-bound," another chided.


    "But at least, we can reduce his level to one, and after that, his proud spirit beast will abandon him," another corrected. "I think that''s the most fun we can have with this poor soul."


    Broken''s mind raced. He needed a n to get out of this situation. Desperation set in, but he steeled himself. "Polly," he whispered, "get ready to fight."


    Polly''s eyes narrowed, and she crouched, prepared to defend her master.


    When yers were killed in Immortal Legacy, the consequences were severe; they would not only lose a portion of their experience points but also have their level reduced. Hostile yers who bickered with each other often resorted to the most extreme form of punishment by bringing their enemies down to level 1. This was a time-consuming process, but it was possible and represented the most punishing form of torture for Immortal Legacy yers.


    Gaining experience for high-level yers was a time-consuming andborious process, let alone leveling up. Consequently, it was essential to avoid being killed at all costs. yers meticulously analyzed every challenge, whether it was a dungeon expedition, raid boss, or any other threat, to ensure they did not get killed in the process.


    In addition to the level reduction penalty, if a yer died, any items they had equipped or were carrying would fall out of their inventory¡ªsuch as weapons, armor, or anything else. Consequently, no matter how challenging the situation, a yer would never willingly allow themselves to be killed unless their allies could secure any dropped items. If they died from a yer kill, all their goods would be taken by the killer.


    For this reason, some groups of yers operated as yer killers to gain as much profit as possible from their victims. Robbing other yers could yield significant rewards if valuable items fell into their hands and could be sold for money.


    "You won''t get anything by PK-ing me. I''m so poor that even my sword wouldn''t be worth your trouble," Broken said with a mischievous chuckle. "Are you just having fun with your stupid actions? Don''t you realize how risky these actions are? You could easily be thrown in prison by the kingdom''s knights."


    "We''ll just keep torturing you then. Just be sure to turn up the pain level on your cheap capsule device," one of them stated.


    yers of Immortal Legacy could adjust the sensation of pain they felt during the game, ranging from a light 5% to a more intense 30%. This simted pain transmission was simr to a slight electric shock at its lowest level and a light blow across multiple body parts at its highest.


    Nevertheless, the experience was incredibly realistic due to the sensation of pain and the yers''plete immersion in the game, almost as if they were living in another world. Some yers even devoted their entire lives to Immortal Legacy.


    To ensure that yers didn''t get too immersed in the game and neglect their physical lives, Immortal Legacy imposed a rule that yers could only log in for a maximum of sixteen hours per day. After that, a mandatory waiting period of eight hours was put in ce to make sure that no one spent days on end in the game, unaware of the outside world.


    The group of yers surrounding Brokenughed at his remarks, but the leader''s eyes narrowed. "You think you can scare us with that nonsense?" he sneered. "We''ve been doing this long enough to know the risks. And we''ve made quite a profit off yers like you."


    One of the other yers, a rogue, smirked. "Yeah, but this one''s a waste of time. Look at him¡ªbarely any gear worth taking."


    Polly growled low, standing protectively in front of Broken. He knew they had to act quickly. "Polly," he whispered urgently, "get ready."


    Just as the yer killers moved in closer, Broken and Polly sprang into action. Polly transformed into herrger form, and Broken mounted her swiftly. "Run, Polly, now!" hemanded.


    Polly leaped into action, darting through the trees with incredible speed. The yer killers gave chase, but Polly''s agility and speed made it difficult for them to keep up. Broken clung to her, navigating the meadow as arrows and spells whizzed past them.


    However, escaping from the yer killers was not as easy as Broken had imagined. They seemed well-practiced in ambushes, and some of theirrades had hidden, waiting for the right moment to strike.


    Suddenly, a yer shot out from behind the trees, wielding a greatsword and moving quickly, clearly using a skill. Polly couldn''t dodge the unexpected attack, and the massive greatsword mmed into her, sending her crashing to the ground. Broken was thrown from her back and tumbled through the grass.


    Their levels were higher than he had anticipated.


    Six yer killers now surrounded him, all ready to deliver another punishing blow.


    "Damn! Polly might be able to escape, but it looks like it will be very difficult to face them alone," Broken muttered softly.


    At the same time, he noticed something in the corner of his vision.


    [Self Transcendence Blessing Activation Progress: 87%]


    "What will happen when this blessing activates?" he thought to himself.


    The leader of the yer killers smirked. "Looks like you''re out of luck, buddy. We''ll make sure you regret ever logging into this game."

 Chapter 14 - 14 - Multiple Cutting Edges

    <h4>Chapter 14: - Multiple Cutting Edges</h4>


    Broken stood tall, with Polly alert and ready by his side. The yer killers seemed quite interested in Polly, especially given her unexpectedlyrger form.


    "Look at that, the Spirit Beast seems fascinating. I want it," one of them said.


    "Isn''t there a way to take a Spirit Beast from another yer? It''s such a shame for a beast like that to be in the hands of a fool like him," another added.


    "I bet it has a good grade, maybe Elite, or at best, Epic grade," spected a third.


    "Hey, Broken... tell us how to get a Spirit Beast like that. Maybe if you tell us, we''ll consider letting you go," another taunted.


    Broken knew they had no intention of letting him go. Even though they wouldn''t gain much from killing him, they enjoyed the thrill of yer killing, which they considered their form of entertainment in the game.


    [Booba: Broken, are you okay? I see your Health is decreasing. What happened to you? Did you get attacked?]


    Broken quickly replied.


    [Broken: Six yers suddenly attacked.]


    [Booba: Damn, wait for me. Don''t die yet... hold on... I''ll be there in a few minutes.]


    However, Booba had been gone for about 10 minutes, so it would take some time for him to return. Broken quickly devised a strategy to handle the six attackers. It would be very challenging; he might manage to take on one of them, but not all six at once.


    An idea sparked in his mind. He would ask Polly to lure the yers away using her Clone Skills, diverting their attention while he focused on taking them out one by one.


    Broken gripped his sword tightly and braced himself for the impending sh of des. "Polly, draw their attention away from me. I''ll engage one of them, but be sure to iste the weakest one."


    "Yes, Master," Polly replied, growling menacingly.


    "It seems this fool is ready to face some punishment," one of the attackers sneered.


    In an instant, Polly split into five identical copies, each growling fiercely and darting in different directions.


    "Chase the foxes, leave this idiot to me," the greatsword-wielding man ordered. The five other yer killers immediately turned and pursued Polly''s clones.


    With his opponents momentarily distracted, Broken saw his chance. He focused on the greatsword man, the one who had stayed behind. The greatsword man swung his weapon in a wide arc, but Broken was quicker. He dodged to the side, his movements fluid and precise, purely driven by reflex. Despite his agility, Broken knew he was outmatched in statspared to the greatsword man.


    With a swift counterattack, Broken aimed for the weak points in his opponent''s armor.


    [Multiple cutting edges (Active Skill)]


    The greatsword man staggered, clearly surprised by Broken''s newfound speed and strength. Broken immediately retreated, maintaining his distance, aware that his skill had barely impacted the man.


    "You''re not bad at all for someone of your level. But I can tell you''re definitely not above level 30," the man with the greatsword mocked.


    Broken understood that he was significantly outmatched in terms of total stats. Even his sword skill had minimal impact on the man. This was a battle he couldn''t win; the difference in their power was too great.


    He could see Polly employing a simr strategy, trying to keep her clones from getting hit. Her clones inherited only 30% of her total Health, making them easy to eliminate if struck. Polly and her clones moved swiftly, dodging every attack aimed at them, effectively stalling for time.


    The greatsword man sneered at Broken. "I''m going to kill you slowly. I''ll make sure you remember my game name and turn it into your worst nightmare," he said.


    The greatsword man charged again, swinging his weapon at Broken. Broken kept running, dodging each attack with precise timing, fully utilizing his limited movement speed and skills to evade the strikes.


    [Self Transcendence Blessing Activation Progress: 91%]


    He was curious about the effects of the Self Transcendence Blessing, noting how quickly the progress bar was filling. He wondered if the rapid progress meant he could continuously benefit from the blessing in a short period.


    The blessing''s activation didn''t necessarily have to wait until 100%, but as the progress increased, so did the chances of it triggering. This time, Broken desperately hoped the blessing would give him the edge he needed to turn the situation around.


    The greatsword man''s frustration grew as his attacks failed to connect. "Stop running, you coward!" he shouted, his patience wearing thin.


    Broken continued to dodge, and each movement was calcted to buy more time. Polly''s clones were doing their best to distract the other yers, but it was clear they wouldn''t hold out much longer.


    As the greatsword man swung again, Broken''s focus sharpened. He ducked under the de and rolled to the side, rising swiftly to his feet.


    "Polly, keep it up!" he shouted, encouraging his spirit beast. Polly growled in response, redoubling her efforts to evade the attacks of the yer killers.


    Broken''s heart pounded in his chest. He had to hold on just a little longer and hope Booba woulde for a backup.


    [Self Transcendence Blessing Activated]


    Suddenly, the notification Broken had been hoping for finally appeared before him. This was exactly the moment he needed. The blessing was activated even before the progress reached 100%.


    [Self Transcendence has initiated an unexpected interaction with the ss owned by the yer.]


    [Analyzing the overall abilities of the yer.]


    [The yer exhibitspatibility with various types of weapons.]


    [Upgrading the ss to a more versatile one.]


    [Searching for a suitable ss for the yer.]


    [Apatible ss has been found, adjusted to the overall condition of the yer.]


    [The Warrior ss will be reced with a new ss.]


    [Congrattions, Self Transcendence has sessfully broken through the limitations of the yer, and he has been bestowed with a new ss.]


    [The new Unique ss, Super Novice, has been unlocked.]


    Broken felt an overwhelming joy as he saw the effects of the blessing. It had reced his Warrior ss with something new, but this new ss had far greater potential.


    Novice was the ss that all yers began with when they first started Immortal Legacy. In this ss, they had the freedom to use various types of weapons. They also possessed melee, ranged, magic, and healing skills simultaneously. With this kind of ss, yers were given the freedom to choose and determine their path for the future.


    But the Novice ss he received now was something far more special: a Super Novice ss.


    "Now, let me see the skills I got from this ss," Broken whispered with enthusiasm.


    Opening his status menu, Broken quickly navigated to the skills section.


    [Super Novice ss Skills Unlocked]


    [Identifying survival skills...]


    [The user has gained some magic-based healing skills.]


    [The new skill Blessing of Health (Active) Lv. 1 has been unlocked.]


    [The new skill Healing Touch (Active) Lv. 1 has been unlocked.]


    [Identifying the mostpatible weapon type for the user...]


    [The user has the highestpatibility with Sword type weapons.]


    [The new skill Charged Attack (Active) Lv. 1 has been unlocked.]


    [The new skill Quick Strike (Active) Lv. 1 has been unlocked.]


    [As you progress, more skills will be unlocked. The morepatibility you have with the type of weapon and type of battle, the higher the Super Novice''s rarity will be - the aim is always to reach the highest possible Tier!]

 Chapter 15 - 15 - Quick Strike is Performed

    <h4>Chapter 15: - Quick Strike is Performed</h4>


    Broken felt a surge of confidence after securing his new Super Novice ss. He continued to run, maintaining his distance while studying the new set of skills he had just acquired.


    [Blessing of Health (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    [Grants a temporary boost of health to the user.]


    [Boost your overall health by 30%. You''re no ordinary beginner -- you''re tougher than them and boast impressive strengths -- so show them what you''ve got!


    Mana Cost: 10% of Total Mana.


    Cooldown: 60 Minutes.


    Duration: 5 Minutes.]


    He immediately activated his first skill, which had an extraordinary effect. With just 10% of his total Mana, he could boost his health by a whopping 30%. This was an incredible skill.


    [Blessing of Health (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    His Mana was still quite low, so he only needed 60 Mana to activate the skill. But still, a 30% boost was significant, and this was just at level 1, with potential for growth as the skill leveled up.


    This skill was perfect for melee users. With a limited amount of Mana, a 30% health boost could significantly increase their survivability. Although this skill might not be as useful for magic users due to theirrge Mana pools and naturally low health, it was ideal for someone like Broken.


    Broken grinned confidently, feeling he now had more options to defend himself against these attackers.


    The greatsword man saw the smile on Broken''s face and grew angrier. "Stop running away and take my attack like a man, you fool! You don''t think you can keep running until your stamina runs out, do you?"


    "If you''re so skilled, why are you getting provoked by a low-level yer?" Broken taunted.


    He noticed Polly continuously evading attacks, clearly targeting a mage. Polly had chosen wisely, as she had high magic resistance, and mages generally had lower health, making them easier to defeat.


    Broken just needed to hold on until Polly could significantly injure the mage and deliver the final blow.


    As the greatsword man charged at him again, Broken moved nimbly, timing his parry with precision. It was a difficult skill to execute, relying heavily on reflexes.


    Broken felt a powerful impact as he parried the attack. Even though he seeded, the force pushed him backward. His sword''s durability decreased rapidly from just one hit, and his health dropped significantly despite sessfully blocking the attack.


    [+6 Ironwood de]


    [Durability: 38/100]


    "Not too shabby... looks like you''ve got some skills for a low level yer. If your level was higher, you might stand a chance against me. But not today, I''m going to crush you into dust," the greatsword-wielding man mocked once more.


    [Healing Touch (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    [Heals wounds and injuries with a gentle touch.]


    [You can heal anything with just a touch of your hand, restoring the target''s Health by up to 30% of your magical attack. But you must maintain your goodwill, or else you''ll quickly deplete your mana reserves.


    Mana Cost: 10% of Total Mana.


    Cooldown: 20 Seconds.]


    The second skill Broken acquired from Super Novice was a healing skill that also cost 10% of his total Mana Pool. With only a 60 Mana Cost, he could restore up to 30% based on his magic attack value. Unfortunately, his magic attack wasn''t very high, so he only got 76 Health regeneration from using this skill.


    Given the 10% cost, the skill could have been more effective for him at the moment. If he had a higher Intelligence stat and a higher magic attack, he could utilize this skill more optimally. 10% Total Mana for a 30% heal of Magical Attack was clearly an outstanding skill under favorable conditions.


    Polly had managed to inflict significant damage on the Mage, and the other yers were starting to panic as they realized Polly''s level was higher than they had anticipated.


    "Hey, help me! This fox seems to be the real one," the Mage shouted as his Health dropped to half.


    "This stupid fox is just like its master, dodging and not daring to face us directly."


    "Hurry up and take down this spirit. We don''t have much time before the kingdom''s troops arrive," they yelled.


    Unbeknownst to them, Broken had positioned himself strategically. When he was hit by the greatsword man, he was thrown closer to the Mage. He realized his target was now in the perfect position for a finishing hit.


    With limited Mana, he had to use every skill cast efficiently.


    [Charged Attack (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    [The ability to charge up a powerful attack and unleash a devastating blow.]


    [The user can leap quickly up to 6 meters away, delivering a mini stun of 0.2 seconds to any opponent they strike. Their attack deals damage equivalent to 180% of their physical attack, ensuring no one can escape their target. Be aggressive, chase them down, and conquer them!


    Restriction Skill: Sword Type Weapon


    Mana Cost: 120


    Cooldown: 45 Seconds]


    Broken now sprinted towards the Mage, who was already weakened from Polly''s attacks and lying on the ground.


    "Hey, idiot, stop him! He''sing to attack me!" the Mage screamed in panic as he saw Broken running towards him.


    The greatsword man realized what was happening and chased after Broken. "He''s running so slowly; I''ll kill him before he reaches you."


    But they didn''t know that Broken had a new skill!


    [Charged Attack (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    Broken immediatelyunched himself towards the Mage, his body propelling off the ground as he delivered a powerful strike with his sword. The Mage took a heavy blow and fell to the ground, stunned for a moment.


    The greatsword man''s eyes widened in surprise as he saw Broken''s newfound speed and precision. "What the¡ª?"


    [Quick Strike (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    [The user is able to make quick and powerful strikes with the sword.]


    [Carry out a swift attack on the opponent for 210% of your physical attack with a slight chance of dealing a critical of 350% of physical attack.


    Be sure to do it correctly, as this attack can be dodged or parried.


    Restriction Skill: Sword Type Weapon


    Mana Cost: 140


    Cooldown: 20 Seconds]


    [Quick Strike (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    Broken quickly followed up with a skill from his Super Novice ss. His sword sliced through the air towards the fallen Mage with lightning speed and precision.


    Knowing he had limited mana, he had to maximize the damage with every attack. He swung his sword with all his might.


    [Quick Strike is performed! A critical attack urs, dealing 350% of physical attack to the target!]


    Luck was on his side as the skill triggered a critical hit, dealing a devastating 350% damage. The Mage''s Health plummeted drastically, but Broken didn''t stop there. He followed up with another attack.


    [Multiple cutting edges (Active Skill)]


    The sword in his hand moved swiftly, and with deft movements, he shed at the body of the sprawled Mage. He attempted to pin him down with his feet.


    The Mage desperately tried to defend himself against the onught, but Broken''s agility and proficiency with a sword were too much. With a final, decisive strike, the Mage''s body became transparent and began to dissipate into thousands of tiny pixels before fading from sight.


    [You have killed JackyChwan Lv. 69]


    Broken stood over the remains of the Mage, breathing heavily but feeling a rush of triumph. The greatsword man and the other yer killers, witnessing the swift and brutal defeat of theirrade, hesitated. The bnce of power had shifted dramatically.

 Chapter 16 - 16 - The Unwanted Successor

    <h4>Chapter 16: - The Unwanted Sessor?</h4>


    The South Continent of Yunatea. In the western part of this continenty the Dissidia Kingdom, the region where Broken had begun his journey in Yunatea. This kingdom, led by a human king, upied a strategic location, connecting to both the West Continent and the Central Continent. Its port city was advanced and wealthy, directly contributing to the Dissidia Kingdom''s significant advantage over other kingdoms in the region.


    The kingdom was known for its organized government, which provided a stable economy for adventurers seeking afortable yet adventurous life. The difficulty of monsters in the kingdom was rtively low, making it an ideal starting point for new yers in Immortal Legacy. The kingdom was a favorite among yers, thanks to its predominantly human poption and peaceful environment.


    The Dissidia Kingdom maintained strict vignce over its territory, effectively handling rebellions and chaos caused by dark organizations and unruly yers. This level of control made it a safer cepared to other regions that experienced greater conflict.


    Before the King''s throne, a young woman knelt, dressed in ck knight''s attire and adorned with shining silver armor. With a determined look in her striking green eyes, she implored, "Your Majesty, the attacks from yers are escting and citizens of Dissidia Kingdom are being killed. I will lead our troops to sweep the kingdom and capture these troublemakers."


    The woman, standing at 1.69 meters (5.5 feet), had fiery red hair that flowed over her silver robe with a touch of red. Her striking green eyes were filled with determination. But what made her truly unique were her pointed ears, a clear indication that she was not fully human.


    This was Alora Rogwyn, the Princess of Dissidia Kingdom. Despite her royal title, she was morefortable with the ways of war, much like the Imperial Knights, than the luxurious lifestyle of a princess. She was always at the forefront of battle, ready to defend her kingdom.


    Alora was also the Crowned Princess of the Dissidia Kingdom. Her dual role as the Crowned Princess and knight reflected the cultural heritage of the Dissidia Kingdom, where all leaders who held the crown were formidable warriors. In the past, one of the kings had been a Champion of Sloth, receiving the blessing from the Goddess of Sloth.


    Recently, the activity of a mysterious organization, the Cult of the Darkened me, had been on the rise within the royal court of Dissidia Kingdom. These followers of demons were attempting to spread their beliefs among the kingdom''s people and had even recruited yers to join their cause.


    Until now, the royals had dealt with these disturbances with rtive ease, usually by exterminating the cultists. However, the yers presented a unique challenge¡ªthey were seemingly immortal beings, capable of reviving each time they were killed, allowing them to grow in number and power unnaturally.


    This situation had be increasingly rming as more people joined the rebellion, causing local citizens to suffer abuse and murder. This was no longer eptable to the government.


    "My dear daughter, Princess Alora," the King replied, his aging face and stocky frame bearing a look of concern. "We must be vignt. yers are unpredictable, and they can draw strength from many different regions of Yunatea in a manner that is difficult to anticipate. It is particrly worrying if they join the Cult of the Darkened me."


    "Your Majesty," Alora responded, her voice filled with apprehension. "If they recruit yers to join them, then we need to do the same. We have been worried about this for a long time." She paused, awaiting the King''s response.


    The royal family of Dissidia Kingdom was highly protective of the kingdom''s position, particrly when it came to yers. yers were known for their hedonistic tendencies, visiting the kingdom only for the purpose of having fun, ying monsters, and doing as they pleased.


    They often acted rudely towards natives, had no loyalty to the kingdom, and were even more arrogant due to their ability to grow abnormally strong and immortal in the sense that they could revive themselves no matter how many times they died.


    "Princess Alora..." the King intoned, his deep voice echoing throughout the majestic hall. "I hereby entrust you with this task. You have my full permission to lead two Knight Commanders, twenty Knights, and hundreds of royal troops to aplish this mission. Make sure that those yersprehend the consequences of disregarding the regtions if they wish to stay in this kingdom."


    Alora bowed deeply. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will not fail you. The citizens of Dissidia Kingdom will be protected."


    As Alora turned, her long red hair, tied in a braid along her waist, moved momentarily, revealing the edges of her face. It was clear she was different from the other people in the room; her pointed ears gave her away. Alora was indeed a princess of the Dissidia Kingdom, a human kingdom, but she wasn''t a pure human. She was half-human, half-elf.


    As Alora walked out of the throne room, it was clear that many within the royal court spoke ill of her. This was primarily due to the machinations of the King''s younger brother, who was rumored to be scheming to remove the Princess and seize the crown for himself.


    "Look at her... A Half-Elf daring to be a Crowned Princess in a Human Kingdom."


    "Does she think she can lead this Kingdom?"


    "Our pride as a Kingdom once ruled by the Champion of Sloth will soon crumble. Why must the Crowned Princess be a Half-Elf?"


    "It''s disgusting. I hope the King remarries soon and produces a more fitting heir."


    "I don''t believe she deserves to be the Crowned Princess."


    Princess Alora was ustomed to hearing such disparaging remarks aimed at her. However, she had steeled herself to confront and ovee these prejudices. She was the legitimate Crowned Princess, and she would prove herself through her hard work and determination.


    Alora had trained rigorously to be a Knight, not without reason. She aimed to demonstrate that she could be a leader who did not just sit on the throne and give orders. She intended to embody the legacy of their predecessors, kings who led in battle andmanded respect on the front lines.


    She was born to fight on the battlefield!


    At only neen years old, her level had already surpassed 200, a testament to her dedication and prowess.


    "Your Highness, we are ready to depart at yourmand," The Knight said, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.


    "Thank you," Alora replied. "We must move swiftly. The Cult of the Darkened me grows bolder by the day, and we cannot afford to let them gain any more ground."


    ***


    [You have killed JackyChwan Lv. 69]


    [yer JackyChwan dropped an item.]


    [You have acquired a pair of +7 Mage Stride Boots.]


    [+7 Mage Stride Boots]


    [Grade: Rare]


    [Intelligence +11


    Agility +11]


    [Durability: 78/100]


    [Weight: 95]


    [Skills:]


    [Mystic Evasion: Grants the user the ability to swiftly move up to three meters and evade iing attacks


    Mana Cost: 50


    Cooldown: 10 Seconds]


    [User Restriction: Level 50 or Higher


    A Mage ss]


    Broken smiled broadly, having finally achieved his goal of killing one of the six yer killers. Despite the high stakes, he seeded and even managed to acquire a dropped item from his victim. To his surprise, it was a Rare grade.


    The boots were Mage Boots, but they had a unique dash skill, quite unusual for a mage. This skill would certainly be useful to him. Additionally, the boots had Intelligence and Agility stats. This was a significant victory. However, he couldn''t afford to revel in his sess for too long, as he still needed to escape from the remaining yer killers.


    "Let''s go, Polly. We need to get out of here," he eximed. He then leaped onto Polly''s back, and she immediately bolted away, attempting to flee from the yer killers.


    Broken was taken aback as the yer killers relentlessly chased after him. He found himselfpletely surrounded, with arrows, swords, greatswords, and spears pointed in his direction from multiple angles. "This is a dire situation," he muttered to himself.


    "You can''t run forever, Broken," one of the yer killers taunted. "We''ll get you eventually."

 Chapter 17 - 17 - I Killed One Of Them

    <h4>Chapter 17: - I Killed One Of Them</h4>


    Broken''s mana was almost depleted, and he had already consumed hisst Mana Potion. He knew he had to oust the five higher-level yer killers, hoping they would make a mistake that he could take advantage of to defeat them. Otherwise, he would be their next victim.


    He had taken numerous hits from the greatsword man and could no longer parry effectively without risking the destruction of his Ironwood de, which would leave him weaponless. If only he could kill one of them and take their weapon, he might have a chance to turn the tide.


    Another heavy blownded on him, and this time, his armor couldn''t withstand it anymore. His body armor shattered, leaving his bare chest exposed. The armor he wore was of poor quality, and its durability had already dropped significantly. This was bound to happen.


    He was thrown to the ground, rolling painfully through the grass. He quickly got back to his feet, now bare-chested and vulnerable, with a lower defense stat to withstand the onught.


    The greatsword man looked pleased with himself. "I''m going to break the rest of your gear and leave you naked. This will make for a great show to share on social media, hahaha," he taunted.


    Broken''s Health was critically low. One more hit would end his life. He wasn''t too worried, though¡ªhe had nothing to lose. If he died, he would simply respawn at the Temple of Resurrection, saving time despite losing some experience points.


    However, things got worse than he had expected. His lower armor also ran out of durability and shattered, leaving him in nothing but his underwear, iron gloves, and boots. He felt increasingly frustrated, being forced into such a humiliating situation even before they had killed him.


    "Hahaha, look at you. You''re practically naked, haha," the swordsman jeered.


    "Not fully naked, I''ve got underwear on," Broken retorted.


    Broken decided to run again, fed up with facing these yer killers, but the greatsword man chased after him,ughing as if it were some entertainment.


    The greatsword man swung his weapon yfully, making Broken look like prey fleeing a predator.


    "Stop it, asshole. Do you enjoy watching a naked guy like this? There''s something wrong with your head!" Broken protested.


    "I''m going to humiliate you, fool," the swordsman replied.


    Determined not to give up, Broken searched for any opening, any way to turn the situation around. His mind raced, trying to think of a n as he continued to dodge the greatsword man''s attacks.


    Polly, despite her strength and potential, was held back by his current level and skills. He needed time to catch up and fully utilize her abilities.


    [Level Up]


    In a miraculous turn of events, Broken gained a level in the heat of the battle. His Health, Mana, and Stamina were fully restored, a perk that every yer receives upon leveling up. He turned around and shed a victorious smile at the man wielding a greatsword.


    "What nonsense is this? How did you recover so quickly? What item did you use? You can''t possibly have leveled up in the middle of a fight!" the greatsword man eximed, baffled.


    "Spend 10 on Intelligence," Broken murmured to himself. He needed the Intelligence Stat to boost his healing abilities while he had enough skills to enhance his physical damage.


    Broken''s grip tightened on his sword as a surge of hope surged through him. After restoring his Health and Mana, he finally had a chance to fight back.


    Once again, the same scenario yed out as before. Broken dodged and weaved while the wielder of the massive greatsword relentlessly attacked. However, despite his strength, the greatsword man seemed tock agility. This made it difficult for him to catch Broken, who continuously utilized the Mystic Evasion skill from his boots.


    The battle between Broken and the five attackers near the Shrine of Regeneration had drawn the attention of several yers hunting nearby.


    "Damn, look at that. Is that a yer killer?"


    "The naked man, his gamer name is orange. I think he just killed one of their targets."


    "Damn, he charges at his victims like a psychopath. I wonder how high his level is. He''s confidently fighting them without armor and using a low-level sword."


    "What about recording this footage and sharing it on social media to raise awareness among nearby yers?"


    "Damn, look at his expressions. He''s a cold-blooded killer. I hope the royal troops arrive soon and capture that shirtless yer killer."


    Polly''s clones were eventually defeated one by one, leaving only her real body. Realizing she could no longer distract the attackers away from Broken, she quickly joined him while the attackers surrounded them from all sides. They were in a dire situation.


    After another intensebat, it pushed Broken to his limits, his Health dropping dangerously low.


    "Kill the Spirit Beast! Leave this fool, forst," the greatsword manmanded.


    The greatsword man''s attacks grew more brutal, delivering blow after blow until Broken''s Stamina and Mana were nearly depleted. In the final strike, the greatsword hit Broken''s neck, sending him flying into the grass.


    "Master!" Polly cried out in panic, rushing toward Broken.


    [You were hit with a devastating attack!]


    [Ethereal Form has been activated. This will protect you from physical attacks and increase the damage you receive from magic for five seconds. Your Health will also be fully restored to 100%.]


    Broken''s body was engulfed in a breathtaking burst of silver energy, and he swiftly rose to his feet as his Health quickly replenished. He appeared to be cloaked in a dazzling silver aura.


    "What the heck just happened?" the yer killers eximed as they rushed towards Broken and formed a circle around him once again. Meanwhile, Polly stood by Broken''s side, ready to defend him.


    "Stop the fighting!"


    But unbeknownst to them, a group of ten royal troops had silently surrounded them from all directions, their spears pointed at both the yer killers and Broken. The tension was palpable.


    "Drop your weapons!" the captain of the royal troopsmanded, his voice booming with authority. "You are under arrest for viting the peace of the Dissidia Kingdom."


    The greatsword man, seeing the royal troops, hesitated but then threw his weapon to the ground. The other yer killers followed suit, knowing they were outmatched.


    "He is the yer killer! He killed one of our team members!"


    The man with the greatsword pointed directly at Broken. With Broken''s orange gamer name clearly visible, there was no way he could deny the usation.


    "They attacked me first!" Broken defended himself. "I killed one of them because they forced me to."


    "Capture him!" the Knight Commander ordered.


    However, a woman with long red hair and her hand on her sword hilt emerged from the ranks. She fixed her gaze on Broken.


    "Stop, please," shemanded.


    "Your Highness, we have discovered the culprit. This yer is responsible for killing one of them," the knight reported.


    Princess Alora stood stunned, witnessing the scene before her. A yer with a Spirit Beast as majestic as the Nine-Tailed Fox, a high-tier spirit beast with immense potential, was rare. Additionally, the yer was enveloped in an aura that elerated his health regeneration, unmistakably the Ethereal Form.


    "Your Highness, we await yourmand," the knight repeated.


    The greatsword man added, "Your Highness, we were hunting nearby, but he attacked us. He''s a notorious yer killer who has caused much chaos in this region."


    Recognizing the figure before him, Broken bowed slightly towards Princess Alora.


    "Your Highness, Princess Alora, allow me to exin. What they''re saying isn''t true. I''m just a low-level yer. How could I possibly take on six yers of their higher level?"


    "Lies! He couldn''t have killed one of us if he were a low-level yer. His level must be around 100!" they retorted.

 Chapter 18 - 18 - A Majestic Spirit Beast

    <h4>Chapter 18: - A Majestic Spirit Beast</h4>


    The effect of the Ethereal Form on Broken finally ended, and his body returned to normal. The silver energy that had enveloped him disappeared, revealing him without body armor or pants armor. Realizing his state, he walked slowly behind Polly, trying to hide himself as he was only in his underwear, especially since the Royal Princess and her Royal Troops were present.


    "Look at him! That''s the yer Killer maniac who goes around naked attacking people without any armor on. He''s a total psycho!" The man with the greatsword couldn''t stop hurling usations at Broken, desperately trying to protect himself.


    Broken defended himself, "I challenge you to show your levels, and I''ll show mine. Then everyone will see who''s lying!"


    "The Spirit Beast has a high level. He uses that stupid Spirit Beast to kill other yers." They kept trying to corner Broken.


    The Royal Troops ran and surrounded Broken and the five yer Killers kneeling on the ground while Princess Alora continued to assess the situation.


    Two of the Royal Troops pointed their spears at Broken, who was only in his underwear. "Put on some clothes, fool."


    "Give me your armor, then," Broken replied.


    The Royal Troops tried to force Broken to kneel as well.


    "I want to hear more first; don''t corner anyone," Princess Alora spoke. She directed her attention to Polly, who was standing protectively in front of Broken in herrger form.


    "A Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit Beast," she murmured softly to Polly. "Can you tell me what actually happened?"


    "My master was the first one to be attacked; we were only defending ourselves," Polly, the fox spirit beast, exined, still in a defensive stance.


    Alora, being an elf with a close connection to spirits, trusted the purity of the spirit''s soul and believed their words over the yers''. Especially since the Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit Beast had historical ties with the elven race.


    Alora then recalled an ancient song often sung by her tribe in the past. It was also a song her mother used to sing.


    "Hear ye, O Princess, the wisdom of the ancient elven seers,"


    "Foretold through ages, as the stars align and whisper in the twilight.


    "There shalle a soul, blessed by the deities themselves,"


    "Bearing a divine grace, untouched and unchallenged by any foe."


    "This being, whose presence is trailed by majestic spirits,"


    "Wreathed in an aura of ethereal splendor and unparalleled might."


    "They shall walk among us, a beacon of hope and deliverance,"


    "Bringing salvation to the elven kind, in our darkest hour."


    This song was actually a prophecy, foretelling the destruction and subsequent salvation of her elf tribe. Though she had left her elf tribe long ago because she was now the crowned Princess of Dissidia Kingdom, she had never forgotten this prophecy and visited her tribe at least once a year.


    The prophecy seemed to align with the yer standing before her. He clearly possessed divine skills granted by the deities, and the majestic spirit that followed him confirmed it. This meeting was surely not a coincidence.


    She needed to talk to him and gain more rity about him. She had a feeling that he could be someone of great importance.


    After considering it for some time, Alora finally made a decision. "I am certain this Spirit Beast is telling the truth. One person with poor armor and a bad weapon could not have possibly attacked six people with much higher levels."


    The yer killers looked panicked after hearing Princess Alora''s judgment.


    "But, Your Highness... we are truly innocent," they pleaded.


    "Exin itter at the trial," she replied.


    "Arrest those five yers," Princess Alora finally decreed.


    "Yes, Your Highness," the knights responded, moving to apprehend the yer killers.


    "Wait, what are you doing? Are you stupid? This is absurd! We are the victims; why are we being arrested?"


    "How dare you call Princess Alora''s decision absurd!" the knights snapped, dragging the protesting yers away.


    Broken finally breathed a sigh of relief once the yer killers were apprehended. He admired Princess Alora''s logical decision-making. She deserved to be amander in battle; her judgment wasmendable.


    He knew he had to thank the Princess, but he realized he was only wearing underwear. He couldn''t imagine having a conversation with the Princess in this condition. He needed to find a way to leave quickly since he had been proven innocent.


    "Your Highness, what should we do with this yer? He is not using any armor. Allow us to do something about it," one of the knights suggested.


    Hearing this, Broken thought quickly. If he were captured and imprisoned by the knights, he wouldn''t be able to log out of the game. He needed to log out immediately because Lily was surely waiting for dinner.


    Then, something unexpected happened. Broken heard Lily''s voice calling him from outside the game. She seemed to have finished cooking and was trying to wake him from the game.


    Not only that, Lily continued with her favorite trick. She managed to do something that left himpletely unable to control hisughter. She tickled him in his stomach, the most sensitive spot. He couldn''t hold it in and fell to his knees, trying to stifle hisughter.


    "Please, Lily," he muttered to himself. "I can''t handle this."


    Despite his efforts, Broken couldn''t help but let out a smallugh. He was determined not to make a sound in front of Princess Alora, afraid she might think he was mocking the royal family.


    "Mr. yer, Broken, thank you for cooperating with the kingdom. I believe you deserve a reward. Would you be willing to have some tea? I have something I wish to discuss with you," Princess Alora said, walking slowly towards Broken, who was kneeling on the ground.


    "Please, don''t kneel. I don''t deserve it. Please stand up," she said.


    Broken struggled to stifle hisughter and desperately searched for a way to escape from Alora''s presence.


    "Your Highness, Princess Alora, thank you for trusting my exnation. I must go now," Broken said, then promptly logged out of the game.


    Princess Alora walked slowly to the spot where Broken had logged out.


    "Why did he seem so afraid? Is he worried about his real identity being revealed? Clearly, he is not just anyone. To possess a Spirit Beast as majestic as that and to have the Ethereal Form skill, which is a gift from a deity, his level must be high. Yet he tries to appear humble with low-level armor and secretly assists the kingdom in hunting down those yer killers," she mused.


    She then turned to the knights. "Set up camp in this area. I will wait for that yer to log back in here."


    "Yes, Your Highness," the knights responded.

 Chapter 19 - 19 - Sweet Moments at the Table

    <h4>Chapter 19: - Sweet Moments at the Table</h4>


    A hissing sound was heard as several hooks and sensor suits inside the capsule device were released. Leon took off the helmet he was wearing, and as his eyes adjusted, something was suddenly thrown at him.


    "Bah!" Lily eximed, startling him.


    "Wait!" Leon yelled, taken aback by Lily''s face appearing right in front of him.


    Lily let out a light giggle at Leon''s startled reaction. "You''re really cute when you get scared like that, Leon."


    "Yeah, the room is pretty dark, and I''m still adjusting my eyes. You popping up suddenly really caught me off guard," he said.


    "It seems you''re quite serious about ying the game," she said, smiling.


    She then stepped aside to give him room to get out of the capsule. "Did I interrupt your game time? Do you want to keep ying?" she inquired.


    Leon nced at Lily, still trying to catch his breath after being tickled by her.


    "Do you enjoy torturing me like that, Lily?" Leon asked, shaking his head. "I can''t stand being tickled, especially on my stomach. Can''t you tickle somewhere else instead?"


    Lily blushed and fell silent after hearing Leon''sment. "Leon, you''re such a pervert!" she eximed. "I promise I won''t tickle you anymore."


    "No, I mean, not on my stomach. It''s too much for me to handle."


    Leon stepped out of his room, with Lily following closely behind him. She asked with a light chuckle, "What were you doing in the game earlier? I couldn''t help but notice the smile on your face. Were you flirting with a woman? Did you manage to find yourself a virtual girlfriend?"


    Leon turned to Lily. "No, I''m not smiling because of a woman," he said, but then he paused, remembering something. "But yes, I admit, I smiled because of a woman, but not a girlfriend."


    "Woah..." Lily eximed. "Tell me more about her. Is she pretty? Is she attractive?" She jogged to keep up with Leon, who had started walking towards the dining table.


    Leon sat down, his eyes widening in appreciation at the dish Lily had prepared. The mouth-watering aroma of the meat soup made his stomach growl. He nced back at Lily, snapped out of his trance by her question.


    "Uhm..." Somehow, their conversation had taken an unexpected turn. "She is the princess of a kingdom. She''s an NPC, a virtual character," he replied, but then he remembered how real the experience had felt inside Immortal Legacy.


    "Even though it''s hard to tell the difference between the real world and the virtual game, one getspletely immersed when entering that virtual world," he said. "You should try it next time, Lily."


    "Tell me more, Leon," Lily said with a curious expression. "About the princess? Is she wearing a fancy dress? Did you meet her because she was in an enchanted sleep and needed someone to wake her up? Or was she thrown out of the pce by her stepmother? Do you have a special rtionship with the princess?"


    "No!" Leon replied, his answer surprising Lily. "She wears battle armor and carries a sword. She fights and beheads people. Her hair is red, and her expression is fierce. Then, suddenly, she appeared in front of me, and her knights almost captured and threw me into prison."


    Lily''s eyes widened in shock. "Why would a princess suddenly want to throw you in prison? Were you acting inappropriately or intending to abuse her? You''re not that perverted in the game, are you?" she asked.


    Leon quickly responded, "It was just a misunderstanding, and luckily I didn''t get into serious trouble."


    Lily chuckled at Leon''s enthusiastic response, and they soon began to eat their dinner.


    "You like beef stew, don''t you?" she said with a smile.


    Leon wasted no time, eagerly taking a spoonful of the steaming meat soup. His eyes closed as he savored the vor. "This is so good, Lily. I love it," he said.


    They continued to eat their dinner, engaging in small talk every now and then.


    "I heard you can taste the food in that game. Is that true, Leon?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.


    "Yes," Leon nodded, his mouth still full of food. "That''s what they say. Unfortunately, I''ve only had the chance to try the less-than-satisfactory cheap and leftover pastries. They say paradise is offered in Immortal Legacy, but you can''t get it for free. You have to work hard and pay for it. Despite that, it still feels like a magical experience. We can really taste the food in the game, but it doesn''t fill us up. So, we still have to eat instant noodles outside of the game," he said, finishing with a chuckle.


    "Eat without being full and not getting fat?" Lily asked with an enthusiastic expression. "Isn''t that everyone''s dream? I''m starting to get interested in Immortal Legacy; it really does seem like paradise," she said with a chuckle.


    "You need a capsule device to log into the game, Lily," Leon said, pausing for a moment as he imagined all the things he could do in-game, including making vast amounts of money with the blessing he had received from the Goddess Akidia.


    "But don''t worry, I''ll buy a new device for you to use if you''re really interested in ying the game."


    Lily smiled warmly in response. "Hearing this story from you is enough for me. You don''t have to go that far; after all, I know that the price of a capsule device is very expensive. Don''t worry. I can wait until I can earn my own money," she said, her smile radiating warmth.


    Leon had received his capsule device from an anonymous source, leaving him uncertain about their identity and purpose. Nevertheless, he was acutely aware of how expensive the device was.


    He had to work tirelessly at his part-time job to finance his tuition fees, which was already a significant burden for him. For Lily, purchasing a simr capsule device seemed like an impossible luxury at this point in time.


    The television in the corner of the room remained on, broadcasting a news show that neither of them paid much attention to; however, at that moment, there was a short segment on Immortal Legacy.


    "Viewers," the presenter announced, "it''s time for us to show what''s happening in Immortal Legacy!"


    "Recently, there have been some peculiar happenings among Immortal Legacy yers," the presenter remarked. "There''s something that yers have been doing that is sure to bring a chuckle."


    "This footage was recorded near the Shrine of Regeneration, a popr gathering ce for yers to rest and replenish their resources..."


    Lily, who had been discussing the same topic with Leon just moments before, nced at the television with curiosity.


    "Look, Leon, the yer is being chased by others, and he''s not wearing any clothes!" Lily eximed, trying to stifle herughter as she pointed at the screen.


    Leon, startled by Lily''s words, stopped eating and turned to look at the television. To his surprise, he saw a video of himself!


    "That''s... me!" he muttered, his mouth hanging open in disbelief.


    Lily couldn''t stopughing as she watched the video on the screen. "Broken... what a cute name," she said. "He was running around in his underwear, fighting other yers."


    "Broken?" She repeated, furrowing her brow in thought. "Why does that name sound so familiar?"


    She turned to Leon. "Hey, what''s your gamer name again? I forgot."


    "Bro..." Leon paused for a moment before answering, "Bromance. That''s my gamer name."

 Chapter 20 - 20 - Escaping the Social Maze

    <h4>Chapter 20: - Escaping the Social Maze</h4>


    "Bromance?"


    Lily stopped and thought about Leon''s response before continuing. She suddenly realized that Broken was Leon''s gaming alias. She had heard him mention it before, but at the time, she didn''t understand why he only wore his underwear in the game.


    She remembered it clearly. She even saw "Broken" written on the capsule he had taken. As she took a deep breath, sadness washed over her. She couldn''t help but wonder if Leon had almost been killed by a princess for mistreating her.


    She thought Leon was trying to stay in the game to resolve this issue with the princess. She needed to understand more about his problem; it seemed the game wasn''t as idyllic as she had imagined.


    The two of them were still chatting casually at the dining table while watching television and discussing various things that had happened in Immortal Legacy.


    "Many of my ssmates also y Immortal Legacy," she muttered under her breath. "They say they have a Rare-Grade spirit. Is that a good thing, Leon? Because they seem really proud of it."


    "Rare?" Leon answered with a smile. "Common, Rare, Elite, Epic, Unique, Legendary, and so on. I suppose Rare is only the second grade after Common, so it''s not something to be too proud of. If they had an Epic grade, it would be worth boasting about. Even more so if they had Unique grades, which are still very rare in the game."


    "Hm..." Lily replied, nodding. She didn''t ask about Leon''s spirit grade, fearing he might feel embarrassed if it turned out to be mediocre. After all, Leon only yed the game asionally.


    On the television broadcast, a yer who appeared to be a young boy, around fifteen years old, was seen with a reporter. The boy''s face was filled with apprehension as he asionally darted nces sideways at the reporter, who was dressed as a mage with her chest slightly exposed.


    "Viewers, this time we will be discussing an issue widely circting in the Dissidia Kingdom. Recently, the activity of yer killers in this area has drastically increased, and it is even reported that several NPCs have also be victims," the reporter said.


    "And," she continued, gesturing to the boy beside her and passing the microphone. "Along with us, we have someone who ims to have seen one of these yer killers. Could you please tell us more about that?"


    The boy paused, still in a daze, before finally catching his breath and turning towards the camera. "Ah, yes," he stammered, "I just made a contract with a spirit. I''m pretty proud of myself because it''s a Rare grade with a light element."


    The female reporter interjected, her voice gentle yet determined. "Can you tell us about the yer killer?"


    "Ah yes, sorry," the boy said with a stiff face. "I was on my way to the Shrine of Regeneration when I spotted a yer killer in the distance. He was running around naked and chasing anyone who came close to him. I saw it, and I immediately felt my body tense up. Now I''m really traumatized; I think I''ll stop ying this game after this. Please, please catch that mentally ill man. He really acts like a psycho, killing his victims for fun."


    "Alright," the reporter responded, nodding in understanding. "So you''re saying that this yer killer is killing yers without any armor? They''re going inpletely unprotected?"


    "Yes," the boy replied, his expression filled with fear. "That man''s face is still in my head, and I''m really scared of the world now. It looks like I''ll have to listen to my mother''s advice and stop ying this game."


    "And what did you see after that?" the reporter persisted.


    The boy hesitated, clearly distressed by the memory. "After that, I ran as fast as I could. I didn''t look back, but I could hear the screams of other yers. I don''t know what happened to them. It was terrifying."


    "Did you see what happened after that?" the reporter continued.


    "Well, I was terrified, but I felt I had to make sure the other yers were safe. I mustered the courage to go back. The yer killer only took out one yer. Then, Princess Alora arrived with her knights, and I was awestruck by her beauty."


    "Oh, so Princess Alora came and captured the yer killer?"


    "I still remember how beautiful and amazing Princess Alora was. I''ve decided to keep ying this game because I was instantly smitten when I saw her. I''m determined to be a strong yer and then marry her one day. I know she was destined to be my wife."


    "Alright," the reporter continued. "We''ve gathered information about yer killers from various sources, and what we''ve heard from our friend here has made us very curious. Why would someone be running around bare-chested and trying to kill other yers? We hope you can enjoy Immortal Legacy even more, and if you evere across a yer without body armor, be sure to call for help and have them arrested, as they may try to kill you. That''s all. See you soon!"


    Lily chuckled as she watched the news report on the television, a smile spreading across her face as she turned to Leon. "Don''t tell me, the guy they were talking about, is that you? Because I''m sure Broken is your gamer name, right?"


    Leon grinned widely, unable to keep his secret any longer. "I lost my armor by mistake, Lily. They ambushed me, attacking from all sides, while I fought them alone," he confessed. "So I had to fight back. I was the one being attacked, not them. Suddenly, the princess showed up."


    "Are you sure you''re not in a serious situation, Leon?" Lily asked, her brow furrowed in concern.


    "Haha," Leon chuckled. "No need to worry, Lily. I''ve just been granted tremendous power by a deity, a Goddess, and with it, I''ll likely be ying the game more often from now on. I think I''m going to make a lot of progress with the new ability I was given."


    "Huh?" Lily asked, her eyes widening in surprise. "It seems I just heard some amazing news. So, you not only met a beautiful princess but also a Goddess? A real Deity? Did you meet her face-to-face in the game? Is she also pretty? Oh my goodness, I can only imagine what kind of Immortal Legacy would create the figure of a goddess. I''m really curious, Leon..." she said, her enthusiasm growing with each word.


    Leonughed, appreciating Lily''s excitement. "Yes, I met a Goddess face-to-face in the game. She was incredibly beautiful, even more so than the princess. It was a surreal experience. She bestowed upon me a special ability that will help me a lot in the game."


    Lily''s eyes sparkled with curiosity and wonder. "Tell me more, Leon! What did she look like? What was the ability she gave you? Who is more beautiful, the princess or the goddess?"


    "I believe they are both incredibly beautiful, Lily. You might find a visual of Princess Alora on the inte since she often appears in front of yers. But if you''re looking for a visual of Goddess Akidia, I''m probably the only one who has seen her so far."


    Lily''s face lit up with curiosity. "Woah... It seems I''ve heard some very valuable news."


    Leon let out a smallugh. "I have no sses tomorrow, so I n on spending the night ying the game. Thanks for the dinner, Lily. Next time, I''ll take you out to a restaurant of your choice."


    After helping Lily with the dishes, Leon went online to investigate the buzz about him running around in Immortal Legacy without a shirt. As expected, it was a hot topic, and many people were discussing it. Additionally, the topic of yer killers who attacked without clothing was also widely discussed. As Leon read further, he noticed ament that seemed to be from someone he knew.


    [Booba: "You fool, why are you mocking my friend with no remorse? Don''t you have any empathy? It''s tragic that he''s only been able to reach level 25 in one year. He needs emotional support, not to be cruelly bullied like you are doing."]


    [MilfEnjoyer: "Hey you, doesn''t that mean your friend is a yer killer? Tell him to stay away from Immortal Legacy because if I see him in the game, I will definitely kill him. Don''t forget my gamer name¡ªI''m a level 97 talented warrior, MilfEnjoyer!"]


    Leon sighed as he read through thements, shaking his head in frustration. "I don''t think you''re helping me one bit here, Booba," he muttered.


    With a sigh, he closed the inte and immediately logged back into the game.

 Chapter 21 - 21 - The Price of Power

    <h4>Chapter 21: - The Price of Power?</h4>


    It was already night in Yunatea, and Princess Alora, who had nned to meet Broken again that evening, had instructed her servants to set up a tent near the Shrine of Regeneration. Knowing that yers who log out of Yunatea would return to the same ce when they logged back in, she intended to wait at the same spot for his return.


    Alora was seated in her makeshift tent, which was surprisingly amodating for up to twenty people. On one side was a dining table, and on the other, a bathroom with a hot spring bath.


    Outside the tent, dozens of royal knights, whose average level was above 200, stood guard near the Shrine of Regeneration. This unusual sight immediately caused fear among the yers who approached the Shrine, prompting them to retreat quickly.


    "There will be a big war in this ce, and if you don''t want to get hurt, get out of here now!" one yer shouted.


    "Wow, could this mean an exciting event? Is there a quest we can get if we join the battle?"


    "I''m not sure. I think this has something to do with the yer killers. It looks like Princess Alora is about to deal with this problem once and for all."


    "I''m curious about how big the battle will be here."


    News about the possible war near the Shrine of Regeneration spread quickly, and some yers were even curious about the kingdom''s steps against the mysterious organization threatening the realm.


    Princess Alora, engrossed in the papers before her, heard her servant''s voice from outside, pleading for permission. "Your Highness," the servant said, "there is a guest who wishes to see you."


    She lifted her face. "Yes, I''ve been expecting her. Please let her in," she said, her voice soft and gentle.


    Momentster, a young woman stepped into Alora''s luxurious tent. She was around neen years old, standing at a height of 1.63 meters (5.35 feet). Floating above her head were the words "Elincia"¡ªshe was a yer.


    Elincia was a renowned Mage Marauder of level 210, ranked within the top one hundred yers of Immortal Legacy. Her attire consisted of abination of silver and purple garments, seamlessly blended with a robe. She had shoulder-length icy blue hair, and her eyes were a captivating deep blue.


    "Your Highness," Elincia greeted with a respectful bow, her voice steady. "I came as soon as I heard the news. It seems we have quite a situation on our hands."


    "Elincia," Alora said quietly, "I''m sure I''ve asked you not to use honorifics too much. I mean, you yers aren''t used to that, right?"


    "Princess Alora," Elincia replied politely, with a hint of respect in her voice. "I hold you in the highest esteem, and it is my pleasure to demonstrate it. As mages, we have had much contact with the royal family, so we are quite familiar with the proper etiquette of interacting with them."


    "Alright," Alora said slowly, her porcinplexion highlighting her serious expression. She had a regal air about her as if she truly was a perfect princess, constantly vignt for whatever she might face.


    "Have you got any updates on what I asked of you?" Alora continued.


    Elincia''s face lit up upon hearing Alora''s words; her gaze was sharp and discerning.


    "Princess Alora," Elincia began, her tone serious. "I have made some discoveries as to why the Cult of the Darkened me is making such movements. I apologize if I have been too blunt."


    "What is your opinion on this?" Princess Alora queried.


    "I believe they are attempting to use their dark magics to gain control of the kingdom," Elincia answered. "I''m not good at sugar-coating, but I have seen the involvement of the king''s younger brother in this movement. It''s apparent he''s trying to remove you from the position of the crowned princess and take your ce on the throne. If they keep moving forward, they may even try to confront and harm you to corner you."


    Elincia took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "I''m sorry if my exnation wasn''t clear enough, but I have all the evidence and justification for what I said. I''m confident this information is reliable, and I''m willing to bet my name as a top 100-ranked yer in Yunatea on it," she finished.


    Alora nodded slowly after hearing Elincia''s exnation. "I understand your concern, and I can confirm it, Elincia," she said. "All this is happening because of the struggle for the throne."


    Alora felt the weight of her position, as various factions were cornering her due to her being a half-elf. Despite the pressure, she was determined to stand her ground, as she had received her mandate from the king.


    "I think you''ve given me enough information," she said firmly. "Let me know if you need assistance from me, Elincia."


    "You don''t need to worry, Princess," Elincia assured her. "We, as yers, will be thrilled to have the chance to be part of such a grand event, especially since it is a battle for the royal throne. I wouldn''t miss this opportunity for the world. So, I can assure you, my guild and I will support you in defending the throne. However..."


    "However, what?" Alora prompted.


    "It seems it will be increasingly difficult for us to meet you after this. They are already coborating with top yers to limit mymunication with you," Elincia exined.


    Alora nodded slowly in response. "I believe the yers have a unique viewpoint on the events urring in Yunatea, and I will take measures to address this," shemented.


    "I will gather the yers you need," Elincia promised confidently. "I''ll make sure to find the most skilled and reliable ones, and I will help you form an army of yers to ensure you''re prepared for the big war that may be on the horizon."


    "I leave this matter in your capable hands," Alora said confidently.


    "Alright, Princess," Elincia said, giving a salute. "It was nice meeting you today. I''ll see you soon." She waved, then rushed out of the magnificent tent.


    A short whileter, a group of Princess Alora''s servants entered her tent. Two of her female servants respectfully bowed as they approached her.


    "Your Highness," one of them spoke up, "we have prepared the water for your bath."


    Alora nodded appreciatively. "Thank you," she replied, getting up from her seat.


    The two servants then assisted her in removing the heavy armor she had been wearing.


    Meanwhile, within the luxurious tent, a man suddenly appeared, dressed only in his underwear. Confused, Broken logged back into the game and was surprised to find himself in apletely unfamiliar location.


    "Where am I?" he wondered out loud, furrowing his brow. "I should have been near the Shrine of Regeneration, right?"


    Broken stood in shock, unable toprehend what was happening. His mouth went dry and a chill ran through his body as he took in the sight before him. In front of him stood a woman in her undergarments, with two female servants by her side.


    Her long red hair flowed down her back, adding to her stunning appearance. As their eyes met, a wave of fear washed over him. He felt like his life was about toe to an end.


    "Princess Alora?" he managed to say, his voice barely audible.


    The female servants then shouted, "Intruder! Pervert!"

 Chapter 22 - 22 - Help Me! I’m Innocent!

    <h4>Chapter 22: - Help Me! I¡¯m Innocent!</h4>


    Elincia emerged from Alora''s tent with a beaming smile on her face. "If I manage to aplish this Grand Quest, I''m certain I''ll be at the top of the leaderboard. It''s been a while since Immortal Legacy was released, and this will be the first-ever throne battle event. This time I''m sure I''m on the right side; I''m certain that only Princess Alora deserves the crown."


    She then strode among the knights standing sentry at the site. Princess Alora truly had high-level knights, including two Imperial Knights. The strength shemanded already surpassed what Elincia''s guild could offer.


    The battle would have been more bnced if yers were pitted against each other, especially when the Divine Champions were on the opposite team. It would have been a tough and formidable challenge.


    Elincia''s guild had a small number of members, but they were all high-level yers with great potential, though none were Divine Champions.


    While she was considering this, she suddenly heard screamsing from inside Princess Alora''s tent.


    "What''s going on?"


    Remembering the yer killers roaming near the area, she eximed, "Is Princess Alora in danger?" and hurriedly activated her aura.


    Immediately, blue lightning crackled around her body, and she swiftly dashed back into the tent.


    Just as she feared, there was a man standing inside, only in his underwear. It was clear that he hade to sneak a peek at Princess Alora while she was taking a bath.


    Elincia''s fury boiled over as she cried out, "How dare you disrespect Princess Alora in my presence!"


    She was not going to let anyone get away with treating Princess Alora with such disrespect.


    She reached into her inventory and retrieved a powerful item, a token that would allow her to cast a potent spell instantly. She had heard that not even five high-level yers could defeat the man, but she was determined to end him in one swift attack. With a flick of her finger, she activated the coin-shaped token and uttered the spell''s name. In an instant, her body was surrounded by a vibrant burst of blue electricity, causing her hair to stand on end as if it had a life of its own.


    [Celestial Lightning Bolt Lv. 15]


    "Elincia, please stop! He''s under my protection!" Alora cried out, her voice filled with desperation.


    But it was toote. Elincia had already unleashed her powerful lightning skill.


    Broken''s heart sank as he realized that he was about to face a devastating magical attack in a matter of seconds.


    "What are you thinking? This is madness!" he shouted, fully aware that he wouldn''t stand a chance against such a high level and tier skill.


    The stillness of the night sky was suddenly rent apart outside the tent as a tumultuous explosion of lightning streaked down from the heavens. As if answering a higher power''s decree, the lightning struck the tent in the clearing with devastating effect.


    A deafening st shook the ground, instantly obliterating the tent. Shards of soil were sent flying by the force of the explosion, creating a fissure in the earth that quickly sealed back up. The knights who had been stationed outside the tent sprinted to the scene, forming a circle around the epicenter of the assault.


    What remained after that was the figure of Princess Alora, standing tall with an aura shield surrounding her and her two nearby servants. Elincia stood there with a baffled expression while Broken had vanished from before them all.


    "Elincia!" Alora sighed, taking a deep breath before continuing.


    "Princess, he was a yer killer, and he targeted young women for harassment."


    "No," Alora answered firmly, "he is my friend. But, yes, it appears that he died from your lightning skill."


    Elincia was in shock. "What? A friend?" she gasped. She struggled to grasp the situation before her. Just moments ago, she had witnessed a man standing in only his underwear before Princess Alora. Even the servants had screamed in panic, mistaking him for a pervert and intruder. Was this man someone Princess Alora knew? Who could he be?


    Princess Alora assured Elincia that the man was indeed her friend. This surprised Elincia and made her curious about who the yer was. She couldn''t believe that the Princess would be friends with a yer she didn''t know.


    Elincia wanted to know more about the yer who had earned the Princess''s trust. However, she couldn''t wrap her head around the fact that he had died from being struck by her lightning skill. But yeah, after all, it was only natural for someone not to survive such a massive attack.


    "I think I made a terrible mistake," she said sadly.


    "Your Highness," Elincia said hastily, "yers revive when they die, so I will find him and apologize for what I have done," she continued, her voice filled with urgency. "I am so sorry, this happened out of my control. I was afraid something had happened to you, and I released my lightning skill too intensely."


    Alora sighed, intending to converse with the man earlier, but the situation had escted due to Elincia killing him. "I believe I need your assistance, given that you better understand your fellow yers. Please locate him, and I''d like to meet him. Let me know immediately if you make any progress," the Princess replied.


    Elincia took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her mistake. "I might have just ruined my chance of participating in this great event," she thought to herself.


    "Please allow me to excuse myself, Princess. I will bring that man back to you as soon as possible," she said.


    ***


    Leon cursed loudly as he was killed immediately after logging into the game. He had to log out and wait for the penalty time to pass before he could log back in and continue ying.


    Lily hadn''t even left his room yet when she asked, "Leon? What happened?"


    "A stupid girl cast a high-tier magic spell and killed me!" he said, looking annoyed.


    "Stupid girl?" she pondered. "Is that the goddess or the princess?"


    "Let''s call this one the crazy mage girl," he replied.


    "Woah... So you''ve met another girl, huh? Is she hot? Is she beautiful? Come on, Leon, tell me."


    "She''s aplete idiot!" Leon fumed, frustrated that his anticipation for a fun game had been met with numerous roadblocks.


    If a yer dies in-game, they must wait six hours before being able to log back in. If they die a second time that same day, the wait is increased to twelve hours. Consequently, Leon''s n to stay upte ying games was foiled, and he opted to rest early, giving himself enough time to greet the morning the following day.


    When a yer dies, they are resurrected at the Temple of Resurrection, found in each city.


    The next morning, as Leon had activated his resurrection point in a town near the coast known as Deadbay City, he logged back in and woke up at the temple there.


    ***


    Broken opened his eyes to find himself resurrected back in the temple he had visited long ago when he had first yed Immortal Legacy. He noticed several other yers there who, judging from their appearance, had just begun ying the game.


    "It''s the infamous yer killer!" one of them yelled in rm.


    "Everyone run, there''s a yer killer!"


    "He''s here to reduce us all back to level 1!" someone else cried out.


    Immediately, the temple was filled with the sound of yers frantically running away, desperate to escape.


    Broken couldn''t believe it. "What the hell? How did my bad reputation spread so quickly?" he thought to himself.


    Broken turned to one side and spotted a yer huddled in a corner, looking scared. "Please don''t kill me," the yer pleaded, "I''m just a newbie. Please spare me."


    The yer was dressed in an elegant gray suit consisting of gray trousers and a long white coat embellished with golden ents. From his outfit, one could conclude that he must be of the Priest ss.


    "Take off your clothes," Brokenmanded.


    "Huh?" the Priest eximed, shocked. He quickly removed the clothes he was wearing.


    Broken grabbed the garments and put them on. "Ah, a beginner''s outfit for a Priest. Not bad," he said approvingly.


    Broken took out five silver coins and handed them to the Priest. "Use this coins to buy yourself some new clothes," he said, then stepped outside the temple.


    From a distance, he saw several city guards running toward him.


    "Mr. Priest," one of them asked, "we heard there''s a yer killer running around here. Did you happen to see him?"


    "May the Deities of the Sins always watch over you all. I''m afraid I didn''t catch what you were asking." Broken said quickly as he walked away from the guards.


    Someone sprinted out of the temple,pletely naked, screaming, "Chase him! He''s the yer killer!" He pointed frantically toward Broken.


    The guards, however, were distracted by the sight of the naked yer before them.


    "That''s the yer killer! Beat him!" They immediately started to pursue the naked Priest and proceeded to beat him.


    "That''s not me!" the Priest cried out pleadingly, his voice echoing in the distance. "Help me! I''m innocent!"

 Chapter 23 - 23 - The Start of The Journey

    <h4>Chapter 23: - The Start of The Journey</h4>


    "Goblin yer story quest, need a healer, party level 25!" shouted one yer.


    "Sacred River''s Guardian needs a healer and a tanker, party level 40!" yelled another.


    In the bustling downtown za of the Deadbay City, yers scoured the area for additional members to join their parties. The za was filled with merchants and shops at every corner. It was a nostalgic sight for Broken, as he had started his journey in Immortal Legacy from this very city.


    Deadbay, a small city near the sea, was quite popr among novice yers due to its peaceful environment. The surrounding monsters were of low level, and the city was close to the major port city of the Dissidia Kingdom. It was an ideal ce for transit and a little escape.


    Broken ran with relief, d to be free from the dreaded ''yer Killer Curse.'' Now that he was in this small city, he felt liberated and ready to start anew. His face was bright with joy as he stopped by the side of the road, feeling a great sense of aplishment.


    "Look, there''s a Priest over there," one of the yers pointed at Broken.


    "Don''t let that Priest go! We need him," another said earnestly.


    "Hey, there''s a healer! Secure him quickly!" urged another.


    "That Priest is mine; he will be at my party!" another yer shouted.


    A group of yers quickly rushed toward Broken, eager to recruit a healer for their party.


    "Grab him! Don''t let the other group get him," one of them shouted.


    The demand for healers in Immortal Legacy was high, often leading to healers demanding extra payment or resources to join a party. This made the situation even more challenging for other yers.


    Moreover, ying as a healer in a game like this didn''t appeal to most yers, as they preferred casting powerful magic spells with wide-range damage or fighting on the frontline with a melee weapon to have more fun.


    Broken, still recovering from his earlier run, suddenly felt something strange happening. He turned his head and, to his surprise, saw dozens of people running towards him.


    "They''re not running towards me, are they?" he thought, but as they drew closer, it became clear that those yers were, in fact, heading his way.


    "Damn, can you guys give me a break!" Broken pleaded, bewildered.


    He had no idea what had happened, and he couldn''t make sense of why they were trying to chase him. All he could think of now was to run, to get as far away as possible. He didn''t feel safe anymore.


    Broken attempted to flee, repeatedly utilizing his Dash ability linked to his boots. When he reached the border of the za, he swiftly made a quick turn to hide and summoned Polly, then quickly mounted her so he could escape from those foolish yers.


    "Let''s go, Polly!" he shouted. "Run as fast as you can!"


    Polly took Broken dashing to the edge of town, right on the shore, where there weren''t many people around. He threw himself down on the sand, still trying to figure out why those people had been madly trying to catch him.


    "They want you to join their party, Master," Polly said when she had changed back to her small form. The fox sat up and stared at Broken, tilting her head.


    "Really?" Broken answered slowly, trying to think. "Is it because of these Priest''s clothes? Sigh!" he hissed, then thought of visiting the nearest merchant for some more normal clothes he could pull off.


    "Alright!" he proimed, his face disying decisive determination. "I think it''s time to put an end to this foolishness and continue with my n. I''m sure I can be stronger and reap plenty of rewards from this game," he dered.


    Polly nodded slowly, her tranquil gaze fixed on Broken.


    Broken opened his list of skills and carefully studied the five passive skills that had been bestowed upon him by the Goddess Akidia.


    "Bountiful Harvest, Adaptive Equipment, Quality Enhancement, Domain Boundless ess, and Quest Advancement," he muttered, listing them all off.


    He then began to exin each skill, "Bountiful Harvest will be useful for fighting monsters, Adaptive Equipment will make me stronger by allowing me to equip weapons and armor far beyond my level, Quality Enhancement will help with production, Domain Boundless ess will allow me to enter dungeons far beyond my level, and Quest Advancement will give me better rewards for the quests I ept."


    He paused for a moment before continuing, "I can only use Bountiful Harvest if I''m strong enough to hunt the monsters I want without worrying about dying. To be strong, I need better armor and weapons. Then I can attempt high-level dungeons with confidence that my strength will be up to the challenge. Additionally, I''ll receive many rewards when Iplete quests, so I think the best course of action for me right now is to use the Quality Enhancement skill to gain more resources and tools, which will help me be even stronger in the early stages." He outlined his ns for the near future.


    "Production ss!" Broken dered firmly, looking at Polly with a smile. "I need to take a production ss in this early phase, Polly, so that I can produce what I need and take advantage of the upgrade bonuses from the skills I have."


    Polly nodded slowly, listening to Broken''s words. After a moment, she asked, "Have you decided what kind of production ss you want at this early stage, Master?"


    "cksmith, Tailor, Farmer, Carpenter, Jeweler, Alchemist," he confidently said, nodding his head. "There are many and varied production sses in this game, and for some reason, I''m particrly interested in the cksmith ss at the outset. I can make use of the products I create and also sell them for further profit."


    Broken quickly got back to his feet and headed to the merchant near the shore. He chose some basic clothing being sold by various vendors and donned a pair of brown cloth pants and a bright white t-shirt.


    "That''ll be 10 silver," said the merchant.


    "Are you kidding me?" Broken scoffed. "Why do I have to pay so much for these?"


    "If you don''t want it, feel free to buy it from someone else," the merchant replied.


    "What about 1 silver? I''m just a newbie in this game. Don''t push me too hard."


    "Alright then, 2 silver."


    "Deal," Broken said, handing over the coins.


    With a sense of optimism that no more misunderstandings would cause him any further trouble, Broken walked away. He searched for the nearest smithy, hoping to get a quest from the cksmith NPC there and acquire the cksmith ss.


    As he approached a small wooden building, he muttered softly, "Hm... this area is clearly meant for beginners."


    Broken waited a while, trying to peek inside the smithy whose door was half open. After a few moments, someone emerged who was barely as tall as his chest. He took a step back in surprise when the figure stepped out: a stocky, muscr man.


    "A dwarf in a ce like this?" he muttered under his breath.


    "What do you want?" the dwarf said to him.


    "Let me¡ª"


    "No! Go away!" the dwarf eximed, mming the door shut and disappearing back into the smithy.


    Broken stood there, stunned. "Great," he muttered to himself, "If I want to learn cksmithing, it only makes sense to study with a Dwarf," he thought to himself. "And lucky for me, there happens to be a Dwarf cksmith in this town. I''ll definitely secure my spot for the cksmith ss from him!"

 Chapter 24 - 24 - Mine Iron Ores

    <h4>Chapter 24: - Mine Iron Ores</h4>


    [You''ve got a new quest]


    "What''s this?" Broken eximed as he saw something appear before him when the dwarf shut the door.


    [Be an Apprentice of Fokil the cksmith]


    [Rating: B]


    [Embark on a journey to be an apprentice of Fokil, the renowned cksmith known for his exceptional skills in metalworking and forging. Immerse yourself in the intriguing art of transforming raw metal into magnificent tools, weapons, and other objects.


    In order to gain Fokil''s recognition, you must showcase your aptitude for the craft and prove your worthiness.]


    [Clear Conditions: Gain Fokil''s Acknowledgment]


    [Clear Rewards: Raise in Affinity with Fokil the cksmith, Receive cksmith-rted ss.]


    [Quest Failure: Negative Affinity with Fokil the cksmith.]


    He paused for a moment, reading the quest that appeared before him. "Huh?" he murmured. "B Rating quest? Is the Quest Advancement skill not working? Why can''t I get a rating upgrade?" He exhaled slowly.


    But then, a quest appeared just when Broken had tried tomunicate with the cksmith dwarf. This showed that he could indeed grant yers the cksmith ss. It confirmed Broken''s suspicion that learning the cksmith ss directly from a dwarf would be more beneficial.


    Knowing he had gotten the quest for the ss he wanted, he just needed to focus and gain Fokil''s acknowledgment to achieve the cksmith ss.


    "All right," he continued, "at least now I know what to do. Usually, there are many ways toplete a quest, but this time it seems I''m stuck with a quest that has clear conditions, yet it''s not clear what I have to do toplete it."


    Being asked to gain acknowledgement from someone he didn''t know was certainly annoying. Therefore, he decided to explore the area first, looking for opinions from the locals about the cksmith dwarf named Fokil.


    In an RPG, if someone got a quest where it wasn''t clear how toplete it, one way to proceed was to seek information from nearby NPCs, who might provide useful clues.


    Broken quickly walked around the smithy, extending an invitation to each NPC he encountered along the way, hoping to collect enough information to finish the task given to him.


    "Excuse me," he said to an adult woman strolling along the side of the road. "Can you tell me about Fokil, the cksmith?"


    The woman nced at Broken and then, appearing flustered, hastily departed. "Sorry, I can''t help you," she replied.


    "That''s really useful information," Broken clicked his tongue.


    As he strolled by a group of children snacking on candy next to a merchant. He approached them and asked, "Hey, kiddos, can you tell me about Fokil, the cksmith?"


    "Fokil?" one of them snickered. "That grumpy, hot-headed dwarf? Ha ha ha!"


    "Yeah, him," another child chimed in. "He''s always drinking. Useless, hahaha."


    "I heard his family abandoned him because he was so useless," the first child added. "They probably couldn''t stand his short size."


    "Um, excuse me," the third child interrupted. "Dwarves are naturally shorter than humans, you dummy¡ªthat''s just how they are."


    "Ah, I see, that is really very important information," Broken muttered, pretending to be interested. He took a few steps away from the children.


    "Hey, buddy, don''t you have something to say?" one of the children called out, holding out his hand. "We just gave you some valuable information."


    Broken tossed three bronze coins onto the ground, then continued on his way. "Tsk, this game really makes the NPCs into robbers just to make the yers even poorer," he grumbled under his breath.


    Despite the unhelpful and somewhat infuriating interactions, Broken remained determined toplete his quest. He resolved to find another way to impress Fokil and gain his acknowledgement.


    Broken continued to gather information about Fokil, conducting a diligent investigation. After much research, he began to conclude that Fokil was a cksmith who seemed to have difficulty selling his products in this area. His items were expensive, and he did not use auctions for advertising. Broken wondered if it was the quality of the items or simply the fact that the yers around here couldn''t afford them.


    Besides that, it seemed that Fokil lived alone, surrounded by the bustling crowds of humans in this area. Perhaps that''s why he didn''t seem to enjoy interacting with other people. He also had a habit of drinking too much and engaging in activities that garnered him a bad reputation.


    Broken then walked to the center of the merchants'' area and approached a stand selling ore and mineral raw materials for cksmithing.


    "Hey, you know Fokil, right?" he asked the merchant.


    The merchant quickly replied, "Why, of course, I know Fokil¡ªhow could I not know a cksmith as talented as him? Are you thinking of bing a cksmith too? Hahaha!" He continued without pause, "I think it was a wise decision toe to me. Hahaha. So, do you want to pursue a career in cksmithing? If so, why don''t you start by mining? I''m sure if you do a good job, Fokil will take notice of you!"


    "What does mining have to do with cksmithing? Mining is for miners, and cksmithing is for crafting weapons," Broken replied.


    "Then why bother asking about Fokil if you won''t listen to my suggestion?" the merchant retorted.


    "And your suggestion is to mine ores?"


    "Here," the merchant said, gesturing to a pickaxe. "I can offer it to you at an affordable price. With it, you can start mining right away at the nearest cave near the forest. Once you''re done, bring your results to me, and if I''m satisfied, I''ll write you a letter of rmendation for Fokil. Sounds good, doesn''t it? It''s only 30 silver."


    Broken considered the offer, weighing his options.


    [Mine Iron Ores]


    [Rating: C]


    [In order to demonstrate yourmitment to cksmithing, it is necessary to gain the approval of the Irons. One way to do this is to obtain high-quality Iron Ore by mining.]


    [Clear Conditions: Mine 30 Iron Ores.]


    [Clear Rewards: Rmendation letter from the Mining Association.]


    [Quest Failure: None]


    Broken was given another quest that was connected to the one for Fokil. He had no other option but to ept the offer from the merchant. At least now, he had a new opportunity to move forward with his quest.


    He clicked his tongue in disapproval. "Mr. Merchant, why is the pickaxe so expensive? Can you give it to me for 5 silver? I''m still a beginner. I don''t have that much money."


    "For you, 10 silver! That''s a good deal," the merchant replied.


    Broken thought to himself, "I feel like I''ve been scammed." He then replied, "5 silver coins!"


    "Okay, 5, take it," the merchant reluctantly epted the offer and threw the pickaxe at Broken.


    [Common Pickaxe]


    [Grade: Common]


    [Durability: 97/100]


    [Weight: 45]


    [Nothing too special. It''s just for mining. So get to work, and don''t read too much into the description.]


    [Skills:]


    [Increases the chance of getting higher quality ores by two percent.]


    He let out a slow exhale after taking a deep breath. He had no choice but to make sacrifices in order toplete the quest, and money was one of them.


    "Money''s getting tighter and tighter," he grumbled as he turned away. "But you know what they say, no pain, no gain. Let''s head to the mines,e on."

 Chapter 25 - 25 - Mining Technique

    <h4>Chapter 25: - Mining Technique</h4>


    Broken spent some time gathering information about the location of the mining cave. Once he knew where it was, he set off, exiting the city wall and crossing the grassy ins toward the mountains, passing through a forest.


    He walked with Polly, trotting beside him, taking time to enjoy the journey through the grassy fields and savoring the beauty of the game that he couldn''t find in the real world.


    "How do the miners carry their ores, Master?" Polly asked in a soft voice as she ran through the grass, her small body nearly hidden by the tall grass and reeds.


    "They bring their ores down from the mountain and then use carriages to transport them to the city. At least, that''s what I learned after gathering information about the miners," Broken replied, reflecting on his newfound knowledge about their profession.


    After some time, they reached the edge of the forest, where tall trees lined the path leading to the mountains. A well-trodden trail created by the locals, wound its way up into the forest. Fortunately, the forest in this area was free of high-level monsters, making it safe for the locals to mine, gather wood, or hunt for food.


    "Come, Polly," Broken said. Polly responded by transforming into herrger form, running in circles with enthusiasm. Broken quickly mounted the fox, and they set off.


    It had been a long and tiring trek to reach the mining cave. The winding paths of the mountains were not an easy feat to conquer, and it could take hours to reach the destination. Luckily, Broken had the luxury of riding Polly, and they swiftly made their way towards the cave concealed among the towering trees.


    The route to the cave was a challenging one, with steep inclines that made it a difficult journey for those on foot. However, with Polly as his trusty steed, Broken was able to cover the distance in a fraction of the time. They soon arrived at the entrance of the cave, which was camouged by a small cluster of trees.


    As he approached the cave, he noticed its wide entrance, spacious enough to amodate a group of twenty people. Thend surrounding the cave was sparsely vegetated, with rugged rocks and a few forest trees. The echoing reverberations of mining and the voices of chatty people filtered through the entrance, indicating the presence of both NPCs and yers inside.


    "There are many miners inside," he whispered.


    "Let''s go, Polly," he muttered. He immediately stepped into the cave, followed by Polly, who scampered around his footsteps.


    The sunlight slowly thinned as he walked deeper. Several sparkling stones adorned the walls of the cave, along with stonemps made from Monster Cores hanging at intervals on the cave walls. These provided illumination, making the interior of the cave easier to see. Someone had also ced torches to further light the room.


    The cave was partially wet, with water dripping from the walls and pooling on the floor, making it slippery. However, when Broken looked at Polly, she seemed unaffected by the slick surface.


    "Master, I can walk on any surface¡ªslippery, sandy, hard... and... I''m sure I could even run on water one day," she said enthusiastically, seeking her master''s attention.


    "I trust you, Polly," Broken replied, smiling at the little fox.


    "Hey, who''s there?" one of the miners shouted as Broken walked closer to the source of the noise.


    "Hey, sorry, I''m just here to do some mining," he replied.


    "Who are you?"


    "I''m a beginner in mining. This is my first time."


    "A beginner?" they said, rolling their eyes. "Tsk, go to that section over there. Don''t bother us here; you''ll only slow us down."


    "Okay, thanks!" Broken replied, walking past them and following the direction they had pointed.


    The miners continued their noisy work, chatting randomly with each other.


    "You know, my neighbor''s husband just drowned in the sea, attacked by a monster, hahaha."


    "Is that the young, pretty neighbor you mentioned?"


    "Yeah... now I can easily woo that widow, and I''m free to take her."


    "Man, don''t you already have a wife? Leave her for me."


    "You think I should tell my wife? No! I''ll enjoy her myself, hahaha."


    "Hey, beginner, hurry up and go over there. Don''t bother us in this area."


    "But isn''t that area already mined out?"


    "It doesn''t matter. He''s just a yer probably doing a quest, not actually working like us," they said, answering each other.


    Broken walked away, feeling a bit annoyed by their conversation and realizing they were giving him a mining spot they had already exhausted.


    "Do they really think this cave is theirs?" he muttered to himself, not realizing his words echoed through the cave and could be heard by the others.


    "You better watch your mouth, beginner," one of them spat menacingly. "Or I''ll shut it for you with my pickaxe."


    "Yes, sir," Broken replied casually. "You better keep the pickaxe for the ores," he added.


    "Shut up and do your job quietly!" they replied.


    "How can someone mine quietly?" one of them added.


    "That''s not my problem to answer, hahaha," another retorted.


    Broken grabbed his pickaxe and examined it for a moment, pondering how to use it. "But this ce has already been stripped of ores, right? Which part can still be mined?" he wondered.


    "I think they just smash the pickaxe against the rocks on the cave wall. Let''s give that a shot," he decided.


    He began mming his pickaxe against the wall, but after a few moments, he saw no results. He needed to look for sections of rock that were slightly shinier than the rest, indicating the presence of iron ores. The concept was simpler than in the real world, but it still required precision and hard work to seed.


    "Hahaha, look at that stupid novice. He doesn''t know what he''s doing," they snickered.


    "I think he came here to mine without knowing how to use a pickaxe."


    "He''s holding the pickaxe like a sword, hahaha, what a stupid yer."


    "Hey, you''d better get out of here before you make a fool of yourself," they jeered.


    "They think they''re smart."


    "yers?"


    "A few of them are smart, but most are just fools who want to have fun and act irresponsibly."


    "They treat this ce like a game, so it''s no wonder they act brainlessly, haha."


    Broken paid no attention to the people chattering around him and continued striking the pickaxe blindly, hoping it would work somehow. He just needed to keep at it until he unlocked something.


    After a while, he persisted, and finally, he received a notification alerting him to his new skill.


    [You have unlocked a new Mining Technique skill.]


    [Mining Technique (Passive Skill) Lv. 1]


    [By regrly using a pickaxe, one can hone their mining skills, be more effective while mining, and increase their chances of sess when mining, thus enabling them to obtain higher-quality resources.]


    "Nice, this is exactly what I need," he said with a grin. "Hehe." He chuckled in satisfaction, finally having acquired the skill he needed.


    After gaining the skill he needed, Broken began mining again with renewed enthusiasm. He smiled eagerly as he struck the pickaxe against the cave walls with more vigor, repeating the action over and over until his efforts were finally rewarded.


    He brought his pickaxe down hard against the rocky walls of the cave onest time, and something new happened. The rock was dislodged and flew into the air, transforming into a dark, slightly shiny chunk.


    [You obtained 1 low-quality Iron Ore.]


    A notification chimed in his vision, making him smile broadly.


    "Now, see how the Divine Sloth Champion does his mining!" he dered to himself, ncing over at the other miners.

 Chapter 26 - 26 - High-Quality Iron Ore

    <h4>Chapter 26: - High-Quality Iron Ore</h4>


    Broken continued to strike the pickaxe against the cave wall, repeating the action tirelessly. He had lost track of time in the cave, but throughout, he could still hear the miners chatting loudly with each other, their voices echoing more than the sound of their pickaxes hitting the rocks.


    [You obtained 1 high-quality Iron Ore.]


    Another notification appeared before Broken, and this time it was something unexpected¡ªa high-quality Iron Ore. While there were three quality categories of Ore: Low, Medium, and High-quality, obtaining High-quality was the most difficult. But he had managed to get it on his second try.


    Broken was silent for a moment, staring in disbelief at the iron ore he had obtained. "High-quality? Is this because of my Luck stat?" he asked with a hint of awe in his voice.


    [Congrattions on obtaining High-Quality Iron Ore with a very low technical mining skill level¡ªa feat that is not easily achieved!]


    [You have rightfully earned the title of "A Blessed Miner"]


    [For this amazing achievement, you receive 10 Stat Points and 5 Luck Stat points!]


    "Damn! 10 Stat Points and 5 Luck stat just for this title?" he eximed in disbelief. "It seems something like this isn''t easily done by anyone."


    Broken chuckled in delight at the achievement he had just attained. Though he had hoped the title would give him some advantage in mining more easily, he couldn''tin because 10 stat points and 5 Luck stat were a significant reward!


    "I guess I can mine non-stop until morning," he said excitedly and then continued his work with renewed vigor.


    [You obtained 1 high-quality Iron Ore.]


    [You obtained 1 low-quality Iron Ore.]


    [You obtained 1 low-quality Iron Ore.]


    [You obtained 1 medium-quality Iron Ore.]


    Without noticing, the miners, who had previously only watched from a distance, suddenly approached and surrounded him. They stood silently with their mouths agape, watching what Broken was doing.


    He stopped his work and nced at the miners, furrowing his brows in confusion. "What''s wrong?" he asked.


    "You can acquire high-quality ores repeatedly without stopping like it''s easy."


    "Didn''t you say this area didn''t contain any iron ores?"


    "There should still be some, but not this many."


    "So, is he using some trick?"


    "No way, I think he''s just talented at mining."


    "What tricks do you use? You''re a beginner," they asked.


    "I believe the pickaxe he used is a special pickaxe," one miner suggested.


    "He''s a yer, so it''smon for them to use their money to cheat their work."


    "Yes, or maybe he''s cheating somehow," anothermented.


    "Let us check the pickaxe you''re using; it must be something expensive, right?"


    "But isn''t it just an ordinary pickaxe?"


    "It may look ordinary, but it could be something expensive."


    "The pickaxe he''s using doesn''t look special. I''m sure it''s just an ordinary pickaxe."


    "Then what is the exnation for why he can get high-quality ores over and over again like that? Do you think he was blessed by a deity or what? I don''t believe it," another miner inquired.


    Broken sighed and held up his pickaxe for them to see. "It''s just amon pickaxe," he said, showing them its ordinary appearance.


    One of the miners inspected it closely. "It really is just amon pickaxe," he admitted, looking perplexed.


    "So how are you doing it?" another miner asked, clearly intrigued.


    "I guess I just have a bit of luck on my side," Broken replied with a shrug.


    The miners exchanged nces, still puzzled but somewhat convinced.


    Broken paid no mind to the miners who continued to gather around him, and he continued to mine. He noticed they were watching him closely, so he moved to an area with more iron ores. Yet the miners still followed him, clearly curious.


    [You obtained 1 high-quality Iron Ore.]


    "Wow... Look at that, he''s actually managed to get some high-quality Iron Ore!" one of the miners eximed in amazement.


    "I can''t believe my eyes!"


    The others stared at Broken with admiration and awe.


    "Hey, kiddo," one of them asked. "Who are you? I''ve never seen you around here before."


    "You can see my name there," Broken replied, pointing towards the writing above his head. "Right?"


    "Broken... what''s broken about you? hahaha," they joked.


    "I want to learn how he''s doing his mining."


    "He swings the pickaxe like he''s holding a sword. I want to try it too."


    "Yeah, that must be the secret."


    Unexpectedly, quite a long time had passed, and the morning had arrived. They couldn''t see the sunlight from inside the cave, but Broken knew from the clock in his system interface.


    "I''ve been mining all night?!" he said in disbelief, ncing around the cave. He saw that the miners were still sitting and watching what he was doing.


    "Hey, beginner," one of them said, "you''re really good. I''m sure you''ll be a famous miner in the future."


    Another added, "Sorry I doubted you before. I hope to mine with you again next time."


    "Are you leaving? You won''t get rich with just a few ores. Stay with us here; it''s great fun, mining day and night."


    "Some people think we''re like vampires, but this is how we make money."


    "Yeah, teach us how to mine like you, boy."


    "Hey, Broken," another miner eximed, "we can''t thank you enough for inspiring us with your unique mining technique. It''s truly remarkable. It''s so broken!"


    "Thank you for keeping mepany all night. I enjoyed mining here, but I just needed a few ores," Broken said with a smile.


    Broken nced at his inventory, pleased to find he had more than enough toplete the quest from the mining association.


    [35 pieces of low-quality iron ore]


    [12 pieces of medium-quality iron ore]


    [10 pieces of high-quality iron ore]


    "Excellent, this should be enough," he said, giving a wave to the other miners. "See you all. Until next time!"


    The miners cheered as Broken stepped out, heading towards the cave entrance.


    After emerging from the cave, he quickly discarded his nearly ruined pickaxe and noticed that his mining skill had risen to level 2.


    "I really feel the joy of having all these blessings. Thank you, Goddess Akidia," he said, and then he summoned Polly.


    "Good morning, Master. I saw you having some fun doing the mining. Were you thinking of bing a miner?" Polly greeted him, her body rapidly expanding.


    "Not really, although I enjoyed it, I don''t want to be stuck in a cave day and night," he replied.


    He added, "Let''s head back to the town, Polly."


    Upon arriving in town, Broken approached the merchant who had given him the mining quest the day before and threw arge bag filled with iron ore onto the counter. He only handed over enough toplete the quest, with abination of low, medium, and high-quality ores. The merchant was taken back, lifting his head to look at him.


    "What is this?" the merchant inquired.


    "The quest. What else? Now, give me my rmendation letter."


    The merchant immediately opened the pouch, and his expression changed to one of shock. "You''re saying that you managed to mine all of this in a single night?" he asked.


    "Yup, you can confirm it yourself with the miners in that cave."


    The merchant hesitated for a moment before slowly nodding. "Yes, I do believe you. I can provide you with the rmendation letter, and I''m assuming you would like me to buy these ores from you?" he asked.


    "How much would you be willing to pay?" Broken hesitated.


    "I can offer you 15 silver. That''s the highest I can go."


    "30 silver, or there won''t be any deal."


    "Alright, it''s a deal!"

 Chapter 27 - 27 - A Virtual Banquet

    <h4>Chapter 27: - A Virtual Banquet</h4>


    [You havepleted the Mine Iron Ores quest.]


    [You have received your rmendation letter from the Mining Association.]


    After Broken received his rmendation letter, he was filled with hope that Fokil would recognize his hard work and reward him with something interesting. He felt it was time to return to the Dwarf cksmith and present his efforts.


    As he walked back to the smithy, he suddenly felt a pang of hunger in his stomach. He thought to himself that he needed to eat something. It was indeed abination of real hunger from his physical body and the game''s hunger system, which required yers to fulfill their needs. While food in the real world genuinely satisfied his hunger, in-game food merely removed the hunger status. Eating in the game could also restore stamina, health, and mana.


    [You are on the brink of starvation, as you haven''t ingested any food in days. Your stats have been reduced by 30%.]


    [Go to the nearest food stall and fulfill your eating desire, or else you might copse from hunger on the street like a dead rat.]


    "Thanks for the advice, system. I know you do this just to make me spend my money, right?" he thought to himself.


    He pondered, "But it seems I''ve been ying for an especially long time today, and I haven''t even had breakfast yet. I think I should look for food in the game before logging out and getting something to eat in the real world to satisfy my physical appetite."


    Broken walked toward the market, eager to find something more enjoyable to eat than the bread he''d been consuming for too long.


    "Maybe I''ll buy some real food this time," he thought. "I have enough money for that, right?"


    He stepped into a food stall and, without hesitation, took a seat. A male waiter abruptly threw a menu paper at him and, in an annoyed tone, demanded, "What do you want? Please be quick."


    Broken furrowed his brow. Why are the NPCs in this game so unfriendly? Are they designed that way, or do I look like a beggar?


    "What do you rmend?" he asked.


    "Please be quick. Buy the most expensive item; it makes my job easier," the waiter replied.


    Broken sighed and shooed the waiter away. "I''ll call you again once I''ve read the menu."


    The waiter left with an irritated expression.


    [Goblin Skewers: Marinated chunks of goblin meat threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection.]


    [Phoenix Wings: Crispy, golden-brown wings of a phoenix, served with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce.]


    He thought to himself, "What the heck are these menus? They can''t actually be trying to sell me phoenix wings, can they?" He then called the waiter and asked, "Is this the real deal? Is it a phoenix''s wings?"


    The waiter scoffed, "Of course not. Just order quickly and save me the trouble, okay?"


    "I want this one, Minotaur Burger," Broken dered.


    The waiter swiftly departed, only to reappear minutester with a burger that was five timesrger than a standard real-world burger.


    To his surprise, the meat itself was huge - approximately one kilogram - making him gasp in awe.


    "Look at the size," he uttered, shaking his head in disbelief. "Can I finish it?"


    He could feel his physical body drooling just by looking at the burger in front of him, and even the aroma was palpable through his game senses.


    "I would never have been able to finish something like this in the real world."


    The food in front of him was quite a luxurious meal for a beginner, costing him around 10 silver. As he bit into the burger, he was filled with curiosity. Closing his eyes, he felt a sensation he had never experienced before.


    "Man... How can something taste like this really feel on my tongue?" he eximed in amazement. "I mean, dammit! The capsule device injecting this kind of taste directly into the brain is truly amazing."


    Every yer in Immortal Legacy wouldn''t actually be full in their physical body, but there was still a limit to the amount of food one could eat at one time. Their virtual body could still be full, even though the amount they could eat was many times more than in the real world. This limitation was implemented to prevent addiction to in-game experiences. Despite many demands to remove this restriction, the developers seemed indifferent to the outcry.


    There were even people who yed the game just to satisfy their food cravings. Here, they could find things they might not be able to get in the real world, even though the price could be higher. The sensation of eating delicious food inrge quantities without having to travel far was an irresistible deal for everyone.


    Broken savored every bite of the massive burger, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. "This is incredible," he thought. "I might just spend my entire time in the game eating if the food always tastes this good."


    He truly savored every bite of the burger. Even the bun tasted incredibly savory and melted in his mouth, while the cheese and meatbined to create a rich vor that danced on his tongue. It was an extraordinary experience. Broken didn''t let a drop of sauce go to waste, licking his te clean. He didn''t let any part of the burger go to waste. The meal''s price was quite high; he could feed an entire household for the same amount in the real world. But with this kind of experience, he felt it was absolutely worth it.


    He had earned money by mining ores all night in the cave. He still had enough coins left to spend on other things, so he was okay with indulging a little. This motivated him to work even harder and earn more money, and he wanted to share this experience with Lily, too.


    Broken had devoured the food with relish, forgetting that his actual physical body was also hungry. After finishing the meal, the content look on his face made it clear he had thoroughly enjoyed this kind of lifestyle.


    "Let''s do more things like this in the future," he said, thoughtfully pausing for a moment before adding, "I wonder if I could bring Lily to a game center and let her experience this kind of sensation too."


    As he finished his meal, he felt rejuvenated and realized he could probably eat another burger. But he decided to save that indulgence for another time. He was now ready to continue his quest.


    "Now, I need to see Fokil," he said.


    [You have eaten arge portion of the Minotaur Burger.]


    [Random stats will be given temporarily.]


    [You gain a Strength stat increase of 10 for 24 hours.]


    [You gain a Stamina stat increase of 10 for 24 hours.]


    Broken nodded slowly after he had finished his hearty meal. "So, this kind of stat bonus makes food like this even more valuable. With a bonus of 20 stats, which can be equated to two level increases, it''s a major boon. Anyone nning to go on a monster raid would find it worthwhile to consider eating something this expensive, or even more expensive than this."


    He earned a significant amount of money in one night''s worth of mining in Immortal Legacy. Even though it was still in-game currency, if he converted it into dors, it was equivalent to a week''s sry from his previous job at the convenience store.


    "At least, if I focus solely on mining, it''s already a better oue than my old job. But then, I can do even better and greater than this," he said confidently.


    He hastily exited the diner, and with the lingering taste of the meal still on his tongue, he hurried towards Fokil''s smithy. It only took him a few minutes to arrive, and just as he did, he noticed the door to the smithy was slightly open.


    "Excuse me, Mr. Fokil," Broken said quietly, but he was sure that the dwarf could still hear him. "I brought a rmendation letter that I want to show you."


    But there was no answer. "Where is he?" he thought.

 Chapter 28 - 28 - Quest Advancement Skill

    <h4>Chapter 28: - Quest Advancement Skill</h4>


    Broken stood outside the smithy, waiting for a response that never came. He hesitated to open the door, as he could feel the intense heat and smell the distinct scent of melting metal. The strong sound of a hammer hitting metal could be heard from inside, indicating that Fokil was busy at work.


    He had learned that Fokil was known for his short temper, and Broken didn''t want to cause any trouble. However, he also didn''t have all day to wait. He decided to give it an hour; if there were no progress, he would log out and returnter. He then sat right in front of the smithy door to ensure he wouldn''t miss Fokiling out.


    A yer with a determined stride approached. Judging by his gear, he appeared to be a level 150 swordsman. He had long ck hair tied in a ponytail.


    "Hey, you! Where''s your boss? I''m here to pick up my order," the swordsman said.


    Broken frowned and stood up. "I''m not an employee here..." his words trailed off.


    "Tell your boss I''ve been waiting too long for my order. It''s already a weekte. Go in and tell him I want my sword now! I''ve paid a lot, and I don''t want to be cheated by that Dwarf cksmith!" the man demanded.


    "I''m not an employee. Go find him yourself," Broken insisted.


    The man aggressively pushed Broken into the smithy. "Get your boss, I need my sword immediately."


    Broken stumbled through the dimly lit smithy, the only lighting from a small vent and the fiery glow of the furnace.


    Fokil was busy hammering away at his work when he noticed Broken''s presence. He stopped and asked, "What''s the matter? Who gave you permission to enter?"


    "Sir, sorry, but there''s someone looking for you. He said his sword order is a week overdue."


    Fokil stood from his workstation, walked to a corner of the room, and retrieved a silver-colored sword. He exited the smithy, with Broken following closely behind.


    Outside, the swordsman immediately approached.


    "Hahaha, I''ve been looking forward to this. I can''t wait to see the grade of my new sword!" the swordsman said enthusiastically.


    Fokil tossed the sword to him.


    The swordsman inspected the sword briefly and was shocked. "What? Only Epic-Grade? Not even a Unique-Grade? You made me pay a fortune just for an Epic-Grade? Are you kidding me?!"


    Fokil responded immediately in a stern voice. "I will refund your money if you''re not satisfied with my work, but you will be banned from my smithy forever."


    "Wait!" The swordsman was taken aback, still examining the sword. "How can an Epic-Grade have such good stats and skills..." he said, his voice trembling.


    "Give me back the sword; I don''t want to hear your foolish ramblings!" Fokil said, reaching for the sword.


    However, the swordsman pulled the sword to his back and held up his hand to Fokil. "Hahaha, Mr. Fokil... sorry for what I said earlier. I''ll keep this sword; I like it. Haha."


    "That''s thest time I ept amission from you," Fokil said.


    "No please... hahaha, I was just kidding." The swordsman then nced at Broken. "Hey, your employee is so polite." He tossed a silver coin to Broken. "Take this, a tip for you."


    "He is not my employee," Fokil said.


    "Wait, what? Then why was he standing in front of your smithy? Why didn''t you tell me?"


    "I told you twice, but you didn''t listen," Broken said firmly.


    "Ck, you can keep the coin." The swordsman then turned back to Fokil. "Thanks for the service, Mr. Fokil." He then walked away,ughing. "Hahaha, I have a new sword."


    Broken was now even more sure of his decision to pursue the quest, after witnessing what had just happened. He had heard people rave about Fokil''s skills and now he could see for himself that the rumors were true. Despite rarely offering his services, Fokil''s high prices were justified by the exceptional quality he delivered.


    Feeling more determined than ever, Broken was even more motivated toplete the quest and obtain the cksmith ss from Fokil.


    Fokil let out a frustrated sigh and turned his gaze back to Broken. "What do you want?"


    Broken, taken aback by the harshness in Fokil''s tone, struggled to steady his trembling voice as he responded, "I have a rmendation letter from the Mining Association. I was hoping you would take the time to consider teaching me the craft of cksmithing."


    Fokil''s expression remained stern as he firmly stated, "Leave. I have no time to spare."


    "But I mined 10 high-quality iron ores in just one night, on my first try," Broken said firmly. "I want to prove to you how determined I am. Please, let me take on some quests so I can show it to you."


    "Do you think I will believe your nonsense?" Fokil asked sharply, his voice full of resolve. "If you don''t go away," he continued, his tone bing more authoritative, "I will have to force you to leave this ce." The Dwarf then returned to his smithy and mmed the door shut.


    "Tsk!" Broken clicked his tongue in frustration, shaking his head in disbelief. "Why does this Dwarf have to be so difficult to deal with?" he thought to himself.


    Determined not to give up, Broken took a deep breath and decided to wait outside the smithy. He needed to find another way to prove his worth and gain Fokil''s trust. He sat down on a nearby bench, thinking hard about his next move.


    "Do I need to wait for another hour?" he wondered.


    He considered using his time more efficiently by leaving the smithy, but he had already put in so much effort toplete the quest. It wasn''t an option to back down and find another way to obtain the cksmith ss.


    In Immortal Legacy, it wasmon knowledge that the moreplex a quest was, the greater the potential reward. With that belief, Broken felt he had to stick with this quest. Fokil might be temperamental, but there must be reasons for his behavior. After all, he was a Dwarf and renowned for his cksmithing skills.


    He waited outside the smithy for a while, growing bored and increasingly aware of his physical hunger. He wanted to log out and eat. Finally, he stood up, feeling it was time to leave. He may try againter.


    Just as Broken was about to leave, he heard heavy footsteps approaching. Suddenly, Fokil kicked the door open with a loud thump, causing Broken to step back in surprise.


    Fokil''s eyes were bloodshot, likely from drinking, and the pungent smell of sweat and burning metal hit Broken''s nostrils.


    "Bring me five moonstones if you feel confident in your ability to convince me," Fokil muttered under his breath.


    Immediately afterward, a series of system notifications appeared in front of Broken.


    [The Quest Advancement skill has been activated!]


    [The rating for the quest ''Be an Apprentice of Fokil the cksmith'' is about to be upgraded!]

 Chapter 29 - 29 - The Joy of Doing Nothing

    <h4>Chapter 29: - The Joy of Doing Nothing</h4>


    [Mine Five Moonstones]


    [Rating: B]


    [Fokil wanted to make a point to the beginner that having a clear goal is crucial for sess. He decided to challenge the yer by asking them to find and mine five Moonstones and bring them back. Any quality would do.]


    [Clear Conditions: Find and mine five Moonstones.]


    [Clear Rewards: An upgrade on the "Be an Apprentice of Fokil the cksmith" quest, A boost in affinity with Fokil, and a rare blueprint for a weapon. ]


    [Quest Failure: Missing out on the opportunity to be an apprentice of Fokil.]


    Broken immediately checked the new quest he had received, noticing that it had a fairly high rating, B. However, it wasn''t directly rted to cksmithing but rather focused on mining.


    He tried to make sense of it, perhaps because he had demonstrated his mining skills earlier. But what were Moonstones? He had never heard of them during his time ying Immortal Legacy.


    He lifted his head, considering asking Fokil for more information about the quest. However, the Dwarf had already returned inside the smithy.


    Broken approached the door and rapped firmly on its wooden surface. "Mr. Fokil," he called, "could you tell me where I can find the Moonstones? Since this is the first time I''ve heard about them, I''m sure I''ll do well if you give me some hints."


    He waited for a response, but there was none. Taking a deep breath, Broken wondered what to do next.


    This quest was truly testing his patience, and it seemed he needed to resort to more conventional methods¡ªseeking information on how and where to mine the Moonstones.


    He nced again at the rewards for the quest, which clearly stated that he would receive an upgrade rating on his previous quest. Additionally, there was a Rare Blueprint for a weapon. This was a highly tempting reward, especially if he seeded in obtaining the cksmith ss. He would definitely need blueprints to craft items.


    Finally, he felt the effect of his Quest Advancement skill, which was indeed remarkable. The skill had a profound impact on his environment, including influencing the behavior of the NPCs around him. It was truly a game-changing skill worthy of a Divine Champion.


    He walked away from the smithy, thinking it would be best to log out of the game because his stomach was twisting with hunger. However, he had a thought.


    "Maybe I should rest my character at an inn before I log out?" he pondered aloud. He felt entitled to experience more of theforts offered by the game.


    If a yer logged out of the game, their virtual body would instantly vanish. However, they would reappear at the exact same ce they logged out from. Additionally, there were certain conditions that needed to be met in order for someone to log out; they could not be engaged in a fight, and if they were forced to log out due to any unforeseen circumstances, their virtual body would remain but be a spiritless form, making them much more vulnerable to attack.


    If one wanted to obtain beneficial effects such as stamina regeneration, one could opt to ce their virtual body in an inn or afortable bed before logging out. Although this was not something everyone did, some ''pay-to-win'' yers strove to reach the highest rank in Immortal Legacy.


    Broken checked the contents of his inventory and noticed that he still didn''t have enough money to even think about luxury.


    [Coins: 0 gold 41 silver 40 bronze]


    He smiled wryly, muttering under his breath, "I can wait. I will work very, very diligently again after this."


    "But wait, diligent?" He was silent for a moment, and then he smiled in confusion.


    He was the champion of Sloth, right? Was he supposed to bezy? Why did the goddess Akidia choose him? If he justzed around, all these blessings would be useless, wouldn''t they?


    Broken pondered, attempting to make sense of the situation. "Could this be rted to the leveling up rule that I got? All the other yers are striving to level up by killing monsters, and I don''t even need to think about that ¨C I won''t gain any experience by doing so. I suppose it''s kind of funny, but I''ll go with it ¨C it''s so much fun. This is really changing my life. Thanks, Goddess Akidia."


    He then chose a quiet ce to log out of the game.


    ***


    Leon emerged from his capsule device, blinking a few times as he adjusted his vision to the dim lighting of the room. He nced at the clock on the far wall and noticed it was 5 p.m.


    For the first time, he had truly spent a lot of time in the game. It felt like he had been in the game for an entire day, even though in the real world, it was in the evening.


    He stepped out of the room, surveying his surroundings. It seemed that Lily had returned from school. "She should be sleeping in her room," he thought.


    Leon went to the bathroom and swiftly took off his clothes. The chilly water flowed over his body, relieving him of his fatigue and leaving him feeling rejuvenated. It was as if he had spent more time in the virtual world than in his physical body over the past few hours.


    He had been immersed in the game for a full day and night, maneuvering his virtual avatar with ease. It was a bizarre experience, as if he existed in two nes at once: one in his real life and the other within the game. It was often difficult to differentiate between the two realities.


    Leon emerged from the bathroom. He shuffled into the kitchen, where Lily was standing in front of the stove wearing a pair of tight denim shorts and a crisp white t-shirt.


    She nced over her shoulder. "I see you had quite a bit of fun today, am I right?"


    Leon grinned back. "I think so."


    Lily was heating up food on the stove.


    "You haven''t had lunch either, Lily?" he asked.


    She nodded. "Yes, I was deliberately waiting for you to exit your virtual world," she said, then turned to the dining table. "Let me prepare this food for both of us. Clean up the dining table, will you?"


    Leon nodded and began clearing the table, feeling a sense of normalcy return as he moved tes and utensils into ce. It was a small but grounding task, a reminder of the tangible world outside the immersive game.


    A few minutester, the two of them sat down at the dining table and ate their lunch¡ªor rather, their evening meal¡ªtogether.


    "You don''t have to do this much, you know," Leon said, ncing at Lily. "You''re not responsible for this."


    Lily chuckled and nced back at him. "You''re saying this as though it''s the first time I''ve done this, right? After all, you''ve been doing a lot for me since I was a child, and I''m not doing this out of necessity. Don''t feel burdened, okay?" she said reassuringly.


    Leon smiled at Lily''s response and continued, "By the way, I just ate quite an expensive meal at Immortal Legacy."


    "What, really? What food was that? Tell me more."


    "It was called the Minotaur Burger."


    "Huh? What? Mino what?"


    "Minotaur, a humanoid shape of a bull, something like that."


    "Yuck, why would someone eat the meat of a monster like that? Just imagining it makes my appetite go away."


    "That''s also what I thought at first," Leon said, "but I was really amazed and stunned by the taste of the food, which even now seems to linger on my tongue."


    "I can''t believe your review. After all, how do you know that it''s really good? Have you everpared it to food in the real world?"


    Leonughed. "But the experience felt so real. The vors were incredible. It makes you appreciate the level of detail in the game."


    While they were eating, Leon shared his experiences in the game over the past few days. Once he finished eating, he went back to his room and searched the forum for any mention of Moonstone now that he had satisfied his hunger.

 Chapter 30 - 30 - A Supportive Ally

    <h4>Chapter 30: - A Supportive Ally?</h4>


    "Moonstones, Moonstones..."


    Leon muttered to himself as he continued to browse the online forum for any information on the location of the Moonstones rted to his quest. He searched diligently, yet none of the keywords he entered into the Immortal Legacy online forums yielded any results. Even the search application didn''t seem to be of much help.


    No one had been able to explore and map the entire virtual world of Yunatea, nor had the game developer provided aprehensive guide. As a result, yers worldwide have taken it upon themselves topile a repository of information about the game, which everyone can ess. This database and online forum provided an invaluable source of knowledge that could be used to maximize the gaming experience.


    However, much of the most important and valuable information was not widely shared and was instead monopolized by certain groups, who did this in order to maintain their standing in the rankings andpete with other top yers or guilds.


    [Hey everyone! Has anyone ever heard of Moonstone? I recently received a quest from a cksmith in Deadbay City.]


    Leon created a new subject on the forums, hoping someone would be kind enough to provide him with an idea forpleting the quest he had been working on.


    Immortal Legacy quests have historically been difficult toplete, particrly for unique ones like the one Leon was currently attempting¡ªno one had ever discussed Moonstone before, so this quest was something entirely new. Even though it was possible that someone had experienced something simr, they hadn''t shared it on the Inte.


    Nevertheless, despite the difficulties he was facing, he was eager to find out how the quest would end, and the promise of a rating upgrade if he could obtain the Moonstones made it all the more appealing.


    He refreshed the page multiple times, hoping for a response. His eyes darted across the screen, scanning for any signs of helpful advice. After what felt like an eternity, a notification popped up. Several replies appeared in the thread he had just created.


    [What is a Moonstone? Deadbay City is for newbies. I''m sure it''s just a useless thing. Meh, skip it.]


    [I once knew an unfriendly cksmith in that town. He was a failed Dwarf who exiled himself from his race. Ha ha ha ha... I think this yer is being scammed by the cksmith.]


    [What are you looking for? Do you want to be a cksmith and get troublesome quests instead? There is an easier way to be a cksmith; don''t burden yourself with such a stupid quest.]


    [Moonstone? Like, maybe you should mine the rock on the moon? Kha kha kha.]


    Leon let out a sigh of frustration as he scrolled through the replies in the thread he had started. "What''s the point of having this online forum if it''s filled with more toxic people than helpful ones?"


    Taking a deep breath, he closed hisptop and walked over to his bed. Throwing himself onto it, he felt slight exhaustion from having spent so much time in the game.


    "I''ve still got a lot of time left before my eight-hour penalty takes effect. I guess I''ll take a trip around Deadbay one more time and see if I can figure out how to solve this problem," he thought out loud.


    Leon then walked to the counter to get a ss of refreshing water, taking a few moments to quench his thirst before heading over to his capsule device. After stepping inside, he re-logged into the game.


    ***


    Broken opened his eyes, feeling a sensationpletely different from the one he was used to in his own world. The lighting in Yunatea was dimming as the evening approached.


    "Alright, let''s go around," he decided, hoping to find more information on the miners he had encountered before and to see if they had heard anything about the things he was looking for. However, the system screen had a notification saying that Booba was sending him messages repeatedly.


    [Booba: "Broken, hey man, where are you? What are you doing? You haven''t given up ying this game, have you?"]


    [Broken: "Hey, I''m fine. I''m doing some quests. I need some help; if you could perhaps give me a hint."]


    [Booba: "Oh, sure... you can ask me anything. I''ll make sure you get the answers you need. You can rely on me."]


    [Broken: "Actually, I''m on a quest from a cksmith, and this quest allows me to get a cksmith ss as well as something else of value. But, for the current step, I need a clue to find where I can get some Moonstones. I don''t want to push you, but I would be grateful if you had any information that could be useful to me."]


    [Booba: "Don''t worry! I''ll be right back with answers for you! My sister is a top-ranked yer, and she''ll make sure you get any information, no matter how confidential it is!"]


    "Nice," Broken smiled lightly, relieved to have found another potential source of help. Booba, despite often speaking his mind and acting unpredictably, was genuinely kind and always tried his best to help Broken.


    "I guess I should open up to getting to know more yers since I can y this game more frequently now," he thought.


    ***


    Boobaughed confidently upon hearing Broken''s plea for help, eager to prove his usefulness and reliability.


    "But why," he pondered as he entered the inn, a majestic building with dark-brown wooden walls and ck stones, standing ten floors high.


    "Why does Broken want to be a cksmith?" He let out a sigh and furrowed his brow. "It seems like he''s going through a tough time, and I want to help lighten his load."


    Booba stepped casually into the inn, and it was clear that the employees paid him respect. One of the female maids, who looked to be in her early twenties, approached him and inquired, "Is there anything we can help you with, Mr. Booba?"


    Booba smiled warmly and replied softly, "My sister, when will she be logging back in?"


    "She should be in her room in a few minutes, Mr. Booba," the maid replied.


    Booba then headed for the wooden elevator that took him to the tenth floor. After that, he sauntered along the corridor until he was standing in front of arge oak door. He could hear the faint sound of footsteps from the other side, and after a few moments, the door creaked open, revealing a girl with short blue hair.


    "What are you doing here?" the girl bellowed.


    "Could you be a little nicer to me, my little sister, Elincia?" Booba said sweetly, shing her a cheerful smile.


    Elincia walked toward the elevator, passing her brother Booba. She sighed heavily and said, "I made a big mistake in front of Princess Alora. Now I have to find a yer who seems to have a special rtionship with her."


    "Wow," Booba replied, a big smile stretching across his face. "Am I hearing some pretty confidential news here?" He quickly followed behind his little sister.


    "What do you want?" Elincia asked, her voice stern.


    Booba took a step back as the girl spun around. "Do you know about Moonstone, my dear sister?" he asked.


    Elincia''s expression shifted as she heard his question. "Moonstone?" she repeated. Her tone turned serious as she continued, "How can you, of such a low level, have any connection to such an item?"


    Booba smirked, "My novice friend has a quest involving these weird things."


    "It seems you are the novice here, not your friend," Elincia retorted as she stepped into the elevator. "Moonstones hold great significance and are linked to an important entity in Yunatea."

 Chapter 31 - 31 - A Lone Adventurer

    <h4>Chapter 31: - A Lone Adventurer?</h4>


    Walking along the paved road in the city of Deadbay, Broken carefully held Polly in his arms. The buildings in the town wereposed of rectangr white stones with roofs primarily made of red bricks. Small rivers flowed through the city, dividing it into sections and eventually emptying into the sea. Vines adorned several buildings, adding to the pleasant aesthetic of the small town.


    Broken strolled to the outskirts of town with Polly, intending to ask her to change to herrger form away from prying eyes. He knew that revealing Polly''s appearance as a spirit beast would draw too much attention.


    The bustling streets of the city gradually gave way to grassy and bushy ins near the outskirts.


    "Okay, let''s head to the cave to meet the miners, Polly," Broken smiled and set Polly down.


    Polly lifted her head and stared at Broken, remaining silent for a few moments. "Master..." she said quietly.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "I''m hungry," Polly exined slowly, her voice tinged with worry. "I''m afraid that if I continue to change into my battle form, I will disappear and be forced to return to the spirit world."


    "Ah, I understand," Broken replied,passion in his voice. He reached down and gently ruffled Polly''s fur. "I''m sorry. You should never be afraid to tell me what you need. It''s my responsibility, okay?"


    "I don''t want to burden you, Master."


    "No... we''re allies, okay? We need each other. So next time, please tell me anything you''re worried about before it''s toote."


    "Yes, Master... thank you..."


    "Let''s go back to town and get you something to eat. Then we can head to the cave." He smiled reassuringly.


    But then another frown appeared on his forehead. "Wait," he said, a hint of confusion in his voice. "I''ve never fed spirits before. Do you eat something like what humans eat?"


    Polly shook her head. "No, Master, we are spirits that consume other spirits."


    "Huh?" Broken was bewildered by her response. "What do you mean? Are you saying you guys are cannibals?"


    "No, Master," Polly said calmly, her small eyes gazing at Broken. "Spirits epass various forms, ranging from nts, monsters, events, ces, elements, and more. To put it simply, outside the spirit world, we spirits can satisfy our hunger by feasting on the spirits of the monsters we defeat. Furthermore, we are especially fond of Monster Cores."


    "Monster Cores?" Broken paused, nodding slowly. "So, by killing monsters, you can get your stomach filled. But what else do you get out of consuming Monster Cores? I mean, it''s not exactly easy to get them since the chance of a monster dropping one is slim."


    Polly nodded eagerly. "Monster Cores are highly valued among us spirits. They not only provide sustenance but also grant us stat points and the potential to evolve into more powerful forms.""


    "I see now. Consuming Monster Cores can also make you stronger."


    "Correct, Master..."


    When yers hunted monsters, they could obtain a variety of rewards, such as experience points. These experience points were a reliable source of progression, so yers were always on the lookout for monsters to hunt. However, the amount of experience points they received diminished if the level of the monster they were hunting was too far below their own. Therefore, yers often sought out higher-level monsters to maximize their experience point gain. The higher the level of the monster, the more experience points they earned.


    Apart from that, monsters also dropped various items, such as meat, skin, bones, skill scrolls, recipes, blueprints, and the highly sought-after Monster Core. This core was a crystalline structure usually found at the heart of the monsters, giving them the ability to live, fight, and use skills. However, when they died, there was only a small chance that these Monster Cores were left behind, making them a rare and valuable find for anyone who managed to defeat them.


    But then, there was an even rarer form of Monster Core: the Monster Soul Stone, a more powerful version.


    Monster Cores could be used to craft and upgrade weapons and armor, as well as for various other purposes. Meanwhile, a Monster Soul Stone was essentially a Monster Core containing the monster''s soul, making it much more valuable. In some cases, its price could be tens or even hundreds of times greater than that of a Monster Core.


    "Alright," Broken nodded slowly. "We have plenty of time, so I think we can spend it hunting some monsters. I''m not in a rush."


    Then, remembering something, he asked, "Oh, by the way, Polly, let me see your current stats."


    Polly''s eyes gleamed, and she replied, "Of course, Master. Here are my current stats."


    [Name: Polly


    Level: 97


    Race: Nine-Tailed Fox


    Health: 1570 Mana: 1896


    Strength: 212 Agility: 380 Intelligence: 158 Constitution: 157 Stamina: 170]


    Broken swallowed hard upon seeing Polly''s total stats. "You''ve got more stat points than me, Polly! You''re way ahead in terms of stats. Don''t worry, though. We''ll find plenty of monster cores and soul stones for you," he assured her. "We''ll keep leveling you up so you can be even stronger."


    "Yes, Master... I want to be stronger so I can be more useful to you."


    "You''re already very useful to me, Polly," he said, rubbing the little fox''s head affectionately.


    Polly had abination of stats that were perfect for her role. Her Agility stat was extremely high, the highest among all her stats, allowing her to move swiftly and nimbly. Her Strength was also substantial, giving her significant physical damage output. To support these two stats, she had a decent Constitution and Stamina.


    The stat that was least developed was Intelligence, as she didn''t rely heavily on magic for her set of skills. Even so, her overall stats surpassed those of yers above level 100 or even higher. When facing a level 100 yer one-on-one, she had a very high chance of winning, especially against mages. Mages would struggle against Polly due to her high Magic Resistance.


    Broken then scanned the area for a while, searching for the group of yers he had seen heading toward the hunting ground. There were three of them, and they appeared to be in one party. Judging by their attire, they seemed to be around Level 50. He cautiously trailed them from a distance as they made their way across the expansive meadow toward a forest on the other side.


    As Broken walked past the trio of yers, consisting of a male warrior, a female mage, and a female archer, all of whom seemed to be in their early twenties, he paid them no heed, not even sparing them a nce.


    "Look at that," the male warrior scoffed, pointing at Broken. "There''s a solo yer; I think he''s too dumb to find any allies. Hahaha!"


    The two girls next to him chuckled as their friend joked and teased Broken.


    "Let him be; don''t disturb him," the archer girl advised.


    "Woah, he has a cute spirit beast," the mage girl added, pointing at the little fox following behind Broken.


    "Ch," the male warrior scoffed. "But still, he''s too foolish. Do you see his shabby clothes? I''m sure he''s not even level 10 yet. He''s walking into the forest like that? He''s going to be dead before long."


    When Broken heard the jeering, he stopped and raised his eyebrows. A vein of annoyance appeared on his face as he turned to the trio. "What''s the problem if I''m a solo yer?" he asked.


    "Hahahaha," the warrior man guffawed. "Look at him. This foolish yer is annoyed. How about we test how strong he is? Duel me, you buffoon!"

 Chapter 32 - 32 - Remember Me

    <h4>Chapter 32: - Remember Me</h4>


    [You have been challenged to a duel by RememberMe Lv. 78!]


    A notification popped up in front of Broken, indicating that the warrior was challenging him to a duel.


    "You fool!" RememberMe taunted, standing defiantly before him. "Don''t tell me you''re a coward who runs from a challenge. Do you think you''re pretty tough, wandering around alone without any party members? Well, now''s your chance to prove your strength."


    "Level 78?" Broken muttered under his breath. He wasn''t intimidated by the man in front of him. After all, this was just a duel, and there wouldn''t be any penalties like when a yer kills another yer.


    He was confident he could win despite his opponent''s level. He had Polly, who was incredibly reliable in battle and higher level than him. He also possessed several skills that could be used inbos, dealing significant damage when executed perfectly.


    But he wasn''t interested in dueling. He didn''t want to entertain those toxic yers, he wouldn''t gain anything from it.


    "What a waste of time," he said, passing the man and continuing to walk away.


    In Immortal Legacy, yers can engage in a mini-game called dueling. This is avable to everyone and allows yers to fight against each other without the risk of death. This rule applies to all participants, whether they are individual yers, parties, or guilds. After the duel, the losers do not suffer any consequences such as losing experience or levels. Additionally, before the fight begins, both parties can make bets if they both agree. These bets can include coins, weapons, or any other items that are mutually decided upon.


    RememberMe continued to follow Broken as he strode away, growing irritated at being ignored.


    "ept my challenge to a duel, you fool!" he shouted. "It''s pure foolishness to venture into the forest alone, isn''t it? You won''t survive a minute in there - there''s a pack of level 80 monsters waiting."


    Broken was taken aback by the man''s words. "A level 80 monster?" he murmured. He hadn''t expected the monsters in the area to be so high-level.


    Monsters in this region used to range between levels 20 and 50, but perhaps the average level of yers had increased, causing the monsters'' levels to rise as well. Facing a few level 80 monsters might not be an issue for him, but encountering arge group would certainly be problematic.


    [You have been challenged to a duel by RememberMe Lv. 78!]


    [You have been challenged to a duel by RememberMe Lv. 78!]


    [You have been challenged to a duel by RememberMe Lv. 78!]


    The mage girl spoke up. "Hey, RememberMe, let him go. You should find a more worthy opponent, you know..."


    The archer girl added, "His level can''t be that high."


    "But he''s heading to an area with level 80 monsters. I just want to remind him how foolish he is."


    Broken was bing increasingly frustrated as the man kept pushing him to a duel. He stopped and faced the warrior, his voice stern as he asked, "Do you have anything that can make this duel more interesting for me?"


    "What? Do you think you can dodge my challenge by being condescending? Is there something you''d be willing to risk to bnce the bet? What do you have? Your clothes look so worn. Do you have any coins? Ha ha ha... You should be thankful I''m offering you this duel, so you can get a glimpse of how a high-level fighter fights." RememberMe replied, his voice dripping with arrogance.


    Broken feltpelled to teach the warrior a lesson, especially since the two female yers in the warrior''s party did not seem to support his behavior. Broken even felt a strong urge to kill the warrior. However, he knew it was best to avoid getting involved in yer killing at the moment, given that his level wasn''t high enough and he didn''t have the necessary equipment to defend himself effectively.


    ying it safe was the best strategy for survival and progression at this point.


    yer killing was primarily favored by those wanting to snatch resources from other yers. However, the more they killed, the more they would be recognized with a red g, making them potential targets for attacks from other yers without any penalty.


    Broken drew his sword, gripping it firmly with his right hand. "I ept your duel challenge, and whoever loses will be the victor''s ve for the next 24 hours, doing whatever the victor asks." He pointed at the two female yers. "They will be witnesses to this agreement."


    In duels, the reward for the winner could be dered as very, meaning the losing yer would be penalized if they disobeyed their master''smands, as per the game''s system. However, there were certain limitations, such as ensuring themands were reasonable.


    RememberMe took one look at Broken''s sword and could barely contain hisughter.


    "With a weapon like that, you had the audacity to ept my challenge. It seems that the contents of your head are as broken as your name," he replied confidently. "I didn''t think that with your tattered weapon, you would arrogantly surrender yourself to be my ve, hahaha..."


    "I''ll buy him a sword, what do you think?" the mage girl suggested.


    "I think that''s a good idea. At least the duel will be fairer," the archer girl agreed.


    "Ha! I could defeat him without using my armor," RememberMe scoffed.


    The mage girl walked over to Broken, smiling at him. "Hey, are you sure you want to ept his challenge? He doesn''t have any sense, and I can''t imagine what he would do if you lost and became his ve for the next 24 hours," she said.


    Broken returned the mage girl''s smile. "Thanks for your concern, but I''ll face him fairly."


    "You don''t need to show kindness to a stranger, PussyCat. This is so annoying. Come fight me, Broken!" RememberMe demanded.


    [You have been challenged to a duel by RememberMe Lv. 78!]


    Broken epted the challenge from RememberMe, and a symbol of two shing swords immediately appeared between them, indicating they were now in a duel mode.


    At that moment, RememberMe noticed Broken''s level from the system, "Level 26?" He turned to Broken with a smirk.


    Broken muttered under his breath, "I forgot that he would find out my level."

 Chapter 33 - 33 - Stupid Tattered Sword

    <h4>Chapter 33: - Stupid Tattered Sword</h4>


    RememberMe was about to burst intoughter upon seeing Broken''s level. He initially just wanted to bully him, but now he felt like he might have gone too far. Broken''s level was only 26. He could defeat him without using any armor or weapon


    "I think there''s something wrong with him. His level is only 26, yet he dared to ept my challenge," RememberMeughed, turning to his friends.


    PussyCat, the female mage, sighed. "Just let him go, RememberMe. You''re going too far with this bullying. Look at him; he''s just a poor yer passing by."


    "He doesn''t look strong at all," the female archer added. "Though his Spirit Beast is adorable, I''m curious about it."


    Broken stood with Polly waiting nearby, not yet in her Battle Form. He deliberately held Polly back, wanting to surprise the arrogant warrior.


    RememberMe''s level was quite high at 78. This could be advantageous for Broken. If the warrior followed him for the next 24 hours, he could help Broken hunt monsters and gather enough Monster Cores to feed Polly.


    Polly, a level 97 Spirit Beast, would benefit significantly from Monster Cores of equal level, especially if they had the chance to obtain Monster Soul Stones. Broken''s Bountiful Harvest skill increased the likelihood of such valuable drops.


    RememberMe flung his sword to the ground and dered confidently, "I''ll give you five seconds to unleash your most powerful attack on me. Take a good look," he said, discarding the armor he had been wearing on his top and letting it tter to the ground. "I admire your bravery. Now, show me your best attack," he added.


    "I''ll defeat you without using any armor or weapons. It''s only fair since fighting you at such a low level would be too easy with my high-quality gear. Hahaha." RememberMe unted his arrogance.


    The female archer, Forev, grumbled, "I hope he doesn''t regret underestimating his opponent. What a stupid asshole."


    PussyCat giggled. "I feel sorry for that level 26 swordsman. He''s going to be RememberMe''s ve after this. There''s no way he can win against him."


    PussyCat then said with concern."RememberMe, are you sure of your decision? You are underestimating him too much,"


    "Don''t worry, he is only at level 26; what could I possibly fear? I''m merely entertaining myself," RememberMe responded confidently.


    "But don''t forget, he has a spirit beast," PussyCat reminded him.


    "Do you think spirit beasts that choose a level 26 yer are special ones? Just take a look at that spirit beast - it''s just a little cute fox," he answered.


    Broken charged towards RememberMe with a sword, and Polly transformed into five foxes, several timesrger than before.


    RememberMe was taken aback, unable to defend as Broken quickly got in front of him and unleashed an attack with his sword, causing him to fall to the ground instantly.


    Broken then delivered several additional strikes, drastically depleting RememberMe''s health.


    Polly''s fox forms also attacked, wing and tearing at his body. The onught was rapid and relentless, leaving RememberMe no time to think about how to fight back.


    "Kyaaaa.... Help me!" RememberMe yelled out in distress as his health bar plummeted rapidly.


    Soon after, a loud siren red, announcing that the duel hade to an abrupt conclusion in mere seconds.


    RememberMey on the ground after he was badly defeated by Broken, he still couldn''t ept the defeat, he was in shock.


    PussyCat and Forev ran over, and it was clear from Forev''s smirk that she was enjoying the situation. "I warned you," she said.


    "Did you see thising, Forev?" PussyCat asked.


    "Nine-tailed Fox," Forev replied, nodding toward Polly, now perched in Broken''s arms.


    "Doesn''t it have only three tails?" PussyCat remarked, puzzled.


    "It will, after it evolves next time."


    Forev continued, "I''ve studied Spirits and Spirit Beasts, so I knew this wasn''t an ordinary Spirit Beast. I suspected its level was much higher than its master''s."


    RememberMe stood up, still visibly annoyed. "Damn it, why didn''t you tell me earlier, Forev? This is really frustrating," he grumbled.


    Broken gave the warrior a smug smile. "Now, you''re my ve for the next 24 hours."


    "Do we need to form a party?" RememberMe inquired.


    Broken was still unsure how his Bountiful Harvest skill worked¡ªwhether being in a party with others would affect the rate. But he knew he needed tond the final hit on every monster they hunted to maximize the benefits of his skill.


    Moreover, Broken had no interest in spending more time with the three yers than necessary. So he wasn''t keen on forming a party with them.


    "I don''t think so," Broken replied nonchntly. "You just have to reduce the monsters'' health bar to nearly empty, and I''ll deliver the final blow¡ªthat way, all the bounty that drops from the monsters will be mine."


    Broken then spun around and headed for the forest without pausing to hear the warrior''s reply.


    RememberMe sensed something was amiss about Broken.


    "How are you so powerful when you''re only level 26?" he called out, trying to catch up to Broken. Two of hispanions rushed after him as well.


    RememberMe, a male warrior, PussyCat, a female mage, and Forev, a female archer, knew each other outside the game. They had been ying Immortal Legacy for quite some time and had be quite intrigued by this increasingly popr game, which was being yed by many people worldwide.


    RememberMe was a tall and well-built man with blond hair. Standing at 1.8 meters (5.91 feet), he was well-suited to be a front-line warrior. PussyCat was a mage with a witch''s hat and a blue robe. At 1.6 meters (5.25 feet) tall, her blond hair gave her an even more attractive appearance. Thest yer was Forev, an Asian girl who was 1.59 meters (5.22 feet) tall, had straight ck hair and was wearing a dark gray archer''s outfit.


    RememberMe nced at his twopanions. "See, he is level 26, but his skill dealt so much damage. Did you see his stupid tattered sword? There is no way the skill came from the sword."


    Forev responded, "That''s because you didn''t wear any armor, you idiot."


    "I''m not that stupid; I can do the math. I''m sure he has a skill with high damage. He is only level 26; his stats can''t be that high," RememberMe insisted.


    The three of them walked, following Broken while chatting with each other.


    "Let me follow him; you two go on ahead," he said, sighing.


    "No, it''s okay; we''ll keep youpany. I think making new friends in this game will be interesting," PussyCat replied with a wide smile.


    "Yes, I''m also curious about his spirit beast," Forev added.


    RememberMe then ran to catch up to Broken and walked beside him. "Hahaha, Master... tell me, where did you get that skill? The damage is so high, it''s like a magic skill."


    Broken, meanwhile, checked the durability of his sword, which was almostpletely worn out. A few more uses and it would break entirely.


    "I''ll lend you a new sword, Master..." RememberMe offered. "I have a level 25 sword. Interested? But tell me about the skill you used to kill me, hahaha."

 Chapter 34 - 34 - Unique-Grade Classes

    <h4>Chapter 34: - Unique-Grade sses</h4>


    RememberMe was still talking about the duel he had with Broken, which he lost miserably.


    "I''m certain his skill deals massive damage. It couldn''t have been a critical hit; our level difference is too great!" RememberMe said confidently. "Somehow, he did it. Maybe he''s a cheater, and I''ll follow him to find out his tricks, hahaha. If we learn how to cheat in this game, we''ll be strong quickly too!"


    "There are no cheaters in this game, idiot!" Forev, the Asian female archer, retorted.


    RememberMe, slightly taken aback, replied, "We can''t be sure until we prove it ourselves."


    The three of them continued to follow Broken, who was walking while Polly ran around in the grass.


    PussyCat nced at the fox and murmured, "The fox is so adorable. I wonder if he''ll let me pet her," she said, giggling.


    "Forev and I will help with the monster hunting," she continued. "I''m sure our new friend needs to level up quickly. He''s still only level 26, right?"


    "Are you sure?" RememberMe asked.


    "Yeah," PussyCat replied. "I think we''d be able to do this much quicker if the two of us helped out. The monsters in the forest are, on average, higher level than us, after all."


    The three of them decided to carry out the punishment together. Doing something different from their usual grinding routine was certainly not boring.


    [RememberMe Lv. 78 - Battle Guardian]


    [PussyCat Lv. 69 - Spell Weaver]


    [Forev Lv. 72 - Shadow Hunter]


    The three yers had yet to reach level 100, the usual requirement for taking the advanced ss quest. Nheless, Broken was an exception; he had acquired his ss in an unconventional manner despite being only level 26. He had a higher grade of ss than the others.


    They soon stepped into the lush forest, the sun''s rays slowly fading as the trees twisted into unnatural shapes. The trees seemed to shiver in their strange forms, and the undergrowth scattered in all directions, creating a hazy light that made the trees appear as if they were drowning in the distance.


    The smell of the forest wafted into their noses, evoking a sense of entering a fantasy world. If it weren''t for the monsters lurking around, they could have enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the beautiful forest all day.


    Monsters can be found in various locations with varying levels of intelligence. Those with low intelligence tended to remain in the same area, while those with higher intelligence roamed around. Like most games, when a monster was killed, it would eventually respawn, making it easier to hunt them.


    In addition to roaming outside, monsters could also be found within dungeons. These monsters were usually of higher levels and greater difficulty than those found outside. To enter a dungeon, yers had to meet certain requirements and were limited to a certain number of entries per period of time.


    "Master," RememberMe said as he walked over to stand next to Broken.


    With a sarcastic tone, Broken replied, "You''re quick to ept your defeat, huh?"


    RememberMe chuckled. "I am a yer with high integrity, so I will live up to my words. And you don''t need to worry; I''m sure we can kill a lot of monsters in this ce with the three of us. Do you want to level up immediately? Your level is still so low, after all."


    However, Broken didn''t seem to hear his question or intend to reply.


    "Master, we will be your minions," RememberMe continued. "Are you willing to share the secrets of the cheats you used?"


    "Where did that foolish ideae from? Your friend already exined that there are no cheats in this game, didn''t she?"


    PussyCat and Forev then joined the conversation.


    "Immortal Legacy is built on a super AI," Forev said. "Since its development andunch three years ago, no bugs or cheaters have been found. That''smon knowledge."


    Forev then turned to PussyCat. "PussyCat should have known better."


    But PussyCat quickly signaled with her index finger on her lips. Forev realized he had made a mistake and fell silent.


    RememberMe continued, "But those stupid Divine Champions, they roam around the game with their ridiculous skills. I think that''s worse than cheating."


    He then turned to Broken. "Could it be that you''re one of the Divine Champions, Master? Hahaha."


    PussyCat replied, "The Divine Champions should all be top yers by now, right?"


    Forev responded, "Not all Divine Champions have revealed their identities. Some still choose to remain hidden. Although, I don''t think it will be long before they''re all known, especially since the Goddess of Sloth has chosen her Champion."


    "The Sloth only has one Champion so far, right? There''s still a chance she might choose another," RememberMe replied with augh.


    As the conversation continued, RememberMe dered, "I''m determined to be the Sloth champion, hahaha. They say the Goddess is incredibly beautiful..."


    Forev interjected, "That''s just a legend. No one has actually seen her appearance."


    RememberMe persisted, "But what about her chosen champion? They must have met in person, right? I''ve heard so many people talking about it and wishing they could have the same experience. Hahaha."


    PussyCat chimed in, "This game is so entertaining. They''ve designed every important character so exquisitely, both male and female. Some of the princesses and princes are especially attractive."


    RememberMe couldn''t help but retort, "It''s ridiculous how people idolize virtual characters. You''re all fools."


    Forev shot back, "But you were the one who brought up the beautiful Goddess in the first ce, you idiot."


    They continued to traverse the forest, chatting among themselves, while Broken led the way, remaining silent.


    Forev continued, "There is no way a Divine Champion has a low level. With their privileges, they can easily level up," she said. "Unless..."


    "Unless what?" RememberMe turned to her.


    "Unless they have just received the blessing and are in the process of gaining levels," Forev exined.


    She continued, "But, if we''re talking about magnificent skills, there are many factors to consider. sses also have grades: Common, Rare, Elite, Epic, Unique, and so on. So far, no one has been known to receive a Unique-Grade ss. However, those with Epic-Grade sses are already among the top yers."


    RememberMe then turned to Forev. "It''s really frustrating. Is there any way I can get those Divine Champion skills and Unique-Grade sses using money?"


    PussyCat chuckled and said, "Unfortunately, no."


    "What''s the point of having all this money if I can''t just crush those poor yers?"


    Forev let out a disappointed sigh, "Tsk. We didn''t sign up for this game to cater to your whims, you idiot."


    After venturing deeper into the forest, they finally encountered what they were looking for.


    "Prepare yourselves, monster attack." Forev shouted, prompting everyone to go on high alert.


    Emerging from the underbrush was a creature standing 1.5 meters (4.9 ft) tall, resembling a rhinoceros at first nce. However, as it came closer, its features became more distinguishable.


    [Rare - Wild Boar Lv. 80]


    "Wait!" RememberMe eximed, shock evident on his face. "A Rare level 80 monster?! This is too risky!"


    Given the monster''s grade and level, it was clear that the creature posed a significant threat, especially since it was above the average level of the four yers.


    "We need to be extra careful," RememberMe warned. "One wrong move and we could be in serious danger."

 Chapter 35 - 35 - The Rewards of Cheating

    <h4>Chapter 35: - The Rewards of Cheating?</h4>


    Broken immediately went on high alert when he saw the powerful monster appear, as did the other three yers, who quickly got into position. Broken was still holding Polly, the little fox, but he noticed that Polly''s body seemed to be weakening, and her eyes were not as lively as usual.


    "Polly, are you okay? We will find food for you soon."


    "I can still fight, Master," Polly said weakly. "I''ll help in the fight... I can still do it."


    "No, it''s okay," Broken replied firmly. "You stay hidden, Polly. I''ll defeat this monster and bring you the food."


    He then ran to the side for a moment, gently setting Polly on the ground. "Go, take good care of yourself," he urged.


    But Polly''s eyes held a silent plea, staring nkly, still wanting to help.


    "It''s okay, you stay here, okay?" he said, then returned to the other three.


    "I''ll draw the monster''s attention!" RememberMe shouted, moving quickly to attract the Wild Boar''s focus.


    Broken, sword in hand, positioned himself close to RememberMe, ready to strike.


    Arrows rained down from the skies, shot by Forev. The arrows inflicted a speed debuff on the monster, causing it to move slower than before.


    "Attack!" RememberMe yelled, leaping forward tond a powerful blow with his sword.


    Broken also moved in to strike, attacking the monster from another angle. Meanwhile, PussyCat and Forev continued their ranged assaults, supporting the melee fighters.


    Despite the barrage of hits, the monster remained strong, retaliating and sending RememberMe flying backward with one powerful blow.


    Broken immediately unleashed abination of his skills.


    [Charged Attack (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    Broken shot forward andnded a solid hit on the monster, forcing it to take a step back. He quickly repositioned himself to deliver a follow-up attack from the side, avoiding the monster''s potential counterattack.


    [Quick Strike (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    He followed up with another attack that caused considerable damage. The wild boar staggered and was thrown against a nearby tree.


    [Mystic Evasion (Active Skill)]


    Broken quickly leaped out of the way as the monster lunged at him in an attempt to counterattack.


    Meanwhile, RememberMe kept shifting position toe at the monster from different angles.


    The Wild Boar ran around erratically before darting off in another direction.


    "PussyCat, cast crowd control skill!" Forev yelled desperately, but the Wild Boar was already heading straight for the mage girl.


    "Shit, PussyCat!" RememberMe yelled frantically, trying to reach her in time, but it seemed toote. The monster had the advantage: PussyCat had low defense and health, and a direct hit could be fatal.


    PussyCat had yet to master the art of fighting in a party, as she was overly reliant on using high-damage attacks rather than techniques that could hinder her opponents'' movements. Ultimately, her impressive offensive power made her an easy target for the enemy''s attacks. Additionally, the trio didn''t focus heavily on leveling up; they mostly yed together for fun.


    Just as the wild boar was about to strike PussyCat, a fox figure leaped in, smashing into the boar.


    "Polly!" Broken eximed, rushing to Polly as she shifted into her battle form.


    "Multiple cutting edges!" Broken shouted, wielding his sword and swiftly slicing the monster''s body, delivering a deep and devastating blow.


    "Master,st hit!" RememberMe shouted, indicating the monster''s health had reached a critical stage.


    Without hesitation, Broken dashed forward and impaled the monster''s neck with his sword. The wild boar iled wildly for a few moments before ultimately sumbing and copsing to the ground.


    The monster''s body suddenly became translucent, with numerous pixels forming and then dissipating. Several objects enveloped in green, yellow, and red auras rose from the ground and flew towards Broken as if absorbed into his body.


    [You have sessfully in the Rare - Wild Boar Lv. 80]


    [You have obtained 1 piece of Medium-Quality Wild Boar meat]


    [You have obtained 1 piece of Medium-Quality Wild Boar skin]


    [You have obtained 2 Rare - Wild Boar Monster Cores Lv. 80]


    "I''m sorry, I''m sorry!" PussyCat said in a panic, examining Polly''s body, which nowy in Broken''s arms. Her face was full of regret as she continued, "Oh my, is the spirit beast okay? I got a bit too excited about dealing skill damage and drawing the monster''s attention to me."


    "It''s okay. She''s fine," Broken reassured her quietly.


    Forev, the archer, stood beside PussyCat, her face now relieved after sessfully finishing the fight earlier. However, RememberMe showed a different expression; his face was enthusiastic.


    "Did you guys see that?" he said loudly, catching the attention of his two female friends. "There were two monster cores that dropped from the monster. I''m sure of it!"


    Forev nodded slowly. "I also saw two monster cores, but it could just be a skill scroll or something, right? Maybe we were mistaken."


    Broken remained silent in response to their questions, but his eyes were wide with excitement. He had obtained two monster cores from the monster earlier, and he knew that the Bountiful Harvest skill had given him an extraordinary advantage in the game. It felt almost like cheating.


    He then ced Polly on the ground and promptly withdrew the monster core from his inventory. "Polly, can you eat this?" he asked.


    Polly lifted her head and nodded eagerly. "I like monster cores," she said softly. "May I eat it now, Master?"


    "Yes, of course," Broken replied nonchntly.


    Forev sat beside Broken, observing Polly, who was attempting to devour the monster core. "Spirit beasts have the ability to draw energy from the monster cores and monster souls they consume, granting them exceptional skills and the aptitude to harness the same elements as the monsters they eat," she exined slowly.


    "Does the type of Monster Cores also need to be matched specifically?" he inquired.


    "Yes, the type of Monster Cores, the type of monster, the element, and the skills the monsters possess¡ªall these factors influence their growth in the future," Forev exined.


    "Thanks," Broken replied. He then watched Polly, who had started to stand again, her eyes wide and blinking repeatedly. "Thanks, Master, I like the boar," she said.


    PussyCat then sat down beside them and gently touched the tip of Polly''s ear. "Hey, you saved me. I''ll treat you with another Monster Core. Would you like that?"


    Polly looked back at PussyCat with her round eyes, hesitating for a moment before turning to Broken. "May I, Master?"


    "You shouldn''t refuse someone''s kindness, you know," Broken replied with a giggle.


    He then turned to Forev, inquiring, "You seem to know a lot about spirit beasts. Do you possess one of your own?"


    Forev nodded, a slight smile curling her lips, and at that moment, a movement stirred within the leaves. Suddenly, a hawk flew through the air, flying slowly beforending gracefully. "That''s my spirit beast," she replied calmly.


    She continued, "However, I''m certain your spirit beast has a higher grade. But don''t worry, I''m not like that jerk RememberMe. I won''t pry into your secrets."


    "Shut up, Forev... you''ve known me longer; you should be supporting me," RememberMeined. "You all saw it, didn''t you? The monster dropped two Monster Cores. One is rare enough, but two? Are you still convinced he isn''t using some kind of cheat?"

 Chapter 36 - 36 - Rests by the Campfire

    <h4>Chapter 36: - Rests by the Campfire</h4>


    They continued their hunt in the forest until midnight when they decided to rest for a while at the edge of the forest. They quickly set up a bonfire and tents, settling in for the night.


    Since yers had 16 hours of real-world time to spend in Immortal Legacy, that meant they could be in the game for 48 hours or two full days of Yunatea time. However, yer avatars had to abide by certain restrictions, such as the need to eat and restore their stamina by resting or sleeping, limiting the time yers could spend in the game.


    PussyCat ced the meat they had acquired from hunting that day by the firece and began making dinner. "It''s so surprising," she said with a friendly smile, "we''ve really killed a lot of monsters today."


    "Yeah," RememberMe replied excitedly, "and I have seen my Master''s cheat skills multiple times... I''m still trying to get him to tell me about the secret, but it appears he''s the type of person who doesn''t talk much."


    Broken paid no attention to the two. Instead, he sat by Polly and petted the spirit beast.


    RememberMe repeatedly tried to extract information from Broken about how he could use such powerful skills despite his low level. He was also curious about how the drops from monsters were always more plentiful when Broken dealt the final blow.


    Throughout the day of monster hunting, they divided the rewards fairly. For half of the hunts, Broken delivered the final hit and took all the loot. For the other half, RememberMe and his party took turns delivering the final blow and imed all the drops.


    Even with this arrangement, it was evident that the drops from monsters were significantly higher when Broken delivered the final hit. He consistently received more monster parts and Monster Cores than expected. RememberMe kept bringing up the time he saw Broken obtain two Monster Cores from a single monster, which logically seemed impossible.


    Fortunately, PussyCat and Forev didn''t pay much attention to RememberMe''sints. They respected the possibility that Broken had secrets he preferred to keep hidden. They trusted that there were no cheats in the game, which was enough to assure them that everyone received fair treatment within Immortal Legacy.


    Broken checked his inventory and counted the monster cores he had acquired. In total, he counted sixmon monster cores and two rare monster cores, one of which he had given to Polly.


    Broken checked Polly''s stats and found that she had 10 stat points avable, which she had acquired from fighting monsters and consuming monster cores that day. "I think you''ll be strong quickly if you keep this up, Polly," he said. "You only need to hunt whenever there''s an opportunity, while I may not always be able to apany you."


    He had already exined the reason to her before.


    "Yes, Master... I will keep getting stronger... I will continue to hunt monsters."


    "Let''s spend the stat points on your Strength."


    [Name: Polly


    Level: 98


    Race: Nine-Tailed Fox


    Health: 1570 Mana: 1896


    Strength: 222 Agility: 380 Intelligence: 158 Constitution: 157 Stamina: 170]


    "Alright," Broken nodded slowly, "I think with this statsbination you''ll have more damage potential to match your agile moves."


    That day, Polly truly demonstrated her capability in monster hunting. She proved to be extremely useful with her set of skills. Polly could use her clone skill to distract monsters, and her physical attacks dealt significant damage. Additionally, when facing monsters that relied on magic damage, Polly easily withstood their attacks due to her high magic resistance.


    Despite having the lowest level among the group, Broken''s deficiencies were wellpensated by Polly''s presence. His low level andck of substantial armor,bined with his nearly destroyed sword, were significant limitations. Polly''s skills and resilience filled those gaps effectively.


    Broken had to decline RememberMe''s offer to borrow him a sword, as he wanted to avoid the incessant talking. For someone like Broken, who preferred silence over endless chatter, dealing with RememberMe was particrly challenging.


    They then enjoyed their night''s rest, the flickering mes of the campfire lighting their faces, apanied by the soft glow of the moon. Without realizing it, they had spent the entire day hunting together. What started as RememberMe''s sole responsibility to help Broken with hunting had turned into a group effort with PussyCat and Forev joining in. This made the hunting process easier and more efficient. Broken also benefited greatly from this, acquiring more resources than he had anticipated.


    High-level Monster Cores have a significant mary value, surpassing what he could have earned at his convenience store job. He even thought about getting quick money by selling the rare monster core, but he tried to restrain himself for a while. Because monster cores also have many benefits that he can make more use ofter.


    "Broken, take this," PussyCat said, handing him a piece of roasted meat with a smile. She then sat down near him while the others enjoyed their dinner.


    "It''s thanks to you that we can eat meat tonight," she said, giggling.


    Broken sighed and shook his head. "I know I''m just a low-level yerpared to you guys."


    PussyCat chuckled and replied, "Don''t worry, we''ve been ying for over two years but our level is still the same. Being high-level doesn''t necessarily mean we''re experts."


    "This is some. We could be eating something better in town," RememberMeined.


    It was Broken''s first time hunting monsters with other yers in the game. Previously, he had never stayed logged in for this long. In the real world, he didn''t have many friends, so this was a new experience for him. Without realizing it, the three of them had helped him significantly throughout the day.


    "Thanks for the assistance, PussyCat, Forev," he said.


    Forev remained silent, while PussyCat giggled. "I''m so happy to hear you say thank you," she said. "But we were just covering for our friend''s mistakes. He''s always causing trouble in the game."


    "This is just my way of having fun, hahaha," RememberMe added.


    Broken smiled faintly and nodded. He sensed that, despite their constant banter and teasing, the three yers shared a close bond. Gradually, Broken began to feel a sense of security around them. Even with RememberMe''s tendency to say whatever was on his mind, he had proven himself capable throughout the day, providing backup when PussyCat and Forev were in danger.


    At this point, Broken realized he might need his own party members to progress more effectively in the game. However, his rtionship with the trio would end once his contract with RememberMe expired, in less than a day.


    Broken then stood, drawing everyone''s attention.


    "I''m leaving for a few hours to meet someone. You guys can wait for me here or log out. We''ll meet again early in the morning," he said, looking at RememberMe. "At least, you and I."


    "Don''t worry, Master," RememberMe said emphatically. "I will wait for you here. I don''t really have anything to do outside the game, haha."


    "Okay then. I''ll be off," he said.


    Broken then asked Polly to transform into her battle form. He needed to continue his search for the Moonstone. Sticking with his initial n, he needed to visit the miners, hoping to obtain important information from them.

 Chapter 37 - 37 - A Clue to Solving the Quest

    <h4>Chapter 37: - A Clue to Solving the Quest</h4>


    Broken had set out on his journey to the cave where the miners extracted ore. He was confident it was safe to go at night, as the miners seemed to always be in the cave regardless of the time of day. The route to the cave, situated at a considerable altitude, was rtively safe, even though it took a steep incline. Furthermore, a magical guardrail had been put in ce to prevent low-level monsters from escaping the forest and entering the popted area.


    After several minutes of riding Polly, they finally stopped in front of a cave, where, as usual, the chattering and sounds of people mining ore could be heard emanating from inside. The atmosphere around the cave was extremely dark that night, only illuminated by the faint light from the moon. However, from inside the cave, the light from the burning torches was clearly visible.


    "Alright, let''s go, Polly," said Broken.


    "Hey, who is there?!" one of the miners said in surprise when they noticed someone entering the cave. One of them, carrying a torch, went to investigate the figure.


    "Hey, look who it is! It''s Broken!" shouted one of the miners, a man in his 40s.


    "Broken, ah...he''s finally back," said another.


    "Broken...here, we spend the night mining for high-quality ore again. Ha ha ha," someone else gleefully added.


    Excitedly, several of the miners, their faces sweaty and exhausted from the day''s work, stood up and walked toward Broken.


    "Hey, I''m really happy to be back in this cave," he beamed, a hint of excitement in his voice. "I''ll be mining again, but maybe not today. There''s something I want to ask you guys."


    One of the miners, his face aglow in the flickering light of the torch, patted Broken''s shoulder and invited him to sit on the rocks in the cave. "Come on,e on. Sit down and tell us what you need," he said, his enthusiasm palpable.


    "I got a quest from a cksmith," Broken began. "I''m sure you know Mr. Fokil. He asked me to look for Moonstone. Do any of you have any clues as to how I can find it?"


    "Moonstone?" one of the miners asked.


    "I''ve heard of that," another replied.


    "Yes, but I think this is a crazy quest. That Dwarf is really troublesome," said a third miner.


    "Ah, it seems the Dwarf doesn''t really want you to be able toplete the quest," added another.


    Broken''s heart leaped when he heard the miners mention Moonstone. He felt a surge of hope and knew he was on the right track.


    "Tell me how I can get these things. I really need it," he said.


    "Moonstone is a rare material. Not many have found it or even mined it," one of the miners replied.


    Broken inquired further, "Does anyone know where I can get the Moonstones? Where exactly?"


    The miner shook his head and sighed. "I think you''re just being manipted by that drunken Dwarf. You''d be better off leaving this quest. It won''t get you anything. It''s just aplete waste of time."


    Broken took a deep breath, considering his options. He had yet to put much effort into the quest, and abandoning it was still an option. However, dwarves were renowned for their cksmithing skills, and receiving a skill passed down from a dwarf cksmith was something sought after in Immortal Legacy.


    "Mining Moonstone is a difficult task, but that doesn''t mean it''s impossible." Suddenly, a voice called out from a distance.


    Everyone turned to see an elderly man approaching them. The miner in his sixties was visibly irritated as he made his way over to Broken.


    "I can tell you have a lot of passion for mining," the old man said, "and I believe you would be an excellent candidate for this task."


    [Your affinity with Dredge has increased by 20 - a miner who has devoted his life to the art of mining and who has extensive knowledge of the mysteries that lie within the craft.]


    "I think I''ve found a glimmer of hope," Broken muttered under his breath, surprised when he saw his affinity with the man suddenly increase.


    "I have a friend who once dedicated his life to mining," Dredge continued. "Unfortunately, he is no longer with us, but I can help you meet his wife. I''m sure she can provide you with some information about Moonstone."


    Broken stood and smiled, relieved that he was finally getting the help he needed.


    "Meet me tomorrow afternoon at the downtown za," Dredge said. "I''ll introduce you to that person." With that, he walked back to his mining.


    Broken felt content with the information he had obtained and exited the cave. As a low-level yer, it was difficult for him to hunt monsters at night, so he headed back to his camp where his temporary "party member" awaited. He logged out of the game and passed the time until dawn arrived in Yunatea.


    ***


    The man, a miner in his 40s with a pickaxe slung over his shoulder, boldly stood before two yers - a mage and a warrior - and made a demand. "Give me 1 gold coin and I''ll give you the information you seek!"


    Elincia, visibly irritated, let out a sigh and handed over the gold. "You''re nothing but a money extortionist," she muttered.


    Booba, his anger barely contained, demanded, "Tell us how we can get the Moonstone, you jerk! I''ve wasted so much money asking around for information and all I got was more dead ends." He unsheathed his sword and took a step closer to the miner.


    The miner, now trembling with fear, tried to calm the situation. "Hey, hold on. You got the information you wanted, right? And mine is the best among the rest. Plus, you shouldn''t harm the locals. It''s a crime that''s frowned upon by the kingdom. I''m sure you yers wouldn''t want to get in trouble, would you?"


    Elincia, with a hint of authority in her voice, reminded the miner, "I happen to know Princess Alora personally. And she wouldn''t appreciate locals like you extorting money in her beloved kingdom."


    Booba, still seething with anger, demanded, "Just tell me how to get the damn Moonstone!"


    The miner, now visibly nervous, stammered, "Well, there''s someone in the Deadbay - his name is Dredge. He knows about the Moonstone."


    "Grrrhhh!!" Booba, frustrated and on the verge of losing his temper, growled, "You want me to go talk to someone else again? I''ll kill you!"


    "You won''t get away with it! You''ll receive severe punishment!" The miner, in a panic, turned and ran away, fearing for his safety.


    "Let him go, Booba," Elincia said, trying to diffuse the tension


    Booba turned to Elincia, his voice filled with desperation. "Little sis, can''t you just call me ''Oppa'' like you did outside the game? I''m your older brother, after all."


    Elincia''s reply dripped with disdain. "You may be my older brother outside the game, but here, you''re just a noob. You need to improve your ranking before you can im that title."


    She walked away, her tone curt. "I''ve helped you enough. I have other important tasks to attend to, such as finding Princess Alora''s boyfriend. I can''t afford to miss out on the main person in charge of this Game of Thrones quest. Goodbye."

 Chapter 38 - 38 - The Rise of the Legend

    <h4>Chapter 38: - The Rise of the Legend</h4>


    As the early morning began to dawn, Broken quickly logged into the game. The world was still and quiet, with only the faint sounds of nature breaking the silence. He trudged slowly towards the bonfire, his steps echoing slightly in the crisp, cool air. The warmth of the fire beckoned him, and he spotted RememberMe perched atop a log, his figure illuminated by the flickering mes. RememberMe stood up as soon as he saw Broken approaching, a wide grin spreading across his face.


    "Hey, Master! You''re finally back," he eximed.


    Broken sat on a wooden log close to the firece and nced around, his eyes searching for the other two yers who had apanied them.


    "They logged out for a while," RememberMe said, guessing what Broken was thinking and answering without being prompted.


    Broken slowly nodded, a faint smile appearing on his lips as he watched the mes dance in front of him. The fire crackled and popped, sending tiny sparks into the air. A puff of steam escaped from his nose, a sign of the morning chill at the edge of the forest. He brought his hands closer to the fire and felt an immediate warmth spread across his skin.


    Soon after, two female yers emerged from the tent. The mage and the archer, with their distinctive outfits, joined Broken and RememberMe on the log, their faces bright with anticipation for the day''s adventures.


    The dim, orange-tinted sunrise began to illuminate one corner of the forest, signaling that morning was approaching. The gentle light filtered through the trees, casting long shadows on the ground. They quickly began to prepare for the day''s hunt, gathering their weapons and checking their supplies.


    "Let''s go!" PussyCat yelled eagerly as she tidied up the tent. "I''ve learned a lot; I''ll make sure to cast crowd control skills as much as possible, so I won''t be the target of the monsters, haha."


    "That''s right!" RememberMe agreed. "Only cast crowd control skills. Don''t attack. You really trouble me."


    Forev chuckled at the exchange between the two of them.


    They spent the morning hunting in the forest, moving stealthily through the underbrush and coordinating their attacks with practiced precision. The sun climbed higher in the sky, and when it reached its apex, signaling midday, they decided to take a break and have lunch. Their virtual stomachs were growling with hunger, and they enjoyed being able to share the meal together beneath the shady tree.


    "Broken, you''re so cool," PussyCat said delightedly as they ate.


    "If it weren''t for him, you''d already be stupidly dead by now, PussyCat," RememberMe said sternly, his expression one of frustration.


    "You''ve helped a lot, so I''ll be sure to share the spoils with you," Broken added, appreciating the massive rewards he had gained from the assistance of the three people.


    Until now, Broken had acquired a total of 12mon-grade monster cores and one rare-grade monster core - an impressive amount, considering he had obtained them all in a single day. His inventory was also filled with various items like monster meat, bones, and other spoils of his hunt, leaving it nearly full to the brim.


    "It''s okay, Broken," PussyCat replied with a smile, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "We don''t mind at all. It''s been a while since we''ve been hunting, just the three of us, so it''s kind of fun to have a new friend join us. It''s a nice change of pace."


    "Yes," Forev chimed in, nodding in agreement. "It''s just that this warrior friend of ours," she said, gesturing towards RememberMe, "tends to challenge people he thinks are weaker than him, which often leads us into trouble."


    "Hey,e on!" RememberMe interjected, raising his hands in mock defense. "What''s the point of being strong if you can''t show it off and bully the weaker ones? It''s just a game, after all. Hahaha!"


    After finishing their lunch, they returned to their hunting, eager toplete their endeavors for the day. The thrill of the hunt drove them forward with renewed energy. Unexpectedly, they once again encountered a rare wild boar, which was at an even higher level than before¡ªlevel 85. The sight of the powerful creature sent a jolt of excitement through the group.


    "Man, I think these boars really like us," RememberMe said before stepping forward.


    In a surprisingly short amount of time, they managed to sessfully defeat the monster. The defeated boar''s drop fell to the ground, sparkling in the sunlight as it shot through the air towards Broken. Everyone''s attention was drawn to the gold-colored item that shone brightly, something they had never seen before.


    "Monster Soul Stone!" RememberMe screamed in excitement as the item swiftly flew into Broken''s body, merging with his avatar.


    Enthusiastically, RememberMe eximed, "Monster Soul Stone! I can''t believe my eyes. How amazingly lucky you are, Master! I can''t believe I just witnessed someone getting a monster soul stone!"


    Forev ran over to Broken, her face beaming with delight. "I don''t think the Monster Soul Stone is that rare," she began, her voice filled with awe. "I mean, a few people have got it here and there, but of course, we haven''t even gotten one ourselves yet. I''m sure it has a very high value."


    "Yeah...," PussyCat echoed,ing closer and pping her hands together in excitement. "Broken, congrattions, congrattions...," she said with genuine joy.


    Broken withdrew the item from his inventory, and a bright gray crystal appeared in his hand, its surface shimmering with a magical glow.


    [Rare - Wild Boar Monster Soul Stone Lv. 85]


    PussyCat looked up in awe, her eyes sparkling with wonder. "That''s beautiful! Do you know what it''s worth?" she asked, turning to Forev for an exnation.


    Forev thought for a moment, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "Monster soul stones are worth 100 to 1000 times more than monster cores. I''d say this one is worth between 5 to 10 gold coins."


    "Really?!" Broken eximed in shock, his eyes widening in disbelief. He hadn''t expected that the value of this item was so high; five gold coins converted to real-world currency was equivalent to about five thousand dors¡ªan amount far greater than he could make with his job.


    "You look surprised," Forev remarked with a smile. "I take it this is your first time obtaining a monster soul stone?"


    Broken nodded slowly in response to Forev''s question, still processing the incredible value of the item he had just acquired.


    "Ha ha ha ha...." RememberMe then replied, hisughter echoing throughout the area. "I think our contract has finished here, right, hahaha?" he said to Broken, who had defeated him in a duel 24 hours ago, thus fulfilling the contract that had made RememberMe his ve.


    "Yes, I think I got a lot of help from you guys. Thank you," Broken replied.


    "I think this was a fun experience, Hahaha..." RememberMe continued, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he tried to glean more information about Broken. "And I wonder if you''ve leveled up really high after getting game boosting from us? Or are you still at level 26 like something happened? Maybe a bug happened to your ount?"


    Broken smiled softly and answered, "Let''s just say that I''m still at level 26, but I''ll leave it up to you how you view me. I really don''t care what other people think."


    Forev then began to chuckle at his response. "So, with your level, which is, if it really is only level 26, you''ll easily be a legendary with the luck you have."


    "Yeah..." PussyCat replied enthusiastically. "Oh my god, I can''t imagine anyone as lucky as you. You get so many monster cores and a monster soul stone in just 24 hours! It''s incredible."


    "Yeah.... I think from now on, I will call you the Legendary Broken yer," RememberMe added.


    "What a weird name," Forev remarked, shaking her head slightly.


    "Yeah, that''s so meh," PussyCat agreed.


    Broken then waved his hand and said, "Thanks. See youter," and with that, he immediately hopped onto Polly, and rode away, the wind whipping through his hair as he disappeared into the distance.


    "But wait!" RememberMe screamed in panic, watching as Broken moved further away. "Why don''t we add him to our friend list!" His voice was filled with urgency and regret.


    "How could he want to be friends with you?!" PussyCat scoffed in disbelief.


    "Yes, don''t you remember how you belittled him yesterday? You''re such an idiot," Forev added.


    "Oh c''mon, ying this game won''t be fun without bullying people. It''s normal for humans to make mistakes, haha. After all, I''ve done a lot for him," RememberMe replied, shrugging it off with a nonchnt wave of his hand.


    Little did Broken know that on this day, he had met two people who would be his biggest supporters both in the game and in real life.

 Chapter 39 - 39 - Dredge Sent Me Here

    <h4>Chapter 39: - Dredge Sent Me Here?</h4>


    Broken was so exhrated that day, unable to contain his enthusiasm at obtaining the Monster Soul Stone. He was eager to sell it immediately, but he sensed that it would be more beneficial to refine the stone into something more powerful, such as equipment, or to give it to Polly to help her grow even stronger. The excitement buzzed within him as he contemted the possibilities.


    He leaned closer to Polly''s head, still riding atop the fox that was galloping towards Deadbay City.


    "Tell me, Polly," he said, his voice filled with curiosity, "what will happen to you if I give you this Monster Soul Stone to eat?"


    "Master," Polly answered quietly, her voice almost a whisper against the wind, "we spirit beasts will absorb the spirit of the monsters from the Monster Soul Stone, and it will affect the skills that I might receive when I developter."


    "That doesn''t mean you''re going to turn into a wild boar, does it?" he asked with a hint of amusement in his voice.


    "No, Master," she responded eagerly, her voice conveying her excitement. "I will still be a fox, but with many more tails from now on. However, Master, I won''t transform immediately after you provide me with the Monster Soul Stone, I mean, there is no assurance that will happen. Therefore, you''d be better off using that thing for something else first. I have devoured plenty of Monster Cores in thest day, and I''m content with that."


    Broken then proceeded to the za in the center of town to sell all the spoils of his hunting trips: mostly animal meat and bones. The bustling marketce was filled with the sounds of haggling and the scent of various goods. However, since there were many other sellers of the same items, the prices weren''t very high. As he ced the coins he had earned on the counter, the sound of clinking metal filled the air, a satisfying melody of sess.


    "Twenty silver coins? Wow," he said happily, realizing he''d hit the jackpot in one day. On top of that, he had acquired Monster Cores and a Monster Soul Stone earlier.


    [Coins: 0 gold 61 silver 40 bronze]


    "I think I''d better save the Monster Cores for Polly''s food or use them to make armor and weaponster," he added, still smiling.


    He thought about exchanging the coins he had for actual money and maybe taking Lily out for a nice dinner, as it had been a while since they had done something like that. His uncle had only been home once every two weeks since then, and his uncle''s sry had been used to cover Lily''s tuition fees and to pay off the mortgage of the house they were living in.


    "I think leaving some Monster Cores for Polly is still okay for now," Broken finally made up his mind, and he took a short walk toward the official merchants in the za. He knew that here, they had more stable buying prices for items of value, such as Monster Cores.


    After haggling and confirming all the prices again, Broken got a total of 145 silver from the ten monster cores he sold. He nodded happily as he felt he had really made a huge profit that day, his pockets heavier and his spirit lighter. The prospect of a better future, even just a small step at a time, filled him with a sense of aplishment and hope.


    He still had five Common-grade monster cores, one Rare-grade monster core, and one Rare-grade monster soul stone. Despite having more than enough for Polly''s food, he felt it was too expensive to feed her, especially if he had a contract with three Spirit Beasts. But then, having Polly was like having an extra person on his team; her fighting potential resembled that of a yer with the same or even a higher level. Her strength and agility in battles had proven invaluable time and again.


    "I have to wait until I can enter the Temple of Blessings again and try to find a contract with another Unique-grade Spirit," he muttered softly to himself, the thought both daunting and exciting. "Or I''ll have to find another way to get my hands on some high-grade spirits."


    [Coins: 2 gold 6 silver 40 bronze]


    Broken''s heart raced as he held the gleaming gold coin in his inventory for the first time. It shimmered brightly, a symbol of his hard-earned sess. Without the blessing bestowed upon him by the goddess Akidia, he may have never been able to amass such wealth. He was more likely to exchange his coins for real money before even reaching one gold coin of game currency. The realization of his progress filled him with a sense of pride.


    Taking a few small strides, he arrived at the outskirts of the za, at the same spot he had agreed to meet with Dredge. He waited there, anxiously anticipating the next steps he would take for his big quest. The bustling market around him seemed to blur as he focused on his thoughts.


    A few minutester, as the sun was already sinking over the horizon, casting long shadows across the za, Broken noticed a man walking towards him. He recognized him as Dredge, the person with whom he had made an appointment. Dredge''s appearance was as imposing as ever, his stern expression giving away little of his thoughts.


    Dredge had an angry look on his face, whether he was really angry or if this was his default expression. His brow was furrowed, and his eyes seemed to pierce through the dimming light.


    "Follow me!" he said curtly.


    Broken followed Dredge without saying anything since he saw that Dredge was not the type of person who liked to engage in small talk, and he was also not a fan of it. The silence between them was thick, but Broken felt no need to break it.


    After a while, they arrived at the outskirts of the city, in front of an old wooden house. The structure looked weathered but sturdy, with ivy creeping up its sides and a small garden at the front.


    "There." Dredge pointed, "Tell her that I brought you here."


    Broken nodded in agreement.


    "Let me know if you need any other help from me. You can meet me at the usual ce," Dredge added, his voice softer now, almost kind.


    Dredge then walked away, his heavy footsteps fading into the distance.


    "Thanks, Dredge," Broken shouted, waving his hand in appreciation, though Dredge didn''t look back.


    Broken smiled with relief to discover that not all NPCs were looking for money. He chuckled softly, then made his way towards the house. He paused for a moment, admiring the quaint building, before gently knocking on the door.


    "Who is there?" an old woman''s voice called from within.


    "Uhm... sorry, Dredge sent me here... I wanted to know something about Moonstone... and I was hoping you''d be willing to help me out." Broken spoke slowly, making sure to enunciate each word clearly.


    "Dredge?" queried the aged woman''s voice once more, this time with a hint of recognition.


    The sound of footsteps followed, and the door in front of him swung open. He was confronted with the bent figure of an elderly woman, her age likely around eighty. Her eyes, though clouded with age, sparkled with intelligence and curiosity.


    "Who might you be?" she inquired, her voice gentle but firm.

 Chapter 40 - 40 - The Hidden Source of The Moonstone

    <h4>Chapter 40: - The Hidden Source of The Moonstone</h4>


    It took Booba all day before he could finally make it to Deadbay City. The journey was long and arduous, but he pressed on, determined to reach his destination. He deliberately kept his ns a secret from Broken, knowing that he was also in the city. He intended to surprise his friend when he received the information about the Moonstone. The thought of seeing the look on Broken''s face fueled his determination.


    He had asked around and wandered the bustling streets of the city until he found a man named Dredge. That night, he spotted him in the za in downtown Deadbay. The za was lively, with people moving about and the sounds of merchants hawking their wares filling the air. Booba quickly approached Dredge with a stern look on his face, though a wide smile betrayed his annoyance.


    "Hey, old man, I have a question for you. I hope you will cooperate before my patience runs out," Booba said, his voice a mix of frustration and forced politeness. "You know, I''m usually a very pleasant person, so I hope you appreciate my kindness."


    "What do you want?" Dredge asked, seeming bothered by the presence of the yer. His tone was gruff, and his eyes narrowed in irritation.


    "Tell me about Moonstone," Booba replied.


    "Is this how one should ask another person? Don''t you know how to be polite, young man?!" Dredge said, looking irritated. "Young people today really need more education."


    "Shut your mouth and answer my question, or else I will make you answer it," Booba said sternly, his patience wearing thin.


    "I don''t care about your demand."


    "You''re really testing my patience, old man."


    "Hey, look, that yer is threatening the natives," one of the merchants shouted, pointing to a distant figure as a scream came from the same direction. The attention of the za shifted towards Booba and Dredge.


    "City guard, please, a yer is threatening local residents!" another voice called out, causing a stir among the people.


    "Hey, you arrogant yer, don''t make a mess here," another yer shouted from across the za, clearly annoyed by the disruption.


    "Who cares!" Booba shouted back, his frustration boiling over. "You are only a novice to me, so shut up." His voice echoed through the za, drawing even more attention.


    But then, from afar, several city guards could be seen running towards him. The clinking of their armor and the determined expressions on their faces made it clear they meant business. When Booba returned to face Dredge, the old man had already disappeared, vanishing into the crowd.


    "Shit!" Booba cursed, realizing his opportunity had slipped through his fingers. Then, seeing the city guards closing in on him, he knew he had no choice but to escape. He ran with all his might, weaving through the crowded streets and trying to lose his pursuers.


    ***


    Gia, the elderly woman who sat before Broken, chuckled softly, her weathered face illuminated by a tranquil gaze. "So, Fokil asked you to look for the Moonstones?" she asked in a muted voice, her eyes reflecting a mix of nostalgia and curiosity.


    "Yes... and Dredge sent me here," Broken replied.


    Gia rose from her chair, her movements slow but deliberate. She walked to the corner of the room and picked up a framed picture, holding it tenderly to her chest before cing it on the table. The picture showed Fokil and a young man in his thirties, both smiling broadly.


    "That''s my husband and Fokil, taken about fifty years ago," Gia exined.


    "So," Broken replied slowly, "he was a friend of Fokil back then?" He recalled Fokil''s face from the picture, which had smiled broadly in contrast to the current Fokil, who seemed like a drunk. The change in his demeanor over the years puzzled him.


    Gia then went on to exin, "Being a miner, obtaining moonstones is no easy feat. They are incredibly rare and not highly valued due to theck of knowledge on how to utilize them. The blueprint for crafting with moonstone is only possessed by a select few, and it''s possible that only Fokil truly understands its potential. It seems that the true value of moonstone can only be understood by these two individuals."


    Broken nodded slowly. "It is understandable that the two of them would work hard to obtain that thing; clearly, there must be a special reason for it," he said, feeling a growing sense of curiosity about the Moonstone''s true purpose.


    Gia nodded slowly, her eyes reflecting a deep understanding. "Yes, I suppose so; however, it appears that my husband''s promise to apany Fokil to retrieve the Moonstones may not be fulfilled due to our limited human lifespan."


    She sighed sadly, the weight of her words hanging in the air. "It''s an unfortunate truth that humans have shorter lifespans than dwarves. This means that human friendships often don''tst as long when they''re with races with longer lifespans. Ultimately, those with longer lives will be left behind when their friends have less time left in this world."


    He could tell that Fokil had undergone a significant transformation, despite appearing happy and upbeat in pictures with Gia''s husband. Could it be that he was struggling with the absence of his old human friend?


    "I saw Mr. Fokil seems happier in this picture," Broken said, pointing to the picture with a thoughtful expression.


    Gia smiled warmly. "He is actually a kind person. It''s just that he has difficulty epting new people in his life. My daughter and I still often visit him and bring him some food. It''s our way of staying connected and helping him through his struggles."


    "He is a good cksmith?"


    Gia nodded, her eyes reflecting pride. "Yes, and actually I''m quite amazed that he gave you this assignment because this is the first time since my husband''s passing that he brought back the topic of Moonstone. It seems he saw something valuable in you, something that reminded him of the old days when he and my husband worked together."


    "Is that what you think?"


    Gia nodded slowly and smiled again.


    Broken paid close attention as Gia exined, trying to gauge the worth of the mysterious object. The more he heard, the more intrigued he became about its purpose. His mind overflowed with ideas and inquiries.


    "So, you want to mine the Moonstones?" Gia then looked at Broken, her expression questioning but also hopeful.


    "Yes, I managed to mine 10 high-quality iron ores when I first learned to mine, and I was determined to do this to answer Fokil''s challenge," Broken replied firmly.


    "Wait a moment," Gia said, then she stood up and walked into the adjacent room. Her steps were slow but purposeful, leaving Broken to ponder what she might bring back.


    A few minutester, she emerged carrying a wooden box, which she ced gently on the table. She opened it with care, and immediately, a glistening light shone from inside the box. A white stone appeared, radiating light from within, capturing Broken''s full attention.


    [High-Quality Moonstone]


    "What?!" Broken''s eyes widened in shock as he saw the beautiful stone in front of him.


    The light from the stone bathed the room in a soft glow, making it clear that this was the object he had been searching for.


    "So, this is Moonstone?!" he eximed, his voice filled with awe and wonder.


    [Congrattions! You were the first yer to uncover the hidden source of the Moonstone, a precious mineral connected to ancient elements and worth a fortune.]

 Chapter 41 - 41 - The Heirloom of the Moonstone Miners

    <h4>Chapter 41: - The Heirloom of the Moonstone Miners</h4>


    [Congrattions! You were the first yer to uncover the hidden source of the Moonstone, a precious mineral connected to ancient elements and worth a fortune.]


    [Cultivating it into something of worth will require a great deal of time and dedication.]


    [As a reward, you have been given the title ''He who searches through time and memories'']


    [For this achievement, you receive 20 stat points!]


    Broken swallowed hard upon learning that he had earned an achievement just by finally discovering a little information about Moonstones from the right person, and now the Moonstone was actually in front of him. He was immensely aware of the tangible value in front of him, unable to fathom the worth of the item if he were to sell it.


    The notification came with a bonus of twenty stat points, which was a significant reward. Twenty stat points were not a trivial amount by any means.


    "Moonstone is rted to ancient elements?" he muttered to himself. The revtion of its connection to ancient elements made the Moonstone even more remarkable.


    There are three types of elements: Basic, Advanced, and Ancient. Most yers have no trouble mastering the four Basic elements: Earth, Fire, Water, and Wind. These elements weremon and easy to control. Advanced elements, however, were the next level and were usually created bybining two Basic elements or advancing from a single one. For example, Earth could produce Metal or Gravity, or bybining Earth and Fire, one could produce Magma.


    However, there was another type of element that was incredibly valuable and extremely rare: the Ancient element. While its exact nature was a mystery, some ancient stories suggested that it might epass Time, Dimension, Spatial, Life, and a number of other types that had yet to be widely recognized.


    Broken thought about the title he had just received, ''He Who Searches Through Time and Memories''. He wondered if the Moonstone was connected to the element of Time. His imagination ran wild as he thought about the types of skills he could acquire with such an element. However, he kept his expectations low because he still needed to find and mine the Moonstone himself. The journey ahead was long, and he knew better than to count his chickens before they hatched.


    Gia then took out the Moonstone and said, "This is one of the high-quality Moonstones that my husband managed to mine."


    Broken''s face lit up with delight at the sight of it. "The Moonstone is so beautiful... it reflects the light around it so well that it gives off a brilliant glow,"


    Gia smiled and nodded. "Yes, it is so beautiful," she agreed, pausing for a moment as if lost in thought.


    She then continued, "I know you have a passion for mining, even though you want to learn cksmithing. But I hope you canplete this quest sessfully. I will give you this high-quality Moonstone as a reward if you manage to find and mine the Moonstone from its source. What do you think?"


    "That sounds so good. I am very enthusiastic about getting more Moonstones," Broken replied without hesitation. His enthusiasm was evident, and he asked eagerly, "Please tell me how I can mine the Moonstones!"


    Gia suddenly spoke poetically, her words sounding like a blessing:


    "When the silence reveres the moonlight,


    The beautiful Goddess bestow their favor on the quiet,


    Granting them the power to create their own world,


    From this dreames hope and a new dream,


    And the most luminous stones can be found in the highest reaches,


    Where the moonlight shines the brightest."


    Broken''s face instantly contorted into a frown as Gia exined. He was hoping he wouldn''t get another quest with aplex puzzle he had to figure out first. The cryptic nature of her words left him feeling slightly frustrated.


    "Can you tell me the location of the Moonstones in simplernguage?" he said, trying to mask his impatience with politeness.


    Gia let out a chuckle in response. "You''re certainly full of enthusiasm. Of course, I''ll tell you the exact location and time when you can obtain the Moonstone," she said with a warm smile.


    [Your affinity with Gia has grown to 35, all because of your enthusiastic and lively style of mining - a quality she holds dear from herte husband. She is delighted to see this same fervor being carried on and she hopes that someone will continue to demonstrate the incredible cause her husband fought for.]


    [The Heirloom of the Moonstone Miners]


    [Rating: B]


    [Gia was delighted when she encountered a young man who seemed to have the same drive and passion as her husband had. She was willing to share everything that her husband had once possessed, provided that the man could demonstrate his enthusiasm and proficiency.]


    [Clear Conditions: Sessfully mine a Moonstone.]


    [Clear Rewards: 1 High-Quality Moonstone.]


    [Quest Failure: - 40 stat points.]


    After reading the description of the quest, Broken couldn''t help but frown. "How can mining one Moonstone have a greater reward than mining the five Moonstones I got from Fokil?" he asked, taking a deep breath, feeling a bit puzzled and frustrated by the seemingly disproportionate reward.


    Gia then said quietly, "Please... follow me." She stood up slowly, and Broken followed her to the corner of the room.


    There, he saw a ss cab with a pickaxe inside, surrounded by several ores that seemed to have been there for years, gathering dust. The pickaxe stood out, gleaming even in the dim light of the room.


    Gia giggled softly, "So sorry, but can you lend a hand to this old woman? I''m too old to lift the pickaxe, so I just put it here. But you can use it to do the quest. It used to belong to my husband, but I know the pickaxe must have missed its old time when it was used for mining," she said with passion, her eyes shining with fond memories.


    Broken gazed at the pickaxe with its shining silver head and dark wooden handle. It was obvious that the item had been well-maintained, despite its age. He carefully opened the ss case and reached inside to take the pickaxe, reading the description of the item as he did so.


    [The Iron Solemn Pickaxe]


    [Grade: Elite]


    [Durability: 75/100]


    [Weight: 295]


    [Only one who is dedicated to their work and toils tirelessly day and night is worthy of wielding this pickaxe. Dedicate yourself to the mining profession and prove to the world that you can create a new future through mining.]


    [Skills:]


    [1. Increases the chance of getting higher quality ores by five percent.]


    [2. Decrease the stamina needed by quite a lot in mining.]


    "Elite Grade?" Broken muttered under his breath as he surveyed the pickaxe before him, realizing the value and potential it held.


    He then turned to Gia, "Is it true that I can use this thing?"


    Gia smiled and nodded slowly. "Yes, sure, very sure. Good luck with the mining," she said encouragingly, her tone warm and supportive.


    Broken tried to lift the pickaxe, but he quickly discovered that the total weight of the equipment he had equipped,bined with the pickaxe''s weight, exceeded his maximum weight capacity. He ced it back on the floor with a sigh of frustration.


    [Weight: 664/600]


    Broken was able to lift the pickaxe, but he struggled, which made him feel self-conscious in front of Gia. He worried that she would question his ability to use the pickaxe for mining if he couldn''t even lift it easily. Plus, he didn''t want to take off his armor in front of her, it would be embarrassing. He considered using the stat points he earned from his achievements to boost his Strength stat.


    Gia tilted her head, looking at Broken, who remained silent in front of her. She thought that perhaps he was too worn out to leave right away after all the mining he had done during the day. Maybe he just needed to eat?


    "Please wait here," Gia said softly, a small chuckle escaping her lips. "I''ll make you something to eat."


    But before Broken had a chance to reply, Gia had already gone, disappearing behind the door to the kitchen.


    "Ah, no, wait!" he called out, but it was toote.

 Chapter 42 - 42 - The Quick Cash

    <h4>Chapter 42: - The Quick Cash</h4>


    Gia had forced Broken to eat the porridge she made, and for some reason, he felt that the porridge had a texture that was too runny and an overly nd taste. He quickly finished the porridge because he was feeling nauseous and wanted to log out of the game to vomit.


    But then, Gia, assuming that Broken liked her porridge, gave him another serving with a pleased smile.


    "I am so d you liked my porridge... this was my husband''s favorite. You must be very hungry to eat so much," she said happily.


    As Broken finally stumbled out of her house, he felt a wave of nausea wash over him. He desperately wished he could escape the game and get himself some ice cream or a sweet drink to settle his stomach.


    Broken ran to the side of the road in the evening light. He bent over, clutching his stomach as if he was about to vomit.


    A few yers who were passing by noticed him, and a novice party approached him. The priest from the group stepped forward and said, "Hey, what''s wrong with you? Do you need the services of a Priest? I can cure your nausea for just 5 silver."


    Broken looked up and realized it was the same priest he had encountered when he was resurrected a few days ago.


    "You!" the priest eximed in surprise. "You are the yer killer!" He turned to his party-mates and said, "It''s him, the yer killer who put me in trouble a few days ago."


    But before the priest could do anything, Broken had already vanished. He ran quickly to the edge of the road and leaped onto Polly, speeding away from the scene.


    Broken then attempted to pull over into a secluded, shady spot on the outskirts of town, just a few steps away from the seashore. He settled himself onto therge, smooth rocks by the shore, allowing the tips of his feet to dip into the cool water. The gentlepping of the waves against the rocks was soothing, offering a moment of peace after the hectic day.


    He sat facing the moon, which shone quite brightly that night due to the absence of artificial light in the city. The view of the night sky was truly spectacr, a stunningly amazing sight that seemed almost surreal. The stars twinkled like diamonds scattered across a velvet backdrop.


    "The night is so beautiful!" he murmured to himself, his voice barely above a whisper.


    He felt a sense of tranquility wash over him as the wind blew gently, caressing his body. The cool breeze was refreshing, bringing with it the salty scent of the sea.


    "It''s so much more practical to take a vacation in this world than spending money to go to a real ce," he thought. "Is that true?" He wondered if the experiences here could ever trulypare to real-life memories.


    But then, it alles down to the memories they keep in their minds, doesn''t it?


    "Even if it''s just a fantasy," Broken said with a soft chuckle, "it won''t make much of a difference as long as it''s a beautiful memory."


    The lines between reality and virtual reality blurred as he savored the moment.


    He opened the map and checked the location suggested by Gia, where he could mine the Moonstones. The ce was located on a mountain close to Deadbay City, which would take about five hours to get there on foot or three hours by carriage.


    "The ce is not too far," he thought.


    However, he could reach the ce more quickly if he rode Polly. Riding his loyalpanion would save him valuable time and effort.


    But then, it only reached the foot of the mountain. After that, he had to embark on a journey through the forest that led to the top of the mountain, a path likely full of high-level monsters. The thought of facing these challenges alone was daunting.


    He took a deep breath and tried to think of how he could get to that ce. "I need help from some other yers," he muttered under his breath.


    Desperately searching for a solution, he realized that he had no friends who could help him with the task. What about Booba? But Booba was usually busy and probably far from his location. He knew he couldn''t put the quest off any longer; he had toplete the quest quickly and move on to the next stages of his n.


    "Alright," he sighed, "I''ll consider this tomorrow. Time to log out."


    ***


    Leon emerged from the capsule device feeling revitalized. However, after two days of minimal physical activity, his body ached. Consequently, he decided to take a break, doing some stretches in front of his house before going for a forty-minute jog. The rhythmic motion of jogging helped loosen his stiff muscles, and the fresh air invigorated him. When he eventually returned home, he felt much better, his body more rxed and his mind clearer.


    As he stepped inside, he heard Lily humming in the kitchen. Her cheerful melody brought a smile to his face.


    "Lily!" he called out, making his way toward the kitchen.


    "Yes, Leon?"


    "Have you finished cooking?"


    "No, I just started. Are you hungry?" Lily came out of the kitchen wearing an apron and a spat in hand.


    "Let''s order pizza. Is that okay with you?"


    "Pizza? Why?"


    "I''ll exinter," Leon said, waving off her question. "I''m going to take a shower first."


    A few minutester, the two of them sat down at the dining table, enjoying the steaming pizza that had just been delivered, along with several cans of soda, which seemed to be Leon''s special order. The smell of the freshly baked pizza filled the room, making their mouths water.


    "So..." Lily said with a cheerful smile. "What big news do you want to share? What''s with the sudden food order? Is this rted to the goddess, the princess, or the crazy mage?" Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.


    Leon was still chomping on a mouthful of food. "I know it sounds crazy," he said between chews, "but I made more money in one day of ying the game than I could make in a week of working."


    "Money?" Lily asked, her expression puzzled. "Do you mean in-game money? Or real money?"


    "In-game currency," he exined, taking another slice of pizza and washing it down with a sip of soda, "but I can convert it into real money."


    "Hmm... so, did you get a job? Or did you hit the jackpot? Or did you getpensation from the broadcastingpany for showing your naked videos on television recently?" she continued with a slight smile on her face, clearly enjoying teasing him.


    "It seems they are still showing the naked video of me on television?" he said, clicking his tongue in disbelief.


    Lily only replied with a light chuckle, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "No, they are not. But let''s get back to your news. How did you make so much money in the game?"


    Leon leaned back in his chair, feeling a sense of aplishment. "Ipleted a series of quests and found some rare items that I was able to sell for a high price. The game has a marketce where you can trade items for in-game currency, which can then be converted to real money."


    "That''s amazing!" Lily eximed, genuinely impressed. "It sounds like you''re really good at this game. Maybe this could be a new career path for you?"


    "Maybe," Leon said with a smile. "But for now, I''m just happy to have found a way to make some extra money. And to celebrate with pizza and soda." He raised his can in a toast, and Lily clinked her can against his, both of themughing as they enjoyed their meal together.

 Chapter 43 - 43 - A New Bond Forming

    <h4>Chapter 43: - A New Bond Forming?</h4>


    Marco re, the CEO of the Golden Agepany, hurried through the hallway of the building. His long strides echoed against the floor, reverberating off the walls. As he approached the two thick ss doors, they opened automatically, sensing his presence. It waste at night, and once again, his assistant hade to present him with yet another important discovery. He quickly strode towards arge screen that dominated the room, eager to learn what new information had been uncovered.


    "What did you find this time?" Marco asked, his eyes immediately locking onto the video ying on the big screen.


    "It seems the new ancient element may be discovered soon, Mr. Marco," his assistant replied, her tone professional yet tinged with excitement.


    Marco instantly recognized the video ying in front of him. His eyes widened in shock when he saw the figure of a yer he never anticipated seeing in such a context, the same person who had created an uproar sometime ago.


    "Broken? How could he be in a situation like this?"


    "Apparently, he managed to break through the barrage of requirements through luck and the blessing skill given by the goddess Akidia, the Quest Advancement skill," she exined. "But he''s not one to waste time, that''s for sure. He has a knack for working tirelessly."


    Marco slowly shook his head and muttered, "I heard he was mining non-stop all night before."


    He added, "Immortal Legacy is a game, but the effort required to seed in it isn''t so different from the effort one has to put in to achieve something in the real world. You need to do all of the mundane tasks diligently and consistently in order to reach a high rank."


    His assistant replied. "And this yer really is an irony as the Champion of Sloth. I can''t imagine how big he will be in the future with his diligent mentality."


    Marco fell silent for a moment, seemingly deep in thought. The weight of the situation pressed on him, making him consider the broader implications of this discovery.


    Finally, he spoke again. "Moonstone," he said quietly, his voice tinged with worry. The significance of the element was not lost on him.


    "I fear this quest may be too hard for him to finish," Marco admitted. "I don''t mean to doubt his determination andmitment, but I can''t help but wonder if he''ll be able to make it to the end. The task of mining for Moonstone minerals is incredibly demanding and requires a great amount of patience. Will he be able to stick it out?"


    "What should we do, Mr. Marco?"


    "Ancient Element is an immense source of power, and I had not anticipated that the game would be so quickly presented with such a situation," Marco replied. "If Broken manages to obtain the Ancient Element,bined with his Divine Champion status, the spirits, and everything else, this could cause a huge sensation in the game."


    The discovery of the ancient elements, particrly the Moonstone, could change the dynamics of the game significantly. Marco knew they had to be prepared for the unexpected, and Broken''s progress was a testament to the game''s evolvingplexity.


    "Keep an eye on him," Marco finally said, breaking the silence. "We need to monitor his progress closely. If he seeds, it will open up new possibilities for the game. But if he fails, we need to be ready to support other yers who might take up the challenge."


    "Understood, Mr. Marco. I''ll ensure that we keep track of his advancements and prepare for any contingencies," his assistant replied


    Marco looked at the screen onest time. "Let''s see how far he can go. The future of Immortal Legacy might just depend on it."


    After discussing it for some time, Marco finally felt that he should pay more attention to the amazing things Broken would be doing in the game. Turning to his assistant, Marco said, "Have you assigned someone to assist the person behind the yer named Broken? We need to treat him like the other Divine Champions. Make sure to choose someone who matches his personality."


    His assistant lifted her gaze to meet Marco''s. "Mr. Marco," she began, "we''ve been digging around for information, and we''ll try tomunicate directly with Leon soon. Do you have any special requests for this?"


    Marco smiled and nodded. "I was certain he would be a global sensation, and we needed to ensure he wasn''t caught in a tough spot."


    The Golden Agepany and the government had worked in close cooperation, especially concerning yers with great potential or those at the highest rankings. They might be ordinary people in the real world, but they were renowned in Immortal Legacy. The influence of the game was such that top-ranking yers became new celebrities, their names known to everyone on Earth. Substantial amounts of resources and money were invested in this extraordinary game, making it a pivotal part of that era.


    ***


    After much deliberation, Leon logged back into Immortal Legacy, finally deciding to skip his ss.


    He grinned as he stepped back onto Yunatea. "I''m still fascinated by this Moonstone quest, so I don''t think skipping sses is a bad thing. After all, I''m the champion of sloth! It''s only natural that I''m a bitzy."


    Without a moment''s hesitation, Broken marched swiftly towards The Adventurers'' Guild. His mission was to find an individual or group to join him on his quest to mine some moonstones. He knew this was the perfect ce to look, as The Adventurers'' Guild was renowned for being the hub of adventurers, with its plentiful NPCs, quests, and items for purchase.


    "If anyone found out I''m a Divine Champion, they''d probably think I''m delusional, yet here I am, struggling to strategize even against level 80 monsters," he mused wearily.


    As he trudged along, deep in thought, he abruptly stumbled to a halt when three figures stepped into his path and blocked his way.


    "Broken..." RememberMe shouted, taking a step back in order to address him better. He then dramatically dropped to his knees, pressing his right hand against his left chest in a theatrical gesture.


    "Please, Broken. I know you''ll be a great figure in the future. And I want to join you on your journey. I know you may not need us in the near future, but I''m sure we''ll be of use to you now. Allow me to be part of the legendary history you will create, the path to bing the Legendary Broken yer."


    Broken''s expression hardened as he nced at the two figures standing behind RememberMe.


    PussyCat, the blonde-haired mage, let out a chuckle and said, "There''s something wrong with this guy''s brain, isn''t there?"


    "Is he always like this?" Broken inquired, his eyebrow raised in curiosity.


    "I think, almost every time," Forev, the woman archer, replied. "He seems to think the world is his alone, and how many times have we been in trouble because of his foolishness andck of intelligence?" She then pointed at RememberMe''s head, shaking her own in disbelief.


    Broken paused for a moment, considering the offer that had been presented to him. "What do you need from me?" he asked. "I assume our business is concluded?"


    "Would you not like us to apany you on your adventures, Broken?" PussyCat asked with an inviting expression.


    "I''m content with whatever you decide," Forev chimed in. "But I''m also intrigued if you n to invite us on any of your adventures."


    "Yes, Master," RememberMe interjected in a loud voice, still on his knees.


    Broken then shared his virtual map, which was visible to those in front of him. RememberMe jumped to his feet to get a better look at what he was doing.

 Chapter 44 - 44 - Tamed Gorgon Lizard

    <h4>Chapter 44: - Tamed Gorgon Lizard</h4>


    Broken then shared his virtual map, which was visible to those in front of him. RememberMe jumped to his feet to get a better look at what he was doing, his eyes widening with interest.


    "I needpanions to take this route up until this point here," Broken said, pointing to the map. "This journey through the forest to the top of the mountain, I''m not sure if I can do it alone."


    "We''lle with you!" RememberMe responded without a second thought, his voice filled with enthusiasm.


    "But..." Broken paused, swiveling around to face them. "I don''t want this to be a quest that only benefits me. I have a mission I want to pursue, yet I have absolutely no intention of joining the party. I think it''s only fair that we divide the rewards of our hunt evenly. And I''m not sure how long it will take me to aplish my task on the summit of the mountain, but I''m certain it won''t be a short and simple journey."


    Broken did not level up in the usual manner. He did not gain experience points from killing monsters because of the Sloth Champion status he held. Therefore, he did not want to expose this information to others.


    To keep this secret, he began to hide any sensitive information from his friend list. This way, even Booba would no longer be able to see his level or other statuses.


    For this reason, if he joined a party with other yers, they would quickly be suspicious if he did not level up during their monster hunts, especially over a long period. This could lead to ufortable questions and unwanted attention.


    So, he decided to strictly limit any kind of information leakage to anyone for the time being. Until he was confident enough to open up about this to more people, he would keep it under wraps. And that moment wouldn''t be far off, because he had resolved to pursue his goals tirelessly. He was determined to ovee any obstacle and achieve his objectives, no matter what it took.


    "We''ve already decided. We''re in!" RememberMe dered, his voice full of conviction. "Do you know, we don''t really have any specific goals in this game. So we don''t mind tagging along for some aimless fun, hahah."


    PussyCat smiled and nodded in agreement. "It has been such an exciting 24 hours of hunting with you," she said. "I''m sure we''ll have plenty of great adventures ahead of us."


    "Agreed," Forev added, her tone calm but firm.


    "Okay, then," Broken nodded in agreement. "Let''s meet up again here in a few hours. I need to do some preparation beforehand."


    Broken set off for the za, eager to restock his supplies of healing and mana potions as well as some food. The bustling market was filled with vendors shouting out their wares, and the air was thick with the scents of spices and fresh produce.


    He had yet to buy himself a suitable piece of armor, but he felt it would be a waste of money to purchase it now, as he would not be able to acquire a decent piece with his current funds. He thus decided to postpone it until he was able to craft something himself.


    He finally decided to go to the cksmith at the za to repair his sword''s durability.


    After browsing the market stalls for a while, he had parted with fifty silver coins, leaving him with a much lighter purse.


    Since there were now four people traveling together, Broken could not ride on Polly, so they decided to use a carriage instead. RememberMe, taking the initiative, rented the carriage with his own money and proudly presented it to Broken as a surprise.


    The carriage they were riding in was no different from those found in the real world, except that instead of a horse, it was pulled by a level 85 tamed Gorgon Lizard. This monstrous reptile had orange scales, a long, snake-like tail, red eyes, andrge horns atop its head. Such a beast could only be controlled by those with the Beast Tamer ss or something simr. The lizard''s powerful legs moved with a fluid grace, pulling the carriage effortlessly over the uneven terrain.


    The distinction between having a contract with a spirit beast and taming a monster was stark. While only certain sses of yers had the ability to tame monsters, all yers could enter into a contract with a spirit beast if they received the favor. Spirit beasts were mystical and could be sent back to their own world, while monsters coexisted in the same realm as the yers and NPCs, meaning they would apany the yer wherever they went. Only a select few yers with ess to ample dimensional storage could opt to ce their monsters there.


    While spirit beasts, when they died, could return to their world for a while until they recovered, it was not the same for tamed monsters. When a monster died, the user had to find and tame a new one. For this reason, caring for tamed monsters required exceptional dedication from Beast Tamers. To ease this burden, most Beast Tamers had healing or status-boosting skills specifically for their tamed monsters.


    "In the future, I n to open a business in this game so that I don''t need to work in the real world and can be wealthy," RememberMe dered with augh.


    "You''re already rich, aren''t you?" Forev quipped, raising an eyebrow.


    RememberMeughed heartily, ncing at Forev. "I need more than that, a lot more, hahaha..."


    "There is no such thing as enough money, right, RememberMe?" PussyCat murmured.


    Broken remained silent, listening to the conversation of his newpanions. He found their banter amusing but kept his thoughts to himself.


    "Broken, tell me more about you..." RememberMe then chimed in, turning his attention to Broken.


    "Not everyone is open about their background, you know!" Forev interjected, giving RememberMe a pointed look. "It''s enough that he let us join his mission."


    "No!" Broken responded. "Actually, I need you all as well, so it''s no problem."


    "You are so humble, even though RememberMe seems still curious about your incredible luck, Broken," PussyCat remarked, giggling softly.


    Once they arrived at the base of the mountain, right before the line of trees that would lead them into the wild and up to the peak, they quickly disembarked from the carriage.


    "Hey, you...." RememberMe called out in a loud voice to the carriage driver. "Can you make sure youe back here every morning, and if we don''te down from the mountain by midday, you can return home."


    "Yes, sir." The NPC nodded in affirmation and then began to drive the carriage away, the sound of the Gorgon Lizard''s heavy footsteps fading into the distance.


    Broken opened his virtual map once more and gazed at the forest before him. The trees stood tall and close together, their canopies forming a dark green ceiling.


    "We can take the shorter route," he began, pointing to a path on the map, "but the monsters we wille across are estimated to be around level 90. On the other hand, if we take the longer path, we should encounter monsters of a lower level, but it will take us three to four times longer to get there."


    He looked up at hispanions, the map still glowing in the air before them. "What do you guys think?" he asked.

 Chapter 45 - 45 - Legendary Novice

    <h4>Chapter 45: - Legendary Novice</h4>


    Broken confirmed the n with the team. "What do you guys think?"


    RememberMe confidently strode up to Broken. "Master," he said with an air of optimism, "I think we can handle beating level 90 monsters. After all, we managed to take down a rare level 80 monster a few days ago."


    "No," Forev replied firmly. "That level 90 monster is the weakest we''ll likely encounter. Even though we can take down one to five level 90 monsters, it doesn''t mean we can keep going if dozens of monsters of the same level or higher attack us."


    "Master Broken," RememberMe chirped, his face aglow with a wide smile, "he will be at his best if he is faced with a tough situation. That''s what I''m trying to say, you know?!"


    PussyCat sighed in disbelief at RememberMe''s ridiculous response. "We don''t have any healers with us! And if one of us dies, the going will get even tougher."


    "I brought a lot of healing potions, hahaha," RememberMe replied, "You don''t need to worry that much."


    "There is a limitation to using healing potions," Forev answered, emphasizing her point. "You dumbass! Can you remove that tiny bit of foolishness from your brain and think more logically?"


    PussyCat had had enough. "Why don''t we ask Broken to decide for himself?" she said before turning to him.


    Broken slowly nodded and took a deep breath. "I think it''s best for us to take the safer path. Even so, it will be a challenge for us since the monsters here are usually above our level. We''ll probably be here for a long time, maybe even a week, or more I''m not sure. But if we manage to level up enough, we can try a more difficult route on our way back," he suggested.


    "Okay, let''s do it!" RememberMe quickly agreed. Without further hesitation, he began striding swiftly along the route that Broken had indicated.


    "He can easily ept Broken''s suggestion? What''s going on in his mind?" Forev asked PussyCat incredulously.


    "Like, we just met him? He is always like that, right?" PussyCat responded with a grin.


    "Yes, he usually goes along with things without much thought."


    Broken led the way, his eyes scanning the dense forest ahead. The trees stood tall and close together, their branches creating a thick canopy that allowed only specks of sunlight to filter through. The path was narrow and winding, making it difficult to see very far ahead.


    As they walked, the sounds of the forest surrounded them. Birds chirped high in the trees, their songs mingling with the rustling of leaves, suggesting small creatures moving about. The air was cool and fresh, carrying the scent of earth and foliage, invigorating their senses.


    The group moved cautiously, their senses heightened by the knowledge that danger could be lurking anywhere. Each step they took was deliberate, their eyes and ears alert for any signs of monsters. The tension in the air was palpable as they navigated the narrow, winding path through the dense forest.


    RememberMe, despite his usual carefree attitude, seemed to be taking the situation seriously. He kept his weapon ready, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a focused intensity. His usual jokes were reced with a stern, vignt demeanor. PussyCat walked just behind him, her staff held firmly in her hand, ready to cast spells at a moment''s notice. The light from her staff asionally flickered, casting eerie shadows on the trees. Forev brought up the rear, her bow at the ready, an arrow already nocked and prepared to be drawn.


    They walked cautiously through the trees, keeping as close together as they could. Utilizing Forev''s spirit beast hawk, they tried to take the path of least resistance, avoiding monsters as much as possible. The hawk soared above, its keen eyes spotting potential threats from a distance. Though they weren''t able to avoid all the monsters, some creatures attacked from every direction. Thankfully, these were only low-level creatures, no higher than level 50.


    When a group of monsters approached, Forev nimbly leaped from tree to tree. She quickly fired warning arrows in their direction, her aim precise and deadly. RememberMe and Broken periodically shifted positions, with one taking the frontline to fight while the other stayed close to PussyCat, the biggest source of damage in the team with her area attacks.


    After they vanquished the monsters, which were shaped like rabbits but sized like wild boars, a variety of multicolored objects were strewn across the ground. The sight of the fallen creatures and their scattered loot brought a sense of relief and aplishment to the group.


    [You have sessfully in the Common - Cottonbunny Lv. 54]


    [You have obtained 1 Common - Cottonbunny Monster Core Lv. 54]


    [You have sessfully in the Common - Cottonbunny Lv. 58]


    [You have obtained 1 piece of medium-quality Cottonbunny meat]


    [You have sessfully in the Common - Cottonbunny Lv. 56]


    [You have obtained 1 piece of medium-quality Cottonbunny meat]


    [...]


    [You have obtained 1 Common - Cottonbunny Monster Core Lv. 60]


    "See!" RememberMe eximed breathlessly as he approached Broken, gesturing excitedly. "Can you see that? Why is it that every time Brokennds thest hit on those monsters, the rewards that drop seem to be multiplied? I''m sure luck has nothing to do with it! It surely is a cheat! Or Divine Blessing?! Could he be a Divine Champion?! Like a Greed Champion?!"


    "There is no one named Broken among the Greed Champions!" Forev replied firmly.


    "I think our bad luck happens just because you were at this party, RememberMe," PussyCat chuckled in reply.


    They continued on, maintaining their formation and swiftly eliminating any monsters they encountered. When Broken got hurt in some monster encounters, he quickly healed himself using his "Healing Touch" ability.


    [Healing Touch (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    "See!" RememberMe eximed breathlessly as he approached Broken again, gesturing excitedly. "Can you see that? He''s not only good with a sword, but he has healing skills too. This is so unrealistic! I bet he''s hiding something, a very big secret!"


    "I think you''re the only one who hasn''t encountered many yers in Immortal Legacy," PussyCat interjected. "There are many sses in this game. It''s not strange for a swordsman to have healing skills."


    "Do you think only specialist healers have healing skills?" Forev asked, turning towards Broken. "Even novices have healing skills. However, it appears that the healing skill you used is simr to a novice''s First Aid, only better than that? Could it be that you are a kind of Advanced Novice?"


    "Legendary Novice, maybe?" RememberMe quipped,ughing lightly.

 Chapter 46 - 46 - An Unidentified Mineral

    <h4>Chapter 46: - An Unidentified Mineral</h4>


    After a long and arduous journey, Broken and the other three finally arrived at the summit of the mountain just as the sun was beginning to dip below the horizon. Rays of orange sunlight lit up the foggy peak, and in all directions, they were surrounded by a vast sea of clouds. The wind was even more intense at the top, whipping through their hair and clothes.


    "Yeah!" RememberMe shouted loudly. "Finally, we''re here. Ha ha ha..."


    PussyCat, having removed her conical hat, ran with her blond hair streaming behind her. "This game is so beautiful," she said, her voice filled with awe. "If it wasn''t for this game, I''d only be able to dream of something like this - climbing a mountain and taking in the beauty of the peak." She then fell silent, smiling as she watched the setting sun, the golden light reflecting in her eyes.


    Forev walked towards PussyCat and stood by her right, silently taking in the breathtaking view.


    The three of them had their own distinct characteristics, and even though they were very different from each other, they seemed to blend perfectly. RememberMe was bold and daring, often acting without thought and craving exciting experiences. He was always ready to dive headfirst into any challenge, his fearless attitude pushing the group to take risks. PussyCat, on the other hand, was kind and caring, making an effort to find the good in people and generatingughter with her positive remarks. Her gentle nature brought warmth and joy to the group, bncing out RememberMe''s impulsive tendencies. Forev, meanwhile, was a reliable and intelligent figure who could be trusted toplete tasks with precision. Her analytical mind and calm demeanor provided stability and strategic insight, ensuring that the group stayed on track.


    "Let''s set up camp and get some rest," Broken suggested, looking at them.


    He felt a special bond with the three of them, and it was the first time in the game that he truly felt connected to people who had suddenlye into his life, offering him kindness that he rarely experienced outside of the game. It warmed his heart and gave him a sense of belonging.


    RememberMe stepped closer to him and said, "PussyCat can only use a wheelchair out there, so that''s why she is so happy to climb the mountain. Just keep quiet, okay?" though his voice was loud enough for everyone to hear.


    Broken raised his eyebrows and swiveled his head towards RememberMe in surprise. "Are you sure you should be telling me that?"


    "RememberMe!" PussyCat turned and called out, her tone a mix of irritation and amusement. "Did you think I didn''t hear your voice? You just revealed my biggest secret in front of Broken, you know?"


    "Oops... sorry...." RememberMe apologized sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "I didn''t mean to."


    "We should be prepared for situations like this after deciding to befriend this idiot," Forev added.


    Broken thought that everyone has their own problems, but ultimately, it''s up to them to decide how they will respond to their problems. He admired PussyCat''s courage and positive attitude despite her challenges. She always managed to find joy andughter in their adventures. He then turned his head to PussyCat, who was busy kicking RememberMe''s leg in yful retaliation.


    "I''ll be mining, probably for the next few days," he announced, breaking the light-hearted moment.


    Everyone was taken aback by his statement, their expressions shifting from amusement to surprise.


    "Wait, wait, I didn''t think to ask before, but you came here to mine, Broken?" RememberMe inquired.


    PussyCat chuckled and remarked, "You must be looking for something worth more than gold, right?"


    "You sure are full of surprises!" Forev eximed.


    ***


    Broken had been awaiting the night toe, as the information he had received told him that the Moonstone would only be visible after darkness descended.


    After waiting for several hours, however, it seemed that what he was searching for had yet to appear. "Should I stay until midnight?" he pondered aloud, his patience wearing thin.


    By the time the moon was perfectly centered in the sky, the clock had just struck 11 PM, and he noticed faint, shimmering lights appearing in various ces around him. The lights gradually revealed a rock that glowed brighter than the others, emitting a soft, ethereal glow.


    The atmosphere at the summit of the mountains was incredibly dark, the only lighting from the millions of stars in the sky and the crescent moon. But around him, a few faint sparkles began to appear. He walked up to one of them and, tentatively, ran his hands over the stones.


    "This must be the Moonstone," he whispered.


    His eyes lit up with excitement as he pulled out his pickaxe. "There are a lot of them! I''m going to finish this quest right away!" he dered, his voice filled with determination.


    RememberMe, PussyCat, and Forev were standing near their tents, watching Broken from a distance.


    "See, it seems he has found what he was looking for." RememberMe raised his head and squinted his eyes, trying to get a better look at Broken in the distance.


    "He really is so mysterious," PussyCat replied with a chuckle. "I''m really curious as to what he''s looking for in a ce like this, in the middle of the night."


    "He said he wanted to mine something," Forev added. "It seems that thing is quite rare since to mine it he has toe to this ce and wait until midnight."


    RememberMe then smiled broadly, standing up with determination. "I''ll approach him, just in case he needs some help," he dered, taking a step forward.


    "But couldn''t we just respect his privacy a bit, RememberMe?" PussyCat interjected. "He clearly said he would do this himself."


    "You sure will be a pain for him if you try to help out!" Forev added.


    RememberMe let out an exasperated "Tsk!" before heaving a sigh. "Alright, then I''ll just watch from afar, hahaha," he conceded, sitting back down with a grin.


    Broken grabbed the pickaxe with both hands and, after taking a deep breath, began to strike the shining rocks. He repeated this several times until he heard a crack, and a notification suddenly appeared in front of him.


    [You failed to mine an unidentified mineral.]


    "Huh?" Broken was taken aback as he saw the notification that had unexpectedly appeared before him.


    "Who would have thought that chipping away at this rock wouldn''t be as simple as mining iron ores?" he asked, the corners of his mouth twitching upwards into a barely visible smile.


    He swiftly moved to another rock and repeated his actions, striking his pickaxe against it in the hopes of reaching the ore deep inside. Yet the same result urred.


    [You failed to mine an unidentified mineral.]


    [You failed to mine an unidentified mineral.]


    [You failed to mine an unidentified mineral.]


    [You failed to mine an unidentified mineral.]


    [You failed to mine an unidentified mineral.]


    "Wait!" Broken trembled as he failed to mine the object he thought was Moonstone despite his numerous attempts.


    "Are there any special requirements I need to fulfill before I can mine this thing? Like, do I need to increase my Mining Technique to increase my chances of sess?"


    There were still a few moonstones left. He could still keep trying!

 Chapter 47 - 47 - He is Really Dangerous

    <h4>Chapter 47: - He is Really Dangerous</h4>


    Broken had expected that mining the Moonstones wouldn''t be as easy as he thought, but upgrading his Mining Technique skill would be no small feat. He would have to mine tens, hundreds, or even thousands of times to improve the skill, and he knew he wouldn''t be able to do so in just one night. But he had the time to do it. It was a battle of endurance: either he persevered until he sessfully mined those Moonstones, or the Moonstones would disappear from Yunatea!


    He decided, "I will do my best tonight, until I try all the Moonstones in this ce. Gia said the Moonstone will appear every two days, and I can try again in two more days if I don''t seed tonight."


    He continued to mine with great precision, moving from one rock to another each time he failed. After several hours of unsessful attempts, the sparkling rocks were no longer visible.


    [You failed to mine an unidentified mineral.]


    "It seems that the rocks only appear in the middle of the night," Broken said, exhaling deeply.


    He dropped to the ground and threw his pickaxe aside, trying to calm himself, although his hands were still trembling with frustration.


    "I can''t afford to waste any more time," he dered, standing up and firmly gripping his pickaxe as he approached the others.


    "I''m gonna head to a nearby cave to mine some iron ores," he said, but all he got in response were confused faces.


    "Wait, you did manage to get those sparkling things, didn''t you?" PussyCat asked with a curious expression.


    "Sadly...." Broken sighed. "I didn''t manage to obtain any of them."


    "I think that the thing you are mining is a very valuable one, so it must be only natural that it is not easy to get it," Forev suggested, trying to encourage him.


    "Hahaha, don''t worry, Master." RememberMe chuckled. "We''ll apany you until you sessfully mine those sparkling things, or if you''re still having trouble, I can buy you the stones from the auction! Hahahah...."


    "You dumbass, money can''t buy everything," Forev scolded RememberMe. "Do you think everything in Yunatea can be found at an auction?"


    Broken continued, "I''ll be here for, I don''t know, a week, a month. I think you can leave anytime if you feel like apanying me here would be a waste of time."


    RememberMe leaped to his feet with a broad grin on his face. "We said we''d stay with you until your quest isplete, right?"


    "No need to worry, Broken, we see this as a vacation. We''re having fun," PussyCat said. "Do your thing, and we can also hunt monsters to level up. It''s a win-win situation."


    Broken nodded, feeling a warm sense of gratitude towards them. "Thanks, I''ll be back here after finishing my mining." He then turned and started walking towards the nearby cave.


    After Broken disappeared into the darkness, RememberMe turned to his two friends with a mischievous glint in his eye.


    "I know he was only testing us on our loyalty," he chuckled. "Trying to pull a fast one by mining iron ore to trick us, hahaha! But he should know better that I never give up! I''ll show him my loyalty until he opens up to us about his biggest secret, hahaha."


    "I don''t think so..." PussyCat replied, a smile ying on her lips. "Broken may be secretive, but he doesn''t seem like the kind of person who would take advantage of others. So, you better keep your imagination to yourself."


    "I think there''s something seriously wrong with the inside of his head," Forev chimed in, smirking.


    After his initial failure to acquire any Moonstones, Broken established a regr pattern. He would venture out in the middle of the night to attempt to mine Moonstone. When the sun rose, he''d head to the closest cave to level up his Mining Technique by collecting iron ore. During the daytime, he joined the others in hunting monsters. Although he was more passive and let Polly handle most of the battle, he needed to keep the Self Transcendence blessing active to progress.


    [Self Transcendence Blessing Activation Progress: 43%]


    Each night, Broken carefully timed his attempts, waiting for the Moonstones to appear. He knew it was a test of patience and perseverance, two qualities that he was determined to prove he possessed. The nights were long and often cold, but he found sce in the rhythmic sound of his pickaxe striking the rocks.


    During the day, the group worked seamlessly together, their teamwork improving with each hunt.


    Unbeknownst to him, Broken had been following the same routine for three weeks of Yunatea time already, yet he still hadn''t managed to obtain a single Moonstone.


    [Name: Broken


    Level: 31


    sses: Unique Super Novice


    Health: 980 Mana: 948


    Strength: 120 Agility: 80 Intelligence: 90 Constitution: 98 Stamina: 90


    Charisma: 50 Luck: 25 Dexterity: 0 Survival: 0 Perception: 0


    Avable Stat Points: 0


    Weight: 369/720]


    However, one thing that made him quite happy was that his level was slowly starting to rise, and he had also spent every stats he had ordingly.


    One night, as they rested near the tent, PussyCat walked towards him, carrying a te of freshly grilled meat. The warm aroma of the food wafted through the air. She smiled at Broken, who had just thrown his pickaxe to the ground in frustration.


    "You must be hungry, right?" she said, offering him the te.


    Broken nodded in appreciation and epted the te. "Thanks," he said, his voice heavy with exhaustion.


    PussyCat chuckled, her blonde hair lifting in the wind that blew over the mountains. "I think you are the most determined person I''ve ever met," she said.


    "But..." Broken replied slowly, taking a bite of the meat. "I don''t think that determination alone is enough to achieve what I''m looking for. I''vee to this ce, done my best, but still, sess eludes me. I have a feeling this won''t change anytime soon."


    "I think you need to take a break and give your mind a rest," she suggested gently. "We often push ourselves too hard and forget that our minds need to recuperate too."


    Broken paused for a moment, then nodded in agreement. He had been focusing on the game so intensely over the past few days. Although he enjoyed it, he realized that he did need a little break.


    "I guess you''re right," he replied. "I''m going to log out for a while." He smiled at her.


    "Take care," she responded with a warm smile.


    With that, he promptly logged out of the game.


    ***


    "He managed to upgrade his Mining Technique to level 4 within one week?!" Marco, the CEO of Golden Age Company, said emphatically as he gazed at therge screen in front of him.


    The other people in the room were equally astonished by the feat they had witnessed.


    "He is really dangerous!" Marco continued, his face expressing both surprise and delight. "Imagine what he could aplish if he applied this level of persistence. Added to the blessing of sloth he has, he is so dangerous."


    Marco paused, allowing the magnitude of the situation to sink in. The room fell silent as everyone contemted the implications of Broken''s achievement.


    "Is the bnce of this game about to be shattered due to his persistent mentality?" he asked, looking around at his colleagues.

 Chapter 48 - 48 - Gold Immortal Card

    <h4>Chapter 48: - Gold Immortal Card</h4>


    Leon stepped out of the capsule device and took a deep breath of the damp air in his room. He hadn''t opened the window in several days, so the sunlight was absent from the room. He walked to the window and opened it, allowing the midday sun to flood in and brighten the small space. The fresh air felt invigorating after days of being cooped up inside.


    His face, previously pale, turned a slight shade of red when illuminated by the sun. "I''ve been living like a vampire for the past few days," he murmured.


    He had a few ns for the day. Over the past three weeks or so in Yunatea, he had been upied with a variety of tasks, including hunting monsters and mining. As a result, he had gathered plenty of resources, more than he had managed to umte in the past year while ying Immortal Legacy. Consequently, he had also made a considerable amount of money.


    He thought to himself, "With the money I''ve earned, I can afford to have some fun."


    Leon was amazed by the assistance provided by RememberMe. Not only did he help him sell the items he got through the courier who came every few days to collect them, but RememberMe also went a step further by providing prepayment for all the items. In a very short time, Leon had collected as many as twenty gold coins, which, if exchanged for real currency, was around twenty thousand dors. The amount of money he had amassed was beyond anything he had ever imagined.


    After getting such a fantastic amount of money, he thought about going to the nearest convenience store to print his own Immortal Card. This would make it easier for him to conduct transactions and convert in-game currency into real currency.


    Leon left the room, went to take a shower, and quickly got ready. He was very excited that day, imagining how much money he would get and thinking about the things he wanted to buy, things he would have hesitated to purchase before. He thought about getting a new phone andptop, items he had needed to rece for a long time but had always put off due to their cost.


    The Immortal Legacy yer possessed a payment card known as an Immortal Card. This card was utilized to convert in-game currency to real-world currency and back again. yers can shop online or use this card at merchants located around the globe. There were various tiers and types of these cards, ranging from Bronze to Silver, Gold, and tinum, and each tier had specific criteria, requirements, and features associated with it.


    Leon noticed Lily was still not home from school, so he quickly hopped on his bicycle and dashed off to the nearest convenience store to get his new Immortal Card. Unfortunately, the closest convenience store to his house was the one he used to work at. However, he didn''t really mind as he no longer cared for his former manager, Bob.


    After a few minutes, Leon arrived at the store. He parked his bicycle near the entrance, carefully locking it before quickly stepping inside the convenience store.


    He strolled confidently toward the cashier and stopped in front of a girl he recognized. She was not only a familiar face but also one of his colleagues when he used to work at the store.


    "Hey, Mia," Leon greeted her warmly.


    "Leon?" Mia replied, her eyes widening in surprise. "I heard what happened. How are you holding up?"


    Leon smiled casually. "Everything is good," he said with a nonchnt shrug. "Actually, I need to get a new Immortal Card. Could you help me out with that?"


    Mia nodded slowly. "Sure," she said quietly. She then reached under the counter and pulled out a small, square-shaped machine. "Please scan your ount here. What type of card do you need, Leon?"


    "No wonder I sneezed," Bob, the manager, suddenly eximed as he walked over to where Leon and Mia were standing. His face twisted with disgust as he continued, "A homeless person broke into my shop."


    Leon turned back to Mia, ignoring Bob''s rudement. "I want the gold one, Mia," he said firmly.


    Bob couldn''t believe what he had just heard. "What kind of joke is he pulling?" he asked with a mockingugh. "Do you know the requirements for obtaining the gold Immortal Card? Is the inside of your head damaged because you''re now without a job?"


    Leon clicked his tongue in frustration and turned to face Bob. "I''m a customer, and I''m asking you to treat me with respect as a responsible manager."


    With his round belly jiggling, Bob stepped closer to Leon, his face inches away. "What are you talking about? What makes you think I need to care about a customer like you? Do you think this is a joke, ordering a gold Immortal Card? Should I call the security guard to throw you out of here?"


    "What''s the problem with me ordering a gold Immortal Card?" Leon shot back, his annoyance growing. "If there were another shop nearby, I''d take my business there, but I have no other choice. So, I suggest you back off and let me finish my purchase."


    Bob sneered. "The Gold Immortal Card requires a minimum bnce of 20,000 dors and is reserved for yers who take the Immortal Legacy game seriously or are popr and ranked yers," he said firmly. "Poor people like you should never dream of owning one."


    Leon replied calmly, "Then I believe I meet the criteria you just mentioned."


    "You big mouth, you''re just bragging!" Bob scoffed, his eyes narrowing. "I''ll prove you''re just bluffing. Why don''t you go out and run around naked in the streets if I can show your stupidity in front of a crowd? Are you scared? Do you think I''m that stupid to believe you?"


    Leon, still unfazed, asked casually, "Then what do I get if I really have the right to have the Gold Immortal Card?"


    With a sly grin, Bob answered, "I''ll double the bnce on your card."


    "Cool, that''s a pretty interesting bet," Leon replied and nced at the other customers, who were now curiously watching their exchange. "I''m sure there are plenty of witnesses."


    Bob then turned to Mia and said, "Verify his ount, Mia."


    Mia''s voice suddenly cut through the tension. "Boss... Leon''s ount is eligible for the Gold Immortal Card."


    Bob turned to Mia and asked in disbelief, "Are you kidding me? Did you make sure that''s his ount?!"


    "I''ve confirmed that his ount verification was sessful."


    "Don''t joke with me!" Bob said sternly before pacing around the counter and peering closely at theputer screen. "No way!" he eximed, his voice shaking with shock.


    Leon cast a nce around the area, taking in the other customers who had already started to form a line, their curiosity piqued. He then focused his gaze on Bob and asked casually, "You''re not going to go back on your word, right Bob? You wouldn''t want to ruin your reputation in front of all these customers, would you? Now pay me my prize."


    Bob''s face contorted in anger as he clenched his fists. His teeth gritted in annoyance, yet his finger pressed the machine in front of him with a trembling hand. His face was covered in a cold sweat from the pressure.


    "I will make you suffer, Leon," he said slowly.


    "Now give me my card," Leon said firmly.


    The sound of the card printing machine then filled the air for a few seconds. After carefully packaging the card in its cover, Mia handed over a sleek ck card with a gold-patterned emblem and Leon Chambers'' name inscribed on it.


    "Here you go, Leon. This is your card," she said.


    Leon received the card, and with a suppressed smile, he tucked it into his bag. He had been about to purchase some items from the store but had suddenly lost his appetite and decided to leave instead.


    "I believe he must have robbed ormitted a crime to get that kind of money," Bob dered loudly, watching Leon walk away.


    "But, boss," Mia replied hesitantly, "I''m sure Immortal Legacy has a very secure system, so I''m not sure your usation is urate."


    "Shut up and continue your work," Bobmanded, then stormed off in a huff.

 Chapter 49 - 49 - It Appeared Before Him

    <h4>Chapter 49: - It Appeared Before Him</h4>


    Leon pedaled his bike with a feeling of victory, having just managed to anger Bob and gain a free 20 thousand dors from him. It was an incredible amount of money, and he still couldn''t believe it had happened so easily. It felt as if he had robbed Bob right from his pocket. He wondered how long it would take Bob to gather that money back, but he knew that Bob was wealthy and worked just because he wanted to.


    For Leon, in the past, such an amount of money would have been incredibly difficult to umte. However, now he was a Divine Champion! He could gather money more easily now. He smiled widely, truly feeling that his life was gradually bing better since he received the blessings.


    Leon still felt a sense of satisfaction as he recalled Bob''s sweaty face, forced to hand over the money. It was truly astonishing that his card now held about 40 thousand dors. That was a huge amount! He could even buy another capsule device if he wanted, but of course, he wouldn''t do that now. He could gather even more money and share the Immortal Legacy experiences with his sister.


    Leon''sughter echoed through the street as he pedaled his bicycle, causing several people to nce in his direction.


    "What''s wrong with him?" one person asked.


    "A lot of young people are going crazy these days. I guess he''s one of them," anothermented, shaking their head.


    Realizing that he hadughed too loudly, Leon pedaled even harder towards home. He needed to go to the city center to go shoppingter, so he nned to park his bicycle at home and then order a taxi to his destination.


    Precisely an hourter, when he arrived, he made his way to the za and entered the nearest store, searching for household necessities. He thought nothing of spending the money and grabbed a few groceries and various household items. It was the first thing that came to his mind because he and Lily always cooked at home to save expenses.


    But then, Leon regretted buying groceries first, as he intended to visit the electronics store for a new phone andptop. He finally left his groceries with the store and roamed around the za with enthusiasm.


    He was starting to enjoy the luxury, and he knew this was just the beginning. He could gain even more after this!


    He made his way to a smartphone shop and purchased a new one there, not thinking twice because his old phone had been malfunctioning for a while. Besides, he considered this a gift from his previous manager, Bob. Heughed at the thought.


    After that, he also bought a newptop to make studying for college easier. But then he suddenly remembered he had skipped sses for several days. However, the responsibility didn''t bother him as he continued exploring the stores around the za.


    "Do I need to buy some new clothes too, I guess?" he wondered aloud.


    He paused for a brief moment, debating internally if he was spending too much.


    "No!" he shook his head. "I got this money from Bob, and I''ve alsoe up with ways to earn this money in my own way. So, a little bit of fun isn''t going to hurt."


    He then ventured to the nearby department store and went around picking out clothes. His hands shook as he saw the price tags on the garments, some of which were marked at two hundred dors.


    He came out with several tote bags in his hand, feeling satisfied with his purchases.


    How much had he spent? No, it was still below the amount he had gotten from Bob. He didn''t consider it wasteful; it was free money. He grinned, reassuring himself.


    Next time, he nned to bring his sister and perhaps his uncle for a special dinner or to buy them gifts. Various pleasant thoughts filled Leon''s mind.


    "Time to go home," he dered, stepping out of the shop.


    He took a taxi back, clearly now carrying many more shopping bags than when he had left.


    When he arrived home, the sun was already setting. But still, Lily was nowhere to be seen.


    "Hm... It''s unusual for Lily to be out at this time," he muttered to himself.


    He quickly put away the things he had purchased, storing some in the refrigerator and the rest in the cupboard.


    He then tried to contact Lily after setting up his new phone, feeling relieved when she replied that she was on her way home.


    "I bought food at home,e back soon," he texted back.


    With a slight smile, he turned towards his bedroom.


    "Alright... Time to get back to mining," he dered, eager to spend his ytime for the day.


    ***


    Broken had to wait another night to mine Moonstones. Therefore, he focused once again on leveling up his Mining Technique, which seemed to require more time if he wanted to push it to level 5. But he kept trying, not backing down even a little. He had to make sure he leveled up the skill to level 5 so he could gain the most benefit from everything.


    The other three clearly noticed a change in him, who seemed more enthusiastic that day in hunting, even when the others were already resting from exhaustion. He was still wandering around the forest, hunting alongside Polly.


    The thought of obtaining more materials to sellpletely upied his mind. But then, he realized he needed to keep a bnce between monster hunting and mining because he needed to keep the Transcendence Blessing progressing.


    "So, what did you do outside? Having fun?" PussyCat asked when they started resting by the campfire as night fell.


    "He should have spent the money on some fun, huh? Hahaha. Drinking? Partying? You should invite me sometime, Broken. I''ll take you out for some real fun, hahaha," RememberMe chimed in.


    Broken just smiled and nodded slowly. "Just bought a few things I''ve wanted for a long time, new phone, new clothes, some good food," he replied with a smile.


    "Why waste money on material things when you can have a good time at a club?" RememberMe teased.


    Forev got annoyed and pped the back of RememberMe''s head. "Do you think everyone enjoys partying like you do?" he scolded.


    RememberMeughed, "Hey, it''s just the normal way to celebrate being an adult."


    As midnight approached, Broken resumed his mining activities, this time more optimistic and enthusiastic. The sensation after spending some money, the euphoria, still lingered in his chest.


    He kept striking his pickaxe continuously, and his movements became more perfect as the skill reached level 4. The time he needed to mine a single ore also became shorter.


    After several attempts, the same failure notifications he often received kept appearing.


    "One more time!" he encouraged himself.


    And then, what he had been anticipating for the past few weeks finally happened!


    Suddenly, it appeared before him.


    [You obtained 1 low-quality Moonstone.]


    His eyes widened in shock, and his hands trembled as he picked up the object and held it tightly. The stone was in the form of a lump of rock with a shiny part that seemed to reflect the moonlight perfectly.


    "This is the Moonstone! I mined it! I did it!" he eximed loudly, filled with tion.

 Chapter 50 - 50 - The Miner and the Moon’s Connection

    <h4>Chapter 50: - The Miner and the Moon''s Connection</h4>


    [Through sheer discipline and an unwavering spirit, even the hardest minerals can be conquered, and the miner who demonstrates such positivity deserves to be rewarded with the ultimate de.]


    [Congrattions - you have achieved the remarkable feat of being the first yer to mine the Moonstone, a precious mineral said to be blessed by the Goddess of The Moon.]


    [For this outstanding aplishment, you have been bestowed with the title of ''The Miner and the Moon''s Connection.'']


    [If you mine under the moonlight, you will have the opportunity to obtain higher-quality minerals.]


    [You also receive a reward of 40 stat points.]


    Damn, Broken was stunned by the rewards he had received from the achievement. Mining would be more effective under the moon, and the 40 stat points were an incredible bonus!


    Additionally, he finally learned another fact about the Moonstone. It was connected to the Goddess of The Moon. But who was the Goddess of The Moon?


    Clearly, she was not part of the Seven Sins Deities. But then, there were many deities in Immortal Legacy, some of whom had been revealed, while others remained a mystery.


    He would put aside thoughts about the Goddess of The Moon for a while, hoping to gather more information about her in the future.


    Three exhausting weeks had tested his determination! Yet, because he kept believing he could do it, he had finally seeded in mining the Moonstone!


    "Well then... let''s keep mining until the morning," he murmured, his enthusiasm growing even stronger and more intense.


    ***


    Morning arrived, and he quickly logged off from the game. Since he no longer spent time at work, hecked physical activity because he spent most of his time inside the capsule device. He decided to start a new routine to push his physical limits and stay fit or even surpass his previous fitness levels. He had high hopes of earning more money, so he needed to keep everything bnced.


    Leon began his routine by leaving his house early in the morning and going for a run with his new sports shoes and training outfit.


    Lily opened her bedroom door, rubbing her eyes in surprise at what Leon was doing so early in the morning. "Huh?" she mumbled softly. "Who is he nning to meet this early?"


    Leon, although used to physical activities like lifting heavy objects at the store and riding his bicycle, realized that his stamina wasn''t as good as he thought. He was panting and nearly out of breath as he ran along the roadside. Sweat poured down his face, though it quickly dried in the cool autumn air. His breath mixed with the cold air, leaving him gasping, but he pushed himself further once he felt a bit recovered.


    Immortal Legacy was a game where, despite diving into the world virtually, a person''s real-life skills significantly impacted their in-game performance. For instance, those skilled in sword fighting could use their swords more effectively andbine their sword skills optimally. Therefore, training in the physical world was just as important as leveling up and improving fighting potential in the game.


    After feeling he had run enough to weaken his body thoroughly, he returned home as the sun began to rise and light up the city. He saw Lily already prepared for the day and waving at him.


    "Hi, what motivated you to go for a run this morning, Leon?" she asked.


    Leon walked toward the dining table and sat down. "I need to keep fit because I''ll be spending most of my time sleeping in the capsule device," he said, grinning.


    Lily gestured for him to shoo. "Go wash yourself then, and have breakfast with me, would you?"


    He grinned and stood up, walking toward the kitchen.


    "Leon," she called out, and Leon turned.


    "Yes, Lily?"


    "Thanks," she said with a smile. "But are you sure about spending the money you earn on such extravagant things? There are many high-quality food items we''ve never even tried before. How much money did you spend on it?"


    Leon grinned at his little sister. "Don''t worry, Lily. You''d be shocked if you knew how much money I''ve made in the past few days," he said, pausing for a moment. "And... my previous manager, Bob, gave me a gift, too," he added, then walked towards the bathroom.


    Lily frowned slightly. She had never asked why Leon had stopped going to work. Initially, she thought he had issues at his job and had turned to gaming to distract himself. But hearing his exnation, it seemed he left on good terms. His previous manager even cared enough to give him a gift. But what gift? The groceries?


    "How many days have I been away from campus?" he said softly with a grin as he stood naked under the cold shower. The water washed over him, refreshing his tired body.


    For some reason, he had slightly forgotten about his college responsibilities, as he was truly engrossed inpleting the quest in Immortal Legacy. All he could think about was unlocking the cksmith ss and starting his new gaming routine. However, he hadn''tpletely neglected his college duties. He was still tracking assignments and submitting them online. He knew he needed to meet the minimum attendance requirement to stay on track with his education and not waste the effort and money he had spent to enter college.


    But then, wasn''t the purpose of going to college to get a better job? If he could earn money easily in the game, did he still need his college education? This thought made him chuckle. If the campus also allowed attending college via virtual reality devices, it would be quite enjoyable and time-saving. However, not everyone could afford a capsule device.


    He finished his shower feeling very refreshed and quickly joined Lily at the dining table to enjoy their breakfast. He listened to Lily talk about many things with enthusiasm. At that moment, he felt like they were truly living alone in the house, even though their uncle also lived there but was rarely home. If he spent most of his time in the game, he could imagine that Lily might feel lonely when she only saw the capsule device where her brother surfed a fantasy world.


    "You seem to be having a lot of fun at school, right, Lily?" he said, trying to summarize how she talked about her activities at school.


    Lily paused for a moment and giggled, then nodded. "Yes... I''m having fun... I''m excited about my grades... I want to make Uncle and you proud of me," she said with enthusiasm.


    "You''ve been smart since you were little, Lily. School achievements are not something difficult for you. I''m sure you can achieve great education, at least better than mine," he said, grinning.


    "I study hard so I can get a better job, and we can live better," she said with enthusiasm. "But... I''m also quite happy to hear that you found a way to earn real money in the game," she added and then paused for a moment. "At least I''m not as worried as before. You can choose any woman you want to be your wife, Leon... if you have a lot of money," she said, giggling.


    Leon frowned. "Why did the topic suddenly switch to a wife?"


    Lily continued giggling at his question. What she was really thinking about was how Leon focused so much on work and didn''t pay enough attention to himself, including eating properly or taking care of himself. Even worse, he truly restrained himself from having fun and always put his own needs aside. That''s why she was quite happy when Leon talked about how he enjoyed the game, ate good food, and even bought better quality items that he never had before.


    "I''m off!" Lily said, grabbing her bag. "Bye, Leon..."


    "Bye, let me know if you''reing homete," he said, waving at her.


    Lily nced at the new smartphone in Leon''s hand and giggled. "You''re blinding me with thattest model phone you got there."


    "This is because of my previous manager," Leon replied with a grin.


    Lily paused for a moment. "You mean, Bob, right? Your ssmate from senior high school?" She fell silent, then continued, "But..."


    "Lily!" Leon quickly interrupted. "You need to know the whole story before making assumptions. It''s not really a gift, but I assure you, nothing weird is going on with me and Bob."


    Lily giggled again and waved her hand as she left.


    Leon then took a deep breath, feeling his enthusiasm surge within him. He was eager to continue the game and quickly headed back to his capsule device.

 Chapter 51 - 51 - The Unseen Universe Necklace Blueprint

    <h4>Chapter 51: - The Unseen Universe Ne Blueprint</h4>


    For over four weeks, Broken had spent his time on the mountaintop surrounded by dense forests and numerous monsters, along with three strangers he had met by chance. Over time, they had shared many experiences, from hunting monsters to joking around together. Although Broken remained more passive, mostly responding to their jokes, he appreciated theirpany.


    As usual, they would spend some time in the evenings around the campfire near their tents,ughing and talking about their day''s adventures.


    PussyCat, who had long blonde hair cascading down her left shoulder, smiled warmly at Broken and inquired, "It looks like you''re getting close topleting your quest, right?"


    "Yes," Broken replied. "I just need one more Moonstone toplete my quest."


    RememberMe then chimed in with augh, "I''m actually enjoying this mountain more now that I get to fight monsters every day, and my level goes up quickly too. Ha ha ha!"


    Forev interjected, "That''s not what you said when Broken wasn''t here."


    PussyCat added, "You said being here was boring because you couldn''t bully weak yers, right?"


    "Hahaha... but that doesn''t change the fact that it''s fun here. My level goes up faster than usual," RememberMe admitted.


    "That''s because you''re always distracted by your stupid antics everywhere you go," Forev continued.


    Broken smiled, his face illuminated by the light from the roaring campfire. "I can''t express enough how grateful I am for all you''ve done for me."


    "So, it seems you''re finally epting us as friends?" PussyCat said with a light chuckle.


    "That''s not what I meant," he replied, realizing he had subconsciously been shutting himself off from the three.


    "Who wouldn''t be annoyed if they met this idiot RememberMe, huh?" Forev interjected. "If I hadn''t known him first, I probably would have killed him on sight in the game!"


    "You guys still me me?" RememberMe said with augh. "I''ve apologized thousands of times already, you know!"


    "A gift, or special power, is something that should be kept very well hidden," PussyCat said, causing the others to look at her in surprise. "I understand why you don''t want to join our party, even though we''ve been adventuring together for a few weeks."


    "That''s definitely true," RememberMe said assertively. "He seems to have something amazing that he''s keeping to himself like he''s been given a special gift from the deities!"


    Broken smiled softly and replied, "Not really. I''m just not used to being in a party; I''ve only been ying this game by myself for the past year because I don''t have a lot of time to y."


    "You don''t seem to have a limited amount of time ying games," Forev interjected.


    Broken continued, "I mean, the first year I yed this game, I didn''t have much time. But in thest few weeks, I''ve decided to focus more on ying this game."


    "You certainly have something interesting nned for the future, don''t you?" PussyCat asked.


    "Why don''t you create a guild, Master?" RememberMe eximed, grinning. "We would be more than happy to be your first-ever members. And if you still have any objections, I don''t mind being your ve in the game, hahaha...."


    "Guild?" Broken murmured softly.


    Broken was silent for a moment, processing the word "guild." He wanted to y the game more seriously, and he knew that owning or belonging to a guild was necessary to achieve that. However, he hadn''t thought that far ahead yet, plus he had no experience managing people. As an introvert, he was morefortable working and moving around alone.


    "I think you guys are overestimating me. I''m not.... that great," he said, "but thanks, I''ll think about it."


    Afterward, Broken persisted in his mining quest, growing increasingly passionate with each passing day. With only one more Moonstone required to finish his quest and descend the mountain, he had thus far collected four low-grade Moonstones, far from the high or medium quality he had hoped for.


    Regardless, he was content, having also obtained a wealth of resources from hunting monsters and collecting iron ore.


    Atst, the notification that he had been eagerly anticipating arrived.


    [Congrattions! You''ve obtained 1 high-quality Moonstone!]


    "Yes! Yes! Finally! I made it!" he shouted loudly and threw himself onto the ground with satisfaction.


    "Hahahaha," heughed freely, feeling the joy of his hard-earned sess.


    He shouted in excitement, his body shaking with joy. He picked up the shimmering stone and held it aloft.


    The other three people rushed toward him and congratted him on his sess.


    "Congrats!" PussyCat said cheerfully. "I''m so happy for you."


    "Well done, Broken," Forev added.


    "Uh yeah!" RememberMe screamed. "I''m sure you can craft something legendary with that sparkling stone, right?"


    Broken lifted his face, smiling at the three people. "Thanks, now we can get off this mountain," he said.


    Afterpleting all the requirements of the quest, the four of them did not waste any time and descended from the mountain the next day, returning to Deadbay City.


    When they stopped in the za at the city center, Broken jumped off the carriage and said his goodbyes.


    "If you ever need my help, please let me know," he said, as they had added each other as friends and could now send messages to one another.


    Beaming with excitement, Broken raced to Gia''s residence. In a few short minutes, he stood before the wooden door of the old house. He knocked on the door, and soon enough, he heard the familiar voice of an old woman - Gia.


    The door creaked open, and there stood Gia. "You have returned?" she said, puzzled.


    "Yes!" Broken replied, grinning from ear to ear. "I have sessfullypleted the quest that you gave me."


    Gia raised her head, and her eyes widened. There was a moment of silence before she spoke with a trembling voice. "You managed to mine the Moonstone?"


    "Yes," Broken nodded quickly.


    The two of them then entered Gia''s house, and Broken proudly presented her with the Moonstone he had managed to mine.


    She seemed to tremble with excitement at the sight of the high-quality Moonstone in front of her.


    "You managed to get this high-quality Moonstone in just a few weeks of mining?" she said, looking back at Broken with admiration.


    "Yes," Broken nodded quickly again.


    Gia then smiled broadly, "I think I should give you a higher reward than this."


    Gia stood up from her chair, walked into another room, and returned with a wooden box in her hands. She carefully ced it on the table and spoke in a low voice.


    "My husband spent decades chasing that dream. However, it seems that he can rest easy now, as a young man has proven his capability to continue that dream."


    Broken tried his best to process the information Gia was giving him, eager to learn more about the significance of the Moonstone.


    Gia opened the box and presented its contents to Broken. "I think you deserve this," she said.


    [Your affinity with Gia has strengthened to 45%.]


    [Broken was finally able to prove hispetence, which moved Gia''s heart as it was reminiscent of what herte husband had dreamed of and fought for. It seemed that there was somebody else who was equally passionate about continuing his legacy.]


    Broken slowly shifted his gaze to the contents of the wooden box when he was suddenly presented with a flurry of notifications in front of him.


    [The quest "The Heirloom of the Moonstone Miners" has been upgraded to an A-rating, which will significantly increase the rewards for sessfulpletion.]


    [Congrattions! You havepleted the quest.]


    [You have earned 1 High-Quality Moonstone.]


    [You have earned 1 The Unseen Universe Ne Blueprint.]


    "Blueprint?" Broken muttered, intrigued.

 Chapter 52 - 52 - A Good Introduction

    <h4>Chapter 52: - A Good Introduction</h4>


    Broken decided to depart immediately from Gia''s residence, eager to meet Fokil andplete the quest he had been working on for weeks.


    He couldn''t read the details of the blueprint he had received, The Unseen Universe Ne. It indicated that the blueprint was of a high grade, likely at least Unique-grade. Only a cksmith could read its details.


    But, if he analyzed the name of the item in the blueprint, it at least sounded cool. Unseen Universe, like an item with the power to enter a unique domain or dungeon? Or something simr? He stored all that enthusiasm and hoped to craft the item once he secured the cksmith ss.


    As Broken approached Fokil''s smithy, he noticed a figure in the distance that he was certain he recognized. It looked like they were dragging someone with them, and as he watched, the figure and the person they were dragging came closer and closer.


    Finally, he realized it was Booba who was dragging a miner he knew as Dredge by the cor. Dredge was the man who had introduced him to Gia.


    "Booba?" Broken said, not taking his eyes off Dredge.


    "Broken.... Ha ha ha!" Booba said,ughing. "I''ve found someone who knows where the Moonstone is. I bet you''ve been pretty confused thest few weeks, huh? Ha ha ha...."


    "You stupid idiot!" Dredge shouted, struggling to break away from Booba''s grip. He was clearly seething with anger. "I have met him, and I''ve told him where the Moonstone was."


    "Huh?" Booba looked confused, then nced at Broken.


    Broken gave a subtle nod in response.


    Booba then released his grip on Dredge and stepped towards Broken. "Hahaha, long time no see. Are you okay, Broken? Do you need help fighting monsters?"


    Dredge sneered before finally storming off, mumbling curses under his breath. "I regret meeting you two!"


    After confirming to Booba that he had sessfully obtained the Moonstones, Broken mentioned that he needed to submit the quest results to someone.


    Booba, trailing after him, hurried to keep up with his quick pace. He then reached out and ced his hand on Broken''s shoulder. "How about your level? Are you still as slowdown as before? Don''t tell me you haven''t progressed beyond level 25 yet? Hahaha..."


    Broken paused for a moment, considering Booba''s question. He turned to face him. "I''ve been hunting monsters and looking for Moonstones nearby," he replied.


    A small smile curved Booba''s lips as he understood why Broken was avoiding the question. He figured that Broken was too shy to say, so he reasoned that he should provide some encouragement, like a good buddy does. "I must try and cheer him on. It is my responsibility as a friend," he thought to himself.


    "Have you ever heard of the Ass Guild?" Booba asked as they continued to walk toward their destination.


    "Yeah..." Broken answered, recalling the mage Elincia, who had attacked him and killed him instantly when he was in Princess Alora''s tent. "I know the name, but I can''t remember what it stands for."


    "Ahahaha... that''s the Astral Sorcery Squad," Booba replied cheerfully and confidently.


    Astral Sorcery Squad, often shortened to Ass Guild, was led by Booba''s little sister, Elincia, someone Broken had previously encountered.


    "Ah yes... I remember now," Broken said.


    "Did you know that the Ass Guild is one of the top guilds in Immortal Legacy? I mean, have you heard of its guild leader, Elincia?" Booba said, a big smile spreading across his face.


    So far, Booba had been without a guild. However, his little sister, Elincia, had kindly offered him a ce in the Ass Guild. The guild boasted a powerful formation and skilled yers, and anyone would no doubt be stronger if they joined them.


    Therefore, Booba wanted to offer Broken a seat in the Ass Guild; he believed that the guild''s members would provide unconditional aid, allowing Broken to grow more powerful in no time.


    "Ah yes, I know Elincia," Broken answered, a trace of bitterness still present in his voice.


    A grin spread across Booba''s face as he heard that Broken was familiar with his younger sister, whom he was so proud of. "Good... I''m sure many people know of Elincia. She''s very talented and is a top ranker. Did you know she''s my sis..." he said, eager to share the news.


    Before Booba could finish, Broken cut him off, "What a stupid and crazy girl!" he eximed. "Just hearing her name makes me angry."


    "Eh?" Booba eximed, taken aback by Broken''s response.


    "Yes, she is stupid and crazy. If only I were as strong as her, I could surely repay her for what she did to me. I deserve some kind of retribution for her actions," Broken spoke with irritation.


    "Wait, what do you mean?" Booba asked,pletely shocked.


    "Something happened. I suddenly logged into a tent that belonged to... someone..." He paused, not wanting to tell the story of how he had seen Princess Alora almost take off all her clothes.


    "Yes," he continued. "And that stupid mage appeared and cast a high-tier skill, killing me instantly."


    Booba''s throat tightened as he looked at Broken. "Is it true," he stammered, "that you were caught in Princess Alora''s tent?"


    Broken stared nkly at Booba, surprised that he had figured it out so quickly.


    "How do you know that? Please keep this a secret, but yes, that''s me," he replied reluctantly, knowing he had no choice but to be honest.


    Booba pondered if Broken was, in fact, the same person his sister had told him about - the one who was romantically involved with Princess Alora and being chased by the Ass Guild.


    "I thought you were in a dangerous situation, the Ass Guild is looking for you," Booba said, worried evident in his voice.


    "Are you saying the Ass Guild is hunting me?" Broken asked.


    "Don''t worry," Booba insisted, trying to ease Broken''s worries. "I will do everything within my power to safeguard you. The Ass Guild won''t hurt you. I give you my word that you can live without fear. Let me handle this situation."


    Booba was determined to protect Broken and tried to exin the situation to Elincia. "You should hide for a while, and I will give you info if any members of the Ass Guild are anywhere near this area."


    "Thanks, Booba," Broken said, smiling widely.


    Whatever Elincia and her guild were thinking, it was clear that he should be the one angry with them. He had ended up in Princess Alora''s tent unintentionally, and it was because she had set up her tent right where he had logged out. That impulsive girl had killed him without a second thought. And now they were hunting him? But why? Shouldn''t Princess Alora have no issue with him?


    He couldn''t figure out the reason behind all this. But he didn''t let it bother him; he only needed to focus on his target.


    The two of them continued walking towards Fokil''s Smithy. As they approached, Fokil peeked out of the window and saw Broken and Booba making their way toward his smithy. He clicked his tongue in irritation and came out with an angry expression.


    "What is that rascal doing here?" he said, pointing at Booba.


    Broken turned to Booba. "What have you done to him, Booba?"


    "Ah, well..." Booba grinned awkwardly. "We only just met a few days ago. We were just trying to get to know each other."


    "There''s no way just getting to know each other would make him this furious!"


    Fokil crossed his arms and red at Booba. "He nearly destroyed my smithy with his ''introductions.''"


    Broken sighed, realizing that Booba had probably caused some trouble.

 Chapter 53 - 53 - Royal Blacksmith

    <h4>Chapter 53: - Royal cksmith</h4>


    "Ah haha..." Booba shifted ufortably as he stood in front of Broken and Fokil.


    "So... uh... yeah... I did go a bit overboard. But I did say sorry and even gave a gold coin aspensation." Booba said with a confused expression.


    Fokil threw a coin towards Booba. "I don''t want your money. Just go away from here."


    Booba quickly picked up the coin from the ground and gave Broken a sheepish smile. "Good luck, Broken."


    He then turned to Fokil. "Sir, he''s my friend. However, what I did a few days ago has nothing to do with him, so please..." he gave a yful wink. "Treat him fairly." He grinned and walked away.


    Once Booba was out of sight, hurrying and turning down the nearest street, Broken walked closer to the smithy.


    "I''ve finished the quest you gave me," he said. "The Moonstones."


    Fokil still looked at him with a suspicious gaze. He had given a challenging quest, but he saw some hope in the yer before him. If Broken had seeded in mining high-quality iron ores as he imed, maybe he could indeed seed with the Moonstones. Now, he was here, iming his sess.


    One thing Fokil knew for sure was that someone couldn''t fake Moonstones or obtain them through deceitful means. These minerals were too rare and could only be acquired by those who had gained the approval of the Goddess of The Moon.


    "Do you have the Moonstones with you? Five of them?" he asked, his voice calmer than usual.


    "Yes, sir," Broken replied.


    "Come, follow me inside," Fokil said, leading the way into the smithy.


    Broken felt a surge of excitement because the quest was nearing its end. He should secure the cksmith ss today, and he couldn''t wait to see the grade of the ss that he might receive from Fokil.


    Fokil then pointed to a table, "Show me the Moonstones," he said.


    Broken quickly pulled out a cloth bag and ced it on the table, then carefully took out the sparkling stones from it. It was clear they were Moonstones, which he had mined after struggling for almost a month.


    "This took a very long time and great patience to gather this many, sir. Sorry it took me a month to return," he said, knowing that Fokil also knew Gia''s husband. "But Mrs. Gia gave me another Moonstone. She said it was from herte husband."


    "You met Gia?" Fokil asked.


    "Yes, I did. She provided me with valuable information about the location of the Moonstone. In fact, she even gave me a blueprint for a rare Unique-grade Ne as a reward," Broken replied.


    Fokil nodded, his expression unreadable as he processed the information.


    Fokil then walked slowly, looking and inspecting the Moonstones. He was silent for a moment, appearing lost for words at the sight. He then looked back at Broken, still in disbelief at what he was seeing. These were indeed Moonstones, and somehow, it had only taken him a month to gather so many.


    Fokil then sat in a chair, still silent, appearing to be deep in thought. He sighed, rewrapped the Moonstones, and pushed them back towards Broken.


    "Sorry if I was a bit harsh earlier, brat," he said.


    Broken smiled at hearing this, growing more eager to wait for the notification from the system.


    "I think you deserve a fitting reward for your achievement, even more than that," he said.


    [You have achieved remarkable sess! Your efforts in the quest "Be an Apprentice of Fokil the cksmith" have been rewarded with an upgrade to an A-rating.]


    Broken widened his eyes in surprise when a notification appeared in front of him. "Yes, finally!" he eximed.


    "Your mining skills are impressive," Fokil said. "But mining has nothing to do with cksmithing. Are you sure you still want to pursue this path?"


    "I am determined to acquire the cksmith ss," Broken dered firmly. "So, I will take on any challenge thates my way."


    "But you could be a talented miner, and it would give you a lot of money," Fokil pointed out. "Why are you still so determined to be a cksmith?"


    Broken considered the possibility of earning more money by bing a miner. However, he wanted to craft his own armor and weapons, utilizing his Quality Enhancement skill to gain even greater benefits from his creations. But he was sure that he couldn''t reveal this reasons to Fokil.


    "I can''t exin it clearly, but I really want to be a cksmith and craft my own armor and weapons."


    "So, I guess not everyone does things for money," Fokil muttered under his breath. "I am proud of you."


    Fokil solemnly extended a hand to sp Broken''s shoulder and praised him, "Your resolve ismendable. It is only fitting that you should be rewarded for your efforts."


    Turning away towards a nearby chest, Fokil rummaged through it before presenting something to Broken. It was a blueprint of a weapon.


    "Take this," Fokil said, handing the blueprint to Broken. "This is the Moonvine Knuckles Blueprint. With yourmitment and the Moonstones, I have no doubt that you will be able to bring this creation to life."


    The blueprint depicted a weapon design¡ªa pair of knuckles with sharp ws extending from the back of the hand. The five ws were intricately designed to look like they grew out from the wrist to the back of the hand, colored silver with green leaf-like motifs.


    Broken received the blueprint and stood in awe, silently admiring its beautiful design. Once again, he could not inspect the details of the weapon, clearly indicating that this blueprint had a high grade, just like what he had received from Gia.


    Next, Fokil handed Broken a finely crafted leather-bound tome, its cover embossed with the emblem of the Smithy¡ªan anvil wreathed in mes.


    "This is my personal journal," Fokil exined, his voice softening. "Within its pages are the techniques and secrets I have umted over decades of honing my craft. Study it well, for it will serve as your guide on the path to bing a true cksmith."


    [The quest to mine five Moonstones has been upgraded to an A-rating.]


    [Congrattions onpleting the quest!]


    [As a reward, you have received 1 Moonvine Knuckles Blueprint.]


    [Your affinity with Master cksmith Fokil has increased to 30%.]


    [You have also received 40 stat points.]


    Broken''s heart raced as he read the notifications. Damn, 40 stat points and a blueprint! This was an incredible reward for him. Moreover, the blueprint clearly depicted a weapon he would eventually craft using the Moonstones. This weapon would undoubtedly be very rare, and he hoped it would also be exceptionally powerful.


    [You have achieved remarkable sess! Your efforts in the quest "Be an Apprentice of Fokil the cksmith" have been rewarded with an upgrade to an A-rating, and you have received an acknowledgment from the Master cksmith Fokil himself.]


    [Congrattions! You havepleted the quest with flying colors.]


    [You have earned the Unique-grade ss of Royal cksmith through the journal of the Master cksmith Fokil.]


    [Additionally, your affinity with Master cksmith Fokil has increased to 35%.]


    [You have received 40 stat points.]


    Broken''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Another 40 stat points, and also a Unique-grade ss!" he eximed.


    The rewards were beyond his expectations, making all his hard work and determination worth it!

 Chapter 54 - 54 - Master Rank Blacksmith

    <h4>Chapter 54: - Master Rank cksmith</h4>


    The Production ss had a unique ranking system, divided into four ranks - Beginner, Advanced, Expert, and Master - each with nine levels of progression. Every rank had its own unique features that distinguished it from the others. However, it was clear that increasing one''s rank in the Production ss required an extraordinary amount of effort. Even a Dwarf cksmith like Fokil could proudly call himself a Master cksmith, holding this title in high esteem among his fellow dwarves.


    Every yer who had obtained a production ss was tasked with dedicating their efforts to mastering the production skills,pleting quests, and meeting objectives to improve their rank. Despite this focus on progress, the most sessful cksmith yer in the game had only been able to reach Advanced Rank - Level 9. This showed that to achieve the Expert Rank, time and money alone were not enough. It would take immense dedication and skill. If pushed harder, the first yer to reach Expert Rank might emerge, perhaps in the near future.


    Beginner cksmiths were just beginning their journey, learning the fundamentals of metalworking and tempering. Their craftsmanship was rudimentary and raw, with much room for improvement.


    Advanced cksmiths had achieved proficiency in their trade, capable of forging weapons and armor with intricate designs and superior results.


    Expert cksmiths were a rarity. They possessed an almost supernatural perception of the characteristics of metals. They could perform feats of fire and metal that seemed inconceivable, producing one-of-a-kind and powerful items that were greatly coveted by adventurers and collectors alike.


    And then there were the masters ¨C renowned artisans throughout Yunatea whose names were spoken with admiration and respect. Their creations were the stuff of legend, artifacts with the power to shape the fate of the world. These master cksmiths had reached the pinnacle of their craft, their works revered and their skills unmatched.


    In simpler terms, the Production ss ranking system limits the quality of items that can be made and the chances of obtaining a higher grade in crafting. Additionally, higher rankse with specialized skills.


    Broken swallowed hard and focused on the stream of notifications that seemed to appear in his vision endlessly. Even after the notifications congratting him on the sess of his two quests, now it was time for the information about the cksmith ss to appear before him.


    [The heat of the forge radiates through every breath as a cksmith toils away with hammers and tongs. The metal glows and takes form under their skillful hands, a dance between them and the fire as they breathe life into steel. Every weapon crafted is imbued with passion, made with an adventurer''s dreams in mind that will never be extinguished.]


    [Royal cksmiths have devoted their entire existence to the art of cksmithing, forging heated metal into glimmering works of art and skill. With a single blow of the hammer, they can turn ordinary ore into extraordinary creations, crafting weapons fit for a king.]


    Despite his best attempts to keep his attention on the environment around him, the notifications kept distracting him as he followed Fokil, tempting him to take a nce at least.


    "What kind of cksmith will I be in a unique ss?"


    [The yer has now been granted the Unique-grade ss of Royal cksmith.]


    [The new skill cksmith''s Craftsmanship has been unlocked.]


    [The new skill cksmith''s Appraisal has been unlocked.]


    [The new skill cksmith''s Repair has been unlocked.]


    [The new skill cksmith''s Soul Engrave has been unlocked.]


    [The new skill cksmith''s Path of Legend has been unlocked.]


    Broken paused for a moment, carefully studying all the skill information he had just received. He was amazed at the impressive array of skills he had been granted; even the names of each skill sounded incredibly cool.


    "So, it seems that you are rather intrigued by all those new skills?" Fokil said.


    Broken postponed reading more detailed descriptions of each skill he had just acquired and focused on Fokil.


    "Yes, sir," Broken replied in a quiet voice.


    Fokil asserted sternly, "Your rank in cksmith''s Craftsmanship is the most crucial element of being a cksmith. Every skill you have and the techniques you have learned will be useless if you don''t make an effort to level up your cksmith''s Craftsmanship. Don''t get distracted by your other abilities if you are not endeavoring to enhance your primary skill first."


    "I understand," Broken answered firmly. "I will work hard and strive to raise my cksmith''s Craftsmanship Rank and Level."


    "You should consider yourself lucky," Fokil said with a hint of annoyance, "that I bestowed upon you the Royal cksmith ss, a privilege that is exclusive to the Dwarves."


    "I won''t squander this chance, sir," Broken replied, his voice filled with determination.


    Fokil continued, speaking solemnly. "As a yer, you are cursed with eternal life; no matter what kind of death you suffer, you wille back to life as if nothing has happened. Thus, I hope that you can reach the rank of Expert at least in your lifetime; however, attaining the title of Master is nearly impossible."


    Broken nodded and, with determination, followed Fokil. He had made a resolution to be one of the highest-ranked cksmith yers in Immortal Legacy. He had the reasons and the substantial resources to achieve this, of course, along with the passive skill he got from the Sloth Champion title.


    The information he had obtained from the inte indicated that someone who had attained the Advanced Rank - Level 9 had invested an immense amount of time and effort into the cksmith ss from the beginning of the game. They could proudly show their achievement to others. And Broken was determined to reach that level at least.


    "How many years do you think yers can live?" Fokil continued, still with an irritated expression on his face. "Do you know how much I struggled to reach the Master Rank?"


    Broken was lost for words when Fokil posed the question. He could not imagine how much effort it took to aplish such a feat. He shook his head, "No, sir, I don''t know how many years it took you to achieve this, but I''m certain that it is something worth celebrating and honoring."


    "Alright, let''s stop wasting time and get to training," Fokil dered firmly. "We can''t afford to let the ss I''ve assigned to you go to waste."


    "Yes, sir."


    At that moment, Broken realized something significant.


    [Self Transcendence Blessing Activation Progress: 91%]


    [The reaction urred because the Self Transcendence Blessing and the Royal cksmith ss led to an unforeseen oue.]


    An unexpected event unfolded right before his eyes. The Transcendence Blessing was triggered even when the progress was still at 91%.


    Broken suddenly widened his eyes when a new notification regarding Self Transcendence appeared before him. His body trembled in anticipation as he was wondering what surprise he would receive.


    [The Royal cksmith ss just got a significant upgrade! With the power of Self Transcendence Blessing, the cksmith ss has ranked up to new heights. Forge away, apprentice! Let your creations reach new heights!]


    [Congrattions! You have reached Master Rank - Level 1 in cksmith''s Craftsmanship. You have finally mastered the art of hammering hot metal into supremely crafted weapons and armor! Now you can join the ranks of the greatest cksmiths in the world!]


    Broken stood in awe as he read the notifications. "I can''t believe it," he whispered to himself. "I actually reached Master Rank."


    Fokil, noticing the change in Broken''s expression, asked, "What happened?"

 Chapter 55 - 55 - Auto-Crafting Feature

    <h4>Chapter 55: - Auto-Crafting Feature</h4>


    Broken was utterly speechless when he received the notification from the Self Transcendence Blessing. This was truly an upgrade he never expected. In an instant, he had leaped to the Master Rank of cksmith! It was unbelievable. Just imagining it was crazy¡ªconsider that a single yer had spent nine years of Yunatea time and countless resources only to reach Advanced Rank - Level 9. While Fokil, a dwarf who might be hundreds of years old, had reached Master Rank, but what had he sacrificed to achieve that?


    And now, Broken had instantly reached the Master Rank! This was insane. He felt an overwhelming sense of euphoria as he stood still, processing what had just happened. He couldn''t even fathom how he would exin this to anyone, especially Fokil, who had spent his entire life working as a cksmith.


    This was so insane, so crazy, unreal!


    The thought of other yers finding out about the Master Rank he had achieved sent chills down his spine. Would theye after him in the real world and try to hunt him? This kind of upgrade couldn''t be valued with money.


    [Congrattions! You''ve achieved Master Rank - Level 1 in the cksmith Ranking System.]


    [Would you like to register yourself in the leaderboard rankings, allowing all Immortal Legacy yers to see your aplishment?]


    The yer Leaderboard was a ce where yers showcased their pride and honor. Many fought hard to have their names disyed there. The leaderboards did not only record the ranking of production sses but also levels, stats, and a lot more, categorized into various types like ss type, weapon type, and more. But everyone knew that those whose names appeared on the leaderboard would at least be recognized by many people, gaining potential sponsors, partnership offers, easier eptance into major guilds, and much more.


    But, this did not seem beneficial for Broken in his current state. Those with power might hunt him or force him to join them so they could use his skills to craft something for them. A Master Rank cksmith was undoubtedly someone who would be sought after and wanted by many, because of the potential they held.


    So, he chose not to disy his name on the leaderboard. He smiled, thinking about it. There would be a time for everything, and he had started his journey with an extraordinary beginning.


    [You have chosen not to register your name on the leaderboard, but you may change your mind at any time.]


    "Done daydreaming, brat?" Fokil said, snapping Broken out of his thoughts. "From today onwards, you must focus on practice and do cksmithing every day, understand?"


    "Yes, sir," Broken replied with a smile.


    Fokil led Broken to the heart of the smithy, where the massive forge roared with life. Its mes danced and flickered as if anticipating their arrival. The heat was nearly overwhelming, but Broken steeled himself, determined to learn all he could from the master cksmith.


    "First things first," Fokil said, raising his voice to be heard over the roar of the forge. "You must understand the importance of controlling the heat. Too little, and your metal will not bend; too much, and it will be brittle."


    Fokil turned to Broken, who seemed lost in thought again. Fokil''s irritation with the young man increased.


    "Pay attention when I''m talking to you, brat!" he eximed, his voice sharp andmanding.


    "Yes, sir," Broken replied solemnly, snapping back to focus.


    Fokil gestured at the bellows next to the forge, exining how they were used to increase or decrease the intensity of the fire. "Watch and learn," he instructed, demonstrating the proper technique for adjusting the airflow.


    As Broken watched, he marveled at Fokil''s precision and skill, knowing he had much to learn. The master''s movements were fluid and exact, each action purposeful.


    "Your turn," Fokil said, stepping away from the bellows.


    Broken approached slowly, his arms slightly trembling as he took hold of the bellows. As he started to work on them, his motions were clumsy and unsteady at first.


    "Don''t let me down, or you''re out of here!" Fokil dered sternly, watching him closely.


    But as Broken continued, he started to find his rhythm, the mes responding to his touch like a living entity. Fokil nodded approvingly, a hint of surprise in his eyes. He was stunned for a moment, realizing how quickly Broken adapted. This brat is really quick to learn, isn''t he? he thought.


    "Very well, you''ve got the hang of that quickly," Fokil said. "Now, let''s move on to forging."


    The master cksmith selected a bar of iron and ced it within the fiery maw of the forge. As the metal heated, Fokil exined the various tools that surrounded them ¨C the tongs, hammers, and anvils, each with its specific purpose and function. Broken listened intently,mitting every word to memory.


    "Remember, timing is crucial," Fokil warned as he retrieved the glowing iron from the forge. "Strike the metal while it''s hot, but not too soon, or you risk damaging your work."


    Fokil then continued to demonstrate every step involved in crafting an item, and Broken paid close attention to each process. Although he had already achieved Master Rank cksmith, this mainly pertained to the grade of items he could craft, some special skills, and the potential oues of his crafting. He still needed to learn the overall process of cksmithing.


    Was crafting an item as a production ss difficult in Immortal Legacy? No, actually there was another solution for crafting an item, the auto-craft feature essible to every yer. They could ce the materials they needed and simply press the auto-craft button, and boom, the item was sessfully crafted. The time required was much shorterpared to doing the entire crafting process manually.


    However, using auto-crafting had many drawbacks that were not favored by most production-ss yers. The most likely result of auto-crafting was a very poor-quality item. The item grade produced was almost always the lowest possible, and the stats and skills would be subpar.


    In addition, there was also a risk of losing valuable materials, only to end up with a low-quality item. For this reason, professional cksmiths or other production-ss yers preferred to eptmissions and perform the crafting process manually.


    Broken followed every order and guidance given by Fokil with unwavering precision. He then took over the cksmith tools and did exactly as Fokil instructed. His movements were quick and efficient, his actions were executed wlessly to achieve the desired oue.


    "Very well done," Fokil said approvingly. "Now that you understand how to control your forge, let us move on to crafting your first piece of equipment."


    He handed Broken a new blueprint. "Your task is to create Elite-grade gloves."


    Broken took the blueprint, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. He studied it carefully, noting the details and specifications. This was his first challenge as a cksmith, and he was determined to prove himself worthy of the Royal cksmith ss.


    "I understand, sir. I won''t disappoint you," Broken said


    "Good," Fokil replied. "Now, let''s see what you can do."


    [You had received an email from Akidia, the Goddess of Sloth.]


    "Goddess Akidia?" Upon seeing the name of the mail sender, Broken''s face lit up with joy.


    Fokil, who had previously noticed Broken''s confusion, now saw a glimmer of hope in the young man''s excited face. He observed the enthusiasm radiating from Broken as he looked at the blueprint. Fokil knew that the young man was genuinely eager to undertake the quest.


    "You were starting to show some enthusiasm when I gave you the blueprint, weren''t you? No more procrastinating, brat!" Fokil urged.

 Chapter 56 - 56 - Master Blacksmith’s Doubts

    <h4>Chapter 56: - Master cksmith''s Doubts?</h4>


    [Hi Broken, how are you?


    I hope you''re doing well and taking plenty of naps.


    I''m so sorry I haven''t talked to you in a while.


    I was a bit toozy to write, no, I mean it was because I had a lot of work on my hands.


    Anyway, I wanted to let you know, I just remembered something really cool that I wanted to share with you.


    It''s called the Self Transcendence Blessing, it is something really fun.


    I know it''s a bit vague, but I''m too tired to exin the details.


    Just take it in and make the most of it.


    I wanted to let you know that I hope you like it.


    Take care and enjoy your time of leisure!


    - Akidia]


    Broken smiled with joy when he received the email from Goddess Akidia. For some reason, it warmed him. The message was not very clear; it seemed she wanted to share something about the Self Transcendence Blessing but then she just wrote random, unimportant words. But he was sure he had already felt the benefit of the blessing as the Sloth Champion. Even though this was just the beginning, he wondered if the other Divine Champions had blessings as powerful as this one. No wonder they climbed the top rankings so quickly.


    Not wanting to appear unfocused in Fokil''s presence, Broken quickly studied the blueprint that had just been put in front of him.


    [Warrior''s Call Gloves Blueprint]


    [Grade: Common ~ Elite]


    [The perfect essory for the sword-wielding novice. With itsfy, one-size-fits-all design, the glove is sure to be a hit with any aspiring swordsman.]


    [To craft this glove, you would need a few grams of steel.]


    [Crafting this item requires the Craftsmanship of a Beginner cksmith.]


    After carefully examining the blueprint, Broken was able to clearly read the information it disyed. Now that he had the Appraisal skill, he no longer had trouble reading blueprints, even those of high grades. However, his appraisal skill was uniquepared to others. It allowed him to uncover hidden features of crafted equipment. These hidden features could be special skills that were only revealed when he, the Royal cksmith, appraised the armor or weapon.


    [cksmith''s Appraisal (Active Skill)]


    [This skill allows you to appraise blueprints and items with ease, and also reveals the true value of cksmith-crafted items. It''s a great way to make sure you don''t get ripped off when trading.]


    "Don''t ever use the auto-craft feature that yers like you have, or I will curse you for the rest of my life," Fokil said firmly, his expression filled with irritation as he looked at Broken.


    "No," Broken responded quickly. "I promise to do all the production processes manually. I am absolutely determined to master this ss, sir."


    "You certainly know how to tter people, don''t you?" Fokil added with a slight smirk. "Ask me anything you don''t know about cksmithing, and I''ll be happy to answer."


    "Thank you for your offer, sir," Broken nodded slowly, a slight smile rising to his lips. "cksmithing is all new to me, so I''d be grateful to hear whatever you would like to tell."


    "Good," Fokil replied. "The difference between each rank of the cksmith is the grade of equipment they can craft. The glove I gave you is of a very low grade, so it can be easily worked on by a beginner like you."


    Broken nodded slowly, suppressing his excitement as he had just be a Master cksmith in the blink of an eye.


    Fokil continued, "The sess rate of an item produced by a cksmith depends on many factors, such as the rank and level of their craftsmanship, abination of your basic stats, your Luck stat, and your Dexterity stat. Have you already unlocked the Dexterity stat? We can talk about itter if you haven''t."


    "No, sir, I haven''t unlocked the Dexterity stat yet," Broken replied.


    He then muttered, "So, the grade of the item depends on abination of every aspect of the cksmith, like stats, craftsmanship rank, and so on?"


    "That''s right," Fokil replied. "If you fail to make this glove as an Elite-grade, then you''d be the most failed cksmith I''ve ever met. You might fail a few times, but keep at it until you seed."


    "Understood, sir," Broken said, nodding in agreement.


    Broken was already a Master cksmith, which meant he should be leagues ahead of any other cksmith yers in Immortal Legacy. He also had a Luck stat, coupled with a special skill granted by the Goddess Akidia, Quality Enhancement. Thisbination of privileges gave him a high chance of creating extraordinary items. As he thought about it, he couldn''t help but feel optimistic about his future prospects.


    "Okay, next, we will learn about materials," Fokil continued.


    After reading the materials needed for the Warrior''s Call Gloves, Broken found out that the item could be crafted using small amounts of steel. Unfortunately, he didn''t have any steel at the moment, so he would need to purchase it from merchants.


    Fokil asked, "Do you know what steel is and how it''s made?"


    The Dwarf''s eyes lit up with enthusiasm; it was evident that cksmithing was deeply rooted in his soul. He became excited whenever he discussed it.


    "No, sir, I need your guidance."


    "Steel is amon metal alloy made from iron and carbon," Fokil exined. "It is strong and highly durable. You can obtain it by melting down iron ore andbining it with carbon to create a hard alloy."


    Broken nodded slowly, trying to digest the information. He was realizing many new things in this game that he had never known before. cksmithing had all kinds of interestingponents and seemedplicated, but this was the essence of Immortal Legacy - where one could do various things as if they were doing them in the real world.


    "That''s why," Fokil continued, "before you start crafting the gloves, you need to learn how to smelt iron ore and make steel from that ore."


    [Smelting Iron Ore and Carbon into Steel]


    [Rating: D]


    [Broken has been given the job of transforming Iron Ore and Carbon into strong Steel by the cksmith Master Fokil. To satisfy his demanding standards, Broken must make sure the Steel is made to the highest possible quality.]


    [Clear Conditions: Sessfully produce steel.]


    [Clear Rewards: 5 bars of steel.]


    [Quest Failure: You have to keep trying until you seed inpleting the quest.]


    Fokil started by exining, "First, we need to gather our materials - Iron Ore and Carbon. The amount of iron ore needed will vary depending on the type of steel you want to make. However, the ratio is always 2 to 1 for iron ore and carbon."


    Fokil asked Broken to pick up the things that looked like lumps of coal in the corner of the room.


    After gathering them and stacking them, it was time to get the forge fire started so that it would reach its highest possible temperature.


    Fokil carefully exined to Broken how to arrange the charcoal around the bottom of the furnace and add small amounts of air using the bellows until it ignited into mes. The fire roared to life, illuminating the forge with a fierce glow.


    "Now, do you understand what needs to be done?" Fokil asked, his eyes focused on Broken.


    "Yes, I''m ready," he replied confidently.


    Fokil pointed to the g on the smelter and said, "This needs to be removed after each smelt, or else the steel quality will suffer from impurities." He moved around the melting chamber, showing Broken the different areas and how to handle them.


    "Some parts need higher temperatures due to their special alloy properties, while others must stay at lower temperatures," he exined.


    Looking up at Broken, Fokil said, "Do you understand? You''ll need to get this right if we want a good product."


    Broken nodded, feeling a little overwhelmed but determined to forge the best steel possible. "I''ll do my best."


    Fokil added, "Just remember that it won''t be easy. Steel-making is not for the faint of heart."


    Broken nodded in agreement, understanding the gravity of the task ahead.


    "Very good. Now let''s get to work," Fokil said.


    Broken stepped up to the forge and began the process of melting his iron ore and carbon together. He had to carefully monitor the temperature as he added the ingredients, making sure that it didn''t go over or under what was needed for a sessful smelt.


    Taking a deep breath, Broken plunged thergedle into the molten steel.


    Broken continued working until finally, hourster, the perfect steel emerged from his furnace. The intense heat and concentration left him drenched in sweat, but he felt a surge of pride at his aplishment.


    After cooling it down and removing any impurities or imperfections with some tools from Fokil''s workshop, Broken was left with exactly what they had been aiming for - perfectly pure steel.


    [You have sessfully smelted a high-quality steel alloy, producing a material with superior strength and durability.]


    Fokil took one look at Broken''s work and said approvingly, "Well!" he eximed, looking genuinely impressed. "That''s too much for just beginner''s luck, but damn, you sure are quite special. I hope you don''t just do this once."

 Chapter 57 - 57 - The Double Strikes

    <h4>Chapter 57: - The Double Strikes</h4>


    [Congrattions, Broken! You have achieved an outstanding aplishment by sessfullypleting the quest of smelting iron ore and carbon into steel and producing a high-quality product.]


    [As a reward for your efforts, you have been presented with five gleaming steel bars - three of low-grade, one of mid-grade, and one of high-grade - in recognition of your hard work. Congrattions, and happy crafting!]


    Broken smiled as he finished the quest. "I havepleted the quest, sir," he said with pride in his voice.


    Fokil nodded in appreciation. "Good. It seems you were fortunate enough to smelt a high-quality steel bar with just low-quality iron ore. If you can get your hands on high-quality iron ore, you can use it to craft even better materials."


    He continued, "Now that you have demonstrated your proficiency in smelting, it is time for your next challenge. You must create Elite-grade gloves from these steel bars. It will not be easy, but if you manage toplete this quest, it will be a testament to your outstanding cksmithing abilities."


    [Craft an Elite Grade Gloves]


    [Rating: B]


    [The Master cksmith has tasked you with crafting an Elite-grade glove. You must use the knowledge you''ve learned from Fokil to create a glove of Elite grade. Be sure to pay close attention to detail, as the slightest mistake will ruin the entire project.]


    [Clear Conditions: Sessfully craft Elite-grade Gloves.]


    [Clear Rewards: 40 stat points.]


    Fokil demonstrated the proper technique for hammering the steel, his powerful blows ringing through the smithy like thunder. Each strike seemed effortless yet precise as if he were sculpting the metal with an invisible hand. The sparks flew with each hit, lighting up the room with a fiery brilliance.


    "Your turn," Fokil said again, handing Broken the tongs and hammer.


    Broken felt a surge of excitement and apprehension as he took the tools from the master cksmith. He grasped the tongs firmly, lifting the heated iron from the forge and cing it upon the anvil. The metal glowed a bright orange, ready to be shaped.


    The resulting ng echoed throughout the smithy, drawing Fokil''s attention. The master cksmith watched closely as Broken continued to shape the steel, his every blow deliberate and focused. Though his technique was unpolished, there was a raw talent and determination that could not be denied. His hands moved with a growing confidence, each strike more assured than thest.


    The fire roared in the background, casting flickering shadows across the smithy. The heat was intense, making the air shimmer.


    "Forging a glove requires patience and precision," Fokil said. "Each te must be shaped with care, ensuring that they are both durable and flexible enough for the wearer."


    Broken nodded, sweat dripping from his brow. He focused on the task at hand, determined to replicate Fokil''s motions down to the smallest detail. As he began shaping the first metal te, he found that maintaining the bnce between strength and flexibility was trickier than it seemed. He adjusted his grip on the hammer, striking with more finesse.


    [Congrattions! You have unlocked a Dexterity Stat.]


    [This stat will increase your effectiveness in all production sses and give you a higher chance of crafting higher-quality items. Enjoy your newfound edge!]


    Broken was delighted to finally acquire the Dexterity stat. He knew this was a requirement for all production sses. Though he couldn''t allocate stat points specifically to Dexterity, this new attribute gave him more options to be efficient in his craft and improve the potential output of his crafting.


    The next step for Broken was toplete as many quests and achievements as possible to collect stat points. This was essential for stayingpetitive with other yers who continued to level up. Crafting like this would also help him level up and progress his Self Transcendence Blessing, making it a win-win solution for him.


    "Careful, brat," Fokil warned when he noticed Broken struggling. "Too much force, and the te will crack."


    Gritting his teeth, Broken adjusted his grip and applied a gentler touch. Gradually, the tes began to take shape, their edges curving smoothly under his careful guidance. He felt a surge of pride with each sessful strike, but there was no time to bask in his aplishment ¨C he had to keep moving, keep learning.


    "Good," Fokil murmured as he observed Broken''s progress. "Now, let''s see you assemble the tes into a proper glove."


    Swallowing hard, Broken set about connecting the tes with small rivets, following Fokil''s example. His hands worked steadily, his concentration unwavering.


    "Almost there," Fokil said, his voice filled with anticipation. "Just a few more adjustments, and you''ll have yourself a fine pair of gloves."


    Atst, the final rivet was in ce. Broken held thepleted gloves up to the light, marveling at the intricate craftsmanship that had gone into their creation. An indigo aura glowed softly around them, indicating that he had sessfully crafted Elite-grade gloves.


    "Excellent work, brat," Fokil praised, pping a heavy hand on Broken''s shoulder. "You''ve truly outdone yourself today."


    [Congrattions! You''ve done the impossible - you''ve crafted an Elite grade equipment with your own two hands on your first try.]


    [Your dedication and skill have been nothing short of extraordinary; you should be feeling proud and triumphant.]


    [Your hard work and determination have paid off - not only have you achieved greatness, but you''ve also earned yourself a bonus reward of 40 Dexterity Stat points! Now that''s something to be excited about!]


    Broken was beaming with joy, unable to conceal his happiness.


    Fokil looked at him with immense pride and satisfaction in his progression. "Let me give you something for this aplishment."


    With a knowing gesture, Fokil walked away and opened the door to another room.


    Broken watched in awe as Fokil came back into the main room and ced something down before him.


    "Take a look at this one, brat," Fokil said with a hint of a smile. "It''s a blueprint for a Royal Hammer that wille in handy for your work."


    [Congrattions! You have sessfully created an Elite Grade Glove!]


    [Your Quest ''Craft an Elite Grade Glove'' has been upgraded to an A-rating.]


    [As a reward, you have been given a blueprint of a Royal Hammer and 40 stat points.]


    Broken''s heart skipped a beat as he struggled to contain his overwhelming excitement. He couldn''t believe his luck - receiving so many amazing gifts in one day! First, he was bestowed with 40 points in Dexterity. Then, he got an additional 40 stat points. And now, he had a blueprint to create a Royal Hammer. This was perfect for him, as he would frequently use a hammer for work. Having his own top-notch hammer would definitely give him an advantage.


    "Thank you, sir! This is an incredible reward," Broken eximed enthusiastically. "I''m so fortunate to have received so much from you today!"


    "Enough chit-chat," Fokil replied with a chuckle. "Why don''t you inspect the stats of the gloves you just crafted?"


    Broken nodded in agreement and then proceeded to examine the gloves, taking in all the detailed information.


    The gloves felt sturdy yet flexible in his hands. The craftsmanship was evident in every metal te, showing the care and precision that had gone into their creation. As he appraised the gloves, a notification appeared before him.


    [Warrior''s Call Glove]


    [Grade: Elite]


    [...]

 Chapter 58 - 58 - Warrior’s Call Gloves

    <h4>Chapter 58: - Warrior''s Call Gloves</h4>


    [Warrior''s Call Gloves]


    [Grade: Elite]


    [Agility: +10


    Strength: +20]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 170]


    [The perfect essory for the sword-wielding novice. With itsfy, one-size-fits-all design, the glove is sure to be a hit with any aspiring swordsman.]


    [Skills:]


    [Double Strikes: It will double the amount of your normal or skill attack! Just remember, it''s not guaranteed - so don''t get too cocky! The likelihood of pulling off the skill is a mere 10%.


    Recharge: 2 Seconds]


    [User Restriction: Level 50 or higher.


    Swordsman ss or a simr one.]


    Broken read the description of the gloves with an overwhelming sense of joy. This was the first time he would finally have a piece of equipment with Elite-grade quality. With this, he would have one part of aplete armor set. He still needed to find the rest to create a full set of armor, but he was quite satisfied with the result. He even gained a new skill attached to the gloves.


    "Double Strikes," Broken muttered under his breath, feeling a thrill at the potential this skill held.


    The Double Strikes skill allowed him to deal double damage with a 10% chance. Although the percentage seemed small, if he couldbine it with a weapon that had a high hit rate and fast attack speed, it could be incredibly powerful. Using the knuckles he nned to craftter, thebination could be devastating.


    "Congrattions, brat," Fokil said, pping him on the shoulder. "That''s a very good pair of gloves for a beginner like you. I think you can use those gloves to fight. And listen, don''t go around embarrassing me by dressing like a beggar when you''re my apprentice and all, okay?"


    Broken grinned because he was still using very poor armor and basic clothing he had bought from a merchant. Despite this, he had managed to earn quite a bit in the past few weeks hunting in the forest. But of course, he still needed a better set of armor and a good weapon too!


    Broken immediately put on the gloves and felt satisfied with the results. These were level 50 gloves, which would be sufficient for his hunting needs while he worked on crafting something of an even higher level.


    Filled with joy, Broken said, "Thank you, sir. I have a fighting ss too. Soon I will craft some gear that I need toplete my fighter ss."


    "Alright," Fokil continued, "You can find some blueprints from merchants and auctions. You need to gather the materials required for the armor , enough to fight and hunt monsters. Then, you''ll be able to craft the Moonvine Knuckles."


    Broken immediately thought about searching for more blueprints and felt very enthusiastic about crafting another piece of armor he needed.


    But then he suddenly remembered the blueprint he had acquired from Fokil. The Moonvine Knuckles¡ªhe hadn''t had the chance to check the details of the blueprint yet.


    "Have you read the description of the blueprint? Do you know about the materials you need?" Fokil asked.


    "Not yet," Broken replied. He hadn''t yet checked the contents of the blueprint, as he had just learned the Appraisal skill and had been too busy with quests.


    Curious and eager to proceed, Broken decided to take a closer look at the blueprint for the Moonvine Knuckles.


    [Hey there, you''ve reached your daily online limit!]


    [To ensure your well-being, we''ll be disconnecting you in 60 seconds. We hope you have a great day!]


    A notification popped up in front of Broken, something he had never seen before while ying Immortal Legacy. He had used a full sixteen hours in a day to log in, the most he had ever done.


    Damn, Broken muttered as he remembered that the system had warned him to log out several hours ago. However, he had been too excited to craft the gloves and had forgotten about it. Now he had to pause his work ande back the next day.


    "Sir, I need to go for a while," Broken said, looking at Fokil. "But I''ll be right back, soon, tomorrow."


    "Alright, brat," Fokil replied. "You can use all the facilities here at the Smithy when you return. And I''d be really pleased if you could start crafting the Moonvine Knuckles soon, too."


    "Thanks," Broken said, smiling. "I''ll be back soon."


    With that, Broken quit the Smithy and logged out of the game.


    ***


    Leon stepped out of his capsule device, a wide smile spreading across his face. He was beginning to fully appreciate the benefits of being the Sloth Champion, especially after crafting an Elite-grade piece of equipment on his first try. It was truly an amazing achievement. He couldn''t wait to go back online the next day, but for now, he had to take a break.


    He then walked into the living room, where Lily was watching TV.


    "Hi," Lily waved cheerfully.


    Leon walked over and flopped onto the sofa next to her.


    "How many days has it been since uncle came home?" he asked.


    "Uhm... around two weeks? Right before you started focusing on your new profession in the game," she said, giggling.


    Leon checked the date and began to remember that it hadn''t even been two weeks since he got the Sloth Champion title, yet he had already spent over a month in the game. The time difference, which was three times faster in the game, really made one lose track of their real-life activities. Imagine being able to explore the game for two full days while not even one day had passed in the real world.


    It wasn''t surprising that those who could utilize the capsule device effectively would develop their thinking or wisdom faster, because, in reality, they lived longer inside the game.


    As he daydreamed while watching TV, his phone vibrated. When he checked it, he found an email from the Golden Age Company, the developer of Immortal Legacy.


    Leon frowned, reading the subject of the email. He quickly opened it and skimmed through the content, which was rted to an Elite yer Support Program (EPSP) for potential yers in Immortal Legacy.


    He had heard about this before, that Divine Champions, in particr, received special support from thepany, in cooperation with the governments of their respective countries. This program aimed to ensure they received adequate support due to their drastically changed status in Immortal Legacy.


    Thinking about it again, even in just two weeks, he had grown so much. It made sense that thepany had thought this through to ensure the safety and well-being of these yers.


    He nodded slowly, realizing the immense influence of Immortal Legacy. Many major corporations invested their money in it, making it a significant new medium for promoting their products within the game. That''s why top yers were bing new celebrities, gaining recognition and even developing their own fanbases.


    Top yers in Immortal Legacy indeed had such significant privileges.


    The email concluded that someone had been assigned to support Leon for some period of time. He nodded slowly, wondering if this would interfere with his fun ying the game. Did he really need this kind of program?


    Leon pondered for a moment, unsure if this guidance would enhance or hinder his enjoyment of the game.


    "Leon..." Lily whispered, snapping him out of his daydream.


    "Yes?" he replied, looking puzzled as he turned to face her.


    "You promised we''d eat out tonight, remember?" she said, giggling.


    "Oh, right..." Leon said, suddenly remembering. "Let''s go then." He quickly stood up. "What do you want to eat?"


    "Nothing too special. I''m sure we can wait for uncle to have a special dinner. How about some snacks and fast food?" she suggested enthusiastically.


    "Sure, let''s go. Fast food is the quickest way to have some fun," he said, grinning.

 Chapter 59 - 59 - She Could Cry in Her Room

    <h4>Chapter 59: - She Could Cry in Her Room</h4>


    Lily Chambers sat quietly at her desk in the ssroom, lost in the pages of a book. It was break time, and while her ssmates gathered in groups, chatting andughing, she chose to sit alone, engrossed in her reading. Her short blonde hair fell slightly forward, partially covering her face.


    She lifted her head when she noticed a group of boys approaching her desk. Her heart started to race, and her palms became sweaty. It was clear they were heading towards her, as they often did.


    Gerald, the leader of the group, wore a smug expression. He walked with two other boys who followed him like bodyguards. Gerald seemed to be assessing Lily as he approached, making a mental calction of her worth. He had an air of superiority, acting as if he was better than everyone else in the room.


    He took a step forward and spoke in an authoritative voice, "Hey, why are you sitting by yourself? Do you need apanion, or is there no one willing to be your friend?"


    Lily tried to divert her gaze, searching for the right words to respond. She felt ufortable with all her ssmates'' eyes on her.


    Gerald was popr and well-liked by many girls in the second year. Even though he wasn''t in the same ss as Lily, he had recently beening to her ssroom just to greet her. The idea of conquering a girl like Lily intrigued him. He thought Lily''s beauty was something extraordinary, despite her not wearing overly fashionable clothes or having arge social circle, which made her seem less popr.


    One of her peers sneered, "It''s obvious that Lily is trying to attract Gerald. What a maniptive witch!"


    "What do you mean?" another girl asked. "Do you think Gerald would be interested in such a poor girl?"


    "She''s probably looking for money, so she''s pretty much selling herself," the first girl replied with contempt.


    "I just want to yank out her hair. She really doesn''t deserve to share the same air as us," said another girl with a scowl.


    "I can''t understand why such an exclusive school has to ept someone like her," chimed in a third girl.


    The other continued, "I think we shouldn''t have her here. She''s bringing us all down."


    Gerald sat down beside Lily and pulled his chair closer to hers, invading her personal space.


    "I want you," he said, looking directly into her eyes. "I''m offering you a chance for a date¡ªone that you shouldn''t turn down."


    Lily felt her heart pounding in her chest, and she tried her best to avoid making eye contact with Gerald, fear evident in her eyes. His words were so tant that they left her no room to think or respond. Did he really think she was an object that could be desired by anyone at will?


    But then, she knew public opinion would favor Gerald, the popr one. Regardless of what she did, she would remain the target of others'' sneers, with no one to defend her.


    What should she do?


    She knew she needed to refuse his offer but was too scared to say anything. She could feel her ssmates staring at her, waiting for something to happen.


    Gerald''s face hardened as he realized Lily wasn''t responding to his offer, and he threatened her with a warning. "You''re going to regret this if you don''t take my offer, Lily. Saturday night, you and I are going on a date. Don''t even think about refusing this opportunity," he said. "I want you, you''re cute."


    Lily gulped and nced down at the floor. She knew that no one else in the room woulde to her aid if Gerald started making any unexpected moves.


    Gerald shed her a confident smile and said, "I''m handsome, rich, and popr, so you should appreciate and treasure what I''m offering you. Don''t be scared¡ªyou won''t regret it, I promise."


    Lily felt frozen in ce; she had been through simr situations before, but never one as intimidating as this. She knew it was time to stand up for herself, even if it put her safety at risk. With all the courage she could muster, she finally took a deep breath and boldly stated, "Sorry, I can''t. I have something else to do with my family."


    Gerald''s face contorted into a menacing scowl as he slowly rose from the chair. His gaze was heavy as he considered Lily for a few moments before turning away with a low growl of warning. "You''ll regret this," he muttered before stalking off, followed closely by his entourage.


    Lily watched him leave, her heart still racing. She felt a mix of relief and fear. She knew she had made the right decision, but she also knew this wasn''t the end of her troubles.


    When the bell signaled the end of school, Lily made her way out of the ssroom amidst taunts from her ssmates.


    "You think you''re so special, don''t you? You treated Gerald like crap, and now you''re just walking away!" they whispered as they passed by Lily, not even bothering to look at her.


    "You''re such a slut. You don''t even know what you''re doing!"


    "Well, we all heard what happened. You were so disrespectful to Gerald, and now you''re just acting like nothing happened!"


    "You were swearing and yelling at him! You''re so rude!"


    As Lily walked away, she could hear her peers mocking her, calling her a slut, and saying she didn''t know what she was doing. She felt desperate, but she kept her head high and continued walking.


    The hateful stares had started as soon as Gerald walked away, and it got worse when they had the chance to speak directly, making sure she could hear them. More of her peers passed by, some of them deliberately bumping her shoulder, causing her to stumble slightly.


    She needed to get away. She felt a surge of emotion building in her chest, something she could no longer contain. She quickened her pace, wanting to escape from those who continued to judge and ridicule her.


    Once she was out of the school grounds, she faster her walking, even breaking into a small run. She wanted to reach home quickly, where she could cry in her room without anyone seeing her.


    She desperately tried to suppress the tears that were beginning to swell in her eyes. She refused to let the sorrow engulf her, mping down on her emotions with an iron will. She bit her lower lip hard enough to draw blood, forcing the tears to stop.


    But with each step, the effort to remainposed grew more difficult, and soon she could feel hot sobs welling up inside of her.


    She stopped for a moment, trying to force a smile on her face and wipe away the evidence of her grief. Clenching her fists, Lily pushed herself forward ¡ª she didn''t want Leon, her brother, to find her in such a distressed state when she arrived home.


    Lily''s heart raced with excitement as she approached the entrance of the house. She could hearughter emanating from inside - it was her brother Leon and their uncle Ben. A wide smile spread across her face as she knocked on the door and stepped inside.

 Chapter 60 - 60 - We’re Not Going to Kidnap You

    <h4>Chapter 60: - We¡¯re Not Going to Kidnap You</h4>


    Lily opened the door and greeted Leon and their uncle with a bright smile.


    "Uncle Ben, I didn''t know you were home!" she eximed excitedly.


    Ben, a 39-year-old man, regarded Lily fondly and replied, "Hi, Lily! Haha, I''m here for a few days. Finally had some time off, so I decided toe home and spend some time with you two. It''s been a while since we''ve had the chance to get together. Come on in!"


    Lily smiled and feltughter bubbling up as her brother and their uncle bantered yfully in the living room.


    Leon and Lily had been living with Ben since their parents'' whereabouts became unknown. For them, Ben was like a surrogate father. He truly cared for both of them, providing support and doing more than enough to meet their needs. Even now, when Leon was working hard to contribute, their uncle insisted on paying for Lily''s school fees. Although Lily attended a prestigious school on a schrship, studying at an elite institution was not as easy as they had imagined.


    Leon smiled at his sister and said, "Hey, Lily! We were nning a special dinner tonight. What do you think?"


    "Yay! Of course, dinner sounds great! It''s been a long time since we had dinner together," Lily responded cheerfully, her smile widening and her eyes sparkling with happiness. She quickly sat down next to Ben and leaned on him.


    "Hey, how''s school, Lily? Have you got a boyfriend yet? Haha, remember what I said¡ªyou need to introduce any boy who wants to date you to us first, okay? I need to make sure they treat you right, haha." Ben said, hisughter filling the cozy, cluttered room.


    Lily grinned broadly. "Uncle, you should be talking about Leon! He''s surrounded by beautiful girls, you know?" she responded with a giggle.


    "Hahaha," Ben responded withughter. "It''s surprising how many new things happen in this house, even when I''m gone for just two weeks."


    He then turned to Leon. "Now, Leon, tell me how you''re so confident about earning all that money. Are you sure you''re not doing anything foolish to get it?"


    Lily had observed many changes in Leon over the past few weeks. He had been discovering gems within the game and had even started purchasing more luxurious items for the house. Not to mention, he had taken the time to buy some new clothes for her too. Although he assured them he could easily earn money, she still felt a bit worried that he might be spending his earnings too freely, which could cause problemster.


    "I''ll take you to a fancy restaurant. My treat!" Leon eximed with excitement.


    "But Leon... don''t you need that money more for your studies? A regr meal would be fine, I think."


    "Don''t worry, Lily," he replied with a reassuring smile. "I have plenty of money for that, so you don''t need to be concerned."


    Ben chuckled. "Hahaha, look at how your brother acts, Lily. You two make me feel so useless. If Leon has that much money, then I won''t be of any use to you guys anymore."


    "Oh,e on, Uncle," Lily said with a cheerful grin. "You''re so much more than that to us."


    They continued chatting about trivial matters until Leon stood up after receiving a message on his phone.


    "So... tonight, at 7 PM, but before that I need to meet someone, maybe for a few hours," he said, then quickly went to his room for a moment.


    "I didn''t know your brother had friends?" Ben said with a giggle.


    Lily gave a curious look, watching where Leon went. A few momentster, he came out dressed in casual clothes, clearly one of the new outfits he had recently bought.


    "Who are you meeting? Is it a date? You don''t need to bother inviting us to dinner if you want to go on a date, Leon," Ben said with a teasing grin.


    "No, it''s for work," he replied casually.


    Just then, they heard a car parked outside the house. Leon immediately waved his hand and stepped outside, "Ah! That must be her! Don''t worry, she said it will only take a short while. I''ll be back soon."


    "She?" Ben muttered, puzzled.


    Leon stepped out of the house, with Ben and Lily trailing behind him. They noticed a young woman exiting the passenger seat of a ck luxury car parked in front of their house.


    The woman, wearing sunsses, appeared to be in her early twenties. She was dressed in a ck office suit and a short skirt. She had shoulder-length brown hair, pushed back to one side, and her appearance was sophisticated and elegant. It was clear from her appearance alone that she was someone of significance.


    "Who is she?" Ben stammered, turning to look at Lily in surprise. "A girlfriend? Did he ever mention anything about her to you, Lily?"


    Lily gaped in shock. "I don''t know either, Uncle," she said quickly. "But if he does have a girlfriend, Leon wouldn''t hide it from us. From what I know, he''s close to a Princess, a Goddess, and a Mage."


    "What?!" Ben was taken aback by Lily''s statement. "What did you say?"


    "He told me about the women he met in the game, but I think only the Mage is a real yer," she continued.


    Ben didn''t understand much about Immortal Legacy, but he grasped the gist of what Lily was talking about. They continued to watch Leon with curiosity.


    Leon approached the girl who greeted him with a wave. She was a member of the Golden Age Company, the developer of the popr game Immortal Legacy. Leon had received an email from thepany stating that she would be his designated support person for the Elite yer Support Program (EPSP).


    As they stood face-to-face, the woman smiled at him. "Hi, I''m the one who sent you the message. I''m Freya," she said, her smile warm and weing.


    Leon nodded and replied, "Nice to meet you. My name is Leon."


    Freya gave Leon a dazzling smile, "How about we step out for a bit? There are many things I want to discuss with you," she said, her smile growing wider. For a moment, Leon was taken aback by her presence, as her skin seemed to shine like the sun, radiating warmth and light.


    "Yes, of course," he said.


    As soon as she removed her sunsses, Leon was taken aback by the intensity of her gaze. She stood at 1.67 meters (5.48 feet) tall, so she had to tilt her head slightly upward while offering him a friendly grin.


    "Sorry, I forgot I was wearing these sunsses," she said, giggling. She then opened the car door and slid into the passenger seat, gesturing to the seat next to her. "Come, here."


    Leon stood frozen for a moment, surprised. He was still in shock at the sight of such a luxurious car in front of him. It was the first time he had ever seen a car this expensive up close. He thought that the price of this car could probably buy a mansion.


    "Come on, Leon, we''re not going to kidnap you. We were officially sent by Golden Age Company. If you need reassurance, I can call the CEO right now," she said, giggling again.


    "Ah, sorry," he said, then stepped into the car.

 Chapter 61: Chapter 61 - Welcome to Your New Stay

    Chapter 61: - Wee to Your New Stay


    ?


    Leon and Freya sat side by side on the luxurious leather seats of the upscale car. At first, Leon felt a bit awkward when the girl turned and faced him, clearly intending to start a


    conversation. As he turned to her, he suddenly realized just how close they were. Her long, straight brown hair fell gracefully over her shoulder, and she smiled warmly as she began to speak.


    "So... you must have read the details of the email and the contract, right?" she asked with a warm smile.


    Leon had skimmed through the contract, though not in great detail. He understood that the EPSP program was offered for free to people like him, a privilege for those deemed elite and special in Immortal Legacy.


    "I''m here to be your personal support," Freya exined, her voice soothing and reassuring.


    "That sounds really helpful. I didn''t know Golden Age Company did things like this before," he replied, trying to hide his eagerness but feeling thrilled about the prospect. "What kind of support do you offer?"


    Freya chuckled, tucking a strand of her brown hair behind her ear. "Everything you need! Financial advice, personal guidance, even career counseling-I can help you with it all! But most importantly, this support will cover a lot of things that will make your life easier outside the game, and a bit inside the game as well."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Leon gazed at Freya with curiosity, eager to hear more. "Can you exin in more detail?" he asked.


    Freya smiled at Leon. "The people who are chosen to be Divine Champions are destined for greatness," she dered. "That''s why Golden Age Company ensures their every need is met, especially to guarantee theirfort so they can y the game better."


    "You mean like a personal assistant?" he asked, intrigued.


    "Kind of..." She grinned mischievously and added, "I can be everything-manager, friend, adviser... anything you need to make your life easier so you can focus on ying the game without being disturbed by outside issues."


    Leon nodded slowly, but Freya noticed that her exnation hadn''t been detailed enough. "Don''t worry, Leon... you don''t need to think too hard about this. I''m here to help you. So, I''ll exin everything to you gradually, okay?"


    "Sure, thanks."


    "If you''re worried that something in your life will change because of my presence, actually, your life has already started changing. You''re aware of that, aren''t you?" she said.


    Although initially Leon thought that he was the only one who knew he was the Divine Champion of Sloth, but it made sense that the developers would have that data as well.


    "Yes, the Sloth Champion title has started to show me extraordinary things that even impact my real life outside the game," he replied.


    Freya giggled. "That''s what I mean. You won''t be able to live like you did before you became a Divine Champion. Well... if you choose to give up the title, that''s a different story, but something great ising into your life. And to prepare you for all of this, that''s why I''m here."


    "That sounds like it''s going to get into my personal life, huh?" he said with a smile.


    "You don''t mind a cheerful girl like me getting into your personal life a bit, do you?" she said, giggling.


    "Actually, that''s a bit of a problem for my quiet life," he said, grinning.


    Freya couldn''t help butugh. "Don''t worry, you can still focus on your game and your physical training, and I''ll handle the rest."


    Leon turned to Freya, realizing that she seemed to know quite a bit about him. "Have you been watching me?"


    Freya smiled and shook her head slightly. "Do you still believe we can live without being watched by anyone? At least we''re watching you for good reasons. Although it does mean we''re keeping an eye on your personal life, this is a policy of every government in the world regarding people like you who gain sudden poprity and status to ensure they don''t end up in difficult situations."


    Leon pondered her words, understanding the need for such measures but also feeling the weight of his new reality. "I see. Well, I guess that''s something I''ll have to get used to."


    Freya nodded. "Exactly. But remember, I''m here to make this transition as smooth as possible for you. You''re not alone in this."


    Leon nodded slowly, trying to ept that his life would indeed change gradually from that day forward. He realized that this was unavoidable, just as Freya had said, unless he decided to relinquish the title, which he certainly had no intention of doing.


    Freya smiled warmly and then grinned. "So, I also have a game ount in Immortal Legacy," she said, her voice filled with excitement. "It''s not very high in level, but I think it''s enough to provide some support for you in the game for the time being."


    "Oh... so you also y the game?"


    Freya nodded. "Yes, and I think you''ll be surprised by my level," she said, giggling. "No, it''s not as high as the top rankers, but I think it''s sufficient if you need my help with monster hunting or anything simr inside the game. And it''ll definitely make things easier since you''ll be spending most of your time in the game."


    "Thank you, having someone who knows my secret will be a huge relief. It''s nice to have someone who can cover for me in front of other yers."


    Freya sped her hands together and gave him a warm smile. "I mean, that''s just an extra thing I can offer you because my real job is to help you outside the game."


    She shrugged lightly. "I can''t do as much as you can - I''m just a normal yer, after all - but there are plenty of ways I can assist you outside the game. I have ess to lots of resources that could be useful for you!"


    They exchanged casual conversations as the car made its way through the city center. The driver took them to a luxurious hotel, parking in an empty lot beneath a streetlight. Freya stepped out of the car and motioned for Leon to follow.


    "Come on," she said with a smile. "I have something special for you."


    Leon, feeling slightly apprehensive, climbed out of the car.


    Freya winked and led him away from the car. "I told you that today would be a fun day, didn''t I? And I wasn''t kidding about that."


    Leon furrowed his brow as they entered the lobby of the luxurious hotel. It was the first time he had ever set foot in such an opulent ce. The lobby was grand, with marble floors that gleamed under the elegant chandeliers. Richly upholstered furniture was arranged in cozy seating areas, and the walls were adorned with exquisite artwork. The entire ce exuded a sense of sophistication and grandeur that left Leon in awe.


    "So, the Golden Age Company has prepared a lot of support for people like you," Freya exined. "I''m sure this is more than you expected, but I think you''ll like it."


    They entered the elevator and rode up to the highest floor. When they stopped in front of a grand mahogany door, Freya turned to Leon with a knowing smile. She opened the door and gestured for him to step inside. "Wee to your new stay. I hope you enjoy it!"

 Chapter 62: Chapter 62 - A Super Assistant

    Chapter 62: - A Super Assistant


    ?


    Leon stepped into the hotel room, which looked more like a luxurious apartment than a typical hotel room due to its spaciousness. His jaw dropped in awe as he tried to process what Freya had just said to him about ''wee to your new stay.''


    The room was elegantly decorated with sleek furniture made of contemporary materials such as ss and chrome. A single, glowing light fixture illuminated the entire area, creating an airy and open atmosphere.


    There were several rooms that appeared to be bedrooms or separate living areas, giving the space a luxurious and spacious apartment-like feel. There was a central living area with arge TV, a kitchen, and a dining area.


    Freya walked further into the room and waved for Leon to follow her. She silently showed him the various features of the room.


    On one side, there were two game capsules that looked like the most advanced technology avable at the time. These capsules were in a separate room specifically designed for gaming.


    Freya moved closer to Leon. "Well? What do you think?"


    Leon still looked confused. "What... is this?"


    Freya handed him the key card with a warm smile. "Here you go," she said. "This room is yours for the next year. Thepany has made sure to provide anything and everything that could make your adventure more pleasurable. And one of the perks is this suite, which you can use as you like. You can move in here, and since there are multiple bedrooms, you can also bring your family-your sister and uncle. All services are provided, includingundry, breakfast, and lunch if you want. You can focus on ying the game without worrying about your daily needs."


    Leon was still stunned, trying to process Freya''s words which felt like a dream to him. Living in such a luxurious ce was something he had never even dared to think about, even though he had secretly desired it.


    "You can also have a private driver pick you up every day if you need to go anywhere- campus, vacation, anywhere! Consider him your personal chauffeur. While you can''t drive the car yourself, you can go anywhere with the private driver who was with us earlier in the car," Freya exined enthusiastically.


    Leon took a deep breath, still trying to wrap his mind around this incredible turn of events. "I don''t even know what to say," he finally managed to utter.


    Freya giggled at Leon''s reaction. "Good, I managed to surprise you! I''m quite satisfied seeing your expression, Leon."


    Leon nodded and took a deep breath. "Who would have thought I''d get something this luxurious, especially considering my life right now?"


    Freya smiled kindly. "This kind of luck is really extraordinary. It''s like winning the lottery among millions of people hoping for it."


    She continued, "By the way, even though this room is a supporting facility from thepany, you don''t need to worry about being monitored. There are no surveince cameras, and no one else from thepany wille here. It''s just me as your point of contact, and I''ll personally ry any messages to you. So don''t worry about anyone else intruding while you''re enjoying your game. Also, I have a spare key to this room, so you can invite me in if you''d like. But don''t worry, I won''t just show up unannounced-I''ll always let you know ahead of time if I''m nning on stopping by," she finished jokingly.


    "Thanks, Freya," Leon said, then turned his attention to the two capsule devices in the room. "Two capsules in there, one for each of us?" he asked.


    Freya nodded solemnly. "Yes, one for you and one for me if I need to go online from here. But of course, your sister can use it too."


    They both entered the room, and Leon started inspecting thetest model of the capsule device. "This is truly amazing," he whispered.


    Freya continued, "So, Leon, I think that''s it. You can do whatever you want in this room. We can discuss more things if you''d like and even y the game together if you want."


    Leon and Freya then made their way to the couch in the middle of the room. They began discussing in more detail some of the support Freya would provide him in the uing months.


    "So... I''m sure you''ll soon get used to living like this. That''s why this suite is only provided for you for one year," she continued.


    Leon turned to Freya, contemting whether he could return to their Uncle Ben''s houseter or perhaps rent a ce of his own for him and Lily.


    "You''ll be able to achieve something even greater than this within the next year," she added. "You''ll understand how essible these facilities will be as you progress in Immortal Legacy. So, make sure you utilize the blessing to its fullest potential, okay?"


    Leon nodded slowly. "Yes, I''m determined to do that. And thanks to all of this, I can focus more on ying the game."


    "Good, that''s the spirit," Freya said, standing up and smiling with relief. "I know you have a dinner appointment with your family, right? So you can start using the personal driver and the car that''s been provided for you."


    "The car we just rode in?" he asked, puzzled.


    "Yes, you can use that facility for the next year, not just for you but for your sister as well," she concluded.


    Leon smiled and nodded before standing up and reaching for Freya''s hand. They shook tightly and Freya smiled, meeting his gaze. "Hopefully, I can be of good help," she said.


    "Thanks, Freya," replied Leon.


    ***


    As the sun set, Lily and Uncle Ben were eagerly anticipating the dinner. After they had finished preparing, they were surprised by the arrival of a luxurious car. Leon jumped out of the car and quickly dashed inside without a word. After changing into a more sophisticated outfit, he beckoned Lily and Ben to join him. Without hesitation, they hopped into the car alongside


    him.


    "This is Alfred, my personal driver for the next year," Leon announced, which immediately left Lily and Ben in shock.


    "Wait, Leon! Please exin," Lily eximed, eyes wide with surprise.


    Leon then detailed his meeting with Freya and the various facilities provided by the game developer. He had to exin the whole story twice before Lily and Ben could fully believe it. "Wait... is what you''re getting in the game really that serious for them to offer such special treatment?" Lily asked, puzzled.


    Ben couldn''t help but be stunned as well and suddenly felt useless inparison. "That''s so amazing, Leon! I feel even more useless now that you have all this," he said with a chuckle,


    facing Leon.


    Leon giggled too. "It''s okay, Uncle Ben. Everyone has their own role."


    "Yes, but I''m afraid my role for you two has ended here," Ben said, his tone turning


    mockingly somber.


    "Don''t worry, Uncle Ben. With great poweres great responsibility, just like you always said," Leon replied with a grin.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "That''s what Uncle Ben from Spider-Man said, not me. And don''t go saying something like I need to die soon so you can transform into something great," Ben joked, putting his arm around Leon. "You have all the potential to be something special without my death being involved. Believe in yourself, Leon."


    Lilyughed at the yful banter between them. The atmosphere was light and full of warmth as they headed out for their dinner together.

 Chapter 63: Chapter 63 - The Family Tradition

    Chapter 63: - The Family Tradition


    ?


    Leon and Ben were dressed in their finest suits. Leon wore a charcoal gray suit with a midnight blue pocket square, while Ben donned a navy blue suit. Lily looked like a princess in her white dress, her beautiful blond hair shimmering in the warm light of the restaurant. She felt extra special that night as she twirled around in her dress and giggled softly.


    "Look at you, Lil, you have truly grown into a beautiful youngdy," said Ben, gazing at his niece with admiration. He couldn''t believe how much she had grown up.


    Lily smiled and eximed, "I know, right! This is the first time I''ve ever worn such a luxurious dress. The fabric is so soft and feels amazing against my skin-I''m absolutely in love with it!"


    She spun around quickly and shed Leon a beaming smile. "Leon, I can''t thank you enough for giving this to me," she said. "I never thought I would ever have a dress as beautiful as this one."


    Leon smiled warmly at her. "Happy, Lily? You''ll be even more amazed when you see what the Golden Age Company has provided for me."


    Lily nodded eagerly at Leon''s question.


    Ben smiled, taking in the joy on both their faces. They hade here to celebrate something special-Leon''s extraordinary progress-and it seemed like nothing could spoil this moment for them.


    They got to their table and then waited for their food while talking about a lot of things that Ben seemed to have missed from Leon and Lily. Just then, the food arrived, and Lily''s eyes lit up with glee, clearly ted by the sight of the sulent dishes before her. Her cheeks seemed to radiate happiness, glowing in the warm light.


    She chuckled as she scooped a huge spoonful of mashed potatoes onto her te.


    "The food looks delicious!" she eximed, looking around at the tables piled high with dishes.


    Leon smiled in return. "It sure does! Let''s enjoy it!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    As the conversation continued, Ben started talking about what Leon and Lily had been up totely. "I heard Leon has been skipping some sses?"


    Lily took a deep breath before answering. "Yes, he told me he''s been missing sses for several weeks now. When I asked him why, he said he''s been busy and just couldn''t make it."


    Leon sighed and said, "I still do my homework, even though I wasn''t attending sses. It''s just that the Immortal Legacy game has taken up a lot of my free time, but I promise I''ll be back to ss soon."


    Ben continued asking Leon numerous questions, but he felt relieved knowing that Leon now had a beautiful female friend.


    "I''m d to hear you''re enjoying life more, Leon," Ben said with a smile. "And the prettydy this afternoon, is she your girlfriend?"


    "No, she''s a work colleague," Leon replied.


    "You should try to win her over and make her your girlfriend, understand? Haha," Ben responded with augh.


    Leon just smiled, and Lily couldn''t help but giggle at the yful exchange.


    Turning towards Lily, Ben intended to ask her a simr question. "So, how is school going for you, Lil?" he inquired.


    Lily smiled brightly as she answered. "School has been so much fun! I''m having the time of my life," she said cheerfully. "You two don''t need to worry about me at all, Uncle."


    Ben''s face softened with relief. "I''m d to hear that," he said warmly.


    As they were enjoying their meal and engaging in lively conversation, a group of people suddenly approached their table. The situation became clear when the strangers stood right next to them, making Lily visibly shocked.


    "So, a bunch of poor folks are having dinner in a luxury restaurant? Are you sure you can pay for all this food?" said the young man leading the group. He was about Lily''s age and was apanied by two men in ck suits.


    Leon and Ben turned to the person who had rudely interrupted them, surprised that someone they didn''t know would speak to them in such a manner.


    "Who are you?" Ben asked sternly, standing up immediately. "Get away from here."


    "Gerald..." Lily muttered, which caught the attention of Leon and Ben.


    Gerald red at them with a face full of disdain. After a moment, he sneered at Ben. "I''m the son of the owner of this restaurant and a major donor at the school where your dumb niece attends."


    "Gerald! Stop it!" Lily said firmly, standing up and trying to approach Gerald, but Ben held her back with his hand.


    "So, you know him, Lil?" Ben asked.


    "Yes... Uncle," Lily confirmed.


    Gerald chuckled and said, "Look at you three pretending you have money. Where did you get the money to eat here? You must have stolen it, right? This isn''t a cheap restaurant, and I doubt you can afford to pay for your meal."


    Ben nced at Lily with a concerned expression and asked, "Lil, does he always act like this at school?"


    Lily hesitated, then shook her head, unsure how to respond to her uncle''s question. Gerald continued, still eager to humiliate them. He harbored a grudge against Lily for rejecting him. She had no right to do that! She needed to be punished.


    "Lily was rude to me at school. I guess it''s because she''s an orphan and hasn''t received a proper education."


    Ben fumed with anger and took a step towards Gerald. But Gerald''s bodyguards quickly stepped up, blocking his way.


    Gerald, feeling emboldened, continued to belittle them. "You''d better leave this ce if you know what''s good for you! Or I''ll have to call the security guard to throw you out."


    Ben''s expression grew even angrier, and he clenched his fists. "Leon, please take care of your sister. I''m going to teach this young man a lesson."


    Ben tried to step forward, but the two bodyguards blocked his way, gripping his arms tightly. "So, you''re willing to resort to physical confrontation? You better prepare yourselves, because I won''t back down," Ben said with a grim smile.


    Gerald took a few steps back, still sneering. "Look at this man''s behavior. With his low education, it''s no wonder these children turned out the way they did. No surprise Lily has such poor manners; she was raised by a monkey."


    Lily narrowed her eyes, her face contorted with rage. "Gerald! That''s too much! Don''t you ever try to belittle them!"


    Gerald stared down at her. "You''re nothing but a lowly slut, Lily!" he sneered.


    Lily couldn''t hold back her anger any longer. If Gerald had insulted her alone, she might have been able to endure it, but now he was insulting her Uncle and Leon. "Leave us, now!"


    While Ben struggled to break free from the grip of the bodyguards, Leon finally stood up from his chair, having been silently observing the scene. He quickly jumped in front of Gerald and grabbed him by the cor.


    "What are you trying to do?" Gerald eximed, his hands curling into fists, ready to retaliate. "Get him off me!" he shouted to his bodyguards.


    But, without anyone expecting it, Leon swiftly clenched his fist and, with perfect momentum, punched Gerald in the face, sending him stumbling backward into a table, causing a mess.


    Leon''s voice echoed loudly around the room. "Take that, and let your father know that his son will carry on the family tradition of being nothing but trash!"

 Chapter 64: Chapter 64 - Leon’s Sister

    Chapter 64: - Leon¡¯s Sister


    ?


    Gerald felt a searing pain shooting through every inch of his body as Leon''s punch connected with his face. He flew backward, crashing into the dining table with a loud thud, sending shards of broken ss and spilled drinks everywhere.


    Panic quickly spread amongst the crowd as Geraldy slumped on the floor, stunned by the sudden attack. Someone screamed while another fainted out of fear. People were running around, looking for an exit, desperate to find safety.


    Gerald, still in pain, yelled at his bodyguards, "Teach them a lesson!"


    His two hulking bodyguards sprang into action, one restraining Ben while the other moved to attack Leon.


    But Ben quickly shoved one of the bodyguards aside and ran toward Lily.


    "Let''s go, Lil!" said Ben, grabbing Lily''s hand and pulling her away.


    Leon followed them, his anger barely contained. He cast a nce back at Gerald and smirked, remembering the satisfaction of punching the boy right in the face.


    "That''s a lesson for you," he said with a satisfied smile.


    Gerald red hatefully at them as they ran off, his eyes burning with fury. "You''ll pay for this!" he shouted, trembling with rage. "I''ll make sure you regret ever crossing me!"


    The three of them hurried back to the car, and Alfred started the engine immediately, speeding away from the restaurant.


    Lily felt overwhelmed as she remembered how Gerald had humiliated her, dragging her brother and uncle into the situation. She closed her eyes, trying toe to terms with how the problem had escted so quickly.


    "It''s my fault," she sobbed. "I''m sorry."


    Leonforted her with a gentle hand on her shoulder, while Ben tried his best to offer words of encouragement. "Don''t worry, Lil," he said softly. "We''ll figure something out."


    Ben noticed her distress and spoke up to soothe her. "It''s okay," he said, his voice calm yet firm. "It''s not your fault. I should have known that someone like him would do something like this."


    Lily huddled close to Leon, trying desperately to control her breathing and fight back the tears.


    "It''s alright," Leon reassured her in a soft voice.


    She knew that Gerald''s father was influential at the school, and she couldn''t imagine what would happen to her because of what happened that night. She was certain Gerald would escte the issue, and she worried that Leon and Ben would get dragged deeper into the


    mess.


    Lily asked herself, What should I do?


    She had struggled to get into the school with the support of a schrship, a long and arduous process. But Ben and Leon had helped meet several other costs while she was studying there.


    However, with the current situation, Lily doubted whether their assistance could save her from whatever fate might befall her.


    "If needed, you can always transfer schools. You don''t need to worry," Leon added.


    Ben nodded in agreement. "At least Leon gave him a lesson he won''t forget."


    Leon smiled grimly. "Yup, I made sure my punch did some serious damage, both physically and mentally."


    Lily nodded slowly and smiled, feeling a bit better hearing their reassuring words.


    They arrived back home and immediately went to their respective rooms, knowing that Lily needed some time to reflect on what had happened that night.


    "Lily," Leon said as she was about to open her bedroom door, "It''s okay. It''s not your fault." Lily smiled and nodded, feeling like she had caused a huge problem for them both. "Thanks..." she said softly and then entered her room.


    The next morning, Leon awoke to the sun shining through his window. He got out of bed and stepped into the living room, where he spotted Ben sitting next to Lily.


    He took a seat near them and noticed the sorrow in Lily''s eyes. "What''s wrong?" he asked, puzzled.


    Lily sniffled before responding with a trembling voice, "Gerald''s father got me kicked out of school because of what happenedst night."


    Ben merely nodded with pursed lips, as if he already knew what had happened.


    Ben tried to reassure her, "Don''t worry. We can easily move to another city so you can attend school there. You''re smart, and it will be easy for you to find a new school. We can relocate, or you can stay in a boarding house there. We will make this happen."


    Lily slowly lifted her head, tears brimming in her eyes. "I''ve made such a terrible mess of things, and I don''t want to be a burden on both of you for too long," she said softly.


    Ben shook his head vigorously. He scooted closer to her on the couch and put an arm around her shoulder, "It''s going to be alright, Lil. We''ll figure this out together."


    Leon said firmly, "Uncle Ben, you don''t need to take the me for this! I was the one who hit Gerald!"


    But Ben shook his head. "No, Leon. I''m your guardian, and it''s my responsibility to protect everyone here. I need to own up to this."


    Leon''s phone suddenly rang, and when he saw Freya''s name on the screen, he couldn''t help but feel confused about why she was calling him so early in the morning.


    "Let me answer this," he said to Ben and Lily, then walked away to take the call.


    "Freya?"


    "Hey there," Freya replied cheerfully. "I hope I''m not interrupting anything, but I have some good news!"


    "What news?"


    "The Golden Age Company had set up a school offering schrships to anyone interested in participating in their special program for Immortal Legacy."


    Leon raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What kind of program is that?"


    "It''s tailored specifically for senior high school students,"


    "And then?"


    "We are looking for volunteers to participate in a training program based on research we''ve done on Immortal Legacy. Do you think your sister would be interested in this program? We offer schrships, housing, and everything. This is a school with high standards, and you won''t have to pay anything. It''s all free, under my guarantee."


    "Do you know something about what happened to my family?" He wondered if Alfred had informed her about the previous night''s events.


    Freya gave a small shush and then asked, "So, Leon, can I talk to your sister? I''d like to get to know her better."


    Leon''s face scrunched up in a frown as he couldn''t shake off the feeling that his family was


    being watched. It was hard to hide something like this, especially for apany with a wide


    network like Golden Age.


    "I''ll let her know," he said, then walked over to Lily.


    He handed her the phone. "My friend wants to talk to you."


    Lily looked at him with a questioning expression.


    "I''m sure you''ll like this; it''s good news," he said reassuringly.


    Lily epted the phone with a hint of hesitation, wondering who was on the other end.


    "Hello, I''m Lily, Leon''s sister."


    Freya then began to exin the news in detail. As Lily listened, her face gradually brightened with relief and joy. She couldn''t help but stand up, feeling a surge of hope and excitement.


    Ben was noticing the change in Lily''s demeanor. He inquired, "What''s the good news?"


    Leon smiled and replied, "It''s a schrship. Lily can transfer to a new school with better facilities than her current one."


    Lily ended the call, still in shock from the incredible news. Her heart pounded as she moved to sit next to Leon and hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Leon!"


    Leon grinned, feeling satisfied that their problem seemed to have been resolved so easily.


    "Hehe, I''m d it worked out."


    Leon gently released his sister from the hug, feeling a bit awkward since they were both


    growing up.


    "If you ever get treated like that by your ssmates again, make sure you let us know, okay?"


    Ben added firmly.


    Not long after that, Lily''s situation began to improve. The problems they faced seemed to be


    resolved quickly thanks to the involvement of the Golden Age Company. This was also the first time Leon learned that thepany had a school offering schrships to students. He wondered what kind of research they conducted there.


    Leon was eager to log back into Immortal Legacy. He nned to continue whatever he had


    left unfinished in the game. In his haste, he decided to log in using the capsule device in his room. He thought it best to wait until things at home settled down before moving to his new


    hotel room.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Wee back to Immortal Legacy," he thought to himself.


    (Author''s Note: Your support means the world to me, so please consider leaving a short review. It may seem small to you, but it gives me the motivation to keep going.)

 Chapter 65: Chapter 65 - Early Birds Catch the Worm

    Chapter 65: - Early Birds Catch the Worm


    ?


    Broken''s face lit up with a bright, beaming smile, his eyes twinkling with delight as he returned to Yunatea. The sun was slowly rising on the horizon, its rays painting the sky in vivid oranges and pinks. He watched in awe as the first streaks of dawn shone through, bathing the fields and forests in a warm, golden hue.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He had only been away for a short while, yet it felt as if an age had gone by since hisst visit to this fantasy realm. He was overwhelmed with happiness to be back on familiar soil, and it was impossible for him to hide his joy.


    "It''s so wonderful to spend a lot of time in this game."


    A fox with three tails then appeared nearby, running around at his feet and stopping to look up at him. Her ears were lowered, and her tail wagged slowly.


    Broken smiled and knelt down. "Hey, Polly," he said softly. "How are you?"


    Polly hopped closer to him, her tiny paws brushing against his knees. She let out a small whimper before she spoke in her little girl''s voice, "Master..." her voice trailed off, not finishing her sentence.


    Broken cupped his hand around the back of her head, gently rubbing the fur between her ears. "Are you hungry?"


    The fox''s expression softened as she nestled closer to his chest, her tail wagging slowly. Polly seemed to agree with what Broken had inquired, her head bobbing in response.


    He then pulled out a monster core from his inventory and handed it carefully to the fox.


    "We can get a lot of Monster Cores easily, so don''t worry about running out of stock, okay? If you''re hungry, just let me know."


    "Thanks, Master," she said.


    "However, Master..." Polly continued. "Don''t you n on contracting with more spirits? You can do that, right?"


    Broken remembered that he had received two High-Grade Spirit Contract Tickets from Goddess Akidia, an extraordinary set of tickets that enabled him to acquire spirits of the same grade as Polly. These tickets could even guarantee a contract if he found suitable spirits. "You''re right, Polly. I should start looking for other spirits to contract with."


    Broken pondered for a moment, then muttered under his breath. He nced at Polly and inquired, "Tell me, Polly, how can I find spirits with a Unique grade? Is it hard to find Unique- grade spirits? I still feel lucky to have contracted with you as my first spirit."


    Polly paused thoughtfully, considering her response. "You''re the best Master... I''m the one who''s happy to be your spiritpanion," she said slowly.


    Broken lifted Polly and continued walking. As they moved, a few yers passed by and nced at him, noticing how he talked to Polly.


    "Go hunt a monster, stop talking to your pet fox. Ha ha," one of them said.


    "Maybe he thinks this is a Pok¨¦mon game?" another added.


    Theyughed and walked away, leaving Broken fuming. He red at the three and shouted, "Mind your own business!"


    They were startled by Broken''s outburst and hurriedly left. "Leave him alone."


    After they left, Broken resumed listening to Polly while gently stroking the fur on her head, noticing how much she enjoyed it.


    She continued, "Unique-grade spirits are quite rare, Master, and it is indeed difficult to find them. However, that doesn''t mean it''s impossible. They typically hide in secluded areas, and it''s unlikely you''ll find more than one Unique-grade spirit in the same ce. So, if you''re serious about securing a contract with one, you may have to search several different locations."


    Broken nodded slowly. "So, getting a Unique-grade spirit like you is not easy."


    "I believe you are the luckiest person in this world, Master. You''re blessed by the Goddess of Sloth," Polly replied softly.


    "Thanks, Polly," Broken said.


    Broken realized that he could contract with a lower-grade spirit, but it wasn''t a sin to be a bit greedy and aim for the best possible reward. He decided it was better to wait for the right opportunity while focusing on crafting powerful equipment and weapons to sell for a lot of money.


    Polly just stared silently at Broken before finally responding. "Master, I am sure there are many spirits who would be willing to form a contract with you. After all, you have been hand- picked by the Goddess of Sloth. It''s an honor that few receive."


    Broken smiled at her words. "I need to finish some things before we go on our next adventures. I''m sure I need to prepare myself first. And of course, I need to level you up too."


    He nced down at his clothes, which were still the same as when they had started their journey. "I should equip myself with necessary items. That way, I would feel more secure about going out and exploring."


    Polly nodded in agreement.


    Broken slowly ambled along the road. The once quiet small town was now bustling with activity.


    The footpath was lined with a variety of merchants carrying goods in wooden boxes and adventurers with worn leather armor and weapons of various shapes and sizes.


    People seemed to havee out of the woodwork, from the townspeople to the adventurers who had just returned from a hunt or a tavern, all of them chatting andughing as they passed each other on the path.


    Broken smiled contentedly as he strolled through the morning atmosphere of Deadbay City, taking in all of its sights and sounds. He was on his way to the bustling za, where merchants from all over had gathered to showcase their wares. He wanted to make sure he had all his affairs in order before he arrived.


    "Status," he said softly, activating his character screen.


    [Name: Broken


    Level: 33


    sses: Unique Super Novice | Unique Royal cksmith


    Health: 980 Mana: 948


    Strength: 120 Agility: 80 Intelligence: 90 Constitution: 98 Stamina: 90


    Charisma: 50 Luck: 25 Dexterity: 40


    Avable Stat Points: 180


    Weight: 320/720]


    "180 stat points..."


    Broken murmured softly as he saw the 18 levels'' worth of stat points he could allocate to his basic stats. He smiled with satisfaction at the sight of so many points. He had never postponed spending his stats before, but he had recently received a lot of rewards after earning his cksmith ss and various achievements that granted him many stat points.


    He also had the Dexterity stat now, which would greatly enhance his proficiency in crafting cksmith items.


    He then carefully considered how to distribute the stat points, taking into ount his current condition and the type of battles he would face in the near future.


    He knew he needed Strength since it was his main source of physical damage. His weapons and skills mostly relied on this stat. At the same time, he needed to bnce his Agility, Constitution, and Stamina to support his overall performance, increasing his Health and prolonging his endurance in battles.


    Although Intelligence wasn''t crucial for a melee fighter who relied on physical damage, it was still necessary to increase it to a certain extent. This would allow him to use his skill rotation more efficiently without weakening his primary stats too much.


    But then, Broken wasn''t just a pure physical fighter. He had greater potential with his Super Novice ss. If he decided to use a bow or dual daggers, he would need a higher Agility stat. And if he opted for magic weapons, he would benefit from a higher Intelligence stat. After pondering for a while, he decided to allocate the points in a way that seemed fair for his current situation.

 Chapter 66: Chapter 66 - The Rare Opportunities

    Chapter 66: - The Rare Opportunities


    ?


    After pondering for a while, Broken decided to allocate the points in a way that seemed fair for his current situation.


    [Spend 60 Stat Points into Strength]


    [Spend 40 Stat Points into Agility]


    [Spend 20 Stat Points into Intelligence]


    [Spend 30 Stat Points into Constitution]


    [Spend 30 Stat Points into Stamina]


    And this was the final result of his Status:


    [...]


    [Health: 1,280 Mana: 1,188]


    [Strength: 180 Agility: 120 Intelligence: 110 Constitution: 128 Stamina: 120]


    [...]


    Feeling pleased with his decision, he closed the status screen and continued his walk through Deadbay City.


    "I''m beginning to gain a bit of momentum. I just need to push myself a bit more," he said to himself.


    Moreover, he had the advantage of being able to craft high-grade items. His level was still rtively low, and his stats were far from those of the top yers. However, he could make up for it by crafting high-grade and high-level items. He could use equipment up to level 130 at his current level. If he pushed himself further, he could equip items up to level 150. With Polly leveling up alongside him, it wouldn''t take long for him to catch up.


    He scanned the bustling za in the heart of Deadbay, his eyes darting from vendor to vendor. He sidestepped a group of boisterous street performers and dodged around a cart selling questionable meat-on-a-stick. He was looking for a merchant who might have what he needed for today''s crafting ns.


    Finally, heid eyes on what he was looking for. He approached the merchant''s stand, which was hastily crafted from wooden nks and other scraps. The man behind the counter looked up at him with a bored expression.


    "What can I do ya for?" the merchant asked.


    Broken cleared his throat and replied gruffly, "I need some basic equipment blueprints for a swordsman ss."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The vendor raised an eyebrow. "You look like you could use a good weapon too. But I only have ns¡ªnothing tangible."


    "That''ll do," snapped Broken.


    He could start crafting something with higher-quality equipment, but it would take time for him to acquire the materials. For now, he should equip himself adequately until he can gather more resources for a better set.


    After rummaging through stacks of parchments strewn across the vendor''s table, Broken finally found what he was looking for a set of blueprints depicting basic armor fit for a swordsman ss.


    With a satisfied grunt, he handed over several coins and snatched up the blueprints, tucking them away into his inventory.


    As he turned to leave, the merchant called out to him, "Be careful out there, young man. The world is full of dangers."


    "And that''s exactly why I''m here," Broken replied stoically before disappearing into the crowd.


    Broken concluded that the only way to acquire arge amount of high-quality iron ores cheaply was to mine it himself. He could buy it, but that would cost a lot of money, as merchants would surely hike up the pricespared to what they paid miners. Heeding this thought, he decided to head to the nearest cave and mine the iron ores himself. He had plenty of time to do this. He just needed to mine enough to craft the armor set.


    Broken rode atop Polly, his fox spirit beast, as they sped across a clearing towards a forest path leading up the mountain near Deadbay City. The path would take them to a cave where he intended to spend some time gathering iron ore. They raced at top speed, Polly''s tails streaming out behind them like white banners.


    Broken had postponed some important matters recently due to overwhelming


    responsibilities. Among them was inspecting the detailed blueprints of the weapons he had received from Fokil and Gia.


    [Moonvine Knuckles Blueprint]


    [Grade: Elite Unique]


    [This mysterious knuckle weapon can tap into the powers of the universe and unleash its mighty vines from any direction.


    With this weapon, you can grab onto your opponents from any angle with the flick of a wrist, leaving thempletely helpless.


    Plus, the knuckles are so fashionable that they can make even the most mundane battle look good!


    So don''t worry, you won''t just be winning fights, you''ll be winning style points too!] [You will need some Orichalcum, an Elite-grade or higher monster core from a nt-type monster, some steel, and one super-rare Moonstone to craft these knuckles.]


    [A hidden feature was discovered. You can exchange the Monster Core into a Monster Soul Stone in the materials for a high potential to gain a higher grade than the maximum grade avable for this blueprint.]


    [Crafting this item requires the skill of an Expert cksmith.]


    Broken studied the information on the blueprint with a keen eye, attempting to fully


    comprehend its contents.


    "It looks like my guess was correct," he uttered with a wide grin. "The Moonvine Knuckles is an item that can be crafted using Moonstone materials, which makes it quite rare since I''m the only yer who has the Moonstones right now."


    He continued to read, his eyes widening with excitement. "This weaponbines nt-type monster skills and spatial or dimensional abilities," he eximed. "I think this may be rted to the Ancient Element! The value of this blueprint is priceless-it''s an incredibly rare and precious item." He was in disbelief, trembling with astonishment at the thought of how valuable it was. "And Fokil gave me this blueprint, even though he doesn''t look friendly from the outside. This is incredible!"


    But then he noticed that the cksmith rank required to craft the weapon was Expert, which, of course, meant that only Broken, the sole yer with this rank, could craft it. This item was beyond the reach of any other yer due to its demanding requirements. He wondered what kind of weapon he could create from this blueprint.


    But obtaining the materials also seemed far from easy. The Orichalcum, Elite-grade monster core, and super-rare Moonstone were notmon items. "Getting these materials won''t be a simple task," he mused.


    He continued, "Steel is the simplest to obtain here. I can easily fulfill this material requirement. But an Elite-grade monster core from a nt-type monster? That''ll be a challenge. Elite-grade monsters are not easy to find, not as simple as lower-grade monsters. Besides that, I still don''t have any information on how and where to find them. The nt- type monster should be deep in the jungle."


    "And what''s this Orichalcum? That''s definitely something new for me."


    "Andstly," he said, "this blueprint has a hidden feature that can be unlocked by swapping a Monster Core as a material for the Monster Soul Stone. This item is very hard to obtain, but if I do manage to get it, there''s a chance I''ll get a weapon with a higher grade!" He was silent for an instant as he imagined the potential of the hidden feature. "I mean, I could get a weapon


    above Unique¡ªa Legendary-grade one!"


    Broken''s skin prickled with goosebumps when he mentioned the word ''Legendary''. "I''m sure no one has acquired a Legendary item in this game yet," he said.


    "Those legendary items are only present in Yunatea''s history-owned by kings, the strongest knights, legendary figures, and the like. But I have a chance to craft one!"


    He grinned widely, his excitement evident. "This will be so much fun!"


    As Broken rode Polly through the trees and towards the hills, the three-tailed fox moved with


    incredible agility. Her paws barely touched the ground as she dodged around branches and undergrowth. The path ahead was a blur of color as they moved at a swift pace, navigating


    around trees and bushes with ease.


    "Alright, next item," Broken muttered enthusiastically. "Unseen Universe Ne


    Blueprint."

 Chapter 67: Chapter 67 - Arent I Doing the Same Thing?

    Chapter 67: - Aren''t I Doing the Same Thing?


    ?


    [Unseen Universe Ne Blueprint]


    [Grade: Unique ~ Legendary]


    [This revolutionary essory gives you ess to an alternate dimension!


    Now you can show off your wildest dreams and explore fantastical new ''mini'' worlds without ever leaving your living room.


    With this ne, you can easily create your own pocket dimension and store anything from new clothes to exotic animals, or even your secret treasures. So you''ll never have to worry about running out of space ever again!]


    [You will need some Orichalcum, one Eternal me Eye, and a highly sought-after Moonstone to craft this exquisite ne.]


    [A hidden feature was discovered. You can add a Monster Soul Stone of a Fairy-type creature to the material in order to add an intelligent guardian to the pocket dimension.]


    [Crafting this item requires the skill of a Master cksmith and an Expert Jeweler.]


    Broken took a deep breath as he studied the information from the blueprint. He was thrilled after reading the description of the Ne. "I mean, yes, Moonstone is indeed rted to the Dimensional Ancient Element," he said. But crafting the ne seemed like no easy task.


    He read the blueprint again slowly, absorbing all the information before lifting his gaze and continuing, "I can search for and obtain Orichalcum for both the Moonvine Knuckles and the Ne at the same time, which will help save time."


    "But what is this Eternal me Eye? And another Monster Soul Stone? This one is from a Fairy-type creature-how interesting!" he eximed in a slightly louder voice.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Master, I know where the Fairies live," Polly replied. "I can help you get there."


    "From what I know," Broken began, turning to Polly, "Fairies are highly intelligent creatures, aren''t they? They are on the same level as Dwarves, Elves, and Demons." He gulped, imagining it.


    "Yes, Master," Polly replied, nodding her head.


    "So..." Broken paused, contemting what he wanted to say. He took a deep breath as he began to imagine the task thaty ahead of him. "Obtaining Monster Cores is difficult enough, let alone Monster Soul Stones. And this blueprint asks for a Monster Soul Stone from Fairies? How many fairies do I have to murder to get their Monster Soul Stone?"


    "Is the Monster Soul Stone required to craft the item, Master?" Polly asked.


    "No," he replied quickly. "This part is optional. Even without it, I can still craft the ne, but gathering the materials seems like it will take a long time."


    "And thest thing is...," he paused for a moment, thinking, "Crafting this item requires a Master cksmith and an Expert Jeweler." His eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "So it can only be crafted with the coboration of two people, or can it also be done by one person who has both production sses? Interesting!"


    "I want to help you more, Master..."


    Broken smiled and gently stroked the fur on the fox''s head. "Don''t worry," he said in a reassuring tone. "You''ve been a great help so far."


    The requirement to craft the ne was truly beyond his expectations. If this item was made for yers, he couldn''t imagine anyone using it for a few more years. Considering a yer with a Master Rank cksmith skill is required to craft the item, it would take an exceptionally long time. Unless they worked with a Master cksmith like Fokil.


    But an Expert Rank Jeweler was not easy to find either. Jewelry essories were typically more expensive than armor and weapons, and their overall stats and skills were not as impressive. However, essories were luxury items mainly utilized by wealthy yers and top-tier gamers. They sought these items only after ensuring their armor and weapons were of the highest potential.


    Therefore, high-rank jewelers were even rarer than cksmiths.


    But he could dy thinking about this for now. Everything could be done gradually. At least he could start by building his basic requirements first.


    There was one aspect that genuinely intrigued Broken: the Fairy race. The blueprint required a Soul Stone from a Fairy? This indirectly demanded him to visit a Fairy settlement and potentially murder them all, with no guarantee of obtaining even one Soul Stone. This was a harsh reality. Fairies were intelligent creatures. They lived long lives, held a significant ce in Yunatea''s history, and their numbers were likely few. There was no known kingdom in Yunatea ruled by Fairies, unlike the Elves or Dwarves.


    After a few minutes, they arrived at the cave, which was surrounded by rocks jutting out from the entrance. The morning sun cast long shadows around the cave, and the air was still chilly from the early morning cold.


    The rocks glistened with morning dew, and a faint mist drifted around the cave''s entrance. The smell of moss and earthy dampness lingered in the air.


    "All right," Broken dered resolutely. "Let''s start by digging up as much Iron Ore as we can."


    With that, he dismounted Polly and stepped cautiously into the entrance of the cave. "Hey, let''s see who''sing!" a voice called out from inside the cave. Several miners appeared, their faces lighting up when they saw Broken.


    "Hey, Broken! Have you decided to be a miner again?" one of them joked,ughing.


    The miners were excited and approached him eagerly.


    "Hey, I need some Iron Ore, so I might stay in this cave until I gather enough," Broken


    responded.


    "Oh, why not stay longer? With your luck, you could make a lot of money," another miner


    suggested.


    "No, I need it to craft some items."


    "Don''t tell me you''ve be a cksmith?"


    "Fokil granted you the ss? That''s incredible."


    "I can''t believe that grumpy cksmith finally softened up to you," one miner said,ughing.


    "You''re so cool, Broken."


    "Come on, we have a special spot for you. It''s a ce no one has touched yet. You can mine there as much as you want," another miner offered with a grin.


    Broken smiled at their enthusiasm. "Thanks, guys. I appreciate it."


    They led him deeper into the cave, past several tunnels and mining spots. The deeper they went, the cooler and damper it became. The sound of dripping water echoed around them, and the glow from the miners''nterns cast eerie shadows on the walls.


    Finally, they reached a secluded spot, untouched by other miners. The walls glistened with mineral veins, promising a rich yield of Iron Ore.


    "Here you go, Broken. This spot is all yours," one of the miners said, patting him on the back.


    "Thanks again," Broken replied, setting down his equipment.


    "Did you know, ever since you started mining here, stories about you have spread far and wide? It''s inspired more people to be miners," one of the miners said with enthusiasm.


    "It''s a bit annoying because now we have morepetition," another added with a chuckle.


    "Sorry about that," Broken replied with a slight smile.


    "No, it''s okay. But us veteran miners have had to work even harder. We''ve been spending almost all our time in the cave. Some of us have even gotten scolded by our wives, haha," a


    miner responded.


    "I don''t think that''s a good decision. You should spend more time outside and enjoy life with your loved ones," Broken advised.


    But then he remembered how he had been spending most of his time sleeping in the capsule device, leaving his sister alone at home. "Aren''t I doing the same thing?" he thought to


    himself.

 Chapter 68: Chapter 68 - The Pride of the Blacksmith

    Chapter 68: - The Pride of the cksmith


    ?


    Broken spent the entire day in the cave, effortlessly collecting iron ores from the prime spot he had been given. He was constantly approached by curious miners, engaging in


    conversations about various topics. He did his best to respond, sometimes justughing without fully listening.


    "Hey Broken, I heard you''re a cksmith now," one of them said.


    "Yes, that''s right," Broken chuckled.


    "Next time, I''ll buy you a drink," another miner offered.


    "Yes, hahaha."


    "Do you prefer single women or widows, Broken? Hahaha, widows are more experienced!" another miner joked.


    "Yes, hahaha."


    "Are you married, Broken? Perhaps I can introduce you to my daughter," yet another miner suggested.


    "Yes, hahaha."


    After he felt he had gathered enough iron ores, he decided it was time to leave the cave. The miners tried to persuade him to stay longer, but he politely declined.


    "Thanks, everyone."


    "Come back soon, Broken! Hahaha," the miners called after him.


    "No, thanks," he muttered as he walked away.


    ***


    Broken rushed to Fokil''s Smithy, eager to start his project of crafting his fighting set and a new weapon. The thought of having his own crafted armor and weapon excited him and kept buzzing in his mind. He couldn''t wait to see the final products of his hard work.


    When he entered the Smithy, Fokil looked at him with a curious expression. Broken''s face was tired but lit up with a wide smile. "Where have you been, brat?" Fokil asked gruffly.


    "Hi, sir. I bought some blueprints and just came back from the cave mining iron ores for my project," Broken replied, still grinning.


    He took out several blueprints from his inventory andid them out for Fokil to see.


    [Warrior''s Call Helmet Blueprint]


    [Grade: Common ~ Elite]


    [Warrior''s Call Armor (Chest) Blueprint]


    [Grade: Common ~ Elite]


    [Warrior''s Call Armor (Pants) Blueprint]


    [Grade: Common - Elite]


    [Warrior''s Call Shoes Blueprint]


    [Grade: Common - Elite]


    [Iron Heart Sword Blueprint]


    [Grade: Common - Elite]


    Fokil sighed deeply, his face showing clear irritation. "Why did you waste your time mining those ores? You could have just bought them and crafted them into finished materials. You''d still make a significant profit and save time for cksmithing. You need to concentrate on the important tasks; you don''t have forever to focus on everything and expect to excel at all of it."


    Broken smiled at Fokil''s response. "I believe I can make more profit if I mine it myself, sir," he said. "Not only that, but I can also level up my Mining Technique skill. I was just having fun with it, but don''t worry, I''m still focusing on my cksmith crafting."


    "It''s up to you," Fokil said firmly. "You can use all the facilities in this smithy. I don''t care. But I don''t want to see any low-grade stuffing out of your craft, understand?"


    "Yes, of course. I will make sure of it," Broken replied casually, already nning his next steps in his mind.


    Broken had gathered all the materials he needed, but he nned to log out of the game first. He knew this project would take several days, maybe even weeks, so he had to manage his time wisely.


    "Sir, I have some matters I''d like to discuss with you," he said.


    Fokil nced up, curiosity etched on his face. "What is it?"


    Broken then opened the skill screen and reviewed all the skills of the Royal cksmith ss


    that he had obtained after unlocking this unique ss.


    "I would like to discuss any skills rted to the Royal cksmith ss," he said.


    "Sure, go on," Fokil replied.


    Broken began exining his current skills.


    [cksmith''s Craftsmanship (Production Skill) Master Rank - Lv. 1]


    [The mysterious art of metalworking has the power to transform a pile of scrap into a masterpiece. If you''re hoping to create something extraordinary, this skill is the perfect way to do it! Not only can you make the most impressive armor and weapons, but you can also rest assured that your craftsmanship will provide protection for your allies.]


    Broken realized he was already at Master Rank - Level 1, a level that even Fokil had likely spent a long time reaching. So, he decided not to mention that part.


    "I''ve heard a lot about this main skill. Essentially, I just need to keep crafting and practicing to increase the rank of this skill because it affects the overall effectiveness of my cksmith -ss," he said.


    "Put in the effort in your training, and don''t worry about anything else. Persevere every day until your name is known by many. You''ll only be legendary when you''vepleted something extraordinary," Fokil remarked.


    Broken agreed with absolute certainty. He was determined to keep his progress concealed from everyone for a bit longer, as he enjoyed this game and wanted to continue ying without drawing too much attention. His goal was to remain unknown until he felt secure enough that any dangers posed by revealing his rank wouldn''t threaten his sess. Broken''s next skill on his list was cksmith''s Appraisal. He was quite familiar with this skill, having used it several times and possessing a good understanding of it. So far, he had only used the Appraisal skill on blueprints, which allowed him to uncover the Hidden Features and gain additional benefits from them. However, he realized that he needed to appraise more armor and weapons to gain a deeper understanding of the skill. He also became aware of the risk thates with such a skill - identally increasing the value of an item if he appraised


    it randomly.


    Next was cksmith''s Repair.


    [cksmith''s Repair (Production Skill)]


    [No need to worry about broken weapons and armor any longer! With this skill, you can repair even the most battered items. It''ll be like new again-almost! Utilize some of the materials at hand to perform repairs and restore the durability of weapons and armor. The chance of achieving sess and obtaining exceptional results will depend on the cksmith''s Craftsmanship rank and proficiency level, along with other factors rted to the user.] "cksmith''s Repair is amon skill, even for cksmiths with lower grades than you," Fokil exined.


    Broken asked, "It''s a skill to restore the durability of equipment back to 100%, correct sir?"


    "That''s correct," Fokil confirmed. "But the level of difficulty is not much different from making something new, even though you need less material. Plus, there is also a possibility to increase the grade of equipment if you have a high enough rank."


    "I understand, sir," Broken replied, absorbing the information.


    Broken possessed a unique set of cksmith Skills, some of which were possessed by cksmiths of a lower ss grade. However, due to his Unique-grade ss, he had the potential to gain even more benefits from his skills. Not only could he produce superior items, but his skills also had additional features. For instance, with cksmith''s Repair, he had the ability to upgrade the grade of the item he repaired, which was more than just a simple repair. If he utilized all of his skills to their full potential, he could reap many benefits. "Thest two skills," Fokil continued, his face lighting up with enthusiasm, "are the mostn/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    interesting ones, brat."


    [cksmith''s Soul Engrave (Production Skill)]


    [cksmith''s Path of Legend (Production Skill)]


    (Author''s Note: Your support means the world to me, so please consider leaving a short


    review. It may seem small to you, but it gives me the motivation to keep going.)

 Chapter 69: Chapter 69 - Romantic Relationship?

    Chapter 69: - Romantic Rtionship?


    ?


    [cksmith''s Soul Engrave (Production Skill)]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [This one''s a real show-stopper! It''s like a magical tattoo that''s applied to the item you crafted. Unlock the power of the Monster Soul Stone by engraving it onto weapons or armor, and inherit one of its skills or even its soul. The chance of achieving sess and obtaining exceptional results will depend on your overall status.]


    "Let me tell you about ''cksmith''s Soul Engrave''," said Fokil.


    Broken was intrigued by the name alone and even more so when he read the skill description. It seemed like something only a highly-skilled cksmith would possess, and its potential was enormous. Just acquiring a Monster Soul Stone was far more difficult than obtaining a Monster Core, and the thought of merging it with a crafted item promised unprecedented results.


    "Do you understand the difference between a Monster Core and a Monster Soul Stone?" asked Fokil.


    Broken nodded. "Yes, sir. A Monster Core is just the essence of a monster or magical creature, while a Monster Soul Stone has a part of that creature''s soul still lingering in it."


    "That is correct," Fokil said. "You have the option to engrave a Monster Soul Stone into your crafted item. If luck is not on your side, it could be destroyed. But, if fortune smiles upon you, the soul will take residence in your item."


    "There are many benefits you can get by doing this," Fokil continued. "First, your item will inherit their legacy skills, such as fire control or water control if you engrave a smander soul in it, even if the item doesn''t have a water attribute."


    "Second, they will regenerate themselves, maintaining your item''s durability much longer than the normal one."


    "Third, the item can be a growth item, where its grade can increase as you use it. That''s a short exnation."


    Broken slowly nodded, absorbing everything Fokil had said. "I believe I understand this skill, and it''s certainly extraordinary."


    "Yes," Fokil affirmed. "But acquiring a Monster Soul Stone is no easy feat, and it''s extremely costly. Furthermore, it can be easily destroyed if youck the necessary expertise."


    As Broken listened to the detailed exnation, he realized the impact on armor and equipment was even more remarkable than he had initially thought. The idea of items repairing themselves was practically like having living objects! No wonder, with a soul embedded within them.


    But, the concept of a Growth Item was what truly captivated him. These items, often spoken of in legends, had the potential to grow in both level and grade, possessing almost limitless potential and undoubtedly high value.


    And if an armor or weapon had a soul inside it, did that mean they couldmunicate or even fight on their own? Broken''s mind raced with wild thoughts about the possibilities these cksmithing skills offered. The potential was immense and truly unpredictable.


    Fokil then continued, "Now, let''s talk about the next skill, The Path of Legend."


    The final skill sounded incredibly grand just by its name alone.


    [cksmith''s Path of Legend (Production Skill)]


    [As you wield the hammer, you feel a power and strength that you didn''t know you had. You hear the clinking and nging of metal as you create something new and magical. It is a skill that will make your enemies tremble in fear, for you can now forge items of legend and create weapons of myth.


    Although it is unlikely, there is still a slim possibility that you may be able to craft Legendary-grade items. Even more incredibly, it is theoretically possible to make Mythic grade items, although the chances are almost nonexistent.


    The chance of achieving sess and obtaining exceptional results will depend on your overall cksmith skills and status.]


    Broken swallowed hard as he read the description of the skill. The information was clear- this skill gave him the chance to craft a Legendary Item or, even more astonishingly, a Mythic-grade item. Although the probability was very low, at least he had found a doorway into this realm. He only needed to keep crafting until he achieved it.


    "So, the skill gives the chance to create Legendary-grade items, correct, sir?" Broken asked. Fokil was silent for a moment, as if reluctant to exin. "During my life, I have only been able to produce one Legendary item, and that was an extraordinary achievement for which I had dedicated myself tirelessly," he said.


    He continued, "And as for you, you should keep your enthusiasm in check, brat. Focus on your practice and forget about this one skill for now. I''m sure you will be disappointed if you expect too much. There''s a reason they''re called Legendary items-they''re rare. Unless you dedicate decades or even centuries to cksmithing like I have, your chances are slim."


    He paused, then added, "It is possible, but I don''t want you to lose interest in bing a cksmith if you set your expectations too high."


    Broken slowly nodded, understanding why Fokil was so skeptical. Creating a Legendary item was certainly not a simple task.


    "Sir," Broken said, "Thanks for your guidance. I need to leave for a while, but I''ll be back soon to work on the blueprints I''ve prepared."


    Fokil grunted in acknowledgment and continued his work, the sound of metal striking metal echoing in the smithy as Broken left, his mind buzzing with the possibilities and challenges


    ahead.


    ***


    Leon emerged from his capsule device, feeling his throat dry and parched. He immediately grabbed a water bottle from the table near the capsule and drank deeply, the cool water spilling down his chin and neck. He wiped his mouth with his arm and checked his phone, noticing several messages from Freya, Lily, and... Laura?


    He quickly moved to his bed and sat down, curious about why someone who had vanished from his life suddenly sent him a message.


    "Hi, Leon... How are you? I just moved to the city where you live... I wonder if you might be interested in meeting me... tonight? It''s Saturday night... Do you have any other ns? I heard there''s a nice caf¨¦ downtown. Uhm... Please let me know your answer..."


    Leon paused for a moment, taking in the message. The sender was someone who had once been very special to him.


    Laura had been his ssmate in senior high school. Initially, they became close because they sat next to each other in ss. Their closeness grew when Laura often invited Leon to study together in the library. Despite being a popr girl admired by many boys at school, Laura seemed to enjoy Leon''spany.


    As time went by, Leon''s feelings for Laura grew stronger and he finally mustered the courage to tell her. To his delight, Laura was overjoyed and happily epted his confession. From that moment on, they were officially a couple. Laura was not just someone he knew from high school, she was his very first girlfriend. Despite their romantic rtionship, their bond still felt like a close friendship. They would go on dates, have meals together, and watch movies until their graduation drew near.


    However, as the end of their high school journey approached, Laura suddenly became distant and unreachable. Leon would send her messages, but they were never replied to. Even though it was obvious that she had read them, he never received a response. When he called her, her tone was more formal and distantpared to before.


    Now, out of the blue, she was reaching out to him again? What did she want?

 Chapter 70: Chapter 70 - Does Leon Look Attractive to You?

    Chapter 70: - Does Leon Look Attractive to You?


    ?


    Leon heardughter from outside his room, recognizing the familiar sound of Lily''s voice mixed with another woman''s. Curious, he stepped out of his room and found Freya sitting in the living room with Lily. They seemed to be enjoying a lively conversation about something that had them bothughing.


    "Hi, Leon!" Both of them greeted him with cheerful smiles.


    Leon raised an eyebrow, puzzled by Freya''s unexpected presence. He walked over to join them, intending to sit on a separate couch. But Freya reached out and grabbed his wrist, pulling him down to sit beside her.


    "Leon, we''re discussing something interesting," Freya said cheerfully. Lily''s face was alight with excitement.


    Lily looked at Leon with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. "Leon, why didn''t you tell me you were dating Freya?"


    Leon was taken aback by Lily''s statement, turning to Freya in surprise. "What did you say to her?"


    Freya giggled. "I didn''t say anything. Maybe you should ask your sister where that question came from."


    Leon shifted his gaze to Lily. "Lily?"


    Lily giggled too. "I was just trying to get a reaction out of you. I was teasing Freya, but she wouldn''t admit anything. So, are you two really dating?"


    "No!" Leon responded quickly.


    He turned back to Freya. "You didn''t tell me you wereing, Freya?"


    Freya sighed and replied, "I sent you several messages. Didn''t you read them? So, I decided toe over."


    Leon then noticed several boxes piled near the door. He looked back at Lily and asked, "What are those?"


    Lily answered with excitement, "We''re moving, Leon! You got a new ce, remember? Freya is here to help with the moving process. I''ve seen pictures of the new ce, and it''s really cool... and luxurious."


    "Wait?" Leon was surprised, not expecting the move to happen so soon.


    Lily nodded enthusiastically. "I''ve been epted into my new school officially. Because of that, I''ll be living on the same floor as you in the new t, since it''s closer to my new school."


    "Same floor?" Leon asked, turning to Freya.


    Freya smiled and nodded. "As I mentioned before, Lily can live with you in your new hotel room. Initially, we provided a separate room for her as part of the school''s facilities, but Lily chose to stay with you. Are you okay with that?"


    Leon couldn''t shake off the recent memories of Lily being bullied by her ssmates. With just the two of them, even though their uncle was there, Leon still felt the need to protect his sister. He wanted to spend as much time as possible with her and ensure she was safe and happy. It made sense for Lily to stay with him, especially if their new living arrangements were far better than their current situation.


    "Yes, sure. This is an amazing opportunity, so I have no concerns at all," he said calmly. "Yay!" Lily cheered, her excitement evident.


    Lily continued, "At first, I was a bit unsure, Leon... Freya told me she also has ess to your room. I was worried it might interfere with your time together as adults..." Her words trailed off as Leon interrupted.


    "Enough, Lily. Don''t think too much about it," Leon said.


    Freya chimed in, "See, your sister is working hard to matchmake us, Leon. Even though I told her we''re just colleagues, what do you think? Should we consider her wish?"


    Leon turned to Freya and sighed. "I know you started this joke, Freya," he said, tapping her forehead with his finger yfully.


    Then he stood up. "Alright, I''ll start packing my things. It might take me an hour or two."


    "I''ve already packed everything, Leon," Lily responded quickly.


    "Huh? Really?" he asked, surprised.


    "Yes, Freya helped me with it," Lily said.


    Leon looked at Freya, who seemed ready to say something.


    "Yeah, it was quite a struggle. Lily made me pack all your clothes, including your under..." Freya teased, but Leon quickly interrupted.


    "Thanks, Freya! Let''s get moving!" he said urgently.


    However, there was one thing still on Leon''s mind. He thought about his capsule device that


    was in his room. Then he remembered something important.


    "But what about Uncle Ben?" he asked, a hint of concern in his voice.


    At that moment, Ben emerged from the kitchen, grinning and carrying a tray with hot tea. He ced it on the table and settled down on the sofa, still smiling.


    Lily beamed and said, "Come on, Uncle Ben, tell Leon the good news."


    Leon looked confused, eyeing them both curiously. "Good news? What''s the good news?"


    "Leon, Lil," Ben said, his voice lowering to match the somber tone of the situation. "I''m so proud to have been around you both all this time."


    "You can just tell it straight, Uncle," Leon said, cutting to the chase. "No need that extra sad tones."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Ben grinned again. "Actually, I have some news. I''m getting married soon."


    Leon''s eyebrows shot up, and a wide smile spread across his face. "Really, Uncle? Hahaha, I''m so happy to hear that."


    Ben nodded and stood up, and Leon followed suit. The two of them embraced in a tight hug. "I''m really pleased," Leon said as they pulled away and faced each other. "When will you introduce us to her?"


    "Soon, I''ll introduce her to you both. Don''t worry."


    Leon felt immense joy and relief hearing this news. It wasn''t just because Ben was getting married, but because he knew Ben had carried the responsibility of looking after them for so long. Sometimes, Leon worried that Ben didn''t take enough time for himself. Ben was incredibly valuable to him, and he would always honor him for everything he had done for


    Leon and Lily.


    Ben sped Leon''s shoulders tightly. "Live your life to the fullest, Leon," he said. "Take good care of your sister; you don''t have to worry about me. I won''t be going with you, I''ll be staying here. And yes, you can leave the capsule device here and decideter what you want to do with it. I know you won''t sell it."


    "Thanks, Uncle. But please don''t talk like you''re going to be gone forever," Leon answered. "You''re getting married. Where''s the smile?"


    "No need to worry. My name is Benjamin Morin, not Benjamin Parker. So yeah, I''ll be around much longer to see you both grow."


    Lily stood up and, with open arms, hugged both of them tightly. Tears of joy glistened on her cheeks as she spoke heartfelt words, "I love you both so much.


    The three of them stayed in their embrace for a few moments, feeling the warmth and love that connected them as a family.


    Freya stood there, smiling warmly as the three of them finally stopped their embrace. Ben


    couldn''t resist making a cheekyment. "Leon, don''t you want to invite your girlfriend to


    join in the hug too?" he said with a teasing grin.


    Leon quickly responded, "Uncle, please stop this kind of joke. You might make her feel


    ufortable."


    Ben nced at Freya, who was still smiling brightly. "I don''t think she looks ufortable. What do you think, Freya? Does my nephew look attractive to you?"


    Freya giggled and replied, "Yes, of course! He is going to be an amazing person. So, I think starting early is a very good decision."

 Chapter 71: Chapter 71 - And Old Friend?

    Chapter 71: - And Old Friend?


    ?


    Leon chose to take a taxi on that Saturday night because he didn''t want to make a grand entrance with a luxurious car, especially since it wasn''t his own. Stepping out of the taxi, Leon adjusted his casual yet impressive outfit-a pair of new jeans and a crisp white shirt he had bought just a few days ago. He felt confident, knowing he looked sharp in his stylish clothes. As he walked towards the caf¨¦, he noticed a woman standing nearby, clearly waiting for someone. She saw him and waved, her smile lighting up her face.


    The woman had long, wavy blonde hair that cascaded down her back. She wore a short skirt and a white outfit that matched Leon''s shirt perfectly. Her appearance was striking, and her eyes were full of anticipation as she watched Leon approach.


    Leon walked towards the woman, who stood about 1.67 meters tall, or roughly 5 feet 6 inches. "Hi, Leon, how are you?" she said warmly, revealing herself to be Laura.


    Leon was taken aback. In his memory, Laura had a straight blonde bob and a tomboyish style. But the woman in front of him looked very feminine with her wavy hair and stylish clothes. However, her smile was unmistakable-it was the same smile he remembered from their senior high school days when they were close.


    "Hi, Laura, nice to meet you," he replied.


    "I almost didn''t recognize you. You''ve grown taller, and..." she paused, taking a moment to really look at him, then continued, "You look really cool in that outfit," she said with a warm smile.


    "Thanks, Laura," Leon said, smiling back. "You look very different too..."


    "Really? Which do you think is better, my old style or this one?" she asked yfully, spinning around to show off her current look.


    "You look more girly in this outfit," hemented with a friendly smile.


    Laura giggled, "Is that apliment?" she asked teasingly.


    "How about we continue our conversation inside?" Leon suggested.


    They walked side by side into the bustling caf¨¦, which was filled with people, many of whom were couples enjoying their Saturday night dates. There was a slight awkwardness between them as they navigated through the crowd and found a table. Sitting across from each other, they exchanged shy smiles. It had been a long time since they had talked, and it felt as though they were trying to reconnect and sync their thoughts and feelings once more.


    "So... Do you live nearby now?" Leon finally broke the silence between them.


    Laura smiled and nodded. "Yes, since...," she paused, seeming hesitant to continue. "Yes, I rented an apartment nearby because I transferred to a new campus."


    Leon sensed there was more she didn''t want to share and respected her silence with a simple smile. For a moment, he forgot that Laura had once disappeared from his life without any exnation. They had never officially broken up, so did that mean they were still dating? "So... you look really handsome and cool, Leon. I bet a lot of girls are attracted to you," she said with a giggle. "Are you sure I''m not taking up your time on this... Saturday night?"


    "No..." Leon replied softly, trying to figure out the sudden direction of her conversation. "If I hadn''t epted your invitation, I would have been ying games all night," he added with a chuckle.


    "Immortal Legacy?" she asked, tilting her head.


    Just then, the waiter arrived with their drinks. Laura smiled and took a sip.


    "Yes... Immortal Legacy... Laura," he answered quietly.


    "I y that game too," she said, continuing the conversation.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    They chatted about random topics, clearly trying to ease the awkwardness between them. Should Leon ask why Laura had disappeared back then? Hadn''t he moved on from it? If so, why was he still curious about what had happened?


    No, it wasn''t because of romantic reasons. Their rtionship had started as a friendship, and he felt the loss of a friend more deeply than that of a girlfriend. If there had been a problem, Laura should have exined it to him.


    As time went on, they talked more about the game and their individual interests.


    "I chose this city because I grew up here," she said. "It''s a small town, close to the sea and the mountains. That''s why this ce always holds a special meaning for me, especially the memories left here," she said.


    "Wee back then, Laura," he said.


    "You too..." she replied.


    Leon tilted his head, puzzled.


    "You are also one of the reasons I came back to this town," she said with a giggle.


    Did he need to confirm that statement?


    As their conversation progressed, they found themselves bing more at ease with each other. The initial awkwardness faded, reced by a genuine sense of familiarity andfort. It felt like they were rediscovering the friendship they had once shared. Leon''s smiles grew more natural, no longer just polite gestures but expressions of true enjoyment and connection.


    "So... you said you''re making money from gaming?" Laura asked with enthusiastic curiosity.


    "No, not quite like that. I just got a bit lucky, Laura," Leon exined, his smile widening. "But it''s enough for me to buy some things I want."


    "There are so many people ying Immortal Legacy trying to make money from it, but most end up disappointed," she remarked. "So, is your level high, Leon? Tell me your Gamer Name, I''ll find you in the game."


    "No, my level isn''t that high, so I don''t think it would be worth it for you to meet me in the game," he replied.


    Laura giggled. "My level is high, you know. I could help you level up. Wouldn''t that be a nice offer as an apology?" she said. Suddenly, the conversation between them fell silent.


    They looked at each other for a moment, their faces reflecting a mix of emotions and unspoken thoughts. It was clear there were many things they both wanted to say, but a barrier seemed to hold them back, preventing them from voicing their feelings.


    "So..." Laura continued, breaking the silence with a smile. "Tell me, Leon... do you have a girlfriend? Tell me, tell me... You''re handsome and cool. I want to know what kind of girl is close to you," she said with a giggle.


    "No..." Leon replied, shaking his head and smiling. "No, nothing like that, Laura. You were the first and thest girlfriend I''ve had so far," he said. His answer brought another moment of silence between them, as they both avoided making eye contact.


    The awkward silence felt both long and short, a strange blend of time.


    Laura then stood up, and it was as if the world started moving again, with the sounds around them filling the void that had surrounded them. "I''m going to the restroom for a moment,"


    she said.


    "Yes," Leon replied. He watched her walk away, his gaze following her until she disappeared from view. A sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu washed over him, reminding him of a time when she had suddenly left and didn''t return for a long period.


    Feeling the need to use the restroom himself, Leon stood up and headed in that direction. As he passed by the women''s restroom, he heard Laura''s voice talking on the phone. He paid little attention at first, until one word caught his ear, making him stop in his tracks as if struck


    by an electric shock.


    "I think you''re right about him, Bob," Laura said.

 Chapter 72: Chapter 72 - I Hate Him!

    Chapter 72: - I Hate Him!


    ?


    Laura stood in front of the mirror in the restroom, touching up her makeup. As she smoothed lipstick over her lips, she couldn''t help but smile. It was a rare feeling of happiness that she hadn''t experienced in a long time, especially since losing her father. Was it because of Leon? But he was no longer anyone special to her. Could they at least be friends again? A pang of guilt gnawed at her heart as if she were ready to kneel down and admit her mistakes. Was it possible that he still harbored anger? What she had done was truly awful, wasn''t it? So, it was understandable if he held a grudge. Could she do something to make amends?


    Suddenly, her phone rang, and she answered to find Bob on the line.


    "Yes, Bob?"


    "Laura, you''ve met with Leon, haven''t you? That idiot has caused me losses, and I want you to help me get back at him. I know he''s a pathetic person and deserves to be treated that way." "I did say I was going to meet Leon, Bob, but I won''t entertain your idea, you know... this is my personal matter with him," she said firmly.


    "Do you know? He''s a fraud. I''m sure the money he''s getting is through dishonest means! Do you know how pathetic he is? There''s no way he could afford nice things, let alone hold onto that much money! Lure him into doing something stupid, and record it. I''ll humiliate him. I know you hate him too, don''t you? At least you can get back at his past foolishness for making you look foolish as his girlfriend."


    "Bob, I hope you keep all your nonsense to yourself. Let me talk with him in my own way. Your problem is not mine!" she asserted.


    "I''ve helped you secure your home! Your old home, the one you''re living in now... I know you have memories there because you used to live with yourte father in that ce. I''ve helped you! You should repay me! I want you to help me embarrass that idiot Leon!" he threatened.


    "No, Bob, I''ll repay your kindness but not like this," she reaffirmed.


    "Do you think you can treat me like this?" he insisted.


    "I think you''re right about him, Bob," Laura said. "He has changed, he seems cooler, but I think he got it all from the game."


    "Do you really think someone can suddenly be rich in a matter of days in Immortal Legacy? Are you that naive?"


    Laura suddenly heard hurried footsteps, and she quickly checked to see Leon walking quickly and leaving. Instantly, she felt shocked and frozen for a moment, closing the phone and chasing after him. "Did he overheard my conversation with Bob? He must have


    misunderstood!" she thought.


    She had to catch up to him and exin! She didn''t want this moment to be ruined because of a misunderstanding. Hopefully, he would listen to her exnation. Laura chased after Leon, who had left the cafe. "Leon, please... I don''t want to make things worse," she said to herself, panic setting in, her hands trembling.


    She had left Leon because of her father''s disapproval of their rtionship, knowing he was just an orphan with no future, and because of her father''s poor health, she reluctantly followed her father''s wish. But since then, she hadn''t been able to shake her guilt towards him.


    She knew it would be very difficult to exin this to him, but at least she didn''t want things to get worse. She had to try to exin.


    Leon suddenly clenched his fists tightly, feeling a surge of anger at the mention of Bob''s name. So, she met him because of Bob''s request? Damn! he cursed silently, feeling foolish for even considering her again! He should havepletely forgotten about her! What she had done already showed that she wasn''t someone worthy of his trust.


    With gritted teeth, Leon swiftly left the caf¨¦, his disappointment palpable. He stormed out, his steps halting when a car suddenly pulled up in front of him. He was about to step aside, but the window rolled down, revealing Freya, her brown hair peeking out from under sunsses, smiling widely and waving.


    "Hey, handsome, the special assistant is here to provide special emergency help," she said, giggling, before opening the car door.


    Leon quickly got in and fastened his seatbelt. As the car started to move, Laura emerged from the caf¨¦, her high heels slipping off as she nearly stumbled but then quickly regained her bnce, running and trying to stop Freya''s car from leaving.


    "Leon... please, don''t go, Leon... you''ve misunderstood, let me exin," she pleaded, doing her best to block the car from moving. "Leon, please... Please listen to my exnation..." she shouted, drawing the attention of onlookers nearby.


    Inside the car, Freya nced at Leon and smirked. "Mr. Ex-Boyfriend, do you intend to handle this situation on your own or not? Because I''m pretty sure my contract doesn''t mention anything about helping you with your love life drama," she said.


    Leon tried to avoid looking at Laura, but his mind was in turmoil. He had initially intended to at least rebuild a friendship with her. At least they had been friends longer than they had dated. For Leon, someone who was poor and shunned by his peers, having a friend like Laura in the past was something precious. Her kindness in the past, when she insisted on being friends with him when no one else wanted to be his friend. It left asting impression on him. At least they could be friends again!


    But, why Bob? Of all people, why Bob? The despicable manager who was also his ssmate in senior high school... Even after graduation, he still enjoyed bullying him.


    Leon gritted his teeth, seeing that Laura seemed determined, her pleading expression trying to stop the car from moving. "Leon, please listen to my exnation."


    "Mr. Handsome..." Freya muttered. "Do you want to prolong this issue? I''m ufortable with my car number being recognized by many people because of this drama. People are recording these dramatic scenes," she said.


    Leon then opened the door and stepped out towards Laura, who seemed to calm down slightly as he emerged. Panic was evident on her face.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Leon, you''ve misunderstood, let me exin. Yes, Bob asked me to meet you, but this has nothing to do with him at all. I genuinely wanted to see you..." she tried to exin.


    Leon took a deep breath but remained silent, staring firmly at her.


    "Bob asked me to find out about you because he feels like you''ve wronged him... but, Leon... I have no business with Bob. I truly wanted to meet you to exin everything that happened in the past," she said, gasping for breath.


    "Then why did you waste time and not exin what happened immediately, Laura?" he said firmly.


    "I will exin everything. I will apologize to you until you''re satisfied. I regret what happened, but please give me time to tell you everything."


    Leon shook his head. "Laura, I''ve forgotten everything, even your name, until you suddenly contacted me and started bringing back those memories," he said.


    "Leon..." Laura said softly, turning back to look into the car where there was a beautiful


    woman, elegant and poised. "I understand if you hold a grudge against me and bring your girlfriend in front of me to retaliate for my behavior," she said.


    Leon didn''t attempt to exin anything.


    Freya felt that this had dragged on long enough. She stepped out of the car and removed her sunsses, immediately wrapping her right arm around Leon''s and getting close to him.


    "So, who is she, Leon?" Freya said softly.


    This made him slightly ufortable, and he nced at Freya, who was pressing her side against his arm. "Freya?" What kind of acting are you trying to do?! he thought, puzzled. Laura looked towards Freya, panic evident in her expression as she shook her head. She took a step back, trying to hold back the tears slowly welling up in her eyes. "Sorry... I just wanted to exin something to him," she said, lowering her gaze.


    She then looked back at Leon. "Do you still want to be friends, Leon?" she said.


    Leon shook his head, then gently pulled Freya''s wrist back into the car. He opened the passenger door for Freya and moved to the driver''s side. The car rumbled and reversed, then quickly turned, passing by Laura, who stood stiffly on the side of the road.


    Onlookers, who had been watching with curiosity, chuckled and walked away from the scene.


    "So... weird!"


    "That guy surely is a yboy!"


    "But two women fighting over that guy are really beautiful."


    "Damn, that guy is so lucky. I hate him."

 Chapter 73: Chapter 73 - Mundane Tasks

    Chapter 73: - Mundane Tasks


    ?


    The car sped along with Leon at the wheel while Freya sat beside him, both remaining silent for a moment as the car traversed the city streets at night, the lights casting a gentle glow on their faces.


    "So, having ice cream is a good choice after experiencing something bitter," Freya said, breaking the silence, then smiled as Leon nced at her.


    Leon smiled back, "Do I look like I''m swallowing a bitter pill to you?"


    Freya nodded softly. "I heard this from Lily, so I was curious to approach you..."


    "You sure are an extra miles worker, huh... I didn''t know that EPSP duties extended to


    personal matters like this," he said, still looking at Freya.


    Since their car was equipped with an auto drive assistant, it was safe enough for the driver to momentarily shift their gaze to the side.


    "If my client gets heartbroken and decides to quit ying the game, it would be a problem for me..." she said. "So, I guess intervening a bit isn''t a big deal, right?"


    "Thanks, Freya..." he said softly before turning back to the road.


    "Any ns for tonight? The night is still young..."


    "I still have about 2 hours of ytime, so we can roam around for the next 2 hours, I guess." The car then sped towards the coastal area, where there was a bridge spanning the shoreline, a ce where many people strolled to enjoy the night by the sea breeze. They sat leaning against it, the sea breeze slightly muffling their voices. They sat in silence for a while, their shoulders touching.


    Leon also briefly told Freya what made him leave after he and Laura met earlier, and he also briefly mentioned Bob, whom Freya seemed to know about.


    "She really seemed to be trying to talk to you..." she said. "Don''t you want to give her a chance to exin?"


    Leon shook his head. "I think my rtionship with her ended years ago. She has her own life, and so do I."


    Freya smiled and sighed, "She is... an Immortal Legacy yer..."


    Leon turned to Freya, looking puzzled. "Is she that famous, a top ranker?"


    Freya nced back, showing a curious expression. "Do you want to know more about her?"


    Leon remained silent. "No, just curious if you know her..."


    "Yes, she''s part of a top guild, and you might meet her soon." she continued.


    Leon then removed his jacket and draped it over Freya, knowing the night air was chilly. "Let''s go back, it''s getting colder."


    He then stood up.


    Freya followed him, walking alongside him with faster steps, then nudged his shoulder with hers. "Don''t act sweet with me, we''re colleagues, remember."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "You were the one who crossed the line by holding my hand and acting like we were that close."


    "I know you liked it, so drop your cool fa?ade, yboy!"


    "Where did that usatione from? I''m just a pathetic guy left by his girlfriend."


    Freya thenughed at his words, causing her to stop walking for a moment. Leon also stopped, waiting for herughter to subside.


    "Happy, Ms. Super Assistant?"


    Freya then resumed walking. "Yes, I''m happy to see your vulnerable side, I''ll keep this memory to tease you in the future."


    "Get ready, I''m smart in seeking revenge."


    They then continued and returned to Leon''s new residence.


    Leon opened the door to his hotel room and saw Lily sitting alone in the living room. She quickly stood up and looked pleased to see Leon and Freya.


    "Hi... I thought you guys would stay outside," she said with a giggle.


    Leon just smiled wryly and ced his jacket and bag aside.


    "That''s too fast, Lily. We just met, do you think I''m that easily swayed?" Freya chuckled in response to Lily''s joke.


    Leon then walked towards the sofa and sat down, Lily also sat back down on the right side, and Freya also sat down on Leon''s left side.


    They soon turned their attention to the TV, which was airing news about Immortal Legacy.


    "Go y the game, Princess Alora is waiting for you," Lily said, giggling.


    "Princess Alora is asking The Ass Guild to hunt me down," he said.


    They fell silent for a moment, seeming to enjoy each other''spany.


    "Leon..." Lily said, then leaned on his shoulder. "I like having Freya between us. She said she would often visit to keep mepany, knowing that you''re tired of real life and prefer the fantasy world more..."


    "Where did that statemente from, Lily..." he murmured softly. "I will spend more time with you."


    "Do you guys need time to talk as siblings?" Freya then muttered. "I can leave if needed." "No... Keep staying here, Freya..." Lily said. "Leon doesn''t mind either."


    ***


    The next day, Leon finally decided toe to campus after weeks of absence. He truly made use of the facilities he had, with Alfred chauffeuring him in a luxurious car. It was a ck luxury car that waspletely out of reach or imagination for him before.


    The car entered the campus area and parked, attracting many curious nces.


    "Hey, it''s the first time I''ve seen a car like this on campus."


    "Does it belong to one of the professors?"


    "I don''t know, I think it''s just a rich student showing off their wealth."


    Leon then stepped out of the passenger door, looking much smarter than usual, far different from his old appearance that clearly showed him as a poor student. No one recognized Leon because he wasn''t particrly well-known, but many were curious about him.


    "Who is he? Why don''t I know him?"


    "I don''t know, is he a new student?"


    "If he''s that important, shouldn''t many people know him?"


    "Maybe he''s a new student... because his face is unfamiliar to me."


    "I feel like he''s really rich,ing to campus with a private driver in such a luxurious car." "Damn, I feel like I want to be friends with him, at least being close to a rich kid has many advantages."


    Leon started walking out of the parking lot, noticing that many people were looking at him. He paused for a moment, feeling the unusual gaze of the people around him. It was a feeling he had experienced before when people looked at him, but back then it was with disgust. Now, they looked at him with admiration.


    He sighed softly, realizing how much wealth could change people''s perceptions. Wealth truly seemed to be something worshiped and could easily change someone''s beliefs. Money really


    held that much value.


    Leon walked casually, trying to ignore the stares of the people who were mostly curious about the luxurious car he was using and eager to know his identity.


    However, Leon''s gaze suddenly fell on someone standing in his path, a woman with wavy and flowing blonde hair, Laura.


    Leon walked slowly and then stopped in front of her, looking at her for a moment. But there was a furrow on Laura''s forehead, clearly showing her difort.


    There was no conversation between them, after which Leon avoided her and continued


    walking away, leaving Laura to ponder further about what had happened between them.


    Leon mumbled to himself, "Let''s finish these mundane tasks quickly so I can get back to Immortal Legacy."

 Chapter 74: Chapter 74 - Gia Mentioning Her Daughter

    Chapter 74: - Gia Mentioning Her Daughter


    ?


    Broken stood in front of Fokil''s Smithy with a satisfied smile, finally setting foot on this ground and breathing in the fresh Yunatea air through his virtual nostrils. As he opened the door, the resounding ng of metal filled his ears. The air was thick with the heat of melting metal, the sweet aroma of burning coal, and the lingering scent of old fires. His nose tingled with the fragrance of singed ore, heated des, and the sweat of hardbor.


    "Good Morning, sir," he greeted.


    "Close the door and immediately do your job," Fokil grufflymanded.


    "Yes, sir," Broken replied, trying to maintain a steady voice.


    He quietly made his way to the forge, finally getting the chance to do what he had been longing for. He prepared all the equipment, materials, and blueprints. There were five items he intended to work on, determined toplete them all in this session to ensure he equipped himself with a full set of superior armor and a sword. This way, he could explore morefortably and find out how to craft his next ultimate weapon.


    Without much preamble, he immediately focused on his tasks with great enthusiasm. Time seemed to pass quickly as he immersed himself in his work, undisturbed by anyone else. He enjoyed the stillness, the quietness, where the only sounds were the hammer hitting the metal on the anvil or the sparks flying from the forge. Even Fokil worked in silence, each of them seeming to inhabit their own world.


    Broken could feel the heat of the sparks against his skin and the warmth on his face, as well as the metal slowly shaping under his hammer. The experience felt incredibly real,pletely absorbing him and allowing him to forget about any lingering thoughts that had been disturbing his peace.


    He recalled one thing Fokil had said to him: that focus and determination were the keys to sessful cksmith crafting. It was how a cksmithmunicated with their crafted items, infusing their soul into each creation. The deeper the bond between a cksmith and their craft, the better the results would be.


    Hours passed, and Broken remainedpletely focused on his work. This caught Fokil''s attention, making him wonder if Broken was quieter than usual. Was it just Fokil''s perception, or was Broken truly different today? Normally cheerful and smiling, Broken now seemed silent, not asking Fokil any questions. Fokil wondered if the young man was feeling sad and if he could perhaps cheer him up a bit.


    Fokil stood up and walked over to him.


    "cksmithing needs time, brat. You must take it slowly," Fokil said encouragingly. "One does not be a Master rank in the blink of an eye, you know it very well, don''t you?"


    Broken met Fokil''s gaze and nodded in agreement. "I understand, sir," he replied, his nod vigorous. "But I assure you that I will do my best to reach that goal."


    Fokil smiled reassuringly at him and patted him on the shoulder.


    "But I am quite impressed with your dedication, and I hope you maintain that determination until the results you desire trulye to you," Fokil added before going back to his workstation.


    As the day passed, Brokenpleted all his smelting tasks. He now had a collection of high- quality steel bars, enough to fulfill all his crafting needs. He felt satisfied with his progress and eagerly prepared to start crafting his armor, deciding to begin with the helmet.


    However, despite the day slipping by, Broken remained unusually quiet. Fokil couldn''t help but feel increasingly concerned about him. Attempting to spark conversation, Fokil noticed Broken''s continued silence.


    "Broken," Fokil said, his toneced with worry. "You haven''t eaten all day! Remember, humans need nourishment to stay strong. You''re not as resilient as dwarves."


    Still engrossed in his work, Broken didn''t respond, the ng of his hammer against the anvil and the crackling of the forge drowning out Fokil''s words.


    "How about I whip up something for you? A small snack to keep you energized until dinner?" Fokil suggested, hoping to break through Broken''s focus.


    But there was no reply, Broken remained silent, fully absorbed in his crafting.


    Broken felt as though he was being pulled into a dark void, his connection to the outside world slipping further away. Lost in his craft, he hammered down on the metal with a rhythm that matched the beating of his heart, feelingpletely immersed in his work.


    "What''s troubling you, kid? Has someone broken your heart?" Fokil''s voice was filled with concern as he tried to break through Broken''s detachment.


    "You''re still young; there''s plenty of time ahead of you, although humans don''t live as long as dwarves. But don''t worry, there are plenty of fish in the sea! You''re a Royal cksmith, be proud of it," Fokil encouraged, hoping to lift Broken''s spirits.


    Hourster, the heavy door to the cksmith''s workshop creaked open, revealing a young woman in her early twenties with straight, flowing blonde hair cascading down her back as she entered carrying a basket of food.


    The girl''s face radiated kindness, her serene smile adding warmth to the dim and fiery forge. Standing at 1.68 meters (5.52ft) tall, her presence seemed to light up the room, drawing attention away from the intense heat of the workshop.


    "Good afternoon, Mr. Fokil," she greeted cheerfully. "I''ve brought lunch for you."


    Fokil rose from his seat, greeting her warmly. "Hello, Ivana."


    Ivana approached Fokil with an air of excitement evident on her face.


    "Mr. Fokil, my mother is doing better! She''s been talking more and eating well," she eximed, her voice filled with joy.


    Her words briefly stirred Broken from his intense focus on hammering the metal. He nced over at her, a flicker of curiosity crossing his mind as he wondered about the girl''s identity. However, he quickly returned his attention to his work, the rhythmic pounding of his hammer resuming.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Fokil''s eyes sparkled with happiness. "That''s wonderful to hear. I''ll make sure to visit her as soon as I can, once I''m finished with my tasks," he responded enthusiastically, a rareugh escaping him, a testament to the bond he shared with the young woman''s mother.


    "My mother mentioned a lot about someone named Broken, saying things started changing since she met him," Ivana continued, her mention of Broken catching his attention and causing him to slow his hammering.


    ncing around the room, Ivana spotted a man sweating profusely at the workstation, diligently hammering away at the metal on the anvil. In the flickering light of the forge, his muscles glistened with exertion as he forged something with skillful precision. Pointing towards Broken, Fokil exined, "He''s the one, the yer who named Broken."


    Ivana nced back at Broken, and a warm smile appeared on her face. "Ah, so he''s the one who has brought about miracles for my mother." she said giggling. "But he seems very focused on his work? Maybe I can wait to express my gratitude to him?"


    Broken couldn''t recall clearly, but he vaguely remembered Gia mentioning her daughter. He found it hard to believe that Gia, who was around... 80 years old? could have a daughter who looked like she was in her 20s. However, he was grateful because the old woman who had helped him immensely was now recovering. He wondered if it was because he had sessfully mined for moonstones?

 Chapter 75: Chapter 75 - An Expert Chef

    Chapter 75: - An Expert Chef


    ?


    "I feel like something''s off with him," Fokil expressed to Ivana, his toneced with concern, prompting Ivana to turn her attention to Broken, though she couldn''t discern what had caught Fokil''s notice.


    "I don''t see... something wrong with him, Mr. Fokil."


    "He works tirelessly, like a machine. Not even a Master cksmith works as hard as him, I can assure you that. He needs a distraction, something to take his mind off whatever problem might be weighing on him. And that''s where youe in, Ivana. You could be the one to offer himfort, help him forget his troubles. I''m not good at handling these kinds of situations."


    "Really?" Ivana responded. "I''m not sure if I can help, but I''ll make sure he eats some of what I brought."


    Ivana approached Broken with caution, her footsteps measured so as not to disrupt his work. She delicately ced a steaming dish of freshly cooked pasta on the table near his workstation.


    The aroma wafted towards Broken, instantly stimting his appetite, and he looked up at Ivana with a hint of confusion in his eyes. In his gravelly voice, he gruffly questioned, "Food?"


    Ivana paused momentarily before introducing herself softly, "Hi, my name is Ivana. I am... um... Gia''s daughter... My mother speaks highly of you, and she mentioned that you loved her cooking. So, I brought enough food for Mr. Fokil and you to enjoy together."


    Broken eyed the te suspiciously. "Umh.... thanks. My name is Broken, and... is this meal cooked by Gia as well?" he inquired.


    "Oh no... I cooked it myself... I apologize, but I''m confident my cooking won''t disappoint you. Next time, I''ll ask my mother to cook for you again if you''d like," she said with a soft and calm voice, apanied by a warm smile that never left her face.


    "Oh no, it''s okay, don''t let your mother work harder, I don''t want... I mean, I don''t intend to eat her food again."


    Ivana giggled at his words. "Would you like to take a short break and enjoy this meal before it gets cold?" she offered.


    Continuing because Broken still seemed puzzled, Ivana expressed, "Um, I want to extend a big thank you to you. Thanks to you, my mother''s health has improved... and if you don''t mind, I''ll bring you food as I usually do for Mr. Fokil." she paused briefly. "But make sure you like my cooking first." she giggled.


    Broken then powered down the forge and set aside the cksmith equipment, walking slowly towards the table. Ivana smiled warmly and began serving the food she brought, taking a moment to nce at Fokil. "Mr. Fokil, would you like to join us too?"


    "No, haha, I''m still busy, you go ahead and eat with him. I think he''s on the verge of passing out, so no need to wait for me," he said warmly.


    Ivana then ced the steaming tes of food on the table. "Please, enjoy," she said with a warm smile.


    Broken smiled and quickly grabbed a te and fork, eagerly digging in. The blend of seasonings and the tenderness of the pasta melted in his mouth, and he couldn''t believe how delicious it was. He hurriedly took another bite, bing even more impressed with the taste of the pastabined with the perfectly cooked pieces of meat. It felt as if even his physical body outside the game was salivating, experiencing the sensation of eating the girl''s cooking.


    "This is... so... perfect...." he said with a mouthful of food.


    "Really?" Ivana said, giggling. "Thanks, I''ll make sure to bring you food every day if you like


    it."


    "Ivana has a Unique-grade Chef ss, kid," Fokil chimed in from his workstation. "She is at Expert rank."


    "Expert Rank Chef?!" Broken was momentarily stunned by Fokil''s words, ncing once again at Ivana, the blonde girl with her serene gaze and peaceful demeanor. Could she really be an Expert Chef? But how? Isn''t leveling up a Production ss in this game incredibly difficult? Especially if she is only an NPC with... limited resources?n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "No wonder this food tastes so amazing...." Broken eximed in amazement. "I feel honored to taste the cooking of an Expert Chef."


    Ivana couldn''t help but beam with delight as she shook her head in disbelief. "Thanks for your praise, Broken, but... I just cook because I love it, so it''s not as special as you make it out to be."


    "Someone like you should be working as a royal chef in the kingdom''s pce, shouldn''t you?" at least that''s what Broken thought. Because the food he was eating truly felt like a luxurious meal fit for royal families, no exaggeration. The blend of vors, and the perfect level of cooking, was truly impable and harmonized perfectly on the pte.


    Ivana said, her eyes gleaming with pride, "I don''t feel that special, Broken. But, honestly, I was so amazed when I heard your story. you''re truly extraordinary. You''re a natural talent at Mining; you managed to mine moonstones in such a short time when you tried it out, right? And you''re also the only one Mr. Fokil has taken on as an apprentice. Did you know that?" she said, giggling.


    Fokil quickly interjected, raising his voice. "He''s not my only apprentice, Ivana. Stop talking nonsense!"


    Ivana just chuckled at Fokil''s remark.


    Broken continued eating until he waspletely satisfied. He was delighted with the


    deliciousness of the meal; it was the tastiest thing he had ever eaten.


    "I could eat this same meal every day for the rest of my life, and I would still be happy," he thought to himself.


    [You have devoured a generous helping of the delicious pasta.]


    [A random stat will be temporarily boosted.]


    [You will receive a 12-point increase to your Stamina stat for a period of 24 hours.]


    [Additionally, your most desired stat, Dexterity, will be increased by 12 points for the same duration.]


    Broken was beaming with surprise and joy when he saw his two stats boosted, especially since it was a special stat! His eyes darted to Ivana, and he shed a huge smile.


    "I got a boost to my Dexterity by 12 points; this is truly amazing... I feel like your cooking truly holds high value, Ivana. Thank you so much. I really appreciate your cooking," he said in


    admiration.


    Ivana smiled and nodded, "Thanks, d to hear you enjoyed it."


    Broken excused himself to return to his work. "Thanks, I need to get back to my work," then rushed back to his task, full of enthusiasm.


    [Ivana was overwhelmed with gratitude for all the help you had provided for Gia. Upon meeting you, she was filled with admiration and respect. She felt an instant connection with you, and her admiration for you grew to 45%, indicating her willingness to offer full support and assist you inpleting your projects.]


    Ivana blushed and shyly looked away as she approached Fokil.


    "It seems like your presence has left quite an impact on him," Fokil remarked. Confused, Ivana furrowed her brows, "What do you mean, Mr. Fokil?" she asked timidly.


    "His face lit up with joy when you walked in. I don''t think it was just because of the food," he


    said knowingly, his grin widening.


    Feeling her cheeks flush, Ivana stuttered, "M-Mr. Fokil..."


    "I believe he''s quite fond of you," Fokil teased. "Maybe he''s already smitten with you."


    Ivana felt her cheeks burning, and she stammered, "M-Mr. Fokil, where did youe up with


    such ideas?"


    Exchanging a knowing nce with her, Fokil replied, "Just observe how happy he bes in your presence! That should be evidence enough."


    Speechless, Ivana struggled to find the right words. "Mr. Fokil, I- umh, I''m nning to prepare another dish for sale. I''ll be back tomorrow. Have a nice day," and she quickly exited


    the smithy.


    Meanwhile, Broken continued working diligently at the Smithy, hour after hour. As his eyes grew tired and his stomach rumbled with hunger, he reluctantly logged out and took a break. Afterpleting a few routine tasks, he eagerly logged back in and resumed crafting his new items one by one.


    It took him nearly two weeks to craft 5 items, which was quite a long time. But through it all, Ivana diligently visited each day, bringing delicious food and aforting presence.


    "Just a few more steps," he muttered as he hammered away at the anvil. "I''m almost


    finished."


    Finally, Broken was on the cusp ofpleting his task and he could sense the surge of newfound power coursing through his body.

 Chapter 76: Chapter 76 - Art and Protection

    Chapter 76: - Art and Protection


    ?


    Broken worked tirelessly, his determination evident in every strike of the hammer. Fokil could see the progress he had made; it seemed like today would mark thepletion of the four armor pieces and the weapon that he had been tirelessly crafting for weeks.


    Both Fokil and Ivana waited anxiously, eager to witness the fruits of hisbor. Broken deliberately worked on each item, pausing only when he approached the final steps, before moving on to the next. He intended toplete all the finishing touches simultaneously, allowing him to see the results of his efforts all at once.


    Over the past few weeks, Ivana had made it a daily routine to bring food to Broken. She took joy in watching him eagerly devour everything she brought, fostering a bond between them as they got to know each other better. Ivana''s easygoing nature and friendly demeanor made it effortless for Broken, who was naturally reserved, to open up to her, creating a positive atmosphere whenever she was around.


    "Do you think the results of his crafting will meet his expectations, Mr. Fokil?" Ivana asked, her expression reflecting her worry and concern.


    "I certainly hope so," replied Fokil. "All we can do now is wait and see."


    They observed intently as Broken worked fervently on the final stages of his items, the tension in the room palpable as time ticked away. With unwavering focus and determination, Broken continued hammering away at the items, inching closer topletion with each strike.


    Then, one by one, the room filled with a resounding buzz as Brokenpleted each of his items. Both Fokil and Ivana rushed over to inspect the final results.


    Fokil''s jaw dropped in astonishment as he beheld the four pieces of armor and the weapon that Broken had expertly crafted. His eyes widened in disbelief, impressed by the remarkable achievement before him.


    "Five Elite-grade items? How is this possible? I''ve never witnessed such incredible


    craftsmanship before, Broken," he eximed incredulously. "It''s unheard of- even a Master cksmith wouldn''t have such extraordinary luck!"


    Broken grinned modestly at Fokil''s reaction. "I''m just doing my best, sir," he replied humbly. Ivana couldn''t contain her joy upon seeing the finished products. "You did it! You''re amazing!" she eximed, her happiness radiating throughout the room.


    [Ivana was thrilled by your achievement, and she felt that her belief in you had been affirmed; you were truly blessed, and luck always seemed to be on your side.]


    [Her admiration for you soared, and her affinity towards you increased to 65%. In this phase, she would readily stand up to support you and provide positive testimony for you.]


    Broken smiled after reading the notification, feeling grateful for Ivana''s support. He believed he could achieve all this because of Ivana''s continuous provision of food and the boost to his stats, especially his luck, which increased by 12 when he finished crafting his items. Imagine a 12-point boost in luck stat! She was truly... a monster! Not in a literal monster way, but her skills were.


    "It''s all because of your food, Ivana... I wouldn''t have been able to finish on time without it. I feel like I owe you a lot for this. I mean, I get this luxurious feast every day... I know it must be valuable. Let me repay you someday," he said, grinning.


    Ivana smiled and shook her head. "I do it because I enjoy it... You don''t need to pay for it, Broken... But if you''re willing to help me, I''d be happy if you could apany me to gather materials for my dishes," she said, giggling.


    "I will! I now have a new set of armor and a weapon too, and I have a spirit beast as well..." he said enthusiastically. "Oh yeah, I haven''t introduced Polly to you yet. I''ll introduce her to youter; she doesn''t like being in enclosed spaces much," he said, although the real reason Polly refused toe out was because she was afraid of Fokil''s loudness.


    Ivana smiled warmly and nodded. "Yes, Broken... I''d like to meet Polly," she said with interest.


    "Kid, show me the status of the items," Fokil suddenly chimed in.


    "Ah, okay, sir," he said, grinning.


    [Warrior''s Call Helmet]


    [Grade: Elite]


    [Stamina +10


    Intelligence +5]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 210]


    [The perfect headgear for any warrior looking to boost their stamina and intelligence. Not only does this helmet have a sleek design, but it also gives off an intimidating aura, making you the most fearsome warrior on the battlefield.]


    [User Restriction: Level 50 or higher.


    Swordsman ss or a simr one.]N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Fokil nodded slowly as he examined the status of the helmet. "The helmet provides a decent boost to Stamina and Intelligence stats. Although there are no specific skills attached to this piece, it will impact the skillbination you can achieve when wearing a full armor set," he concluded.


    Just as Fokil exined, using aplete set of armor could activate special effects, most of which would manifest as a new skill. These skills would also be influenced by the overall grade of the set being used.


    The helmet was a solid ck steel, reflecting the flickering mes beautifully and featuring distinct patterns. Itpletely covered the wearer''s face, but there was still an option to open the face part if needed.


    [Warrior''s Call Armor (Chest)]


    [Grade: Elite]


    [Health +200


    Defense +50]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 420]


    [A piece of chest armor that provides its wearer with a boost of confidence and protection. Its special alloy material is incredibly durable, able to withstand even the strongest blows and


    magical attacks.]


    [Skills:]


    [Shadow Fangs: This armor offers superior protection against both physical and magical


    attacks.


    With a decent likelihood of triggering a special effect that decreases physical damage by 20%


    and magical damage by 10%.]


    [User Restriction: Level 50 or higher.


    Swordsman ss or a simr one.]


    The chest armor boasts a particrly useful skill designed to reduce both physical and magical damage. While it''s not a foolproof shield, it significantly enhances passive defense,


    offering a considerable boost in protection.


    [Warrior''s Call Armor (Pants)]


    [Grade: Elite]


    [Health +300


    Defense +50]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 380]


    [The ultimate form of protection for any aspiring warrior. Made with a special blend of steel, these pants will keep you safe during battle and still allow you to show off your well-toned


    glutes!]


    [User Restriction: Level 50 or higher.


    Swordsman ss or a simr one.]


    [Warrior''s Call Shoes]


    [Grade: Elite]


    [Movement Speed +75


    Defense +20]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 280]


    [The ultimate footwear for the brave-hearted. For those who seek a bit ofedic relief during their adventures, these shoese with special built-in sound effects that let out a mighty ''warrior''s call'' with every step. So you can be sure to turn heads when you walk into


    the room!]


    [Skills:]


    [Dark Dirge: This enables the user to y a piece of menacing background music as they walk


    at a slow pace.


    Additionally, it inflicts a negative effect that reduces an enemy''s movement speed by 5%.]


    [User Restriction: Level 50 or higher.


    Swordsman ss or a simr one.]


    Fokil inspected the shoes, his expression morphing into one of contentment as he nodded in


    approval.


    "This pair," he remarked, his eyes shining with satisfaction, "is truly remarkable. It will inflict a significant debuff on your adversaries. A 5% reduction in movement speed during battles can make a substantial impact. Although this skill doesn''t have a cooldown and doesn''t consume mana, you can only activate it by walking slowly. However, you need to remember, Broken, that you must be mindful of your Stamina, as any skill you use will utilize


    it."


    "Yes, sir," Broken acknowledged.


    As Broken envisioned himself in battle, walking slowly with background music ying, he


    imagined the impact of slowing down his opponents. It was a unique and cool skill, one that brought a smile to his face as he pondered how to utilize it effectively inbat, particrly against other yers, as it wouldn''t be as useful against monsters. The prospect of using it in PVP encounters added an extrayer of excitement.


    With determination, Broken equipped the shoes and activated the skill. Almost instantly, background music filled the air, seemingly emerging from nowhere.


    Ivana observed with a mix of curiosity and amusement. "That''s amusing, Broken. Where is this background musicing from?" she asked, giggling at the unexpected sound.


    As Broken took a step, each footfall reverberated, creating a thudding sound around him.


    Intrigued, Ivana approached Broken to investigate the source of the sound. "The closer I get, the louder it bes," she remarked, giggling at the unusual phenomenon.


    With a confident stride reminiscent of a knight, Broken looked toward Fokil, who observed his


    actions with a look of annoyance.


    "Now, let''s examine the status of the sword."


    "Yes, sir."

 Chapter 77: Chapter 77 - Iron Heart Sword

    Chapter 77: - Iron Heart Sword


    ?


    [Iron Heart Sword]


    [Grade: Elite]


    [Attack Power: 100-120]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 320]


    [A fierce weapon that demands attention on the battlefield. Its sharpness is unmatched, its shine is blinding, and its power is deadly. It was the weapon of choice for any brave warrior looking to make a statement in battle.]


    [Skills:]


    [Severing Strike: Dealt 400% of the user''s physical attack power to a single target. Ignore 50% defense when striking a wounded target.


    Mana Cost: 120


    Cooldown: 45 Seconds]


    [User Restriction: Level 50 or higher.


    Swordsman ss or a simr one.]


    Fokil''s eyes widened in wonder as he held the sword, admiring its craftsmanship. He ran his fingers along its length with reverence, feeling the skill and dedication imbued in every inch of the weapon.


    "This is truly remarkable," he eximed, his voice tinged with amazement. "I can sense the craftsmanship poured into this de. It''s sure to be a powerful ally for you."


    Broken, too, felt a sense of satisfaction as he examined the sword. The 400% damage dealt in physical attack power was impressive enough, but the ability to ignore defense when striking a wounded target added anotheryer of utility. Despite its rtively high cooldown, Broken felt confident that he could manage its mana requirements effectively. While the weapon''s base attack power may not have been extraordinary, its overall stats were exceptional for a weapon of its grade.


    "Put on your new gear quickly. The Warrior''s Call set likelyes with special effects or skills," Fokil advised.


    Following Fokil''s instructions, Broken swiftly donned the helmet and proceeded to equip each piece of armor, covering his entire body in the formidable ck shining armor. Though he couldn''t see his reflection to admire the full ensemble, the firm patterning of the armor hugged his form, giving him amanding presence. While he couldn''t fully appreciate the overall look of his armor set without a mirror, there was no denying the intimidating and captivating aura he exuded. He was a warrior, fully prepared for battle.


    [The activation of the Warrior''s Call set triggered a powerful skill known as "Furious Last Stand."]


    [This unique skill could only be unleashed when wearing theplete Warrior''s Call set.] [Furious Last Stand (Conditional Active Skill)]


    [When facing imminent danger with health plummeting below 20%, the skill surged, granting the user a sudden burst of courage and strength, boosting their stats by a whopping 30% for a brief but intense 20-second period.


    Even after the initial burst, the user''s stats remained elevated by 10% for a full minute, offering a prolonged advantage in battle.


    Cooldown: 1 Hour]


    This skill could be a game-changer in dire situations, potentially tipping the scales between survival and defeat. But like all powerful abilities, it came with a cooldown period of one hour, adding a strategic element to its usage.


    "So, what did you get?" Fokil inquired.


    "It''s like a berserker-type skill. When my health drops below 20%, it boosts my stats by 30% for 20 seconds," Broken exined.


    "30%? That''s incredible. That skill alone makes the Warrior''s Call set worth its weight in gold. You''re truly fortunate, kid," Fokil acknowledged.


    Ivana''s eyes sparkled with excitement as she observed the conversation. "That''s a cool armor set, Broken," she chimed in.


    With his new armor set and sword in hand, Broken felt a surge of confidence. He was ready to explore the city in this impressive attire, the likes of which he had never worn before. Despite being a level 50 armor set, its Elite grade made it a valuable asset, even for yers well beyond level 100.


    "Would you like me to apany you on a stroll through the city wearing that armor set?" Ivana suggested yfully.


    "That''s a great idea, Ivana," Broken replied, his grin widening at the thought of showcasing his new gear.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Weight: 1780/1200]


    The weight of the armor set draped over Broken''s body felt heavier than he anticipated. It slowed him down considerably, reducing his movement speed by a staggering 60%. It was like trying to sprint through mud, each step requiring tremendous effort.


    It was only now that Broken realized the sheer bulk of his new armor set. Its weight was nearly double what he was allowed to, a consequence of its high-grade quality and level far surpassing his own. This sudden realization posed a significant problem for him, as he lumbered along like a snail, struggling to maintain even a semnce of his usual speed. Fokil sensed that it was time for Broken to depart from the smithy. "Hey, kid, it''s time to go. I''ve grown weary of seeing you linger here for weeks on end," he urged.


    Yet, Broken remained rooted in ce, his mind racing as he pondered how to allocate his stats to cope with the excessive weight of the armor. He couldn''t bring himself to admit to Fokil that hecked the necessary stats to handle such a low-level armor.


    In Fokil''s mind, he interpreted Broken''s reluctance to leave as a sign of his attachment to the ce. However, he knew he had to be firm, insisting that Broken depart, despite the evident struggle he faced.


    With a determination, Fokil fixed Broken with a stern gaze, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. "I understand that you may have grown fond of this ce, but you''re also a fighter. It''s time for you to leave and gather materials to craft the Moonvine Knuckles. Move quickly, kid!" hemanded.


    Feeling the weight of Fokil''s words, Broken let out a heavy sigh. He knew deep down that Fokil was right. With sluggish steps, he began to shuffle away, attempting to mask his reduced speed with casual conversation.


    "Well, it looks like I should be off for a bit. Uh, there''s some important business I need to attend to," he mumbled slowly, each word apanied by aborious step.


    "Why are you still lingering here then?" Fokil''s voice boomed. "Get going already!"


    Ivana observed Broken''s struggle to move forward. Despite his weariness, his determination remained unyielding. Was he too hungry, perhaps?


    "Wait, Broken!" she called out, hurrying over to grasp his wrist. "Let me lend you a hand. I''ll whip up some food for you."


    But, Broken lost his bnce and stumbled, Ivana reaching out to catch him. Instead, he ended up falling into her arms. For a brief moment, they found themselves locked in an unexpected embrace, their faces inches apart. It was the closest Broken had ever been to Ivana, a normal NPC in the small town, yet her beauty surpassed that of most women he had encountered in


    the real world.


    As he found sce in her embrace, their eyes met, and a sense of calm washed over them, momentarily filling the room with serene tranquility.


    "You''re exhausted," she murmured softly. "You should rest first. Let me prepare some food


    for you..."


    He shook his head. "No, I''m fine," he insisted. With a swift motion, he pulled himself upright again. "Thanks, Ivana."


    Resuming his slow pace, he continued on his way, leaving Fokil and Ivana puzzled by the


    encounter.


    "I think he wanted to show off?" Fokil mused.


    Ivana simply giggled at the thought.


    Once outside the Smithy, Broken breathed a sigh of relief as he removed his armor.


    "I think it''s time to log out," he dered.

 Chapter 78: Chapter 78 - Thats Not Possible

    Chapter 78: - That''s Not Possible


    ?


    Over the past few weeks, Broken''s leveling progress had been quite steady. Perhaps it was because he dedicated all his time to the Smithy, avoiding encounters with monsters altogether. He had managed to climb up by 12 levels! Admittedly, it was a significant leap considering his still-low level and the rtively low experience points required. Yet, he was starting to feel a sense of relief, now sittingfortably at level 45.


    It wouldn''t be long before he reached level 50, unlocking ess to level 150 equipment and dungeons. It was a high-level dungeonpared to his level, but the idea filled him with excitement.


    He decided to spend 100 of his stat points to increase his Strength and the rest for Intelligence. He knew he needed more Weight Capacity to wear his new armor set and sword.


    [Name: Broken


    Level: 45


    sses: Super Novice | Royal cksmith


    Health: 1,780 Mana: 1,428


    Strength: 300 Agility: 119 Intelligence: 124 Constitution: 128 Stamina: 130


    Charisma: 50 Luck: 25 Dexterity: 40


    Avable Stat Points: 0


    Weight: 1,780/,1800]


    Early in the morning, just outside the city walls of Deadbay City, Broken stood donning his new armor, its dark ck hue with bold patterns gleaming under the morning''s orange sunlight. Little Polly darted around him, frolicking amidst the grass, asionally diving into the tall des.


    ncing towards the city gate, Broken he the figure he had been waiting for that morning. Ivana, looking enthusiastic, waved from a distance, hastening her steps towards him.


    "Broken..." she called out, stopping before him with a warm smile. "I''m sorry for beingte... I prepared lunch for the two of us."


    "No..." He replied, returning her smile. "I enjoy the outskirts of Deadbay, the grasnds are soothing. Plus, I was ying with Polly."


    They walked side by side as Ivana carried a wooden basket filled with food.


    "She''s Polly," Broken introduced.


    Ivana beamed and quickly sat down on the grass, Polly responding by gazing back at her with her big round eyes.


    "Hi... Can I get to know you? My name is Ivana..." she said eagerly, then reached for the food basket. "I am... a chef... but I heard spirit beasts don''t eat human food, right?" she said, giggling.


    "Hi... I''m Polly..." Polly replied softly.


    Ivana then extended her hand. "May I touch you?" she asked, Polly, showing no signs of resistance as her eyes closed while Ivana caressed the fox''s head.


    Broken then joined Ivana on the grass. "Polly is actually a battle spirit beast; she can transform into arger form. I''ll take you on a ride with Polly to our destination today, interested Ivana?"


    Ivana looked at him with enthusiasm. "Yes..." she then looked back at Polly. "Can I ride you too, Polly?"


    Polly nodded softly. "Yes..." she closed her eyes again as Ivana continued to stroke her fox''s head.


    On that day, Broken intended to apany Ivana in searching for some food ingredients in the forest. Usually, she would buy these ingredients at high prices, but this time, Broken aimed to help her find them on their own, hoping to gather many high-quality ingredients inrge quantities.


    "Allow me to store this food in my inventory," he said, taking the wooden basket from Ivana. "Sure," she replied with a warm smile.


    As Polly transformed into herrger form, she swayed her head from side to side, then approached Broken, resting her head against him as he stroked the fox''s head. Broken then leaped up and mounted Polly.


    He reached out his hand to Ivana, and she smiled, grasping Broken''s hand as he lifted her, and she hopped onto the back of the fox.


    "Make yourselffortable. It might be a bit tricky to maintain bnce at first, but you can hold onto me if you have trouble," he said.


    Ivana smiled and nodded.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Okay, Let''s go Polly," he said, and Polly swiftly dashed through the grass.


    The wind suddenly hit their bodies, brightening Broken''s face as well as Ivana''s, who was starting to enjoy the ride. She slowly leaned against him, wrapping her right arm around Broken''s waist. He nced at her briefly before turning his gaze forward.


    "Enjoying it?" he asked.


    "Uh-huh!" she said, nodding.


    Polly dashed even faster through the grassy field towards the forest area where they would hunt monsters. Ivana''s dress billowed in the wind, while Broken resembled a ck knight on a white horse - well, a white fox with three tails to be exact. Ivana may not have been a princess, but she was a talented and stunning chef, and she sat behind Broken with grace and kindness.


    Entering the forest and reaching their intended location, they found themselves in a part of the woods rtively open from the towering trees. However, scattered around were peculiar flowers unknown to Broken, andrge mushrooms clung to the trees.


    Helping Ivana off Polly, Broken dismounted as well. Ivana''s face lit up with excitement as she ran towards the flowers, ncing back at Broken with a giggle. "Thanks, Broken... I''d never dare toe here alone. But today, I can harvest as much as possible to cook delicious meals for my mother, Mr. Fokil, and you too. You don''t need to worry while in Deadbay; I''ll always cook tasty meals for you," she said.


    Broken nodded, following Ivana as she examined the nts and flowers around them. In reality, his thoughts were upied by his imminent departure from Deadbay. He needed to hunt for the materials to craft the Moonvine Knuckles and the Unseen Universe Ne, even though he didn''t yet know how to obtain them.


    They ventured further into the forest, searching for some nt-type monsters. These creatures resembled mushrooms as tall as a three-year-old child, hiding behind trees, pretending to be fungi, and scurrying away when approached. Polly swiftly darted forward, striking the mushroom-like monsters with her ws, causing several materials to drop from the small creatures.


    Ivana sighed, "What poor mushroom monsters... but I know I can cook something delicious from them," she said, turning to Broken.


    He thoroughly enjoyed the hunt. After spending weeks cooped up in the cramped, fiery, dimly lit smithy, he felt a sense of relief as he wandered through the forest with the fresh air. Ivana''s constant positive vibes made him feelfortable being around her.


    They spent almost the entire day in the forest, hunting monsters and gathering plenty of materials. They even managed to enjoy a meal together amidst the trees.


    Ivana brought grilled meat, which tasted incredibly tempting to Broken''s pte.


    "I''m starting to find other foods nd after getting used to your cooking, Ivana," he said,


    giggling.


    "Really? Well... It''s okay then. You can keep eating my cooking, so you''ll get used to it," she


    replied.


    "Do you know that I have my own world outside, right?" he asked.


    Ivana nodded, curious. "Are you a soldier, a knight? Or a magician there, Broken?"


    "No... my world is not what you might think. There''s no magic, no stats, no levels. Everyone is


    the same," he exined.


    "The same?" she said, puzzled.


    "Yes... There''s no status screen we can ess, so everyone just practices and learns without knowing their specific level. And we don''t fight monsters either," he borated.


    Ivana smiled warmly. "Sounds like afortable and safe world... Do you know how we, the Yunateans, can travel to your world, Broken?"


    He shook his head and smiled. "I don''t think that''s possible."

 Chapter 79: Chapter 79 - A Great Assistant

    Chapter 79: - A Great Assistant


    ?


    A few dayster, Broken logged back into Immortal Legacy, finding himself near the seashore, his usual spot for rxation after the heavy routines of battle and cksmithing.


    The morning unfolded before him, the sun emerging from the horizon like a zing orb, casting its golden glow across the tranquil ocean. Breathing in the salty breeze, he felt rejuvenated.


    However, on this particr day, he had no intention of delving into crafting or hunting monsters around Deadbay. There was something more important on his agenda. He had arranged to meet someone here today, and with that in mind, he rose to his feet and stepped away from the shoreline, positioning himself where he could be easily spotted.


    "Master..." Polly''s soft whimper broke the silence, and the familiar figure of the white fox with three tails darted near his feet. Looking up at him with adoration and curiosity, Polly awaited hismand. "Where are we going now?"


    Broken affectionately patted Polly''s small body. "There are a lot of things I''ve already nned."


    Nuzzling closer to him, Polly nodded weakly, understanding his determination.


    "Regardless of priority," he began, his tone resolute, "First, I need to locate a ce where I can form a contract with a Unique-grade Spirit. Then, I must gather materials to craft my Moonvine Knuckles. And after that, I''ll focus on obtaining materials for the Pocket Dimension Ne and seek out a Jeweler, or perhaps be one myself."


    "So... have you figured out what your first move will be, Master?"


    Broken''s face brightened with excitement, a broad grin spreading across his features. "Yes, that''s exactly why I''m here."


    "Broken...!!" Suddenly, a woman''s voice called out from a distance.


    Turning swiftly towards the source of the voice, Broken''s gaze locked onto a figure d in archer attire. Her red hair, a stark contrast to the brown from their real-world encounters, made her unmistakable. It was Freya. Light armor and leather garments hugged her frame snugly, offering ayer of protection.


    "Hi, Freya!" Broken eximed as she raced towards him.


    Freya sprinted eagerly, her arms outstretched for an embrace, but as she drew near, Broken took a few small steps back, evading her attempt.


    Freya chuckled softly. "Hey, don''t act like you don''t know me! I just wanted to give you a hug and say hello."


    Undeterred, Freya leaped forward and enveloped Broken in a warm embrace,ughter bubbling between them.


    "Don''t make it sound like we haven''t seen each other in ages. It''s only been five minutes since we chatted outside the game," she teased.


    Releasing Broken from the hug, Freya wiped away tears of joy that had welled up in her eyes. "It''s just... so different. I''m thrilled that we''ve finally met in this game," Freya remarked.


    She added, "Here, you have the backing of a Goddess of Sloth, but out there you''re just the same person who was bullied by your peers."


    [Freya Lv. 125 sent you a friend request.]


    [You epted, and now Freya Lv. 125 is your friend.]


    "Yeah!" Freya cheered, her voice echoing over the shore, followed by a burst of giggles. "Congrattions, Broken. You''re now my friend both inside and outside the game. Aren''t you happy?"


    "I don''t recall us being friends outside the game. Aren''t we just colleagues?" Broken replied. Freya teasingly nudged Broken''s shoulder. "You should feel lucky to have a girl as beautiful as me by your side. Just being seen with me is enough to make other guys jealous."


    "I think I should be more careful then. The more people might not like me because of you staying around me."


    "No worries. At least now you have a friend you can trust, right?" Freya responded with a wink.


    "You''re putting in a lot of effort to be my friend, Freya. Shouldn''t you just stick to your job description so you don''t have to work more than you''re paid for?" Broken teased.


    They continued their conversation as they strolled away from the shoreline.


    "Oh,e on. This is the most enjoyable job, you know. Working while ying games. It would be boring if ourmunication was solely work-rted, right? Look at what you did a few days ago. I had just be your work partner, yet you already involved me in your love life," Freya retorted with a chuckle.


    "From what I remember, you suddenly appeared in front of me and offered a ride in your car. I never invited you to join, remember?"


    Shifting her attention to the little white fox trailing behind Broken, Freya paused and sat beside the fox. However, the fox darted back behind Broken''s legs, avoiding Freya''s attempts to approach.


    "Hello, I''m Freya," she introduced herself, extending her hand towards the fox. "We''ll be traveling together quite often from now on. I hope you''re okay with me being close to... your Master?"


    Polly seemed too shy to respond, remaining silent in response to Freya''s question.


    "Polly seems to know exactly who she wants to talk to, Freya. Even she isn''tfortable answering your questions," Broken joked, earning a smile from Freya.


    "That''s okay. Everything takes time," Freya said, smiling as she reached out her hand. Polly hesitated for a moment before lifting one of her front paws and cing it on Freya''s palm.


    "Hi, Freya... I''m Polly," the fox finally spoke up.


    "Nice to meet you, Polly," Freya replied warmly.


    As they continued their leisurely walk, Broken''s mind turned to the important topic he had been wanting to discuss since Freya had arrived.


    To his surprise, Freya seemed well-versed in Immortal Legacy, with a deep understanding of its history and key yers. She exined that it wasn''t rted to her job, but she spent a lot of her free time researching the game. Broken was impressed by her level of knowledge, especially since she admitted that she didn''t y as frequently as he had assumed. She had been ying the game since its release three years ago.


    "So, Freya... I''ve told you about some ns I have in mind, right?" Broken inquired.


    "Yes, and don''t worry, I''ve gathered some data that I believe will be the right steps for our next n," she replied confidently.


    Broken nodded, awaiting her exnation.


    "Okay, the two items you want to craft are indeed remarkable items because of their extremely difficult materials and requirements. Fortunately, you''ve alreadypleted one of the hardest parts, which is obtaining the Moonstones," she borated.


    "So, the most difficult aspect is not just finding Moonstones?"


    Freya replied, "Not exactly. The other materials can be obtained by hunting specific monsters, but the true challenge lies in repeatedly defeating these monsters until you have gathered all the necessary materials."


    "Is it that difficult? With my passive skill, Bountiful Harvest, I can easily gather the


    materials."


    Freya chuckled lightly before responding. "Well, there''s one monster, more precisely, a Raid Boss Monster. Named the Vine Horror Treant. As the name suggests, it''s not a monster that can be defeated alone, but rather in a party size or evenrger, like a raid party."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "I see why you say it''s difficult. So, where can I find this monster you''re talking about?"


    Broken inquired.


    Freya then drew her virtual map, which appeared before both of them. "Luckily, the location isn''t too difficult to reach. It just takes time, but let me exin the details to you."

 Chapter 80: Chapter 80 - Quest to the Elite City

    Chapter 80: - Quest to the Elite City


    ?


    Freya showed Broken the virtual map, which disyed theplete Yunatea map with its six continents. She then focused on the bottom continent, referred to as The South Continent.


    "Okay, so in the South Continent, there are five kingdoms standing," she exined.


    Broken nodded in agreement, feeling that his knowledge of the overall area of Yunatea wasn''t as good as he thought.


    However, he still knew that in the South Continent, the Dissidia Kingdom remained the most advanced and wealthiest kingdom. This was because Dissidia Kingdom was located in the northwestern region of the South Continent, directly connecting with both the West Continent and the Central Continent.


    Why was the port city that connected directly to the Central Continent so important? It was because in the Central Continenty the most advanced, wealthiest, and most powerful kingdom across the entirend of Yunatea, a kingdom led by the High-Elf race, rumored to have a queen who was the original holder of the Blessing of Pride.


    But let''s set aside the Original Divine Champion for now and return to the South Continent. There were five kingdoms in the South Continent, with the Dissidia Kingdom situated in the northwestern part, making their position highly strategic and granting them more benefits than the territories of the other four kingdoms in the South Continent.


    "The South Continent is split into five kingdoms," Freya reiterated, emphasizing her point. "Dissidia Kingdom, where we are now, sits at the northwest part of the South Continent, directly linked to both the West and Central Continents. It''s the most advanced kingdom here due to its strategic position."


    Broken nodded slowly, taking in the information. "Until now, I''ve only wandered around the small area of Dissidia Kingdom, so my knowledge isn''t as extensive as the entire Yunatea map."


    Freya smiled in response. "So, you should explore the entire Yunatea map, as I''m sure there are many extraordinary things yet to be uncovered in every region."


    Broken agreed, seeing the appeal. "Yes, that sounds intriguing."


    Freya nodded and continued, "Okay, moving to the eastern part of Yunatea, there''s a kingdom called White Sands Kingdom."


    Pointing at the map, Freya exined, "This is the White Sands Kingdom. It''s situated to the east of Dissidia Kingdom, but there''s a high mountain range between them. So, it''s easier to reach by traveling along the northern coastline, skirting the wilderness."


    The Dissidia Kingdom and White Sands Kingdom were divided by a range of towering mountains, formidable barriers that were hard to cross. Only the upper regions or the coastal areas provided a feasible passage connecting these two realms. However, even the coastal areas weren''t without their challenges. They had to traverse through a lengthy stretch of dense forest, known to be inhabited by high-level monsters.


    "I assume this won''t be an easy journey. Are we headed to the White Sands Kingdom, Freya? It''ll be my first time venturing into another kingdom," Broken inquired.


    "No, not yet." Freya shook her head.


    She gestured towards the dense forest near the coastline, continuing her exnation. "Right here, in this dense forest," Freya pinpointed, indicating the area on the map, "there lies a small town, nestled close to the border of the White Sands Kingdom."


    Broken listened intently, his expression serious as he absorbed the information. "And then?" Smiling at Broken''s seriousness, Freya borated, "Yes, that town is known as rio Town. It gained fame for hosting high-level yers, many of whom established their base there. Positioned near prime hunting spots and the boundary between two kingdoms, Dissidia and White Sands, it became a gathering spot for yers seeking stronger parties." "Okay, go on?"


    Freya continued, "The Vine Horror Treant, a raid boss, is the perfect target for you. It''s an epic-grade monster with a level exceeding 150 and offers a high chance of dropping Orichalcum ore. This makes it an ideal target for gathering materials to craft the Moonvine Knuckles. That''s the n, Mr. Sloth Champion."


    Broken tried to process Freya''s exnation, and he double-checked the materials he needed to craft his Moonvine Knuckles.


    [Moonvine Knuckles Blueprint]


    [Grade: Elite ~ Unique]


    [...]


    [You will need some Orichalcum, an Elite-grade or higher monster core from a nt-type monster, some steel, and one super-rare Moonstone to craft these knuckles.]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [A hidden feature was discovered. You can exchange the Monster Core into a Monster Soul Stone in the materials for a high potential to gain a higher grade than the maximum grade avable for this blueprint.]


    [...]


    He indeed required Orichalcum Ore, which he could obtain from this monster. Additionally, the monster was of Epic-grade, making it highly desirable if he could acquire its Monster Core or even its Monster Soul Stone.


    However, the main challenge was that this monster was a raid boss with a minimum level of 150. To take it down, he would need a group of yers, each at least level 150. He swallowed hard at the daunting prospect.


    "A level 150 raid boss," he murmured, showing his concern to Freya.


    Freya nodded slowly. "There are many parties hunting this monster, so you might get lucky and find a raid party willing to let you join."


    This still posed a problem, as his current low level would make it difficult to join such a party. He would need to level up to 150, which would take a considerable amount of time. Despite this, he realized he needed to travel to the location and explore various ways to solve this


    issue.


    Freya smiled at Broken and tilted her head slightly. "Any thoughts?"


    Broken nodded. "Not really, actually... Finding a high-level party might be a problem for me, but the presence of many high-level yers there also presents an opportunity. I can focus on crafting armor and weapons and offer my services to those yers. While gathering new resources and waiting for my level to rise, I could look for chances to join any party hunting the monster."


    Freya giggled at his response. "If you had a friend who is higher than level 170, it would be even better. Yes, building up your connections in that area is a good strategy."


    "Level 170?"


    "Yes, from the information I gathered, the party that went to challenge this raid boss is on average of level 170 yers. Indeed, the only yers who have actually challenged this boss are veteran yers." she exined.


    The only high-level friend he had at the moment was Booba, but ording to Freya, even a level 150 raid boss would require yers with levels higher than that.


    He knew that staying in Deadbay wouldn''t help him improve quickly. The monsters nearby were all below level 100, and there weren''t many experienced yers around. Plus, he wasn''t interested in offering his cksmith services to the yers in that city. Therefore, he made the decision to move to rio Town and continue with his n. He wanted to gather more resources and materials, and also find chances to hunt for materials to create his ultimate


    crafting items.


    "Alright, it''s decided. We''ll head to rio Town today," he concluded.


    "Great, I''m ready to go. I''ve already taken care of everything, including arranging for a


    carriage to take us there," she replied enthusiastically.


    As they prepared to set off, they noticed someone approaching from a distance, a woman who


    seemed to be hurrying towards them.


    "Is that girl looking for you, Broken?" Freya asked, tilting her head questioningly.

 Chapter 81: Chapter 81 - The Beast and The Sniper

    Chapter 81: - The Beast and The Sniper


    ?


    It was Ivana, running from a distance towards Broken and Freya. She hurried to the shoreline, carrying a basket of food securely tucked under her arm.


    "Broken!" she called out as she stopped in front of them, while Broken walked slowly to meet her.


    "Ivana?" he responded with surprise.


    She nodded. "I knew you''d be leaving the town soon, so I brought you this."


    She held up the basket of food she was carrying. "It''s all your favorites," she added softly. "And since you helped gather the ingredients, I made plenty for you."


    "Thanks," he replied with a grin. "I''ll miss having meals fit for a king like this."


    Ivana giggled at his words, "You''ve been such a great help to me and my mother. This is the least I can do to thank you. You can store this food in your dimensional storage, and it will stay fresh much longer. Plus, it has a special buff, so you can eat it before battles if needed." They stood there in silence for a moment, looking into each other''s eyes. "You wille back to this town, won''t you?" she asked softly.


    Broken paused before smiling. "I''ll definitely let you know if Ie back to this town. Mr. Fokil is here too."


    Ivana nodded and then turned towards Freya, who was standing beside Broken.


    "Hi there," Freya greeted. "I''m Freya."


    "Hi, I''m Ivana."


    "Yes, I''ve heard a lot about you," Freya said warmly, walking over to take Ivana''s hands in hers. "You are really cute and beautiful. No wonder Broken enjoys yourpany in the Smithy."


    "Oh? Did Broken say that to you?"


    "Yes, he did."


    "No! I didn''t!" Broken interjected firmly, making both womenugh.


    Freya took a deep breath before continuing. "And I also heard stories about your mother and yourte father, who was a hardworking miner."


    Freya and Ivana engaged in a light conversation for a while, with Broken nearby to ensure Freya didn''t say anything out of the ordinary.


    "It was really nice to chat with you," Freyamented warmly.


    "I had a great time too," Ivana replied with a pleasant smile.


    After exchanging goodbyes, Broken and Freya waved a final farewell to Ivana and began their walk away from the town.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Freya and Broken strolled slowly, their feet crunching on the dirt path as they reached the outskirts of the city. The high walls loomed above them, and the narrow, winding streets created an intricate maze.


    "Why don''t you invite her to join us? She''s an Expert Rank Chef," Freya suggested. "Her skills would be incredibly helpful during our mission."


    Broken sighed, reluctant to exin his reasoning. "I know she''s incredibly talented in cooking," he began, "but that''s not the issue here. You see, Ivana is an NPC. She doesn''t have fighting abilities, and she won''te back alive like we do if anything happens to her. Plus, her mother needs her at home."


    "But we can bring her along to help us out, and we can protect her too," Freya insisted. "It''s too risky," Broken replied firmly. "There are no guarantees in battles and quests. We can''t afford to put an innocent life in danger, and I''m not ready to take that risk."


    Freya chuckled at Broken''s words. "It''s pretty amazing how you treat the NPCs here as if they were real people."


    Broken turned to face Freya. "How can you tell the difference between a real person and an NPC? They act so lifelike, expressing emotions, having memories, living their lives in this world-whatever is behind all of this."


    Freya nodded slowly, her expression serious. "Yes, I understand what you mean. It''s hard to tell the difference sometimes, isn''t it? That''s what makes them even more fascinating."


    They climbed into the waiting carriage, which creaked and rattled as the driver tugged on the reins.


    Freya peered out of the window and dered, "This will take us as far as we can go with this kind of transportation."


    "It''ll get us to the nearest vige," she continued, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "From there, we can trek along the shore through the thick forests and continue our journey."


    ***


    The early morning air was filled with a cool mist that hung over the city of Deadbay. Two figures made their way slowly down the deserted streets. The first was Kingsley, a 38-year- old man towering at a height of 2.15 meters (7.06 feet). Dressed in leather and fur, he had short hair and a strong physique that indicated his formidable strength.


    Apanying him was Melliandra, a 15-year-old girl who stood just 1.55 meters (5.09 feet) tall. She wore a cheerful white top and a yellow skirt that gently fluttered in the wind, herpact leather ensemble enhancing her youthful appearance.


    As they strolled along the city, their footsteps echoed through the empty streets, asionally interrupted by the cheerful chirp of a bird from a nearby tree, signaling the start of a new day. Despite the tranquility, they moved with a sense of assurance and determination, as if they knew exactly where they were headed and what their intentions were.


    "Kingsley!" Melliandra''s voice suddenly broke the silence. With a grumble, she continued, "This is so boring. Why does Elincia order us to look for this man named Broken? Don''t we have to prepare for a big war soon?"


    "Melliandra," Kingsley replied in his deep, measured voice. His tone was calm and serene, in stark contrast to hisrge, muscr frame. "Elincia said that Broken will be an important figure in the uing quest. That''s why we have to find him."


    "Important figure! Important figure! Oh, this is boring. We''ve been roaming from city to city, and I hope this is thest one we have to go to." Melliandra spoke rapidly, her voice high- pitched and squeaky.


    The Astral Sorcery Squad, or the Ass Guild. Elincia, Booba''s little sister, led the guild and was renowned as the strongest mage in the game. The guild wasposed of only thirteen members, but each one was the strongest in their respective sses. The guild typically carried out missions in pairs, while only Elincia, the leader, went alone.


    Despite its small size, the Ass Guild was one of the top guilds, thanks to its exceptionally talented yers.


    There were no extraordinary sses among the thirteen members, none were Divine Champions. However, their mastery of their chosen sses made it seem like they had skills at least one or two grades higher. This was why even those with Rare-grade sses could battle and keep up with those wielding Epic-grade sses.


    Walking together were two of their members: Kingsley, with his Elite-grade ss as a Beastmaster Transmogrifier, had the ability to transform himself into wild creatures in


    various forms.


    Beside him was Melliandra, also an Elite-grade ss, a Crackshot Sniper, an exceptional youth with remarkable skills in marksmanship.


    "I don''t want some random person with an unknown background, like this Broken guy, suddenly joining our guild," Melliandra said, her annoyance clear.


    "Elincia never said she was going to invite him to the guild, Mel," Kingsley replied calmly.


    "And what else? Elincia has mobilized the entire guild to find this unknown yer, and it''s really irritating me. What if I test how good he really is first?" she said, grinning


    mischievously at Kingsley.


    "I don''t think that''s a good idea, Mel," Kingsley warned.


    "Let me handle the consequences," she said cheerfully, skipping along the city streets. "Broken... Broken... You need to feel how piercing my bullet is," she added with a giggle.

 Chapter 82: Chapter 82 - The Ass Guild

    Chapter 82: - The Ass Guild


    ?


    Booba received a message from Broken earlier that day, informing him that he and his friend were heading to rio. Additionally, Booba also learned that someone from the Ass Guild would be arriving in Deadbay that same day. As a loyal friend, he decided to do everything he could to keep the two parties from encountering each other. He grinned with pride, feeling aplished for having sessfully dyed Elincia''s pursuit of Broken over the past few weeks.


    "Don''t worry, Broken! I''ll protect you!" he dered confidently to himself.


    The fog seemed to wrap around him as he stood there, his face illuminated by the dim morning light. Finally, the two figures he had been waiting for appeared before him.


    "Booba? What is that jerk doing here?" Melliandra eximed, clearly taken aback.


    "Booba, The Mad yer," Kingsley announced with a hint of respect.


    Melliandra let out a softugh. "That was ages ago!" she said teasingly. "If only he had started ying this game from the beginning, he wouldn''t be as weak as he is now. What level is he? I bet he''s still at 50," she added with a mockingugh.


    "He had great mastery of swordsmanship and was even the number onepetitor from his home country at that time," Kingsley continued. "He was the world champion."


    "But that was in the past!" Melliandra argued. "This game, a VRMMORPG, isn''t like the other games yed with a keyboard and mouse. It requires somethingpletely different. So I doubt he''s as skillful here as he used to be."


    "Let''s still show some respect to him, Mel... He is our friend."


    "Was!" Melliandra corrected sharply.


    They continued walking until they reached Booba, then paused in front of him.


    Booba stood tall, his presencemanding attention as he addressed them. "Well, well, if it isn''t Kingsley and Melliandra," he greeted with a confident smile. "What brings you two to Deadbay?"


    "We''re here on guild business," Kingsley replied. "Elincia sent us to find someone." "Can I assist you in any way?" Booba continued, maintaining his friendly demeanor.


    "No!" Melliandra snapped. "We don''t have time to waste on low-level yers like you." She walked past Booba, ignoring him, while Kingsley followed closely behind her.


    "Have a great day, Booba," Kingsley said politely as he passed.


    Booba''s grin widened. "I know what you''re looking for, hahaha..."


    But Melliandra did not seem to care and continued on without ncing back.


    "I can take you to the person you''re looking for," Booba called out, trying to persuade them. "He''s really good at hiding, so I don''t think you''ll find him quickly without my help. Haha." Melliandra clicked her tongue in frustration. "This is a total waste of time. Just ignore him!" Booba wasn''t sure who had tipped them off, but it was clear that someone had given Kingsley and Melliandra information about Broken''s whereabouts. It was likely awork of NPCs, known for trading information in the Dissidia Kingdom, who had let the two in on the secret. With this knowledge, Kingsley and Melliandra would soon know of Broken''s departure from the city, so Booba was doing everything in his power to buy Broken and his friend time until they were too far away to pursue.


    "I''m only trying to help you, little runt!" Booba snarled, his tone teasing.


    Melliandra spun around and stomped toward him angrily. "What did you just call me, you dumb idiot piece of garbage?!" she spat at him, her eyes zing with fury.


    Kingsley tried to restrain Melliandra by gently poking her arm. "Mel, let him be. We have to stay on track with our mission."


    "You stupid idiot Booba jerk, gosh darn it," Melliandra fumed. "I won''t forgive you for saying that word! I will make you die over and over until your level drops to zero or even less!"


    Booba smirked and said, "Oh,e on," holding his confident stance. "I''m just teasing you a bit, why are you so angry?"


    Melliandra''s response was immediate; she sprinted toward Booba, her voice dripping with menace as she yelled, "I''ll kill you!"


    Booba started to run away, shouting back in a mix of fear and bravado, "Oh really, Melliandra? I''m good at escaping. Are you sure you can catch and kill me? Haha."


    Melliandra swiftly pulled out her sniper rifle, her eyes locked on Booba as if ready to make good on her threat. She chased after him, her footsteps echoing through the narrow streets as she tried to keep up with Booba, who was darting between buildings and homes in the city. Kingsley trailed behind her, desperately trying to defuse the tense situation. "Mel, I''m sure Elincia will be mad if she finds out about this."


    "Then shut your mouth, Kingsley! Killing Booba will only take a moment for me!" she snapped, her determination evident in every step she took.


    As they weaved through the city, the morning fog began to lift, revealing more of the quiet streets. Booba''sughter echoed eerily as he kept ncing back, making sure to stay just out of Melliandra''s range.


    The chase continued, with Booba using every trick he knew to stay ahead, while Melliandra''s determination only grew stronger. The tension in the air was palpable, each step bringing them closer to a confrontation that Kingsley desperately hoped to avoid.


    At the same time, the Ass Guild chat was buzzing with multiple conversations.


    [Kingsley (Beastmaster Transmogrifier): We met Booba in Deadbay City.]


    [Elincia (Mage Marauder): Booba? What''s he doing there? He told me he was in another city.] [Kingsley (Beastmaster Transmogrifier): Melliandra got riled up by Booba''s teasing and is now chasing after him. It might take us a bit longer toplete our mission.] [Elincia (Mage Marauder): Melliandra! Please, this mission is very important. Can you be more serious? It''s been almost two months Yunatea time, and we still haven''t found the man


    called Broken.]


    [Jovina (Enchantress): Jeez... Why don''t you just knock some sense into that short sniper girl? She always seems to mess things up, hahaha...]


    [Melliandra (Crackshot Sniper): Shut up, Jovina, you jerk!]


    [Skywarden (Iron Titan): Let''s just do the quest without that unknown guy, Elincia! I''ve never heard of someone called Broken. Is he that special?]


    [Maylock (Arcane Arrow): Sure, he''s special, you brainless oaf. Princess Alora personally


    asked us to look for him. Of course, he''s more than special.]


    [Skywarden (Iron Titan): Then what''s the benefit for us? Was he so strong that he could match up to members of the Ass Guild? Elincia said she killed him with a single skill.]


    [Goldrich (Sage Sorcerer): That was her ultimate skill. I''m sure none of us could withstand the same ultimate skill in an unprepared situation.]


    [Trison (Drunken Healer): What are you guys talking about? Who is Broken? What quest areN?v(el)B\\jnn


    we talking about here?]


    [Goldrich (Sage Sorcerer): Yo... looks like our drunken young man just woke up from his stupor. How much news have you missed?]


    [...]


    [Livelywood (Sword Saint): Friends, I got an update.]


    [Skywarden (Iron Titan): Whoa... the little guy Livelywood finally appeared. So, what good


    news do you bring today?]


    [Goldrich (Sage Sorcerer): Have you found the man we''re looking for?]


    [Livelywood (Sword Saint): He just left Deadbay with a red-haired archer girl. I think he''s on


    his way to rio.]


    [Elincia (Mage Marauder): Listen up, everyone. We can''t afford to let Broken slip away any


    longer. We need to confront him today. If you''re near Deadbay and rio, head towards the road between them. Keep an eye out for a carriage heading to rio. Just tail it and don''t do


    anything risky. Let me handle him first.]


    [Skywarden (Iron Titan): Don''t regret it if you end up misjudging him, Elincia.]


    [Maylock (Arcane Arrow): But Elincia''s judgment has always been spot on. She''s proven that


    time and time again.]


    [Skywarden (Iron Titan): Ha! I just can''t wrap my head around the fact that some stranger caught the princess''s attention just because he was found naked in her tent.] [Goldrich (Sage Sorcerer): Hey now, let''s not forget that the princess vouched for him and even imed they were friends. That''s no ordinary situation, khi khi khi.] Melliandra halted in her tracks as she sensed immense energy emanating from behind her. She spun around to see Kingsley had morphed into a ck panther twice the size of a real-


    world one.


    "Melliandra, let''s wrap this up quickly-our target couldn''t be too far ahead. Livelywood said he''s leaving Deadbay," Kingsley said in his new form.


    Melliandra clicked her tongue in frustration. "This is really upsetting," she said before suddenly disappearing. Without warning, she reappeared, taking a seat on Kingsley''s back.


    The massive panther immediately gained speed and sprinted away. Booba fell silent, watching Kingsley and Melliandra leave. "Jeez, Elincia... What exactly are you thinking? Broken is just a normal yer struggling to be a cksmith," he muttered


    to himself.

 Chapter 83: Chapter 83 - Drunken Healer

    Chapter 83: - Drunken Healer


    ?


    Broken and Freya had been seated face to face in the quaint carriage as it slowly meandered through the gentle, rolling hills of the long-spanning countryside. The rhythmic sound of the wheels crunching on the gravel road mixed seamlessly with the surrounding tranquility, creating a cocoon of calm around them.


    Looking out the window to their right, an endless forest stretched into the horizon, the spindly trees reaching up toward the sky as if in prayer. Snow-capped mountains rose majestically in the distant background, their peaks glistening in the thinyer of sunlight that managed to break through the clouds.


    On their left side, thendscape painted apletely different picture. Here, the vast savanna sprawled out before them, a golden sea of tall grasses rustling in the breeze. Beyond this dry expanse, the shimmering ocean stretched endlessly.


    "It''s so beautiful here."


    Broken nodded, chuckled softly, and replied, "Yes, just imagine, how could we ever see such a unique setup like this in the real world-a dry savanna blending into a forest, with the mountains abruptly capped with snow."


    Freya gently touched the back of his hand with her finger. "You have to explore Yunatea more widely. You will be amazed. There arends that float in the air. There''s also a ce where you can float normally. And we''re not even talking about the many races here in Yunatea. What... what races have you encountered so far?"


    "Uhm... Elf? Not really, because Princess Alora is Half Human - Half Elf, right?"


    Freya nodded as she listened.


    "And a Dwarf, Mr. Fokil."


    "There are Giants, Demons, Faeries, and Dragons too! These are the major races that once ruled Yunatea," she continued, her voice brimming with excitement and wonder.


    "Do the Giants, Demons, and Faeries have their own territories, Freya? I haven''t heard much about them."


    "The Giants reside in the North Continent, and their existence is stillrgely unknown because few dare venture that far. Besides its distant location, it is also said that the monsters there are, on average, above the current yer levels."


    "Go on, Freya... tell me more," Broken urged, leaning in closer.


    "I''ll tell you more about Yunatea, but for now, I want to show you a ce that I''m sure you will find very interesting."


    After just a few moments, their carriage came to a gentle stop outside a tiny vige. The area was enclosed by walls constructed from stacked trees and wooden beams. It looked to be a small, modest settlement, especially when viewed from its perimeter. The vige appeared to be a gathering spot for yers who were hunting in the surrounding savanna, as evidenced by the dense forest to their right-a perfect hunting ground.


    "We will rest here for a while in this vige because I want to show you something." Stepping down from the carriage, Broken and Freya made their way into the vige. The entrance was lightly guarded, allowing anyone to enter without an identity check. Inside, adventurers, both yers, and NPCs, paced the streets or lounged in nearby eateries. Judging by their armor, most seemed to be of a fairly high level, above level 100.


    "Not many temples of worship in thend of Dissidia... Not in every region..." Freya murmured as they walked.


    Their journey led them to a small temple built from meticulously arranged stones, adorned with intricate carvings of women in a sleeping position on the exterior.


    "This is the temple dedicated to Goddess Akidia, Broken," Freya announced with a touch of reverence in her voice.


    Broken stood still for a moment, taking in the sight before him. His eyes widened, and an unexpected rush of excitement and joy washed over him,pelling a smile to spread across his face. He hadn''t anticipated Freya bringing him to such a ce, although he wasn''t entirely sure what this temple''s significance was to the local vigers. Nheless, the well- maintained temple stood as a testament to the vige''s deep respect for Goddess Akidia.


    "Would you like to step inside?" Freya asked.


    Without a moment''s hesitation, he replied, "Yes."


    The two then stepped into the temple. Despite its modest size, the room carried an air of solemn reverence. At the center stood a statue of a woman with serene eyes and a calm expression, her hands and arms draped gracefully in a flowing scarf. Her gaze was steady, exuding an aura of tranquility as she looked ahead. However, as Broken''s eyes settled on the statue, his expression shifted to one of confusion and unease.


    "Why do you look puzzled?" Freya inquired, noticing his difort.


    "She doesn''t look like her..."


    "The face?"


    "Yes..." Broken replied, gazing intently at the statue that was meant to represent Goddess Akidia. The statue was strikingly taller than the average human, yet he knew that the Goddess herself was not that tall. Most striking was the face, which bore no resemnce to the divine being he had met.


    "It makes sense, since you''re likely the only one who has met her in person. The people of Yunatea probably haven''t seen her face-to-face."


    At that moment, Broken began to envision a future where he would build a temple for Goddess Akidia with a statue that truly captured her likeness. It would be a way for him to honor her more deeply and to share her true visage with the world.


    "Why aren''t there many temples dedicated to Goddess Akidia in Yunatea?"


    "A good question," Freya responded. "She is the Goddess of Sloth, and many believe their prayers go unanswered by her. Furthermore, Dissidia Kingdom once had a king who was the Sloth Champion, yet it hasn''t happened again until the current king. This was made worse by the fact that Princess Alora-the crowned princess-is not purely human."


    "Does being a Sloth Champion require one to be a pure human?"


    Freya nodded. "It has long been a tradition that the blessing of the Sins is given differently to each major race in Yunatea."


    She continued. "Moreover, some fanatics have started to appear, worshiping Goddess Akidia with excessive fervor. They me many of Dissidia''s inhabitants for refusing to worship her, arguing that this reluctance is the reason there hasn''t been another Sloth Champion from the royal family. This weakening of the human race''s position stems from theirck of a strong leader who serves as their divine champion."


    "But I am the Sloth Champion now," Broken muttered under his breath.


    "Yes, but I was referring to the Yunatean Divine Champions, those who existed before yers like us arrived in this world."


    "So, that''s why many reject Princess Alora''s status as the crowned princess," he concluded.


    They lingered in silence within the temple for a few more moments, absorbing the tranquil atmosphere before deciding it was time to move on. Without them realizing it, several NPCs noticed the two of them in the temple.


    "Let''s continue so we can reach rio before nightfall," Freya said, grasping Broken''s hand and gently pulling him towards the exit.


    As they walked through the quiet vige streets, even the merchants seemed sparse, with few tending to their stalls or engaging with potential customers.


    Suddenly, Freya''s posture stiffened, and she quickly pulled Broken aside, ducking between


    the small houses and signaling for him to stay silent. "Broken!" she whispered urgently, her


    eyes wide with rm.


    Startled, he whispered back, "What''s going on?"


    Freya subtly pointed towards the street, indicating a yer who was stumbling along, a


    bottle of drink carelessly clutched in his hand.


    "That''s Trison, a member of The Ass Guild," she whispered.


    Broken observed the yer she pointed out, noticing how disheveled and half-conscious he


    appeared. Wearing a white robe with his eyes half-open, the yer struggled even to walk


    straight down the street.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "He''s a member of a top guild?" Broken asked, his skepticism evident in his voice.


    Freya smiled and nodded. "Yes, he is. He''s a healer with the ss Drunken Healer."


    "Let''s quickly move. I''m sure he won''t easily recognize us in his state," he suggested, ready to make their escape.


    "No, Broken," Freya said, her voiceced with caution. "The main issue here isn''t Trison, but


    someone else."


    "Who?"


    "The Ass Guild typically operates in pairs, except for their guild master, Elincia. This drunken yer, Trison, has a mission partner who takes on the tanker role but excels as a melee fighter. His brute fighting style is incredibly tough to contend with, and he''s exceptionally capable of handling massive battles on his own. If we encounter this pair here, it will be very troublesome for us."

 Chapter 84: Chapter 84 - The Ride of a Lifetime

    Chapter 84: - The Ride of a Lifetime


    ?


    Broken and Freya searched for an alternative route to escape the vige, trying to avoid any chance encounters with Trison or Optimus, two members of The Ass Guild who were also present in the town. They were stealthily maneuvering through narrow alleyways and passing by humble residents'' homes when suddenly, an older man wielding a gnarled walking stick came stumbling after them, each step an evident struggle.


    "Hey, you two, wait, wait!" the old man called out, his voice punctuated bybored breaths.


    Broken nced over his shoulder while Freya, equally wary, tightened her hold on his arm. The concern etched deeply into her face as the approaching NPC tried to catch up to them. "Wait... both of you... please," the elderly man managed to rasp out between breaths.


    "Is there something I can help you with?" Broken inquired.


    The older man''s lips stretched into a broad smile, his eyes sparkling with joy. "I am absolutely delighted to see yers who revere the Goddess Akidia as well. Truly, your hearts have been opened to the magnificence of the Goddess Akidia, recognizing her as a figure worthy of the utmost veneration," he expressed gently, his face exuding genuine cheerfulness.


    "Listen, old man, we really need to..." Freya began to speak, but Broken subtly restrained her with a firm but gentle grip.


    "Is there something specific you wish to convey? We are in a bit of a hurry," Broken said with urgency in his tone.


    The older man nodded slowly. "There are two yers, both brimming with aggression and apparent strength, and they seem to be on the lookout for you two..."


    It dawned on Broken and Freya with an unsettling rity that they were, indeed, being pursued. The older man''s words painted a clear picture.


    "They are seeking a ck-haired man apanied by a red-haired archer woman," he continued, his gaze resting meaningfully upon Broken and Freya, affirming their suspicions.


    "But fear not, for I know a safer passage out of this vige. I can guide you, as one of the individuals searching for you is currently stationed at the main gate, waiting for the carriage you arrived in."


    Broken exchanged a questioning nce with Freya, who discreetly sent him a message.


    "I think we can trust this man. If he betrays us, we can eliminate him."


    Broken couldn''t help but arch an eyebrow in surprise at her candid message.


    The two then hurriedly followed the older man, winding through thebyrinthine vige paths. However, because the older man moved slowly, Broken then carried the older man on his back. And they were eventually emerging from a lesser-known exit.


    "May the blessings of Goddess Akidia always be with you, and may you be protected. It would help if you took refuge in the nearby forest for a while until they left the vige. I''ve also instructed other faithful followers of Goddess Akidia to divert their attention, so you are safe for now. I hope we meet again under the protection of Goddess Akidia," the man exined, his voice filled with earnest concern. Yet, before he could finish his lengthy and deliberate speech, Broken and Freya had already hastened away from him.


    As they quickened their pace, Broken received a notification from Booba. He paused momentarily to read the message.


    [Booba: I tried my best to stop them, but it seems they know where you are. It was Kingsley and Melliandra, members of the Ass Guild. You should find another route soon, or you could be in trouble. They are headed your way, and possibly with other guild members. I''m also on my way to your location to help if you run into trouble.]


    [Broken: Thanks for the info. I''ll get back to you soon.]


    He shared the contents of Booba''s message with Freya. She skimmed through the text, a wry smile spreading across her face.


    "I guess your friend Booba is quite reliable, huh?" she remarked with a light chuckle. Broken let out a small sigh. "I''d say he''s more of a troublemaker than a helping hand, but I can''t deny that he''s the only friend in my game friend list, even before I became a Divine Champion."


    He added, "So, what do you think we should do?"


    Freya nodded slowly, thoughtfully chewing on her lower lip.


    "I have some ideas, but I''d like to hear your thoughts first."


    "I''m not entirely sure what their motives were, but I once had an encounter with Elincia, their guild master. Out of nowhere, she cast a high-level magic skill on me. That''s the most memorable interaction I''ve had with the Ass Guild, and since then, they''ve been on my trail, hunting me down or something-I really don''t know what they''re after."


    Freya nodded slowly. "And here we are right now, tangled in this mess."


    Broken continued. "They''re one of the most formidable guilds in Immortal Legacy, and I''ve been trying to steer clear of them for now. At least until I''ve built up enough power to face them head-on."


    "I think that''s the wisest choice for the moment."


    "But do you have any idea what they want from me? Why are they chasing me so relentlessly?"


    Freya shook her head slowly. "Guilds, whether small orrge, always strive for dominance, aiming to conquer everything in sight. They achieve this by recruiting skillful yers, crushing their enemies, engaging in attacks, or outright wars with each other. They also nt spies within rival guilds to wreak havoc from the inside. This is just the way things are in Immortal Legacy."


    "I see," Broken replied. "It soundsplicated, but also kinda fascinating what these big guilds do to maintain their power."


    "It''s anticipated that the Dissidia Kingdom will soon be plunged into a civil war."


    "Is this rted to Princess Alora''s ascension to the throne?"


    "Yes."


    "I''ve met her before."


    Freya nodded with a knowing smile and teased, "And what do you think? Isn''t she wonderful without clothes?"


    Broken''s face grew serious, "She is indeed beautiful. I must be the luckiest yer in this game!"


    Freya chuckled lightly, "Just kidding. But more seriously, the Ass Guild is one of the factions supporting her. I believe they''re currently amassing their power to secure a strong position for the impending conflict."


    "So, they''re strategists in some grand scheme," Broken mused, beginning to understand the depth of their involvement.


    "Exactly. They''re ying a long game, trying to ensure theye out on top when the kingdom is thrown into chaos."


    "Given the current situation, it looks like we can''t head towards rio City right away," he said, pausing to think through their options. "I need to find a way to boost my stats rapidly." He turned to Freya. "Do you have any ideas on how I could do that, Ms. Super Assistant?"


    "I think I have a n," she replied, pointing towards the dense forest that stretched up into the towering mountains to their right. "If we head that way, we can lose ourselves in the wilderness. It might be risky, but it''s far safer than confronting the Kingsley and Melliandra duo from the Ass Guild or even Trison and Optimus. We might also encounter spirits, wild monsters, or perhaps even raid bosses in that area."


    "Spirits?" Broken pondered the thought for a moment. "Is it possible we could find a Unique-


    grade spirit there?"


    "Master..." Polly, who emerged suddenly between them, chimed in instantly. "You might indeed find a Unique-grade spirit in such a ce. But be warned, the monsters you encounter will likely be of high levels as well."


    Broken nodded with enthusiasm. "That sounds like our best bet," he said, lifting the small fox creature. "Polly, is this n okay with you?"


    Polly nodded decisively. "I can handle it. Carrying the two of you on my back is no problem,


    Master," she assured.


    "Good, thanks, Polly."


    In a swift transformation, Polly erged her form, her three majestic tails fanning out wide


    as she roared to announce her readiness.


    Broken leaped onto Polly''s back, extending his hand to Freya. "Shall we?"


    "Can I sit in front this time, Mr. Prince?" Freya asked yfully, a teasing glint in her eye.


    "I''m not sure that''s a good idea..." Broken mused, stroking his chin as if in deep thought. "Maybe I''d say yes if you were two years younger, Ms. Assistant."


    "Oh,e on now. You do realize mentioning a woman''s age is a bit impolite, right? Especially when I''m not that much older than you, Goddess Akidia''s Spoiled Baby!" "Don''t worry," Broken said with a reassuring smile. "Age is just a number. It''s not really an issue for us. Let''s take this one step at a time," he quipped, his voice teasing yetforting.


    Freya smiled back, and with a graceful leap, she settled onto Polly behind him.


    "Are you ready for the ride of a lifetime?"


    "You bet I am!" Freya replied,ughing with exhration.


    With that, they set off on their adventure.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 85: Chapter 85 - The Bow of Artemis

    Chapter 85: - The Bow of Artemis


    ?


    Broken and Freya rode Polly, the white fox, across the arid expanse of the savanna, her pristine fur catching the breeze as she deftly maneuvered between small, thorny shrubs. The sun zed overhead, casting a harsh golden light that highlighted the sheen on Polly''s coat.


    As they transitioned into the forest, the environment changed dramatically. The towering trees formed a canopy, their thick foliage creating a twilight atmosphere below. The air here was rich and earthy, a sharp contrast to the parched savanna. Each breath was filled with the scent of moss and damp wood, mingling with the asional hint of wildflowers hidden beneath the underbrush. The change in scenery was sudden, almost as if they had entered another world altogether.


    "We can slow down here," Broken shouted over the rustle of leaves and the thump of Polly''s steady pace.


    Polly''s speed dropped to a more manageable pace. The vibrant greens and browns passed by in a blur, with chirps of birds and the distant calls of unseen animals providing a natural soundtrack to their journey.


    "So, what is our n?" Broken asked. He turned slightly to look at Freya, feeling her arms wrapped around his waist.


    "So, here''s the concept. In this game, gaining stat points is tied to specific achievements or quests. Given this ce''s wild and unexplored nature, quests might be hard toe by. But certain achievements are within our reach. For instance, defeating monsters with a level difference of 100 could be a viable challenge."


    Polly''s pace continued to cken until she nearly came to aplete stop.


    Broken hopped off Polly''s back, with Freya following right behind him.


    He took a moment to put on his battle gear. He scanned the variousbinations avable to him, weighing each option against his skill set. After a few moments, he settled on a configuration that felt just right.


    "I possess ess to the Mystic Evasion skill, simr to Dash, thanks to the Mage Stride Boots, which allows me to dodge and reposition myself in the thick of battle."


    "However," he added with serious emphasis, "should circumstances leave me with no other alternative, I will resort to donning the full Warrior''s Call set, thus activating the Furious Last Stand skill. This will temporarily boost my stats by a formidable 30% for precisely 20 seconds," he revealed.


    Freya replied, "I''m certain this will suffice for our survival in this forest. You really maximize every resource avable, huh? I believe you have what it takes to be a top yer."


    "Heh, really? Thanks for thepliment. Is there anything you want from me?" he responded with a yful tease.


    "What if I show you something extraordinary?" she countered.


    "What is it?"


    "Now''s the time for Ms. Super Assistant to demonstrate that she''s not only useful outside the game but also within it," Freya dered with a confident smile. Suddenly, a bow materialized in her right hand. It was a shimmering silver metallic weapon, intricate carvings of crescent moons adorning its surface.


    Handing it over, she smiled warmly, "This is my way of offering our in-game friendship gift to you."


    "What is this?"


    "I know a weapon like this will be easy for you to craft in the future. So, I can only give it to you now, at a time when you''ll genuinely need it. There''s no better moment than now. This way, you owe me quite significantly," she exined, pushing the bow toward him.


    "But I don''t wish to be indebted to anyone," he dered.


    "You can repay me by being nicer to me!" she suggested with a yful smile.


    Broken furrowed his brows. "Am I not nice to you?"


    "No, you are so cold, and you need to learn to be more considerate to women. Otherwise, you might end up dumped again," she finished with a light-hearted chuckle.


    She insisted, "Go, check the bow''s details."


    The details of the Bow of Artemis materialized before Broken''s eyes in shimmering, ethereal text.


    [+9 The Bow of Artemis]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Attack Power: 306~354


    uracy +23


    Attack Speed +11


    Movement Speed +17]


    [Durability: 89/100]


    [Weight: 370]


    [An ancient longbow crafted from a mysterious dark, silvery metal and adorned with intricate crescent moon carvings.


    It is said to have the power to shoot arrows with extraordinary force and uracy, so much so that even novice archers can hit their target with ease.]N?v(el)B\\jnn


    [Skills:]


    [Piercing Arrows: A powerful arrow that can prate through both enemies and obstacles, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. Upon firing, the arrow will split into five projectiles, striking multiple targets and creating a powerful shockwave that will stagger and disrupt nearby enemies. Each strike deals 200% of physical damage.


    Mana Cost: 600


    Cooldown: 20 Seconds]


    [User Restriction: Level 120 or higher.


    Archer ss or a simr one.]


    His eyes scanned the specifications and skills. The attack power was formidable, with a range that made it a versatile tool of destruction.


    Piercing Arrows, the skill, was equally awe-inspiring. The raw power encapsted in this ability¡ªan arrow that could cut through enemies and obstacles alike, splitting into five devastating projectiles-was nothing short of extraordinary. The idea of creating shockwaves that could disrupt and stagger foes gave him an edge that could turn the tide in even the most


    dire encounters.


    "Freya... This is Epic-grade and +9 enchantment. This must be incredibly expensive. Is this also a gift from the Golden Agepany?"


    "I want it to be like this," she said, her voice calm yet resolute. "And actually, I don''t want you to ask me such questions. I would feel like a pushover if you found out that this was purely a gift from me. But please understand, I did this purely because I wanted to, with no other motives. I want to support you, not bind you with obligations."


    "Then, I''ll pay for it."


    "Hey, can you just ept the bow already? You''re destined for incredible achievements in the future, and all I ask is to be right there, witnessing it all unfold from the front row," she


    pleaded earnestly.


    "I felt uneasy epting such a gift from you."


    "Shut up and take it. I will need your expertise as a cksmith in the future, and I want to avoid paying for it when that timees. Will that be enough?"


    "Okay then, that''s the deal," he conceded, a small smile ying on his lips. "Thanks, you''re


    incredibly generous."


    "I knew that."


    "What if I appraised the bow? There might be a hidden feature we haven''t discovered yet," he suggested, slightly intrigued, before reaching out to take hold of the bow.


    "The value of the bow can increase if there is a hidden feature on it, so I would be thrilled if this bow could be more useful for us to survive in this forest," she said, giggling.


    [cksmith''s Appraisal (Active Skill)]


    He ran his fingers along its polished surface, admiring the impable craftsmanship evident


    in its intricate details. The bow seemed to hum with a quiet, pulsating energy under his touch, resonating with atent power eager to be unleashed.


    Suddenly, a notification materialized before his eyes, startling him with its unexpected


    appearance.


    [A hidden feature was discovered for the Bow of Artemis]

 Chapter 86: Chapter 86 - Hawk’s Eye

    Chapter 86: - Hawk¡¯s Eye


    ?


    A hidden feature was discovered in the Bow of Artemis. The artifact began to pulse with a mystical luminescence, a hidden potential unlocked. Broken raised the bow, its aura shimmering in the evening haze.


    "Did you unlock a secret power in that bow?" Freya''s voice was a blend of disbelief and admiration. "The appraisal skill of your Unique cksmith ss is truly remarkable."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Broken''s features twisted into an intense grin as he nodded, drawing her attention to his right eye. It had undergone a peculiar metamorphosis; his pupil now bore the striking resemnce of a hawk''s eye.


    "Indeed," he confirmed. "And I gained this eye in the process. Can you see the change in my right eye?"


    Freya leaned closer. "Yes, it''s incredible. Is it permanent? Show me the description. What kind of ability does it grant you? Could it be like x-ray vision, something that lets you see through obstacles, or... through people''s clothes?"


    "I believe it''s more like the second one," he said, his gaze dropped momentarily to Freya.


    Freya pped his arm. "Don''t you dare treat ady with such notions, especially in the depths of the wild.".


    Broken obliged, revealing the new ability granted to him by the now-glowing Bow of Artemis.


    [Hawk''s Eye (Passive Skill)]


    [A Unique skill that endows its bearer with the keen vision of a hawk! This heightened sight amplifies one''s ability to discern the minutest details, enhancing vision to ten times its normal capability. From high above, you can distinguish the minutest details and zoom in with unerring rity. With Hawk''s Eye, binocrs be obsolete!]


    "That''s an invaluable skill for an archer," Freya eximed. "An archer''s essence lies in precision and uracy. Being able to see farther and clearer ensures every arrow finds its mark, transforming them into formidable hunters."


    "Then it''s settled," he dered with a determined smile. "We''re going hunting while hiding from the Ass guild''s pursuit."


    Broken and Freya vaulted onto Polly''s sturdy back, her powerful legs carrying them swiftly through the dense undergrowth of the jungle. The foliage whipped past them.


    [Party - Journey Into the Jungle]


    [1. Broken - Lv. 48 (Party Leader)]


    [2. Freya - Lv. 125]


    As they pressed deeper into the woods, suddenly, a daunting presence emerged from the shadows. Their eyes fixed on the formidable silhouette lurking ahead-the Wild Thorny. [Rare - Wild Thorny Lv. 130]


    This creature was a menacing beast with an imprable dark green body, piercing yellow eyes that seemed to glow in the darkness, and an armor of sharp ckthorns protruding from its back and head like menacing spikes. Each step it took reverberated through the ground, carrying an ominous air.


    Freya readied her bow. "We need to get you ustomed to fighting monsters of this level. Let''s target its head!"


    Without hesitation, Broken responded. He smoothly drew his bow. His eyes, now gleaming with a hawk''s precision, zeroed in on the monster''s head.


    "Got you!"


    In a heartbeat, the arrows were released, slicing the air with lethal speed and embedding themselves in the creature''s head. The Wild Thorny staggered, its bnce wavering under the unexpected assault.


    "If only I could use the Piercing Arrows skill from my Bow, but the mana cost is too high," Broken murmured. "It needs 600 Mana to execute. I can only afford it twice at most."


    The Wild Thorny, unfazed by the initial attack, let out a thunderous bellow that echoed through the forest. In response, Broken switched weapons seamlessly, brandishing the Iron Heart Sword with determination. As Polly darted towards the monster, he leaped from her back with a sprinter''s grace.


    [Charged Attack (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    Brokenunched forward in a blur, his strikending with unerring precision on the monster''s side, knocking it off bnce and sending it crashing to the ground.


    "Phew... that is so cool," Freya called out as she released a cascade of arrows that rained down upon the Wild Thorny in rapid session.


    [Quick Strike (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    Broken danced around the iling beast, diving in to drive his weapon deep into what seemed to be its neck before retreating back into a strategic position. Swiftly, he uncorked a mana potion, the liquid infusing him with renewed energy, ready for the decisive blow. Meanwhile, Freya''s relentless barrage of arrows continued unabated, each shot a testament to her extraordinary skill and unwavering concentration.


    [Severing Strike (Active Skill)]


    Broken darted in, delivering a fatal strike to the already wounded section of the monster''s body. However, the Wild Thorny retaliated fiercely, its massive w swiping him aside and sending him sprawling against a nearby tree with bone-jarring force.


    Yet, the relentless duo continued. Theirbined onught, a symphony of coordinated strikes and wless teamwork, eventually brought the formidable beast to its knees. With one final attack, the Wild Thorny let out a defeated roar before copsing in a defeated heap.


    [You have sessfully in the Rare - Wild Thorny Lv. 130]


    [You have obtained 1 piece of medium-quality Thorn Skin]


    [You have obtained 1 Rare - Wild Thorny Monster Core Lv. 130]


    Exhausted and with adrenaline still coursing through their veins, Broken and Freya paused to catch their breath. The eerie jungle around them seemed to fall momentarily silent, as if even the forest acknowledged their hard-fought victory.


    "What a fight!" Freya eximed. "And now I truly understand the power of the blessing bestowed upon you by our glorious Goddess of The Sloth."


    With a knowing smile, Broken nodded.


    "Even though you don''t gain experience from ying these monsters, it''s incredible how the drop rate of valuable items has skyrocketed."


    "But hunting monsters like this does dy my Self Transcendence''s progress."


    "She really does force you to indulge inziness, doesn''t she?" Freya added with a chuckle.


    As they ventured deeper into the jungle, thendscape around them changed subtly. The trees grew taller, their leafy canopies thickening to obscure much of the darkening sky. The sun had begun its descent, casting long, eerie shadows and painting the world in hues of twilight. Strange noises echoed through the dense forest-unsettling screeches and howls that sounded like restless predators prowling the night. Every so often, the pair would catch fleeting glimpses of peculiar creatures lurking in the shadows. Without hesitation, they executed their strategy, hunting and dispatching every monster with practiced efficiency. Polly''s nimble movements facilitated surprise attacks from a distance, and once the creatures began to tire, Broken would leap into the fray, engaging them in fierce close-quarterbat.


    Their relentless efforts did not go unnoticed.


    [Congrattions, Broken! You have sessfully in multiple monsters beyond your level with an impressive kill streak.]


    [You are now known as the Fearless yer!]


    [For this achievement, you receive 40 stat points!]


    Atst, a triumphant cheer escaped Broken''s lips as the notifications filled his field of vision.


    "Finally! Forty stat points!"


    Broken looked contemtive, already considering how to allocate his newfound power.


    "I need these stat points to boost my damage potential significantly and to use my skills


    easily."


    Out of nowhere, Freya sprang forward and enveloped him in a joyous hug. "Yeah... Congrats,


    Broken!"


    Caught off guard, Broken half-heartedly grumbled, "Shut up and keep yourposure, Ms. Overreacted to Everything."


    Freya pulled back, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Pfft, you''re so stiff when ites to


    women, aren''t you?"


    He chuckled. "The issue is your actions are somewhat suspicious."

 Chapter 87: Chapter 87 - Undefeated Elite Monster Slayer

    Chapter 87: - Undefeated Elite Monster yer


    ?


    Broken and Freya forged ahead through the thick, tangled forest, each step taken with determination and resolve. Polly led the way with her powerful paws, unflinchingly pummeling the ground with every stride.


    Utilizing Broken''s newly acquired Hawk''s Eye skill was instrumental in helping them avoidrge hordes of monsters that would have otherwise posed significant threats. This invaluable gift allowed them to selectively engage smaller, more manageable groups, although it came at the cost of draining Broken''s stamina significantly.


    Suddenly, without warning, Polly came to an abrupt halt. The once vibrant forest was swallowed by a suffocating stillness. Then, breaking the silence, a deep, ominous growl resonated from within the dense thicket.


    Freya gasped, her eyes widening as a formidable beast emerged from the shadows. Its thick, striped orange fur was matted with dirt and twigs, enhancing its menacing appearance. The creature''s yellow eyes glowed likenterns in the darkness, and its white, razor-sharp teeth gleamed ominously in the silver light of the moon.


    [Elite - Feral Panther Lv. 150]


    "It''s an Elite Feral Panther!" Freya cried out, panic creeping into her voice. "We have to turn back now we can''t confront something of this magnitude up close!"


    Polly, sensing the urgency, bolted with unmatched speed, attempting to outrun the relentless predator. The panther, undeterred, chased after them with eerie precision, its eyes locked onto its prey. Their arrows shot and whizzed through the air, only to be easily dodged by the agile panther.


    The beast then pounced, its ws swiping viciously, but Polly''s swift reflexes allowed them to evade the attack narrowly.


    "Freya! Take the high ground!" Broken shouted as Freya nimbly leaped off Polly''s back and took to the trees. "We need to coordinate our attacks from two sides!"


    The duounched a series of relentless attacks, each more aggressive and calcted than thest.


    Finally, they managed to strike their target, sending the panther crashing into a nearby tree. Utilizing the momentary disorientation, Broken leaped from Polly''s back, his sword gleaming as he charged toward the monstrous foe.


    [Charged Attack (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    In a strategic maneuver, Polly split into five identical copies, encircling the beast from all directions.


    [Quick Strike (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    With a battle cry that echoed through the forest, the triounched their coordinated assault. Freya''s arrows rained down from her vantage point while Broken swung his sword in perfect harmony with Polly''s deadly strikes.


    Despite their synchronized efforts, the panther''s agility allowed it to deliver a brutal counterattack to Broken, striking him square in the chest. A distinct sound effect


    reverberated, signaling the passive activation of his Shadow Fangs skill, which mitigated the impact of the damage.


    Thrown to the ground, Broken fought to regain his senses just as the monster charged, its eyes filled with predatory malice.


    "Broken!" Freya''s voice wasced with rm as she called out from the treetops.


    At that moment, the five Pollys pounced on the panther from various angles, buying Broken precious seconds to recover. Gritting his teeth, he stood up, poised for battle.


    [Severing Strike (Active Skill)]


    Broken delivered a decisive blow, striking after the coordinated efforts of Polly and Freya had sufficiently weakened the beast. The battle was long and grueling, stretching what felt like an eternity as they fought tooth and nail against the formidable foe.


    After a harrowing struggle, the Elite Feral Panther finally sumbed to their relentless assault, copsing in a defeated heap.


    [You have sessfully in the Elite - Feral Panther Lv. 150]


    "Damn, this monster was truly a challenge."


    "That was an Elite at level 150, so it''s to be expected," Freya replied, her voice a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction.


    They gasped for breath, their lungs burning and hearts pounding in synchrony with the echoes of their recent sh.


    Freya, her face etched with worry. "Are you alright?"


    Responding with a strained nod, Broken touched his wound, summoning his inner energy. [Healing Touch (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    A gentle warmth surged through his arm, radiating from the point of contact in a ripple of luminous healing light. As the light spread outward, the wound began to close, the torn flesh knitting together seamlessly.


    "What an efficient skill," she remarked.


    Without warning, the carcass of the Feral Panther began to glow, its form dissolving into a radiant beam of colored pixels. As the pixels dissipated, several items materialized on the ground around them, their brilliance catching the pair''s attention. Each item glowed brilliantly for a moment before being absorbed into Broken''s body, enriching his inventory with newfound wealth.


    [You have obtained 1 piece of medium-quality Feral Panther''s sharp fangs]


    [You have obtained 1 piece of low-quality Feral Panther''s bone]


    [You have obtained 1 piece of high-quality Feral Panther''s skin]


    [You have obtained 1 Elite - Feral Panther Monster Soul Stone Lv. 150]


    "Monster Soul Stone!" Freya eximed loudly, her eyes widening in surprise. "You get an item this rare like it''s nothing. Such a treasure has immense value, and I''m sure it will also


    enhance your strength significantly."


    "I''ll share the loot with you," he offered.


    Freya chuckled. "I might feel greedy seeing all this, but I believe it will be more useful to you. All I ask in return is that you help me repair my weapon when necessary or perhaps offer me a discount if I need help crafting a new one."


    Broken nced at her, then patted her shoulder reassuringly. "Leave everything to me," hen/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    said with a calm demeanor.


    "That''s so weird. You''re much cooler when you don''t say anything."


    "I was just trying to be nice to you," he replied.


    "Thanks, I really appreciate it," she said. "That was really nice and cool!"


    Afterward, another notification materialized before Broken''s eyes, its message pulsing with bright, triumphant light.


    [You have proven yourself to be a powerful warrior by killing an Elite Monster with a level 100 higher than yours!]


    [Your courage and strength have earned you the new title of ''The Undefeated Elite Monster


    yer''.]


    [Congrattions! May you continue to y more monsters and make us all proud!]


    [For this achievement, you receive 50 stat points!]


    Broken''s eyes gleamed with excitement as he read the message. "Damn, I''ve received yet another achievement, and this one rewards me with 50 stat points."


    Freya''s eyes widened in shock. "What? Really? Your low level truly grants you exceptional benefits; it''s like gaining ten levels in a single day."


    "Now, I believe it''s time to spend my stat points wisely."


    "Yes, go ahead. It will boost your performance significantly," Freya encouraged, a giggle escaping her lips. "Especially since it seems we''ll be spending quite a bit more time in this


    forest."


    Broken was taken aback as he realized he had umted a total of 120 stat points. This windfall was the result of several level-ups over the past few days, plus the two significant achievements he had earned that day alone. Knowing he had to make the best of this bounty, he pondered carefully on how to allocate his points.


    "Strength is tempting," he mused. Yet, the demands of his equipment and skills, massively increasing his mana expenditure, weighed heavily on his decision. He recognized the necessity of bnce-improving not just his physical prowess but also his agility, intelligence, constitution, and stamina to survive and excel in his battles.


    With a determined expression, he began to distribute his points.


    [Spend 40 Stat Points into Strength]


    [Spend 20 Stat Points into Agility]


    [Spend 20 Stat Points into Intelligence]


    [Spend 20 Stat Points into Constitution]


    [Spend 20 Stat Points into Stamina]


    [Name: Broken


    Level: 48


    sses: Super Novice | Royal cksmith


    Health: 1,980 Mana: 1,668


    Strength: 340 Agility: 139 Intelligence: 144 Constitution: 148 Stamina: 150


    Charisma: 50 Luck: 25 Dexterity: 40


    Avable Stat Points: 0


    Weight: 1,830/2,040]


    Broken smiled with satisfaction as he reviewed his overall status. "I feel like I''m gradually


    getting stronger, and I''m starting to enjoy it."


    "And what about logging out for now? It''s Saturday night, you know."


    "Already?" "Yup, I think hanging out at the cafe sounds more appealing than wandering around a dark


    forest here. What do you think?"


    "Just the two of us?"


    "No, silly," she replied with another giggle. "We''ll invite Lily as well unless you were secretly


    trying to ask me out on a date."


    "Good idea. Let''s meet outside."


    In a heartbeat, they vanished from the forest.

 Chapter 88: Chapter 88 - Survival Stat

    Chapter 88: - Survival Stat


    ?


    Leon stepped out of the sleek, high-tech capsule, and the room''s lights instantly brightened as if weing him back to reality. A soft, mechanical hiss came from the capsule next to his, signaling Freya''s arrival. He moved closer and extended a steady hand to help her out. She took his hand with a trusting smile, her fingers wrapping warmly around his.


    Leon kept his grin as he watched Freya steady herself outside the capsule.


    "What''s with that smile on your face? Are you that excited to go hunting with a pretty archer like me?" she teased.


    "If that''s what makes you happy, then sure, let''s run with it," Leon replied.


    As he made his way to the exit, Freya gave him a gentle nudge, urging him to move faster. She hurried to the living room and flopped onto the couch next to Lily, who was rxing with a ss of fruit juice and watching television.


    "Is there any way I can see what you two are doing in the game from out here? I''m really curious about your adventures inside the game," Lily said with a curious giggle. "Why don''t you use the capsule while Freya isn''t in it, Lily?" Leon approached.


    "Maybe another time. I''ve got a lot of work with my new ss," Lily responded. "How about we go for a walkter, Lily?" Freya suggested.


    "Yes, sure. How about 7 PM?" Lily nced at the clock; it was only 5 PM.


    "Sounds good. In the meantime, I''m off to the gym for a quick workout," Leon dered. He headed to his room and soon returned with a backpack, ready to leave and get in some much- needed exercise.


    For the past several weeks, Leon had been intensely focused on improving his stamina and physical fitness. Taking full advantage of the hotel''s gym facilities, he pushed himself relentlessly. Although his physique wasn''t in terrible shape, to begin with, he felt a strong need to push himself further, aiming for personal betterment.


    He began his workouts with a run on the treadmill, maintaining a steady pace while striving to run for longer periods each time. Even though Leon preferred running outdoors, he found himselfbining outdoor runs with treadmill sessions to maximize his endurance.


    After the treadmill, Leon moved on to weightlifting. He had learned various exercises andbinations from online tutorials, which provided detailed guides on building strength. Despite being able to afford a personal trainer, he hadn''t yet considered hiring one.


    Initially, such physical training had been grueling. It required significant consistency and dedication, something Leon had to bnce with his gaming schedule, asional sses, and responsibilities as Lily''s brother. He wondered if it might be beneficial for Lily to join him in his workouts. However, Leon''s erratic schedule-sometimes working out at dawn, other times in the afternoon or night-depended on when he finished gaming and felt the urge toplete his exercise routine.


    Almost two hours had passed, and Leon felt his body reach its limit. He took deep, repeated breaths, his arms and legs hanging weakly by his sides. After showering and getting ready, he headed back to his hotel room, where he found Lily and Freya already dressed and ready. Did Freya bring a change of clothes here? Leon wondered as he noticed her new attire.


    "Let''s go, Leon. We''ve been waiting for you," Lily said with a giggle.


    That evening, they decided to take a casual stroll to a nearby caf¨¦, enjoying drinks and a simple dinner. Although Freya initially resisted joining them, citing her desire to give the siblings some quality time together, Lily''s persistent enthusiasm always managed to drag her along for their outings.


    Most of the evening was spent with Freya animatedly recounting various adventures in Immortal Legacy to Lily, who listened with wide-eyed fascination. Meanwhile, Leon busied himself with ordering every dish he hadn''t tried before, savoring the joy of finally having the means to indulge without a second thought about the cost.


    He started to feel the subtle but significant improvements in his life. While he hadn''t yet fully maximized his potential as the Sloth Champion, he was beginning to taste the sweetness of a better life, relishing the newfound freedom that came with financial security.


    ***


    Broken and Freya spent three days roaming the dense forest, hunting monsters and steadily making their way toward rio Town. Throughout their journey, Broken reached a significant milestone, leveling up to level 50.


    "You spend a lot of time hunting, yet you still manage to level up, huh? Have you ever tracked your level progress, Broken?" Freya asked.


    "Not really," he replied, scratching his head thoughtfully. "But it does seem like my level increases faster when I''m not hunting. Maybe it''s because we only focus on high-level monsters in small numbers?"


    Their conversation continued as they once again triumphed over a monster with a level in the 140s, both visibly exhausted from the day''s relentless hunting.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Congrattions! You just unlocked the new Survival Stat!]


    [Now, you can survive in the harshest of conditions and have the stamina to go the extra mile with your adventures.]


    [The Survival stat has an effect of decreasing the duration of negative effects and prolonging stamina usage.]


    [Who said surviving was hard? With this stat, you can show Mother Nature who''s boss!]


    [You gained 20 Survival stats]


    "Wow, a Survival stat?" Broken said, clearly amazed.


    "Another achievement and it grants you a new special stat. It seems the game really loves you, huh?" Freya giggled.


    She continued, "Survival stat is incredibly useful. It helps reduce the duration of negative effects and decreases stamina usage. It''s tough to increase, though, so not many people have


    it."


    "Increasing the stat value for it will be my next priority," Broken replied nonchntly. "But it seems I''m pretty lucky today."


    "Congrattions, Mr. Got-it-all," Freya said, her voice filled with sarcasm. "You really did buy up the entire store with all the loot we''ve gathered over the past few days."


    The sun had already dipped below the horizon, enveloping thendscape in a nket of darkness. As they scanned their surroundings for a sturdy tree, one suitable for a night''s rest, their eyes settled on a particrly tall specimen. With no time to waste, they began their


    ascent.


    Freya, nimble and agile, reached the highest branch first.


    "It''s so enjoyable here, isn''t it?" she remarked, ncing at the distant ground beneath them.


    "We have such afy room and a really soft mattress waiting outside of this game, but here we are, choosing this instead," she added with a quiet chuckle.


    Broken rummaged through his Inventory and pulled out a meat bun, a gift from Ivana. He


    nced at Freya.


    "Do you want to share this with me?" Freya asked.


    "Sure, why not?" Broken replied, breaking the bun in half and offering her a piece.


    Freya epted dly, and they both began to eat, eyes fixed on the twinkling stars above. For


    a few moments, silence enveloped them, punctuated only by the sounds of the forest night.


    "It''s kind of nice up here," Freya said softly, almost as if she were speaking to herself.


    "I have to log out soon," Broken said.


    "Then me too," Freya echoed.


    Suddenly, a cold chill swept across the forest, causing the trees to rustle violently and the birds to scatter in a flurry of feathers. The once peaceful ambiance was shattered.


    "What is that?" Freya eximed.


    Broken quickly grabbed his bow, activating his Hawk''s Eye ability, and scanned their


    surroundings with sharp, focused eyes.


    "Do you see anything?" Freya asked quietly.


    Broken shook his head.


    "Is that... a monster?" she gasped. "What do you think it might be?"


    "I''m not sure," Broken murmured, his breath steady but tense. "But I hope we find out soon."


    He pointed to a distant shimmer, saying, "It looks like some kind of energy field is forming


    over there."


    "This kind of phenomenon ismon when a domain is created," Freya exined.


    "Monster Dungeon?"


    "Mind checking it out?"


    "Let''s go," Broken nodded solemnly.


    They descended from the tree and mounted Polly. She was galloping towards the mysterious


    disturbance. As they approached, the ground damp and soft beneath Polly''s paws, they encountered what felt like an invisible barrier.


    Broken stepped forward cautiously, his arm extended as if to sense an unseen presence.


    "As I thought," Freya murmured, "this is a Trial Domain."


    Broken moved closer to the shimmering barrier, his hand hovering to gauge the situation. His


    eyes narrowed in concentration.


    [The Fate Trial Domain Lv. 150]

 Chapter 89: Chapter 89 - Trust, Love, and Courage

    Chapter 89: - Trust, Love, and Courage


    ?


    [The Fate Trial Domain Level 150]


    "Can you tell me the difference between a Monster Dungeon and a Trial Domain, Freya?"


    "To simplify, a Trial Domain is like a rare version of a Monster Dungeon. The key distinction is that once a Trial Domain ispleted, it vanishes forever. Hence, finding one is incredibly valuable," Freya rified, furrowing her brow slightly in thought. "What''s your current level, Broken?"


    "I''m at level 50."


    "Then you can consider attempting this Trial Domain if you''re interested," she said with optimism in her voice.


    Broken reviewed the dungeon information once more, noting clearly that it was a solo dungeon.


    "A Trial Domain at level 150, and you''re suggesting I take it on?" he questioned, turning his gaze back to her.


    "Yes, precisely. I''m not capable of doing it myself because my level isn''t sufficient, but you can challenge it. With your cheat skill, you should be able to take on the dungeon. Besides, the risks for you at your current level wouldn''t be too severe, right?" she replied confidently.


    "What are the risks involved?" he asked.


    "You could lose experience points or even a few levels. Given how low your level is right now, losing two or three levels wouldn''t pose a significant threat, would it?" she asserted with conviction.


    "If a Trial Domain is as rare as you say, then the rewards must be substantial too. However, I reckon the challenge won''t be easy either."


    "Yes, many top guilds sell domains like these because of their limited avability and unique rewards. My prediction is that the game really seems to favor you..." she said with a yful giggle.


    "I''ll give it a try," he decided, pausing briefly while looking at Freya. "Is it alright if I leave you here alone? You could log out if you feel like it."


    "Don''t worry," she reassured him. "I''ll stay here and wait for your return. If I get bored, I might step out for a while to rest."


    "Entering the trial domain does take quite a while, doesn''t it?"


    "Yes, it does. And if your ytime reaches its limit, you can always log out of the game. It''s a good way to give your mind a break and perhaps think over any challenges you''re facing." "Alright," Broken said.


    Broken advanced towards the shimmering energy field, its transparent barrier electrifying the air around it. As he drew nearer, a spark of lightning danced across its surface, illuminating a message that hovered in the void.


    [The Fate Trial Domain Lv. 150]


    [Are you prepared to step inside and test the bounds of your destiny? Failure may cost you a level decrease, yet those who ce their faith in fate stand on the brink of the ultimate reward.]


    Resolute, Broken pressed the ''Enter'' button. The fabric of time seemed to twist and warp, extending infinitely as the environment around him dissolved. He was left adrift in a tumultuous vortex of raw magical energy.


    For a yer at level 50 to dare enter a rare level 150 dungeon was sheer madness, a venture only feasible due to the unique skills bestowed upon him by the Goddess Akidia.


    Eventually, he found himself in a stark, stone cave hall. Luminescent crystals sprouted from the walls, casting an eerievender light that filled the chamber. Ahead were three imposing metal doors.


    The first door glowed with a brilliant sapphire hue, its floating text proiming, "The Challenge of Trust."


    The second was a fiery scarlet inscribed with the words "The Challenge of Love."


    The third door, an amethyst gateway, emanated a purplish glow and bore the inscription, "The Challenge of Courage."


    "Trust, Love, and Courage?" Broken muttered, drawing closer to the trio of doors.


    [Choose one door andplete its challenge. Failure will seal that door forever, and you will be ejected from the domain. You may return when this domain re-emerges randomly in the future, but only the unsealed doors will be essible.]N?v(el)B\\jnn


    [Within this domain, only one challenge can bepleted. Sess locks the remaining doors.]


    The rules of the three doors settled into his mind. "At least I have three attempts, though I''m certain the trials will vastly differ," he spoke to himself. "The decision now lies in choosing the right door."


    "First, Trust," Broken murmured, lost in thought. "I have no idea what to expect-whether it''s battling monsters or navigating through an alternate reality scenario. Still, this option seems intriguing, somehow beckoning to me."


    "Second, Love," he pondered quietly. "What kind of love do they mean? Surely, it''s not about personal rtionships from the real world. At least, I understand love in general terms-I have my family whom I deeply care for."


    "And the third, Courage," he mused. "Courage... Yes, I do consider myself brave, but bravery alone won''t help if the challenge is beyond my abilities. If it involves facing monsters far too powerful for my level, mere courage won''t be sufficient."


    He fell silent, sifting through his thoughts, weighing the potential oues of each choice. "Out of the three, Courage appears to be the most straightforward. Even if I fail, it means I still have two more chances," he concluded.


    With a steady breath, he approached the third door, the amethyst one glowing with mystical energy. cing his hand against its surface, he felt a surge of power emanate from the door.


    A message materialized in front of him:


    [You have chosen The Challenge of Courage.]


    Steeling himself, Broken pushed the door open and stepped through, immediately engulfed in a blinding light. The radiance was overwhelming, forcing him to shut his eyes and blink away tears until he could adjust to the brightness.


    As his vision cleared, he found himself standing on a small indposed of luminous stones and pebbles, interspersed with patches of withered white and reddish grass. All around him, fluffy clouds drifted, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.


    Scattered in the distance were several floating inds, interconnected by elegant, arched wooden bridges that swayed gently. The sight of the precarious bridges made Broken gulp,


    the thought of crossing them stirring a flutter of anxiety.


    "Before worrying about those bridges, I should focus on the challenge at hand on this ind," he reminded himself, gazing around keenly.


    Another prompt appeared before him:


    [Name: Broken]


    [Courage Points: 1,000]


    In the upper left corner of his view, Broken noticed a letter gently floating.


    "It seems like this is the score I can earn in this domain," he murmured.


    [There will be 10 challenges. Your Courage Points will be doubled every time youplete a


    challenge.]


    [Gather Courage Points; if your points reach o, then you will have to quit this challenge and be considered a loser.]


    The ind he stood upon was roughly the size of a ser pitch. As he meandered towards its center, he discovered two massive rocks, each with floating words visible from the moment


    he drew near.


    The first rock bore the ominous message:


    [Confront your fears or face the consequences. The guardian of the Ind ensures that anyone


    daring to enter pays the price.]


    On the second rock, there was a different inscription:


    [Pay 1,000 Courage Points toplete the first task and unlock a mystery chest.]


    [Please destroy the rock you choose.]


    He paused, considering the implications of the messages. The first rock spoke of facing fears


    and consequences, while the second offered a straightforward transaction of his Courage Points for a reward. His mind raced with the possibilities-what kind of guardian awaited,


    and what mysteryy inside that chest?


    Broken exhaled deeply, contemting his next move. "Paying 1,000 Courage Points for the first task... If I seed, I could double my points. But if I fail, I''ll walk away with nothing."

 Chapter 90: Chapter 90 - The Lone Survivor of a Forgone Era

    Chapter 90: - The Lone Survivor of a Forgone Era


    ?


    Faced with the choice of battling an unknown guardian beast or spending 1,000 Courage Points to unlock a Mystery Chest, Broken found himself deep in contemtion.


    "If I go for the first option," he mused, "I''ll likely face monsters with a minimum level of 150, as this domain is meant for yers at that level or higher. On the flip side, if I choose the second option, I risk losing my Courage Points and potentially being expelled from the domain."


    He stood in silence for a moment before stepping back carefully and sitting cross-legged before the two stones. "Both options demand bravery and resilience," he reflected aloud, "but the second option seems like a gamble. I have no clue what''s in the mystery chest- could be anything from treasures to more monsters."


    He carefully analyzed the situation, searching for any possible advantages he could leverage with his current resources and abilities. "Might the Bountiful Harvest affect this Mystery Chest?" he wondered aloud.


    [Bountiful Harvest (Passive Skill)]


    [Grants the user bonus rewards from defeating his opponents, increasing the likelihood of obtaining rare rewards or even doubling them.]


    [A high probability of raising the reward grade by one level.]


    [A small probability of raising the reward grade by two levels.]


    [A minuscule probability of getting the reward twice.]


    "Bountiful Harvest primarily mentions rewards from ying monsters," he pondered, "but I also have a Luck stat that might provide extra benefits."


    After pondering for some time, he finally stood up and drew his sword, feeling confident in his decision.


    "I''m more terrified of the second option than the first-ironically." With that, he surged forward and struck the second boulder with his de.


    The rock shattered instantly, revealing a wooden chest adorned with golden carvings. He grinned and approached the chest, heart pounding. As the lid creaked open, he held his breath.


    [You decided to go with the second option, costing you 1,000 Courage Points.]


    As the chest opened, a string of objects shot out and flew directly toward him.


    [You earned 500 Courage Points.]


    [You earned 200 Courage Points.]


    [You earned 500 Courage Points.]


    [You earned 200 Courage Points.]


    [You received 1/10 of the Lone Survivor of a Forgone Era tale sheet]


    [The first obstacle has been conquered.]


    [Your Courage Points have been doubled as a reward.]


    [Name: Broken]


    [Courage Points: 2,800]


    Broken couldn''t help but smile when he realized his gamble had paid off. The rewards from the Mystery Chest offered a glimmer of hope, giving him a sense of satisfaction despite knowing that this was merely the beginning of a muchrger challenge.


    "The first option might have been unpredictable and grueling, but fighting monsters is a risk I can anticipate," he thought. "Meanwhile, the second option felt more like a trap, yet it seems my choice has paid off handsomely this time." He exhaled a sigh of relief, d that the oue aligned with his expectations.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Among the items in the chest, he noticed an old, weathered piece of paper with writing on it.


    [1/10 - The Lone Survivor of a Forgone Era]


    [She was the hope. The chosen one.]


    "What is this?" Broken murmured, reading the message slowly. "The Lone Survivor of a Forgone Era?"


    The game Immortal Legacy is known for its vast, intricate timeline, spanning thousands of years leading up to its release, allowing yers to step into a world rich with history. Thisplex narrative is made possible by advanced AI technology that simtes centuries of history within a much shorter time frame.


    Crossing his arms, he pondered aloud, "I wonder if this is linked to the game''s lore. Given that this is a high-level domain, it''s likely connected to the main plot."


    Yunatea, the world of Immortal Legacy, is filled with countless stories and legends, with each ce, faction, and race having its own unique saga. From the six continents to the sprawling empires, various races, and numerous deities, the lore is vast and intricate. Only those who dedicate themselves to the study of Yunatea''s lore can hope to remember it all.


    "She was the hope and the chosen one?" Broken frowned, contemting the message''s meaning. "Could this be about Princess Alora? It seems unlikely. Given the title, ''Forgone Era,'' Princess Alora seems too young to be involved in such ancient lore."


    His mind raced with possibilities, but one thing was certain: the mystery was far from solved.


    He carefully ced all the newly acquired items into his Inventory, nning to discuss them with Freya once he logged out. Freya seemed to know more about the game than he did. Additionally, he realized that in order to fully grasp the storyline, which appeared to be divided into ten parts, he would need toplete all ten challenges to see the full picture.


    "Alright, let''s head to the next ind," he dered, making his way to the edge of the floating isle. A powerful gust of wind caused the bridge connecting this ind to the next to sway violently.


    He gulped, contemting the potential fall if he were to misstep. With a grave expression, he looked down. Despite knowing it was a game, it felt real to him, and the peril was palpable. The realism of the game made such experiences thoroughly challenging, and the fragile- looking, swaying wooden bridge heightened the sense of danger. If he slipped, he would definitely fall!


    "If I fall, I surely won''t be able toplete this domain, right?" he thought apprehensively. "Master..." A voice broke his concentration. He turned to see Polly appear nearby.


    "Polly?"


    "I heard your call. Did you need something, Master?"


    "I didn''t summon you, did I?" Broken responded, surprise tinging his voice.


    As he eyed Polly, an idea took shape. His gaze shifted to the long, precarious bridge, shrouded


    in clouds, stretching at least twice the length of a football field.


    "Can you help me cross this bridge?" he asked, hoping to entrust the task to Polly, who was


    far more agile.


    Polly immediately transformed into arger form. "Master, I can do this."


    Broken quickly got onto Polly''s back. "Alright, Polly, make sure we get to the next ind safely. It''s really important for us toplete this challenge, okay?"


    "Yes, Master."


    The transformed three-tailed fox bounded towards the wooden bridge with a determined thud. Clinging tightly to her, Broken kept his eyes open, disying his courage. Polly leaped across the bridge with impressive agility, navigating over the gaps and cracks. The wind whipped around them, causing the bridge to sway and creak under the strain, yet


    she pressed on without faltering.


    Polly''s presence really gave him an incredible advantage, as crossing the bridge turned out to be no easy task. The bridge swayed wildly, especially when they reached the middle, but Polly dashed forward even as strong winds tossed the bridge around, nearly flipping it over. Broken held on tightly to Polly as the three-tailed fox sped across.


    Even though the journey took less than a minute, it felt much longer. In under a minute, they reached the end of the bridge. As Broken stepped onto the ind, a message appeared before


    his eyes, surprising him.


    [The second challenge has been conquered.]


    "What?!" he eximed in disbelief. "Are you sure?!"

 Chapter 91: Chapter 91 - She Survived While The Others Perished

    Chapter 91: - She Survived While The Others Perished


    ?


    [You have faced your fear and crossed the bridge at incredible speed. As a reward for your courage, you have received 5,400 Courage Points.]


    [You have acquired 2/10 of the Lone Survivor of a Forgone Era tale sheet.


    [The second challenge has been conquered. Your Courage Points have been doubled as a reward.]


    [Name: Broken]


    [Courage Points: 16,400]


    A broad smile stretched across Broken''s face as he absorbed these words. Joy bubbled up within him, filling him with a sense of aplishment. The rewards were beyond what he had expected, and the sense of validation was exhrating.


    His curiosity piqued, he nced at the tale sheet he had just earned.


    [2/10 - The Lone Survivor of a Forgone Era.]


    [She survived. While the others perished.]


    Repeating the words aloud, Broken murmured, "She survived while the others perished?" He paused, deep in contemtion. "I''m certain this has nothing to do with Princess Alora."


    Turning his head, Broken addressed Polly, who stood close by.


    "Hey, Polly. Do you know anything about Yunatea''s past?"


    Polly''s face took on a look of confusion. "Master, um... What specifically do you want to know?"


    Broken leaned in. "Have you ever heard of a group, nation, tribe, or race beingpletely wiped out in the past?"


    Polly''s eyes narrowed thoughtfully as she recalled ancient whispers and legends. After a moment, she replied cautiously, "Master, I may not be very old, but I''ve heard various tales. There are quite a few tales of entire peoples being wiped out in history."


    "And among those stories, could there be someone who survived while their group perished?"


    Polly hesitated, searching her memories before slowly shaking her head. "I''m sorry, Master, but I can''t recall any tale that fits that description."


    Broken offered a reassuring smile. "That''s alright. We''ll ask Freya about this next time."


    With a determined nod, he climbed back onto Polly''s back. "Let''s head to the next ind, Polly."


    Polly briskly dashed across the second long bridge, her movements fluid and swift. In no time at all, they reached their destination. To his surprise, the new ind looked the same as the others, a haunting familiarity in its scenery.


    Yet, as he stepped onto the new ground, no notification weed him. A small chuckle escaped his lips. "Well, I guess I was too optimistic to think the third challenge would mirror the second."


    Broken wasted no time as he leaped off Polly''s back, his eyes scanning the center of the ind. His feet carried him forward quickly until he came upon three imposing rocks arranged in a triangr formation.


    "Alright," he murmured to himself. "It appears I have three choices this time."


    With a sense of caution, he edged closer to the rocks. Just then, Polly''s voice broke the silence, reaching his ears with a note of concern. "Master..."


    He nced over his shoulder, still moving forward. "Yes?"


    "Is there any way out of here other thanpleting all the challenges, Master?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.


    "That''s been on my mind too, Polly," he admitted. "So far, I haven''t seen any exit. It looks like this ce requires you to finish every challenge or fail altogether. There''s no midway escape."


    As he arrived directly in front of the three boulders, he finally distinguished the inscriptions carved onto them. The first rock read:


    [You can pay 5,000 Courage Points toplete the third challenge and unlock a Mystery Chest.]


    The second rock offered a different proposition:


    [Take a bonus of 5,000 Courage Points, and you willplete this challenge and also unlock a Mystery Chest. This is the best choice you can get.]


    The third rock bore a much more intimidating message:


    [The Guardian of The Ind roared out in fury, "You stupid idiot! Pick me and fight me to the death!"]


    Broken considered the options carefully, mulling over each one in his mind. "Alright," he began to analyze aloud.


    "The first option demands 5,000 Courage Points to immediately clear the challenge, plus the chance to open a Mystery Chest. It''s simr to the first challenge, but the cost is higher this time."


    He turned to the second rock and continued, "The second option offers a bonus of 5,000 Courage Points and alsopletes the challenge instantly with the reward of a Mystery Chest. It looks incredibly tempting, but it might very well be a trap."


    His eyes moved to the third rock, and he read the inscription once more, feeling the weight of the words. "The third choice is a duel with some unknown guardian of the ind."


    Broken nodded to himself as he weighed his options. "So, it''s a straightforward exchange of points for progress, a seemingly generous offer that could be hiding a trick or a direct confrontation with the ind''s guardian. Decisions, decisions."


    Broken exhaled deeply, his mind racing with the potential ramifications of each choiceid before him.


    "In the first challenge, I gained quite a few Courage Points," he mused aloud, seeking reassurance in his own voice. "Maybe my skills or Luck Stat had some impact on that. This could y a role here, too."


    "Losing the Courage Points I''ve worked so hard to earn... Maybe that''s what this challenge is testing-my fear of loss and my willingness to take risks."


    With a resolute nod, he steadied himself. "Alright, I''ve made my choice!"


    He took out his sword, its de gleaming in the muted ind light. Without a moment''s hesitation, he surged forward and drove his sword into the surface of the second rock with determined force.


    "If there''s an option to get a bonus of 5,000 points and an assuredpletion of the challenge, then why not take it!"


    As the de made contact, another holographic message materialized before his eyes.


    [Your courage is apuded here. Even if it was a difficult and deceiving call, you made up your mind without dy. As a result, 5,000 Courage Points are added to your total.]


    A rush of relief and triumph washed over him as a chest magically appeared before him. He opened it with eager hands.


    [You received 3/10 of the Lone Survivor of a Forgone Era tale sheet]


    [You earned 20 Stat Points.]


    [You earned 10 Stat Points.]


    [You earned 5 Stat Points.]


    [The third challenge has been conquered.]


    [Your Courage Points have been doubled as a reward.]


    [Name: Broken]


    [Courage Points: 42,800]


    He couldn''t contain his excitement as he read the notification. "Woah...! I got a whopping 35


    stat points!" His eyes widened in disbelief, shaking his head. "It''s insane to think about the progress these points can bring to someone at level 150. That''s almost like leveling up three


    times!"


    Eagerly, he moved onward to the fourth ind. His anticipation grew with each step, but nothing could have prepared him for what he found a colossal rock standing alone, three times the size of the previous threebined.


    Determination etched across his face, Broken approached the massive boulder. The ground seemed to tremble beneath its weight, almost as if it were barely containing the immense power trapped within.


    A message engraved on the rock caught his eye.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "No way," he muttered under his breath. "Am I really going to have to face the guardian of


    the ind now?"


    As if in response, another message shed before him, causing his breath to hitch. [You''ve been ying for too long. Take a break and enjoy the real world for a while. Spend time with your family and friends in person; have some face-to-face conversations with others. Once you''ve done that, you''ll appreciate the virtual world even more when you


    return.]

 Chapter 92: Chapter 92 - Seven Deadly Sins

    Chapter 92: - Seven Deadly Sins


    ?


    Freya emerged gracefully from the bathroom. Her body was cloaked in a towel as she cheerfully hummed an upbeat tune. Suddenly, a question popped into her mind: had Leon been immersed in his game for too long, and had he remembered to log out?


    That man is so infatuated with his game, Freya mused with a mix of affection and frustration. He''s either insanely dedicated or just an outright oddball who''spletely fanatical about it. Witnessing his intense focus, it was hard to believe that he bore the title of Sloth champion.


    His sheer determination and dedication are astounding, she thought, smiling to herself.


    She quickly changed into a pair offortable shorts and a lightweight T-shirt, ensuring her brown hair was neatly pinned up. Once dressed, she ran her fingers through her brown locks, smoothing them into ce.


    She had decided to bring some delicious food for Leon and his sister, Lily, hoping to surprise them. Freya grabbed her bag, her steps quickening as she headed toward their apartment.


    Several minutester, she arrived and pressed the doorbell. No one answered. Was Lily not home? If Leon was deeply engrossed in his game, he probably wouldn''t hear the bell. Ultimately, Freya decided to open the door and step inside. There was no trace of Lily anywhere-perhaps she was out ying with friends?


    Walking into the living room, Freya was struck by the heavy silence that nketed the space. There was Leon lying on the couch, eyes closed and breathing shallowly. rmed, she gasped, assuming he had fainted from hunger.


    "Leon! What''s happening?" she shouted as she hurried over and shook his shoulders gently. She was frantic and said, "Hold on, I''ll call an ambnce right now."


    But just as she was about to grab her phone, Leon opened his eyes, took hold of her wrist, and looked at her calmly.


    "How do I beat a level 150 monster with my current gear?" he asked as if nothing had happened.


    Freya let out a relievedugh, shaking her head in disbelief. "Leon!" she eximed. "Don''t scare me like that, you idiot!"


    It turns out Leon had actually fainted from hunger and exhaustion. Freya quickly called over the hotel waiter, and within minutes, a tray of steaming hot food arrived. Leon dived into the meal, barely stopping to breathe.


    "Slow down, Mr. Gluttony," she teased,ughing.


    Leon grumbled through a mouthful of food, "Don''t call me Gluttony! I''m the Champion of Sloth... rawr..." He stuffed his face even faster, chewing furiously while ncing at her.


    Freya couldn''t stop giggling at his antics.


    Once he finished his meal, he drank the water so fast that droplets trickled down from his lips. He wiped his mouth with a tissue, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.


    "It''s so nice to eat to my heart''s content... I wonder if rich people ever get tired of having such good food every day?"


    "I don''t think that''s possible," Freya replied thoughtfully. "There are still plenty of wealthy people who want to stay rich... Besides, wealth isn''t only for buying food."


    "Really? Tell me, what would you want if you were super rich, Freya?"


    "Um..." Freya hesitated at the sudden question. "Some people desire wealth because they don''t have it, but for those who already do, they have other ambitions that remain unfulfilled in their lives..."


    "So... I''ll consider thoseplex thoughts when I get even richer," Leon said, chuckling.


    "Feeling clear-headed now?" she inquired.


    "After eating, I seem to be able to think a bit better."


    "That''s good news!" she replied, relieved. "I''m d you''re feeling better. Now tell me, what did you encounter in the Trial Domain?"


    Leon tapped something on his phone screen and held it up for Freya to read.


    "Do you understand the meaning of this phrase?"


    [She was the hope. The chosen one.]


    [She survived. While the others perished.]


    [She lived with those lower than her. She was saved by the humble one.]


    Freya frowned as she studied the sentences Leon had shown her. She pondered for a moment before responding.


    "I think this might be connected to the main plot of Immortal Legacy, which is muchrger in scope than The Ascension of Princess Alora."


    "How do you know it''s bigger than The Ascension of Princess Alora?" Leon asked, intrigued.


    "I''m not entirely certain," she replied thoughtfully. "But ''She was the hope, the chosen one,'' suggests a character-a woman-who possesses great potential and power. Whether she will stand with humanity or not is ambiguous."


    "Okay," Leon nodded, urging her to go on.


    "She survived, while the others perished," Freya continued. "From this, it seems likely she will seek revenge on those who wiped out her kin."


    "Yes, I agree with that," Leon said, leaning forward with interest.


    "But then," Freya paused, "she lived with those lower than her. She was saved by the humble one. ''Lower'' could mean individuals of lower social status or perhaps a different racial or


    species status."


    "Lower racial status?" Leon asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "Yes, like how there are High Elves and regr Elves," she replied, giggling.


    "Do you have any theories or stories that might connect to this?" Leon inquired, his curiosity piqued.


    Several hotel staff members came in to clear away the dirty dishes and leftover food. Once the room was tidied up, Freya and Leon resumed their conversation in the living room. Unlike her usual carefree demeanor, Freya now looked unusually serious.


    Freya stood up while Leon remained seated on the couch. "Alright. Do you know how many major races there are in Yunatea?"


    "Races?" Leon scratched his head, trying to recall. "Human, Elf, Dwarf, Giant... um, Demon?"


    "So..." Freya continued, "Human, Elf, Dwarf, Demon, Fairy, Giant, and Dragon."


    "Okay, I think I''ve heard of them... but I don''t really remember all the details."


    "You don''t need to remember them offhand, Leon. It''s fundamental knowledge," she


    suggested. "Just take the time to learn and read about it online."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Alright, Ms. Know-It-All," Leon teased with a grin. "Please continue your exnation."


    "Seven Major Races and Seven Deadly Sins," Freya went on.


    "This sounds intriguing. Tell me more."


    "Leon," Freya frowned slightly, "are you sure you don''t understand this? I thought you had


    read about it and done some quests rted to this lore."


    "Yes, I have read about it and done some quests that touched on it, but I don''t remember much because, at the time, it didn''t seem crucial to me. You know, I used to y the game mainly to kill my super limited time," he said, chuckling.


    "Alright. Well, essentially, long ago-thousands of years ago-the Seven Deadly Sin Deities granted their blessings to each of the seven major races in Yunatea. Humans received the blessing of Sloth, Dragons got Greed, High Elves were bestowed with Pride, Demons with Gluttony, Dwarves with Envy, Giants with Wrath, and Fairies with Lust. From these blessings, all the major events in Yunatea''s history unfolded," Freya exined. "What major event? Do you mean the great war thatsted for thousands of years?"


    "Exactly!" Freya replied, her voice brimming with excitement. "The great war caused a tremendous imbnce in Yunatea. The dragon race lost their blessing, and the High Elves gained significant authority over Yunatea. And of course, there was the human race, tasked with restoring bnce to the world, among other things."


    The history of Yunatea is indeed vast andplex, but one central event stands out above all: the downfall of the dragon race. Once the most powerful beings, dragons have now been reduced to mere pets for certain races, especially the high elves.

 Chapter 93: Chapter 93 - Energy Drink Advertisement

    Chapter 93: - Energy Drink Advertisement


    ?


    "The lore of Yunatea is indeed vast," Freya said thoughtfully, looking up at Leon. "But one central event that stands out is the copse of the dragon race. They were once the most powerful beings in thend, but now they''ve been reduced to mere pets for certain races, especially the high-elves."


    "Okay, I''ve seen images on the inte of high elves with dragons by their side, but I never thought about it this deeply before," Leon said, nodding.


    "One individual from each race holds a blessing that makes them stand out," Freya exined. "Most of them grow into leaders of their respective races. For example, the Queen of High Elves in the Central Continent is a native Yunatean who holds the blessing of Pride."


    "And the previous king of Dissidia Kingdom, who was a sloth Champion?" Leon added. "Yes," Freya confirmed.


    She continued. "Alright... so I''m sure such a significant event would be a major plot line in the game. But I''m still not convinced that a plot this crucial woulde up so soon, Leon. It might just be the beginning clues to an event that ties back to the fall of the dragon race," Freya pointed out.


    "The Trial Domain is only at level 150," Leon mentioned. "For an event of this scale, that seems pretty low, doesn''t it?"


    "Totally," Freya agreed with a nod. "There are still plenty of super powerful beings in Yunatea that yers just can''t handle yet. So, I think yers getting involved in something this big is still far off. This could just be setting the stage. But hey, anything can happen."


    "But Freya," Leon pressed on, "how sure are you that this Trial Domain I''m working on might be connected to all this?"


    Freya settled into a chair, crossing her legs. "Well, Leon, Trial Domains are pretty rare. There are lots of ounts of the treasures people have found in them, and most are linked to major lore. That''s why I''m hopeful that what you''re dealing with might be something significant. You should definitely try toplete the challenges. Who knows, we might uncover something amazing. Also, the story mentioned a woman, didn''t it?"


    "What does a woman have to do with the reward from the Trial Domain, huh?" Leon asked, puzzled.


    Freya giggled at his words. "I mean, who knows what you''ll find at the 10th challenge. You might end up fighting the figure mentioned in the story, or something else entirely. You could be part of the major ongoing plot in Immortal Legacy, isn''t that amazing?"


    "I''ll try toplete the Trial," Leon replied. "At the very least, if I clear the domain sessfully, I can get a great reward, right?"


    Freyaughed and shook her head. "You heard me talk about history with such enthusiasm, but all you care about is your reward."


    Leon nodded slowly, a small grin forming on his face. "Yes, I mean, the plot of Immortal Legacy will develop regardless, right? This isn''t an issue exclusive to me; millions of Immortal Legacy yers have the same responsibility. So if I can reap as many rewards as possible, why not do it?"


    "I suppose that makes sense," Freya conceded. "And maybe we can discuss it even further once you''vepleted the Trial Domain. We''ll gather more information from the story fragments."


    "Sure."


    Leon then stood up and stretched his muscles. "I think I''ll go for a jog and then think again about a strategy to tackle my Trial Domain," he said.


    Freya smiled and nodded enthusiastically. "To answer your question about defeating the level 150 monster, you could try forcing Polly to speed up her growth," she suggested. "How do I do that?" Leon asked.


    "Feed her with Monster Soul Stones," she replied.


    Leon thought back to his discussions with Polly. "But she said she didn''t need it yet. Will it work quickly?"


    Freya chuckled at his response. "I guess Polly just didn''t want to eat that expensive item you worked so hard to get."


    "What a cute spirit," Leon said with a smile. "Alright, I''ll give it a try."


    ***


    A few minutester, Leon emerged from the hotel dressed in his workout clothes. The day was nearing its end, with dusk about to give way to night. It was the end of September, bringing with it the chilly embrace of autumn. That evening, the air felt noticeably colder than usual. He started running, and his pace is now noticeably quicker after weeks of intense training. The grueling exercises had be a familiar routine for him. Additionally, incorporating nutritious meals into his diet had surprisingly transformed his quality of life for the better. In the past, he would often feel fatigued, weighed down by mental stress. But since acquiring a more stable financial footing and ess to gourmet food, he had experienced a remarkable lightness in his thoughts. He found himself smiling more frequently and couldn''t help but notice that he looked two years younger. Leon grinned at the thought.


    His footsteps sshed through puddles from the previous night''s rain as he ran along the sidewalk.


    He lightened his steps, his gaze drifting to therge digital billboards adorning the city''s buildings. These were dominated by brands leveraging Immortal Legacy as a tform. Prominent yers were even being sponsored as brand ambassadors.


    And then he saw it...


    Leon halted at the sight of amercial. The ad featured a massive bear battling a horde of monsters with brutal efficiency. The scene then shifted to a teenage girl wielding a sniper, picking off enemies from a distance. It was Kingsley and Melliandra.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The bear was left gasping for breath after taking down so many adversaries. As the sniper girl leaped down tond beside the colossal bear, she tossed him a bottle of water.


    "Feeling tired? Drink this. I bet you''llst even longer," she said, chuckling afterward.


    The bear clumsily caught the bottle with his huge jaws.


    "Thanks, Mel... You''ve got me pumped. Let''s go take down more yers..." the bear growled enthusiastically.


    So, it turned out to be an energy drink advertisement featuring two members of the Ass Guild. "Kingsley and Melliandra?" Leon mumbled softly to himself, recalling the names from Booba. He remembered Booba mentioning them in Deadbay City. They were apparently on the lookout for Leon.


    Thebination of a yer who could transform into a monstrous creature, taking on the role of a tank, along with a teenage girl who specialized in long-range sniping, seemed quite intriguing. Evidently, the Ass Guild was popr enough for its members to star in advertisements.


    He realized that he wouldn''t have noticed such details if he weren''t directly involved with the guild at the moment.


    The more a yer gained poprity, the more opportunities like this came their way, along with a steady flow of money. That''s why top yers in Immortal Legacy were gradually bing the new celebrities.


    "Damn! It looks like rxing isn''t an option for me," he thought to himself.


    Determined, Leon began running even faster, aiming to expend all his remaining energy. His goal was to tire himself outpletely so he could fall into a deep sleep and be ready to log back into the game the next day. A grin spread across his face at the thought.


    After his intense jog, he proceeded to work out in the luxurious gym, swam in the opulent


    pool, and ended with a hot bath. Later, he enjoyed dinner and some leisure time with Lily and


    Freya, savoring his new surroundings as the evening fell.


    The next day, Leon eagerly returned to the mostfortable capsule in the world.


    "Wee to Yunatea."

 Chapter 94: Chapter 94 - Outfitting for Battle

    Chapter 94: - Outfitting for Battle


    ?


    Broken logged back into the game and soon found himself standing on a small, floating, grassy ind.


    Taking a few steps closer to the center of the ind, he noticed that therge rock in front of him seemed to be vibrating ominously.


    "You can''t wait to fight me, huh?" he muttered under his breath.


    "Polly?" he called out, and, as if on cue, an adorable fox with three tails appeared nearby. A smile spread across his face as he looked at her.


    Broken then sat down on the ground and gently scooped up the little fox, holding her in his arms and gazing into her eyes.


    "Hey, Polly, listen to me. I need your help to fight the monster inside the rock, but you don''t need to force yourself. We''ll do as much as we can. And for that reason, I want to feed you a Monster Soul Stone."


    The little fox remained quiet, though her face betrayed her desperate desire for the Monster Soul Stone.


    "Master, you don''t need to ask for my permission," she said. "I''ll always fight by your side no matter the circumstances."


    Broken nodded slowly. "Now, which one do you prefer? The Wild Boar Level 85, or the Feral Panther Level 140?" At the moment, these were the only Monster Soul Stones he had in his inventory.


    Polly was taken aback by his question. "Master, I''m fine with the Wild Boar," she said softly. Broken paused for a moment. "This won''t make your cute form resemble a boar, will it?"


    Polly quickly shook her head. "No, Master... I''ll still be a fox..."


    Broken shook his head thoughtfully, contemting the question. "You do absorb something from the food you consume, right? Which monster do you think would benefit your growth the most? The Wild Boar or the Feral Panther?"


    Polly paused for a moment, seemingly lost in thought, unsure of how to respond.


    "Master, I am uncertain about the oue of the transformation, but I feel that the fighting style of the Feral Panther suits me better. I believe the Feral Panther would be the best choice," Polly finally replied in a soft voice. "But..."


    "Alright then," Broken said, his expression softening into a smile. "It''s settled- the Feral Panther soul stone will be your nourishment." He continued with a cheerful tone, "The stronger you be, the better you can contribute to our efforts, Polly, so I see no downside here."


    With that, Broken carefully set Polly down and promptly retrieved an Elite - Feral Panther Monster Soul Stone Level 140 from his inventory.


    "Don''t worry, Polly," he reassured her gently. "We can always find more resources like this. But if we fail this challenge, the losses could be far greater. So, take this, and don''t stress about it. Let''s give it our best and enjoy the battle ahead."


    He handed the stone to her, and soon Polly began to consume it. A joyous expression crossed Broken''s face as the stone''s light enveloped her, triggering a remarkable transformation.


    Every feature of her body became even more striking. An additional tail sprouted, entuating her already fluffy rump. Her fur glimmered with life and vitality, illuminated by the warm light emanating from her fur.


    [Congrattions, Broken! Polly has sessfully evolved to her higher form. Now she can fight and support even better in battle!]


    [As a reward for such a great achievement, you have been granted 20 stat points!]


    [Congrattions and good luck! Now go out there and show ''em who''s boss!]


    "Nice..." Broken murmured, filled with immense satisfaction at the changes Polly had undergone.


    Polly turned to face him, speaking in a gentle tone, "Thank you so much, Master!"


    "Okay, Polly, let''s see what new skills you have now!" Broken said excitedly, eager to witness her newfound abilities in action.


    [Name: Polly]


    [Grade: Unique]


    [Level: 123]


    [Race: Nine-Tailed Fox]


    [Skills - 3]


    [Shadow Clone Technique: Allows the user to create up to 5 illusions of themselves. These illusions have 30% of the user''s attack and 50% of the user''s health, making them a


    formidable force in any battle.


    Time is of the essence when using this technique, as the illusions will dissipate after a certain amount of time. Make sure to use this technique to your advantage and quickly overwhelm your opponents before the clones fade away!


    Mana Cost: 950


    Duration: 30 Seconds


    Cooldown: 45 Seconds]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    [Incredible Spell Immunity: Grants the user 90% immunity to all iing magical damage, making them virtually untouchable. With this power, they will be able to survive in the most hazardous of magical environments and have the edge in any magical battle.


    Duration: 20 Seconds


    Cooldown: 30 Seconds]


    [Stunning Strike: Allows the user to deliver powerful blows and hit their target with 280% of physical attack. It also allows them to apply mini stunts of 0.2 seconds to their opponents, giving them the edge they need to gain the upper hand in any match.


    Mana Cost: 350


    Cooldown: 10 Seconds]


    Polly had gained quite a few levels, far beyond what Broken remembered from her early 100s.


    "And then," he concluded slowly after carefully reading the details of her three new skills, "the Clone skill has been upgraded. Now you can create five clones instead of four, with a shorter cooldown period and a higher portion of health. This way, you can really be a force to be reckoned with battle."


    Polly seemed pleased with his praise, her four tails waving in a show of delight.


    "And second," Broken continued, "Incredible Spell Immunity. I''m not entirely sure if this is an upgrade or not, but previously, you had a passive 60% resistance to magic damage. Now, you have a 90% immunity to magic damage for 20 seconds with a 30-second cooldown."


    This change could be seen as either a nerf or a buff, but he felt it could be an invaluable asset for Polly in emergency situations.


    "I think that''s great, considering your agility! You can try to dodge attacks, but if you can''t, at least you have 90% magic immunity. That''s an incredibly high value!"


    He then reviewed the third skill. "Ah, the third skill," he said. "It seems incredibly useful in battle. While you''re in clone mode, all of your clones will inflict mini stuns on your opponents, giving us a greater advantage in dealing more damage."


    He was truly convinced that his Unique-grade Spirit had remarkable potential.


    "Just think," he said, his face lighting up with enthusiasm, "how great it would be if I had three Unique Spirits like you, or even if I could evolve you to the Legendary-grade level!"


    He nodded his head in agreement.


    "Anyway," he went on, "let me see your stats."


    [Name: Polly


    Level: 123


    Race: Nine-Tailed Fox


    Health: 2,220 Mana: 2,280


    Strength: 300 Agility: 470 Intelligence: 190 Constitution: 222 Stamina: 215]


    Broken swallowed hard as he reviewed Polly''s overall stats. "You''re certainly a lot stronger


    than me if we just look at the stats," he said with admiration.


    "Master..." Polly replied softly. "I''ll devote my life to you, so my strength is your strength


    too."


    Broken reached out and gently ran his hand through her fur. "Thank you, Polly."


    "Alright then. Let''s allocate some of the avable stat points I have."


    [Name: Broken


    Level: 50


    sses: Super Novice | Royal cksmith


    Health: 1,980 Mana: 1,668


    Strength: 340 Agility: 139 Intelligence: 144 Constitution: 148 Stamina: 150


    Charisma: 50 Luck: 25 Dexterity: 40 Survival: 20


    Avable Stat Points: 75


    Weight: 1460/2040]


    He paused, weighing his options carefully. "I need more Mana to take full advantage of all the


    skills I have. The abilities I''m using are more advanced than I anticipated, so I need to increase my Intelligence stat, even if I would rather not rely heavily on this stat. Unfortunately, I don''t have much choice," he reasoned.


    After a moment of contemtion, he nodded in agreement with himself. "Alright, let''s go


    with this n."


    He systematically allocated his avable stat points:


    [Spend 25 Stat Points into Agility]


    [Spend 50 Stat Points into Intelligence]


    "Yep..." he concluded, feeling satisfied with his decisions. "Because I''m going tobine


    using a Sword and a Bow, I need more Agility than before to be effective in both roles."


    He then carefully reviewed his new stats. "Let''s see the result."


    [Health: 1,980 Mana: 2,268 Strength: 340 Agility: 164 Intelligence: 194 Constitution: 148 Stamina: 150]


    After a moment of examination, he nodded approvingly. "Okay, I''m quite satisfied with the


    result."


    Turning his attention back to Polly, who was eagerly waiting for him, he dered, "Now, we are ready for the battle. Let''s go!"

 Chapter 95: Chapter 95 - Defying Enchantment

    Chapter 95: - Defying Enchantment


    ?


    Broken stood tall in his full armor, the shiny ck metal gleaming as if freshly forged. Beside him, Polly, the four-tailed fox, stood proudly. Her tails fluttered like war banners, ready to signal the start of the battle.


    "Alright," he said gravely. "It''s time to take on the challenge."


    Polly stayed motionless and silent. She seemed to be waiting for hismand.


    "Are you ready?" Broken asked her softly.


    She nodded silently in reply.


    "Yeah... being a little dramatic in this kind of situation is alright," he continued. "Let''s make every moment count and enjoy each battle as if it were ourst!"


    His chest heaved up and down as he took a deep breath before dashing forward. He swung his sword fiercely at the boulder ahead several times until it shattered apart and scattered across the ground.


    Confused about why no monsters appeared, Broken backed away slowly from the pile of stones. "Where is the damn monster?"


    Suddenly, the scattered pieces of boulder began to move on their own, shifting and rolling over one another to form arge, daunting shape. In the blink of an eye, a golem-like monster towered over them,posed of gray and ck rocks that nked together eerily. Its arms were huge and heavy, and its eyes were two small pits of deep darkness. The sight was intimidating, sending shivers down their spines.


    [Elite - The Guardian Golem Lv. 160]


    The Golem let out a loud roar, making the ground beneath them shake.


    "Golem? And level 160?" Broken looked dumbfounded by what he saw. He immediately climbed onto Polly''s back, prepared to keep his distance from the Golem.


    "Golems are by far the most troublesome adversaries I have ever known. Golems can''t be in by simply cutting off their heads-you must destroy their core. Until then, it will keep regenerating and moving."


    "Alright, Polly, let''s put our new skills to the test. We''re going to find and destroy that core!"


    Polly multiplied in a flurry of motion, splitting into five clones that seemed just as real and alive as the original. These clones moved in unison toward the Golem, each radiating a silver light that illuminated the area. As they neared, they mmed their bodies into the Golem from several directions, theirbined strength bing a formidable force.


    Broken immediately strung his bow. "It looks like I need to create another set of equipment better suited for an archer since I''ll be using this kind of weapon too," he murmured to himself.


    With his Hawk''s Eye skill, Broken could see with astounding rity. He quickly drew his bowstring and took aim from a distance. "I''ll try to find out where the golem''s weakness lies," he said.


    A robotic sound emanated from the Golem. "You will not be able to run from this ce; you will die miserably," it dered. The Golem then moved quickly, striking every Polly clone that attacked it.


    [Piercing Arrows (Active Skill)]


    Broken kept running, maintaining his distance and shooting piercing arrows from his bow. The arrows split into five in the air, each one carefully aimed at a different part of the Golem''s body.


    His arrows whizzed through the air with devastating uracy, yet the Golem refused to fall. It moved with incredible speed and agility, blocking or dodging Polly''s clones'' powerful attacks. Each sh reverberated through the air, creating a symphony of battle.


    With a thunderous roar, the Golemunched its massive arms to the ground, sending razor- sharp spikes of earth hurtling toward Broken. He managed to evade each one by a hair''s breadth, but the relentless onught was beginning to take its toll.


    The Golem redoubled its efforts, running faster than ever toward Broken in a desperate attempt to end the fight. But no matter how hard it tried, it was never quite able to catch up.


    The Golem attacked savagely, swinging its massive hand at Polly''s clones with wild abandon until it obliterated them all. In that moment, it turned its attention towards Broken and charged.


    "Polly, let''s keep our distance and attack from two sides!" Broken shouted, offering his strategy.


    He gripped his sword firmly and attempted to parry a massive boulder hurled by the colossal Golem, but the force sent him flying uncontrobly. He tried to anchor himself by plunging his sword into the ground, but even then, he couldn''t halt his trajectory.


    As soon as he regained control over his body, a barrage of rocky spikes erupted from the ground, hurtling towards him. Broken deftly dashed and shed at the spikes with his sword, avoiding their deadly points.


    Meanwhile, Polly seized the opportunity andunched an attack from a different angle, sessfully diverting the Golem''s attention towards herself.


    Seizing the moment, Broken sprinted towards the Golem, aiming to strike a weak spot in its leg. However, despite his efforts, the damage he inflicted seemed insufficient to even dent the Golem''s sturdy leg.


    "I need to end this fight faster," Broken muttered, his mind racing for a solution. His eyes darted around, examining the Golem for any sign of weakness.


    Broken chugged a Mana Potion, feeling a rush of energy course through his veins. The battle had been intense, with him constantly dodging the Golem''s fierce attacks. He could see Polly tiring quickly by his side.


    His heart raced as he desperately tried to find the Golem''s weakness before they ran out of resources and were annihted by the towering foe. He narrowed his gaze, scrutinizing the creature''s every move, firing arrows with sharp uracy that almost seemed to be in tandem with the Golem''s actions.


    "Its eye sockets... could they be its weak point?" he muttered as he pivoted and redirected all of his attacks to those vulnerable spots.


    The Golem roared in fury as it lumbered towards him, evidently detecting Broken''s intent. Determination hardening his resolve, Broken intensified his barrage of arrows, hoping that one would break through its defenses. An arrow sprang from the bowstring and cut through the air in a blur. It punctured the Golem''s eye, which appeared to be carved out of dark green crystal stones. The massive creature stumbled back, its heavy body shaking the earth beneath


    it.


    "Master, the weakness." Polly shouted, her voice echoing throughout the area as her duplicate clones lunged toward the crumbling Golem. They pounded on it with their bodies, weakening it further.


    Broken quickly switched his weapon to his sword. He moved swiftly, slicing through the air with every swing. He leaped towards the fallen giant and stabbed at its remaining eye with relentless determination.


    "You will not survive another day!" he dered, his voice reverberating against the towering


    Golem.


    With what felt like an age of persistent strikes, Broken finally drove his sword into the Golem''s eye, causing its crystal orbs to shatter. The Golem let out a deafening roar as it crumbled, its once menacing form now reduced to a pile of rubble.


    "Is it finished?" he wondered aloud, panting heavily.


    The dust began to settle, and for a moment, there was an eerie silence. Broken and Polly stood


    still, their eyes fixed on the remains of their colossal adversary.


    Then, a faint glimmer of light emanated from the core shards lying amidst the rubble,n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    signaling the end of the Guardian Golem''s reign of terror.


    "We did it, Polly," Broken finally said, offering a relieved smile. Polly''s tails wagged in


    triumph, her fiery spirit undiminished by the grueling battle.


    "Yes, Master," she replied contentedly. "We did it together."


    [You have sessfully in Elite - The Guardian Golem Lv. 160]


    [You have obtained 1 Elite - The Guardian Golem Lv. 160 Golem Core]


    [You received 4/10 of the Lone Survivor of a Forgone Era tale sheet]


    [The fourth challenge has been conquered.]


    [Your Courage Points have been doubled as a reward.]


    [Name: Broken]


    [Courage Points: 85,600]


    He couldn''t believe it; he had actually managed to defeat a level 160 Elite-grade Golem. A huge smile spread across his face as he eximed, "This is truly amazing!"


    Broken continued to face the challenge, oveing a series of trickybinations and even higher-level Golems. Each battle tested his resolve and pushed him to his limits. But with perseverance and Polly''s unwavering support, he managed to prevail each time.


    After an arduous struggle, he had finally made it to the tenth ind. Standing at the edge, he


    looked around, feeling the weight of all the battles behind him. He knew that this would be thest and most formidable challenge.


    "So, this is it¡ªthe final challenge!" he eximed, a mix of excitement and determination in


    his voice.

 Chapter 96: Chapter 96 - The Courageous Finale

    Chapter 96: - The Courageous Finale


    ?


    Broken stood tall on the final ind, his face set in a determined expression as he took in they of thend. His once gleaming armor was now smeared with dirt, and his hair was disheveled from the relentless battles he''d fought. He clenched his fists, bracing himself for the next challenge, resolute in his determination to see this through to the end, no matter the cost. It had taken him three grueling days to reach this point.


    [Name: Broken]


    [Courage Points: 4,727,200]


    He had earned bonus Courage Points multiple times, gradually amassing a substantial amount by the trial''s end. Though he wasn''t entirely sure of their purpose, he hoped that Courage Points in such a vast number would yield exceptional rewards. Today, he was resolute aboutpleting the trial!


    In addition to the rewards he had garnered up to the ninth ind in the Trial Domain, he had gained an extra 55 stat points, which significantly bolstered his fighting potential. Without hesitation, he allocated all the newly acquired stat points to enhance his strength.


    [Name: Broken]


    [Level: 50]


    [sses: Super Novice | Royal cksmith]


    [Health: 1,980 | Mana: 2,268]


    [Strength: 395 | Agility: 164 | Intelligence: 194 | Constitution: 148 | Stamina: 150]


    [Charisma: 50 | Luck: 25 | Dexterity: 40 | Survival: 20]


    [Avable Stat Points: 0]


    [Weight: 1,780/2,370]


    He had meticulously bnced his stats to suit his fighting style, and this recent allocation was his most up-to-date reflection. He had felt the difference in his recent battles against the golems; he recognized the need for more Mana, but he couldn''t afford to neglect his Strength, which was crucial for amplifying his overall damage output.


    Despite being only at level 50, his overall stat profile wasparable to those at levels 70 or 80, thanks to the numerous significant achievements he hadpleted, earning him plenty of extra stat points as rewards.


    In addition to his stat points, Broken now possesses three Elite-grade Golem Cores at levels 160, 165, and 170. The thing is, he has no idea how to utilize these cores yet. Maybe they can be used to create Golems? There''s a yer ss rted to Golem creation, so they could potentially be valuable if sold. However, he decides to hang on to them until he figures out their true purpose.


    Broken walked slowly across the floating ind, and what he encountered at its center was a stone altar.


    The stone altar was a pristine white, illuminating the area with its bright light. Its surface was smooth and unblemished, standing tall amidst the swirling mist. Intricate designs of winding lines were carved into its base. A strange energy emanated from it, giving off an almost ethereal feeling.


    "Let''s see what they''ve got for me this time," Broken proimed, just seconds before a set of inscriptions materialized in front of him.


    [The Challenge of Courage.]


    As Broken stood in front of the stone altar, he noticed a silhouette looming in the distance. Squinting to sharpen his vision, he discerned that it was a human figure-perhaps another adventurer or a yer like himself?


    "An enemy?" he muttered under his breath, suspicion creeping into his voice.


    Before he could ponder further, several other figures emerged from various points on the ind, encircling him from all sides. Behind these adventurers, monstrous forms began to take shape, their massive frames casting ominous shadows across the ground.


    "Those are enemies, Master," Polly whispered.


    "Yes, it seems that way."


    The earth beneath his feet trembled as more and more of these beasts crawled out from every corner, hemming him in and blocking off any possible escape routes. It felt as though hundreds of them raged around him, each one carefully eyeing him up and down, sizing up their prey.


    [This is your chance to show the extent of your courage!]


    "What the hell is happening here?" Broken muttered, sweat beading on his forehead and his heart pounding wildly in his chest. He knew he was in serious trouble and braced himself for what was toe next.


    Polly, who remained by Broken''s side, stood straight and stoic, seemingly unaffected by the situation unfolding around them.


    "Do we need to fight all of them?" he murmured under his breath.


    And then, from the stone altar, glowing text appeared and hovered in front of him. The letters arranged themselves into fragments that seemed familiar to him - he had encountered them during his struggle until here. They belonged to a story he had been trying to piece together.


    [She was the hope. The chosen one.]


    [She survived. While the others perished.]


    [She lived with those lower than her. She was saved by the humble one.]


    [But, another disaster struck. A cmity seemed to follow her.]


    [Everything perished. Except her.]


    [She was so isted. She felt forgotten and forlorn.]


    [The voice told her of her destiny. To fulfill a heavy duty of her people.]


    [The girl had a choice to make. To ept her fate or run away.]


    [She thought of the people she used to know. But they were gone, so she chose to stay.]


    Broken stood still, cautiously surveying the area as the creatures surrounding him crept closer. Sweat trickled down his face, his eyes darting from one creature to the next, ready to react at a moment''s notice.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Pick your fate.]


    "Yeah, finally," he muttered slowly, almost to himself.


    [It takes an act of indomitable courage, unfaltering honesty, and a deep passion for your dreams to achieve greatness. Those who embody these three principles can forge ahead with unwavering conviction, ready to face whatever adversity maye in pursuit of their goals.]


    "Yes, and then?" Broken asked.


    [You have two options:]


    [First, surrender the Trial and forfeit, leaving you unscathed.]


    [Second, show your courage and fight. Face the onught from all directions but with the risk of losing everything. The stakes are high: if you fail, you will lose ten levels if you die in this


    challenge.]


    Broken felt the weight of the decision pressing down on him. As he stood there, surrounded by enemies, Polly by his side, he knew the choice would determine the path he would take.


    "So if I choose to make it out of this trial domain unscathed, I won''t get anything," Broken mused aloud. "But then, I risk losing ten levels if I choose to advance and possibly lose the


    final battle."


    He took a deep breath and allowed a slight smile to crease his lips. "I hope this Trial Domain realizes that I can regain those levels just by rxing in an inn. So, for me, the second option


    is always the best choice."


    Though he could almost taste the fear on his tongue, and every cell in his body screamed at him to turn back, he took another deep breath and steeled himself for the fight ahead.


    "I''d rather take a risk and push forward, even without knowing the oue, than turn around and go home empty-handed," he dered with unwavering resolve.


    He clenched his fists tightly. "I have decided!"


    With a firm nod, he chose the second option.


    Suddenly, a barrage of notifications flooded his view, overwhelming his senses.


    [Congrattions! You have sessfully ovee the Fate Trial - The Challenge of Courage


    Level 150.]


    "What the heck!" he eximed in disbelief.

 Chapter 97: Chapter 97 - A King And A Sloth Champion

    Chapter 97: - A King And A Sloth Champion


    ?


    [You received 10/10 of the Lone Survivor of a Forgone Era tale sheet]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [The tenth challenge has been conquered.]


    [Your Courage Points have been doubled as a reward.]


    [Name: Broken]


    [Courage Points: 9,454,400]


    "So..." Broken let out a sigh of relief after reading the notification. "What a joke! Was the challenge reallypleted just by testing my courage to face the final?"


    Regardless of the simplicity, he felt an immense sense of gratitude and true glory forpleting his first-ever Trial Domain, and not just any trial but a level 150 Trial Domain. Undoubtedly, this aplishment would be the envy of many.


    The challenges he encountered consisted primarily of puzzles and riddles, requiring a blend of courage and a bit of recklessness to solve, often feeling more like a gamble. He wondered who designed such a trial domain.


    A perplexed grin spread across his face as the adrenaline from hisst encounter still surged through his veins. His body remained tense, but as he nced around, he noticed that the hundreds of figures surrounding him were gone.


    The monsters had vanished without a trace, leaving him alone in the silence of the empty field. He sighed in relief, feeling the tension in his muscles begin to dissipate.


    "But, where is my reward?" he asked himself quietly, turning his head in all directions. He then read thest part of the story snippet from the Trial Domain.


    [The Dragon Princess lost her wings. But she was ready to take on her destiny.]


    Broken voiced his confusion as he read the final lines of the story, "The Dragon Princess!? This is exactly what Freya suspected, it really rtes to the plot of the downfall of the dragon race."


    "But why does it say all of the dragons are gone, and only one remains?" he questioned aloud. "This doesn''t seem right. Is the ''group'' here referring to her royal family or her species? Do dragons have their own kingdom?"


    "There''s no way dragons arepletely gone, they still exist in Yunatea," he asserted. "Or maybe this refers to their status no longer being as powerful as it once was."


    Furrowing his brow, he tried to piece together the mystery. "Maybe I should talk it over with Freya instead."


    Broken was eagerly awaiting the announcement of his final reward when suddenly, the ground beneath him shook violently. He stumbled, struggling to locate the source of the tremors. Looking to one side, he saw the earth cracking open. Quickly, he ran to avoid the fissure. From the split ground, something began to rise-slowly emerging from the depths- a throne? It appeared almost magically, ornately designed with diamonds and rubies iid in gold.


    As the throne finished ascending, the ground''s violent shaking subsided, and the cracks started to close, returning the ground to its normal state.


    Broken furrowed his brow in confusion as something began to materialize upon the throne. From thin air, a figure became visible, eventually taking a clear form and sitting regally on the throne. The man wore majestic gold battle armor adorned with rare rubies, and atop his head rested a crown fit for a king.


    "Who is he?" Broken wondered aloud, struggling to find his voice but choosing to remain silent.


    The man appeared to be well over seventy years old or even older, yet traces of youthful vigor could still be seen beneath the surface. Though slightly thin, his body was sturdy and exuded strength. However, his face was worn and weary, as if the years had drained him of vitality.


    The man''s eyes were sunken, with dark bags casting a shadow over his gaze as it fell upon Broken.


    "Sir?" Broken called out cautiously, "Who are you?"


    Above the man''s head was the inscription [ndorr]. He was clearly an NPC, yet his presence radiated the authority of a king or a warlord.


    ndorr''s voice boomed through the area, filled with authority yetden with a palpable sense of boredom.


    "So..." he began, "You''re the current Sloth Champion?" His piercing eyes bore into Broken, scrutinizing him intently.


    How could this figure be privy to Broken''s secret identity as the Sloth Champion? Internally, his emotions roiled, but he wore a mask of calm, careful not to utter anything that might expose him further.


    ndorr, lounging indolently on an opulent throne, scrutinized him with a look that was bothzy and prating. "You appear so fragile. Are you truly the Sloth Champion?"


    His voice was anguid drawl, one hand cradling his head, the other leg draped over the armrest in an air ofplete slothfulness.


    Broken''s thoughts whirred, trying to unearth the significance of the name ndorr. It felt familiar, yet no concrete memory emerged. He remained silent and waited for further rification from the man before him.


    ndorr seemed to exude even more weariness as he continued. "I''m exhausted, so I''ll keep it short," he said, his tone detached. "I''m dead. What you see is merely a fragment of my soul." A heavy silence hung between them before ndorr resumed. "I was once the King of Dissidia, ndorr Rogwyn."


    The revtion hit Broken like a ssh of cold water, his eyes widening in shock. "You were the King of the Kingdom of Dissidia?"


    A resigned sigh escaped ndorr. "Yes," he replied.


    With a cracking voice, ndorr spoke again, "There is something I must tell you. I am too weary to delve into the details. It concerns the Divine Champion''s great war from ages ago."


    "A great war? Please, tell me more," Broken implored.


    ndorr sighed, fatigue evident in every word. "I''m toozy to recount the full history. You can uncover the details on your own. But tell me, is the Queen of the High Elves, the Pride Champion, still ruling today?"


    Broken hesitated, uncertain of the timeline since that conflict and if the one ndorr spoke of still ruled. "Your Majesty, I do not know her exact status after all this time. The Queen of the High Elves is indeed still a Pride Champion, but if she is that same Queen from your time, I''m


    uncertain."


    ndorr barely stifled a yawn, his eyes nearly shut. "Alright, so she still lives. Your task will


    be far from simple then."


    "Task?" Broken echoed, perplexed.


    ndorr took a deep breath, his expression bing more solemn. "You have shown yourself to be both courageous and honorable. It is now my duty to entrust you with a


    significant legacy."


    A spark of anticipation ignited in Broken''s eyes as ndorr began to outline the rewards he would earn for conquering the Trial Domain.


    "Yes, sir, I havepleted this Trial Domain with over nine million Courage Points. What kind of reward could I expect?" Broken inquired, barely able to contain his excitement. "Before we get to that," ndorr said, "you should know that I was also a Sloth Champion, just like you. But I possessed strength far beyond what you have now. No, ''beyond'' doesn''t even begin to cover it-I was a lot, lot, lot, lot, lot more powerful than you."


    "So, you are the legendary Sloth Champion from Dissidia Kingdom?! I am incredibly honored to meet you in person, Your Majesty," he eximed.


    ndorr''s expression turned more intense. "I want to pass on an unfinished task to you. It is not merely a task to kill someone-it involves deities, and not just one, but several of them." "What?!" Broken''s voice echoed in shock as he absorbed the gravity of ndorr''s words.

 Chapter 98: Chapter 98 - Deity Bane Quest

    Chapter 98: - Deity Bane Quest


    ?


    "Kill deities? Not just one, but several of them?" Broken reiterated King ndorr''s words, his face painted with confusion and disbelief.


    King ndorr, appearing both drowsy and weary, remained silent, not providing any immediate answer.


    "Wait a minute. The fact that you were once the Champion of Sloth is already surprising enough. Meeting you here in the Trial Domain by sheer chance was another shock. But then you ask me to kill deities? Which deities? And why me? What makes you believe I can aplish such a task? Even in your death, why ce this burden upon another? Is your demise connected to this mission... Your Majesty?" Broken bombarded him with a flurry of anxious questions.


    With a heavy sigh, ndorr listened to the desperate queries. "Take your time," he said gently. He paused, gathering his thoughts before speaking again. "I know this is overwhelming and confusing for you. Allow me to exin everything to you."


    "Please, tell me more..." Broken urged, momentarily forgetting the royal status of his conversation partner.


    ndorr hesitated, weighing his words carefully. He sighed deeply once more before admitting, "I can''t seem to simplify it for you, despite my best attempts."


    Broken''s eyes narrowed, and his jaw tightened as he focused intently on the figure before him. "Let''s approach it this way," ndorr suggested. "I can give you a series of quests. Each task wille with significant rewards. Complete each quest in turn, and by the end, you''ll have gained enough knowledge and resources to make an informed decision about your next steps. I also hope thatpleting these quests will strengthen you. It''s genuinely troubling to see a Champion of Sloth as weak as you."


    "And if I refuse to take on these quests?" Broken asked hesitantly. "What consequences might I face?"


    "Refusing my offer won''t lead to anything pleasant. We are both blessed by Goddess Akidia, after all. Let''s leave it at that. So please, do not reject my offer."


    What Broken needed now was a moment to reflect. After all, being handed such a monumental quest while still at a low level and ill-prepared suggested facing incredibly powerful entities in Yunatea soon. If this burdened his progress, it could certainlyplicate his journey.


    Yet, the glittering allure of the rewards promised by King ndorr flickered in his thoughts. Such opportunities were the stuff of legends among yers in Immortal Legacy, potentially rich with untold value. His pulse quickened in line with the surging excitement and anticipation of what possibilitiesy ahead.


    "So, I have the freedom to choose the oue of these chain quests?" Broken asked, his voice cutting through the stillness.


    ndorr released a heavy breath. "Yes, the final decision rests with you. Whether you follow the path I''veid out or forge your own-it''s your choice. At the very least, this burden of mine won''tnguish in this Trial Domain forever. I''m too weary to continue. Yes, I may already be dead, but even this fragment of my soul is weary."


    [Deity Bane Quest I - Take Possession of The Sword of Dissidia]


    [Rating: S]


    [The Sword of Dissidia is an ancient artifact with untold power. It is said that only the ruler of the Dissidia Kingdom has the right to own and wield it.


    ndorr, the former ruler of the kingdom, has chosen you to take possession of the sword. This is a great honor, but it also carries a great responsibility. To take up this quest, you must be someone of great courage, strength, and integrity.]


    [Clear Conditions: Be the rightful holder of The Sword of Dissidia.]


    [Clear Rewards: Rewards will depend on performance and results.]


    [Quest Failure: Consequences will be determined at ater stage.]


    Broken carefully read through the details of the quest from ndorr, absorbing every bit of information. An S-rating! It was an incredibly rare and valuable quest, promising outstanding rewards. However, the specifics of the rewards and penalties for failure were vaguely described, revealing theziness of its creator in providing details.


    "The Sword of Dissidia!" he murmured to himself.


    The Sword of Dissidia was renowned for its immense power and greatness, appearing in countless myths and legends. It was said that the deity himself had awarded this sword to the Kingdom of Dissidia, bestowing upon them unparalleled strength and honor, elevating them to be one of the mightiest kingdoms on the South Continent.


    But as he mulled over this, a daunting realization struck him. iming the sword could mean assuming the throne of Dissidia. He nced up at ndorr, the former king.


    "Wait... Are you suggesting that I should rebel, overthrow the current ruler, and seize control of the kingdom?" he asked.


    He took a deep breath, fully grasping the scale of this quest. An S-rating! Very few, if any, yers had ever been entrusted with such a high-stakes mission, one that would typically require a significant investment to obtain.


    ndorr stared back at him. "I don''t care how you go about it. You can kill the current King, marry his daughter, and take the throne, or you can stage a rebellion and overthrow the kingdom. The choice is yours."


    "You speak of killing your own descendants so casually," Broken said softly, almost to himself.


    "I understand it may be a difficult decision," ndorr replied, "but if it''s not taken seriously, there will be more victims in the future. The responsibility rests entirely with you."


    Broken clicked his tongue in contemtion, his heartbeat elerating as he envisioned the extraordinary feats he could achieve if he seeded in this quest. "This is incredibly challenging, but thrilling at the same time!"


    "Good," ndorr said, a hint of a smile ying on his lips. "I''m d to hear your answer."


    "But then," Broken continued with a solemn air, "this isn''t a simple task. I need to understand why it''s crucial toplete this quest. I also need every bit of knowledge and strength required to see it through."


    He posed his question again. "Will you provide assistance toplete this quest? Maybe you have some treasures or artifacts stashed away? Or perhaps some extra power you can lend me? Anything that might help."


    ndorr clicked his tongue in disapproval and took a deep breath. "Thus far, I can''t tell if you are the Champion of Sloth or the Champion of Greed," he said, eyes narrowing as he


    scrutinized Broken''s face.


    Broken couldn''t help but grin at ndorr''s words. "Yeah, well, this is a huge task," he admitted. "Just look at the title. It''s no joke-The Deity Bane Quest. Surely, you wouldn''t send me into the fray without proper equipment, right?"


    "Agreed," ndorr muttered. "Don''t worry, I have resources and support that you can


    utilize."


    A hopeful glimmer appeared in Broken''s eyes at the mention of ''resources''.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "For that reason," ndorr continued, "I have another quest for you."


    "Another quest?" Broken echoed in surprise. "Not ''resources''?"


    ndorr chuckled at the question, a sly smile curling his lips. "Oh no," he replied. "This quest will be much more... more entertaining than anything you''ve encountered before."


    "Entertaining?"


    [Deity Bane Quest II - The Dragon Princess'' Call]


    [Rating: S]


    [...]


    "What?!" Broken''s jaw dropped in shock as he absorbed the quest title.

 Chapter 99: Chapter 99 - The Trial Master

    Chapter 99: - The Trial Master


    ?


    [Deity Bane Quest II - The Dragon Princess'' Call]


    [Rating: S]


    [Search the whole kingdom for any information that might reveal the location of the Dragon Princess. Look closely to uncover hidden truths that could help her realize her potential. Seek assistance and findpanions ready to defend her against any threats. Unlock the Dragon Princess''s full potential and use it to bring bnce and peace to the world.]


    [Clear Conditions: Locate her and assist her in unlocking her power.]


    [Clear Rewards: Rewards will depend on performance and results.]


    [Quest Failure: Consequences will be determined at ater stage.]


    Broken examined the quest details with squinted eyes. "The Dragon Princess?" he muttered under his breath. Curiosity tugged at him. If the Dragon Princess, who supposedly lost her wings, might be somewhere in the Dissidia Kingdom or perhaps another nearby kingdom, why does she now need protection? Had something happened to her that locked away her full potential? And how was he supposed to unlock it?


    But first things first-he needed to find where she was! The quest didn''t provide her name or helpful description, leaving him at a loss for clues.


    "How am I supposed to find her if I don''t even know what she looks like or what her name is?" "Why would someone so high and mighty require a lowly adventurer like me?" Broken looked up at ndorr, seeking answers. "Why does this great Dragon need my help?"


    ndorr gave Broken an exasperated look before sighing heavily. "You really make me work hard, kid. Your questions are endless."


    A smirk crept onto Broken''s lips. "Yeah, I mean, I understand this is an S-rating quest, but you''ve piled so much onto these tasks that it seems almost impossible toplete! Find her, unlock her potential, protect her... It''s like you haven''t even given me any information about this Dragon Princess. Her name, her form-nothing!"


    "I''ve shared some useful tales with you, right? Use them wisely," ndorr said nonchntly. "Wait, Your Majesty... surely you know more about the Dragon Princess. Just give me one clue. Her name, her form-does she still have her dragon form or has she transformed into something else? Does she even remember her real identity?"


    ndorr''s face twisted with agitation. "Kid," he began, "it seems my time is growing short. I wish I could chat longer, but I only have a limited amount of time left. Sorry."


    Broken furrowed his brow, sensing that ndorr might be hiding something. "You don''t happen to just be toozy to answer my question, do you?"


    "No, kid," ndorr quickly rified. "I am thest person who would give such an irresponsible excuse."


    "Delegating all this responsibility to someone else suggests that you might not be as responsible as you im."


    ndorr eyed Broken with a somber countenance. "Listen to me, this is my final note, and I''m running out of time. You need not worry, for along your journey, I shall provide you with guides in the form of quests. Rest assured, you won''t be alone on this mission. You can trust me on this."


    Broken was skeptical. "How can I trust someone who asked me to murder his own descendant?"


    ndorr added, "Moreover, the Dragon Princess is particrly treasured and valuable as she holds The Blessing of Greed."


    "If she is the Greed Champion and also a dragon, then the high elves must be hunting her too, right? So, you''re telling me I have to protect her from the high elves as well?" Broken probed, but ndorr seemed not to respond to his question.


    "Not only would she provide an invaluable ally on your mission, but you may even marry her if you want," ndorr proimed.


    "What?! Marry a dragon? I don''t know if humans can marry a massive dragon?" Broken''s shock was palpable.


    ndorr''s smile widened as he continued, "You can marry anyone you want. Marry as many as you desire-dragons, elves, fairies, giants-as long as you want them. A sign of true power and strength is having many wives at your side. I hope you grow strong and are blessed with many wives."


    "What the heck is he talking about?" Broken muttered under his breath, trying to remainposed.


    ndorr took no notice and continued, "As a King, it is quite normal to have many wives. You can do it too if you''d like, but you need to be strong."


    Broken simply nodded in agreement, not wanting to draw any more attention. "Yes, sir, I will be strong and marry a dragon! And elves too!"


    "Alright," ndorr continued. "We''re done, kid. Sorry, my time is up. See you."


    The figure of ndorr sitting on the chair gradually became transparent.


    But then Broken couldn''t help but remember something he''d forgotten.


    "Wait!" he called out frantically. "What about my reward? Ipleted the Domain, didn''t I? With massive Courage points!"


    ndorr''s figure came back into focus as if Broken''s words had brought him back from the brink of obscurity.


    "Ah yes, that''s right! How careless of me to have forgotten such a thing. How many Courage Points did you receive in total again?" His eyes twinkled with anticipation.


    ndorr gave a tired chuckle. "Nine hundred thousand Courage Points, huh? You really are something else, kid. That''s quite high-you work very hard and are quite lucky, too..."


    "Sir," Broken interrupted, "it''s actually 9 million!"


    "What did you say? Nine million?!" ndorr eximed in disbelief. "Sorry, my vision is a bit blurry. You know, I''m old... I mean, I''m dead." He added with a quaint smile curling on his


    lips.


    For a moment, ndorr paused, and Broken eagerly waited to see what reward would be bestowed upon him.


    "Well, you certainly deserve something for your hard work and dedication." ndorr stared off into the distance, shifting his gaze from the far horizon to Broken''s expectant face. After a lengthy pause, he finally spoke, his voice low and measured.


    "Ah, nine million is very high. I need to think hard to give you a suitable reward. Hm..." He went quiet again, letting out a slow, heavy sigh as he felt the weight of the decision settle on his shoulders. He shut his eyes tight, pressing his index fingers against his temples, attempting to find a fitting solution to this dilemma.


    Taking another deep breath, he opened his eyes and nodded. "Alright," ndorr replied atst. "I know the answer. Nine million is indeed high, but you deserve a fair reward. Don''t


    worry; I''m certain this will be very useful for you."


    [Congrattions! You havepleted The Fate Trial Domain Lv. 150]


    [As a reward, you have been granted ten levels up.]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    [You have also been granted The Unbreakable Heart Ring (Legendary grade)!]


    Broken felt a lump form in his throat as he gazed upon the rewards. A hundred stat points were an incredibly valuable asset, but the highlight was the ring-an essory of Legendary grade. He trembled slightly just reading the word ''Legendary.'' This would be his very first legendary item, and he couldn''t wait to see just how extraordinary this ring was.


    He raised his head to look at ndorr, but the man had already disappeared. [Congrattions! You have aplished a remarkable result inpleting a Level 150 Fate


    Trial Domain!]


    [For achieving this amazing feat, you have earned the new title of ''Trial Master''.]


    [Keep it up! Now, get back to work-you wouldn''t want to be downgraded to ''Trial Master- in-Training'', would you?]


    [As a reward, you receive 20 stat points!]


    A broad smile stretched across his face after gaining the extra 20 stat points he craved.


    "Now, let''s check out this new Legendary Ring I got!"

 Chapter 100: Chapter 100 - The Desired Hunt

    Chapter 100: - The Desired Hunt


    ?


    Freya stepped inside Leon''s apartment, her outfit simple yet smart: blue jeans and a thin purple T-shirt that left her shoulders bare. Her cheerful face radiated readiness as she made her way to the private game room. Two capsules were present, one of which held Leon as he worked through the final challenge of the Trial Domain.


    "Here we go again," Freya chuckled to herself as she approached her own capsule device. "Time to catch up with Goddess Akidia''s Spoiled Baby..."


    A quiet whisper escaped her lips as she pondered whaty ahead once Leon passed the trial.


    "I can''t imagine what Mr. Marco''s reaction will be when he finds out how quickly Leon has progressed," she mused softly. "Especially since he''s on the brink ofpleting a level 150 Trial Domain! I have a feeling this ties into the major plot of Immortal Legacy."


    ***


    Freya stepped into the dense, untamed forest. She had barely taken a few paces when sudden movement from every direction caught her attention and made her blood run cold.


    "Monster?" she whispered, her voice tinged with anxiety.


    Before she could react, arge figure loomed behind her. Startled, she spun around and found herself face-to-face with a massive bear. She looked up, her eyes tracing its towering form that easily exceeded 3 meters or 10 feet and its colossal body. The bear quickly seized Freya, its grip immobilizing her. She struggled with all her might against its immense strength, but it was to no avail.


    "Kingsley!" she called out internally, realizing that she was in deep trouble. If Kingsley had located her, it was likely that Melliandra was nearby as well.


    "Ms. Red-Hair Archer, please don''t resist. I promise I won''t hurt you," Kingsley said in a calm voice.


    Freya felt a chill run through her as another figure materialized. She immediately noticed the long blonde hair of the teenage girl and the sniper rifle she held confidently.


    "Red-Hair Archer," Melliandra said coolly, a smile ying on her lips. "I have some business with you."


    Freya''s voice softened as she replied, "Oh... I didn''t see it wrong, right? Oh really, you''re my idol, Melliandra..."


    Melliandra''s expression quickly shifted to one of anger. "Don''t act like you''re close to me!" she spat out, her eyes narrowing dangerously as she leaned forward. "Where is your friend? Broken?!"


    Freya reacted almost too quickly. "N-No... Hahaha, there is nothing broken with me, I''m all right," she stammered out with forcedughter, smiling broadly in an attempt to distract Melliandra and the bear from their true intentions.


    Despite her racing heart, Freya held herposure, trying to keep these two upied before Broken managed to exit the Domain. She knew she had to buy time, and every second counted. Freya''s stomach knotted up as she took in the state Melliandra was in. Her usually pristine clothing was now torn and tattered, marked with long scratches that looked like they had been made by dangerous ws.


    They must have fought some incredibly strong monsters, Freya guessed. A chill of fear ran down her spine as she pondered how close she and Broken must have been to simr dangers on their own journey. They were in a forest teeming with high-level monsters. If Melliandra and Kingsley, experienced as they were, ended up in such rough shape, Freya and Broken would likely not survive even a second in a confrontation.


    Melliandra slowly turned to the side, a scowl on her face. "Trial Domain?" she muttered, almost to herself.


    "I just realized there''s a Trial Domain here," Freya chimed in a lighthearted tone. "Shouldn''t it be mine, considering I was here before you?"


    Melliandra whipped around, pointing the sniper rifle at Freya. "I told you to shut up!" she spat through clenched teeth. "If you say another word-I swear on my life-I will send you straight back to the Temple of Resurrection." Her rage boiled over into a high-pitched scream as she waved the sniper rifle menacingly. "Don''t you dare try me!"


    Melliandra cautiously stepped towards the shimmering energy field of the Trial Domain.


    "You only need to stay quiet, Ms. Freya," Kingsley, the giant bear behind her, said in a soothing tone. "I swear on my life, nothing will happen to you."


    "Then, could you let me go?"


    Kingsley nodded and released his grip. "Sorry..."


    Melliandra''s face instantly contorted into a deeper frown when she realized that the Trial Domain was Lv. 150. "That Broken guy is inside," she muttered.


    Freya''s heart pounded in her chest as she tried to maintain herposure. Every second counted now, and she had to keep Melliandra and Kingsley upied until Broken could exit the Domain.


    [Melliandra (Crackshot Sniper): I found her, the red-hair archer.]


    [Elincia (Mage Marauder): Oh really? Finally! Send us the location. Did you find Broken, too?] [Melliandra (Crackshot Sniper): Nope, but I found a Trial Domain Lv. 150. There is someone inside. It was him, Broken.]


    [Maylock (Arcane Arrow): Woah, interesting. It turns out this person we''re searching for is more intriguing than we thought. Only a select group of people willingly challenge a Trial Domain, knowing the risks involved.]


    [Skywarden (Iron Titan): It could be brave or super stupid!]


    [Maylock (Arcane Arrow): Oh yeah? So my guess is correct that this Broken guy is really over level 150, or even higher.]


    [Skywarden (Iron Titan): A Level 150 but easily killed by Elincia''s spell! Hah, so useless!]


    [Goldrich (Sage Sorcerer): Khi, khi, khi. He probably hid his stats and purposely didn''t register his name on the ranking. If he dares to enter a Trial Domain Level 150, he should be at least


    level 180.]


    [Skywarden (Iron Titan): I still doubt that guy. I''m sure he''s just a stupid yer who chases levels without paying attention to his equipment or stats. Let''s see if my words are wrong,


    but I bet he''s mediocre.]


    [Elincia (Mage Marauder): Alright, enough chit-chat. Everyone rushes towards their location. Make sure to do everything correctly before I arrive.]


    Near the Trial Domain, where Freya and the others were gathered, a blur of movement was visible amidst the dense foliage and branches. As their eyes focused, they saw a man in


    swordsman armor riding a wyvern, darting skillfully among the trees.


    When he got close enough, the man jumped to the ground and raised his sword. Both Kingsley and Melliandra recognized the figure as Booba.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    His voice was intense and resolute as hemanded them, "Melliandra! Kingsley! Leave her alone! She has nothing to do with your hunt; she is my friend."


    Melliandra''s face contorted with rage, and she snarled, "Booba, you stupid asshole, god damn it!" She stormed towards him, clutching her sniper rifle. "Can you please give me some room to breathe, you idiotic imbecile?! Why must you interfere in our mission? You''re always


    such a pain in the neck!"


    Booba stood his ground and replied indignantly, "How can I remain silent when you are trying to hunt down my friend? Don''t you have any self-respect? You''re a bunch of high-level yers hunting weak rookies!"


    Melliandra barked back, "Weak?! You stupid fool! The person inside that Trial Domain is at Level 150! Sure, he might be a bit stronger, but he is much more powerful than you! He has a


    higher level than you!"


    Booba stumbled back in disbelief at her words. Level 150? How is that even possible? Broken


    is only Level 30! He racked his brain, trying to make sense of it all. Or the person inside isn''t Broken? If that''s the case, he can save Freya and get out of here before they find out! Maybe it''s not toote after all.


    Booba''s eyes lit up with sudden realization. "Then let me take this archer with me," he


    continued. "I''ll leave everything here to you. Wait for the person inside toe out, and you


    can capture him then. Hahaha."


    With his words still echoing in the air, Booba walked over to Freya and roughly grabbed her


    wrist.


    "Leave her alone, Kingsley! Aren''t you ashamed, given your size?" he said sternly.


    "Forgive my rudeness, Miss..." he said before stepping back.


    Booba met Freya''s gaze and said, "Follow me. You''reing with me. Don''t worry, I''ve got it


    all figured out."


    Freya, forced toply, couldn''t disclose that it was indeed Broken inside the Trial Domain.


    As she was dragged away, she nced back at Kingsley and Melliandra, feeling a mix of frustration and disbelief.


    "How can Broken possibly befriend someone this stupid?" she thought to herself.

 Chapter 101: Chapter 101 - Let’s Go Kill Her!

    Chapter 101: - Let¡¯s Go Kill Her!


    ?


    Melliandra smiled as she looked at the Trial Domain, her sniper rifle firmly in her grasp. "What are you thinking, Mel?" Kingsley asked, his eyes narrowing at her expression.


    Melliandra shrugged her shoulders and responded nonchntly, "Oh... Elincia, sometimes her decisions are very confusing, and sometimes we are even bothered by something that should be easily countered."


    "Wee in a peaceful way. You''re not seriously trying to provoke a confrontation with our potential ally, are you?"


    Melliandra then raised her rifle towards the Trial Domain and smiled mischievously. "Our ''superstar'' actually seeded inpleting this Lv. 150 Trial Domain, and I''m sure after that, he wille out pleasantly surprised to find a cute Sniper ready toy down some heavy fire on him." The corners of her mouth curled up into an amused smirk as she chuckled heartily.


    "Melliandra, you''re out of Health, and Mana," Kingsley warned with a hint of worry in his voice. "The slightest mistake you make could kill you. I won''t be able to help you either!"


    She merely chortled in response, a hint of sarcasm decorating herughter. "Do you honestly think that someone who only recently cleared a Trial Domain Lv. 150 has enough resources to withstand my sniper attack? I don''t think so."


    As the tension thickened, Melliandra''s confidence in her skills shone through, while Kingsley remained cautious, knowing the stakes were higher than just a simple confrontation. The hum of the Trial Domain resonated, a constant reminder that their target, Broken, could emerge at any moment.


    "Elincia will be furious if she finds out!" Kingsley confirmed with a resolute tone. "Be careful, or else you may pay for it dearly should she catch wind of our dealings here."


    Melliandra continued to press her argument. "Ahahahaha, it doesn''t matter what the circumstances are-she''ll still be angry either way. I want to test just how strong our ''superstar'' really is; if he''s going to share seats with us in The Ass Guild, then I need to make sure he can handle our group."


    Kingsley attempted to reason with her once more, "We havee here with good intentions and only wish to win him over."


    Melliandra was unmoved. Her fervor barely concealed, "Everyone will kneel before us, begging for the honor to be a part of The Ass Guild! Therefore, consider this a test for him!"


    She steadied her sniper rifle, finger coiling around the trigger. "After a few days of fighting monsters in this forest, I want to have some fun," she said in a cheerful tone.


    Kingsley, with his giant bear body, just stood there, his gaze fixed on her. "Elincia will be arriving soon. I hope you are prepared to take the risk."


    Melliandra just giggled lightly, undeterred by Kingsley''s warning. As she took aim once more, her bullet boasted an ignored defense attribute, leaving no one safe from her wrath.


    "Come on, Mr. Broken, show me how good you are! No matter how thick your defense, you won''t be able to survive!"


    The atmosphere grew tense as Melliandra''s anticipation reached its peak. Her eyes were locked on the Trial Domain, eagerly waiting for Broken to emerge. "Let''s see if he''s worthy of joining The Ass Guild."


    Freya, being dragged along by Booba, suddenly yanked her arm free and forced him to stop. "Stop it, you fool! Do you even know what you''ve done?" she eximed exasperatedly.


    Booba turned to Freya andughed heartily. "Ahahaha, I saved you just in time. Don''t worry. The one in the Trial Domain isn''t Broken. We''re safe; let''s go. We should leave this ce. By the way, where is Broken? Did he die and respawn in Deadbay again? Haha."


    "No!" Freya said firmly. "You idiot! I saw it with my own eyes-that was Broken inside! We have to go back! We need to save him!" Her voice trembled with urgency.


    "Ahahah, you don''t need to worry. He only has a low level," Booba teased as he surveyed the area. "He can''t possibly enter that Trial Domain." Hisugh echoed through the trees in the clearing as if he dismissed her concerns entirely.


    But Freya was not amused. Her eyes narrowed, and her nostrils red with frustration. She spun around and walked away, her voice tinged with desperation.


    "You dumb asshole, god damn it, you''ve ruined everything. We need to save Broken!" she yelled back over her shoulder as she marched briskly away.


    Booba gave chase. "Hold on! You need to have faith in me. Broken couldn''t possibly be inside. He''s still only at level 30-hahaha!"


    But Freya wouldn''t slow her pace-she knew there was no time to waste. "Do you think I''m stupid? I''m his friend too! Now shut up and trust what I said!" she snapped.


    In Freya''s analysis, Kingsley and Melliandra were not in the best condition. Although Kingsley''s rapid regeneration meant his health might have recovered well, Melliandra was clearly in worse shape. Her armor showed signs of damage, and her health hadn''t fully recovered. It seemed like they had already hit their potion effectiveness limit.


    Melliandra was the only true threat to Broken because, for some reason, she genuinely intended to harm him. Meanwhile, Kingsley seemed calmer and more neutral, although he would undoubtedly side with his partner if it came to a fight.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Freya considered the dangerous situation. She realized that with Booba''s help, they might stand a chance against Melliandra. Though somewhat reckless, Booba would likely be eager to fight if he understood the true circumstances.


    Melliandra could easily kill Freya with her sniper rifle, but if Booba attacks and takes the damage for her, Freya could snipe Melliandra from afar. That''s the most usible strategy to disarm the teenage girl forcefully.


    Freya stopped and faced Booba. "We need to kill Melliandra before she kills Broken," she said


    firmly.


    "Okay, let''s do it!"


    Freya frowned. "You don''t want to know the reason?"


    "Nah, I''ve wanted to teach that shorty a lesson for a while now, hahaha... Besides, you said


    Broken is inside that dungeon, right? So let''s go kill her, hahaha."


    Booba strode confidently past Freya, ready for the confrontation.


    "How can Broken possibly befriend someone this stupid?" she thought to herself.

 Chapter 102: Chapter 102 - Three is Wild, Thirty is Insane

    Chapter 102: - Three is Wild, Thirty is Insane


    ?


    [Name: Broken]


    [Level: 60]


    [ss: Super Novice | Royal cksmith]


    [Health: 1,980 | Mana: 2,268]


    [Strength: 395 | Agility: 164 | Intelligence: 194 | Constitution: 148 | Stamina: 150]


    [Charisma: 50 | Luck: 25 | Dexterity: 40 | Survival: 20]


    [Avable Stat Points: 120]


    [Weight: 1,460/2,370]


    Broken quickly essed histest status, scanning through the details with a mix of anticipation and scrutiny. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips when he noticed that he had ascended by an impressive ten levels instantly. However, a small sigh escaped him when he realized that his overall level was still rtively low. If only someone already over level 150 had received a 10-level boost, that achievement would have been truly extraordinary, something worth celebrating.


    Shouldn''t level increases be calcted based on experience points? He felt a twinge of dissatisfaction gnawing at him. Wasn''t that older man being somewhat unfair in his treatment? Surely, he should have earned more levels, he thought, his brow furrowing slightly.


    Yet, the essence of leveling upy in the stat points that apanied each increase. The ten levels he had gained had granted him 100 additional stat points, a treasure trove of potential waiting to be unlocked.


    Now, he had a total of 120 avable stat points at his disposal, ready to be allocated in a way that would optimize his abilities and fortify his strengths.


    Having carefully considered his options, Broken finalized his allocation.


    [Spend 40 Stat Points into Strength]


    [Spend 30 Stat Points into Agility]


    [Spend 10 Stat Points into Intelligence]


    [Spend 20 Stat Points into Constitution]


    [Spend 20 Stat Points into Stamina]


    [Health: 2,180 | Mana: 2,388]


    [Strength: 435 | Agility: 194 | Intelligence: 204 | Constitution: 168 | Stamina: 170]


    [Charisma: 50 | Luck: 25 | Dexterity: 40 | Survival: 20]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Avable Stat Points: 0]


    [Weight: 1,460/2,610]


    He smiled with satisfaction as he reviewed his final status, feeling a sense of aplishment wash over him. Calcting his total stat points, he realized that his capabilities might now rival those of average level 100 yers, provided that those yers relied solely on level-ups rather thanpleting unique achievements. But, it was important to note he had achieved all of this in less than three months of Yunatea Time! The thought of what might happen to him if he continued to progress at this rate was exhrating.


    To put things into perspective, even in the early stages of his journey, he had already received such substantial upgrades. Wasn''t this incredibly intimidating? Just imagine what his progress would be like over the course of one year in Yunatea Time! The possibilities seemed endless and filled with potential.


    After feeling a deep sense of satisfaction with histest status upgrades, he turned his attention to the next reward he had received-a Legendary ring! Intrigued, he reached out and picked up the stunning piece of jewelry. The ring was adorned with three small, sparkling gemstones set atop a band of shimmering gold, exuding an aura of pure magnificence and power.


    [The Unbreakable Heart Ring]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Partners - 0]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 12]


    [This Unbreakable Heart Ring is an extraordinary piece of jewelry, designed to remain steadfast and resilient through countless battles and rtionships. It possesses unique powers that grow stronger with eachpanion who joins you inbat.


    [The more partners you have, the more powerful you will be, unlocking the full potential of the ring by having up to three partners.]


    [First ability: For every partner who joins you in battle, your stats increase by 10%, up to a 30% boost max.]


    [Second ability: You gain a unique skill or ability derived from one of your partner''s special traits.]


    [To unlock the first ability, you must achieve 80% affinity with a partner of the opposite gender. For the second ability, you need to form a special bond with them.]


    [The partner has to belong to one of the seven major races in Yunatea.]


    [User Restriction:


    Level 200 or higher.


    3 Slots of Fingers.]


    Broken swallowed hard as he read the description of the ring. Although it required a level 200 to equip, he only needed another 40 levels to use it, which, ording to his calctions, wouldn''t take too long. The effects of the ring were beyond his expectations. A boost to his overall stats by up to 30%! That was an extremely high value.


    However, the requirement to unlock the first ability of the ring wasplex. It demanded that he increase his affinity with members of the opposite gender to 80%, and they had to belong to one of the seven major races.


    He paused to contemte this. Checking his Affinity list, he noticed his highest affinity was with Polly at 75%, but she was a Spirit Beast and didn''t belong to one of the seven major races. His second highest affinity was with Ivana at 65%.


    If he managed to unlock the ring''s full potential, he would gain a unique ability or skill from


    the person with whom he had an affinity. If he reached 80% affinity with Ivana and have special bond with her, did that mean he could instantly be a chef, too, like her? He paused once more to consider the implications.


    But then, he realized to unlock the ring''s potential fully, he needed to form a special bond with someone. What did that truly entail? He nced again at the ring''s name, connecting it to the idea of building affinity through trust and closeness. Did this mean he had to marry the person to unlock its full potential? Moreover, to achieve the most optimal state, would he need three partners with full potential?


    Broken swallowed hard again, imagining several scenarios he could enact with this Legendary ring. Given its Legendary grade, it certainly held extraordinary potential. He just needed to work diligently to unlock all of it. It may be worth considering inviting Ivana to his party. Was that the best choice? Even though she didn''t possess fighting abilities?


    "Yes, this is truly a remarkable ring. It could be worth a fortune to anyone who wanted it. A


    ten percent boost in stats for only one partner is very precious indeed. But that''s not all-if I''m able to find three partners, it will unlock the full potential of this ring. It''s almost too


    good to be true!"


    His reverie was interrupted by Polly, who stood nearby, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "Master... I am so d you were able to get what you deserve," she said. "That legendary ring is so beautiful... what is the power of the ring, Master?"


    Broken hesitated for a moment, pondering how to exin it. "Uhm..." he began, then paused. "It likely forces me to have multiple wives, I guess?"


    Polly''s eyes widened, but she nodded. "That makes sense based on what the older man said... but I am sure there will be many women eager to marry you, Master. You could be exceptionally strong if you had thirty wives."


    Broken shook his head, turning to face Polly directly. "No," he said firmly, "Three is already


    wild, thirty is insane!"


    Feeling satisfied with his progress within the Trial Domain and the rewarding loot he had


    acquired, Broken decided it was time to move forward. The rewards, especially the Legendary ring and the two S-rating quests he had picked up, were substantial. However, he knew thatpleting those quests wouldn''t be easy-they would push him to his limits.


    Turning to Polly, he gave a decisive nod. "Okay, let''s go out and meet Freya."

 Chapter 103: Chapter 103 - Fury Unleashed

    Chapter 103: - Fury Unleashed


    ?


    Freya and Booba felt their breath catch at the sight before them: Melliandra, her sniper rifle fixed with deadly precision on the trial domain entrance.


    "Booba, stick to the n! Distract Melliandra," Freyamanded.


    Booba readied his sword, his wyvern appearing behind him, poised for attack.


    But standing in their path was Kingsley, an imposing figure in his massive bear form.


    "Please, stay back! It''s too dangerous! I can''t guarantee your safety!" he growled, his voice a rough warning.


    "Kingsley, are you serious? You''re telling me to stop when you know your reckless friend is trying to kill ours?!" Booba shot back.


    At that critical moment, the portal of the Trial Domain shimmered, and a figure stepped out. "It''s Broken!" Booba shouted, a mixture of relief and fear in his voice. "Broken, get out of there! That shorty''s gonna kill you!!"


    Emerging from the portal, Broken felt his breath catch, his eyes instantly locking onto a rifle trained on him. As reality sunk in, his gaze shifted from the cold barrel to the face of Melliandra, smirking with malicious delight. Her finger curled around the trigger, and she sneered with twisted glee, "Show me you''re worthy to join us, hahaha," she taunted.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The rifle fired, the shot bursting through the air with a blinding sh and a deafening crack. For a moment, everyone stood frozen, their faces etched with shock. Broken didn''t have time to react or evenprehend what was happening; it all transpired faster than his vision could track. But...


    In the blink of an eye, Polly sprang into action. The nine-tailed fox spirit moved with astonishing speed, her tails a blur as she shielded Broken with her body. The bullet struck her, shattering into countless fragments, her form vanishing instantly.


    [Polly, the Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit Beast, has suffered a fatal attack. She will return to the spirit world to heal and recover.]


    Yet Polly''s ultimate sacrifice seemed almost futile as the bullet continued its deadly path. Her valiant effort did not halt the relentless projectile.


    Broken felt a wave of helplessness wash over him as he realized he couldn''t evade the attack. The bullet hit him square in the chest, sending shockwaves of pain rippling through his body. His body was hurled several meters from the impact, and he felt an explosion of agony in his blood that he could feel within his physical body.


    [Warrior''s Call Armor (Chest) has lost significant durability]


    [Durability: 22/100]


    [You have received a fatal blow!]


    [Ethereal Form activated. You''re now shielded from physical attacks, but any magic damage you take will be doubled for the next five seconds. Your health is restored to 100%.]


    The chest armor was severely damaged, and the metal cracked and broken. Yet, his Ethereal Form saved him from a fatal conclusion. Light consumed him, enveloping him in a brilliant glow that marked his extraordinary survival.


    Melliandra''s eyes widened in disbelief as she saw Broken stand strong against her devastating attack.


    "Impossible...that was one of my most powerful skills! He should''ve died instantly!" she whispered, her voice tinged with shock, and her Mana depleted entirely.


    Kingsley, towering in his bear form, also wore an expression of astonishment. "It appears we''ve chosen the wrong target to challenge," he muttered.


    Freya, still catching her breath, said, "It''s up to you now, Broken, to decide whates next." She knew he was invulnerable to physical attacks for the next few seconds, and she noticed that Melliandra was out of mana. He should be able to finish her off in this critical condition!


    Booba was equally stunned, his mind reeling. "Broken? Is it really him? How did he be so strong in such a short time? I remember he was just at level 30 a few weeks ago!"


    [Blessing of Health (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    Grants a temporary boost of health by 30% to the user.


    Broken''s mind raced frantically; he had only five precious seconds to act before the threat resumed. His thoughts crystallized around a cold realization: "Melliandra, she''s a top yer in the Ass Guild, a formidable opponent." But now, she was clearly weakened, her wounded arm giving her away.


    Determined, Broken scanned the area, his gaze locking onto Kingsley''s enormous form. He knew that the massive bear was a shape-shifting human who could pose a significant threat. Yet, Kingsley''s distant position gave Broken a narrow window of opportunity. Resolving his action, Broken knew his first priority was to neutralize Melliandra. Drawing strength from his rage, especially after witnessing Polly''s ultimate sacrifice, he tightened his grip on his sword.


    He no longer cared about the scale of the confrontation that would arise with the Ass Guild after this. Once before, their Guild Master had killed him, and he swore he wouldn''t let that happen a second time!


    Without further hesitation, Broken lunged toward Melliandra. His face was a mask of fury and determination as he prepared to strike, every muscle in his body coiled with intent.


    "Pay for what you''ve done!" Broken roared, his voice echoing with fury.


    [Charged Attack (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    With speed, Brokenunched himself at Melliandra, his sword slicing through the air with lethal precision. Fear shed in her eyes as she realized she was defenseless with her Mana reservespletely drained.


    "Damn it!" she cursed, her body yielding to the force of Broken''s strike. She copsed to the ground, her energy spent.


    [Quick Strike (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    Blood sttered the ground as Broken unleashed a relentless barrage of strikes. Each blow tore through her defenses as if they were nothing, leaving deep, fatal wounds in their wake.


    Melliandra''s voice was a desperate scream, "Stop it! I''m gonna kill you!"


    But there was no stopping him now. Suddenly, four figures emerged from the shadows of the trees: Elincia, a mage garbed in radiant blue; Maylock, an archer d in a gray suit with sunsses; Skywarden, a stalwart shield bearer in gleaming white knight armor; and


    Goldrich, an old magician cloaked in tattered robes.


    Elincia''s eyes widened in horror as she saw Broken poised for the final blow against Melliandra. She tried to act, but it was toote.


    Elincia clenched her fists in frustration, knowing her reunion with Broken had to begin with such a confrontation. She should have been more vignt about what Melliandra might pull off; this troublemaker had truly pushed her to the edge.


    With a swift gesture, she signaled to the others to hold their positions. No one knew the full story behind this conflict, and it was crucial to approach the situation with caution. She noticed Kingsley standing still, not intervening, which made it clear that this mess was


    entirely Melliandra''s doing.


    "Everyone, stand down!" Elinciamanded, her voice firm but controlled.


    [Severing Strike (Active Skill)]


    Broken summoned all his remaining strength, his sword arcing through the air with


    unyielding force.


    [Double Strikes (Conditional Passive Skill)]


    His gloves'' passive ability activated, doubling the devastating damage of his strike. The sword glowed fiercely, slicing through the air with pinpoint uracy.


    The impact was massive, Melliandra gasping in agony as the fatal blow struck. She felt her life ebbing away in those final, painful moments.


    Broken''sst strike sealed her fate, extinguishing her life with cold, relentless precision.


    [You have killed Melliandra Lv. 205]


    [You have acquired Kiss of Fortune Ring (Epic)]

 Chapter 104: Chapter 104 - Kiss of Fortune

    Chapter 104: - Kiss of Fortune


    ?


    [You have killed Melliandra Lv. 205]


    [You have acquired Kiss of Fortune Ring (Epic grade)]


    [Kiss of Fortune Ring]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Durability: 89/100]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    [Weight: 3]


    [When you wear this ring, it feels like fortune itself has blessed you! It grants the ability to unleash a storm of physical projectiles from a single shot. Strike down your enemies with one devastating blow and live the life of an action hero!]


    [Skills:]


    [Projectile''s Kiss: Doubles the power of your physical projectiles, such as arrows or bullets, with this powerful ring.


    Mana Cost: 500


    Cooldown: 5 Minutes]


    [User Restriction: Level 172 or higher.]


    Satisfied with his vengeance for Polly, Broken couldn''t help but smile. He took a moment to read the description of the Epic-grade ring he had acquired from Melliandra. Although it required a level of 172 to use, he was thrilled by the powerful skills embedded in the ring, which perfectlyplemented his bow abilities.


    Rising to his feet, he noticed four additional figures approaching from various directions. Among them was Elincia, someone he clearly recognized, while the other three were undoubtedly members of the Ass Guild. Five high-level guild members stood against him, Freya and Booba.


    Maylock, the archer with sunsses, sighed in frustration at the scene before him. He took a deep breath and darted towards Broken with the swiftness of a bullet, his bow aimed directly at him.


    "Stay where you are," hemanded, his voice cold and unwavering. "Don''t underestimate my arrows. I know there''s something you need to exin."


    Maylock cursed under his breath as the gravity of the situation dawned on him. He knew they should have treated the man before him with caution, but it seemed something had gone terribly wrong, leading to the conflict between him and Melliandra.


    Broken stood motionless for a moment, his mind racing. Suddenly, a gigantic red magic array began to materialize far above his head, a clear sign of a high-tier magic skill. The intense red aura revealed that it wasn''t Elincia''s work, whose lightning magic usually bore a blue hue.


    It was Goldrich, the older mage. His magical skill seemed to threaten anyone beneath its enormous power. "Khi khi khi, we have a big problem here..." muttered the old man, surveying the scene with a grin.


    But Elincia, her face a storm of rage and frustration, bellowed with an astounding roar, "Can you all use your brains, stand still, and do as Imanded?!!"


    Her powerful words thundered from her mouth like an angry crack of lightning splitting the sky. It felt as if the ground trembled beneath their feet as Elincia''s voice echoed through the sunlit expanse. Around them, animals scurried away, and birds took flight, startled by the sheer force of hermand.


    "Damn, she managed to do that just by yelling?" Broken murmured softly to himself.


    Freya''s body shuddered at the sound of Elincia''s chilling demand, yet she nheless positioned herself in front of Broken.


    Booba swiftly followed her, shielding Broken with his own body.


    "Broken, I''ll try to keep them busy. You must make your escape!" Freya dered firmly, urging him to move as quickly as possible.


    "Tsk!" Booba snorted in irritation. "I won''t let this injustice go unchallenged," he eximed vehemently.


    Elincia, seething with rage, her eyes burning with intensity, kicked Goldrich in the stomach. "Put down your magic at once!" she ordered.


    The old mageplied hastily, and the enormous magic array above Broken dissipated into thin air.


    Elincia''s voice trembled with barely contained anger as she snapped, "What happened here? Tell me everything that urred before this moment!" Her tone was filled with anxiety and a dread of what she might hear next.


    Kingsley''s massive bear form began to glow and shift back into his human state. His body shrunk down significantly. With a stoic expression, he took careful steps toward Elincia.


    "Sorry, Elincia. This is my fault for not stopping Melliandra. She said she wanted to test Broken''s strength. She shot him with a powerful skill and killed his spirit beast. What happened next is what you all saw. Broken brutally killed the wounded Melliandra."


    "You are many times her size, yet you failed to restrain her from doing this!" Elincia snapped, trying to keep her voice steady andposed. She took a deep breath and rubbed her


    forehead, muttering, "Oh god, I am so stressed right now..."


    Booba scowled and shouted at Maylock, "Hey, you big oaf! Didn''t you hear your Guild Master''s orders? Put down your bow!"


    Maylock, with a sardonic smile, lowered his bow slowly and backed away cautiously.


    Elincia felt a wave of awkwardness seeing the immaturity of her guild members. Massaging her forehead to keep her anger in check, she took a deep breath before walking toward Broken, trying to maintain herposure.


    What should she do? She had already caused a misunderstanding with Broken once, and now another misunderstanding had urred. It seemed this situation wouldn''t be resolved easily, although at least this time, he hadn''t ended up dead like before.


    Elincia''s gaze settled on Broken, her expression reflecting a deep sadness and exhaustion.


    "Broken, I understand that we''ve been through a string of unfortunate events and misunderstandings. I need you to exin it all from your viewpoint. We have to fix this without more bloodshed. As the representative of the Astral Sorcery Squad''s Guild Master, I sincerely apologize for any confusion that has urred. I''m ready to do whatever''s needed to mend our rtionship and move past this incident."


    "Elincia..." Booba was the first to reply. "After everything you''ve put my close friend through, you apologize so easily? He deserves substantialpensation for the mental stress your actions have caused. Exin to him why you were hunting him!"


    "Hunting? We were trying to locate him, not hunt him," Elincia tried to rify.


    "Then how do you exin what that shorty Melliandra did?" Booba retorted.


    Elincia nodded slightly, acknowledging the point. "It was my responsibility, but I assure you,


    it did not reflect our intentions towards him," she said.


    "Well, it''s time to take responsibility, Elincia!"


    Booba''s words stirred a wave of frustration within Elincia, her lips pressing into a firm line and her eyes narrowing as she responded, "I will do anything, absolutely anything, to make amends for what has happened. And I promise, there will be no further conflicts between us, even considering that he has killed Melliandra."


    Elincia then turned her focus away from Booba, directing her attention towards Broken, though she avoided making direct eye contact with him.


    Freya, barely whispering, murmured to Broken, "Broken..." She took a step closer and continued, "I believe we should at least listen to Elincia''s exnation. We could trust her words... But the choice is entirely yours."


    Freya felt a wave of relief wash over her as the confrontation hadn''t escted further. Nevertheless, they needed to tread carefully in their responses, fully aware that they were dealing with a powerful guild. It was clear that they wouldn''t stand a chance against these


    elite yers.


    But wait... so the Astral Sorcery Squad wasn''t actually hunting Broken? Then who spread the rumor that they were after him in the first ce? She already knew the answer!


    "How can Broken possibly befriend someone this stupid?" she thought to herself.

 Chapter 105: Chapter 105 - Ive Made My Decision

    Chapter 105: - I''ve Made My Decision


    ?


    Booba took a bold step forward, his voice trembling with restrained anger.


    "You killed him once before, Elincia!" he used. "How will you ever make up for the harm you''ve caused my friend?"


    The words seemed to freeze time itself, the weight of the moment pressing down upon everyone present.


    Elincia lifted her gaze. In a soft yet firm tone, she responded, "If this is the price we must pay to end this conflict, then I am ready toy down my life. Let him take my life once-no, twice, or however many times he wishes. No one from my guild will protest. All these misunderstandings must end now."


    Broken watched her intently, his stoic expression unchanging. The stakes of dying in the game were tremendously high, especially for a top-ranked yer like Elincia. Even a single death could strip away valuable experience points, potentially lowering her level. Additionally, if any precious items from her inventory were to drop, she would suffer significant losses. Was she truly serious about her offer?


    Maylock, the archer with sunsses, clicked his tongue in disapproval at Elincia''s proposal. "Levels are something we''ve gained through immense effort and pain, Elincia. You can''t just throw them away like this," he argued. "I believe we can find another way to resolve this issue, can''t we?"


    "Please, no one else speaks except me!" Elincia interjected, casting a stern nce in Maylock''s direction. "Don''t even think of making such a suggestion!"


    Skywarden, d in his gleaming white armor, approached Elincia with an impatient scowl etched across his face. "Why do you feel the need to go to such lengths for him? Look at him, he''s only wearing that ridiculous level 50 armor. Do you really think he deserves this kind of sacrifice?"


    "Shut up, all of you!" Elincia snapped, her fury boiling over. Whirling around, she drew her staff and struck Skywarden''s helmet with a resounding ng. "If you can''t hold your tongue, I will personally send you to the Temple of Resurrection," she warned.


    She leaned in closer. "Do you want to test me? If I hear another word from you, it will be yourst."


    Skywarden hissed in frustration, retreating slowly. "This is ridiculous..."


    "Silence!" Elincia barked again, and Skywarden fell quiet, cowed by her ferocity.


    Booba felt his stomach churn as he desperately tried to think of a way to ease the mounting tension between Broken and Elincia. She was his little sister, a fact he had to keep hidden in this exceedingly vtile situation. Taking a deep breath, he stepped closer to Broken and spoke in a soft, reassuring tone.


    "Broken," Booba whispered, "I believe we can trust her words. I know her... she means what she says."


    "You know her?" Broken questioned.


    "Yes," Booba affirmed. "I can vouch for her. She speaks the truth."


    Broken''s steely eyes bore into Elincia as if trying to decipher her intentions. Reluctantly, he walked past Freya and Booba, his sword already stowed away in his inventory.


    Elincia lifted her gaze toward Broken but quickly averted her eyes when she met with the intensity of his stare.


    "What is it that you''re trying to achieve with all this? Can you exin everything clearly?" Broken demanded, his voice cutting through the tension.


    Elincia swallowed hard, taking a moment to gather her thoughts before speaking. "Very well, I''ll start from the beginning. I heard screams inside Princess Alora''s tent, so I rushed in to investigate and found out-"


    "Please, skip that part," Broken interrupted.


    She nodded, her wordsing out in a stutter. "I thought you were a threat to Princess Alora, so I used the most powerful spell I knew against you. But then, to my surprise, she asked me to find your whereabouts. So, I gathered members from my guild and set out to find you-not to hunt you, but to look for you without any ill intent."


    Elincia paused, waiting for a reaction from Broken, but he remained silent,pelling her to continue. "As for what Melliandra did, I take full responsibility as the guild master. However, her actions do not represent the Ass Guild. She acted on her own personal interest. Nevertheless, I hope we can resolve this matter amicably..."


    Broken finally responded, "She attacked me and killed my spirit beast. But I killed her in return and acquired an Epic ring from her death."


    Elincia nodded slowly. "I can assure you that there will be no further issues from Melliandra regarding this incident. I guarantee this for you, provided you no longer hold a grudge against her. I will also ensure she apologizes to you directly."


    "And now that you''ve found me, what is it that you want?" he pressed.


    A deep breath escaped her lips before she continued.


    "To put it inly, my guild and I need your help for our next grand quest, and we are willing to make it worth your while. I deeply regret my actions towards you, and I want you to know that I will not only reward you for your assistance but alsopensate fairly for all that I did to you." Her voice quivered slightly from the intense pressure she was under. "And as I said earlier, to atone for what I''ve done, you have my permission to kill me in return. I hope that afterward, everything will be clear, and no misunderstandings will remain between us." Skywarden let out a low growl, "This is stupid," he muttered under his breath.


    Maylock shook his head in agreement. "This is too much, Elincia," he stated.


    Skywarden added, "It would be a grave insult to our guild and our reputation if you do that. It would be better if you did not make such amends. You are our Guild Master; let other members make this sacrifice in your ce."


    Kingsley stepped forward. "I am partially to me for this situation," he dered firmly. "I should have intervened to stop Melliandra. I ept the responsibility. Let me die for you, Elincia. You are our Guild Master, your rank is immensely valuable."


    Goldrich, the older mage, then approached Elincia with a calm smile. "Can you all respect her decision, please? We chose her as our Guild Master for a reason, right? I stand with Elincia," he added.


    Broken stood silently, absorbing the reactions of those around him. He summoned his sword once more, gripping it tightly as he deliberated his next move. He knew that the consequences of his decision would be far-reaching. Although he didn''t fully understand the extent of what Elincia was asking for, he recognized the gravity of the situation. If he made the wrong choice, the conflict could escte beyond his control. Facing a guild as powerful and skilled as theirs was a daunting prospect. These were not ordinary yers; their levels and capabilities were formidable.


    Maylock furrowed his brow, his teeth clenched in frustration at the sight of their Guild Master being put in such a vulnerable position.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Skywarden''s eyes burned with seething hatred, wishing nothing more than to tear the smirk off his adversary''s face.


    Goldrich was poised, ready to deploy any of his skills to immobilize any guild members who might defy Elincia''s orders.


    Kingsley, meanwhile, watched Elincia with an expression of profound regret, his loyalty and concern etched deeply on his face.


    "I''ve made my decision," Broken announced with finality.

 Chapter 106: Chapter 106 - Fair Deal

    Chapter 106: - Fair Deal


    ?


    Broken stood tall with his sword in hand, poised as if ready to strike someone before him. His grip was unyielding, and his gaze turned steely as he braced himself for any immediate


    reactions.


    In the profound silence, Broken''s mind raced through various scenarios to maximize his advantage from this encounter. He toyed with the idea of epting Elincia''s offer to kill her once or even twice. Surely, such an act could yield a handsome reward in the form of valuable items from her inventory-imagine the precious loot a top-ranked yer like her might possess. Yet, a seed of doubt nagged at him.


    The chance of valuable items dropping upon her death wasn''t guaranteed. There was a possibility that all he would achieve would be to satisfy his anger, gaining nothing more. Elincia had said it was all a misunderstanding, but the fact remained that she had killed him once. Her guild members wouldn''t easily ept Broken killing her on the spot. They might rebel and retaliate against him despite Elincia''s assurances that no one would act against her orders. After all, Melliandra had defied Elincia''smands out of personal interest.


    Booba and even Freya weren''t yet strong enough to fend off such powerful adversaries, he reasoned.


    This scenario was fraught with potential trouble. Provoking a powerful guild in his current state was not a wise move; he wasn''t prepared for the inevitable fallout.


    As these thoughts churned in his mind, another idea began to crystallize-one that promised greater benefit. He nodded slowly, firming up his decision.


    "I''ve made my decision," Broken dered once more.


    Elincia looked at him with a curious expression. "Please tell me."


    "Vine Horror Treant," he replied.


    Elincia''s eyes flickered with confusion at his response.


    "I need your help," he continued. "I need your guild''s power to defeat this monster and im its precious loot for myself. There''s something I need from this creature."


    Elincia took a moment to weigh the situation, scrutinizing him all the while. Eventually, she nodded in agreement.


    "Are you sure that will resolve all our issues?" she asked.


    "As you can see, I''m alone. I don''t have the strength to fight such a formidable monster on my own, but I need something from it. That''s why I need to secure the loot efficiently," Broken exined.


    Elincia nodded slowly. "Yes," she agreed firmly. "If that is your wish, it is not an unreasonable request. We will assist you in battling this creature. When it falls, you shall have all its drop items. Our guild''s aid will be yours until you obtain what you need."


    Freya smiled faintly, hearing his decision. "He sure knows how to turn the situation to his advantage," she muttered under her breath. "This is a smart move!"


    The tension in the air was palpable as everyone awaited Broken''s response.


    "With this, I may be willing to discuss further coboration with your guild. However, I can''t promise that I will agree to any long-term deal," he continued.


    "Understood." Elincia bowed her head respectfully. "Thank you for your generous answer. We need to regroup and discuss our strategy further since we may need more people than just our guild members."


    "What? Why?"


    "The Vine Horror Treant was initially a level 150 raid boss, but it has since grown to level 180," Elincia exined. "As the world progresses, the monster gains levels and bes harder to defeat. It takes fifty to sixty level 150 yers to raid it, or around fifteen level 200 yers. Our guild has only thirteen members in total."


    Broken''s mind swirled with the new information. He nced over at Freya, who gave him a sheepish smile and shrugged.


    "Sorry, my data is a bit outdated," she admitted.


    Elincia slowly shifted her gaze to the other members of her guild.


    "Anyments?" she asked, her voice tight.


    Maylock, the archer donning sunsses, responded with a faint smile, "I think this is a fair deal. We know this task won''t be easy, but we can manage. We''ve faced this monster before, after all."


    Skywarden, the knight in white armor, looked irritated but remained silent and motionless. Goldrich, the older mage, gave Elincia a knowing grin. "This young man seems wise enough to prioritize personal goals over anger," he noted approvingly. "It''s a greedy proposal, for sure, but if it helps us get what we need, I support it."


    Kingsley smiled and nodded his agreement slowly. "Of course, I have no objections to this n, Elincia. As usual, I will be the tank on the front lines," he affirmed confidently.


    Elincia took a deep breath before addressing Broken. "I will discuss this with my guild members, and we will meet again at rio Town in a few days. Would that work for you?"


    Broken inclined his head slightly. "That''s fine with me."


    But then Elincia hesitated. "And...how do I contact you?"


    Booba interjected with a big grin. "Don''t you dare send him a friend request. He hasn''tpletely forgiven you," he said, wagging a finger yfully. "Just contact me, and I''ll be the intermediary between you two."


    "Understood. Thank you, Booba."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Booba strode over to Elincia andid a hand on her shoulder. "Uh, Broken... actually, she is my sister," he confessed awkwardly.


    "Shut up, troublemaker!"


    Elincia''s cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she pulled away from Booba''s grasp and stormed off.


    Booba just chuckled at her retreating figure. "C''mon, be a bit nicer to your big brother," he called after her.


    Broken''s eyes widened in disbelief. "What?! Sister?"


    Freya let out a tiny snicker, finding the situation amusing.


    Broken turned towards her. "You knew about this?"


    She shrugged, giving him a sheepish smile.


    Booba grinned, though his attempt at levity did little to calm the undercurrent of tension. "Sorry forplicating things. I guess I didn''tpletely understand what was going on. And, well, I thought they were hunting you because of what happened before, hahaha." Freya shot Booba a disapproving look. "Geez, Booba," she eximed, "sometimes you can be so dense! You should see a doctor and check if something happened to your brain! If you had rified your sister''s intentions better, this whole mess wouldn''t have gotten soplicated."


    "I just didn''t want any trouble between Broken and Elincia," Booba protested, still chuckling. "After I found out Elincia killed him when they first met, I figured I should try to smooth


    things over."


    "You''re so dumb," Freya shot back.


    Elincia and herpanions stepped closer to the group, halting only when they stood face to


    face.


    "I hope this misunderstanding will soon be resolved and that it will open the door to new opportunities," Elincia said earnestly. "Let my guild mates and I depart first."


    Broken nodded in agreement, allowing Elincia and the others to turn and walk away from him.


    As they vanished from sight, Freya looked over to Booba. "So, you''re not following them?" Booba chuckled heartily. "Ahahaha, no. I''m staying here with both of you."


    Broken took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment to gather his thoughts. "So much is happening all at once. I need to log out to keep my mind sane."


    "Oh, so you just realized this?" Freya said with a chuckle. "I thought you had forgotten about


    the real world."


    Broken turned towards Booba. "Let''s meet back here in 24 hours, okay? After that, we''ll head


    to rio Town together."


    "Alright!" Booba responded eagerly.


    With their n in ce, Broken and the others exchanged quick farewells before logging out


    of the game.

 Chapter 107: Chapter 107 - A Dinner Date?

    Chapter 107: - A Dinner Date?


    ?


    Leon slowly fluttered his eyes open, the dimly lit room graduallying into focus. He extracted himself from the sleek capsule device, his muscles groaning in protest as he extended his arms and legs. The past few days had taken quite a toll on him, but the rush of adrenaline from the game world still coursed through his veins.


    He reflected on his recent exploits: braving the Trial Domain, matching wits and strength with the Ass Guild. Yet, all had ended in their favor, leaving Leon with a sense of satisfaction and a desire to celebrate.


    The capsule beside him hummed softly before Freya emerged with graceful ease, her face lighting up with a warm smile. "Hi... long time no see," she teased.


    Leon tilted his head. "Why don''t you use your real hair color in the game, Freya?"


    "Why should I? You do the same, don''t you? Your hair is ck in the game," she retorted with a smile.


    Together, they navigated their way out of the game room and into the cozy expanse of the living area. Freya ran her fingers through her hair and nced at Leon, "What do you think? Which one''s better-this color or the red one?" She turned, showcasing her current hair shade.


    Leon sank into the plush cushions of the couch, a sigh of relief escaping his lips. Freya joined him, settling beside him closely, her knees brushing against his.


    "Which one do you prefer, answer me," she insisted, nudging his shoulder with her fingertip. Leon gazed at her, squinting slightly as if in deep contemtion.


    "Your current color suits you well in the real world. But in the game, I think the blue stands out more. What do you think? It makes you look kind of like Elincia, the guild master of that top guild," he said, a soft chuckle escaping his lips.


    She swatted at his shoulder yfully, then turned her attention to the television.


    "Where''s Lily?" Leon inquired.


    "Studying?" Freya answered nonchntly. "She''s the epitome of discipline-diligent and smart."


    Leon couldn''t help but smirk at that. "Are you saying she''s better than me?"


    "Well, you said it..." she replied.


    After trading yful banter back and forth, they flipped through various channels without any particr interest. Despite this, they feltpletely content just being in each other''spany.


    After a while, Freya turned to him. "Don''t you want to breathe some fresh air, Leon?"


    Leon nced at her. "Do you have something in mind?"


    Her gaze softened as she leaned closer. "Do you know there''s a fantastic spot on the roof of our hotel? They''ve got a caf¨¦, a swimming pool, delicious food and drinks, and even live music. All under the beauty of the night sky."


    Leon turned to face her more fully. "Let''s go there!" he eximed eagerly. "I''ve been wanting to try some of the food there too."


    Freya''s face lit up with a sweet smile, her nods quick with agreement.


    "Perfect! Let me go change. We''ll meet there in 30 minutes," she said.


    "Sure," Leon replied, watching her gracefully leave the room.


    In no time, Leon and Freya found themselves perched atop the luxurious hotel. The sprawling city was a sea of twinkling lights, stretching endlessly into the distance. A gentle breeze wafted around them, carrying the distant strains of soft, melodic music. The midnight sky above was adorned with a canopy of glittering stars, while the silver moon cast its luminous glow over their intimate table for two.


    Freya had transformed herself for the night, donning a sleek ck dress that hugged her figure with an air of sophistication and elegance. In contrast, Leon opted for a moreid-back ensemble, wearingfortable shorts paired with a casual id shirt. Nheless, they both seemed perfectly at ease in each other''s presence.


    They conversed happily, the dialogue flowing effortlessly between them. Freya''s cheerful demeanor radiated from her constant smile, a joyful expression that seemed to have permanently taken residence on her face. Leon couldn''t help but revel in the warmth of their conversation.


    "So," Freya began, her voice yful, "which do you prefer? Doing it on the tree branches deep in a forest full of monsters, or rxing here?"


    Leon chuckled softly. "I guess both have their charms," he said confidently. "We just need to find a bnce between the two."


    "Now you talk about bnce while you spend more time in the game than living your real life," she teased.


    Leon felt a gentle vibration from his phone and nced down to see Lily''s name on the screen. He looked over to Freya, who gave him a small nod.


    "Hi, Lily?" he answered.


    "Yes, I''m with Freya... at the caf¨¦ on the rooftop," he continued.


    "It''s okay. Have you eaten yet?"


    "No, we''re just rxing, not discussing anything serious."


    "Alright, see you soon," he said, ending the call with a satisfied smile.


    "She''sing?" Freya inquired, her eyes curious.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Yes."


    Freya''s smile grew warmer at the news. "I''m d Lily is finding her footing in her new


    environment," shemented softly.


    "You mean at her new school?"


    Freya nodded, her smile reassuring.


    "Tell me more about it," Leon urged, leaning forward slightly.


    Freya shook her head yfully. "Shouldn''t you be the one who knows more about this, Mr. Responsible Brother?"


    Leon fell silent for a moment, reflecting on her words. "You''re right. I should spend more time with her,"


    Freya chuckled lightly at his response. "Let''s hear Lily''s stories about her new school, and I''ll verify whether what she says is true or not," she suggested with a wink.


    Leon couldn''t help but smile, recalling the times when Lily would hide the mistreatment she endured from her peers at her old school. He nodded, grateful that Freya could provide some much-needed perspective.


    After a few moments of yful banter, Freya''s curiosity got the better of her, and she leaned


    in slightly.


    "So, care to share what you gathered from the Fate Trial Domain?"


    "Do we really have to talk about the game during what could be considered a dinner date? Surely, we can find more interesting topics," he quipped.


    A grin spread across Freya''s face as she raised an eyebrow. "Oh, so bold of you to assume this is a dinner date, huh?"


    "Well, didn''t you once tell me you could be everything for me?" Leon retorted with a chuckle. "So, why not make this a dinner date if I say so?"


    Freya leaned back, her grin widening. "You should know better than to toy with a woman''s emotions. Are you ready to take on the responsibility thates with that?"


    Leon sighed dramatically, shaking his head. "You''re the one who always says I''m too stiff around women. But the moment I try to be a little more considerate, you''re the first to call me


    out!"


    Freya giggled at his response. "That''s because there''s no sincerity in your eyes when you say things like that. I know what''s really going on in your head-it''s all about the game! So stop pretending you''re paying attention to the women around you."


    Leon chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, I''m trying, but it''s not that easy."


    Freya sighed. "Your honesty is refreshing, though sometimes it can be a bit much. Still, I''m genuinely curious about what you found in the Fate Trial Domain. Spill the beans, that''s an order!" she dered.


    Leon gave a mock salute. "Alright, ma''am," he said.


    He proceeded to recap everything he had experienced in the Fate Trial Domain to her.

 Chapter 108: Chapter 108 - Lovey-Dovey Antics

    Chapter 108: - Lovey-Dovey Antics


    ?


    Freya paused for a moment, her face alight with enthusiasm as she processed Leon''s recounting.


    "Okay, the Deity Bane Quest sounds absolutely fascinating. I''m particrly intrigued because it ties into King ndorr, the Sloth Champion who once led the mighty Dissidia Kingdom during its golden age."


    Leon raised an eyebrow. "Did the Dissidia Kingdom ever have an era more glorious than it is now?" he asked.


    Freya nodded emphatically. "Absolutely! They were far more aggressive back then, engaging in numerous wars and conquering various races. Many of these races now reside within the borders of the Dissidia Kingdom-elves, faeries, beastkins..."


    "What?" Leon eximed.


    Freya''s excitement grew as she continued. "One of those races is the Forest Elves living in the Dissidia Kingdom. Their numbers are small, but they upy a unique region within the kingdom. If you ever wondered where Princess Aloraes from, there''s your answer. The current King married a Forest Elf, which is why Princess Alora was born."


    Leon nodded slowly. "I guess there''s a lot I need to learn. I don''t even know how many types of elves there are-high elves, forest elves, and what else?"


    Freya smiled, "Go read about it, slothy!"


    Leon had always known that the Dissidia Kingdom was renowned for its diverse popce, although his own experiences in the game mostly showed him sprawling human settlements. Beastkin were a rare sight, and he had only met a single Dwarf, Fokil, during his adventures. But he didn''t know there were entire cities filled with these races, like maybe there was a city full of beastkin or elves.


    "Okay, so The Sword of Dissidia and the Dragon Princess..." Freya began.


    "Those are the two S-ranking quests I received from ndorr," Leon confirmed.


    "Your closest goal is toplete your Moonvine Knuckles. I''m sure everything will go smoothly with Elincia''s help."


    "It will take time, I''m sure of it."


    Freya giggled. "You''re the one who chose this path, right?"


    Her tone carried a subtle challenge, and Leon couldn''t help but smile at her confidence.


    Then Freya''s expression grew more thoughtful. "Though that does leave us with a tough question: How exactly are you going to take possession of the Sword of Dissidia?"


    Leon fell silent.


    "Any ideas?" Freya prodded gently. "I mean, I was quite surprised when I first heard about this quest¡ªit''s almostedic. No one expected that a massive war for the throne would break out. And now, here you are, suddenly bing a pivotal third force in this conflict, Leon..."


    Leon let out a deep sigh. "Yeah, it is pretty funny in a twisted sort of way."


    Seeing his response, Freya''s smile softened with understanding. "In the meantime, I can help you find any information about the Dragon Princess. I''m not entirely sure how yet, but I think I can dig into old stories that might fit the pieces of the puzzle you''ve gathered."


    "Thanks, Freya."


    Freya''s expression grew more earnest as she added, "But it''s up to you to devise the n for how you''re going to craft those legendary knuckles."


    "Yes, I think I can craft the knuckles in rio Town, once I have all the materials."


    After a few moments of thoughtful silence, each lost in their own reflections, Leon found a smile creeping onto his face.


    "Happy?" Freya teased.


    "Yes," Leon responded with a broad smile. "This is the best dinner date I''ve ever had."


    "Shut up," Freya retorted yfully.


    She continued. "Let me tell you the history of the Dragon race."


    Leon nodded eagerly, leaning forward slightly in his seat.


    "As you know, before our arrival in Yunatea, the Seven Major Races had been blessed by the Seven Deadly Sins. Each race had a chosen one who possessed extraordinary powers. However, this blessing sparked a destructive war among them, with each race seeking to dominate the others and secure their position as the strongest.


    It all began with Pride-the High Elves. They started plotting against the Dragons to establish their supremacy because, at that time, Dragons were the mightiest race.


    It wasn''t long until the Demons emerged as allies to the High-Elves, and together, theyunched an oppressive campaign against the Dragon race. A great war raged for centuries, eventually weakening the Dragons considerably."


    Leon''s eyes widened with the weight of the story. "So, is that why there''s a dragon protecting the High-Elf kingdom in the Central Continent? Because the dragons were once conquered by the High-Elves?"


    Freya nodded. "That is correct. The Dragons in Yunatea are not as strong as the legends make them out to be. They have been relegated to the status of ves and pets by the High-Elves. Sadly, only a few ancient dragons remain, and their locations are shrouded in mystery."


    She continued, "But there are stories of a Dragon egg containing royal blood hidden somewhere. It is said that from this egg, a Dragon Princess emerged-she could very well be the key to our epic quest."


    "Is the Dragon Princess in human form or dragon form?"


    Freya gave him a knowing smile, clearly aware of what might be running through his mind. "Are you nning to marry her if she has a human form?" she teased, chuckling.


    Leon grinned sheepishly. "Well, that''s exactly what King ndorr hinted at, you know. But if she indeed has a human form and a Greed blessing, it would be incredible to marry her, right? I have The Unbreakable Heart legendary ring, and who knows-I might be able to wield two Sin blessings at the same time because of it."


    "Interesting... then why not aim for the High Elf Queen too? You might be the strongest being in Yunatea," Freya suggested,ughing.


    Leon sighed, shaking his head at her jest.


    "The Dragon Princess must have a human form," she said thoughtfully. "Both the Ancient Dragon and Royal Blood Dragon have that ability. It''s crucial that her whereabouts remain hidden. If the High Elf Queen were to find her, she would be hunted down and killed withoutn/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    question."


    Leon took a deep breath, absorbing the gravity of Freya''s words.


    "So..." Freya continued, "if the quest states you need to awaken her abilities, that means she is currently in a weakened state."


    "I think the first priority should be locating her. It''s pointless to n her awakening if we don''t know where she is," Leon pointed out.


    Freya nodded quickly. "I''ll help you find some clues. Alternatively, we could wait for another side quest from King ndorr that might provide hints for this main quest."


    Leon nodded in understanding before standing up and walking to the edge of the swimming pool. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, savoring the calmness of the night air around him, allowing it to seep into his very soul.


    Freya, observing him with a gleeful smile, couldn''t resist the temptation for a bit of mischief. She rose from her seat, sauntering towards Leon with the intent of shoving him into the pool.


    A grin spread across her face as she gave him a firm push on the back. However, Leon, rooted firmly to the spot, didn''t budge an inch. Her push had only one result-Freya losing her


    bnce and stumbling forward.


    "Leon... help!" she yelped, iling her arms.


    Seizing the moment, Leon swiftly caught her hand just before she could plunge into the pool. With a stern look, he said, "Say ''please help me,'' and I''ll help you."


    But Freya''s smile only widened. Using his grip to her advantage, she pulled him down into the pool with her, defying his attempt at control.


    They both fell into the pool with a ssh, water erupting around them andughter spilling out in joyous waves. They started sshing water at each other, their mirth echoing through


    the night.


    After some time of yful tussling in the pool, Freya raised her hand in mock surrender. "Please, enough! If I get sick, you''ll have to take responsibility!" she dered, her hair


    dripping wet.


    Leon climbed out of the pool first, water streaming down his clothes. He extended a hand to Freya, who took it gratefully and pulled herself out to sit beside him.


    "Get me a towel, you jerk!" she said, water glistening on her skin. Before Leon could respond, they heard footsteps approaching from behind.


    "So, you two invited me here just to watch your lovey-dovey antics?" Both Leon and Freya turned to see Lily standing there, her face set in a yful scowl.

 Chapter 109: Chapter 109 - Their Lives Had Improved

    Chapter 109: - Their Lives Had Improved


    ?


    That night, the living room was filled with the quiet hum of Leon and Freya. The soft glow from theirptops cast shadows on the walls as they sat on the plush low-pile, leaning back against the couch. Each of them was engrossed in their research, scouring the inte for any lore or forgotten tales of the Dragon Princess.


    Both were tireless in their quest, even as the clock struck eleven, signaling the approach of midnight. The mystery of the Dragon Princess had ensnared thempletely, and its potential to weave them into the grandplexity of Immortal Legacy''s major plotline was too alluring to resist.


    Unlike games of the past, where each yer could partake in the grand plot of the game, Immortal Legacy offered a unique twist-the main plotline would unfold just once, driven entirely by the yers'' actions. Those fortunate enough to ignite or steer the pivotal moments were destined to earn the greatest rewards.


    "Leon,e look at this," Freya''s voice broke the silence. She gestured to her screen.


    Curious, Leon moved closer, their shoulders brushing together as they huddled around the glowing monitor.


    As theypared the phrases from Leon''s discovery in the Fate Trial Domain with events unfolding in the game world, the pieces began to fall into ce.


    [She was the hope. The chosen one.]


    Leon read aloud.


    Freya nodded, her brow furrowing in concentration. "The first phrase clearly indicates that this Dragon Princess has been destined to be the Greed Champion from the beginning. It hints at her royal lineage."


    Leon nodded, absorbing her insights. "Yes, that makes sense."


    She survived. While the others perished.]


    "This part undoubtedly refers to the decimation of the royal Dragon family," Freya said. "The King and other significant figures were wiped out in a ruthless coboration between the high elves and demons."


    "And then?"


    "She lived with those lower than her. She was saved by the humble one," she recited before continuing with rity. "I finally understand this part. This refers to an urrence on the West Continent."


    "The West Continent?" Leon inquired.


    "Yes, the Dragonkin... This happened among the Dragonkin," she exined. "Dragonkin are a unique race with a blend of human and dragon characteristics. They possess dragon blood, which grants them enhanced physical abilities and some dragon-like features."


    She paused, allowing Leon to digest the information before continuing. "I believe the term ''lower'' here refers to the Dragonkin race."


    Leon''s eyes narrowed as he contemted the implications. "Are Dragonkin truly dragons?" The asked, seeking rification.


    Freya shook her head gently. "No, Dragonkin are not full dragons. They are a distinct race with a mix of human and dragon characteristics. They possess dragon blood but do not reach the full power or form of true dragons. Essentially, while Dragonkin have some dragon-like traits and abilities, they are fundamentally different from full dragons in terms of form, size, power, and cultural context."


    "And then? What happened next?" he prompted, eager to delve deeper into the mystery. Freya took a deep breath, her eyes narrowing in concentration.


    "Okay, so... Several decades ago, there was a massacre involving a tribe of Dragonkin on the West Continent. This was carried out by a mysterious organization, rumored to be searching for something among the Dragonkin."


    Leon furrowed his brow in contemtion. "Could it be that the Dragon Princess was among them?"


    "I''m inclined to think so," Freya replied.


    [But then, another disaster struck. A cmity seemed to follow her.]


    [Everything perished. Except her.]


    "This ties in perfectly with what the fourth and fifth parts say," Freya continued, her voice steady as she pieced together the fragments of the tale.


    "So, has the Dragonkin beenpletely wiped out?" Leon inquired.


    "Not entirely," Freya rified, shaking her head. "It was just that one tribe that became the target of this mysterious organization."


    [The girl was so isted. She felt forgotten and forlorn.]


    [The voice told her of her destiny. To fulfill a heavy duty of her people.]


    [The girl had a choice to make. To ept her fate or run away.]


    [She thought of the people she used to know. But they were gone, so she chose to stay.]


    "She chose to stay?" Leon murmured softly, his mind ticking over the implications. "On the West Continent?"


    "Possibly," Freya replied, tapping a thoughtful finger against her chin. "But I''ll dig for more information. At least we''ve made some real progress with this quest."


    After some moments of silence, Freya spoke again, her tone thoughtful. "I think, one day, we ought to visit the West Continent..." She paused. "Later, when you''re better prepared-with your level, equipment, and everything."


    Leon nodded in agreement to her words. "Agreed. Let''s handle these challenges, one step at a time."


    "Okay," she replied.


    Time passed in a blur of focused research, their concentration undisturbed until suddenly, Freya''s head drooped to the right,ing to rest gently against Leon''s shoulder. He remained still for a moment, ncing down to see her breathing slow and even out, her eyes closed in peaceful slumber.


    A smile spread across his face as he watched her sleep. He marveled at her passion for Immortal Legacy and the myriad mysteries it held. Freya''s dedication wasn''t about bing the strongest yer but uncovering the game''s secrets and delving into its lore. Perhaps it was this passion that drove her to work on the game and choose to serve as the guardian of a Divine Champion.


    Soft footsteps approached, and Leon looked up to see Lily quietly entering the room. She noticed Freya asleep on his shoulder and covered her mouth to stifle a silent giggle. Without a word, she slipped away, only to return momentster with a nket in her arms, which she


    tossed gently to Leon.


    Leon carefully draped the nket over Freya, who now appeared fully at ease resting against him. Her warmth and tranquility filled the room with a sense of calm.


    "Marry her, brother," Lily whispered with a teasing smile. "I approve..."


    "Shut... up..." Leon murmured back.


    The next morning, Leon was up early,cing his running shoes and ready for his daily jog. As he stepped outside, he noticed something different. Lily was already waiting for him, perched on her bicycle with a bright smile on her face. She wore a matching training outfit and a cap, her hair peeking out messily from underneath it. She waved energetically as soon as she saw


    him.


    Leon jogged over. "What are you doing? I thought you''d still be asleep."


    "I''m here to keep youpany on your run... But I''ll be riding my bike instead," she said with


    a giggle.


    He chuckled and adjusted her cap, tucking away the stray strands of hair. "Alright, I''d be d to have yourpany."


    "Okay, let''s go!" Lily cheered, punching the air with her right fist.


    As Leon started his run, the streetlights were still casting their faint glow over the pavement. Lily followed him at a leisurely pace, her bicycle wheels whirring smoothly as they rolled over


    the asphalt.


    "Tell me, Lily, how''s school going for you? Are you having fun?" Leon asked, keeping his pace


    steady.


    With a broad smile, she nodded. "Uh-huh," she replied. "I''m really enjoying my new school... I even made a new friend." She paused, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "Maybe I''ll introduce you to them next time?"


    "Is it a boy?"


    "Uhm... no, it''s a girl," she replied quickly. "But... Now I''m reconsidering introducing you..."


    "Why?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "I don''t know... but let me think more about this n," she said with a giggle.


    "So, what are you learning in school, Lily?"


    "It''s pretty much the same as any other school... but we also y Immortal Legacy," she said,


    her excitement evident in her voice.


    Leon turned his head slightly, still keeping his pace. "So, you have an Immortal Legacy character now? Why didn''t you tell me?"


    She chuckled. "Wait for the right moment, okay? I won''t be joining you in any dangerous adventures... I''m just having fun. So, make sure you''re strong enough to protect me when the


    timees, alright?"


    Leon nodded. "Deal."


    As they continued their morning routine, the world waking up around them, Leon couldn''t help but feel a deep sense of contentment. Their lives had truly improved-the quiet mornings, shared moments, and the adventures they experienced together filled him with joy. Leon then ran faster, making Lily''s eyes widen. "Leon...wait for me...hahaha."

 Chapter 110: Chapter 110 - Clario Town

    Chapter 110: - rio Town


    ?


    After a long and grueling journey, precisely after five days of struggling with harsh terrain and relentless monster attacks, Broken, Freya, and Booba finally arrived at rio Town. Their armor was tattered, and they bore the scars of their arduous battle, with bloodstains marking their battered bodies.


    rio Town was a modest but bustling settlement near the border of the White Sand Kingdom. Its buildings, constructed mainly from white stone, were almost hidden beneath lush greenery, with trees and vines growing profusely around them. As the trio walked its streets, they felt an immediate sense of wee from the calm and pleasant atmosphere that hung in the air.


    The southern side of the town bordered an enormous forest teeming with life, while to the north, the serene coast stretched out, with the sound of crashing waves echoing off the rocky shores.


    "Finally, we''ve made it to rio Town," Booba said, a satisfied smile spreading across his weary face. "Hahaha."


    "Yeah... finally..." Freya echoed.


    "Come, follow me," Booba said wearily. "I know a good inn where we can rest while staying in this town."


    They trudged on, looking every bit like zombies as they shuffled along the town''s streets. Their appearance-haggard, bloodied, and broken-drew stares from the townsfolk. Rather than offering help or kindness, they sneered and scoffed at them.


    "Look at them, a bunch of newbies who got lost and ended up here."


    "Do they think this ce is for amateurs? They''ll soon meet their end, rotting in the streets!"


    "Yeah, they look really poor. They should sell off their capsule devices and quit this game immediately if they want to survive."


    Booba''s face flushed with rage at their words. He turned to them, "Hey, you stupid assholes, shut up and get away from us! You wouldn''t believe how rich I am if you knew!"


    But Booba''s words fell on deaf ears. Seeing nothing but their shabby and broken appearance, the onlookers onlyughed harder.


    A few minutester, they arrived in front of a grand, awe-inspiring building. The inn was constructed from an elegant arrangement of white and gray stones, with trees and vines that grew prolifically around it. The dense forest surrounding the town gave it a distinctive, nature-themed charm that was both inviting and captivating.


    Booba, at the forefront-stepped inside the inn. Almost immediately, there were murmurs of unease among the inn maids. Some looked frightened, their eyes wide with rm, and their bodies tensed as if ready to flee.


    "Who are they? Call the town guards to chase them away."


    "I''m scared. I want to leave."


    Booba''s face contorted with anger. "Hey, you shut up! I''m so rich! Don''t judge people by their appearance, you assholes."


    Broken and Freya followed closely behind him, keeping their heads down to avoid drawing any more attention to themselves.


    Booba approached the inn''s front desk with an air of confidence. "I want to rent the most spacious room that can amodate three people, with separate bedrooms, for one month. Don''t ask too many questions and prepare it immediately."


    The woman behind the counter cowered, her eyes filled with fear. She hesitated briefly before nodding and scurrying off toply with his demand.


    Without showing any signs of his previous rage, Booba turned back to Broken and Freya, a wide smile spreading across his face.


    "We will livefortably here, leave everything to me, hahaha."


    He reached into his inventory and retrieved some gold coins, tossing them onto the counter with ease. The clinking of gold against wood broke the silence.


    "Let''s enjoy our time in this remote town while we have no other options," he said proudly. "Hahaha."


    They waited a while because the maids were preparing the room ording to Booba''s request. After that, they were escorted to the 4th floor of the inn. The maid smiled warmly as she handed them the keys to a well-appointed room.


    The space wasrger than they had anticipated, featuring aplete living area furnished with a plush sofa, a small dining table, and a few intricately designed wooden chairs. The walls were decorated with soft-colored rugs, adding a cozy touch to the room. There were three separate bedrooms, each containing afortable-looking bed with thick quilts and fluffy pillows.


    The room also boasted arge window with ss panes that flooded the space with natural light. The view was breathtaking. Gazing out, they could see the town of rio bustling with activity below. The streets were lined with vendors selling vibrant fruits and handmade crafts, children running about, and townsfolk engaging in lively conversations.


    The impressive architecture of the white and gray stone buildings contrasted beautifully with the lush greenery that seemed almost to embrace the town.


    "Elincia and her guild are also in this inn, so it''ll be easier for us to meet up with them for a gathering," Booba remarked casually, a smirk ying on his lips.


    Freya giggled at hisment. "If you''re not kind and wealthy, it''s doubtful there''s anything else useful that you can offer," she teased gently.


    "I was once an undefeated world champion in my previous game and a skilled swordsman. I have huge potential in this game. My limitations are only my level right now, hahaha. But soon, I''ll catch up to those clumsy Ass Guild members," Booba said proudly, puffing out his


    chest.


    "You''re doing so much for us, Booba," Broken suddenly interjected.


    Booba scoffed, draping an arm around Broken''s shoulders. "We were fated from the start," he said. "I don''t mind being your closest ally, so you can save your praises forter because you''ve only seen a small glimpse of what I can do for us, haha," he continued with an amused chuckle.


    Eager to shed their travel-worn attire, they quickly changed into more rxed clothing provided by the inn. The fresh clothes were simple butfortable, and it felt incredibly good to be out of their battle-damaged gear.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Freya eagerly turned to Broken. "How about we go for a stroll around town? We need to stretch our legs and see what rio has to offer."


    Booba, who had his own business to attend to, waved them off with a grin. "Go ahead. I have a few things to take care of myself."


    Agreeing, Freya and Broken made their way to the nearby tavern, drawn by the sounds of music andughter drifting through the busy streets. The tavern was a charming establishment, its rustic decor consisting of wooden beams, mismatched tables, and chairs that lent it a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Lanterns hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow over the room.


    Inside, the tavern was packed with people, adventurers and townsfolk alike, each one animatedly recounting tales of their own exploits and misadventures. The air was filled withughter, the clinking of tankards, and the soft melodies of minstrels ying cheerful tunes on their lutes. Everyone was having a grand time.


    Freya and Broken found an empty table tucked in a quiet corner and settled in. Momentster, a friendly serving maid brought them tes piled high with delicious-looking food and frothy mugs of drinks. The aroma of grilled meat and freshly baked bread wafted up, making


    their mouths water.


    Freya smiled widely at Broken and let out a hearty chuckle. "I never miss a chance to take advantage of this game''s specialty. To be able to eat without fear of being bloated-what an exquisite privilege of this century!" she eximed.


    She grabbed a piece of grilled meat from her te and devoured it with gusto as if she hadn''t


    eaten in days.


    Broken grinned, lifting his wooden cup to take a sip of the cool drink. He nodded thoughtfully, his mind momentarily drifting. "I want Lily to experience this too."


    "She will be able to join us soon enough!"


    They ate heartily, savoring every bite. The grilled meat was perfectly seasoned, juicy, and tender, and the bread was warm and fresh.


    Five adventurers, seemingly at level 150 judging by their gear, suddenly appeared around Broken and Freya as they ate and talked. An imposing figure with long, shining ck hair lowered himself to meet Freya''s gaze.


    "I saw you earlier on the street, I can tell you''re an archer," he said with a sly smile. "We need


    an archer for our party. How about leaving your useless friend and joining us?" he said


    confidently.


    Freya suddenly sighed, clearly exasperated at having to deal with people like them.

 Chapter 111: Chapter 111 - Social Status in The Game

    Chapter 111: - Social Status in The Game


    ?


    The tall man with dark, slicked-back hair studied Freya carefully before addressing her. "I would like to invite you to join our team. We have a lot more experience than this buffoon and, if I may say, you are quite stunning. You definitely deserve someone better than him."


    One of hispanions chimed in. "This guy is only an amateur level 50. Look, his name is Broken-no wonder. Maybe the contents of his head are broken too?"


    "What is he doing at such a low level in a ce like this? This is a town with high-level monsters-seriously, what''s a level 50 yer doing here? Are you bored with your life and just want to end it in the game? It''s not worth it-why don''t you just quit the game and hang yourself from the ceiling?"


    His colleagues roared withughter at the cruel joke.


    Broken rose from his chair, his expression darkening ever so slightly. His hands clenched into fists at his sides.


    Freya grabbed his wrist, desperately attempting to pull him back.


    "Broken...," she whispered urgently, knowing that engaging with people like them in such a crowded ce would only lead to trouble, especially since the bullies likely had more allies nearby.


    "Look at him, he''s standing up. Does he feel insulted? I wonder what he''s going to do, hahaha," one of them sneered.


    "Maybe he''s scared and wants to leave? What can he possibly do against high-level yers like us?"


    "Hey, newbie, did you just start this game? Do you think it''s easy?" one of the men jeered. "You know, we''ve been ying this game for six years, Yunatea time! Imagine that!" He reached out to push Broken, but Broken deflected his hand with a swift motion.


    "Wow..." The man looked genuinely surprised. "Look at his courage, hahaha. Do you guys think he wants to fight us? Haha!"


    Freya''s voice dropped to a whisper as she pleaded, "Broken... let''s just go..."


    But instead of backing down, Broken''s lips curled into a thin smile. His eyes locked onto the long, ck-haired man with a steely resolve.


    "Leave us alone... I''m not interested in dealing with you," he said firmly but calmly.


    The ck-haired man''s eyes narrowed. "You think you can just tell us to leave and we''llply? Do you even know who you''re talking to?"


    Freya immediately stood up, grabbing Broken''s arm with urgency. "We''d better go. There''s no reason to stay."


    The ck-haired man smirked. "So... this cute, low-level yer is angry because he''s being troubled. I wonder what you can do to us? Duel? Let''s do a duel. I''ll show you how worthless low-levels are here."


    His remarks were met with a chorus ofughter from hispanions.


    "See, this beautiful woman is only burdened with her stupid friend," another man added, his eyes roaming lewdly over Freya. "You''d better let your beautiful friend join our party before it''s toote."


    One of the men reached a hand towards Freya''s cheek, but Broken swiftly intercepted, brushing the hand away with a sharp movement.


    "She is not pleased with your presence," he said coldly. "So I suggest you leave immediately."


    Instead of backing down, the group of menughed even harder, their faces contorted with disdain as they jeered further. "So what if we don''t want to leave? Do you want to cry and beg, or do you want to get angry and try to teach us a lesson?"


    Freya tightened her grip on Broken''s arm. She knew that confronting these high-level yers could lead to disastrous consequences, especially as they were clearly spoiling for a fight. Broken, however, remained resolute. "You won''t get either from me," he said. "But you''ll regret underestimating us."


    One of the high-level yers stepped forward. "Big words from a low-level newbie. But words are just that-words. How about you back them up with some action?"


    Broken shook off Freya''s hand gently, stepping forward to face the ck-haired man directly. "Fine, you want action? I''ll give you action. But you''ll only end up embarrassing yourself."


    The ck-haired man drew his sword, its de catching the dim light of the tavern, and pointed it threateningly at Broken.


    "So be it. Let''s see if you can handle even one strike from me."


    Broken frequently encountered simr situations. Within the game, it wasmonce for higher-level yers to treat those of lower levels with disdain. Social status in the game was exceedingly important because many people yed to escape their real-life struggles.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    When yers found teammates they could rely on and felt rewarded for their efforts, they often became arrogant, unting their sesses by belittling others. This kind of behavior, although unfortunate, was verymon.


    In earlier times, Broken might have chosen to back down and leave when faced with such treatment, as he didn''t have much time to waste on confrontations. However, things were different now. He had more time and felt confident that he could at least hold his own in a one-on-one battle. After all, Polly was level 140, and even she would easily stand in a one- on-one fight against some of these yers.


    "I don''t fight without a worthwhile reward," Broken said. "Tell me, what do I get if I manage to withstand your attacks or even defeat you?"


    The ck-haired manughed. "Hahaha, look at this guy''s confidence. I''m quite impressed with his bluffing, trying to look cool in front of a woman."


    "That''s natural," another sneered. "He can''t look scared in front of a woman he loves, can he? That deserves some respect, but we should give him a proper lesson as well."


    "Hey, fool," they continued. "Tell me, did you set your spawn point in this town? Make sure you set the spawn point here so I can watch you reduce your level to zero. Haha." Broken remained undeterred. "Tell me, what do I get if I manage to defeat one of you?" he pressed on.


    Suddenly, a rumble of thunder echoed from outside the door, and a gust of wind blew it open with an ominous creak. The room fell silent as three figures strode inside.


    Leading the trio was an imposing man who towered at an impressive height. He wore a brown leather coat adorned with thick fur along the cor and cuffs, giving him a rugged, almost primal appearance. His short-cropped hair was tousled in disarray, reminiscent of a savage


    beast ready to pounce.


    Beside him walked a man with sunsses, his face hidden in shadow, lending him an air of mystery and menace. Thest member of the group was an old mage, his wrinkles tracing a map of deep wisdom and experience etched over his weathered skin. His eyes seemed to glow with knowledge, and his presence radiated a quiet but undeniable power.


    The three figures carefully scanned the room, their gazes piercing through the crowded tavern. Conversations halted, and the once lively room fell into an uneasy silence. The air was thick with tension, and every patron felt an immense presence looming over them. They looked up in shock and awe, their eyes widening at the sight of the trio standing before them.


    "They are members of the Ass Guild..." someone whispered.


    "That''s Maylock, the smartest person in the Guild; Goldrich, a mage who possesses the most spells of any yer in Immortal Legacy; and Kingsley, a versatile tank who could rampage alone at the front row of any battlefield."

 Chapter 112: Chapter 112 - Dangerously Clever

    Chapter 112: - Dangerously Clever


    ?


    As the three figures of the Ass Guild made their grand entrance, the crowd erupted into a chorus of praises and admiration, a testament to their widespread poprity.


    "Look! That''s Maylock!" one voice eximed. "Even though he possesses only an Elite-grade ss, he reigns supreme in the archer rankings!"


    Another individual nodded, their eyes gleaming with admiration. "He''s truly extraordinary. He was revered as the mastermind behind the Ass Guild, Maylock orchestrates battles and organizes massive raid boss encounters with unparalleled precision. It''s almost as if he can foresee the future with those strategies of his."


    "He''s the reason I chose to be an archer myself."


    As they spoke, another figure among the three caught the attention of the crowd.


    "If you look closely, Kingsley''s physique is undeniably robust and imposing. It''s no wonder they call him the Great Wall, the one who shields the Ass Guild in every skirmish."


    "Yes, Kingsley," another murmured. "Quiet he may be, yet in the heat of battle, he transforms into something fierce and unyielding. He is formidable and versatile, capable of single-handedly facing an entire party of high-level yers."


    "But how does one attain such might without even an Epic-grade ss?"


    Thest of the revered trio, though aged, seemed to hold a different yet equally formidable kind of power. The whispers grew hushed as his presence was noted.


    "Goldrich, the old pervert, they say, possesses an unmatched mastery of magic. Among all the Immortal Legacy yers, his repertoire of spells is thergest."


    "He''s incredibly meticulous," another chimed in. "It''s said he can effortlessly read his opponent''s moves and counter them with his vast knowledge of magic spells."


    "At his age, to still be ying with such stamina and dexterity is nothing short of extraordinary," remarked someone. "His skillset is truly remarkable."


    "He is also known to be extraordinarily wealthy. Does anyone know his real identity? I suspect he might be a retired magnate who has taken up gaming as his pastime."


    "The members of the Ass Guild are mostly wealthy people. I can''t imagine how elite their guild must be, with such a small number of members but possessing such immense power. It''s truly incredible."


    "I dream of bing one of them, joining the Ass Guild."


    Kingsley strode forward, each of his steps resonating like a drumbeat in the hushed tension. Towering well over seven feet, his presence immediately forced the five men encircling Broken to slump and retreat slightly.


    "What are you doing here? You have no business being here," one of them said.


    Maylock stepped into the fray with a mischievous smile that suggested he relished the unfolding drama.


    "Hey now!" he called out. "Look who it is, our dear friends Broken and Freya. I deliberately sought you all out after catching sight of you entering this ce."


    He turned his piercing gaze upon the five men. "So, what''s happening here? Are we having some trouble?"


    Freya interjected, "Yes. They''re bullying us, apparently for their own amusement, even saying lewd things to me. I think it''s high time they got a lesson. Maybe a short trip to the Temple of Resurrection?" She finished, a grin spreading across her face.


    Maylock''s demeanor shifted in an instant, his tone bing cold and sharp. "Is that so? In that case, why don''t we make things interesting? A duel to the death: me against your entire group. The loser must surrender their weapons and everything in their inventory. Although," he added with a hint of disdain, "I doubt there''s anything in your inventories worth my effort."


    The five men exchanged uneasy nces. A man with shiny ck hair, perhaps trying to save face amidst his peers, "What''s your business messing with us, huh? Is it because you high- level guys fancy picking on us lower-level yers?"


    "Oh, isn''t that exactly what you''ve been doing to our two friends here? I''m merely offering a challenge that matches your level. What do you say? Interesting, isn''t it? I''m not one for pleasantries. Duel me now, or I''ll end this right here and now."


    Faced with Maylock''s deadly promise, the group''s courage fractured. One of them, finding his voice despite the fear shimmering in his eyes, muttered, "Let''s get out of here. Maybe we can take him down if we gather more people, but there''s no point in dealing with these arrogant high-rankers now."


    And with that, they turned on their heels, retreating like chastised pups fleeing from the fierce bark of a dominant hound.


    A murmur rose like a growing wave throughout the room as the scene unfolded before them, a mix of disbelief and curiosity in the air.


    "What? Friends? How can those two low-level yers be friends with members of The Ass Guild?" someone eximed.


    Another voice chimed in. "As far as I know, The Ass Guild never epts new members. They might be few in number, but every single one of them is an elite yer."


    "I''m curious about those two," someone mused aloud. "Their names don''t ring any bells. Are they important figures we just haven''t heard of?"


    A third voice spected, "Given that the members of The Ass Guild are talkingfortably to them, these two must have some sort of influence or valuable connections. Whatever the reason, I''m very eager to find out more."


    As the buzz grew louder, the old mage, Goldrich, let out a hearty cackle. He nced towards Broken with amusement in his eyes.


    "Khi khi khi... I will take this opportunity to officially introduce myself. My name is Goldrich, and I hope you will ept this introduction despite our earlier misunderstanding."


    Broken, managed a smile. "Thanks, sure. My name is Broken."


    "Hi, I''m Kingsley, I feel ashamed to introduce myself after the stupidity I did." he said.


    "Take it easy, Kingsley, I knew it would be difficult dotting a baby with such a high level,


    huh?" Freya responded.


    They then introduced themselves to each other.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    With that, Broken and Freya pulled up chairs and took a seat. Goldrich settled himself next to Freya. Maylock and Kingsley followed.


    Freya, her smile weak but present, inched her chair closer to Broken.


    The old mage cackled again with a knowing glint in his eye. "Khi khi khi... Youngdy, why don''t you lookfortable around me?" he teased. "I think my reputation is quite good." Freya''s eyes sparkled with a blend of mischief, "Don''t worry, old man. I''m doing this because I really understand your reputation as an old pervert mage."


    Goldrich pped a hand to his chin. "Oh goodness, have I been misunderstood? I am simply an old gentleman who enjoys making friends," he said, the corner of his lips curling upward. "Though perhaps I do pay a bit more attention to the beautiful youngdies."


    With the ice now broken, the group fell into easy conversations, exchanging pleasantries and banter.


    "Sorry..." Kingsley began. "I tried my best to stop Melliandra from attacking you. But I couldn''t. The fight broke out, and now both of you have suffered losses because of it."


    Freya turned towards Broken, attempting to smile. "He said he doesn''t mind about it


    anymore."


    Broken''s brow furrowed. "When did I ever say that?"


    Freya was giggling and sought to shift the focus. "I believe she has learned her lesson now, right? How is she doing at the moment?"


    "No!" Maylock scoffed, shaking his head. "That girl has a lot toe to terms with. Don''t be surprised if you''re still dealing with her tantrums in the future," he added.


    Freya sighed lightly. "I understand," she conceded.


    Just then, Goldrich seized the moment. "While we''re on the topic," he began, "I couldn''t help but notice you possess a spirit of extraordinarily high grade. Such immense potential-one must be truly fortunate to acquire such a powerfulpanion."


    Freya''s demeanor hardened. "Stay back, old man," she said. "We aren''t nearly close enough for you to be interrogating Broken like this, don''t you think?"


    "Khi khi khi," Goldrich chuckled softly. "Curiosity got the better of me," he acknowledged, turning his keen gaze toward Broken. "For a swordsman such as yourself to master the ancient technique of Ethereal Form-well, that''s no small feat."


    He paused, letting his words linger in the air. "If that skill wasn''t a gift from the Deities themselves," he continued, his fascination evident, "then your stroke of luck must be something extraordinary. I find myself incredibly eager to learn more about it." Broken slowly raised his head, his eyes locking with Goldrich''s stare. A myriad of thoughts


    raced through his mind, but he chose to cloak himself in silence. "He''s dangerously clever," Broken muttered softly to himself.

 Chapter 113: Chapter 113 - We Need His Trust

    Chapter 113: - We Need His Trust


    ?


    After Goldrich uttered a sentence that seemed too sensitive to discuss, the atmosphere between them became awkward. Broken didn''t respond to his question, only adding to the tension.


    "You are too aggressive, old man," Maylock said icily.


    "Oh khi khi khi..." Goldrich responded with a dry cackle. "I''m so sorry. My enthusiasm for magic seems to have made me step over the line. But I think it''s better to discuss these things openly rather than keep them hidden. This is my way of showing that I''m open if Broken wants to know more about things he might not be aware of."


    "Yes, sure," Freya added with an amused smirk. "You need to remember that Broken doesn''t necessarily have to work with you after the next raid battle."


    "But..." Freya then turned to Broken. "Hisst offer is interesting, Broken. You can ask him questionster, just make sure we can trust each other first, or they''ll know our agenda." "Haha..." Maylockughed casually. "See, Goldrich? Someone at a much lower level than us is trying to hide something interesting from us. I believe that in this game, level isn''t the main parameter for how people enjoy the game to the fullest."


    "Khi khi khi." Goldrich responded. "We should strive for an alliance with this young man, I guess..." he said enthusiastically.


    Broken remained quiet, observing their conversation with a wary eye. Freya understood that he wasn''t one to open up to people he hadn''t fully weed into his circle, so she often served as his spokesperson, echoing his thoughts.


    "We understand, of course," Maylock intoned. "But I will do my utmost to prove that our guild is worthy of proper respect. At least, we all understand that we need something from your friend." He nced at Freya as he said this.


    Broken shook his head slowly. "I hope you don''t expect too much from me," he uttered.


    Goldrich gave another feeble chuckle. "This smartd Maylock is always right to the point; he isn''t even shy about admitting that we need something from young Broken here."


    "Yeah, only foolish people wouldn''t acknowledge that we rely on each other. Moreover, a strong rtionship won''t be formed behind deception and lies," Maylock expounded confidently.


    "I think Maylock and Broken won''t work out well together," Freya said with a chuckle, "seeing as how both of you like to speak your mind without holding back."


    Maylock took off his sunsses, revealing a little smiling face. "Not really... I can say sweet things to selected people, especially to those I respect."


    "See," Goldrich responded. "He''s so direct, huh... be careful when Maylock starts saying sweet things, there''s definitely something he wants, khi khi khi..."


    Broken nodded slowly in response to their conversation. However, one thing he could see clearly was how many eyes were secretly watching them, noticing how Goldrich and Maylock kept trying to open new topics and chat casually. This situation would certainly raise many questions from those watching, especially since Broken and Freya were not well-known people. At that moment, Broken was truly sitting with celebrities.


    Maylock then continued, "But actually... your profile is really interesting and full of mystery, Broken... starting with your closeness to Princess Alora, that alone raises questions, although I know I won''t get any rification from you."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Goldrich leaned in a bit and whispered, "I think you''re the luckiest person in this game, Broken, khi khi khi," he said, chuckling lightly.


    "And then," Maylock continued, "you also managed toplete a Trial Domain at level 150, with your armor only being level 50... even we, as high-level yers, wouldn''t dare to enter without thorough preparation, but you did it. If it wasn''t for an incredible amount of luck, I can''t think of any other reason for your sess."


    "So," Freya responded, "you really acknowledge him, Maylock?"


    "Based on my experience, yes," Maylock replied, turning to Broken. "I know your level isn''t quite among the top rankers yet, but I''m sure you''ll catch up easily soon. I can give several reasons for this," he said quietly.


    Broken nodded slowly again, quite impressed with Maylock''s analysis. Even though Maylock might only have a little information about him, he could draw such significant conclusions. Perhaps there was still something he was hiding. Still, it was clear that both Goldrich and Maylock were truly smart and dangerous individuals.


    While Goldrich seemed very skilled at analyzing fights and the abilities used by others, Maylock, on the other hand, could easily analyze every situation, and his deductions were always on point. They were people who would be very dangerous if they made enemies.


    "Broken..." Kingsley then said, and everyone turned to look at him. "Please pardon my two friends. They always try to impress others by showing off their intelligence. I hope you don''t get provoked."


    Freya chuckled at Kingsley''s words. "But it''s okay... I think if their intelligence is genuine, it''s worth showing off."


    After a few minutes of casual conversation, Broken finally spoke up. "I have something to do," he began hesitantly. "I need to find a smithy to take care of a few things."


    "I can take you there," Kingsley offered as he stood up. "I willpensate for any damage you received because of what happened earlier."


    Broken shook his head politely. "Don''t worry, I can repair my equipment myself."


    "So..." Goldrich interjected again. "You''re a cksmith too? It''s rare to meet a yer with as many talents as you."


    Freya rolled her eyes in annoyance at Goldrich''s constant interruptions. "Hold yourself back, old man. We''re not close friends yet," she said with a giggle.


    As Broken and Freya were about to leave, Kingsley suddenly spoke in a booming voice that echoed through the room.


    "You all watch them," hemanded, pointing at Broken and Freya. "If anyone starts to make trouble with them, you''ll have to face my huge ws in your chest!" His voice resonated with authority and confidence.


    Everyone who heard Kingsley seemed to tremble with fear. No one dared to respond, and they all felt grateful not to be among the five people who had been singled out.


    Broken, Freya quickly bolted from the room.


    Kingsley sat back down and smiled. "Broken and Freya left in a hurry. I''m sure they were just


    in a rush."


    "No," Maylock responded. "They were embarrassed by what you did."


    "Why?" Kingsley asked.


    "You really can''t behave properly in public, Kingsley," Goldrich sighed heavily, shaking his


    head in disappointment. "That''s really embarrassing."


    "I''m used to being in this situation," Maylock added stoically. "So I can''tin


    anymore."


    The three of them fell silent for a moment, reflecting on what had just happened. Finally, Kingsley broke the silence. "Well," he offered weakly, "I guess I got a little carried away." The group nodded in agreement as the conversation shifted to another topic.


    "So... what''s your assessment, Maylock?" Goldrich asked.


    "He is... very special," Maylock replied. "I can''t say much yet, but I''m sure the truth will reveal itself gradually. However, I do have some theories about him."


    "Tell me," Goldrich urged.


    "No," Maylock said again. "For now, I''ll keep it to myself until we''ve gained enough trust


    from him. I think that''s what we need to work on first."


    "Sure, he seems quite reserved, so we need to offer him something intriguing to make him


    open up to us. Maybe a lot of beautifuldies, khi khi khi."


    "Sorry, I made things worse," Kingsley admitted.


    Goldrich then said, "So... Do you guys want toe with me? I just met a youngdy, and I''ll


    introduce her to you..."

 Chapter 114: Chapter 114 - Iron Piercer Arrow

    Chapter 114: - Iron Piercer Arrow


    ?


    Broken and Freya strolled along the bustling city streets, asionally ncing at the map to locate the smithy they were searching for.


    "What do you think, Broken? Can you trust them?" she began.


    "I think they''re decent, though they''re too smart not to have hidden motives."


    "I agree with you... especially Maylock. He''s known as the brain of the Ass Guild. Actually, Elincia, Goldrich, and Maylock are considered the core trio of the Ass Guild. They are the pirs that built the Ass Guild into what it is today."


    "I can understand that."


    "But," Freya exined, "there are more interesting things about the Ass Guild. I''m sure you''ll get used to them if you start to learn to trust them."


    As Broken and Freya stepped into the town''s only andrgest smithy, the asional ng of a hammer meeting metal greeted them. A wave of hot air brushed against their faces, weing them into a ce that was less a private forge and more of a grand workshop. Here, several cksmiths worked side by side, sharing the same space. It was a haven not just for seasoned cksmiths but also for those who wanted to make use of the facilities avable.


    Wherever they looked, cksmiths were hard at work. Some were NPCs, tirelessly working with noints, while others were yers who had rented out a workstation for a few silver coins each day, honing their cksmithing skills.


    "I''ll need to stay here for the next few days, Freya," Broken said, his eyes scanning the bustling room.


    Freya nodded solemnly. "Don''t worry. I''ll stick around until I get bored. Maybe grab us some food if necessary."


    Broken''s entrance drew several curious and disdainful nces due to his gear, notably his level 50 shoes, which seemed out of ce in this renowned smithy. Some people chuckled mockingly as if he were an uninvited guest trespassing in a sacred space.


    "Look at that low-level swordsman! What''s he doing here?"


    Broken approached the counter and conducted the transactions needed to rent a workstation. Only one spot was open, and it was the most neglected among them. Though it wasn''t ideal, he epted it withoutint.


    "Is he trying to save some money by bing a cksmith just to repair his own gear?"


    "I think so. Many think like that, but he''s in the wrong ce. This is where the high-ranking cksmithse."


    "Does he think he can do whatever he pleases here? He should be ashamed of himself!" another spat.


    "He should know he''s not weed here," someone else sneered. "He better learn his manners quickly, or no one will offer him any respect here."


    The chatter grew louder and increasingly judgmental. All of it targeted squarely at Broken. Knowing that Broken wasn''t affected by the mocking, Freya only giggled and handed him a blueprint. "I''m sure this is the perfect item for you to craft," she said. "And I wouldn''t mind if you made some for me too. Don''t worry, I''ll supply all the materials."


    Broken couldn''t help but smile. "You''re so generous, huh? How can I repay you? What about another dinner date?"


    "Shut up. Say that again when you''re serious about pursuing a woman. Maybe then I''ll consider it," she said, giggling.


    Broken examined the blueprint. It was for arrows. "I think I can make a few for you, with high quality," he said confidently.


    Freya chuckled softly and replied, "You better be! Your reputation as a Master cksmith is on the line," she whispered.


    [Iron Piercer Arrow Blueprint]


    [Grade: Rare - Epic]


    [The perfect arrow for any archer looking to wreak havoc on their targets. With its high durability and strong physical attack, it''s sure to make its mark! Plus, it''s easy to reproduce, so you''ll never run out of these bad boys. It has a bnced touch-not too overwhelming, but it will leave your target crying on the other side of the battlefield.]


    [To craft this arrow, you will need iron and steel.]


    [Crafting this item requires the skill of an Advanced cksmith.]


    Every archer possesses the ability to fight using their bow, even when theyck physical arrows. In such cases, they create mana arrows that are automatically affixed to their bows. However, these mana arrows inflict significantly less damage, making them ast-resort option used only in emergencies when they run out of real arrows.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    To maximize their damage output, archers naturally need proper arrows. These arrows are durable and can be reused multiple times after being fired. Therefore, archers prefer to use high-quality arrows when battling monsters, as these allow them to deal more damage and reim their arrows easily after use.


    Skilled archers, in particr, seek out top-grade arrows. These superior arrows enable them to achieve greater damage in any confrontation, though it also means they must invest more money in acquiring them.


    In recent days, Broken has been using some of the arrows that Freya gave him. As a token of gratitude, he decided to craft some arrows himself and give them to Freya in return.


    He carefully examined the description of the arrow blueprint given to him. "This is for advanced cksmiths," he muttered.


    "Yes, these arrows are incredibly valuable. High-level yers only use arrows like these for significant targets, such as raid bosses, where the stakes are high," she exined patiently. "Due to their high cost and durability, these arrows can be reused multiple times, provided they aren''t damaged upon being fired. That makes them incredibly valuable, especially when they remain intact after being shot."


    "So, because of this, archers usemon arrows for their daily battles?" he asked, seeking confirmation.


    "Yes,mon arrows are single-use, much cheaper, but they inflict standard damage," she


    replied with a nod.


    "Okay, I understand."


    She continued, "I believe you could sell these arrows. If you manage to produce Epic-grade arrows, their value could be extraordinary." She smiled encouragingly. "So, if you want to spend your time leisurely in this town, you can craft as many as you want."


    Broken nodded in understanding. "I might need your help to get a lot of materials for this. I''ll pay for my own materials," he requested earnestly.


    "Sure, no problem," she said, winking yfully.


    Freya then took out some materials she had already prepared. "You can start with these while


    I gather more," she suggested.


    "Okay," he agreed.


    "But..." he began, pausing for a moment. "I think I should repair my equipment first to restore its durability." He looked up at Freya. "Give me your equipment and bow, Freya. I''ll


    repair them for you."


    "No need to worry about mine," she replied, shaking her head. "I''ve put my gear aside. Focus on yourself first. Besides, repairing equipment can be handled by other cksmiths. Your crafting is more valuable and worth your time."


    "Okay, then."


    He gave a determined nod and began his task of crafting. With care, he arranged the materials


    and lit the forge. As the mes grew, his expression shifted, changing from one of calm to one


    of intense focus.


    Freya watched the transformation, her eyes fixed on his face as it became a mask of concentration. She couldn''t help but smile at his dedication.


    "A sloth champion!" she muttered sarcastically.

 Chapter 115: Chapter 115 - Blacksmith Superstar

    Chapter 115: - cksmith Superstar


    ?


    As soon as Broken set his target, he immediately got to work crafting his new arrows. His hands moved swiftly and expertly, each tool clinking rhythmically as he meticulously shaped the shafts and precisely fitted the metal tips.


    Freya sat quietly nearby, watching him with silent admiration. The soft light from the forge cast a warm glow on her face as she hesitated to break his concentration. Eventually, she whispered softly, "Broken... I''ll be out in a bit, okay?"


    Her gentle voice startled him from his trance-like focus. He nced up slowly, nodding in acknowledgment before returning to his task with renewed determination.


    Broken''s attention to detail was unwavering as he carefully followed each step outlined in the blueprint. He ensured that every arrow would fly straight and true, striving for perfection with every strike of his hammer. The world around him faded into the background as he became wholly absorbed in his work.


    Despite the heckling from a few restless cksmiths in the corner, Broken remained undeterred.


    "Hey, newbie, are you so desperate for money that you work without rest?" one jeered. "I think he''s trying to find money to pay for the capsule device he uses to y the game." Someone else chimed in, "Hey, don''t bother him. He''s probably drowning in debt." "You''re trying to show off your hard work in the senior''s area, kid?"


    Freya re-entered the room, her footsteps light as she approached him. "Hey there..." she called softly.


    "You need to eat in the real world. You also need to eat here to speed up your stamina regeneration," she reminded him gently, implying that he needed to take better care of himself.


    The smell of food reached his nostrils, and his stomach grumbled in response. Without hesitation, he grabbed the offered food and began eating ravenously, making up for missed meals.


    "How many hours have you been working?" she asked with a giggle.


    Broken checked the system clock and furrowed his brow. "Six hours. I didn''t realize time flew by so quickly. It feels like I just sat down and started working."


    "No wonder Lily said you''re really burning through your ytime," she said with a smile.


    "I''ll log out soon. Just need to finish a few small tasks first."


    She nodded. "No worries, I''ll log out first and keep herpany," she said.


    "Thanks..." he replied, a hint of regret in his voice.


    Once she left, he resumed his work without another word, driven by his dedication.


    Nearby, a well-known cksmith named Titonor noticed themotion. He was an Advanced Rank cksmith, level 2. Approaching the group with his curiosity piqued, he asked, "What''s all the noise about?" His annoyance was evident.


    "There''s a newbie cksmith who works non-stop," someone exined. "He crafts faster than anyone here."


    Titonor scoffed. "No one is more diligent than me here," he boasted. "He''ll never reach my level."


    Driven by curiosity, Titonor walked toward Broken, his eyes widening in surprise when he saw the arrows.


    "Are you a beginner cksmith who''s recently achieved Advanced rank?" he asked, swallowing hard as he realized the person everyone was talking about was indeed someone of Advanced Rank.


    Broken continued working, ignoring Titonor''s question.


    "Are you deaf? I''m talking to you, asshole!" Titonor''s voice grew menacing, angered by Broken''s disregard.


    "Who the hell are you? How dare you ignore my aplishments and show such insolence!" Titonor barked, his fists clenching in frustration.


    "I am an Advanced Rank Level 2 cksmith. I''m sure you understand how experienced I am!"


    Broken remained unfazed, his focus unbroken. Titonor''s anger reached a boiling point, but before he could act, Broken finished creating another arrow. The arrow glowed with a purple aura, indicating its grade.


    "It-It couldn''t be an Epic-grade, could it?" Titonor stammered, his voice trembling with disbelief.


    Broken looked up in confusion, seeing the mystified expression on Titonor''s face.


    "Let me check it," Titonor said, snatching the arrow from Broken''s grasp.


    [Iron Piercer Arrow]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Attack Power: 85-95]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 0.1]


    [The perfect arrow for any archer looking to wreak havoc on their targets. With its high durability and strong physical attack, it is sure to make its mark!]


    [Skills:]


    [Arrow Piercer: This powerful arrow has the ability to ignore 20% of enemy defense, providing a decisive edge in battle.]


    [User Restriction: Level 100 or higher.]


    Titonor stepped back, irritation radiating off him as he red at Broken. "You must be quite lucky to have aplished this," he scoffed, flicking the arrow dismissively. "This is nothing


    special."


    Broken frowned, clearly annoyed by Titonor''s dismissive attitude, he snatched the arrow back from Titonor''s grasp.


    "Tsk! Asshole!" he muttered under his breath, his frustration evident.


    It didn''t take long for other cksmiths to notice the number of Epic-grade arrows emerging from Broken''s workstation over the past few days. Even the Rare-grade arrows were overshadowed by the Elite-grade ones he consistently produced.


    Word spread quickly, drawing both NPCs and yers to marvel at Broken''s skill and dedication. Now, even when he logged out, people waited for him instead of trying to drive him away like they did when he first arrived.


    The Smithy buzzed with activity when Freya entered, making her way through the crowd. "Can you guys step aside and let me pass?" she asked, gesturing for space. Approaching Broken, she smiled warmly. "Hey, Mr. Workaholic. Are you done with your


    work?"


    Broken raised his head and nodded, showing her the finished products.


    [Iron Piercer Arrow] [125 pcs]


    [Grade: Rare]


    [Attack Power: 50-55]


    [Arrow Piercer: This powerful arrow has the ability to ignore 6% of enemy defense, providing


    a decisive edge in battle.]


    There were 125 pieces of Rare-Grade arrows, a considerable amount.


    [Iron Piercer Arrow] [225 pcs]


    [Grade: Elite]


    [Attack Power: 70-80]


    [Arrow Piercer: This powerful arrow has the ability to ignore 12% of enemy defense,


    providing a decisive edge in battle.]


    Surprisingly, there were even more Elite-Grade arrows, with 225 pieces outnumbering the


    Rare ones.


    [Iron Piercer Arrow] [150 pcs]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Attack Power: 85-95]


    [Arrow Piercer: This powerful arrow has the ability to ignore 20% of enemy defense,


    providing a decisive edge in battle.]


    Even the Epic-Grade arrows, with 150 pieces, surpassed the quantity of the Rare-Grade


    arrows.


    Freya''s eyes widened, a broad smile spreading across her face. She leaned in close, her voice a whisper, "No wonder these cksmiths forget their work and are busy watching you


    instead."


    She tugged on Broken''s wrist, helping him up. Together, they left the Smithy, leaving the


    crowd in awe.


    "What the hell?! He produced something that would take us a month to make in just a week!"


    one eximed, shocked.


    "Yes, it''s insane how he can produce so many Epic-grade arrows in such a short time!"


    "Will he be the new cksmith Superstar in Yunatea?"


    "Who is he? I''ve just met him. Why do I not know anything about him?" Titonor, feeling irritated by thepliments directed at Broken, rose to his feet and loudly dered, "That was just beginner''s luck. I saw how badly he worked. He''ll give up and quit this game any minute now. There''s nothing special about him!"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    However, this time, no one paid any attention to what Titonor was saying. "I want to know more about him, that yer, he''s incredible!"

 Chapter 116: Chapter 116 - The Gathering of Thirteen

    Chapter 116: - The Gathering of Thirteen


    ?


    In a grand hall, where the walls were adorned with luxurious fine fabrics, a round wooden table stood at the center, surrounded by sixteen chairs. Only thirteen of these chairs were upied.


    At the head of the table sat Elincia, her stern expressionmanding attention.


    "Alright... I''m going to start this important meeting. We''ve dyed this for too long," she dered loudly. "Some of you were undisciplined and slow to ept my invitation-Trison, Jovina, and Starfall!" Her voice echoed through the hall as she spoke their names.


    The three bowed their heads in unison and answered in shame, "Sorry, Elincia."


    Out of the thirteen members of the Guild, six pairs of partners were assigned as teams to carry out their respective tasks. Only Elincia had the sole responsibility ofpleting her mission alone, thanks to her exceptional ability, which enabled her to move quickly- an unmatched mobility.


    Skywarden was paired with Charmelyn, Optimus with Trison, Jovina with Goldrich, Livelywood with Starfall, Toberry with Maylock, and Kingsley with Melliandra.


    "As I''ve told you all before, this is a mission of utmost importance," Elincia said sternly, her voice reverberating off the walls. "Our sess here will determine our fate when we undertake our grand quest in the near future."


    She then paused and nced around the room, making eye contact with each and every one of them in turn. Her gaze stopped on Melliandra, a 15-year-old girl with straight blonde hair who had been killed by Broken during their previous mission.


    "Melliandra?!"


    Melliandra felt the frustration and anger inside of her rising to a boiling point. "I will never forgive that stupid asshole, Broken!"


    Her hands mmed onto the table with a loud bang, causing it to shudder from the impact. "I lost my precious ring, and now it is in his possession! That bastard!" she yelled out in rage.


    Goldrich''s mission partner, Jovina, chuckled and said, "This is a reminder for you to use your brain more at work, hahaha..."


    Jovina was an enchanter, more than just a caster; she had the ability to control and summon beasts to fight for her, simr to a beast tamer. Standing at 1.75 meters (5.75 feet), her supple leather armor was painted a deep green. Her dark brown hair was pulled back into a tight bun, emphasizing her striking white visage andmanding presence. She possessed a tomboyish grace that immediately caught the eye when one met her up close.


    Melliandra leaped to her feet, her chair skidding back and crashing against the floor. Fury shone in her eyes.


    "Do you want to fight me right now, Jovina?!"


    Kingsley, who was sitting beside her, spoke up. "Calm yourself down, Mel," he soothed quietly, trying to ease the tension that had filled the room.


    Jovina only chuckled in response. "Phew, so fierce, I''m scared... You''re even fiercer than the Orc I just defeated a few days ago," she taunted.


    The standoff between the two was abruptly broken by Elincia''s authoritative voice bellowing. "Enough! If you two want to fight, do it outside. I will dly be your sparring partner."


    Jovina smirked and raised her eyebrows at Melliandra. "Calm down..." she teased.


    Melliandra gritted her teeth and sat back down in her chair with a huff, crossing her arms defiantly.


    After a moment of silence, Elincia resumed her address. "Does anyone else have something to add before I continue?"


    Skywarden, a knight d in white armor with blonde hair, eventually raised his hand and spoke in a hasty tone.


    "Elincia, can you not see that this Broken fellow is wearing only level 50 equipment? What makes him so special? He even asked us to do all these things without charge - what are we, ves? I''ll ept yourmand, but I need a more substantial reason before I''m convinced that this man won''t be any help to us."


    Elincia paused, then turned toward Maylock.


    Maylock, the archer with sunsses, raised his hand and spoke in a strong voice. "Let me help give some reasons."


    He stood up and looked around the room, making eye contact with each person present.


    "I know this situation looks dire, but I have faith in Elincia''s judgment and trust her to make the best decision for everyone here. I want to emphasize why we should listen to her. I''ll provide facts to back up my ims so that you all can feel secure with what she has proposed. I''ve heard whispered stories from many cksmiths in town, iming that Broken has managed to craft exceptionally powerful Epic-grade arrows. Moreover, they confirmed that he is at least an Advanced Rank cksmith."


    Maylock stayed quiet after that sentence, considering the situation with an intense gaze. He then continued, "Though Broken''s potential in battle might be limited, based on Skywarden''s statement, there is no doubt that he possesses an unknown potential as he was able toplete the level 150 Trial Domain alone! Without proper preparation and with only level 50 equipment, that feat makes him extraordinary.


    Additionally, his rare talent as a cksmith makes him a valuable asset to anyone fortunate enough to recruit him into their Guild."


    Maylock paused before continuing. "If you''re still not convinced, I can speak at length for an hour to highlight his potential beyond my initial assessment. His recognition by Princess Alora alone should tell us he is someone special, and we are fortunate to have found him before others did."


    Seeing no immediate response from the others, Maylock sat down again.


    Having a production-ss yer in a guild was an extreme luxury, especially one with great talent. While the Ass Guild also had an alchemist, Toberry, who was Maylock''s mission partner, every major guild typically had a specialist cksmith within their ranks. If it was clear that Broken had exceptional cksmithing skills, then it was evident that he was someone they desperately needed.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    After a few moments of silence, Elincia spoke up again, her voice cutting through the tension in the room.


    "We have opposing forces nning something major, something that has severed our contact with Princess Alora. They have ess to members of the royal family. The situation is dire, and we need someone with easy ess to the Princess so we can assist her in an emergency.


    Broken is clearly the right person for this task, as he has already established a connection with Princess Alora. He will be our intermediary, delivering messages between us and the Princess on short notice.


    We must act quickly, for our opponents-powerful guilds in opposition to us are not idle. They have marshaled their forces and lurk in the shadows, ready to strike at any given


    moment.


    If we fail toe to the aid of Princess Alora when she needs us most, all hope may be lost, and her ascension to the throne of the Dissidia Kingdom will remain a dream.


    We must address everything carefully to ensure great sess on this grand quest. This mission will earn us great prestige and honor, allowing us to rise even higher as a guild in


    Yunatea."


    Elincia ended her exnation, her words lingering in the air around them.


    She then continued, "As I stand before you, I can see the doubts still lurking in your hearts. But let me assure you, they will fade away on their own.


    We have made a decision, and we need tomit to it. We want Broken to get what he needs -the item drop from the raid boss of the Vine Horror Treant, Level 180." She spoke with conviction and confidence, her eyes meeting each of theirs in turn.


    The atmosphere in the room grew tense as everyone absorbed the information and words that


    Maylock and Elincia had shared.


    Suddenly, a knock at the door broke the silence.


    "Let theme in," Elincia gestured towards the door.


    Kingsley stood up and opened the door for their guests.


    The hinges creaked as the door swung open, revealing three figures: Broken, Freya, and


    Booba.


    "Hello everyone, long time no see, hahaha, did you miss me?!" Booba eximed in a


    booming voice.


    "Shut up, you asshole, Booba," Melliandra snapped immediately.


    "Hey, stupid Booba, I thought you had killed yourself," Jovina added with augh. "Hahaha."


    Booba used to be the leader of their guild in their previous game. Most of the current members of the Ass Guild had been under his guidance before.


    "Wow... I''m pleasantly surprised to see everyone here, this is quite intriguing, hahaha."


    "Wee, everyone. Please have a seat," Elincia said, gesturing to the empty chairs.

 Chapter 117: Chapter 117 - A Grand Deal

    Chapter 117: - A Grand Deal


    ?


    All sixteen seats in the splendid room were now filled. Broken, Booba, and Freya upied the seats closest to the door, directly opposite Elincia.


    Maylock, the renowned strategist of the Ass Guild, stood up again once the room fell silent. He adjusted his sunsses and scanned the faces of the crew.


    "Let''s go over this one more time," he began in amanding voice.


    "This tree raid boss has been an incredible thorn in our side. We have encountered it several times already, sometimes with up to sixty yers, although we only managed to take it down after three attempts." His words left no doubt about the seriousness of the situation.


    The atmosphere in the room was thick with tension. The expressions on the faces of those present ranged from annoyance to anger to intrigue.


    "This monster stands like a statue in one spot, making it an easy target for close-range fighters. However, its wild vines attack indiscriminately, posing a significant threat. This makes it difficult for ranged attackers to engage the beast.


    So, we need to divide the team. One group will handle the vines, while the other focuses on taking down the monster..."


    Maylock spent nearly an hour meticulously exining the strategy for battling the monster. He covered everything in great detail-timing, attack variations, item usage, and each person''s specific tasks. His strategic prowess was remarkable, and it was as if he could urately predict every possible scenario in the uing battle.


    Skywarden''s eyebrows furrowed as he pointed his finger firmly at Broken. "What''s he going to do?"


    Maylock calmly replied, "Considering that the thirteen of us can confidently defeat this monster without much struggle, I believe we should ce him near the frontline as an extra fighter. His close-rangebat skills will be valuable."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Tsk!" Skywarden spat, his face contorting with irritation. "It''s a waste of time having an amateur like him fight near me while I''m tanking! It''ll only hinder our efforts."


    Booba''s face twisted into a grimace. "Jeez, Skywarden talks way too much for my liking," he growled.


    Broken raised a hand. "I will follow the team leader''s instructions and ensure our progress isn''t hindered by me. I can always retreat in an emergency situation-you have no worries."


    At the same time, Broken felt someone watching him intently, not taking their eyes off him. He nced briefly toward one corner and saw a woman dressed like a ninja, her outfit covering most of her body and the mask that covered part of her face, leaving only her eyes visible.


    From her attire, she was likely an assassin ss, a close-range fighter who relied on speed and surprise attacks.


    She was Charmelyn. Since Broken didn''t yet know all the members of the Ass Guild, he nodded at her.


    The girl realized that Broken had nodded at her, and she quickly looked away. Freya seemed to notice the exchange and yfully sent a private message to him.


    [Freya: Hey, flirt... do you like that kind of woman? You know, the quiet and gentle introverted type?]


    He chose not to respond.


    Maylock then exined several backup strategies for dealing with Broken''s situation within their team.


    "Alright, that''s all from me," Maylock concluded his part and immediately returned to his seat.


    Since this was a dangerous expedition, Booba and Freya wouldn''t participate due to their low levels.


    To ensure the secrecy of Broken''s level, he would not be joining their raid party. This meant that any information about his level could be kept hidden from the others.


    "Without Broken in the same raid party as us, it will be difficult to monitor his status if he gets injured," Elincia reasoned. "But, as previously decided, we will still give him all the loot drops from the monsters."


    "Khi khi khi... no worries," Goldrich responded. "I''ll make sure he doesn''t run out of Mana, and Jovina can also help to periodically heal him."


    "Yoa!" Jovina said loudly. "Hahaha, no worries, I can fully heal Broken with one skill. Let me handle it."


    Should he tell them that he had a healing skill? Broken then raised his hand. "I have a pretty good healing skill myself. I might need a Mana supply."


    "Alright... thanks for the info, Broken, khi khi khi..." Goldrich replied.


    "He''s always happy to know more about you, Broken," Freya responded casually.


    "Okay, if there are no more concerns, we can go with the n," Elincia concluded.


    Everyone nodded in agreement.


    Regardless of their personal opinions, the team had to perform with nothing but perfection. This was the ultimate demonstration of their professionalism; they coulde together despite disagreements and unite to carry out any task with finesse.


    Once they ensured all necessary preparations had been made, they quickly set off for the battlefield. The raid monster they were about to face would usually appear near sunset in Twisted Wild Forest, close to rio Town.


    This type of monster only appeared four times a month, making this opportunity especially rare. They had to be careful not to run into any other parties who might be on the same raid. The fourteen of them hurried into the woods, with Skywarden leading the way as the tank and Kingsley bringing up the rear to protect them from behind.


    The assassin Charmelyn, the martial arts fighter Optimus, and Livelywood, the young prodigy swordsman, spread out in the middle formation to guard their ranged attackers who had lower HP and defense capabilities.


    The ranged attackers were distributed into several lines, ready for any monster attacksing from various directions.


    Broken walked quietly in the back row, close to Kingsley.


    Noticing him, Maylock strode over, weaving through the rows of people. He stopped beside Broken and pushed his sunsses up onto his forehead so he could look him in the eye.


    "Hey," he said.


    Broken turned towards him, surveying him thoughtfully before nodding. "Hey."


    "I heard you recently crafted Epic-grade arrows," Maylock continued eagerly. "Could you craft some for me? Alternatively, can I purchase the ones you''ve already made? I''d be happy topensate you generously."


    "I have Rare, Elite, and Epic-grade arrows," Broken stated firmly. "How many do you need?"


    "How many do you have?"


    "More than 100 pieces of each."


    "What?!" Maylock''s loud voice echoed off the trees, making everyone within earshot pause.


    All eyes turned to them, curious about the discussion.


    Everyone stood still, waiting until Broken finally acknowledged their collective attention.


    "More than 100 pieces, you said? Epic-grade?" Maylock continued, his voice filled with


    disbelief.


    "Yes, Rare, Elite, and Epic, each more than 100 pieces."


    Maylock swallowed hard. "Ca-can I purchase all of them? Since you don''t need them, right?


    I''ll pay a fair price."


    "But... I don''t know their price. I''m not sure about this yet. I haven''t done any market


    research," Broken replied.


    "Can you show us the items, Broken?" Elincia said quietly as she walked over.


    Broken then reached into his Inventory and pulled out three arrows, each with a different


    grade.


    They were all astonished when they read the detailed descriptions he provided for the arrows.


    "This is truly Epic-grade..." Elincia said. "So you''re quite a talented cksmith. It seems your luck is truly great, Broken."


    "So these arrows can only be crafted by Advanced Rank cksmiths, right? Khi khi khi,"


    Goldrich then also responded.


    Maylock exined, "I understand the market price of these arrows well. The Rare one costs between 10 to 15 bronze coins, the Elite one costs five times more, and the Epic one can cost 40 to 50 times more." He added, "This arrow has an attribute that ignores defense by percentage, which is very useful in battles against yers or monsters with high defense."


    Elincia then turned to Broken and asked, "Would you be interested in selling them, Broken? You can confirm the price at auction when we get back, and Maylock will pay it properly if what he said is not correct."


    After thinking for a few moments, Broken decided that he still had enough arrows for the uing battle, even if he sold some to Maylock, as this would increase their fighting


    potential.


    After carefully calcting the cost and negotiating, they finally struck a deal for a grand total


    of four gold coins and ten silver coins. He was pleased; he had made a tidy profit in just a few


    days of casual work.


    "Do you have any arrows left?" Maylock asked.


    "Yes," Broken replied. "I have twenty-five Rare, more than one hundred Elite, and fifty Epic."


    "What?!" they all eximed at once, their eyes wide with shock.

 Chapter 118: Chapter 118 - Haughty And A Bit Arrogant

    Chapter 118: - Haughty And A Bit Arrogant


    ?


    Afterpleting the transaction for the arrows, they continued their journey deep into the dense forest. Ancient trees surrounded them, their branches intertwining to form a canopy of leaves that blocked out most of the sunlight.


    Goldrich walked near Broken, a strange smile spreading across his face before he spoke.


    "Hey, Broken."


    Broken turned to him, eyes questioning. "Hey."


    "Khi khi khi... Do you know a girl named Freya outside the game?" he said suddenly, bringing up a new topic.


    Broken paused, caught off guard by the question. He searched Goldrich''s face for any hint of what answer he was expecting but decided it was best to remain silent.


    "That shouldn''t be answered, right?" he said with a thin smile.


    "You don''t need to answer it," Goldrich replied with augh.


    "But, did you know that yers can engage in S, E, and X in this game, right? Khi khi khi..." he continued.


    Broken remained silent. He was aware that specific actions could be performed in the game, especially rting to physical intimacy with another yer or NPC, but only once a month of Yunatea Time and only with NPCs or other yers to whom they were married. Age


    restrictions were also in ce to prevent yers from bing addicted to such activities and to avoid legal issues.


    What would happen if yers reached their limit and couldn''t engage in those actions? Their genitalia would disappear from their bodies.


    This feature had faced criticism and condemnation from many people and countries. To address concerns, several restrictions were implemented to provide a realistic gaming experience while considering ethical aspects and preventing abuse, such as the use of prostitution services in the game.


    Goldrich then smiled broadly as if he possessed some secret knowledge that Broken was entirely unaware of. "Don''t waste your time looking at someone else when there''s such beauty right next to you." He chuckled softly. "Devour her, khi khi khi..."


    The implications of hisment sent shivers up Broken''s spine. He fully understood the disturbing meaning behind Goldrich''s use of the word ''devour.''


    Broken smiled awkwardly, unsure of how to respond to such a remark.


    "Let me know if you need any information about the game," Goldrich continued. "I know a lot about it, especially how to win over the beautiful women within it," he added with a sly wink.


    Broken had previously met every member of the Ass Guild, though most introductions had been purely formal. Some members were quite friendly, while others were more reserved. They each had their unique personalities. However, out of everyone, it was the Core Trio- Elincia, Maylock, and Goldrich¡ªwho spoke to him the most frequently.


    Kingsley, too, was very friendly, but he spoke only when necessary.


    "I will... Actually, there are many things I want to ask," Broken finally replied.


    "I would be happy to answer and help you, okay, khi khi khi," Goldrich responded with a grin. They continued their journey, pausing asionally to fend off relentless monsters attacking from all sides. However, they were employing an unusual strategy in this situation; only one person was fighting the monsters at a time, and they were taking turns doing so. Goldrich noticed Broken''s puzzled expression and exined, "They want to test their strength, and wepete with each other to see who can finish off the monsters the fastest."


    When another wave of monsters advanced, it was Elincia''s turn. She stepped forward, and the sky split open with a deafening thunderp. An eerie blue electricity engulfed her body, lifting her into the air.


    Several lightning bolts shot down with pinpoint uracy, striking the monsters below with immense power.


    The other members were momentarily stunned into silence, covering their ears against the rolling thunder that surrounded them.


    After Elincia had finished, shended gracefully on the ground, and everything went quiet once more. They continued their journey as if nothing had happened.


    "Isn''t she incredible?" Goldrich asked Broken.


    Broken nodded in agreement. "Yes, I''ve felt her powerful skill before," he said sarcastically.


    "Khi khi khi," Goldrichughed.


    "She''s the best mage in Immortal Legacy, right?" Broken inquired.


    Goldrich exined, "ording to the rankings, yes. She is the highest level mage."


    Broken gave Goldrich a questioning look but remained silent.


    "What?" Goldrich scoffed, "Me? Khi khi khi... With my superior knowledge and wisdom, I am


    beyond Elincia. We can''t even bepared in this respect."


    "Do you know why she is the Guild Master, not the smart-ass Maylock or the wise me?" Goldrich asked.


    Broken shook his head, unsure of the answer.


    Goldrich chuckled softly. "This chaotic bunch needs someone like her-someone who can be resolute, asionally lighthearted, and knows when to act at critical moments." He nced back at Broken. "I''m not asking you to forgive her recklessness right away. But I hope you can find some friends in this guild. And you could start with me."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Broken nodded slowly. "Thanks, Goldrich."


    "Our guild members," Goldrich continued, "are mostly men. Only five women, but all of them are still single," he said softly.


    Broken scanned the lineup, observing each guild member. There was Elincia, who looked to be in her early twenties, and Melliandra, who was still a teenager. Then there was Jovina, Goldrich''s mission partner, who often spoke the loudest and seemed to sh with Melliandra


    frequently.


    Goldrich went on, "Exclude Melliandra; she''s just a kid. Khi khi khi," he chuckled.


    "Elincia and Charmelyn are probably around your age," he added.


    "Ignore Jovina..." he continued.


    "But Starfall is a celebrity from Korea. She''s a singer and actress too. You know that, right?"


    Goldrich said.


    Broken then noticed a mage in a ck outfit, appearing to be in her mid-twenties, with ck hair and an Asian face.


    He shook slowly, taking in Goldrich''s story.


    After a while, Maylock''s voice boomed from the very back, "Hold on! We''re stopping here."


    They had finally reached a clearing that stretched far and wide. The sun shone down on a vast sea of wild grass that rustled in the wind and an array of lush bushes surrounded by towering


    trees.


    "We''ll wait here for one hour before the raid boss appears," he continued. "Please take the time to do whatever you want, but make sure to be back here ten minutes before the


    appointed time."


    The guild members then dispersed, each finding their own spot to rest and rx.


    "You''re quite friendly, Broken," Goldrich said. "I''m sure the members of the Ass Guild will slowly approach you and get to know you better. Don''t mind them; they''re all actually friendly people. It''s just that their high positions can sometimes make them a little haughty


    and a bit arrogant. Khi khi khi..."


    "Thanks, Goldrich. I feel more at ease among you all because of you," Broken replied.


    Goldrich winked and then walked away.


    Broken trudged to a nearby tree, itsrge roots snaking across the earth beneath them. He sat


    in its cradling arms and closed his eyes.


    He felt a presence nearby and looked up to see Elincia walking closer. Her eyes met his but


    then lowered to the ground as she moved forward. When she got close enough, she raised her


    head and met his gaze.


    "Hi," she said softly.

 Chapter 119: Chapter 119 - Something Unexpected Happened

    Chapter 119: - Something Unexpected Happened


    ?


    Elincia, the mage dressed in a blue outfit, stood silently before Broken and then offered a faint smile.


    "May I join you?" she asked softly.


    "Sure...yes," Broken replied, shifting slightly to make space for her on therge, protruding


    root.


    She sat beside him, pulling something from her inventory. It was a long loaf of bread.


    Elincia smiled gently as she handed him a piece of the bread. "Take it," she said warmly. "It can temporarily boost your Strength stat; it''s good for you."


    Broken epted it reluctantly, nodding silently. "Thanks..." he murmured.


    The two of them ate the bread in silence, savoring each bite.


    In truth, Broken found the bread exceptionally delicious. Its blend of sweetness and savory warmth wasforting in his mouth. While it wasn''t as perfect as Ivana''s, it had its own unique and excellent vor.


    "The bread is... really good," he said.


    Elincia chuckled at his words. "Thanks for liking it."


    They continued to sit quietly beside each other.


    Eventually, she broke the silence. "What do you think about the team?"


    Broken hesitated, unsure how to respond.


    "I hope you feelfortable, and I''m sorry if some of them seem to speak without thinking," she said softly.


    "No, it''s okay. They''re very friendly, especially Maylock, Goldrich, and Kingsley," he replied. "And you, too."


    Elincia paused for a moment, taken aback by Broken''s words. She felt awkward about it. She had attempted to clear up any misunderstandings between them and hoped her efforts would prove sessful. She turned and smiled at him, and, to her surprise, Broken returned her smile.


    She was usually cheerful, but in this situation, Elincia felt a bit tense, which made her more self-conscious. Nevertheless, the warmth of his smile made her heart flutter. She nervously averted her gaze.


    "Thank you for being so generous and trying to forgive me in this way," she said.


    Broken nodded, though his true intention was to leverage their abilities to defeat the raid boss.


    "This will benefit me a lot," he said. "I''m the one who should be thanking you all for your efforts."


    Elincia excused herself, and Broken continued to check over all his armor and weapons. He had repaired everything, and their durability was back to 100%. He had also reached level 71, but unfortunately, he still couldn''t use the ring he had received from Melliandra, which required a level of 172. The skills of that ring seemed incredible and would be extremely useful if used at the right moment.


    [Name: Broken]


    [Level: 71]


    [ss: Super Novice | Royal cksmith]


    [Health: 2,380 | Mana: 2,628]


    [Strength: 465 | Agility: 214 | Intelligence: 224 | Constitution: 188 | Stamina: 190]


    [Charisma: 50 | Luck: 25 | Dexterity: 40 | Survival: 20]


    [Avable Stat Points: 0]


    [Weight: 1,460/2,790]


    There was one thing he had forgotten to check for some time.


    [Self Transcendence Blessing Activation Progress: 96%]


    For some reason, he felt that the progress of the Self Transcendence Blessing was slowing down. Could it be that each time the effect was activated, the progress slowed as well? But now it had reached 96%. He wondered if he could unlock something interesting from it soon. He then double-checked all his preparations: Mana Potions, Health Potions, and Food Buffs. Although this would be his first time joining a raid battle of this scale, and he was with the top guild of Immortal Legacy, he felt determined to survive until the end and deliver the finishing blow. Only by doing so could he maximize the potential rewards from the monster''s dropped items.


    A few minutester, the members of the Ass Guild began to return and started gathering. All the party members had assembled, and the time for the monster''s appearance was drawing near. Maylock gave a signal, and, as if they had nned, everyone moved to their respective positions.


    Skywarden, equipped with his massive shield, and Kingsley, in his gigantic bear form, stood at the forefront, with another close-range fighter positioned nearby.


    Livelywood, the young swordsman prodigy, took a mid-position between the front and back lines, ready to provide backup for the long-range attackers.


    ording to the strategy they had discussed at length, Broken was positioned close to the front line.


    Maylock gave a final warning. "Focus on attacking its massive vines, pay close attention to all situations, and don''t act rashly. We have no room for errors!"


    A loud explosion of lightning filled the sky, lifting Elincia into the air. Elincia would control the battle from above, bncing the battlefield and ensuring every member held their


    positions effectively.


    Meanwhile, Melliandra appeared to ascend an invisible staircase made of transparent tforms, sprinting high into the air. She positioned herself at a considerable distance, preparing to unleash her long-range attacks. From that vantage point, she couldfortably fire without interference.


    Broken took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the uing battle settle on his shoulders. He nced around at his teammates, drawing strength from their readiness. The fight was about to begin, and he was determined to y his part to the fullest.


    "Ten," Maylock counted down.


    "Nine. Cast the buffs, eat the food buffs, prepare everything, final check!" he continued.


    "Five,"


    "Two, the monster ising!" he gave the final warning.


    The ground beneath them began to shake, cracks forming all around, apanied by a loud


    roar.


    "Let''s make this fight count. Let''s show them what our Asses are made of!" Elincia cried out, and herrades responded in unison.


    "Kick the monster''s ass back underground!" they shouted.


    The air around them thickened with tension as the ground began to rumble and shake. Everyone immediately tensed, their eyes narrowing in anticipation of what was toe.


    Elincia eximed. "No matter what, we muste out victorious!"


    A loud roar erupted from the depths, shaking the air. A giant vine-like root stretched out from the earth, twisting and writhing. It was the first of many, and soon, more vines began to


    intertwine.


    "The monster ising!" Maylock shouted. Everyone was instantly focused and unified in their resolve. "Stick to the n and be prepared to improvise if anything unexpected happens! We must kill this monster to its very core!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The ground cracked open, and a towering tree monster emerged. Its branches reached for the sky, adorned with deep, lush green leaves. Perched on top of its head were two ruby-red eyes, with a single horn curving from its forehead. The monstrous figure stood over 7 meters, 27 feet tall. Its top resembled a gaping mouth, roaring loudly and shaking the ground around


    them.


    [Epic - Vine Horror Treant Lv. 200 has appeared]


    But then something unexpected happened.


    "Level 200?!" some of them muttered in shock.


    "It''s level 200, not level 180!" someone eximed.


    Maylock had predicted the monster might level up, but he expected an increase of only 5 levels, maybe reaching 185 or 190 at most. But now, the level was 200, which brought two


    significant concerns.


    First, the monster''s level was 20 levels higher than their prediction. Second, level 200 was a threshold where monsters typically received significant upgrades, either in their skills or attack patterns. This clearly indicated that the challenge they faced was far greater than anticipated and carried unforeseen risks.


    Maylock''s face tensed, and everyone stood ready, awaiting themand to attack. What decision would the team make? Would they advance or retreat? If they retreated, they would have to wait again before they could challenge the monster. However, if they advanced and failed, the losses could be immeasurable, especially if some of them were killed.

 Chapter 120: Chapter 120 - Elite Raid Battle

    Chapter 120: - Elite Raid Battle


    ?


    Maylock''s expression darkened with frustration. He hadn''t anticipated his prediction to be off - the raid boss wasn''t supposed to have leveled up yet. The realization that there might be an error in the meticulously crafted strategies shook his confidence.


    "Elincia?!" he called out, turning to face Elincia. Her body was now enveloped in an eerie blue electric energy, and she was floating in the air.


    "We''re going to keep pushing forward," she dered, her voice cutting through the growing doubts in everyone''s minds. "No turning back!"


    The tree monster roared menacingly as it unleashed thick, muscr vines in every direction. Its arms whipped through the air with violent force,shing out at any creature that dared to cross its path. The bark of its trunk groaned and rattled in a fury, shaking the very ground beneath its massive roots. It had transformed into an unstoppable force of nature, attacking anyone who ventured too close without discrimination.


    "We will follow the n and assess the monster before deciding if we continue or not! Everyone, attack!" Elinciamanded as a loud p of thunder echoed in the sky like a war drum.


    The ground trembled with each thunderous burst as the tree monster was assaulted from all sides. Explosions and energy beams of various colors lit up the sky in a chaotic disy, each oneunched by a different fighter.


    Skywarden charged forward, his shield as wide and sturdy as he was. He mmed the shield against the giant monster with a force that reverberated through the earth.


    "Everyone stay in position, don''t get out of my aura shield!" he ordered.


    Livelywood, a young man of fifteen, the same age as Melliandra, was adorned in silver armor ented with gold embellishments. Even his weapon seemed to gleam with a golden hue. He fought and moved gracefully on the battlefield, almost as if he were dancing. His movements were incredibly efficient, and his attacks struck with precise uracy.


    "You sure do like to show off your skills, don''t you, you little brat?!" Optimus shouted at Livelywood.


    Despite his usually quiet demeanor, Livelywood continued his relentless assault.


    As a swordsman, he moved with elegance and agility, somersaulting across the battlefield, executing powerful sword shes, and kicking with the dexterity of a performer in a grand show. He deserved to be hailed as nothing less than a prodigy swordsman.


    Broken kept pounding his enemy with relentless strikes from his sword. He was careful to use only the skills he knew he could rely on in times of need, wary of exhausting his Mana.


    "They really are Elite fighters," he muttered under his breath, awestruck by their extraordinary abilities.


    He took a swig of a Mana potion, feeling it replenish his energy before continuing the fight. But even with the aid of Mana potions, there was a limit to how much one could depend on them.


    Just as he was about to use another Mana potion, his Mana suddenly refilledpletely. Stunned, he turned around to find Goldrich standing there with a broad smile on his face.


    "Leave your Mana needs to me!" Goldrich shouted from a distance.


    What amazed Broken wasn''t just that Goldrich had refilled his Mana without a word but that he seemed to know exactly when his Mana ran out. It had be a habit for Goldrich to always be ready with his skill-whenever Broken''s Mana reserves were close to empty, Goldrich somehow sensed it and provided assistance.


    "He might be a perverted old man, but I''ll give it to him-the guy is smart!" Kingsley bellowed as he thumped his giant bear body onto the ground.


    "Did he actually read all the skills I used and urately predict the amount of Mana I need?" Broken asked.


    "He did even more than that," replied Kingsley. "He might already know how much Mana is required for each skill you use or even your total Mana capacity."


    Elincia hovered in the air, her movements fluid and unhindered. Her magical abilities unleashed devastating attacks on the monstrous vines that ravaged thend below. The vines stood no chance against her furious onught; they were as defenseless as marshmallows before an open me.


    "Taste this attack of mine... hahaha!" she eximed gleefully, her expression shifting slightly as she reveled in the battle.


    Far in the distance, Melliandra seemed to float in the air. She was using her maic field ability as footing, allowing her to seemingly stand on an invisible tform beyond the reach of the monstrous vines.


    "I''m gonna be the top damage dealer today! I''m gonna beat Elincia!" Melliandra shouted with enthusiasm, her voice ringing out over the sound of her sniper rifle firing and bullets zipping through the air.


    Melliandra had the advantage of being far enough away to use her sniper rifle to attack without putting herself in harm''s way.


    The battlefield was an explosion of chaos. Everywhere Broken looked, there were shes of light and roars of pain, allpeting to be heard.


    Even in the face of such danger, he couldn''t help but stand in awe of the spectacle before him. This was the grandest battle he had ever seen, and no matter what, he was part of it!


    Dozens of nt monsters were scattered throughout the area, rising from the ground like a gue of locusts. However, they soon found themselves overwhelmed as boulders shot from afar, smashing into them with devastating force. As if that wasn''t enough, chunks of ice followed close behind, apanied by a huge inferno that zed through the area, incinerating everything it touched.


    Broken was stunned as he turned and set his eyes on the young woman, Starfall. She possessed a beauty that was iparable, even in his assessment. The Asian girl wore her long ck hair in a simple, straight style, and her mid-twenties frame was adorned with an ethereal aura. Her fame across thends was well established, and she was a celebrity in her country.


    Her arms were raised to the sky, and nine magical arrays surrounded her, bombarding every direction with numerous elements of magic. She could control any basic element-an extraordinary feat that left even him in awe. With her abilities, it was no surprise she had achieved such fame.


    The relentless beast was beginning to show signs of wear. It wouldn''t be long until they can finally put an end to this chaos.


    Suddenly, an agonizing scream echoed through the air like a spine-chilling siren.


    "I need help!!!"


    Everyone turned toward the source and saw Melliandra ensnared by a thick, monstrous vine that seemed to havee alive from the ground itself. She was supposed to be in a safe position. Was this one of those unpredictable elements that Maylock had missed? Maylock cursed in frustration, "This shouldn''t be happening if the monsters are only level 190!"


    The monster had leveled up, and Maylock had failed to foresee the impending attack. If they lost Melliandra, the team''s hopes of sess would be shattered; she was one of their most powerful sources of damage. But she was too far away for anyone to provide backup without


    abandoning their own posts.


    Everyone was in their designated positions, fulfilling their individual responsibilities in the battle. They wished they could do something, but they couldn''t! The whole battle would be ruined if even the slightest disruption urred in the formation. No one could help Melliandra; they were powerless, immobilized with fear as the enormous vine sped hern/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    tightly.


    "Help me..." Melliandra screamed in agony, her body hanging limply against the vines,


    threatening to take her life at any moment.


    Was this the end of the raid battle?

 Chapter 121: Chapter 121 - He Has Three Classes?

    Chapter 121: - He Has Three sses?


    ?


    "Freya, it''s only been two weeks since you worked for Leon, but so much has happened already," Marco, the CEO of Golden Age Company, started their conversation. The two of them were currently having a brief midday meeting in a cozy caf¨¦. Marco wasfortably dressed in a warm sweater, while Freya was sporting a sophisticated dark navy executive suit with leggings.


    Freya giggled at Marco''s remark. "I knew you''d react this way, Mr. Marco. But yes, even I didn''t expect his progress to be this swift. And now, he has already managed to enter the circle of the Ass Guild."


    Marco nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "Leon stands to gain a lot if he can earn their trust and align with them. After all, they are a group of elites and wealthy individuals... He will undoubtedly benefit greatly from such an alliance."


    "But, Mr. Marco..." Freya interjected, "Let''s not forget that we are discussing an Anomaly here, a Divine Champion with extraordinary potential."


    Marco''s smile was faint, yet knowing, as he nodded. "What have I missed in the past few weeks?"


    "He has met with ndorr and received a major quest involving the dragon race... and he was rewarded with a legendary-grade ring," she exined.


    "Ah, yes... that one," Marco responded thoughtfully. "I hope Leon can grow rapidly before the quest outpaces him. But yes, I only ask that you continue to provide your best support for him, Freya..."


    Freya smiled confidently. "I have been fulfilling that duty diligently, Mr. Marco."


    "I can see it from his progress so far. I believe he has found an extraordinary assistant," Marco said with a warm smile.


    He continued, leaning slightly forward. "Please let me know if you require any additional support. Of course, as long as it aligns withpany policies and remains within reasonable bounds, I will do my best to provide it."


    Freya smiled warmly and nodded gently. "No, sir, your help in securing Lily''s position at her new school has been immensely valuable, especially for Leon, who was deeply concerned about his sister."


    "That was a simple matter, and that school is designed to ept students primarily through schrships, although many wealthy families also enroll their children and start making significant donations to the school I whimsically established," he responded with a light chuckle.


    Their conversation was momentarily interrupted by a television screen in the corner of the room, which was broadcasting a special segment on Immortal Legacy. It featured an uing raid boss battle to be undertaken by a top guild, an event officially streamed and sure to draw arge audience.


    "So, that''s the Ass Guild we''ve been discussing," Marco murmured.


    Freya nodded and smiled, knowing Leon was among them.


    "Is he ready to showcase his abilities in front of such a vast audience, Freya?" Marco inquired.


    Freya shook her head slightly. "It is indeed still too early, but I believe sooner orter, many people will be aware of his power, sir. However, I''m not sure if this raid boss battle will make Leon stand out, especially since he is surrounded by thirteen elite yers, isn''t he?"


    "But nobody can predict what will happen in Immortal Legacy, can they?" Marco said, a hint of amusement in his voice.


    The caf¨¦ patrons appeared enthusiastic as the broadcast showed the Ass Guild preparing to face the notorious raid boss near rio Town. Such grand battles by a prominent guild always captivated viewers,rgely because they loved witnessing something they themselves might never achieve at that level.


    ***


    Melliandra''s heart sank into despair as the monstrous raid boss ensnared her in its writhing vines. The thick tendrils reached out, coiling around her limbs and torso in an ever-tightening grip. The foliage snaked its way up her arms and legs, encircling her chest and face until she was nearly cocooned within a sphere of twisting, suffocating vines.


    "I can''t lose this fight!" she cried out, her voice trembling yet fierce with determination.


    "I refuse to be the first to fall in this battle - I won''t allow it!"


    Despite the fear gripping her, Melliandra''s will to survive remained unbreakable.


    They had been so close to victory, just within reach of defeating the beast, but now she could only watch helplessly from her confined prison as her allies fought valiantly against the raid boss.


    Isted and unable to assist in the battle, she could feel her motivation surging within her. "I have to strike back at the monster. I can''tg behind," she thought to herself. But her situation rendered her helpless.


    She realized there would be no rescue - none of her friends had anticipated the monster''s reach extending so far. They were caught off guard, unprepared for this unexpected turn.


    A desperate shout from Skywarden pierced the air as hordes of small, nt-shaped creatures multiplied, swarming over them.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "We can''t continue like this. It''s overwhelming!" he shouted, his voiceced with frantic desperation. "We''ve lost!"


    Elincia, with unwavering bravery, proimed, "We cannot surrender now! We must continue to fight!"


    Elincia tried to assist Melliandra, but her hands were full. A singlepse in focus could mean the demise of the long-range attackers on the ground, including Starfall, Goldrich, and even Maylock. It was her duty to protect them.


    From the ground, Maylock shouted, "If the damage we''ve dealt isn''t enough, the monster will enter a Rage state, endangering all of us!"


    They needed to maintain a consistent damage output above a certain threshold. Failing to do so would trigger the raid boss''s Rage state at a critical moment, endangering everyone. Could they manage this? Perhaps, by the slimmest of margins and a bit of luck, but they would almost certainly lose Melliandra. She had already been killed weeks ago; another death would carry severe consequences. Her level would be at risk of dropping, a setback she couldn''t easily ept.


    "Damn it!" Maylock cursed under his breath, berating himself for his foolish arrogance in assuming his strategy was wless.


    There was never a perfect n; he should have anticipated this oue, but he had failed. He gritted his teeth, feeling a heavy blow to his mental fortitude. He loathed failure with a


    passion.


    Melliandra had been one of their strongest damage dealers, and with her incapacitated, their options were rapidly dwindling. If she were to die and leave the raid party, the battle would


    undoubtedly be lost.


    "I''m ashamed to admit this, but I have failed this time," he said, his voiceden with regret. "Elincia, the next move is yours."


    "Maylock!" Goldrich shouted, capturing everyone''s attention. "Your n was perfect, there''s no doubt about that. But there''s one crucial factor you overlooked in this situation." Goldrich raised his finger towards a specific spot. As everyone followed his direction, they were astonished to see Broken with a bow drawn and an arrow aimed directly at Melliandra.


    "A bow?" someone eximed in shock.


    "He''s a swordsman, isn''t he?" another added incredulously.


    "What kind of madness is this? Does he have both swordsman and archer sses?"


    "Does this mean he has three sses? Swordsman, archer, and cksmith?!"


    "No way. Is that even possible?"


    Goldrich allowed a small, knowing smile. "Either he possesses two distinct sses with different weapon proficiencies, or he has a single ss capable of handling multiple weapon types."


    Everyone was stunned by this revtion.


    "This won''t work. We''ll still lose," Skywarden said dejectedly. "This is the most foolish idea I''ve ever heard! No one can bnce their stats to handle more than one weapon type!"


    Yet, skepticism lingered among them.

 Chapter 122: Chapter 122 - Please, Let It Work

    Chapter 122: - Please, Let It Work


    ?


    Broken could sense the mounting desperation among hisrades. The tension was clear on their faces, and their relentless attacks bore the strain of the dire situation. The situation worsened with Melliandra ensnared in the monster''s vines, her life hanging by a thread.


    But in this critical moment, something he had hoped for finally appeared before him.


    [The activation of the Self Transcendence Blessing is triggered.]


    The blessing''s progress had reached 97%, and he felt a surge of relief as it finally activated. He hoped this would turn the tide of the raid battle.


    [The Self Transcendence Blessing analyzes the optimal upgrade suitable for the current situation.]


    [A significant upgrade to the Super Novice ss is in progress.]


    [Blessing of Health upgraded to level 3]


    [Boost your overall health by 30%. You''re no ordinary beginner -- you''re tougher and boast impressive strengths so show them what you''ve got!


    Mana Cost: 5% of Total Mana


    Cooldown: 20 Minutes


    Duration: 5 Minutes]


    The cooldown for Blessing of Health had been reduced from an hour to just twenty minutes, and its mana usage had been lowered. Twenty minutes was still a long time, but at least he knew this skill would be even more remarkable as it leveled up further.


    [Healing Touch upgraded to level 3]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [You can heal anything with just a touch of your hand, restoring the target''s Health by up to 50% of your magic attack.


    Mana Cost: 10% of Total Mana.


    Cooldown: 10 Seconds.]


    Damn, Healing Touch also received an incredible upgrade. The amount of health it healed had increased, and its cooldown had been reduced from twenty seconds to ten.


    [Charged Attack upgraded to level 3]


    [The user can leap quickly up to 6 meters away, delivering a mini-stun of 0.5 seconds to any opponent they strike. Their attack deals damage equivalent to 540% of their physical attack, ensuring no one can escape their target. Be aggressive, chase them down, and conquer them!


    Restriction Skill: Sword Type Weapon


    Mana Cost: 350


    Cooldown: 30 Seconds.]


    The Charged Attack has been significantly enhanced, with an increased stun duration, higher total damage, and a reduced cooldown. These improvements drastically enhance his potential in battle.


    [Quick Strike upgraded to level 3]


    [Carry out a swift attack on the opponent for 350% of your physical attack with a slight chance of dealing a critical of 560% of physical attack.


    Be sure to do it correctly, as this attack can be dodged or parried.


    Restriction Skill: Sword Type Weapon


    Mana Cost: 280


    Cooldown: 20 Seconds.]


    And the final skill, Quick Strike, saw its damage output skyrocketing. With these enhancements, his potential with sword-type weapons would be extraordinary.


    [Identifying new upgrades for the Super Novice ss...]


    The system''s notification chimed, signaling the beginning of a new evaluation.


    [Identifying the newpatible weapon type for the user...]


    [The user is highlypatible with bow-type weapons.]


    [The new skill Explosive Arrow (Active Skill) Lv. 1 has been unlocked.]


    [Explosive Arrow (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    [Ready, aim, BOOM! Unleash your explosive arrow and watch as it deals a massive amount of damage to your enemies in a wide area! Quickly take advantage of this destructive power and wreak havoc before the enemy has a chance to react. Unleash explosive destruction now!]


    [Unleashed an explosive st that caused an incredible 3,000% physical destruction within a radius of 10 meters (32 feet).


    Mana Cost: 1,200


    Cooldown: 60 Seconds


    Charge Time: 5 Seconds]


    This new skill seemed destined to alter the oue of the battle. Broken now possessed an archer skill of immense power, capable of inflicting 3,000% physical damage. However, the challengey in the 5-second charge time, an obstacle when surrounded by hordes of monsters from every direction. Nevertheless, such a skill was perfect for an archer positioned safely at a distance.


    But it was his only option!


    There was no other choice for him. If Melliandra was not rescued, the consequences would be dire, resulting in significant losses and further dys to his ns. He had to aplish something no one else could manage at that moment.


    [Level up!]


    His eyes gleamed with astonishment as the notification shed. His level had reached 72, meeting the necessary requirement to use the Kiss of Fortune Ring. This powerful artifact could only be wielded by yers at level 172 or higher.


    [Projectile''s Kiss: Doubles the power of your physical projectiles, such as arrows or bullets, with this powerful ring.


    Mana Cost: 500


    Cooldown: 5 Minutes]


    This ring would ensure he could deal twice the damage with his ranged attacks, creating an extraordinarybination capable of inflicting massive damage on his targets.


    This was his moment. Broken quickly moved within Kingsley''s protective range, drawing his bow. "I need five seconds to charge," he shouted to everyone around him.


    He immediately focused, channeling all his skills with intense concentration.


    [Explosive Arrow (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    All eyes turned toward him, their expressions a mix of confusion at the absurdity unfolding in the heat of battle. He had never mentioned in any prior meetings that he could wield a bow.


    "What are you doing, you fool? You''ll get yourself killed standing still like that!" Skywarden


    yelled angrily.


    "I''ll protect him," Kingsley dered, striking down monsters that tried to approach Broken. Goldrich shouted, "Do it, Broken! We''ll handle these sted monsters."


    Broken clenched his jaw, drawing the bowstring taut as he began to charge his ultimate skill. "This is madness!" Skywarden bellowed. "A swordsman doesn''t use a bow! His strikes won''t be strong enough to break those vines."


    Surrounded by a horde of monsters, Broken was at the center of a chaotic storm. Suddenly, a figure d in silver armor appeared, moving with fluid grace, his sword slicing through monsters as if they were made of paper. It was Livelywood, a smirk ying on his lips. "Please, save Melliandra, Broken-san," he said softly.


    Toberry, the alchemist dressed in a white robe and a blue headband, dashed towards Broken,


    a purple potion bottle in hand. He quickly uncorked it and poured the contents into Broken''s


    mouth.


    "This will boost your dexterity by fifty points for the next thirty seconds. Now go. We''re all counting on you!"


    Suddenly, arge vineshed out of nowhere, striking Toberry and sending him flying with a


    scream. "No...!"


    Broken steeled his focus, his vision sharpening to crystal rity with his Hawk''s Eye skill. In the distance, he saw Melliandra trapped and engulfed by massive vines. He needed to free her, longing for her to rejoin the battle.


    Several brilliant spheres of light encircled the arrow that he had readied. From a distance, Starfall''s ck hair shimmered under the moonlight as she called out to him with a beaming smile, "Broken, I''m counting on you!"


    The three energy spheres surrounding the arrow would infuse his attack with the elements of


    fire, earth, and wind.


    A red aura enveloped Broken''s body. Goldrich''s voice echoed from afar, "Go on, young man! I''m giving you a 50-point boost in Strength!"


    From the other side of the battlefield, Jovina came sprinting towards him, her brown hair tied


    back in a tight ponytail. As she passed by, her breath lightly brushed against his cheek. She touched his arrow briefly and said, "This buff will increase the damage the farther your arrow flies." She shed a quick wink and then dashed back to her post.


    The arrow now appeared encased in a shimmering, blue electric energy. "Please... we''re counting on you," Elincia murmured from a distance, her expression filled with anxiety and hope. She knew the weight of this moment and desperately wanted to make things right.


    Broken''s muscles tensed as the countdown reached its climax. He was ready to unleash not just his own power but also the collective power of his party mates through the arrow.


    [Projectile''s Kiss (Active Skill)]


    In a heartbeat, he released the bowstring, and the arrow shot forth with a resounding whoosh, its energy waves rippling outward in all directions. The force of the release was so immense that he staggered back slightly, the power of the shot reverberating through him. The arrow sliced through the air with the speed of lightning, carrying not only the potential for high explosive damage but also the collective hopes of everyone around him. All eyes were fixed on its trajectory as it disappeared from sight, their silent prayers trailing behind it. "Please, let it work," they all silently implored.

 Chapter 123: Chapter 123 - Jumped Between The Massive Vines

    Chapter 123: - Jumped Between The Massive Vines


    ?


    "It''s over... it''s all over," whispered Melliandra in her final moments of despair.


    Her spirit had been utterly crushed. The wild vines had slowly begun to coil around her, threatening to swallow her into a deep and desperate darkness that seemed never-ending.


    "I hate him! This is all because of Broken! My damage output has decreased a lot because I lost my ring!"


    It was happening again. Someone had killed her in a fight only days before, and now here she was, defeated again so soon after! This loss felt more crushing than any before. She had never experienced two defeats in such quick session!


    "Everyone, save me!"


    She felt herself surrendering to the darkness, but...


    A deafening sound filled her ears, each consecutive explosion causing her to flinch. The vines holding her tightly shook before the zing light of fire illuminated the shadows.


    "What was that?" She opened her eyes.


    The warmth reached out to her body, burning away the vines as the mes grewrger and brighter. She felt a flicker of hope ignite within her chest and clung to it with all her might. "I''m saved?"


    There may still be a chance for victory after all.


    Melliandra looked around in awe and disbelief, struggling toprehend what had just transpired. Then, in the near distance, she spotted Broken standing tall and proud, a bow in his hand. It was then she realized who had saved her from the clutches of death.


    "Why him?" she whispered, a mix of annoyance and tears filling her eyes.


    Melliandra tumbled headfirst toward the ground, but with a swift maneuver in mid-air, shended gracefully on a transparent tform. She quickly sprinted further away, ensuring she was in a safer position than before. She should be safe now. Even though the increased distance made aiming more challenging, it was preferable to perishing in battle.


    Elincia was still stunned by what Broken had done. "Did he really do it? That skill had incredible potential damage. What kind of skill was that?" she wondered aloud.


    "Well done, Broken!" Maylock eximed, his voice trembling as he tried to contain his emotional outburst. "We still have a chance, thanks to your efforts! I''m indebted to you."


    Goldrich beamed at Broken. "You''ve done an excellent job, young man! Now let''s conclude this grand battle with aplomb."


    Skywarden, noticing that Broken had aplished his mission, stood tall and angrily mmed his shield into the monsters. "Tch! That was nothing special!"


    "Melliandra, I know you can survive. You''re the best of us!" Elincia shouted over the fray. "You did it, Broken, thanks to you," Kingsley continued.


    Melliandra shed a determined smile as she raised her rifle and aimed at the encroaching forces.


    "I''m not that weak! Do you really think I need help from all of you? Hahaha... Let''s finish this together." With that, she pulled the trigger, sending a hail of bullets through her target.


    The battle raged on, and it was clear their task was far fromplete. Broken quickly allocated every stat point he had to intelligence, as his mana requirements had surged with the recent level-ups of his four skills. The increased damage output was evident, and his attacks are now dealing with significantly more devastation.


    Goldrich observed this with a thin smile. "What kind of blessing bestows someone with such a massive upgrade in the midst of battle, huh?"


    Maylock, standing nearby, responded firmly, "Now you understand why I''ve been so interested in him, don''t you?"


    "Your judgment has never been wrong, khi khi khi," Goldrich replied.


    The wounds of battle gradually healed, and the group endured several phases of the Raid Boss''s rage attacks. With each sessive strike, the colossal beast began to show signs of fatigue, its weak point now exposed.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "This is it!" Maylock shouted from across the battlefield. "Let''s concentrate our forces and amplify our attack damage! This monster won''t stand a chance! We just need to deliver the finishing blow, and we must ensure that Brokennds the final hit on the monster." Goldrich echoed the call with equal fervor. "Go forth, Broken! It''s your time to shine!"


    As Broken had discussed earlier with Elincia and the others, he needed the chance tond the final blow on the monster. He hoped that by doing so, he could activate his Bountiful Harvest ability and thus reap greater rewards. However, achieving this amidst a dozen other fiercebatants doing the same thing would be challenging.


    His requests were indeed extraordinary. Not only did he insist on not being invited into the raid party, but he also demanded the chance to deliver the final blow to the monster. This was an almost impossible feat, especially since he waspeting against thirteen high-level yers with significantly greater damage output, including three powerful mages.


    Despite the odds, Elincia tried to honor his request, albeit with several warnings about the difficulty of his task.


    Maylock exined that the other yers could not afford to reduce their attack tempo in the final moments just to give Broken a chance for the final blow. If they did, the monster could enter another rage state, making it even harder to defeat.


    But Broken was resolute in his decision. He was determined to seize this opportunity, no matter the risk. Only by seeding in this could he hope to gain the potential rewards that he had expected.


    Broken steeled himself, ready for the final push. Polly, who had been fighting nearby, quickly ran to him and shot towards him. He leaped onto Polly''s back, gripping tightly as they raced away from the deadly monster tree, seeking an opening to deliver the decisive blow.


    He knew he could only inflict significant damage if he managed to reach and destroy the exposed Monster Core, now visible on the tall creature''s chest. However, he was acutely aware of the challenge: the core was positioned higher than twice the height of Bear Form Kingsley, and he would also have to avoid the monster''s thrashing vines. But he had to try, no matter


    the risk.


    "Broken, if you want to deliver thest hit, now is the time!" Maylock shouted. "You have a brief window. Seize the momentum."


    "I won''t let him do as he pleases," Skywarden said, his face contorted with irritation. Keeping his focus on the battle, he added, "Do you think he can out-damage thirteen of us?


    Impossible!"


    Kingsley responded confidently, "He always surprises us. I believe he can do it."


    Several buffs were quickly cast towards Broken, with support from Goldrich, Elincia, and


    Starfall, clearly hoping he couldplete his mission.


    Even Trison, the drunken healer, threw a ss bottle at Broken''s head. Remarkably, after the impact, Broken received a 100% regeneration buff.


    "Is there no other way to buff someone?" he muttered to himself.


    Despite everything, Broken, now riding Polly, moved with grim determination. They darted around the monster''s vines, Polly running swiftly and looking for a chance to leap towards the target. With agility, she jumped between the massive vines, dodging and weaving.


    They were searching for a gap to reach the top of the monster.


    Polly''s body was repeatedly struck by the massive vines, but she nimbly leaped to another


    vine each time, drawing ever closer to their target.


    "Come on, Polly, please. I know you can do it!"

 Chapter 124: Chapter 124 - A Gift Or Catastrophe

    Chapter 124: - A Gift Or Catastrophe


    ?


    Polly darted forward, her feet barely touching the ground as she raced through the thick undergrowth. She twisted and turned with remarkable agility, leaping between the wild vines thatshed out violently in every direction. It felt like battling a beast of unimaginable power, each vine a limb of an unyielding creature.


    As the darkness of night enveloped them, the moon rose to shed its eerie light upon their struggle, making it even more daunting. The limited visibility, cloaked in shadows, added to the challenge. Broken, having set aside his bow, now gripped his sword tightly, ready for battle.


    "I know it won''t be easy," Maylock muttered under his breath, the weight of their task pressing down on him. "At least we''ve given him the chance. If we slow down now, this monster will regain its strength, and we''ll all be in grave danger."


    "I wish I could do more for you, Broken," Elincia said, her voice barely audible over the sounds of battle. "But as Maylock said, this is the best we can manage."


    With fierce determination, they faced the monstrous creature, their spirits unbroken. Maylock''s voice rang out with authority, "Increase our attack! This is the moment we''ve been fighting for!"


    Their assault became relentless, each strike more powerful than thest as they sought to exploit the creature''s weaknesses.


    Polly continued her frantic dash, deftly avoiding the writhing vines. Twice, she narrowly avoided a collision with the more enormous tendrils, her movements defying thews of nature. It was as if she possessed supernatural agility, and her every move was precise and calcted.


    Broken, his resolve unshaken, remained focused on their goal. As they drew closer to the creature''s weak point, he swiftly dismounted from Polly''s back, his body soaring through the air with grace. The moon''s gentle rays illuminated him, giving him a surreal appearance as he lifted his sword high, with the moon serving as his stunning backdrop.


    With a mighty shout, he dered, "Here I go! I''ll deliver the final blow!"


    He descended towards the creature''s chest, his sword aimed with deadly precision. It was his moment to strike, the culmination of their desperate battle.


    But the monster''s health was too high to be defeated quickly with a single attack skill! His momentum was just a little too fast! Could he pull off this attack? He shook his head; there was no time to hesitate!


    "That is impossible! Hahaha," Skywarden shouted. "I bet he''s going to die a silly death!"


    "Broken!" Elincia panicked as massive vines shot towards him, knowing he wouldn''t be able to deliver the final blow in time.


    Goldrich quaked with fear as he watched the scene unfold. "There''s no way he can deal enough damage to finish off the beast in a single strike," he said, his voice trembling with dread.


    Starfall, observing from a distance, furrowed her brow with concern. "He''ll be in serious danger if he doesn''te up with a n quickly," she muttered under her breath.


    However, Broken was on target, ready to deliver the decisive blow. His sword glinted in the dim light as he gripped it tightly, charging towards the monster with a fierce battle cry.


    "At least I have tried my best!" he yelled loudly.


    But there was a big problem. The massive vines were about to strike him. He wouldn''t be able to deliver the final blow; he would be killed first.


    However, as the vines were about to hit him, a swift movement and a significant sh urred around the vines. A figure in an assassin''s outfit appeared-it was Charmelyn, who had saved him.


    "Do it, Broken," she said softly.


    "Thanks, Charmelyn..."


    Just then, a loud explosion erupted from the other side of the creature''s body.


    It was Melliandra! She hadunched a powerful attack from a distance, taking out a significant portion of the beast''s health bar.


    Broken smiled as he realized what had happened. "Thanks, Melliandra!"


    "Right! This is the time!"


    [Charged Attack (Active Skill) Lv. 3]


    [Quick Strike (Active Skill) Lv. 3]


    [Severing Strike (Active Skill)]


    Charged with electric energy, the de of his sword crackled and sparked as he swung it down with a deafening roar. Elincia''s enchantment had infused his weapon with incredible power.


    [Double Strikes (Conditional Passive Skill)]


    The force of his strike was so immense that it sent a shockwave rippling through the air, throwing everyone in its vicinity off their feet and scattering energy like a cascade of


    fireworks.


    The beast remained standing, but the collective sigh of relief from the group signaled their understanding: the blow had been decisive.


    They had conquered the beast!


    "He did it? Impossible. Luck alone couldn''t ount for this," Skywarden eximed, utterly incredulous.


    "His skill damage wasn''t nearly as impressive as Starfall''s or Elincia''s," Goldrich added. "But with Melliandra and Charmelyn''s help, he seized his moment. Yes, it was sheer luck. Yet, it seems fortune is in love with him."


    "He did it?" Maylock repeated in astonishment. "There''s no way he pulled this off purely by chance, right?" He was dumbfounded.


    A massive explosion followed, and Broken''s body was hurled through the air by the impact of his own attack. He soared momentarily, but Polly dashed forward and caught him. She skillfully maneuvered, allowing him tond safely on her back as she darted toward the ground.


    [You have vanquished the Epic - Vine Horror Treant of Level 200 with triumphant sess.] [The activation of the Bountiful Harvest skill caused an extremely rare reaction that requires additional time to process the results. The oue will have to be postponed.]


    [Be prepared for anything, as the oue could be a fantastic gift or an absolute catastrophe, and no one can predict which wille to pass.]


    Broken copsed onto the ground, the remnants of the battle still visible around them. Dozens of glowing loot itemsy scattered on the ground, all gravitating toward Elincia except for the prized drop from the raid boss, which unmistakably belonged to him.


    Maylock was the first to approach Broken. "You did it, Broken, that''s incredible."


    However, something troubled Broken as he read the notification that had appeared before him. His brow furrowed with concern as he pondered the message.


    "A gift or catastrophe, why?" he murmured, the uncertainty gnawing at him.


    ***


    Freya and Marco, still watching the broadcast of the raid battle from the caf¨¦, were stunned


    by the oue.


    "Goddess Akidia was truly reckless to bestow such an extraordinary blessing on a single


    person," Marco said, shaking his head in disbelief.


    "Would the blessing have the same impact if given to someone else, Mr. Marco?" Freya asked,


    her curiosity piqued.


    "I''m not sure about that," he replied thoughtfully. "But it''s clear that this blessing has be something terrifying in Leon''s hands. It''s really abination of the right moment


    and a huge opportunity."


    Just then, Marco received an emergency call on his phone. He nced at the message, and his expression turned urgent. "Freya, I need to go," he said abruptly, not offering any


    exnation before quickly departing.


    Freya watched Marco leave, her curiosity deepening. "Could this be rted to Leon?" she


    murmured softly.


    She then pulled out herptop and opened several documents. "Alright, I think I can make aN?v(el)B\\jnn


    lot of money from today''s events. I wonder what legal actions I can take against the parties broadcasting this video without everyone''s consent in the scene, huh? Let''s see..." she said, giggling to herself.

 Chapter 125: Chapter 125 - Treasure and Tension

    Chapter 125: - Treasure and Tension


    ?


    Broken squinted his eyes as the massive form of the monster they had just defeated copsed to the ground, creating a thunderous boom. The immense creature''s body disintegrated into countless tiny pixels, leaving behind several glowing items of various colors. These items levitated into the air before shooting towards him, one by one, seeming to collide with his chest and then disappearing, settling within his inventory.


    [You have obtained 5 pieces of low-quality Orichalcum Ore]


    [You have obtained 2 pieces of medium-quality Orichalcum Ore]


    [You have obtained 1 piece of high-quality Orichalcum Ore]


    [You have obtained 3 pieces of medium-quality Green Orichalcum Ore]


    [You have obtained 1 piece of high-quality Green Orichalcum Ore]


    [You have obtained 1 piece of low-quality Thorn Vine of Vine Horror Treant] [...]


    [You have obtained Verdant Whisperte - Chest Armor (Epic)]


    [You have obtained Verdant Swiftstride - Pants Armor (Epic)]


    [You have obtained Thorned Vindicator Sword (Epic)]


    [You have obtained 1 Epic - Vine Horror Treant Lv. 200 Monster Soul Stone]


    Broken''s breath caught in his throat when he discovered he had acquired a Monster Soul Stone from the fallen raid boss. Not only that, but he now possessed more than enough Orichalcum to craft the coveted Moonvine Knuckles. To his further amazement, he had also obtained Epic-grade Chest Armor, Pants Armor, and a sword!


    His heart pounded with exhration as he realized the truly rewarding oue. With a broad smile lighting up his face, he softly eximed, "This is incredible!"


    However, the wealth of treasures he had acquired was bound to attractments and attention from others.


    Gradually, everyone began to gather, forming a circle around him.


    Goldrich was the first to tap his shoulder, speaking out with relief. "Khi khi khi, I can''t handle any more surprises today! After everything that''s happened since this morning, and all of it because of you. Seeing that annoying monster drop a Monster Soul Stone for you was quite a shock. It looks like we''ve hit the jackpot today!"


    Maylock offered a relieved smile. "Well done, Broken. We made it this far, and we wouldn''t have been able to do so without your help."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Elincia approached him, looking exhausted but with a spark of happiness in her eyes. "I trust you have gathered all the essentialponents for crafting the item you wanted. I hope it brings you joy. I see you''ve gotten more than enough, haven''t you? The Orichalcum? I never thought we could finish this with just one raid boss battle."


    Skywarden, standing between them, chimed in with a stern tone. Pointing a finger at Broken, "He must share the loot from the monster. We only agreed to share the Monster Core, not the Monster Soul Stone. The value of that item is too high to just hand over to him! He also got two armor pieces and a sword. I bet that armor is meant for the archer ss."


    Jovina smiled confidently and said, "We have won big. But it''s not always so easy. We could just as easily have lost big. Broken was a great asset in the battle-this would have been an entirely different oue without him. He earned those rewards promised to him at the beginning." Her voice became firm and determined. "Anyone who has an issue with this decision can face me on one. Interested?"


    "Shut your mouth, Jovina! You know a Monster Soul Stone has immense value! It''s not fair for him to get it just based on his contribution. We promised drops from the monster, but not the Monster Soul Stone. Besides, this is a Monster Soul Stone from a Raid Boss! This isn''t a trivial matter!"


    He continued, "Do you understand how much a Monster Soul Stone from a raid of this magnitude is worth? We deserve fairpensation-I find it insulting that we aren''t receiving proper payment for our hard work."


    Melliandra''s voice rang out across the area. "Hey, you stupid Skywarden!" she snarled. "I might be as greedy as you, but our guild stands for more than just making money! We have pride and honor, and we don''t stoop so low as to break ourmitments. No matter how much I despise this man, and will forever hate him! But I''m not going to lower myself by doing something as sneaky and underhanded as this! You fool!"


    Optimus, a tall martial arts fighter with blonde hair, stepped forward and added, "Yeah, I think he''s lucky to get those items. But that happened because hended the final blow on the raid boss. The oue would''ve been different if our raid party had dealt the final blow, right? Damn, I''m so greedy, I want the soul stone. But we made amitment, and yes, I stand by our initial agreement."


    Broken smiled slightly at the disy of tension, but he knew he had to stay firm. He couldn''t let go of the Monster Soul Stone, for it had be his right ording to their agreement. Besides, he needed the Monster Soul Stone to craft the Moonvine Knuckles, which would give him a chance to produce a Legendary Grade item with it.


    "Thank you all for your help," he murmured under his breath. "I can share the armor and the sword with the others. But sorry, I need the Monster Soul Stone."


    Elincia then stepped between them. "I understand how hard it is to let such a valuable item slip away. The lure of the Monster Soul Stone is very tempting indeed. However, we can always hunt this monster again in the future. I don''t want greed to lead us astray and bring discord among us." She concluded her statement with a friendly smile. "Do wee to an understanding? We''ve done our best, anyway. Does anyone here object to Broken getting all the item drops?"


    "He is a swordsman; he doesn''t need the armor," skywarden continued, his frustration palpable.


    Maylock smirked and replied, "What if we ask him directly whether he can use the armor or not? We all saw him using a bow to save Melliandra, which clearly shows he can use archer


    armor."


    Skywarden, visibly annoyed, shot a furious nce at Broken.


    "The armor requires level 200, and I can''t use it right now," Broken answered calmly. "But once I reach the required level, yes, I can use all those items."


    "Khi khi khi..." Goldrich chuckled with interest. "What kind of ss do you have, huh? You seem to be grabbing everything in the shop."


    "Does anyone else have anyints?" Elincia interjected. "I believe the items Broken received are no more valuable than those held by Maylock, our only archer. And as for the sword, I''m sure Livelywood''s current weapon is still good and suits his needs."


    Livelywood, the sole swordsman among them, nodded optimistically. "Yes, my sword is level 200 and fits my fighting style, so I don''t need the new one right now."


    Atst, everyone agreed.


    However, despite the victory celebration unfolding around him, Broken couldn''t shake a growing sense of unease. Earlier, he had received a notification that piqued his curiosity.


    [The activation of the Bountiful Harvest skill caused an extremely rare reaction that requires additional time to process the results. The oue will have to be postponed.]


    "What does that mean?" he wondered.

 Chapter 126: Chapter 126 - Twilight of Vines

    Chapter 126: - Twilight of Vines


    ?


    [Be prepared for anything, as the oue could be a fantastic gift or an absolute catastrophe, and no one can predict which wille to pass.]


    Broken reread the notification again, letting out an anxious sigh as he grumbled to himself, "What does this mean?"


    "Okay, let''s go back home, I''m sure logging out in a ce like this isn''t a pleasant decision," Elincia announced.


    Jovina patted Broken''s shoulder and wrapped her arm around him from the side. "Hey, you''re so cool... what about joining our guild, hehe."


    "Shut up, Jovina. Weak yers don''t deserve to be part of us," Melliandra retorted, walking away to follow Elincia.


    Kingsley then patted Broken''s back, who was now in his human form. "Congrats, Broken. You managed to get what you needed."


    One by one, they followed Elincia.


    "Let''s go. You don''t want to stay here overnight, do you?" Maylock, still near Broken, urged him.


    Broken hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to make of the situation, before finally deciding to join the others in their march away from the scene of battle.


    Suddenly, the grass and leaves around them began to roll and swirl in a frantic dance as a fierce wind blew through the area. The wind was so strong that it caused branches to sway wildly, leaves to flutter madly, and everyone''s clothes to ripple and p in the breeze. It was a warning of something biging their way.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "What''s happening?"


    "Another monster attack?"


    "That''s impossible. We already defeated the raid boss."


    Goldrich was the first to stop. His eyes darted wildly from side to side, and his face turned pale as realization dawned. The others stopped in their tracks, shocked at what they were witnessing.


    "What the fuck is happening now?" Skywarden said loudly.


    "Goldrich, what''s wrong?" Maylock asked, visibly shocked.


    "I''m not sure. But, it seems we are in a state of emergency," Goldrich exined.


    As they all looked back towards the remnants of the battle, their faces contorted with shock as an immense cloud of dust descended from the sky, encasing the area in its foggy embrace. It was as if Nature itself was mourning the loss of life, creating an intense cyclone that whirled around the battlefield.


    Night had fallen, and their vision was further obscured by the darkness, though the open area was dimly illuminated by the moonlight. Amidst the chaos, the aftermath was clearly visible. "I think we need to leave here immediately!" Goldrichmanded, his voice echoing across the expanse. But it was toote-monstrous vines emerged from every direction, snaking around like serpents andshing out at those in their path. This time, the vines moved with greater force, were muchrger, and spread quickly throughout the area.


    Skywarden was the first to be struck by arge vine, which pierced through his chest armor like a dagger plunging into the depths of hell.


    "Damn, the damage is immense. I think this isn''t just any ordinary monster," he said.


    His shocked face twisted as he vanished from sight, leaving behind his beloved armor in a jumbled pile on the ground.


    Seeing Skywarden, one of their strongest tanks, fall so easily, like tofu being sliced by a knife, caused everyone to tense up. Elincia quickly grabbed the items dropped by Skywarden, trying to save them so they could be returned to himter.


    However, the wild vines grew even more rampant, and everyone began to run in a chaotic, disorganized manner. Maylock tried to analyze what was happening, but he didn''t have enough information about the situation.


    "What is this? This monster is beyond our reach," he said, panicking.


    More people were struck by the massive vines with each passing second, and they fell to the ground one by one, sumbing to death''s icy grasp. Toberry, the alchemist, was among the first to be ensnared.


    The young prodigy swordsman, Livelywood, attempted to fight back with his agile movements. He darted towards the massive vine attacking him, but his strikes proved futile. The vine swept him away effortlessly, and he vanished from everyone''s sight.


    Jovina was still protected by the beasts she had summoned, but they were all obliterated in a single swipe from the massive vine, and she, too, disappeared.


    Optimus, the martial arts fighter, also vanished without putting up any resistance.


    Kingsley, in his massive bear form, tried to fight back, but the vines wrapped around him tightly, crushing his body until only the echo of his powerful roar remained.


    Starfall followed shortly after.


    Elincia took a different approach in this dire situation. Her slender frame was engulfed with blue electric energy as she evaded each attack directed at her, dashing through the air with bursts of lightning exploding each time she swooped down to the ground. She desperately tried to collect every item dropped by her guild members.


    "Sorry, I can''t hold on here any longer," she said. Finally, she surrendered to the chaos and dashed through the end of the area, disappearing from sight.


    The ones who managed to survive were Elincia, who had already fled the scene, and Melliandra, who also escaped swiftly.


    Goldrich, along with the assassins Charmelyn and Broken, remained at the location.


    Goldrich, however, was not truly safe, as he had already been killed. His astral body lingered, allowing him to witness everything that transpired. Meanwhile, Charmelyn activated her ultimate skill, rendering herself semi-transparent and immune to any damage, though she could not move and remained standing in one spot with Goldrich''s astral body beside her. "It seems it''s just the two of us left to witness what happens next, huh? Khi khi khi," Goldrich said to Charmelyn, his voice filled with eerie amusement.


    Charmelyn nodded slowly, choosing silence over words.


    "With your agility, you could still escape, Charmelyn. Why don''t you go?"


    Charmelyn looked over at Broken, her eyes filled with contemtion. After a moment of silence, she shook her head slowly. "Is this happening because of him?"


    "I''m not sure," Goldrich replied, "but as I said before, nothing surprises me anymore after meeting him. Khi khi khi."


    Charmelyn nodded again, her gaze steady. "I want to see what happens. Do you think he would mind?"


    "Khi khi khi, I doubt he even understands what''s happening himself," Goldrich said with a chuckle. "But let''s watch together. I''m sure this is the best spot because it''s just the two of us left here, besides the main character of this event."


    Broken felt like time hade to a standstill as he stared at the notification appearing in front of him. He couldn''t move, couldn''t think; he could do nothing but remain motionless,


    overwhelmed with shock.


    [The Bountiful Harvest skill has aplished a remarkable feat, sessfully duplicating the Monster Soul Stone, which typically contains the soul of a high-grade raid monster.]


    The Monster Soul Stone that had been in his inventory forced its way out and floated back to the point where it had been created. In a brief moment, there were now two Monster Soul Stones hovering in the air, continuously shing against each other. Each collision produced explosions in all directions until, finally, the two Monster Soul Stones seemed to merge into


    one.


    [Miraculously, this event gave rise to the Mythic-Grade Spirit.] [Mythic - Queen Gaia - Goddess of Nature Lv. 400]

 Chapter 127: Chapter 127 - Gathering of The Immortals

    Chapter 127: - Gathering of The Immortals


    ?


    The piercing wail of an rm bell echoed throughout the bustling workspace, halting every worker in their tracks as their attention snapped toward therge monitor dominating the corner of the room. The room, once filled with the hum of activity, fell into an uneasy silence, each individual frozen in surprise and anxiety.


    "Emergency?" one of them said.


    Faces drained of color, reflecting the growing panic as Marco, the CEO of Golden Age Company, burst into the room. His usuallyposed demeanor was shattered, reced by a mask of tension and urgency.


    "What''s the situation?" he demanded, his eyes locking onto the monitor, where something monumental was unfolding within their game.


    An employee stepped forward, their voice unsteady and quivering, "It''s the birth of the Nature Goddess, Mr. Marco."


    Marco inhaled deeply, a mix of frustration and disbelief etched across his features. "Is it Broken causing this again?"


    His gaze remained fixed on the screen, brows knitted together in deep concern. The room was thick with tension, every employee''s eyes fixed on their leader, waiting anxiously for his directive.


    "What should we do, Mr. Marco?" His assistant''s voice broke the silence, tinged with fear. "A Mythic-grade creature shouldn''t be appearing now, right? Especially Queen Gaia."


    Marco steadied himself, taking a deep breath to calm his nerves. "We need to act immediately," he said, his voice firm despite the worry in his eyes. "Get ready for a press conference. Themunity will be in an uproar when they hear about this."


    Marco paused before he continued, "I need someone to keep a close eye on this situation and see how the deities react."


    "Yes, Mr. Marco, we''ll do it right away," an employee replied.


    The room remained tense, a palpable sense of dread hanging in the air as everyone looked to Marco for further instructions.


    "Mythic creatures," he began, "are beings that have ascended to the pinnacle of power within the mortal realm. They are one grade above Legendary and just below Arcane. What exactly are we dealing with here? It is an extraordinary spirit of immense power."


    "This happened because the yer obtained two soul stones simultaneously after defeating a raid boss," another employee exined, their voice shaking. "This is an event with nearly impossible odds."


    The hierarchy of grades assigned to items and creatures is as follows: Common, Rare, Elite, Epic, Unique, Legendary, Mythic, Arcane, and finally, Divine.


    "If a Mythic-grade being were to be born from the actions or mistakes of a single yer, it would be like unleashing a force of nature that no one could contain or hope to survive against." His words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of their implications, as he considered the potential devastation such a creature could wreak.


    Marco''s mind raced through the possible scenarios and oues of their current predicament. "Let''s observe what unfolds," he said, "while preparing for any emergencies. This situation is both a catastrophe and an opportunity; if managed well, our stock will soar to new heights. Conversely, if it goes badly, we will face a significant downfall. This game could be destroyed by a mistake like this."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ***


    In a majestic chamber perched high above the clouds, the ethereal Goddess of Sloth, Akidia,y in serene repose. Sunlight poured through the expansive windows, casting the room in a dazzling golden light. A richly detailed rug covered the floor, adding to the chamber''s opulence.


    Akidia''s long, white hair flowed around her like a silken shroud, highlighting her delicate features. She wore a flowing white dress that draped her body gracefully, shimmering with an ethereal glow as if lit from within by a divine source. The sight of her was both awe-inspiring and breathtakingly beautiful.


    "Akidia! Akidia!" a voice called out from a corner of the room.


    The Goddess Akidia slowly opened her eyes. She turned her gaze towards a small table beside her bed, noticing a ck, square-shaped instrument vibrating with urgency. With azy snap of her fingers, she summoned a spark of magic, causing the object to levitate gently into the air.


    "What is it?" she murmured, her voice tinged with irritation. "Don''t they know I''ve been overworkedtely?"


    The device suddenly came to life, its voice louder and more insistent than before.


    "Akidia!" it repeated.


    "Yes, what?" she replied, stifling a yawn.


    "Emergency Summon request!" a male voice red from the device. "There''s a major


    incident in Yunatea, and you''re responsible for addressing it! All the gods are gathering and waiting for your presence!"


    "Emergency? Can this wait for a few more years?" she asked, her eyes half-closed in reluctance.


    "No! Do you not understand the gravity of an Emergency Summon?" the voice on the other end snapped.


    Suddenly, a brilliant beam of light erupted from her bed, enveloping Akidia in its radiant embrace. In an instant, she was gone, leaving behind a shimmering trail of luminescent energy that hung in the air.


    In another realm, the sky suddenly split open, revealing a vast expanse of billowing clouds that stretched out before the eyes of those assembled below. From the celestial mist, a graceful figure emerged, her long white hair flowing like a waterfall down to her calves. Akidia had arrived. She touched down gently onto the luxuriously soft, white seats adorned with golden embellishments, leaning back to rest her head in a position of serenefort. From all sides, majestic figures of divine origin began to materialize, their golden halos glowing ever brighter as they took their ces around her. Each presence added to the divine energy of the gathering.


    Finally, one figure stepped forward. His voice, deep and resonant, echoed across the expanse like a roll of thunder.


    "A grave issue has arisen in Yunatea," he proimed. "If we do not act swiftly, the repercussions will be felt in every corner of the world."


    One of the deities spoke up hesitantly, "But why do all of us need to be here for such a minor


    incident?"


    "It''s been a long time since we had an event this significant in Yunatea," another remarked. It may bring some entertainment for us all.


    "Yes, I agree. I''m curious to see how they will handle such a disaster."


    "We do need more entertainment, but uncontrolled events like this could ruin our fun."


    "But we can easily destroy something like this. Just hold the responsible party ountable."


    "It was Akidia," someone chuckled.


    "I guess we''ll need a new candidate for Sloth after this."


    "But many creatures will suffer," one of them said, horrified by the thought.


    "Let''s let nature take its course and watch as new generations of Yunatea''s inhabitants emerge," another continued with a mischievous glint in their eye. "Wouldn''t that be


    amusing?"


    "I agree! We need something new and exciting. Ever since those pesky yers showed up, we''ve been missing some entertainment. This will provide a nice change of pace for all of us." "Those yers will survive anyway, and I''m sure they will suffer greatly if this happens." "Another great war... just hearing about it interests me, hahaha."


    "We should bestow them with additional blessings and instigate them to battle each other, haha," one of the powerful beings chuckled.


    "Silence!" one of the dominant beings dered, silencing everyone in the room.


    "We must make a decision and act swiftly before it''s toote," the same being continued,


    their tone serious. "The creature''s level is 400. Even the Original Pride Champion will


    struggle to defeat her."


    Goddess Akidia watched as the council debated, her calm expression slowly shifting as she


    began to understand the implications of their discussion. Her face broke into a proud smile as realization dawned on her.


    "So, is this because of my dearest champion? Oh, how proud I am of him," she whispered


    softly.

 Chapter 128: Chapter 128 - The Agent of Change

    Chapter 128: - The Agent of Change


    ?


    Broken stood still amidst the chaos. The fierce winds howled around him while enormous vines whipped through the air with wild abandon, demolishing everything in their path. His eyes narrowed as he watched Polly''s form gradually dissolve, her body struggling against the pulsing waves of energy.


    He murmured softly, "Polly, return to your world."


    He gazed as she vanished from his sight, dissipating like a wisp of smoke.


    Broken realized that this phenomenon had led to the deaths of many members of the Ass Guild, but he couldn''t deny that it was him that had triggered it. This catastrophe had unfolded due to a series of events with minuscule chances colliding, resulting in this monumental urrence. He had obtained a soul stone, and the effect of Bountiful Harvest granted him a second soul stone, culminating in the manifestation of the creature now before him.


    Goldrich, his astral form seated next to Charmelyn, remarked, "My curiosity got the better of me, so I had to use this ability to discover what happened."


    Elincia, enveloped in a radiant cloud of blue electricity, darted across the battlefield with lightning-like speed, collecting everyst drop item from her fallenrades. She whirled around and shouted at Goldrich. "Old man, I''m counting on you now... keep me informed about what''s going to happen next. I''ll be waiting for you back in town." With that, she propelled herself away.


    Melliandra''s legs ached as she pushed them to their limits, leaping between transparent tforms. She was almost safe, but the hurricane''s fierce winds hurled her back like she was nothing more than a feather.


    "Damn, damn, damn!" she swore as she sprinted for her life. "I don''t want to die, yet I''m half-dead curious about what will happen next!"


    She could see Broken standing tall, undisturbed by the chaos surrounding them. He hadn''t moved an inch since they had started fleeing.


    With a newfound determination igniting within her, Melliandra sprang forward again, pushing herself even further away from the impending danger.


    Goldrich let out a cackle as he surveyed the chaotic scene. "In the end, I ended up here with you, Charmelyn."


    "If everything follows the usual rules, I''ll earn a new title with enormous rewards just from witnessing an event like this," he chuckled.


    He continued, "That young man must have done something extraordinary to awaken such a powerful creature... A level 400, no less! This should be quite entertaining."


    "But..." Charmelyn''s voice faltered into a hushed whisper. "It''s a Mythic-grade level 400 creature could it spell disaster for us all? How can we defeat her? Even our guild members perished easily with just her appearance."


    Goldrich clucked his tongue. "Let''s just watch the show, then," he said. "These are exclusive front-row seats that can''t be bought anywhere else. Khi-khi-khi!"


    Whirlwinds swirled and whipped faster than the eye could see while dozens of enormous tentacle-like vines stretched toward the sky in every direction. The ancient forest, surrounded by an expansive clearing, was bathed in the silvery light of a full moon, casting its glow far and wide.


    Amidst the chaos and danger, Broken stood firm. Yet, something elsey hidden beneath the darkness, now beginning to reveal itself.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A divine light emanated from the ground, illuminating the dark night sky. From this mystical glow, a figure began to take shape-vines and nts intertwined to create a magnificent woman of ethereal beauty. Her body seemed one with nature, moving gracefully through the darkness towards him.


    As she drew nearer, Broken''s eyes widened in awe at the sight of her radiant face. A small smile graced her lips as her gaze met his, a symbol of both challenge and wee.


    [Mythic - Queen Gaia - Goddess of Nature Lv. 400]


    Broken stood amidst the chaos. He felt the overwhelming presence of a being far superior to himself, her otherworldly power almost tangible, filling the space with an aura of awe.


    Her gentle yet mysterious gaze met him as she spoke. "Are you the one who has brought me to life?"


    The reverberation of her voice washed over him like a soothing wave. His throat tightened as anxiety bubbled within him, but he finally found his voice.


    "You are the embodiment of countless possibilitiesing together," he replied. "And yes, it seems all of this happened mostly because of my set of blessings."


    [Queen Gaia acknowledges the one who brought her to life. Her affinity with Broken increases by 20%. She will likely listen to what you have to say.]


    Gaia moved closer, her emeraldplexion almost glowing in the chaotic atmosphere. She was strikingly beautiful; her soft facial features appeared as if they were lifted from a portrait of a young woman in her early twenties. Her body was covered in a refreshing green hue, illuminated by a pale luminescence. Vibrant wild vines cascaded down like locks of hair inteced with nature''s greenery.


    "You have been graced by the divine. You are the embodiment of a miracle walking in this world."


    Extending her right arm, her supple and beautiful fingers touched Broken''s cheek. "But you must remember that every creature born into the world carries with it a purpose."


    "And what is your purpose?" he asked.


    Goldrich furrowed his brow as he watched the interaction between Broken and the spirit. He could clearly see the ethereal figure conversing with Broken, but he couldn''t hear their words.


    "Can you hear their conversation, Charmelyn?" he asked.


    Charmelyn shook her head slowly. "No, even their lip movements aren''t clear from here."


    "The spirit seems aware of our presence and is intentionally concealing their discussion. Khi


    khi khi..."


    "Do you think he is one of those Divine Champions?" she inquired.


    "I''m not sure that''s a question we can answer because only Broken has the right to reveal that," Goldrich replied thoughtfully. "But, I doubt he''s the type to open up to those he doesn''t know well. So, it would be wise to respect his decision on this matter."


    Charmelyn nodded slowly. "I will try to keep my mouth shut about what I''ve seen," she said quietly. "As... I''m not sure he would be pleased to know we''re still here. Should I leave now? I feel like I should have died with the others."


    "Khi khi khi... that''s your decision. Exin it to him yourself if you''re unsure," Goldrich said


    with a smirk.


    "Exin it to him?" she repeated, her voice trailing off.


    Queen Gaia closed her eyes as if to gather her thoughts, taking a deep breath before she began to speak. When she opened them, her gaze was filled with a profound intensity.


    "My mission is to dismantle barriers and challenge the status quo. I am here to restore what should be and annihte what shouldn''t," she dered, her passion growing with each word.


    "So, what you''re saying is...?"


    Gaia leaned forward, cing her fingertips against his cheeks. In a hushed whisper, she replied, "I havee to restore the natural bnce of this world by eradicating all living beings that have recklessly disrupted it. Nature will be left to thrive and heal itself, free from


    interference."


    "So, you are the enemy of the world?"


    Gaia shook her head slowly. "Quite the opposite-I am an agent of change, here to set things right," she stated firmly.

 Chapter 129: Chapter 129 - The Faithful Champion

    Chapter 129: - The Faithful Champion


    ?


    Broken stood, a blend of wonder and anxiety swelling within him as he looked at the extraordinary being his own abilities had identally brought into existence. Standing before him was none other than Queen Gaia, a Nature Goddess of Mythic grade. Her presence


    radiated power and purpose, both awe-inspiring and terrifying.


    He couldn''t help but feel a knot of dread at the thought of the catastrophic events she might unleash upon Yunatea. His mind raced, desperately trying to conjure a n to avert the impending disaster that seemed inevitable with her arrival.


    He swallowed hard, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on him. The realization that the fate of Yunatea might now rest solely in his hands was almost too much to bear. Was it really up to him to prevent this looming catastrophe? If he could somehow thwart her mission, could he save Yunatea from utter destruction? But how could he, a mere individual, possibly stand against such a formidable force?


    Gaia''s voice cut through his thoughts, calm yetmanding. "Indeed. You have been gifted with the honor of being the catalyst to spark my creation, so tell me, do you have anyst words before I begin my mission?"


    "I have a question for you. Do you know of a force that is more powerful than anything you know? I mean, surely there are some pieces of information that have been nted in your mind, right?"


    "No," she replied, "What is it?"


    "Me and my kind. The people of Yunatea call us the yers."


    Her eyebrows arched in curiosity, and she leaned closer. "So, what is so special about your kind?"


    "Your mission will be pointless because we can''t be permanently killed. We''lle back to life a few days after death, and we can progress and level up faster than the native inhabitants of Yunatea."


    Gaia''s eyes narrowed, her expression turning steely. "Then I''ll keep killing you until you tire ofing back to life. Everything will end at my hands."


    Broken shrugged, maintaining a casual demeanor despite the looming threat. "Seems like all that will be left is your futile mission and us, because you''ll never seed in destroying us," he said, as if the prospect of dying repeatedly was just a minor inconvenience.


    As they stood facing each other, the tension in the air was almost palpable. Both of them were determined not to back down, and their strong beliefs seemed to weigh heavily in the space between them. The anticipation was thick, and it felt like any moment could bring a breakthrough or a breakdown.


    "Nature will persist and have the strength to mend its original state," Gaia dered.


    Broken gave her a slow nod, acknowledging her point. "What about the deities? Aren''t they living creatures too? Will they descend into our world and do something, like rebuild everything or something like that?"


    Gaia''s emerald eyes shed with fierce determination as she responded, "I''ll kill them too."


    "Are you confident in your power toplete this task? I mean, kill the deities?" Broken asked.


    Gaia was silent for a few moments, her deep emerald eyes reflecting the stars in the night sky. After a pause, she shook her head slowly. "I''m not sure if I can do it or not," she admitted, "but I won''t give up until I try."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Broken lifted his head, meeting her gaze with intensity. "Do you have to obey whoever orders you, like blindly, without considering anything else?"


    Gaia hesitated briefly before answering, "I was born this way, to protect nature and its secrets."


    Broken nodded slowly, taking a couple of steps closer to her. He spoke softly, his voice a gentle murmur, "And here I am, offering you something to consider before carrying out all your missions. Because once you start on this path, there is no turning back, right?"


    "Offer?" she asked.


    Broken slowly raised his arm while Gaia watched him intently. He gently stroked her head, his touch surprisingly tender. "You have beautiful hair," he said, his voice soft and sincere.


    "How dare you!" she spat, her voice a mix of anger and confusion.


    [Queen Gaia felt an odd closeness as the catalyst of her creation patted her. She was furious, yet for some reason, she allowed it to continue. Her affinity with you increased to 45%. She would be more open to you and ept things that might still be within the realm of her understanding.]


    Broken spoke with absolute certainty. "It''s not fair to me all living creatures for the destruction of the world. Respecting their lives is just as important as respecting your own kind. Because failing to do so could make you the true enemies of nature."


    Gaia stared at him intently, her eyes narrowing as if trying to peer into his very soul to uncover his secrets.


    "Don''t speak nonsense before me! Do you think I can be deceived by your empty words?!"


    "You need to understand more and observe with your own eyes, and judge it yourself," he continued. "Rather than just following the orders embedded in you since your birth."


    Gaia''s expression shifted, her gaze piercing as she suddenly asked, "Are you doing harm to nature as well?"


    "I''m not sure," he admitted, his tone hesitant. "Whatever we do seems to return to its original form in the end. I think that must be a part of our uniqueness."


    Broken borated on the impact of their abilities, exining how their actions had a monumental effect on the environment but eventually allowed it to revert to its original state. This meant that their interventions, while significant, were not permanently destructive.


    "We have the power to create incredible transformations in the environment with our abilities, such as constructing magnificent structures," he exined. "In fact, I believe that our actions have also had a positive impact on nature."


    "How can you im to have a positive impact on nature when your actions only bring destruction?"


    "There''s a difference between destroying nature and using it for something better. Let me show you."


    Gaia reached out and gently ced her hand on his cheek, caressing it with tenderness. "You don''t seem to be frightened even though I''m warning you of destruction. Can you tell me more about everything?"


    Her touch was surprisingly tender, and her tone carried a hint of genuine curiosity as if she was truly interested in understanding more about this world and its inhabitants. Broken met her gaze steadily. "There is a lot you need to know about this world, the one you''ve just been born into. I can share more information with you, but it''s up to you if you want to dy your mission for a mere hundred years. In the grand scheme of things, it''s a short time, isn''t it? So here''s my offer:e with me, and you''ll get to witness the transformation of this world."


    His eyes glinted with curiosity, wondering if it was possible to form a contract with this powerful spirit, even though he was limited to making contracts with Unique-grade spirits. The idea of forming a bond with Gaia sparked a faint hope in his mind, a glimmer of possibility that he couldn''t ignore.

 Chapter 130: Chapter 130 - The Catalyst of Her Creation

    Chapter 130: - The Catalyst of Her Creation


    ?


    In the Immortal realm, a heated debate erupted into a cacophony of whispers. The tension in the grand hall was palpable as celestial beings argued, their voices echoing through the vast space.


    "Akidia, the Goddess of Sloth," dered a figure who appeared to be the most dominant


    among them. "You have been used of being responsible for the cmity that has befallen Yunatea. For this, you must answer and use your divine powers to repair the damage you have caused. Descend to Yunatea and solve this issue in your name."


    In order for Akidia to use her divine powers to undo the damage, she must relinquish her position as a deity.


    A hushed silence settled as Akidia lifted her gaze. After a moment''s pause, she spoke in a softened tone, "Can we not find it in our hearts to forgive my beloved champion? Give him a chance to prove himself worthy of solving this problem and restoring peace once again."


    The crowd around them erupted inughter, the sound harsh and mocking.


    "Look at her naivety. She actually believes her champion can do anything about this!" one scoffed.


    "I think she''s sleeping too much and dreaming when she wakes up," sneered another.


    "We don''t need to ask her permission; this is heaven''s decision. We must act immediately before things get worse," a third voice urged.


    "What a ridiculous proposal. Do you think we''ll listen to you, Akidia?" another spat.


    Despite the ridicule, Akidia smiled calmly, maintaining a serene expression. "I believe in my beloved champion. Let him work on it, okay? Let''s give it, say... one year?"


    Her words, though simple, resounded with an air of conviction that was strangelyforting despite the mocking chorus.


    ***


    Gaia, the Mythic grade spirit and Nature Goddess, fixed her gentle and curious gaze upon Broken.


    "Do you have a mission in this world?" she inquired.


    Broken was silent for a few moments. Then, with a heavy sigh, he replied, "I guess so..." "There''s another world outside this one, where I live with misery as my constantpanion. I mean, I actuallye from that world, to here, Yunatea."


    Gaia tilted her head slightly, intrigued by his exnation.


    "I was blessed with the chance to live a second life in this world. Despite my limitations, I was forever annoyed by the things I couldn''t do. That is, until a divine being graced me with her blessing and showed me the purpose of what I could do," he continued.


    Gaia tilted her head slowly, still paying close attention to every word he spoke.


    "Do you love this world? What do you want to do with the blessing you got?"


    "I want nothing more than to be the greatest I can be and do something that I desire." "No matter the consequences?" she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Yes!"


    "Why?"


    "Because I want to honor what she has given me. This is a privilege I have never had before, and I want to see how far this blessing can take me."


    She searched his gaze, trying to understand the depths of his conviction. "Therefore, you don''t care about other people? Does this make you a bad person as well?"


    "Good or bad, those terms have no relevance to my life," he replied coldly. "All I''m concerned about is protecting those I care for, ensuring they are safe. And ensuring that people who stand in my way, stay out of my way."


    "What a dismal future you face then," she said quietly, her face bing serene. "You''ll surely encounter obstacles on your path."


    "Then I shall smash them into oblivion!" he dered.


    Gaia let out a smallugh, bringing her hand up to her lips to cover her amusement.


    "I''m certain the darkness in your heart has something fascinating nned for its adversaries," Gaia continued. "Perhaps, if you''re willing, we could form an alliance? I am curious about the future path you will take."


    [Queen Gaia felt a deepening interest in the catalyst of her creation. Dying her mission for a while seemed like a minor inconveniencepared to the potential knowledge she could gain. Her curiosity about your personality grew, and her affinity with you increased to 52%.] "A contract between us then?" he dered.


    Goldrich couldn''t believe his eyes as he observed the scene, yet he reveled in the unfolding chaos.


    "I''ve seen too many illegal things today, khi khi khi," he said with augh. "We can''t hear what they''re saying, but surely we can guess what they might be discussing, right? And I''m curious about the oue."


    Charmelyn replied thoughtfully, "Do you think he would mind? Shall I apologize on your behalf?"


    "That''spletely up to you," he replied nonchntly. "But it really is a shame that I have to leave so soon! It''d be great if I had the same skill as yours to stay a little longer here."


    "Don''t give me that look - you know this skill only lets me stand here motionless," she chuckled lightly.


    "In any case, it''s time for me to depart," Goldrich announced, his body slowly fading from view. "I''ve been entertained enough by what has happened so far. Please let us know if another urgent situation arises. At least some of us are still alive." he said, his voice trailing off.


    Charmelyn watched as Goldrich slowly disappeared from sight, leaving her alone.


    "Do I need to stay, or should I go?" she pondered.


    Queen Gaia held something out proudly in her hand, the object glinting like a golden beacon.


    It was a ring.


    "What is that ring?" Broken thought to himself, his mind still preupied. As he faced the figure in front of him, he couldn''t help but wonder if she was truly a spirit or the Nature Goddess herself. Did she possess a level like other deities, or was it just a title?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "I''m curious why you refer to yourself as a Nature Goddess when you haven''t ascended to the realm of deities yet, have you?" he inquired.


    A flicker of surprise crossed Gaia''s face momentarily before she let out a low, chuckle. "Your candor is admirable and certainly stimting. Did you know that even deities originate from


    a mortal world such as ours?"


    "No, I didn''t," he shook his head.


    "Then this also means either me or you can ascend to the deities'' realm, too," she said. "Are you interested in that?"


    "Ascend to be a deity? I think that''s an interesting concept that could be part of my journey


    ahead."


    Gaia paused for a moment, as her gentle gaze rested on Broken. "There are certain consequences thate with contracting with me. Are you sure you''re ready for this?"


    "Please tell me what the consequence is."


    "I cannotplete the contract with you in my current form. I need to limit some of my powers to bnce with yours. That way, we can both be secure under this agreement," she


    said solemnly.


    "One more thing!" she added firmly.


    "Please, let me know."


    "I need you to supply me with a lot of Monster Soul Stones, so I can regain my power quickly.


    Only then can you fully utilize my abilities."


    "Consider it done," he responded.

 Chapter 131: Chapter 131 - The Contract with Nature

    Chapter 131: - The Contract with Nature


    ?


    Broken felt the air around him be alive as soon as Gaia''s visage shimmered with an emerald radiance. The atmosphere buzzed with an energy that made his skin tingle and his heart race.


    "Show me..." Queen Gaia whispered, her voice as soft as the rustling of leaves. "What will this world be under your control..."


    Vines and roots sprang from the ground like tentacles, winding around her body with a vitality that seemed to draw all the energy in the area toward her. As her lips curved into a knowing smile, Broken noticed a shining ring on her finger. It glowed so brightly that it seemed as though the entire world was being sucked into that tiny piece of jewelry.


    "I will seal away some of my powers, and you can unlock them as you grow stronger," she said.


    Broken squinted, his eyes struggling to adjust to the harsh light radiating from the ring. His muscles tensed as a powerful force pulled him closer and closer to the ring, like a ck hole drawing everything into its depths.


    He reached out, took the ring, and lightly brushed the metal surface of the mysterious artifact. The power that emanated from it was immense, an energy so strong he felt like he could be swept away in its wake.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A series of explosions rippled from the ring, and afterward, a shimmering object seemed to break away from it and then shot into Broken''s chest, immediately finding a ce in his inventory.


    [You have obtained 1 Epic - Vine Horror Treant Lv. 200 Monster Soul Stone]


    "So... the Soul Stone has split again?" he muttered to himself, trying to grasp the significance of what had just happened.


    Broken gazed down at the ring now in his hand. It was silver, adorned with intricate green and leaf decorations, a piece of art that held incredible power.


    He read the description of the ring he had just acquired.


    [Queen Gaia''s Fate Ring]


    [Grade: Unique]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 390]


    [The Ring holds within it the Spirit of Queen Gaia, the majestic Nature Goddess.


    Only the ring''s rightful owner possesses the ability to summon Queen Gaia and ask for her aid.


    But beware, for she is not always in a good mood and may sass you if you do not show her the proper reverence. If you are in need of a formidable ally and can handle a touch of sass, this Ring is the perfect match for you!]


    [Skills:]


    [Awaken the Nature Goddess: Allows the wearer to ess Queen Gaia''s incredible powers and tap into her magical abilities to aid them in their endeavors.


    Cooldown: 60 Minutes


    Duration: 5 Minutes]


    [User Restriction: Have an established contract with Queen Gaia.]


    "Unique-grade ring?" Broken murmured to himself, his eyes scanning the detailed description of the ring. He paused for a moment, letting the significance of this realization sink in. A slight smile crept onto his face, reflecting his astonishment at having reached this point - contracting with another High-grade spirit was something he had aimed for.


    But then, he remembered a crucial limitation: every yer could only contract with one spirit, a rule that applied to everyone. In such a situation, wouldn''t it be a great loss for anyone to have the chance to contract with a spirit as majestic as this if their slot was already used up? Fortunately, Broken had a High-Grade Spirit Contract Ticket, a special ticket given to him by Goddess Akidia. This ticket allowed him to form a contract with up to a Unique-grade spirit, adding an extra slot to the default one he already possessed.


    With a determined resolve, he tore the ticket.


    [The High-Grade Spirit Contract Ticket is activated, a new contract slot is unlocked. You can now form a contract with a Unique-grade spirit that is in close proximity to you.]


    [Queen Gaia, the Nature Goddess and a magnificent spirit, has graciously opened her heart to witness your potential. She is eager to understand your perspective and determine the best way to fulfill her mission.]


    [To demonstrate her dedication, Queen Gaia has sealed a portion of her powers and offers you a Unique-grade contract. This means you can summon her and utilize her powers in battles. She will willingly and promptly transfer her powers to you.]


    [By entrusting you with this contract, Queen Gaia has shown a great deal of faith in you. Your affinity with her has increased to 65%, which indicates that she will be more attentive to your requests and support you in achieving great feats in the future.]


    [Are you ready to enter into a contract with Queen Gaia, the Nature Goddess Spirit? This action requires the use of the High-Grade Spirit Contract Ticket.]


    Broken eagerly chose ''Yes'', feeling a surge of energy flow through his body, enveloping the ring in his grip.


    He smiled after reading the additional notification that appeared in front of him, feeling a new sense of power and possibility coursing through his veins.


    "Thank you for putting your trust in me," he said softly.


    A gentle voice reverberated directly in his head. "Please take care of me, Master," it said, the tone both respectful and sincere.


    He muttered to himself, "I can summon you for 5 minutes every hour?"


    "As you continue to progress and grow stronger, you will unlock more of my potential," she exined, her voice polite and soothing. "For now, the limit of 5 minutes ensures that our contract remains effective and bnced. This way, my powers aren''t wasted, and you can make the most of me."


    "This is enough for me, for now," he said, a sense of relief washing over him. "You will provide a lot of help for me."


    [Congrattions! You have achieved the impossible and earned the esteemed ''Spirit Negotiator Supreme'' title!]


    [Your courage and determination in establishing a contract with two spirits of Unique grade is truly remarkable!]


    [A feat worthy of admiration and envy! May your sess continue to abound!]


    [For this achievement, you receive 40 stat points!]


    [Congrattions, you have be the catalyst for the creation of the Myth grade Spirit, Queen Gaia, and you have also seeded in dying the potential destruction she might cause. This is an extraordinary aplishment, and for this, you deserve the title ''Nature''s


    Guardian''.]


    [Each of your Special Stats has been increased by +10]


    Several more notifications popped up on his screen.


    He couldn''t help but smile as he read the new title for having a contract with two spirits. "This is really exciting," he thought to himself as he saw that his stats had increased again. And also he received another achievement for preventing the destruction caused by her? +10 for each special stat? Incredible!


    The reward from this achievement was nothing short of phenomenal: +10 for each special stat! Since he had four special stats, this meant a total of 40 points. It was an incredibly valuable reward. Charisma, Luck, Dexterity, Survival-each one was a crucial stat with a wide-ranging impact, and all of them increased by 10 points instantly.


    Increasing even one special stat was a difficult task, requiring a variety of challenging methods to achieve. Therefore, the rewards he received this time were truly significant!


    [Congrattions for establishing a contract with a Mythic-grade spirit, the highest possible grade a mortal can attain in the mortal realm!]


    But then, more notifications kepting. The rewards he received still needed to be finished!

 Chapter 132: Chapter 132 - Brokens Legendary Feat

    Chapter 132: - Broken''s Legendary Feat


    ?


    The deities in the Immortal Realm were both horrified and disdainful of the events that had transpired in the Mortal Realm. Their indignation only grew stronger as each of them gazed upon the scene with visible contempt.


    "This is truly abhorrent! How could a mere mortal of such a low level secure the trust of Queen Gaia and make her submit? This is absurd!" one of them eximed before vanishing abruptly in a puff of smoke.


    "What kind of underhanded tactics did he employ to strike this deal? I thought this situation would provide much more amusement than it has," another deity mused aloud.


    "I wanted to witness a confrontation, but what did we get? This is utterly disappointing!" another one scoffed, snorting in disdain before waving his hand and fading away from sight. "There''s nothing left for me here anymore, so I bid you all farewell."


    "What a waste of time. I''m out of here," another deity huffed before disappearing from view.


    One by one, the deities departed until only the most dominant figure and Goddess Akidia remained.


    Goddess Akidia surveyed the scene with a questioning expression, a knowing chuckle escaping her lips.


    "I told you already, my champion will make something out of this grand opportunity!" she dered with confidence.


    The remaining deity, his expression stern, spoke up. "Akidia, your decision to bestow such power upon your champion will bring about great burdens in the war ahead. You may yet have to witness the consequences of what you have done."


    Akidia tilted her head slightly, a low chuckle escaping her before she responded. "Don''t worry, my beloved champion will take care of everything."


    "You will regret this when the timees!"


    Akidia yawned, appearing unconcerned by his words. Then, with an airy wave of her hand, she said, "I think that''s all. I''m so tired, my sleep schedule has been trulycking. See you..." And with that, she vanished from sight.


    ***


    In the main control room of the Golden Age Company, voices erupted in cheers and several team members exhaled in relief. They knew they had narrowly averted a huge disaster in Yunatea, all thanks to a yer who had only just attained his status as a Divine Champion. "Damn, Broken might just be a huge icon in the future," one of them remarked.


    "Nobody outside of us will ever know what he has done for Yunatea," another added solemnly.


    "Honestly, it''s unbelievable. Who would have thought that behind his quiet personality, he could conquer Queen Gaia just with words? That''s incredible!" someone else chimed in.


    "I held my breath the entire time they were discussing. If he''d chosen the wrong words, the oue could have been disastrous!" another staff member admitted.


    The room was filled with praises for Broken, marveling at his astounding sess.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Marco, their leader, also looked visibly relieved. "Alright, I think it''s time we give Broken a bit more attention. Who knows what he will achieve next..."


    "Sir," one of his team members interjected. "Should we assign more guardians to him?"


    Marco paused thoughtfully. "I think Freya is doing an excellent job. Let''s not interfere with what''s already working unless Freya feels she needs more help. However, I believe he will gain more support naturally from the important people he met. They might help him revolutionize the game even further. Let''s keep a close watch."


    After a moment, Marco stood up decisively. "I believe he deserves a small reward for this achievement. I''ll think of something fitting for him." With those words, he exited the room.


    ***


    Broken stood frozen in ce, staring at the never-ending stream of notifications shing before his eyes. Each notification showered him with extraordinary rewards.


    [Congrattions for establishing a contract with a Mythic-grade spirit, the highest possible grade a mortal can attain in the mortal realm!]


    With this aplishment, you have earned the right to add a new title to your name: the ''Master of Mythic Spirit''.]


    [May the power of the spirit be ever in your favor!]


    [For this aplishment, you are rewarded with 50 Stat Points!]


    [In addition, you receive a 30 Charisma Stat boost.]


    [You also received a high affinity with the Basic Elements of Earth and Water.]


    [You received a low affinity with the Advanced Element of Wood.]


    [Nature will bestow a blessing upon you, granting you a 50% regeneration boost when you stay in close proximity to it.]


    "What?!" Broken eximed softly, examining the notification that bestowed upon him a new title. His eyes widened as he read the rewards he received. The system had recognized his ability to establish a contract with a Mythic-grade spirit, even though Gaia currently only held a Unique-grade status.


    "This title is really amazing," he whispered, awe coloring his voice. He paused to re-read the details, somewhat disbelieving his luck.


    In addition to earning 50 stat points, he had gained another remarkable 30 points in Charisma, affinities with two basic elements, and abined element as well. Plus, there was the incredible boost in regeneration when he was near nature. He nodded slowly, taking it all


    in.


    Elements in the game were an advanced form of magic. Having an elemental affinity applied special attributes to his abilities. Basic elementsprised Earth, Fire, Water, and Wind, while there were many types of advanced elements formed frombinations of these basics. Wood, for instance, was abination of Earth and Water.


    He nodded again, filing away this information forter research. He hadn''t learned much about how to use elements to his advantage yet.


    And then there was the additional Charisma stat-30 more points! His charisma had already been at 50, but now it had surged to 90. Even with a Charisma stat of 50, he had managed an extraordinary feat, like negotiating a deal with Queen Gaia that prevented a potential disaster in Yunatea. It was certainly thanks to his high Charisma stat, wasn''t it? He couldn''t help but wonder how this increased stat would further affect him.


    But then, it seemed the rewards he had already received were just the beginning. The notifications before him continued to appear one after another.


    [Congrattions on your tremendous aplishment!]


    [You have earned the title of ''Spirit Whisperer'' for the part you yed in bringing a majestic


    spirit into the world of Yunatea.]


    [You have be part of a great legacy in Yunatea, and your name will live on in the spirit world for generations toe.]


    [As a reward for your efforts, you''ll get a 10% boost to your stats when you fight with your spirit, up to a maximum of 30%.]


    [Congrattions once again!]


    Another notification surfaced, and Broken let out an exasperated sigh. "Will this never end?" The chuckled to himself. "I guess I''m not reallyining, though."


    Broken paused, taking a moment to ensure no more achievement notifications would follow. He nced around, waiting for the stream to cease.


    "Though I''m prepared to ept as many achievements as I can get."


    A 10% boost in stats when fighting with spirits was no trivial reward. Now that he had two spirits contracted, he would receive a 20% boost in stats during battles. Isn''t that incredible? And considering he had the potential to contract with one more spirit, that meant he could boost his stats by up to 30%.


    "Alright, now is the time to inspect Gaia''s stats and skills," he murmured with reverence.

 Chapter 133: Chapter 133 - Brokens New Ally

    Chapter 133: - Broken''s New Ally


    ?


    [Name: Queen Gaia]


    [Level: 185]


    [Race: Nature Goddess]


    [Health: 2,980 | Mana: 8,160]


    [Strength: 322 | Agility: 387 | Intelligence: 680 | Constitution: 298 | Stamina: 388]


    Broken was brimming with satisfaction as he reviewed Gaia''s overall status. Despite her significant drop in levels, she still maintained an impressively high level of 185. Just a bit more effort, and she would be approaching the ranks of the top yers. Her potential, merely based on her current stats, was undeniably immense.


    "Gaia, do you need to consume Monster Cores or Monster Soul Stones to boost your stats like Polly does?" he wondered aloud.


    "Master..." Gaia responded. "My abilities have been limited due to your restraints. However, if you provide me with a suitable monster soul stone, I could develop unique skills that would be highly beneficial for you in the long run. Yet, I am willing to postpone that. What I desire most is your best effort in obtaining one for me. Despite this, the skills I presently possess will be more than sufficient to assist you significantly in the near future." Her voice grew softer and more deliberate as she spoke.


    Broken nodded and offered a reassuring smile. "Don''t worry. With your support, I will have greater potential in battle, which will enable me to gather more Monster Soul Stones for you, Polly, and eventually for my next contracted spirits as well," he whispered reassuringly.


    Although, for the moment, Broken could only summon Gaia''s power for five minutes at a time, this window would be enough if he used it wisely at the right moments. However, he hadn''t yet taken the time to check the exact abilities possessed by the Nature Goddess.


    "Alright, Gaia," he continued. "Let''s review the skills you have avable for me to use."


    [Name: Queen Gaia]


    [Grade: Unique]


    [Level: 185]


    [Race: Nature Goddess]


    [Skills - 3]


    [Nature Healing: This amazing skill uses the earth''s natural healing abilities to fix wounds and get rid of debuffs. When it''s active, you can keep yourselfpletely healed and clear of any negative effects.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Cooldown: 60 Minutes


    Duration: 5 Minutes]


    [Nature''s Wrath: Release the sheer force of nature! With a mere wave of your hand, summon ten colossal vines from the ground, each functioning as an additional limb under yourmand. These vines have the remarkable ability to regenerate if damaged during the active duration, ensuring they''re always ready for action. Use them to snatch enemies, lift heavy objects, or even give yourself aforting embrace! It''s astounding how versatile nature can be.


    Cooldown: 60 Minutes


    Duration: 5 Minutes]


    [Nature Conjuring: This skill allows you to summon formidable creatures under yourmand. You can call forth up to a dozen nature creatures from beneath the earth tounch ferocious attacks at yourmand. And don''t hesitate to reprimand them if they disobey!


    Cooldown: 60 Minutes


    Duration: 5 Minutes]


    Broken carefully studied the list of skills Gaia had avable.


    "So, you''re saying I can directly utilize all your abilities when I summon you in battle?" he asked, seeking confirmation.


    "That is correct, Master. Yourmand grants me a temporary set of skills that you can wield as you see fit," Gaia affirmed.


    He gave a thoughtful nod. "That''s good," he murmured to himself.


    "Although these abilities onlyst for a short period of time, they can have a significant impact if used strategically at crucial moments. Take Nature Healing, for instance. It offers me full recovery and a debuff-free state for five minutes! That''s impressive!"


    Indeed, the first skill seemed to guarantee that Broken would continuously regenerate his health and remain free of negative effects for the duration he summoned Gaia. This could be an incredibly powerful force if utilized at the right moment in battle. With the assurance of this sustained regeneration, he could focus more on dealing as much damage as possible during that period. Five minutes is no small amount of time-it could have an extraordinary impact if used in a critical moment or a major battle.


    "Indeed it is, Master," Gaia responded in her gentle yet authoritative tone. "You have the potential to be an extraordinarybatant if you make full use of my powers." Broken turned his attention to the second skill, known as Nature''s Wrath. The idea that he could summon ten vines and control them like additional arms piqued his curiosity. Were these the same massive vines they had encountered while battling the Raid Boss? The thought intrigued him, as he hadn''t yet conceived how to control ten extra vines as if they were new limbs. It was certainly going to be a unique challenge for him.


    However, considering he could summon Gaia for five minutes every hour, he realized he had plenty of opportunities to practice this ability and train with it before facing a real battle. "Nature''s Wrath," he said thoughtfully. "This one seems a bit odd. I''m not sure what to expect or how to control those vines, but it''s worth a try for the potential impact it might have in battle."


    Gaia''s voice, soft and reassuring, gently interrupted his thoughts. "Master, I regret that I cannot assist in controlling those vines during battle."


    "There''s no need to apologize," Broken replied graciously. "This power is enough for me, and I''m confident that you have the potential to grow even stronger in the future."


    The first skill, Nature Healing, would allow Broken to fight more freely without constantly worrying about his health. Although a fatal attack could still be dangerous, the healing and debuff relief meant he couldst longer in battle and fight with fewer restraints. This ability would certainly enhance hisbat endurance.


    Meanwhile, the second skill, Nature''s Wrath, added offensive capabilities to his arsenal. With ten massive vines under his control, he could deal significant area damage and cover a broader range, making it an excellentbination for both defense and offense.


    As he pondered the first two skills, his interest was piqued by the third.


    "And the final skill," he said with eager anticipation, "which I believe will be a great addition to our strategy, is the ability to summon creatures that can enhance my battle prowess."


    What kind of creatures? he wondered.


    "Master, these creatures will have stats simr to mine," Gaia exined. "This means you can expect their total stats to exceed your expectations in battles. Plus, there will be twelve of them to assist you inbat."


    "Oh wow! That''s incredible!" Broken eximed. "I''m very excited to try out this new skill in our future battles!"


    Gaining the assistance of twelve creatures with stats resembling Gaia''s-who was at level 185


    -was like bringing an entire guild to the fight. Sure, it onlysted for five minutes, but it could provide a huge advantage when used at the right moment. The element of surprise these creatures could bring would be monumental.


    Curiosity stirred within him about the nature of these twelve creatures, but he knew he couldn''t experiment with them now-especially since he wasn''t alone. However, the prospect of testing this skill in battle filled him with excitement and anticipation. Broken scanned his surroundings, taking in the destruction left in the wake of Queen Gaia, the Mythic-grade spirit. A wave of sorrow hit him as he thought about the members of the Ass Guild who had perished amid the chaos. However, his attention was soon drawn to a lone figure standing in the midst of the disaster.


    One person remained unscathed-Charmelyn. Dressed in a ninja-like outfit with a mask covering the lower part of her face, she appeared untouched by the chaos around her.


    "Charmelyn?" he muttered.

 Chapter 134: Chapter 134 - The Silent Assassin

    Chapter 134: - The Silent Assassin


    ?


    Broken walked slowly towards Charmelyn, who stood motionless. Now, her body appeared solid and no longer transparent as before. Although he wasn''t sure how much she knew about what had happened, he was certain he held a significant secret that he wasn''t ready to share just yet.


    Standing in front of her now, Broken looked at her as she gave him a slight bow.


    "Broken... forgive me," she said softly. "I was curious about what happened after my guildmates left. Goldrich was here, too, but he didn''t make it to the end. I couldn''t hear what you were talking about over there; I could only see what was happening to you."


    Broken smiled and nodded. "I guess we haven''t had the chance to properly get to know each other." He extended his hand towards her.


    Charmelyn hesitated before shaking his hand. "I''m Charmelyn. My ss is Elite-grade Stealthy Shadow. You could say I''m in the assassin category."


    Broken smiled and nodded again. "I''m a..." He hesitated.


    "You don''t need to tell me if you don''t want to," she said softly, letting out a small giggle.


    "So, what do you make of what happened?" he asked.


    Charmelyn remained silent for a moment, her gaze drifting away before she answered.


    "A Mythic-grade spirit was born, seemingly because of something you did. Most of my guildmates were killed because of it... and after that, I saw you talking to the spirit. Then... the spirit vanished. I don''t dare to draw any conclusions about what happened."


    Broken nodded slowly, recognizing that the events must have been vague and confusing to anyone witnessing them. Although individuals like Maylock and Goldrich might have some inkling of the truth, for now, it seemed the full extent of what had transpired remained unclear to most.


    "I apologize for staying after Goldrich left," she said. "I wanted to understand everything that was going on here, even if it wasn''t my ce to know. You can trust me to keep everything I saw and heard a secret. I''ll watch over it all discreetly."


    This was the first direct conversation Broken had with Charmelyn. The Ass Guild had thirteen members, and while they had done many things for him-including losing their lives due to Gaia''s presence he hadn''t had the chance to speak with all of them until now.


    "I don''t know what you''ve heard or what you know, but if more people find out what happened, I''m not sure what it will mean for my future," he began cautiously. "But please, do me a favor and keep it under wraps until then."


    "You can trust me on this. I won''t say a word," she replied confidently.


    With Polly and Gaia at his side, Broken''s strength was gradually increasing, and he was slowly bing a formidable yer. Even though he wasn''t yet on the same level as the top yers, he had obtained enough materials to craft his new weapon. He also nned to secure significant funds by offering his cksmith services to some important people he knew, especially members of the Ass Guild. This would give him the resources needed to craft a full set of armor. There was still much work ahead.


    "Thanks for understanding," he said gratefully.


    Charmelyn bowed slightly. "Consider it a token of friendship from me."


    "Thank you. I know the other members of the Ass Guild will have questions about what happened today, but I can assure you that I wasn''t entirely responsible for it," he added, trying to keep his exnation vague.


    "I understand. I hope there wille a time when you can provide clearer answers to everyone," she responded.


    He nodded. "Let''s head back to town," he suggested, and she nodded in agreement.


    As they made their way through the forest, the little four-tailed fox, Polly, appeared around Broken, causing him to stop in his tracks. He crouched down and gently petted her head. "Hi, Polly, are you okay?"


    "Yes, Master," she replied softly.


    "Can you take us both back to the town?" he asked.


    Under the moonlight, Polly''s form shimmered with a silver aura before growingrger.


    Broken smiled and jumped onto Polly''s back. He extended his hand to Charmelyn. "Come on, we can get to town faster by riding my spirit beast."


    Charmelyn hesitated, her eyes diverting briefly before she epted his hand and climbed onto Polly behind him.


    He turned to her with a reassuring smile. "Polly can run pretty fast... just a heads-up," he said, grinning.


    With that, Polly darted through the forest, swiftly navigating the terrain. The journey back to the town was shrouded in afortable silence, with Charmelyn maintaining her characteristic quiet demeanor.


    asionally, a monster would show up, but Charmelyn would cast a duplicate of herself that would quickly deal with it. Each clone handled the threat with ease, and her attacks were especially powerful against single targets.


    "You''re really amazing... This is my first time seeing a high-level assassin in action," Broken remarked, clearly impressed. "And those clones are cool too."


    Charmelyn nodded slightly. "Not really... I''m not on par with the others in the guild," she replied humbly. "I am more..." she said softly, "amazed at what you do..."


    Although riding Polly was faster, nighttime monster attacks proved harder to fend off, forcing them to stop repeatedly to fight. It was clear that Charmelyn''s stamina was nearly depleted from the hard battles they had faced since morning.


    "You stay here, okay," Broken said as he dismounted from Polly, but Charmelyn insisted on getting down too. However, Broken easily dealt with the monster.


    He climbed back onto Polly, "Come on, we need to get back to town quickly."


    Charmelyn got back on Polly and rested her head against Broken''s back, knowing that her stamina was almost gone and she might pass out soon.


    "Hold on to me," he said. Reluctantly, Charmelyn wrapped her arms around Broken''s waist from behind.


    After some time, they finally arrived at the town, dismounting from Polly right in front of the


    town gates.


    "I''ll log out here. See you next time," Broken said, before vanishing from sight, leaving Charmelyn standing alone in quiet contemtion.


    Charmelyn gently touched her mask, which had been damaged from the recent battle. After a moment, she removed it, taking a deep breath. "I have to fix this," she muttered to herself.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Broken...!!!"


    A voice echoed from behind her, startling her. Spinning around, she found herself facing a woman d in an archer''s outfit, her striking red hair standing out.


    As Freya approached, Charmelyn stood frozen in ce.


    "Oh... haha... I was searching for him, but it appears he has already logged out," Freya said with a casualugh.


    "Hello, Charmelyn. It''s nice to finally meet you. We haven''t had the opportunity to introduce ourselves before," Freya continued.


    Realizing that she had removed her mask, Charmelyn quickly put it back on, feeling exposed. They stood facing each other for a few moments. Charmelyn couldn''t help but wonder why Freya didn''t seem surprised to see her face. Had Freya known about her secret all along? This question lingered in Charmelyn''s mind as she felt a chill run down her spine. Charmelyn bowed slightly and looked at Freya. "You know me, don''t you?" she asked.


    "Huh?" Freya looked surprised.


    "Please, tell me you know my true identity?" Charmelyn pressed on.


    Freya grinned at her. "What do you mean? I don''t understand..."


    Charmelyn paused before speaking softly, "Can you keep this a secret?"


    Freya''s expression grew serious. "Look... whatever happened between you two, I''m not


    getting involved," she said, smiling gently.


    "Does he know that I''m someone he used to know?"


    "You came here with him from the forest, riding Polly. Did he act like he knew your identity, Ms. Ex-girlfriend?" Freya replied with a giggle.


    Charmelyn fell silent for a moment. "Are you that close to him? Do you have a special rtionship with him? If you do... I''m sorry... I just wanted to exin some things to him. I didn''t mean to disrupt his life now," she said, her tone apologetic.


    Freya shook her head. "Like I said earlier... I don''t really understand what happened between you two. And yes, I won''t tell Leon who you are, but if he figures it out on his own, you need to be prepared for that, okay? And no, I don''t have a special rtionship with him. We''re just colleagues, friends... so don''t feel guilty towards me, okay?"


    "Thanks... See you, and nice to meet you, Freya..." Charmelyn replied before disappearing.


    Freya sighed deeply. "How did she know that I knew her identity?" she said, giggling.


    Back when Charmelyn first joined the Ass Guild two years ago, she didn''t wear a mask. However, not many knew about her real identity because she had deliberately kept it hidden. On the other hand, Freya conducted extensive research within the game, especially on the major guilds in Dissidia Kingdom.


    Sheughed quietly to herself, realizing that something interesting was happening to Broken here in the game.

 Chapter 135: Chapter 135 - A Risky Business

    Chapter 135: - A Risky Business


    ?


    The VR World Network (VRWN) TV channel was abuzz with eager viewers and curious onlookers, all tuned in to the live broadcast. The aerial camera, affixed to a drone-like spirit beast, provided a view of a coordinated band of fearless adventurers from The Ass Guild, gearing up for an epic showdown. Their opponent, an immensely powerful Raid Boss, typically required a team of twenty fighters at an average of level 200 to defeat. And all this was unfolding live, being witnessed by thousands of captivated spectators.


    "Why can''t they zoom in closer? I really want to see the looks on those elite yers'' faces!" a viewer eximed impatiently in live chat.


    "I bet they''re too scared to get any nearer. They don''t want to risk getting caught in the monster''s rampage. Hahaha!"


    "But wait, why are there fourteen people? Isn''t The Ass Guild made up of just thirteen members?"


    "Maybe it''s just someone carrying stuff for them? A Porter? haha,"


    "But since when do IL yers need porters for raids? They have inventories, you idiot."


    "Hold on, that name-Broken. What is that fool doing with The Ass Guild?"


    "Could he be a new recruit?"


    "How on earth could a nobody like him join The Ass Guild? He''s probably just a random yer who stumbled upon their group and decided to tag along."


    "But his armor is so low-level. How could a weak yer join such a major battle?"


    As the chatter among the spectators continued, the intense sh between The Ass Guild and the Raid Boss, Vine Horror Treant Lv. 200, reached its peak. Amidst the chaos, Melliandra was in serious trouble, struggling against the imposing enemy.


    "I expected more from these so-called ''elite'' yers. They seem as foolish as the rest."


    "Hahaha, this is all thanks to Maylock''s brilliant strategies. They''re designed to make them fail spectacrly," anotherughed.


    "Much of the me has to fall on Broken. His stupidity has made it hard for The Ass Guild to keep their cool-they''re on the brink of defeat because of him."


    "They''re all pretty furious at his blunders."


    "Look at him! He''s the only one not contributing anything to the battle, just standing there like an idiot amongst these elite yers."


    But then, the unexpected happened. Broken drew his bow and, with a precise shot, saved Melliandra. Not stopping there, he managed to deliver the final blow to the monstrous foe. "Wait, am I seeing this right? Broken used a bow to save Melliandra?"


    "Why on earth would an archer be wearing swordsman armor? Something must be wrong with him."


    "I think he''s just a newbie yer. There''s no way he could pull off something like that in the presence of the elite members of The Ass Guild."


    "But look at them flock around him! It appears they know him well and are impressed by his remarkable skills and bravery."


    "But it seems like Skywarden is still furious with him, haha."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "It''s as if he has some hidden history with them. But no matter who he is or what his past holds, one thing is certain-without Broken, this raid party wouldn''t have ended in such a triumphant victory."


    As the battle drew to a close and The Ass Guild stood victorious, the VRWN TV channel wrapped up its live broadcast, fulfilling its contractual agreement with The Ass Guild.


    ***


    In the bustling VRWN TV studio, several individuals were crowded in the control room, eyes glued to the monitors as their broadcast unexpectedly drew a surge of attention and reactions.


    "Tsk!" the show manager eximed, his face twisted in dissatisfaction. "Something extraordinary happened after that battle-something so powerful it wiped out the members of The Ass Guild in an instant! I wish we could show the footage live, but it''s too risky." "Why don''t we just pay them more?" someone suggested from the opposite side of the room. "We''re raking in tons of money from this broadcast. Surely, they''d forgive us if we offered a littlepensation."


    "Do you really think they need money?" the manager retorted incredulously. "That group is packed with people of exceptional wealth. There''s no way they''d care about our meager attempts at bribery."


    "What on earth could be capable of taking down The Ass Guild that quickly?" one person asked.


    "I''m not sure," the manager replied, shaking his head. "It''s hard to say. It could be an incredibly powerful monster, or maybe The Ass Guild was already weakened and unprepared for the attack."


    "We should discuss this on the public forum," another suggested. "Perhaps more people can help us figure out what happened."


    "Good idea," someone else agreed with a nervous chuckle. "Let''s hope we can make sense of all this soon."


    The door to the room flew open, and an employee rushed in, looking visibly anxious. "Sir, there''s a woman named Freya pushing her way in. She insists on seeing you."


    "What? Who is Freya?" the manager asked, clearly taken aback.


    Just then, a woman in sharp executive attire-a ck suit paired with a short skirt-stepped confidently into the room. Her brown hair was stylishly pinned up, and her face bore a cold, emotionless smile.


    "Hi, everyone," she greeted with a chilly demeanor, crossing her arms as she stood before them.


    "Oh, let me see," the manager continued, trying to muster a cordial smile. "Who is our guest today, Freya?"


    The atmosphere in the room shifted dramatically. It was evident that Freya was no ordinary visitor.


    Freya''s voice was steady and resolute as she made her demand known.


    "I have filed awsuit against yourpany for broadcasting footage of the gamer named Broken without his consent. Aspensation, I am demanding a payment of 250,000 USD. This amount is just a small portion of what you''ve earned from the live broadcast, and I believe it to be a fair settlement."


    "What?! Are you joking? We''ve already finalized a deal with The Ass Guild!" the manager eximed.


    "Yes, and you need to understand that my client, Broken, is not a member of The Ass Guild," Freya dered firmly.


    "But 250,000 USD is simply too extreme; we''ll suffer colossal losses if we''re forced to pay such an amount," he implored, his voice rising in volume with each word.


    "My terms are non-negotiable," Freya continued slowly. "You must immediately meet my demands, or there will be serious repercussions. You should be aware by now that your decision to vite the broadcasting rules of the Immortal Legacy game is a direct breach of


    thew."


    Her lips curled into a sinister smile as she delivered her ultimatum. Without another word, she spun around and exited the room.


    The manager''s face twisted into a scowl, and he cursed through gritted teeth. "Damn it! Who is she?! How does she know so much about broadcastingw? Quickly check all the demands she has filed and make sure to pay them promptly."


    "Yes, sir," an employee responded, bustling with urgency.


    "Damn, next time, we better be more careful if we even contemte airing something about that yer, Broken. This massive payout could have been avoided if only we had cooperated with them earlier," the manager added, his fists clenched in frustration.

 Chapter 136: Chapter 136 - A Surprise Deposit

    Chapter 136: - A Surprise Deposit


    ?


    With beads of water still dripping from his shower, Leon stepped out of the bathroom, wearing shorts and a white t-shirt. His blonde hair stuck up in different directions, giving him a messy look that contrasted with his fresh, clean state.


    As he shuffled listlessly towards the sofa in the living room, something caught his eye-the bright light emitting from his cell phone perched on the ss table in the middle of the room. The notification on the screen screamed for his attention: ''You have received a transfer of 250,000 USD. Please confirm the receipt.''


    "What is that?" his tired eyes widened in disbelief. Could this be some kind of prank? Or perhaps an borate scam? He squinted at the screen, trying to understand the unexpected message.


    Leon opened his bank ount. His eyes grew even wider in shock. Instead of the usual bnce, an additional 250,000 USD had indeed been credited to his ount.


    "Could this have been a mistake?" he muttered to himself.


    Just then, the doorbell rang. He knew exactly who it was. He hurried to the door and opened it, weing Freya into his room.


    Freya stood tall, dressed in an executive suit and a short skirt that showcased her slender legs perfectly. Her beautiful smile graced her lips as she slowly sauntered toward him.


    "Hi, Leon," she greeted softly.


    "Hi..." he said, his mind still preupied with the money deposited into his bank ount. Freya then took the towel draped over his shoulder and began to dry his damp hair. He stood still as she did this. She smiled and then ced the towel in theundry basket.


    She walked over to the sofa where Leon had been seated, leaped onto it, and leaned back with an air of ease.


    "Have you received the money?" she asked.


    "Is that you? But what is this money for?" Leon inquired.


    Freya let out a deep, throatyugh that made her smile even wider. "I just sued TV station VRWN for airing the Monster Raid involving you and The Ass Guild without your permission," she dered proudly.


    Leon was stunned. His eyes widened as he processed her words. "What? I can really get this much money just for something like that?"


    Freya chuckled again. "Are you surprised? It''s part of the allure and power associated with the top guilds in Immortal Legacy. Besides, most of their members are famous and influential people, you know?"


    Leon shook his head. "No, I didn''t know that."


    Freya continued to chuckle, reaching for the TV remote. She switched the channel to Netflix and quickly found a Korean drama, setting it to y on the television. The sound of dramatic music filled the room, yet Leon''s thoughts were elsewhere.


    "See the actress there?" she said, pointing to the screen.


    "What? Why?" he asked.


    Freya chuckled softly and shook her head. "Do you recognize her? The female lead of this drama?"


    Leon shook his head, trying to recall any familiar features, but he came up empty. He watched intently, hoping that something would click.


    Freya smiled knowingly and nudged him gently with her shoulder.


    "She is Heejin," she said slowly, allowing Leon time to process the name. "Remember her face now?"


    His eyes widened as he focused intently on the actress''s face. He shook his head in disbelief, murmuring, "All these actresses look so simr to me."


    Freya let out another chuckle. "She is Starfall-the one who assists you in the Raid Battle. She''s an A-list actress and part of The Ass Guild."


    "Woah...wow!"


    "She was the one with the Rare-grade ss, Elemental Beauty. As you likely remember, many of the members in the guild are Asian," Freya added.


    After taking a closer look, recognition finally dawned on him. He now understood that the actress on the screen was indeed Starfall from the game. "I see. They do have a strong resemnce."


    "So, what are your ns for all the money you''ve saved up so far?" she continued.


    Leon paused, momentarily scratching his head in thought. "Well... I think I''ll buy things I''ve always wanted but couldn''t afford before. And maybe do something nice for Lily and Uncle, too."


    "But have you thought about getting a new car? It would be pretty cool to show it off to your friends at university," she suggested.


    Leonughed softly at her suggestion. "I might consider getting a new car," he said, pausing to choose his words carefully, "but not to impress anyone. If it happens to impress people, I guess that''s fine. But right now, Alfred drives me everywhere, and I rarely use my own car. Do I really need another one?"


    "Whatever you decide to do... just make sure to use the money wisely," she said, chuckling. "I''d be happy to y tour guide if you need help spending it¡ªespecially if you n to share some with me!"


    Leon turned to Freya immediately. "That''s it, Freya..."


    "Huh?"


    "You''ve helped me so much already. Tell me what you want, and I''ll get you something," he offered.


    Freya fell silent for a moment, then chuckled softly. She yfully tapped Leon''s nose with her finger. "Think about yourself first... I have more money than you do, you know," she said.


    They then continued their conversation for a short while, discussing his struggles in the game and admiring the Korean drama on the screen.


    "Isn''t she absolutely stunning, Leon?" she asked, gesturing towards the female lead on the


    screen.


    "Yes, indeed. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have made it as an actress, right?" Leon replied.


    "A lot of yers are willing to go to great lengths just to receive Starfall''s support skills," she went on. "And she has such a massive fan base. You''re really fortunate to have her support skills backing you up in battle."


    "I suppose it''s all a part of good teamwork?" he said slowly, his attention still riveted on the


    screen.


    A few minutester, Leon suddenly leaned his shoulder against Freya''s. Before she could even utter a word, he had already drifted off into a deep sleep.


    Freya nced at his exhausted face and couldn''t help but smile gently, reflecting on how hard Leon worked day in and day out. She lightly touched his cheek and whispered softly, "Oh dear, the Goddess Akidia''s spoiled baby is all tuckered out."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Not wanting him to sleep ufortably, she carefully maneuvered his head to rest on the couch, arranging some cushions to provide extrafort for his tired body. She then draped a nket over him, ensuring he was warm enough.


    Freya knelt beside Leon, observing his firm and peaceful face even in slumber. "He really is a hard worker," she murmured to herself.


    Just then, the door to Lily''s room opened, and she stepped into the living room. Her eyes widened in surprise as she saw Freya close to Leon, seemingly about to kiss him.


    "Oh, sorry... I didn''t mean to interrupt... Please, continue to kiss him, don''t mind me," Lily stammered as she tried to flee the scene.


    "Lily!" Freya called after her, quickly standing up and rushing over. "What are you thinking? You don''t actually believe I was going to kiss Leon, do you?"


    "No, of course not..." Lily giggled.


    Freyaughed softly and shook her head. "No, it''s not what you''re thinking. I was just


    admiring how dedicated he is to his work."


    "I really wouldn''t mind if you did, though," Lily added with a mischievous grin.

 Chapter 137: Chapter 137 - A Day at University

    Chapter 137: - A Day at University


    ?


    Leon sat in the car driven by Alfred, staring at his phone''s date: October 1, 2035. It was September 2, just 29 days ago. The date reminded him of when Bob fired him from the store. That moment marked when everything in his life began to change.


    "In just one month in the real world, so much has happened in the game world," he thought aloud. "No wonder people are starting to lose touch with their real lives."


    The car came to a halt in the parking lot. Leon opened the door and stepped out. "Thanks, Alfred."


    "Leon," Alfred called after him.


    "Yes?" Leon responded, turning back.


    "I have another task to handleter this afternoon, so I might bete picking you up. Would you mind taking a taxi if I''m dyed?"


    "Of course, it''s fine. Have a nice day, Alfred."


    "Have a nice day, too, Leon."


    That day, Leon had a Gic Engineering ss, a key subject in his Biotechnology


    Engineering program. The course focused on manipting the gic material of organisms to enhance or create new traits.


    As Leon walked into therge lecture hall with its rows of seats ascending towards the back, he chose a secluded spot and sat down. He immediately pulled out his notebook, opening it randomly-not to study, but to avoid eye contact with anyone he might know, as he didn''t feel like making small talk.


    Someone tapped him on the shoulder.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Leon," they said.


    Leon turned to see a tall guy with stylish hair, apanied by two muscr friends who obviously spent a lot of time at the gym.


    "Hey, is it really you? The one named Broken, who teamed up with the Ass Guild?"


    "Yeah, isn''t that you, Leon?" added another one.


    Leon tried to muster a smile, uncertain if they were about topliment him. Why did this feel so strange? Was it because he was unustomed to receiving praise in real life? Should he hide this fact? But it seemed that those who recognized him were undoubtedly aware of Broken''s identity with the Ass Guild in thest Raid Battle.


    "Yes, that''s me," he confessed.


    The trio burst intoughter. "No wonder... the guy in the game seemed clueless about what he was doing, so it was you... no surprise... hahaha."


    "Hahaha..." the others joined in and walked away, stillughing.


    "Damn you!" Leon cursed under his breath, feeling an intense urge to punch the guy who had taunted him.


    He then directed his gaze a few rows down and noticed a woman with wavy blonde hair watching him. It was Laura.


    Laura, realizing that Leon had caught her looking, quickly turned her gaze away.


    As the ss ended, Leon packed up his belongings and walked towards the exit, taking his time while most of the other students hurriedly left. On his way out, the tall guy from earlier purposefully tried to bump shoulders with him. Leon, anticipating this, tensed his muscles, allowing their shoulders to collide with equal force.


    "Phew... the Broken yer is so tough, huh?" the guy sneered,ughing as he walked away with his friends.


    Leon made a silent vow to train his body even harder, so one day he could stand up to those bullies and fight back. He made his way quickly through the hallway, trying to avoid any further interaction. But someone caught up from behind, walking faster until they were beside him. When he turned to see who it was, he found Laura.


    "Hi, Leon... can I talk to you for a moment?" she asked, matching his pace.


    Leon slowed down and moved to the side of the corridor, with Laura following suit. "Yes?"


    Laura offered an awkward smile and showed him the book she was holding. "I''m trying to catch up on this material, um..." she hesitated, seemingly unsure. "Can I ask you about a few topics?" She hesitated again, this time looking a bit more pleading. "If you don''t mind, of course."


    Leon nced at the wall and saw a clock, remembering that Alfred was going to be an hourte picking him up. Initially, he had nned to head home right away, but maybe he could spare some time. Besides, while she could find much of the information online, not everything could be easily understood just by reading; some things required discussion for betterprehension.


    But then... was there really any reason for him to refuse?


    "Thirty minutes... is that enough?" he asked, his face remaining expressionless.


    Laura smiled, slightly looking away to avoid direct eye contact. "Thanks..."


    Together, they headed to the library. They found an empty table and sat down next to each other after gathering a few books from the shelves.


    They discussed various topics on Gic Engineering, which happened to be one of Leon''s favorite subjects. He had an in-depth knowledge of the topic and exined it to Laura with enthusiasm. asionally, he would pause, turn to her, and ask, "Is there anything else you want to ask?"


    Laura would sometimes seem lost in thought, recalling their high school days when they used to do the same. Snapping back to the present moment, she would shake her head and say, "No, I''m okay... I''m still following."


    She then pulled a book from beside her, flipping through the pages before pointing to a specific highlighted section. "What about this one?" she asked, indicating the highlighted


    notes.


    Leon furrowed his brow and took the book from her. "This part... I don''t think we''ve covered it in ss yet. Have you studied this far ahead, Laura?"


    She nodded slowly. "Sorry... I was just curious and ended up reading further into the topic randomly."


    Their conversation had an awkward undertone. Even saying her name felt strange to Leon, like something familiar but oddly out of ce on his lips.


    They both fell into silence, with Laura engrossed in her book while Leon checked the time on his phone. Only ten minutes had passed, but it felt like an eternity. He couldn''t help but wonder why time seemed to move so slowly.


    Leon usually had no problem happily answering anyone who sought his help. Known as a bookworm who delved deeply into subjects, people often came to him with questions, and he would always respond with enthusiasm. So, his interaction with Laura was no different from what he typically did with others.


    But still, there was an undeniable difort between them, like an invisible wall blocking a genuine connection.


    "At this university, it turns out that the curriculum goes quite far," Lauramented, trying to lock eyes with him.


    "Yes..." Leon''s voice trailed off... there was a moment of silence between them, and he quickly added, "Why did you transfer here, Laura?"


    Laura seemed taken aback by the question. She looked down at her fingers, hesitating before she spoke. "My father..." she began, pausing.


    "Yes, I remember him. How is he... is he in this city as well?"


    Laura''s voice trembled as she lifted her gaze. "My father passed away after a long battle with


    his illness, and because I wanted to be close to the memories we shared, I returned to live in the same house we used to live in," she exined. A forced smile appeared on her face, clearly a protective mask to hide her true feelings.


    After a few more minutes, they decided to leave the library. Leon mentioned that he needed to go first, and as they walked out, Laura watched him from a distance.


    She saw a car pull up and the front door open. From where she stood, she could clearly see who hade to pick him up. It was Freya. The sight stirred an unexpected pang of emotion


    within Laura.

 Chapter 138: Chapter 138 - City Drive and Dinner Talk

    Chapter 138: - City Drive and Dinner Talk


    ?


    That evening, Leon sat behind the wheel of Freya''s luxurious car while she rxed in the passenger seat beside him. Freya was dressed to impress in a sleek ck minidress, her legs crossed casually as they drove through the city.


    "So, you''re getting bolder with me, huh?" she said, breaking the silence.


    Leon turned, his expression puzzled. "What do you mean?"


    "You''ve been dragging me out for dinners, which is way beyond my job description," she continued with a smirk.


    "And what about you waltzing into my ce, sometimes even sleeping over?" he countered yfully. "You''re the one invading my personal life. So, this little favor of mine doesn''t seem all that demanding. So just zip it, okay?"


    "Hey, but you''re taking a beautiful woman out for dinner. I had to go the extra mile to look like this. You think thepany covers my wardrobe and makeup expenses?" she giggled.


    "We could talk about the game for a bit. That way, we can say it''s part of your job, right?" he chuckled.


    They continued bantering yfully as they drove.


    "Let me warn you, Leon... don''t drag me into your issues with your ex-girlfriend. You asked me out right after seeing her... consider my feelings, okay?" she said yfully.


    "I thought you were to help me with my mental issues, my well-being? Am I wrong?" he teased. "Can I request a guardian backup as well, someone friendlier perhaps?"


    Freya nudged him with her elbow. "You won''t find anyone friendlier than me, so you can stash that request away or, better yet, toss it out," she replied with a grin.


    As they stepped out of the car, Freya remained seated until Leon walked around and opened the door for her.


    "That''s how it should be done, you know," she said with a giggle.


    Leon smiled, closing the car door as she gracefully exited. Freya then looped her arm through his, and they walked closely together, almost inseparable, even if they were just friends.


    "What are you doing?" he asked softly.


    Freya smirked and answered without looking at him. "I''m just making you look impressive by having a woman as beautiful as me on your arm. You should be thanking me, not questioning it."


    "I suppose..." he began as they entered an upscale restaurant in the city. "You''re actually doing me a disservice by making people think I have some special rtionship with you. It''s ruining my chances of getting close to any potential romantic partner."


    Freya tightened her hold on his arm, ignoring his yfulint. "I think being seen with a girl as stunning as me is far more advantageous than chasing after a girlfriend you''ll never get, Leon," sheughed.


    They walked into the restaurant and ordered their dinner. Leon began eating his meal enthusiastically despite the upscale setting. Noticing this, Freya gently kicked his knee under the table.


    "Hide your old background and eat more elegantly," she said with a smirk.


    Leon nced at her and then started eating more slowly, letting out a small sigh. "You wealthy folks have too many rules."


    He continued his meal in rtive silence. A few momentster, Freya gave his knee another gentle kick.


    "What is it?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "You invited me out for dinner, and now you''re just ignoring me? Say something!" she insisted.


    "Isn''t that how it usually goes, Freya? You always do the talking, and I just listen. So, go ahead, start a conversation."


    "Alright then..." she said, her expression mischievous. "Now, tell me, what exactly were you doing in the library with your ex? Did you two talk about your past?"


    "I think it''s better if you let me choose the topic."


    Freya chuckled at his response, herughter lightening the mood between them.


    Leon then began to recount the details of what transpired after the raid battle with the Ass Guild, sharing information that wasn''t broadcast on television. Freya listened intently, her expression shifting from curiosity to surprise.


    "No wonder some of their rankings dropped. So that''s what happened... It must have been a huge blow for them," she said.


    Leon nodded slowly.


    "What about Melliandra?"


    "Charmelyn said she managed to escape..." Leon replied.


    "Ah... I''m d to hear it. Otherwise, she''d probably resent you forever," Freya chuckled.


    She continued, "So, what happened with Charmelyn? You two came back from the forest together, didn''t you?"


    "Ah yes..." he said, continuing the story. "She survived because of her impressive skill set. We journeyed back together, and she effortlessly took down any monsters that approached. She is... really, really impressive... I think she could easily handle multiple yers of the same level at once, given her skill set is perfect for assassination."


    Freya smiled, intrigued. "What do you think about her? Is she friendly? Interesting? Fun? Did you two talk much?"


    Leon furrowed his brow. "Not really... She''s pretty quiet. We didn''t talk much," he exined


    calmly.


    Freya grinned at his response.


    Leon also exined that there was a strong chance Charmelyn understood the full extent of what transpired between him and Queen Gaia.


    "I think you should try to get closer to her," Freya suggested seriously. "I mean, build trust with her. You don''t want her leaking that secret to others."


    Leon frowned, feeling that getting close to someone wasn''t something he particrly


    enjoyed.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Sooner orter, people are going to find out, so I honestly don''t care much," he said, causing Freya to giggle at his nonchnce.


    Their conversation continued as they enjoyed their meal.


    "I think there might be a special reward for you because of what you''ve done," Freya said, steering the dialogue back to Leon''s recent exploits.


    "A reward?"


    "Yes, from thepany. You might find it in your inbox once you log into the game."


    "Oh, really?" he said, standing up abruptly. "In that case, let''s go back now. I want to log in." Freya looked annoyed, "You took me out for dinner, and now you want to rush home just because of something like this? Are you going to waste my efforts in getting all dressed up?" Leon paused, considering her words. Then he smiled. "What about taking a walk in the park? Sounds interesting?" he suggested, grinning.


    They took a short stroll through the park, where many people were walking, sitting on benches, and children were ying under the bright night sky. Freya kept her arm linked to


    his, staying close.


    "Isn''t there apany policy against someone like you getting this personally involved with the elite yers you work with?" Leon asked casually.


    "I''ve already told you, I''m doing this to make you look cool, so you should really be thanking me, not questioning it," she replied, dismissing his concern.


    "But this could lead to misunderstandings, you know. I''m a normal guy; you shouldn''t y around with close interactions like this..."


    "That''s exactly my goal," she said nonchntly. "To make you fall for me and then leave you,


    so you know what it feels like, just like your past." She giggled.


    "I don''t think you''ll seed that easily, Ms. Over Confident."


    Freya tightened her grip on his arm and said, "Just shut up and enjoy the moment, okay... Mr. Thinks He''s So Cool."

 Chapter 139: Chapter 139 - Unexpected Gifts

    Chapter 139: - Unexpected Gifts


    ?


    Broken found himself once again in his inn room, and soon after, Freya appeared in the living


    area.


    "Where is Booba?" he inquired, noticing Booba''s absence.


    Freya then settled into a plush chair in the center of the room. Broken, eager to check the rewards from the Golden Age Company, also took a seat.


    He noticed an influx of messages, primarily from Booba, with a few from members of the Ass Guild.


    "What do they say?" Freya asked, referring to Elincia and the others.


    Broken scanned through the messages and shook his head slowly. "They don''t mention anything about that night. They''re just checking in on me..."


    Freya nodded thoughtfully. "It seems they''re doing their best to respect your privacy, Broken, even though the losses they incurred from that incident were significant." She paused and then continued, "I bet Elincia had to strongly oppose theints from other guild members to keep this matter from escting further with you."


    He was silent for a moment, pondering. "Why would they go to such lengths for me?" he mused aloud.


    Freya giggled, a smile spreading across her face. "It means they value the potential they see in you... You might consider opening up to them. Who knows... you might be able to join their guild. They are a well-respected and influential group."


    Broken was pensive at the suggestion but soon dismissed the thought, focusing back on one of the messages from the Golden Age Company. Skimming past the pleasantries of congrattions and gratitude for his contributions, he retrieved the attached items.


    "What did they send?"


    [4 VIP Costume Tickets]


    [With these tickets, you have a chance to acquire a super exclusive costume. These items allow you to override your equipment appearance with unique and captivating designs.]


    "Wow... VIP Costume Tickets!" Freya eximed when she realized what they were. "These are special items issued by thepany. While the normal tickets offer attractive designs and appearances, the VIP onese with even more extraordinary designs. Some of them even have stat increases."


    "Really?" he responded. "What''s the difference between these costumes and the regr clothes made by designer sses, Freya?"


    "These costumes can override the appearance of your armor, while normal clothes cannot," she exined.


    "Interesting..." he murmured. "And I got four of them... Let''s see what items I can get."


    He opened the ticket description, revealing several categories to choose from: clothes, shoes, headgear, and essories. As he scrolled further, he found even more options: weapon skins and special effects. Each category presented a variety of designs, ranging from ssic and elegant to futuristic and bold.


    He paused momentarily and chose the ''clothes'' category, viewing a list of random options he could receive.


    "Damn, they don''t differentiate by gender?" he asked.


    Freya giggled at his remark. "You don''t have to worry. If you get women''s clothes, I''ll dly take them."


    He shot Freya with a sharp look. "No, thanks. I''m not interested in that."


    He quickly selected the ''Clothes'' category, using one of the tickets. An animation yed out the random selection, and shortly after, an item materialized before him.


    [You obtained the Obsidian Shroud]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Obsidian Shroud - Clothes]


    [Agility +10 Intelligence +10]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 120]


    [The Obsidian Shroud is a luxurious and enigmatic ck robe, meticulously crafted for those who seek both elegance and power in their attire. This robe exudes an aura of mystery and sophistication, making it a coveted item among adventurers and spellcasters alike.]


    Broken reached out and took hold of the ck robe. As he draped it over his shoulders, it clungfortably, the fabric falling elegantly down his back. He could wrap it around himself, now fully cloaked in the stylish, ck garment.


    "You really lucked out on your first item," Freya said, giggling.


    "Yeah, I think this is pretty cool," he replied, striding over to a mirror to admire his reflection. "At least now I can wear this and conceal my low-level equipment," he added with a proud smile.


    Intrigued, Broken decided to use the rest of his tickets. This time, he opted for headgear. The random selection animation yed once more, and he soon found himself holding a mask. [You obtained the Eclipsed Visage]


    [Eclipsed Visage - Headgear]


    [Charisma +2]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 90]


    [The Eclipsed Visage is a mysterious and elegant mask, designed to conceal the identity of its wearer while exuding an air of enigma and power.]


    The mask was ck, covering the top half of his face and part of his head, with a design resembling feathers formed into hair.


    He immediately donned the mask and noticed his gamer name above his head became blurred and censored. Satisfied with his acquisition, he pondered the numerous possibilities this mask could afford him.


    "Mr. Mysterious, you could use that mask to rob a store without revealing your identity," Freya chuckled. "Or to harass pretty NPCs on the streets. I think that''s a good idea, too."


    "Do you think I''m Goldrich?" he retorted yfully.


    Broken then stowed the mask away in his inventory. "I''d better keep this mask hidden from everyone," he said, grinning widely.


    Broken then pondered what other item he wanted to try for. "Do you have any ideas?" he


    asked.


    "Shoes?" Freya suggested, "Toplement the robe you obtained earlier."


    Nodding in agreement, Broken initiated another random roll. However, this time, it seemed


    his luck didn''t quite align with his desires.


    [You obtained Crystal Elegance Heels]


    [Crystal Elegance Heels - Shoes]


    [Intelligence +5 Charisma +2]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 185]


    [The Crystal Elegance Heels are a pair of exquisite ss shoes designed for the discerning woman who values grace and sophistication. These heels are not only a symbol of beauty but also imbued with subtle enchantments that enhance the wearer''s abilities.]


    Broken picked up the ss shoes, holding them with a sigh.


    "Broken..." Freya said, almost hysterically. "They are so beautiful... give them to me."


    Freya took the shoes from him, admiring their form. "May I try them on?"


    Broken nodded, and Freya eagerly slipped into the heels, instantly appearing taller.


    "These would go perfectly with an elegant dress," she mused, a delighted smile spreading


    across her face.


    Freya twirled around, admiring the ss shoes, her joy evident in her expression. She giggled,


    "I own something like this in the real world, but I''ve never had them here."


    She then removed the heels and handed them back to him.


    "Do you want to keep them?" he asked.


    She shook her head, "Save them for someone special," she replied. "And," she added, "since


    NPCs can also use these, that might be something to consider."


    Broken took the ss shoes and ced them in his inventory, not yet deciding to whom he


    would give them.


    Broken then considered using his final ticket, albeit with some hesitation due to the less useful item he had acquired earlier.


    "I think headgears have a lot of unisex options. You might want to consider that," Freya


    suggested.


    Nodding, Broken selected the headgear category again. This time, he was rewarded with a


    ck crown.


    [You obtained the Obsidian Sovereign Crown]


    [Obsidian Sovereign Crown - Headgear]


    [Intelligence +10 Strength +10]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 210]


    [The Obsidian Sovereign Crown is the epitome of regal elegance and power. This ck crown,


    crafted with meticulous attention to detail, exudes an aura of authority and mystery, making it a perfect essory for those who rule with both wisdom and strength.] Broken smiled as he examined the crown, pleased with this more suitable item. It was a crown


    befitting a king, albeit one in a striking ck hue. He immediately ced it on his head and stood in front of the mirror.


    "That''s cool... I think you look like a king with that crown. You should make it a reality," Freya


    said, grinning.


    Broken smiled and stowed the crown. "Let''s go, Freya. I want to test Gaia''s abilities," he said, and with that, the two of them left the inn.

 Chapter 140: Chapter 140 - Training with Natures Might

    Chapter 140: - Training with Nature''s Might


    ?


    Broken and Freya rented a training room in the city, a private space designed specifically for testing skills that have a wide area of impact. However, this room wasn''t without its faults- it could suffer damage if thebined intensity of the attacks became too overwhelming. Because of this, the room was only meant for those under level 200.


    They entered arge hall bustling with adventurersing and going. After purchasing their tickets, they proceeded to the designated room. The room itself was entirely white, from the floor to the ceiling, and spacious enough to test out area of effect skills.


    Such rooms weremonly used by adventurers who wished to test their abilities in private for various reasons or those who found it difficult to practice in the open, where conditions were less controlled and potentially hazardous.


    Once the door was securely shut, the two turned to face each other.


    "Come on, summon the new spirit. I''m eager to meet her," Freya said, her voice tinged with curiosity.


    "I doubt she''ll be very friendly towards you," Broken replied with a grin.


    [Awaken the Nature Goddess (Active Skill)]


    Broken invoked the skill, and a green aura emanated from the ring on his finger. The energy enveloped him, forming a glowing cocoon. From this radiance emerged a translucent figure of a woman. Her cascading hair and cold gaze gave her an ethereal presence as she seemed to float behind Broken.


    Freya was awestruck. "Wow... She is so beautiful..." she murmured, entranced by the apparition.


    [Nature Healing (Active Skill)]


    Broken activated his first skill. This would continually heal him and negate any negative effects. The green energy enveloping him began to move more wildly, forming a protective armoryer over the armor he was already wearing.


    Recognizing her role, Freya swiftly darted away. "Are you ready, Broken?" she called out as she nocked an arrow and let it fly toward him.


    The arrow zipped through the air, striking Broken in the chest. His health dipped momentarily but rapidly began to regenerate.


    Freya then unleashed another skill, shooting an arrow skyward, which caused a shower of arrows to rain down on Broken. Normally, this would reduce his movement speed, but he remained immune to the negative effect.


    Returning to his side, she eagerly asked, "How was it?"


    "Health regeneration isn''t instantaneous, but it''s definitely fast. Seems like I still need to be cautious, even in this state," he replied enthusiastically.


    "Now, let''s test the second skill. I''ll try to control the vine arms to capture or attack you. Are you ready?"


    Freya smiled and sprinted away, waving her hand. "I''m ready, Broken..."


    [Nature''s Wrath (Active Skill)]


    Just as Broken cast the skill, a cluster of ten massive vines erupted from various spots around him. Each vine was about four times his height, stretching impressively long. These vines twisted and swayed, some mming down onto the ground with a heavy thud.


    Broken tried to sense them, and surprisingly, despite the strangeness of it, he could feel these vines. With themands he issued within his mind, the vines began to move. Magically, it seemed his brain could control them all.


    He stood still, experimenting with the movement of each vine arm, making simple gestures like striking the floor. He repeated this motion until all ten vines could obey hismands reliably.


    Freya kept running to evade the vines, which, while hitting the ground rather haphazardly, still posed a challenge to dodge.


    "Master... It may take some time to master them, but these vines can serve as extensions of your body. You can twist them, wrap them, lock targets, and even relocate them as needed. Although their range won''t be too far at first, as my level increases, so will the potential of these vine arms," Gaia exined softly.


    Broken nodded, channeling his concentration as he tried to direct a vine to strike Freya. She easily dodged the rtively stiff and uncoordinated movements of the vines, deftly avoiding each attempt.


    Three minutes flew by, and Gaia began to fade away, limited by the five-minute summoning duration.


    Freya ran back to his side, her curiosity piqued. "How was it?" she asked eagerly.


    "Not bad. It''s a bit tricky to control all the vine arms at once, but I''m confident that with practice, I''ll get better at it," he exined.


    "Yes... I''ll arrange a schedule to book this space so you can train over the next few days," she suggested.


    Broken also had ns to start working on his Moonvine Knuckles soon, so he needed to bnce his crafting schedule with this training. He knew that crafting those knuckles would take considerable time, but he intended to make it work efficiently.


    Broken had sessfully tested only two of Gaia''s skills, yet even from this limited experience, he could sense the immensebat potential she could offer if he summoned her at a truly critical moment. While he also wanted to test the third skill, he had to wait for the one-hour cooldown to reset.


    After leaving the training space, he and Freya moved on to their next agenda, something he was quite eager to get to.


    "Do you want to test the third skill in the next hour?" Freya asked.


    "I do, but first, I need to go to the cksmith workshop to secure my workstation for next week. I think I''ll be spending a lot of time there," Broken replied.


    They quickly headed to their destination. As they entered the workshop, Broken could feel the eyes of the cksmiths in the room on him, especially considering the recent news that he had joined the party from the Ass Guild.


    He secured his spot, a workstation of notably higher quality than before.


    He actually wanted to book a private cksmith workshop where he could work undisturbed, away from any prying eyes, but such a facility was not avable in rio Town. This meant he would have to return to Deadbay City and use Fokil''s ce. However, he had amitment to another meeting with the Ass Guild in rio Town scheduled within the next week, so he postponed that n.


    Ignoring the noisy cksmiths around him, Broken felt a calm resolve. Although he had experienced the same skeptical stares a few days ago, this time, their skepticism had waned as they had seen a bit of what he could achieve with his cksmith skills.


    After double-checking the materials he needed, Broken left the cksmith workshop, eager to return and test Gaia''s third skill.


    "I''m sure more people will be your admirers if you manage to produce a Legendary- grade item from your next project, especially since there are many cksmiths from two countries in that ce," Freya said, giggling.


    "Hmm..." Broken murmured, the idea of garnering admiration felt odd to him. "I don''t really


    care, actually."


    Was it because Broken was beginning to amass power that he felt more confident than before? Regardless, he genuinely didn''t care about the opinions of those people.


    Returning to the training space, Broken prepared himself as the cooldown would be


    completed in another five minutes.


    "Twelve nt creatures with a level of 185, huh?" Freya remarked, her excitement evident.


    "What do you think?"


    "An army of different types of beasts with a variety of abilities-tanking, damage dealing, healing, ranged attacks, support, etc. At least that''s what I envision if you can summon twelve


    creatures with a single skill."


    "That sounds overpowered, doesn''t it?"


    "Well, we''re talking about a high-grade spirit here," she responded. "But that''s pretty reasonable because you can only use those skills once every hour. Still, I think an hour is a very short cooldown. I agree, those skills are quite overpowered."


    As soon as the cooldown concluded, Broken eagerly summoned Gaia again.


    [Awaken the Nature Goddess (Active Skill)]N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The majestic figure of Gaia appeared behind him, and with great anticipation, he cast the


    third skill.


    [Nature Conjuring (Active Skill)]


    It was like the nts and grass around him were growing uncontrobly. Trees shot up quickly, twisting around each other. From twelve specific spots, shapes began to take form. Out of this wild growth, animal-like figures made of nts and leaves appeared.


    There was a rat as big as a dog, a dog the size of a horse, and a horse evenrger than usual.


    There was also a chicken four times its normal size. Each creature''s shape became clearer, disying unique and detailed designs.

 Chapter 141: Chapter 141 - Zodiac Guardians of Nature

    Chapter 141: - Zodiac Guardians of Nature


    ?


    (Author''s note: Sorry if this chapter has too much information. If you''re not interested in their abilities, feel free to skip it.)


    The first creature was a massive ox with thick, thorny bark and sharp spikes protruding from its body. Its eyes glowed with a green hue, an intimidating presence. Broken began to review their skills one by one, noting their unique specialties.


    [Thorn Ox]


    [Thorny Defense: Increases defense and reflects a portion of damage back to attackers.]


    The Ox moved its massive body, stamping its feet on the ground. This creature''s specialty appeared to lie in the frontlines, with its damage-reflecting skill type. Its stats were heavily allocated towards Constitution and Strength, making it a formidable force to take down in the frontlines.


    "It looks like their beast forms are based on the Chinese zodiac," Freya murmured quietly. Broken then studied each of the creatures more closely. Although he wasn''t particrly familiar with the figures of the Chinese Zodiac animals, he could rte to them, especially when struck by the sight of a nt-based Chinese dragon floating in the air.


    "They''re really magnificent," he muttered. "Their skills may be simple, but each one has a specific role."


    "Yes..." she agreed.


    As he moved from one creature to another, he couldn''t help but marvel at the variety and uniqueness of each summoned entity.


    [Truffle Boar]


    [Earth Shield: Creates a shield of earth for everyone on the same party that absorbs iing damage for a short duration.]


    Large boar with a tough, bark-like hide, its body covered in earthy tones with fungi and truffles.


    [Tiger Lily]


    [Tiger''s Roar: Emits a roar that stuns nearby enemies for a short duration.]


    [w Strike: A powerful w attack that deals significant damage to a single target.]


    The fierce tiger was adorned with vibrant, flower-like patterns in shades of orange, yellow, and red. Petals surrounded its face like a majestic mane.


    "This tiger is cute," Freya giggled.


    "And it''s one of the few that has two skills," Broken noted.


    "Most of them seem to be close-range fighters, while two of them could be formidable tankers," she observed.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    [Moss Goat]


    [Nature''s Guard: Grants a temporary defense boost to all nearby allies.]


    [Headbutt Charge: Charges at an enemy with its horns, dealing substantial damage and knocking them back.]


    Nimble goat with a coat covered in soft, green moss and lichen. Horns covered in vines, eyes a calming blue.


    [Bark Hound]


    [Bark Bite: Bites the enemy with its powerful jaws, dealing heavy damage and applying a bleeding effect.]


    Muscr canine covered in tree bark, with roots and vines wrapping around its body. Eyes a bright, piercing green.


    [Chili Pepper Rooster]


    [Fiery st: Shoots a burst of fire that damages and briefly blinds enemies.]


    Vibrant rooster with feathers resembling chili peppers in red, orange, and yellow. Comb and wattle fiery red.


    "Finally, we have a phoenix-like creature with a fire beam type of skill," Freya said, giggling as she admired the radiant bird.


    [Creeper Monkey]


    [Vine Trap: Lays down traps that entangle and slow enemies who step on them.]


    [Exploding Banana: Throws a banana that explodes on impact, dealing area-of-effect damage.]


    Agile monkey with limbs made of creeping vines, fur a mix of green and brown, and bright, mischievous eyes.


    [Elder Dragon Tree]


    [Pollen Storm: Releases a cloud of pollen that heals allies over time and damages enemies caught within.]


    [Dragon''s Wrath: Unleashes a massive burst of magical energy in arge area, dealing significant damage to all enemies within the radius.]


    The Chinese dragon-like entity floated effortlessly in the air, exuding an air of majesty and unparalleled power.


    "This dragon has the most impressive set of skills, I think," Brokenmented.


    Freya nodded in agreement. "Yes, it can both heal allies and deal massive area damage. I imagine it will be a primary target for enemies to take down first."


    [Fern Rabbit]


    [Healing Herbs: Heals a targeted ally over time and grants them temporary stealth. ]


    [Verdant Blessing: Temporarily boosts the stats of all nearby allies.]


    Small rabbit with fur resembling soft, green ferns. Eyes gentle green, ears covered in fern-


    like patterns.


    [Petal Charger]


    [Wind Dash: Charges forward, trampling enemies in its path and creating wind gusts that knock back and disorient foes.]


    Swift horse with petals for a mane, sleek dark green coat, and vine-covered hooves. Petals vibrant pink and purple.


    [Poison Ivy Rat]


    [Toxic Ambush: Bes temporarily invisible, then strikes with a venomous attack that poisons enemies over time.]


    Stealthy rat covered in poisonous ivy. Dark green fur with ivy patterns, glowing toxic green


    eyes.


    [Vine Serpent]


    [Venomous Mist - Releases a massive cloud of poisonous mist that spreads over arge area, dealing poison damage over time to all enemies caught within.]


    [Constricting Vines - Wraps its body around an enemy, crushing them with immense force and dealing continuous damage until the enemy breaks free or is defeated.]


    A long, slithering serpent covered in lush, green vines and flowers. Its scales are a mix of green and brown, giving it excellent camouge in natural settings. It has bright, yellow eyes that glow, and its body is strong and flexible, capable of constricting enemies with ease.


    Broken carefully observed each of the nt creatures, noticing that each had its own specialty. There were tankers, close-range fighters, magic users, healers, support creatures, and even an assassin-like beast. He wondered if he could summon them individually depending on his needs. It was clear, though, that summoning them all at once would cause chaos and havoc on the battlefield.


    "I think just with this skill alone, you could be considered another divine champion, Broken," Freyamented. "Look at all these beasts... 5 minutes of this is insane! You can''t bepared to a single yer anymore, even at your current level," she said with a sigh.


    Broken nodded and grinned, then nced at Freya. "Want to test theirbat potential,


    Freya?"


    "What? Fight me? Are you crazy? My level is below theirs," she said, giggling.


    Broken chuckled, "Fair point. But we can start with a controlled sparring session. I want to see how effectively we can coordinate their abilities in real-timebat scenarios."


    Freya nodded, still smiling. "Alright, let''s do it in a way that''s not too hard on me. Maybe set some limitations or focus on specific beasts at a time?"


    "Sounds good. We can iste each of their abilities and see how they perform in different simtedbat situations," Broken agreed.


    They prepared to strategize and test the individual and collectivebat potential of the summoned nt beasts. It became clear that they would attack anyone deemed an enemy by the summoner. Despite their seemingly brutal and wild attacks, the beasts always try to support each other. For instance, a little rabbit hopped around the battlefield, providing heals


    to its allies.


    "Despite their wild frenzy, they have a sense of teamwork. Look at that rabbit. It keeps


    everyone healed." Freya said.


    Among them, the dragon had the most impressive skills, with wide-ranging effects and skill animations that were nothing short of spectacr. The dragon weaved gracefully through the air, effortlessly dodging long-range attacks directed at it.


    Some of the beastscked precision in evasion, opting for sheer brutality in their assault. The Creeper Monkey, however, stood out for its strategic prowess, setting traps and hurling banana bombs at the enemy.


    Broken found that he could even ride the horse-like beast, which would help him charge into the battlefield. Although he already had Polly, this provided him with more options for mobility andbat tactics.


    The assassin rat, on the other hand, demonstrated the most individualistic fighting style. It darted in with speed,nding quick strikes before vanishing again using its invisibility skill.


    Feeling both satisfied and overwhelmed by his observations, Broken noted that the summoning duration had reached its end. The majestic creatures began to fade away one by one. And he was ready to work on his next project.

 Chapter 142: Chapter 142 - Brokens Mysterious Visitor

    Chapter 142: - Broken''s Mysterious Visitor


    ?


    Broken stepped out of the training space, feeling a sense of momentum as he prepared for his next project. Freya had departed, having other tasks to attend to, leaving him alone with his thoughts.


    Suddenly, he heard a voice call out his name, startling him. He turned around slowly, only to see Goldrich-a mage with short white hair-approaching him with brisk strides.


    Goldrich increased his pace and embraced Broken tightly, surprising him further. Stepping back, Goldrich asked with an intense curiosity, "Broken... Tell me, what''s your secret technique, huh?!"


    Caught off guard by Goldrich''s directness, Broken stammered, trying to make sense of the situation. "Secret technique?"


    His mind raced, wondering if Goldrich was referring to Gaia, the Nature Goddess spirit. He was far from ready to reveal that detail.


    "Is everyone all right after the battle days ago?" Broken deflected.


    "No! That''s not what I want to discuss. Khi khi khi," Goldrich chuckled in a low tone.


    They stared at each other for what felt like an eternity before Goldrich finally spoke again.


    "You see, I cane up with all kinds of reasons for your naked situation in Princess Alora''s tent, but... up to this point, I can no longer contain my curiosity."


    Goldrich leaned in closer to whisper into Broken''s ear. "I''m curious about the secret technique..."


    "What do you want?"


    "You know how I''m the mage with the most spells in Yunatea among all the yers?" Goldrich asked, arching his eyebrow.


    Broken nodded, swallowing hard to suppress the nervous lump in his throat.


    A smirk curled onto Goldrich''s lips as he leaned back and sped his hands together. "Then, out of all the skills I have, there is one spell that I really want, which you seem to have."


    "What is that?" Broken asked hesitantly.


    Goldrich was renowned for his passion for magic and was always searching for more spells to add to his arsenal. He would gather whatever he could get his hands on, from those with impressive offensive capabilities to spells that were not very helpful in battle. Furthermore, he was always eager to learn something new.


    "The spell to make female NPCs instantly fall in love with you!" Goldrich dered with a mischievous grin.


    "What?!" Broken eximed, utterly bewildered.


    A chuckle escaped Goldrich''s lips as he heartily pped Broken on the shoulder. "You are such a sly one, always acting innocent while surrounded by so many beautiful women."


    "Sorry?" Broken replied, still trying to piece together Goldrich''s peculiar request.


    "Well, there''s a young woman with blonde hair and armor that indicates she is at least a level 200 Shielder. She looks so beautiful, sweet, and gentle but also powerful at the same time."


    "Blonde-haired Shielder? A yer?" Broken strained to recall any woman fitting that description.


    "She has been rooted to one spot since sunrise just so she could be there when you arrived!"


    "I don''t remember seeing any yer who matches that description," Broken said, scratching his head.


    "No, no!" Goldrich dismissed the notion with anotherugh. "She is an NPC! A Special one, too."


    "Special NPC, a Shielder level 200 with blonde hair?" Broken repeated, trying to jog his memory, but nothing triggered his recall of that profile. "I don''t get it... who is she?"


    "You sure have a way with thedies, Broken. You win over these women and then just forget about them so easily, khi khi khi," Goldrichmented slyly. "Even the male adventurers in this area can''t seem to keep their eyes off of her."


    Broken''s confusion deepened, but he couldn''t deny a stir of curiosity. Who was this mysterious NPC? And why was Goldrich so convinced that he had some special connection or influence over her?


    In the world of Yunatea, NPCs fall into two distinct categories: Common NPCs and Special NPCs. Celestial Beings like Goddess Akidia or Princess Alora belonged to thetter group, ying significant roles in the main narrative of Yunatea.


    On the other hand, Common NPCs led more humble, everyday lives, engaging in mundane tasks that kept the world functioning smoothly. While their roles might seem limitedpared to the more noted Special NPCs, they were crucial for maintaining the fabric of Yunatea''s civilization.


    Fokil the cksmith was an example of a Common NPC. Despite his mysterious origins, he didn''t have a direct impact on Yunatea''s overarching plot. However, it was also possible formon NPCs to transition into special NPCs over time if they fulfilled a major purpose or became involved in significant events.


    Identifying which NPCs were special was straightforward, thanks to the name tags hovering above their heads. Common NPCs had white name tags, while Special NPCs had purple ones.


    "Broken," Goldrich gestured for him to move along. "Don''t keep a woman waiting-she''s been standing near the za for a while now."


    "What''s her name?"


    Broken wanted to ask more about this mysterious NPC, but Goldrich gave him an impatient shove. "Go on, don''t waste her time," he added with a knowing grin.


    Reluctantly, Broken allowed himself to be pushed along, still puzzling over who this special NPC could be. He navigated through the bustling streets toward the za, his mind racing with possibilities. When he finally reached the za, he scanned the area, looking for the blonde-haired shielder that Goldrich had described.


    As he made his way through the bustling crowd, he overheard several adventurers talking about the mysterious NPC woman they had all encountered.


    "I never witnessed such a beautiful NPC woman! She looks like she could even outshine Princess Alora in beauty!" one adventurer eximed.


    "Nonsense! She is super beautiful, sure, but Princess Alora is still more extraordinary than her. Princess Alora is my waifu. She''s the only reason why I y this game. One day, I''ll be a legendary yer and marry Princess Alora, hahaha."


    "You sure are dreaming too much, idiot!"


    "This is a game, a fantasy world. Anything can happen, idiot!"


    "But I''d love to know what would happen if they ever did sh! Princess Alora depends on her sword while this woman uses her shield!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "My friend said that he asked her to take a photo with him, and she appeared eager. She sure is kind, although my friend was somewhat nervous. He cautioned me not to stand too close to


    the Special NPC woman."


    "Why is that?" someone else asked, leaning in with curiosity.


    "He said he couldn''t be sure, but it seemed as though she was emitting an aura of strength. He also noticed that she was wearing level 200 equipment."


    "But she''s still just an NPC..."


    "Idiot! There must be something about her that sets her apart if they call her a Special NPC,


    don''t you think?!"


    Broken''s curiosity grew even more intense as he approached the za. His heart pounded with anticipation, and then he saw her.


    The woman must have noticed his approach as she joyfully raised her arm and waved, sprinting towards him with a delicate smile on her lips. Her bright blonde hair cascaded down her back, shimmering in the sunlight. Her silver armor, which covered a blue undergarment, gleamed brilliantly, catching the attention of everyone around.


    She truly looked like a goddess, and Broken couldn''t help but marvel at her beauty.


    "Hi, Broken... I happened to visit this town, and it''s nice to finally see you again," she said,


    her gaze gentle and warm.


    Broken''s mind raced with questions, almost bursting with them as he stared at her in disbelief. He struggled toprehend what stood before him.


    "Are you the Ivana that I used to know?" he asked hesitantly.


    Ivana was Gia''s daughter, whom he had met at Fokil''s Smithy. He remembered her as an Elite


    Rank Chef who cooked delicious food while he was working on his equipment. How was she here, in such a deste ce, appearing as a Shielder ss?


    "Broken..." she replied softly, "Yes, it''s Ivana. Don''t tell me you''ve forgotten me already?" she said with a giggle.

 Chapter 143: Chapter 143 - Unveiling Ivanas Secret

    Chapter 143: - Unveiling Ivana''s Secret


    ?


    Ivana stood before Broken, holding a wooden basket tightly in her hands. A shield was strapped to her back, and a sword was sheathed at her side.


    "I brought this food for you," she said with a warm smile.


    Despite her efforts, Broken couldn''t take his eyes off her, marveling at the transformation. She looked like a genuine warrior now. Hadn''t she been just a chef before? Or had she always had abat ss but chosen not to reveal it? Her level was clearly above 200! One striking difference was her name, now glowing purple, signifying her status as a Special NPC. He distinctly remembered her as a Common NPC!


    Ivana noticed his silent contemtion and felt a twinge of confusion, wondering if he had grown tired of her cooking.


    "Broken, have you grown tired of my food? I can cook something different for you," she said softly, pulling back her wooden basket.


    "No," Broken answered immediately, shaking his head to clear his thoughts.


    "Sorry... I was just lost in my thoughts. I didn''t know you also had abat ss! How could I have missed this before?"


    He then took the wooden basket from her hands. "Thanks, Ivana. I''ve really missed your cooking."


    Ivana''s face lit up as he epted the basket. "I told Mr. Fokil that I wanted to be an adventurer, and he gave me this armor, sword, and shield," she said proudly.


    "But level 200?" Broken was astounded.


    Ivana nodded quickly in affirmation. "Yes! After getting my new ss and doing some monster hunting, I went from level 175 to level 200."


    "Level 175 to 200? In such a short amount of time? But how?" Broken was even more shocked to learn she had been level 175 all along. Even when they had hunted together in the forest, she had never shown any sign ofbat ability.


    yers and NPCs have different methods of leveling up. While yers must diligently grind experience by ying monsters and other creatures orpleting quests, NPCs gain their levels naturally as they go along with the progress of the world and through their own rigorous training. With sufficient dedication, many NPCs can reach higher levels than regr yers.


    Broken''s eyes widened in awe as he nced at Ivana. In such a short amount of time, she had achieved the unthinkable; from a Common NPC with a Chef ss, she had transformed into a Special NPC with a Shielder ss.


    "You''re amazing, Ivana," he said. "I don''t know how you managed to get thebat ss, but you''ve be a whole new person. I would be honored if you''d join me on a monster hunting adventure."


    Ivana shook her head humbly. "I wanted to be an Adventurer, so I trained diligently and eventually got invited to join an Adventurer''s Party. And here I am now. There''s nothing special about me."


    She said this as if she were unaware of her new status as a Special NPC.


    Broken was uncertain about the specifics of Immortal Legacy, but he was sure that whatever Ivana had achieved must have been something significant. He thought about speaking to Freya, Goldrich, or Maylock to see if they had any idea how such a drastic transformation could ur. It was clear that something monumental must have happened to her, resulting in this instant transformation.


    "What are you doing in this town?"


    "I''m searching for an ingredient for a new recipe I want to make with herbs from near this town," she replied, her tone calm and warm. "Also, I knew you were around, so I thought I''d take the chance to meet you and prepare these foods for you."


    "I didn''t expect to run into you here, but I''m also d to see your transformation." "I''ve heard many amazing things about you, Broken. It seems you''ve changed a lot too."


    "Not really. I''m just doing my work, crafting a new item. It might take me up to a week."


    "I know you''ll be very focused on your work, huh?" she giggled. "Just like always."


    "I''ll go now. Do you have any other ns? Do you want to join me? Or maybe you want to hunt in the forest? I can ask Freya to apany you."


    "I''d like to join and see your work if that''s okay?" Ivana asked, her eyes gleaming with interest.


    "With great pleasure," he replied, returning her smile.


    They walked side by side, heading towards the cksmith workshop. As they stepped inside, the hot air and nging of metal greeted them like a wave. Ivana followed behind him, her long blonde hair gently brushing against her back like a caress, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. They were a striking pair: a cksmith with mysterious potential and a stunningly beautiful Special NPC who was hard to take one''s eyes off.


    The cksmiths and other adventurers in the workshop paused their work to look at them.


    "Is he offering cksmithing services to a Special NPC?"


    "Does he really think he can meet the needs of a Special NPC?"


    Another cksmith chuckled. "I bet he''s just trying to impress the pretty woman."


    Titonor, an Advance Rank cksmith, strutted up to the duo with a devious smirk on his face.


    "Hey, mydy," he addressed Ivana in a silky voice, attempting to charm her. His gaze then shifted to Broken, whom he dismissed as a mere beginner. His expression made it clear that he wanted nothing more than for them to part ways.


    "He''s just a beginner," Titonor dered. "You should leave him andmission your weapon or equipment with me. I''m the best cksmith here."


    Tension filled every corner of the room as everyone wondered who would win this encounter -the professional smiths or the supposed amateur.


    Broken appeared to ignore Titonor''s presence. He walked away and stayed focused on his workstation, which was surrounded by a dizzying array of forging tools.


    Ivana, however, appeared taken aback by Titonor''s intrusion. She shook her head politely. "No, Broken is my friend. I came to apany him while he worked on his new item," she replied. "Thanks, but I don''t need any cksmith services for now, as a Master Rank cksmith crafted the armor and weapon I''m using."


    Everyone could see the high quality of Ivana''s armor and weapon, confirming her words.


    "My apologies, but I assure you Broken is hardly a beginner. He is far more superior than that," she added with a smile before gracefully making her way over to the workstation where


    Broken sat.


    The room fell into a hushed silence, the cksmiths exchanging nces. Titonor''s face contorted with frustration, but he remained quiet, unable to refute Ivana''s calm confidence.


    As Ivana took her ce beside him, Broken finally looked up from his work and acknowledged her presence with a warm smile.


    "I might have hesitated to have you near these forging tools in the past, but now that you''ve got thisbat ss, I''m the one who should be careful not to offend you, or I might be in


    trouble," he said, chuckling.


    Ivana giggled. "I''m still the same Ivana you knew, Broken... I still love to cook."


    The warmth between them was palpable. It was clear that nothing coulde between them -not even an unwee visitor. With a serene smile, Ivana reached into the wooden basket and pulled out the dish she had prepared for Broken. She went the extra mile by feeding him a piece of bread she had baked.


    "This has better ingredients. Do you like the taste?" she asked.


    Broken answered with a smile, "That''s a question with an obvious answer, Ivana... I never once doubted your cooking skills."


    Meanwhile, the little group of cksmiths around Titonor were abuzz with anger towards Broken. He had been carrying himself with a newfound confidence that they found thoroughly irritating. And now, he was here unting his skills alongside a very beautiful Special NPC in


    front of everyone.


    "The hell with him!" one of them spat angrily. "He''s nothing more than an arrogant cksmith, and I want to give him a good beating this time! Hees here unting his skills and is apanied by that beautiful Special NPC, probably unaware of his true


    identity."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "No doubt he''s a mere amateur trying to show off his worthless skills," said another


    cksmith.


    "But he is an Advanced Rank cksmith, isn''t he?" another pointed out.


    "Yeah, but his disgusting behavior, not respecting us as his seniors makes me sick," another


    grumbled.

 Chapter 144: Chapter 144 - The Judgment of Broken

    Chapter 144: - The Judgment of Broken


    ?


    That day, in a room filled with thirteen top-tier yers from the Ass Guild, an urgent meeting took ce. The tension was high because they were dealing with a disaster that struck them after their recent battle with a powerful boss.


    The ident was unprecedented, and some members were resolute in their demands to uncover the root cause of this disaster and set things right, despite such a thing had never urred in their prior battles nor in those conducted by other guilds.


    Elincia, draped in her regal blue attire that fluttered with everymanding gesture, took the lead.


    "We need to hear from each individual to gather all avable data and opinions. Only then can we determine our next course of action."


    Goldrich, an elderly mage with short white hair, chimed in. "It''s undeniably true; Broken is someone extraordinary," he began, but his words were abruptly cut short.


    A resounding thud echoed through the chamber as Skywarden mmed his fist onto the table, his face contorted in rage.


    "No! He is useless, aplete disaster who has caused us tremendous losses!" he bellowed.


    "The Mythic-grade spirit, Queen Gaia, the Nature Goddess," Goldrich announced. "This development is monumental - one that has the potential to change the fate of Yunatea forever. And did you know that the spirit spoke to him as if it were just a casual conversation? Do you think someone like that could possibly be useless?"


    Skywarden sprang from his seat, his face a mask of irritation and anger. "This is all because of that fool, Broken!" he shouted. "It is tantly clear that he is the reason for this disaster. He is the one responsible for most of us being killed by that wretched spirit. He must be held ountable," he insisted.


    He continued. "We''ve never encountered such a cmity before; a spirit of Mythic grade appearing out of nowhere! And let''s not forget the heavy toll the battle took on us. We have lost precious experience points, and some even had their levels decreased!"


    Melliandra shot Skywarden a piercing re and retorted sharply, "I highly doubt an ipetent dolt like Broken could summon a Mythic-grade spirit up there! He may becking in many areas, but he''s certainly not the cause of this catastrophe."


    Skywarden, looking disgruntled and unwilling to engage further, slumped back into his chair. He seemed weary of arguing, especially with someone he perceived as a mere child in this debate.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Elincia shifted her attention towards Goldrich. "Goldrich, what is your assessment? I need to hear more from you since only you and Charmelyn survived till the end and witnessed what transpired after everyone else departed."


    Goldrich surveyed the room, his gaze taking in the tense faces around him. When he spoke, his tone was grave.


    "Queen Gaia is a legendary spirit with incredible power, one that could potentially trigger an apocalypse. And she''s not alone-there are many spirits like her, each capable of causing worldwide destruction. When I talk about chaos, I mean a disaster so immense it could wipe out Yunatea and every living thing in it. Yes, it''s that serious."


    He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. "However, while she won''t annihte the world itself, her mission is at odds with the existence of countless creatures who dwell in Yunatea. To put it inly, she''s a colossal threat."


    Skywarden clenched his jaw, his skepticism evident. "We''re all safe and sound; nothing catastrophic has happened yet. The prophecy must be false, just one of those fairy tales people circte now and then."


    Jovina raised her voice, "Then can you exin where that spirit went, Skywarden?"


    Maylock cleared his throat and spoke in an even tone, "But did Broken manage to subdue the spirit sessfully?"


    Melliandra shook her head in disbelief before he even finished. "That''s the most ridiculous idea I''ve ever heard."


    Skywarden chimed in. "The spirit must still be lurking in the forest. We should devise a strategy to hunt her down."


    "A level 400 spirit?!" Jovina interjected, her tone mocking. "I distinctly recall seeing you get killed instantly, Skywarden."


    Skywarden clenched his teeth at Jovina''s taunt. "We''re not prepared enough."


    The room''s attention shifted back to Goldrich.


    "I left too soon, so I don''t know what transpired afterward. But I can tell you one thing for certain: it''s highly probable that Broken is also a Divine Champion."


    The weight of his words left everyone in stunned silence. Eyes widened in shock, and even Skywarden''s irritation deepened upon hearing this revtion. For many in the room, the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into ce, shedding light on the anomalies they had encountered thus far.


    Maylock, leaned forward. "So, are you ready to reveal your observations, Goldrich?"


    ***


    In the bustling cksmith workshop, Broken was examining two kind of materials he had obtained from the raid boss. One was a normal Orichalcum, its pale brownish hue gleaming dully under the light. The other was an intriguing variant, shimmering with a slight green luminescence.


    "Can I use the green one for my crafting? It seems like this has a more specific element, maybe Wood?" he mused aloud.


    "Mr. Fokil mentioned that you canbine Normal Orichalcum with Green Orichalcum to infuse Nature elements into the weapon you''re going to craft," Ivana exined, rying the message that Fokil had entrusted her with.


    Broken lifted his head, absorbing the information. As he pondered, an idea began to take shape in his mind.


    "Did he have any other important messages for me, Ivana?"


    Ivana shook her head. "He said that he can''t wait to see what you will create from your work."


    Broken nodded slowly, absorbing the information and understanding the steps he needed to take. With a clear n forming in his mind, he began preparing the materials for the project. Confidence surged within him as he listened to Ivana, realizing the potential to achieve something extraordinary with the unique variants of Orichalcum he had obtained.


    Additionally, he had a Monster Soul Stone from a level 200 raid boss. This was no small feat; he knew he had to execute this with utmost precision, aiming for perfection in every detail, hoping that the end result would surpass even his highest expectations. The notion of crafting a Legendary-grade item filled him with exhration.


    "I''ve got a Monster Soul Stone that aligns perfectly with the materials needed to create the Moonvine Knuckles," he said. "So I n to use it to maximize the potential for crafting a


    higher-grade weapon."


    He nced at Ivana. "Which, ideally, would be a Legendary grade."


    Ivana understood the incredible skill required to forge such a remarkable weapon, as she, too, possessed a production ss. She chuckled softly, both impressed and amused by his


    ambition.


    "I''ll provide you with the best support possible," she said with a warm smile. "I''ll make some food that can boost your Dexterity, hoping it will help you a little."


    "Thanks, Ivana."


    He set to work, starting by smelting the Orichalcum Ore. He had meticulously prepared all the tools necessary for the task. Hot steam billowed around him, his muscles tensing in concentration as he poured his focus and expertise into every motion.

 Chapter 145: Chapter 145 - A Candidates Worth

    Chapter 145: - A Candidate''s Worth


    ?


    Ivana stayed close to Broken as he began his work, observing his every move.


    Broken muttered softly, "It looks like smelting these Orichalcum ores will take much longer than smelting iron ore."


    Ivana chimed in, "Seems like you''ll be spending days here, huh?"


    "I think so," he replied.


    Ivana nodded. "I''ll stay nearby to keep youpany."


    Broken nodded slowly, appreciating her offer. "I think that would help a lot, Ivana."


    He thought about how no other cksmith would dare disturb him with Ivana around. With her impressive armor and high level, no one would dare cause trouble. This thought brought a smile to his face.


    Ivana began assisting him with small tasks, ensuring he had everything he needed. She would feed him when he was too engrossed in his work to take breaks and fetch towels to wipe away his sweat.


    Some of the other cksmiths, watching Broken and Ivana''s interactions, couldn''t hide their irritation. Their whisperedments were tinged with jealousy and disdain.


    "Can''t we just chase away that rookie cksmith?" one of them muttered in annoyance.


    "You can try, but I wouldn''t bet on it," another responded grimly. "It seems that the NPC woman won''t stay quiet if we attempt anything against him."


    "What did he do to make a Special NPC woman agree to help him like that?"


    "He must have done something shady or sneaky," someone else chimed in.


    "Ch!" the first one groaned in exasperation. "His behavior is really getting on my nerves."


    "He''s probably just unting his skills, hoping for our admiration."


    "Yeah, and showing off how close he is to that beautiful NPC woman."


    "Isn''t there anyone brave enough to call them out on their lovey-dovey behavior?"


    "Do it yourself, then."


    "Damn, the longer this goes on, the more envious I get. Not only does he have talent in cksmithing, but he also has a stunning NPC girlfriend."


    "I wish I had a girlfriend like that too," another whispered wistfully.


    At the same time, Freya stepped inside the cksmith Workshop, immediately taken aback by the sight before her: Ivana was smiling warmly as she fed Broken. She had heard that Ivana hade to the city, but she hadn''t anticipated seeing them together in such an intimate setting.


    "So, the Goddess Akidia''s spoiled baby is acting like a king, served by a woman as stunning as Ivana," Freya thought.


    Not wanting to disrupt their touching moment, she chose to quietly retreat from the scene.


    As soon as Freya left, the other cksmiths who had witnessed the scene began murmuring among themselves.


    "I''m sure his real girlfriend is jealous seeing him cozying up with an NPC," whispered one.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Their rtionship is bound to be ruined after this. That dumb yboy is too foolish to juggle love games."


    "After this, he''ll be abandoned by both girls and will suffer for his stupidity. Maybe he''ll even end up killing himself."


    "But still, knowing that he''s close to so many beautiful girls makes me feel sorry for myself." "Maybe we should learn from him, not just about cksmithing but also about womanizing skills?"


    ***


    Goldrich started to exin. "I don''t want to brag, hehe... but I think this is the most reasonable exnation for what''s happening around him. As for the specific reasons behind my theory, I''m not ready to disclose everything to everyone just yet. You can press Maylock to share his thoughts if you like."


    Maylock responded with a thin smile. "Ck, you''re passing this responsibility onto me, huh."


    Elincia cleared her throat after hearing Goldrich''s spection about Broken possibly being a Divine Champion.


    "So," she began, "if Broken is indeed a Divine Champion, he has the right to keep it secret. A Divine Champion might indeed have significant potential. Given what we''ve heard and observed, fostering a better rtionship with him could be immensely beneficial for us." Skywarden''s expression hardened as he responded. "Being a Divine Champion alone isn''t enough. Someone with an Epic-grade ss can still keep up with them if they do everything right. ying this game requires dedication, strategy, and resources. We still have the chance topete with other Divine Champions. There''s nothing inherently special about them. While none of us are Divine Champions, we are still one of the top ten guilds in Immortal Legacy."


    The harsh reality, however, was that there wasn''t a single Divine Champion in The Ass Guild, while other top guilds boasted not just one but entire groups of Sin Champions among their ranks. Yet, the fact that the Ass Guild remained a formidable force despite their smaller numbers spoke volumes about their skill and the caliber of their members. This distinguished them and earned them significant respect, particrly within the Dissidia Kingdom. Their reputation as a guild to be reckoned with was well deserved, reinforcing their status as both feared and esteemed yers in the realm.


    Elincia turned her gaze toward Charmelyn. "You must have experienced a lot during your time there. Do you want to tell us anything about Broken or Queen Gaia?"


    Charmelyn appeared taken aback by Elincia''s abrupt intensity. For a moment, she remained silent, her gaze drifting away before she eventually gave a slight shake of her head.


    "I made a promise not to reveal any details about what had happened..." she murmured softly, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Skywarden clucked his tongue in frustration. "Ch! This is frustrating! If he''s deliberately concealing something, it means he''s hiding something important! It also means he has to take responsibility for the losses we''ve suffered."


    Jovina then interjected. "No, I don''t believe this is entirely Broken''s responsibility... Even if the spirit was born because of him, I''m certain he didn''t do it intentionally... It must have been beyond his control."


    Melliandra spoke up next. "I think this matter could be easily resolved if Charmelyn would just share with us what happened there."


    The alchemist Toberry also decided to voice his thoughts. "Yes, I''d like to know what happened to the mythic spirit too... I mean, it''s impossible for the spirit to have made a contract with Broken, right? He already has a spirit beast."


    "We must respect Charmelyn''s decision," Maylock interjected, his tone calming the room. "Charmelyn is under no obligation to share what she witnessed. Besides, we need to respect Broken''s privacy; I''m sure he has his reasons for keeping things to himself."


    "Khi khi khi." Goldrichughed in response to Maylock''s words. "This is the first time I''ve seen you respect someone this much, Maylock."


    Maylock smiled lightly. "I can devise various strategies topel Broken to reveal his secrets and do what we desire. However, such tactics won''t be sustainable, and we''d risk squandering the potential of genuinely working with him. I believe he has great value-potentially very


    high value."


    "Enough with the endless chatter,dies and gentlemen," Jovina interjected, her voice


    cutting through the room.


    "What we are discussing ultimately boils down to one question: should we recruit Broken into


    this Guild or not? Up until now, I believe he is a highly suitable candidate to join us." She


    paused, her eyes sweeping across the room to gauge reactions.


    "If anyone has any objections," she continued, "I''m ready to address them-and if necessary,


    we can settle it with a one-on-one battle, hahaha. Isn''t that quicker than pointless


    debating?"


    The room fell into silence as everyone pondered Jovina''s words.

 Chapter 146: Chapter 146 - The Decision to Recruit Broken

    Chapter 146: - The Decision to Recruit Broken


    ?


    Elincia gave everyone present the opportunity to voice their opinions.


    "Let''s hear what everyone has to say about this matter," she urged. "We will need Broken''s help to carry out the big quest in the near future."


    "This mission will determine our standing within the Kingdom of Dissidia," she continued. "We have the potential to achieve a highly esteemed ce, perhaps even gain a city of our own, or achieve a lofty rank in the kingdom. All of this can be aplished if we help Princess Alora ascend to the throne of the Dissidia Kingdom."


    Goldrich was the first to raise his hand and speak. "I''m sure that Broken is not someone to be taken lightly," he emphasized. "He has immense potential, but I think it''s important for us to listen to his thoughts and feelings before imposing our own will on him. Because, honestly, I''m not even sure he will dly ept if we offer him to join us," he said with a thin smile.


    Skywarden scoffed. "Only a fool would refuse to join us."


    Maylock nodded in agreement. "I concur; he has great potential and would bring significant benefits to this guild."


    He borated, "One thing is certain-he''s a talented cksmith. Beyond that, he has a unique ss that allows him to use a Sword and Bow simultaneously and perhaps even more weapon categories. He might even excel at magic. So, yes, we need to have a conversation with him first."


    Melliandra raised her hand. "I don''t really care as long as we can be the best guild in Immortal Legacy."


    Skywarden, still skeptical, said, "But I need to see his capabilities first. So far, I haven''t seen anything significant from him. In my eyes, he is still as useless as trash."


    Jovina interjected, "I agree with the idea of recruiting him as our ally, whether inside or outside the guild. We should do whatever it takes to bring him to our side. I have a strong feeling that he will be something special in the future-and you can take my word for it. My gut feelings have never been wrong, hahaha."


    The elemental mage Starfall chimed in. "I believe Goldrich''s and Maylock''s suggestions should be taken into serious consideration. Therefore, I agree that we should give Broken the opportunity to exin himself to us."


    The alchemist Toberry chimed in, "I think it would be really interesting to have another Production ss in the guild, so I''m all for giving him a chance."


    The assassin Charmelyn added her perspective, "He''s really kind, and I think he''d fit in well here."


    One by one, the other guild members voiced their thoughts. Some were unsure, but a sense of excitement about this new venture permeated the room.


    However, one thing was notably clear: Broken was entirely absorbed in his project and seemed oblivious to the discussions and debates swirling in that room.


    A few dayster, Elincia made her way towards the cksmith workshop, feeling a bit strange


    at the unusually bustling sight. Just as she approached, she noticed Freya heading in the same direction.


    "Hi, Elincia," Freya said, running up to her.


    "Broken is inside, right?"


    Freya nodded. "Yes, but it looks like you won''t be able to talk to him for a while. I think it might be a few days before he''s avable."


    "Really? Is there an important project he''s working on? Is he really that tied up?"


    "You should see for yourself how he works and draw your own conclusions," Freya suggested.


    Curiosity piqued, Elincia made her way into the workshop. Inside, she observed numerous cksmiths clustered around Broken. A special NPC woman stood among them, creating a barrier that shielded him from others.


    Elincia queried, "Is she the special NPC Goldrich spoke of?"


    Freya grinned and answered affirmatively, "Yes, she is."


    "He has a friend as formidable as her? Why didn''t he invite her to the raid battle?"


    She added, "If he spends too much time in the workshop, he might fall behind the others in level, right? That wouldn''t be good for him."


    Freya shook her head. "Production sses can increase their levels by crafting items. So, he should benefit from having both production andbat sses."


    "I see..."


    Elincia cast her eyes over Ivana, a female NPC whose the armor highlighted her beauty, particrly her striking blonde hair.


    She turned to Freya and asked, a yful glint in her eye, "Broken has an amazing maism around thedies. Could he be the Champion of Lust?"


    "I think that''s possible," Freya replied with a chuckle. "He certainly seems to have a knack for being a bit too flirtatious around beautiful women."


    "Is there anything that these beautifuldies like about him?" Elincia asked with a chuckle. "Even Princess Alora..." she trailed off, leaving her sentence unfinished.


    "Freya," Elincia added, "convey my greetings to him and let him know that I would like to talk to him once he is done with his work. Goodbye."


    Elincia gave onest thoughtful nce toward the workshop before turning to leave.


    A few dayster, Goldrich approached the cksmith workshop, filled with curiosity about the activity going on inside. As he stepped in, he was greeted by the buzz of enthusiastic conversations. Unlike before, the cksmiths were no longer clustered around Broken.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Goldrich walked slowly towards Ivana, who looked up and gave him a slight bow. "Are you a friend of Broken?" she inquired.


    Goldrich''s lips curled into a smile as he nced over at Broken, who was intently focused on his task. "You could say that," he replied.


    "He is certainly a verymitted individual," Goldrich whispered.


    Ivana smiled in agreement. "He''s been that way ever since I met him. He is truly devoted to his work."


    Goldrich scanned the bustling workshop, concluding that the environment was not ideal for Broken to work in. "I think we need to find somece more secluded for him to work," he


    suggested.


    With a n forming in his mind, Goldrich took off, determined to locate a more tranquil spot where Broken could hone his craft without any interruptions from the crowd.


    Afterboring tirelessly for more than a week, Broken was on the brink ofpleting his newest weapon. His hands worked feverishly, hammering away at the steel with every ounce of his strength. Ivana and Freya stood beside him, their eyes wide with anticipation as they watched the fierce determination in his every movement.


    Dozens of cksmiths surrounded Broken, and their gazes fixated on the process. The knuckles he was crafting had taken on a dominant green hue, illuminated by a dark glow that cast an unearthly aura around the room. The moonlight seemed to sparkle over the knuckles'' surface, creating vine-like shadows on the walls. Every edge was meticulously honed, and the two knuckles were wlessly symmetrical.


    Though the knuckles were nearlyplete, their beauty was already evident. But this wasn''t enough for Broken-he sought to elevate them to the next level. He grasped his hammer with steady hands and began to strike the knuckles with renewed vigor. Each hit reverberated through the workshop, filling it with a deafening sound that echoed against every wall. It was as though he was imbuing the knuckles with a part of his very soul with each strike. Everyone watching seemed to hold their breath, swallowing hard as they witnessed his relentless dedication. They were prepared to wait until thete hours of the night if necessary, eager to see the final result of Broken''s masterful crafting.

 Chapter 147: Chapter 147 - Brokens Path to Greatness

    Chapter 147: - Broken''s Path to Greatness


    ?


    Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of relentless work, Broken prepared for the final stage of crafting his masterpiece. He reached for the Monster Soul Stone, meticulously shaped to fit perfectly into the right section of the knuckles.


    With one swift motion, he plunged the stone in. The moment it made contact with the knuckle''s surface, energy surged forth from within, illuminating the entire room with a blinding golden light. When the light finally faded away, what remained in his hands was nothing short of a magnificent creation-a weapon unlike any other.


    The majestic knuckles glowed with a golden radiance over its green base color, captivating every spectator in the room. Their heartbeats seemed to synchronize as though they were all unified in this moment of awe. Murmurs of admiration and astonishment rippled through the crowd.


    "I''ve never seen such elegant and beautiful knuckles before."


    "This knuckle gives off an aura that surpasses even an Epic-grade. I''m almost certain it''s a Unique-grade item!"


    "No, no, it can''t be Unique-grade; look at its pristine gold hue!"


    "Could it be Legendary grade?! No way, no way!"


    "I think the gold color is merely the knuckle''s hue, not an aura signifying its grade."


    "Impossible! But still, my heart can''t deny that fact."


    "It has a shimmering gold aura surrounding it. There is no doubt this must be Legendary grade!" another observer dered, swallowing hard in disbelief.


    The advanced rank cksmith, Titonor, his face glistening with a sheen of nervous sweat, edged towards Broken, his heart racing with a mix of fear and awe. His hands shook as he became fixated on the knuckles in Broken''s possession.


    "Err... can I take a look at it?" Titonor inquired, his voice trembling.


    Broken gazed up at the sea of spectators, confusion furrowing his brow. With a resolute shake of his head, he spoke firmly and clearly, "Absolutely... no!"


    Without any dy, he stood up, signaling with his actions that he was ready to leave. Understanding his intent, the cksmiths quickly stepped aside, creating a clear path for him. Ivana and Freya closely followed as they exited the cksmith workshop.


    "Please, let us admire your knuckles for a little while longer," one of the cksmiths pleaded. "I want to be your disciple, Broken..." another called out, hopeful.


    "Master cksmith... I''m sure he will bring a new era to Yunatea," another murmured in awe. The cksmiths felt uneasy as they processed the extraordinary sight they had just witnessed. None of them had ever seen a Legendary-grade item in their lives, and their excitement was palpable just from seeing it. Imagine if a cksmith could actually craft such items!


    "Damn, have we been treating him too poorly all this time?"


    "Yeah, who would''ve thought that someone we considered an amateur could achieve something so incredible?"


    Titonor clenched his fists tightly upon hearing this. "I still doubt that''s a Legendary-grade item," he said, his voice trembling.


    Broken carried his newly crafted weapon, showing no intention of letting anyone else examine it. Their footsteps gradually faded into the distance until their presence was no longer detectable.


    He hurriedly reached their inn room, his heart racing as he eagerly revealed his prized possession. His hands trembled as he ran his fingers along its sharp edges, marveling at its true worth. He had poured so much effort into crafting this work of art, and now the fruits of hisbor had exceeded his wildest dreams.


    Taking a moment to steady himself, Broken reviewed the notifications that had appeared in his vision, which he had previously chosen to dy reading.


    [Congrattions, Broken! You have achieved the impossible and have be the first yer to sessfully craft a Legendary-grade item.]


    [For this incredible feat, we hereby grant you the title of ''Legendary Crafter'', and hope that you will continue to craft even more Legendary-grade items in the future!]


    [May your crafting skills be evesting!]


    [You were granted one Blueprint Creative Creation Ticket. This ticket allows you to bring your imaginative ideas to life.]


    Broken nced over the "Blueprint Creative Creation Ticket" he received as a reward, but he was unable to take the time to read the item''s description because another quest notification popped up.


    [You''ve shown you can create a Legendary Item, but now you need to make more items to prove you have the skills and talent to be the next Legendary cksmith.]


    Swallowing hard, Broken felt his heart begin to race with excitement. "I could be a Legendary cksmith?" he thought to himself.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [A new Quest, ''cksmith''s Path of Legend'', has been bestowed upon you.] Finally, he understood the function of the skill he possessed, cksmith''s Path of Legend. This skill''s true effect only manifested once he sessfully crafted a Legendary-grade item. No wonder Fokil hadn''t tried to exin the skill''s purpose-he wouldn''t have been able to achieve this without the exceptional advantages he possessed as a Sloth Champion.


    [Path of the Legendary cksmith]


    [Rating: S]


    [The legend says that only those truly deserving can be the Legendary cksmith. To prove your exceptional skill, you must create five Legendary Items that showcase your unmatched craftsmanship. Let your masterpieces shine as a testament to your dedication and strength. Achieve this, and you will earn the title of the Legendary cksmith!


    So, gather your courage, ready your tools, and show the world what you''re capable of! Good luck, cksmith!]


    [Clear Conditions: Craft 5 Legendary Items


    Progress: 1/5]


    [Clear Rewards: Be the Legendary cksmith.]


    [Quest Failure: -]


    Broken read the description of the new quest and furrowed his brow as he confirmed that he could indeed upgrade his cksmith ss to a Legendary-grade. This realization ignited his passion, and he felt an overwhelming urge to craft more items. However, he quickly remembered that obtaining blueprints capable of crafting Legendary-grade items was no easy feat.


    However, if he can upgrade his ss to a Legendary ss, that means he might even have the chance to craft items of a higher grade than Legendary. He swallowed hard, imagining the


    potential.


    Now, five legendary items might seem like a small number, but considering how difficult it is to create them, it''s definitely not an easy task. It would likely require a series of quests and a lot of luck if he wants to craft another four legendary items. Despite this, he managed to achieve his first legendary item in just about three months after securing his Divine Champion


    status.


    "But five legendary items?" he whispered softly. His mind buzzed with possibilities.


    He turned to Freya and Ivana, who were both awestruck by what they had witnessed. Realizing he had momentarily forgotten about them in his excitement, he saw their eyes


    brimming with curiosity about his new knuckles.


    "So, have you finished admiring your masterpiece, Mr. cksmith?" Freya teased.


    "There are so many things I''ve discovered, but I''m still riding the rush of adrenaline from all


    of this," he replied simply.


    "So, it''s true then? A Legendary-grade item?" Freya inquired.


    The trio then took seats, intent on reviewing the details of the new knuckles he had crafted. And indeed, it was a Legendary-grade item.


    "You actually did it! You crafted a Legendary-grade item!" Ivana eximed, admiration clear in her voice. "Congrattions!"


    Broken ced the knuckles on the table and wasted no time reading its detailed description.

 Chapter 148: Chapter 148 - The Moonvine Knuckles

    Chapter 148: - The Moonvine Knuckles


    ?


    [The Moonvine Knuckles]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Attack Power: 536-589


    Attack power +20% Under the Moon


    Agility +220]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 670]


    [These mysterious knuckles harness the power of the dimensional element, allowing you to release powerful vines from any direction. With just a flick of your wrist, you can easily entangle your opponents from any angle, leaving thempletely helpless.]


    [Skills:]


    [Nature Warp Strike: This skill allows you to summon a long, sharp vine from your knuckles that can tear through space, creating a miniature portal. You can direct this portal to any nearby area, providing you with a significant tactical advantage in battle.]


    [Vines of Torment: Summon 5 enormous vines from the ground, resembling giant tentacles, to give your enemies an unwee embrace! Each vine targets a single opponent, dealing 650% attack damage and immobilizing them for a full 2 seconds-just enough time for them to wish they could take a selfie of their predicament!


    Mana Cost: 1,000


    Cooldown: 30 seconds]


    [Thorny Torment: asionally, this skill will unleash a thorn that inflicts an additional 90% physical damage and ignores the target''s defense by 50%. It also roots the target in ce for 0.5 seconds.


    Cooldown: 2 seconds]


    [User Restriction: The user must be bound to the Knuckles.


    Level 180 or higher.]


    Broken carefully read the restriction for equipping the Knuckles: the item had to be bound to him, which meant he couldn''t transfer it to anyone else once he acquired it. He furrowed his brow slightly at this revtion, pondering the implications. Selling such a weapon could undoubtedly fetch him a substantial sum of money. However, this was the first Legendary weapon he had crafted with his own hands.


    "The price for this will surely be astronomical, Broken," Freya remarked.


    Broken nodded slowly, weighing his options. "But I think I can find other ways to make money. If I can use these knuckles, mybat potential will skyrocket," he replied, still deep in thought.


    "But, you should know that these are knuckles, not a sword. You''ll need to start focusing on allocating your stats to both Strength and Agility because knuckles depend heavily on the Agility stat."


    Broken had already begun considering this adjustment, especially after acquiring a powerful skill rted to his Bow-type weapon. This additional weapon would provide him more versatility inbat while he still retained the sword he obtained from the Raid Boss''s loot.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Considering his situation again briefly, though the decision had already solidified in his mind, Broken resolved to bind the Legendary-grade knuckles.


    [Would you like to bind the Moonvine Knuckles to you? This weapon will be exclusively yours to use, and if you choose to pass it to another person, it cannot be returned to the same wielder.]


    Reading the notification, he nodded slowly. "So I still have the option to sell the Knuckles, but they cannot be reimed once passed on," he mused aloud.


    He ced his index finger against the knuckles, and a stream of red energy, the color of blood, emanated from his fingertip, creating an unbreakable bond with the weapon.


    [You have sessfully bound the Moonvine Knuckles to yourself. You can now use the weapon.]


    Broken immediately donned the Knuckles, which adhered to the back of his hands and featured five des on each. The design was sleek, with intricate leaf engravings adorning the metal. The knuckles felt incredibly sturdy, and he couldn''t help but admire their craftsmanship.


    "Nature Warp Strike. The skill description says I can summon vines and direct them anywhere. And I can use it continuously?" He noted the absence of a cooldown period on the skill description.


    "I think the knuckles are quite unique," Freya remarked. "It''s a close-range weapon, but you can deal long-range damage too."


    "Indeed, it''s quite unique."


    Freya and Ivana watched with growing curiosity as Broken prepared to test the skill.


    With a determined stance, Broken visualized where the vine would emerge, then made a swift shing motion.


    [Nature Warp Strike (Active Skill)]


    The sound of steel slicing through the air filled the room. Suddenly, a thin, vine-like structure emerged from the knuckles, warping the de. The vine darted swiftly towards its target, disappearing and reappearing instantaneously from another direction with lightning speed. With a resounding crash, the vine struck arge ss window across the room, causing it to shatter into pieces within seconds.


    Broken retracted the vine, which seemed to recede quickly and vanish back into his right knuckle.


    Ivana pped her hands in delight. "That''s so cool," she said,ughing softly.


    "Yes... I wonder if you can wrap the vine around sturdy objects and swing from them," Freya


    suggested.


    Broken furrowed his brow, considering the idea. "Like what Spider-Man does?"


    Freya giggled. "Yes... I think you should try it."


    He realized he couldn''t test the full extent of the Knuckle''s skills in the confined space of the inn room. He then nced at the second skill, knowing it was also impractical to test in such a


    limited area.


    "The second skill requires a substantial amount of Mana, but I think it''s quite satisfying given the massive damage it can deal with a single use," he noted.


    Freya nodded in agreement. "And the cooldown is fairly short. It''s shorter than Explosive Arrow, which has a 60-second cooldown and consumes even more Mana."


    "Yes, but Explosive Arrow has a longer range, even though it needs a five-second charge


    time."


    He considered the pros and cons of each skill. It was clear that while the Explosive Arrow offered a significant range advantage, Vines of Torment could be cast more easily and instantly. Both skills had their unique strengths and weaknesses, making them valuable assets in different battle scenarios.


    "The skill also immobilizes the target for two seconds. That''s an eternity in a fight!" Freya emphasized.


    Broken nodded in agreement, recognizing that the skill not only dealt significant damage but also provided critical crowd control.


    "The third skill, Thorny Torment," he continued. "This skill seems to not only increase damage but also has a chance to inflict mini-root effects with every attack I make using the knuckles. However, I''m not sure how frequently it triggers," he exined.


    The skill was especially suitable when fighting with knuckles in both hands, as it would significantly boost his attack speed. He could render his opponents helpless if they kept getting mini-root by his relentless attacks. It was indeed an extraordinary skill. However, after analyzing it further, he realized that using the knuckles would require him to learn apletely newbat style, vastly different from wielding a sword. He would need to optimize the use of all three skills effectively.


    The Nature Warp Strike, in particr, could deliver attacks from unexpected angles and pull enemies closer, allowing him better control over the flow of battle. Meanwhile, the second skill offered the capability to deal powerful, long-range damage,pensating for the shorings of a close-range fighter.


    He then decided to use his cksmith''s Appraisal, hoping to uncover any hidden features or interesting aspects within the knuckles.


    [cksmith''s Appraisal (Active Skill)]


    As he activated the skill, his eyes glowed faintly, and intricate details of the knuckles began to


    reveal themselves.


    [An intriguing capability of the Moonvine Knuckles has been unveiled.]


    [Its fourth hidden skill has been unlocked! This new ability provides an exciting new way to


    use the knuckles in battle.]


    Broken smiled with satisfaction. "The blueprint''s hidden feature promised me I''d achieve a Legendary grade for these knuckles, and it turns out the finished product has an additional


    hidden feature, too!"

 Chapter 149: Chapter 149 - The Guardian Treant

    Chapter 149: - The Guardian Treant


    ?


    [The formidable Vine Horror Treant, Level 200, has merged with the legendary Moonvine Knuckles, evolving into an impressive Guardian Treant, Level 200.]


    [This isn''t just a simple transformation. The soul of the monster is now bound to the


    knuckle,s turning the once inanimate weapon into a living entity that can grow stronger over time.]


    [Such is the incredible power of the Moonvine Knuckles, capable of breathing new life into an ancient creature.]


    [The Moonvine Knuckles - Guardian Treant Lv. 200]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [...]


    [Summon the Guardian: Call upon the soul hidden within the legendary knuckles to awaken and fight for you. This guardian will have its own Strength, Intelligence, and other basic attributes. It will also be able to use the knuckles'' special abilities. The guardian will be a loyal and steadfast ally in battle, pledging its allegiance to you.


    Mana Cost: 1000


    Duration: 15 Minutes


    Cooldown: 30 Minutes]


    Broken tilted his head as he observed the transformation his knuckles had undergone. He had barely finished marveling at the set of skills the knuckles possessed, and now he had another upgrade to consider. This new skill seemed to summon something to wield the knuckles, and the weapon itself had be a Growth Type Artifact.


    The difference between normal artifacts and growth-type artifacts is that growth-type artifacts have levels shown in their names. These levels indicate that the artifact can level up as it''s used for battles and hunting monsters. This type of artifact is usually more valuable because it can grow and improve alongside the yer''s level. Additionally, the skills these artifacts possess may also be more powerful over time.


    "I''ve gained another extraordinary skill with the knuckles," Broken said hesitantly, trying to contain his excitement. "The fourth skill lets me call upon the creature inside the knuckles to fight alongside me."


    "So, another minion to summon then?" Freya asked quietly as she also examined the skill''s description. "With a 15-minute duration and a 30-minute cooldown, that''s a pretty generous timeframe. You couldplete an entire battle and let the summon do most of the work," she chuckled.


    "Let me try the skill," Broken said enthusiastically.


    Taking a deep breath, he tried to silence his thoughts and focus on the knuckles. His senses grew acute as a mysterious voice began permeating his mind - deep, resonant tones of an adult man emanating from within.


    "Master, I devote my soul to you," the voice dered. "I will assist you in battle whenever you need me."


    A wide smile appeared on his face as he nodded in acknowledgment. This would surely be a powerful ally at his side when battling against fierce foes.


    [Summon the Guardian (Active Skill)]


    His hands trembled with excitement as he raised the knuckles into the air. The des began to hum and vibrate, sending strange energy rippling through his muscles. Suddenly, vines sprouted and wrapped around his wrist like living tendrils.


    The nt life grew thicker and more abundant, entwining itself around the knuckles. With a swift motion, Brokenunched the knuckles across the clearing. The weapon soared gracefully,nding with a solid thud on the ground below.


    Then, something incredible happened: where there had only been two knuckles on the floor with random, intertwining vines, now stood a creature made entirely of nts. The creature already had the knuckles on its hands. This warrior-like figure towered over them, standing at least 2.1 meters (6.8 feet) tall with a slender body. Its nt armor and flowing robe gleamed in the sunlight, streaming through the broken ss window.


    The nt Creature bowed deeply and knelt as Broken approached it.


    "I am ready to fight for you, Master."


    "Do you have any name?"


    "No, Master, but I would be very happy if you gave me a name."


    Freya stepped up beside Broken. "You don''t intend to give this creature a strange name, do you?"


    "Don''t worry, I have a good sense of naming," he replied warmly.


    "I don''t trust you."


    "Okay, I''ll give you the name Dendros, based on ''dendro,'' Greek for tree," Broken dered confidently.


    The nt Creature seemed pleased with its new name and rose from its kneeling position, ready and willing to serve its master.


    [Name: Dendros]


    [Level: 200]


    [Race: Guardian Treant]N?v(el)B\\jnn


    [Health: 3,120 | Mana: 2,520]


    [Strength: 455 | Agility: 790 | Intelligence: 210 | Constitution: 312 | Stamina: 328]


    Broken read over Dendros''s overall stats and couldn''t help but feel amazed. "This skill really feels overpowered when I can summon a creature of such a high level. Even though I''m just a level 80 yer, its total stats are so high that I''m certain it can take down a member of The Ass Guild with the Legendary Knuckles in its hands!"


    Freya shook her head in disbelief. "I was about toment on the name you chose for it, but it''s toote. And honestly, I can''t believe you got all these upgrades today. It''s like you bought out an entire store, Broken."


    Broken had previously acquired a contract with Queen Gaia, which had already significantly upgraded his arsenal. Now, with the addition of another Legendary weapon, his potential inbat had multiplied dramatically in such a short time.


    He walked over to a seat in the center of the room, his head spinning with all the responsibilities and newfound power he had to manage. He took a deep breath and said, "I''ve got too many things on my te. I hope this is thest major update for a while."


    He then proceeded to check the description of the one ticket he had received after sessfully crafting a Legendary Item, eager to see what further opportunities it might unlock.


    [Blueprint Creative Creation Ticket]


    [This ticket allows you to design your own blueprint-be it your strongest weapon or the equipment you take into battle. Just remember, you have to bnce between materials, item level, requirements, and the skills you desire. Otherwise, you might end up with something like a methrower that only shoots marshmallows-not very effective in battle! But don''t worry if you get it right, you''ll have a blueprint that''s sure to be a winner.] Broken closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to sift through the jumble of information swirling in his head.


    Freya and Ivana approached and seated themselves close to him.


    "I acquired a ticket that allows me to design my own blueprint," he muttered, "for either a weapon or equipment."


    "Excellent," Freya whispered approvingly. "I think you should hold onto that ticket until you determine exactly what kind of blueprint you want to design, right?"


    Broken smiled weakly. He leaned back on the couch, letting his weary body rx as he tried to


    calm his mind.


    "Alright," he began slowly, "First, I must undertake a quest to craft another four Legendary Items to be a Legendary cksmith. Second, I''ve acquired a Legendary Knuckles that allows me to control vines from afar and summon a Guardian Treant to fight for me. Third, I have acquired a ticket that enables me to design my own blueprint."


    "I think everything is looking good," Freyamented. "But you need to take some rest for a while. Elincia and the others seem eager to meet with you soon," she added reassuringly.


    "Elincia?" Broken inquired.


    "They mentioned they have good news for you. I hope it''s really something positive, given they''ve been pondering over this situation for the past few days," she remarked. Broken then stood up and nced at the Guardian Treant still standing in the room. "Can I unsummon you?" he asked, lifting his hand. The Guardian Treant dissolved into green energy, and the Knuckles floated back toward him. He stored the knuckles in his inventory. "It''s okay. I don''t really need to rest. Can we meet them now?" he stated with resolve. (Author''s Note: Thank you to everyone who has followed along this far. Volume 1 - Crafting The Legendary Path concludes here.)

 Chapter 150: Chapter 150 - Leon Meets His Sensei

    Chapter 150: - Leon Meets His Sensei


    ?


    Leon emerged from the Capsule Device, realizing that his scheduled meeting with the Ass Guild wasn''t possible just yet; he had to wait ording to the schedule set by Elincia. His body felt a bit stiff, and he couldn''t help but wonder how many days had passed since hisst shower. A gnawing hunger twisted his stomach, pushing him to the refrigerator. He found some cereal, poured it into a bowl, added milk, and began to eat.


    Leon''s mind was still reeling from all the new information he had gathered inside the game. He was somewhat overwhelmed by the vast amount of items he had acquired, many of which he hadn''t even had the chance to try out yet. His current task was merely to wait for his level to keep rising, but he also intended to engage in some other unique activities to secure more stat points from achievements or quests. At that moment, it seemed he had stat points equivalent to 17 levels that he hadn''t allocated.


    After he finished eating and somewhat sated his hunger, he nced at the clock and saw that it was midday. Deciding to indulge in some rxation, he headed to the bathtub, eager to enjoy the amenities avable in his room.


    Leon quickly made his way to the bathroom, turning on the faucet and allowing the bathtub to fill. He took off his clothes, and without hesitation, he submerged himself in the steadily rising water, letting it flow until it nearly reached his mouth, deliberately immersing himself in itsforting embrace.


    Leon had maintained a consistent physical training regimen. Running had be a daily routine, while his gym workouts were adjusted to fit his schedule, averaging three to four times a week. Over the past few weeks, he had managed to find his stride, with his stamina markedly improving and the initial aches and pains now a distant memory.


    To enhance his in-game performance, Leon also enrolled in a martial arts center for training in both martial arts and swordsmanship. This decision was driven by his desire to optimize his fighting skills, especially after witnessing the stunning, flexible, and efficientbat style of Livelywood in the game.


    Finally, he was well-off, with more than enough funds to cover all his basic needs, including memberships at exclusive gyms and the cost of a personal trainer for his advanced training sessions.


    After spending about an hour soaking in the bath, Leon stepped out, dried off, and got dressed. Just as he was finishing up, he received a message from Alfred, informing him that he was ready and waiting downstairs.


    Stepping out of the luxurious car driven by Alfred, Leon took in the sight of the Martial Arts Center, where he had paid for a membership and hired professional trainers. Today was his first day meeting his trainer. As he walked towards the entrance, he noticed several peopleing and going, d in martial arts uniforms, while others were jogging with backpacks. The center was a hub for various martial arts disciplines, ranging from Western to Asian traditions. It offered practitioners the opportunity to choose the specific martial arts they wanted to learn. After conducting thorough research and discussing with Freya, Leon had decided on the martial art he wished to pursue.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    After confirming his membership card at the receptionist''s desk, Leon proceeded down a hallway lined with rooms, from which the shouts of trainers in mid-training echoed. He approached one of the rooms, knocked, and after a moment, the door opened to reveal a man in his forties with distinctly Asian features-specifically, a Japanese face.


    "Hi, wee. I''ve been expecting you," the man said warmly, inviting Leon inside.


    "Hi, Sensei. My name is Leon," Leon replied as he stepped in.


    "Takeda Hiroshi," the man introduced himself.


    "Nice to meet you, Takeda Sensei," Leon responded.


    Takeda Hiroshi was a master of Kenjutsu, specializing in Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-Ryu, one of the oldest and most revered schools of Japanese swordsmanship, with over fifty years of experience.


    He trained under some of Japan''s most distinguished masters, dedicating his entire life to the preservation and teaching of the art of the sword.


    They continued to chat and get to know each other, with Hiroshi proving to be exceptionally friendly. Leon found it remarkably easy to converse with him, as Hiroshi seemed genuinely enthusiastic about their conversation.


    "Oh, hahaha... so you want to learn swordsmanship to get better at ying games? That''s interesting!" Hiroshi said,ughing warmly.


    "Yes, Sensei... a bit of a silly reason, right? Hehe."


    "No, no... actually, this martial arts center has be increasingly crowded because many people are doing the same thing. It seems the poprity of Immortal Legacy has sparked a significant interest in martial arts. I see that as a positive development that appeals to many," Hiroshi said casually.


    They then moved on to warm up and discuss the fundamental aspects of swordsmanship. Leon expressed his desire to focus on practicalbat techniques that could be easily applied in the game. Together, they nned a training schedule and regimen that suited him, including technical drills and sparring sessions to elerate his learning process.


    The two hours passed swiftly, and Leon wrapped up his training for the day. He had another session nned at the center focusing on hand-to-handbat martial arts, but he had deliberately spaced out his schedule to make the most of his time.


    For hand-to-handbat, Leon chose to learn Muay Thai for itsprehensive striking skills, which include punches, kicks, elbows, and knees, as well as clinch work valuable for close-quartersbat.


    Bybining Muay Thai and Kenjutsu, Leon aimed to be a versatile martial artist adept at both striking and armedbat.


    Muay Thai would develop his powerful, precise strikes and close-quarters techniques, utilizing fists, elbows, knees, and shins. Meanwhile, Kenjutsu enhanced his precision, timing, and mental discipline through his focus on sword techniques and the samurai spirit.


    The rigorous conditioning and endurance training from Muay Thai wouldplement the physical demands of Kenjutsu, leading to improved reflexes, footwork, and overall fitness. Thisbination would offer him enhanced versatility, enabling him to handle both unarmed and armedbat situations with skill and confidence.


    He was filled with excitement, his ambition burning brightly within him. He didn''t want this surge of motivation to go to waste; he was determined to use this momentum to get ustomed to his new activity. While he bnced his college responsibilities between attending sses andpleting assignments online, he dedicated the rest of his time to physical training and honing his martial arts techniques.


    He also made the most of the nutritious meals his new lifestyle provided him. Just a few months ago, he could never have imagined enjoying such an extraordinary way of living.


    Leon nced at his phone and saw that it was almost time for Lily''s school to let out. Normally, Alfred would pick her up, but since Leon had some free time, he decided to go with Alfred to pick her up.


    He slid into the car, where Alfred was already stationed behind the wheel.


    "Do you want me to take you to the hotel first, or would you like toe along to pick up


    Lily?"


    "Let''s go to Lily''s school, Alfred. I want to see what her new school is like," Leon responded enthusiastically.

 Chapter 151: Chapter 151 - From School to Shopping

    Chapter 151: - From School to Shopping


    ?


    Lily was a young girl with shoulder-length blonde hair. Walking beside her was Hazel, a girl with wavy brown hair that flowed beautifully around her face. Hazel was Lily''s ssmate at her new school.


    Hazel was quite popr, not just because she appeared inmercials but also because of her looks, which many boys at school admired. Due to their shared ss, Hazel and Lily had be close.


    Hazel''s lively and often exaggerated personality bnced perfectly with Lily''s friendly and approachable nature, making them an ideal pair of friends. As they walked from their ssroom towards the parking area, they couldn''t help but attract the attention of their male ssmates, who were drawn to their beauty.


    This newfound attention was especially significant for Lily, who now carried herself with more confidence than she ever did in her previous environment. Despite her simple appearance and mannerisms, Lily''s inherent beauty had its own unique charm that captivated


    their male ssmates.


    "Lily, you said your brother is joining us for dinner. Are you serious?" Hazel asked excitedly.


    Lily sighed, not paying much attention to her friend''s words. "Why are you so excited about Leon? He''s not interested in girls or romantic rtionships, so you might as well forget whatever you''re thinking," she said.


    "Oh,e on, Lily. I saw your brother''s action in Immortal Legacy, and I think he''s quite cute. Didn''t you say he''s single?" Hazel replied with a giggle.


    Lily turned to Hazel, making her friend pause. "Hazel, you can''t be serious. He is much older than you."


    "Oh, a gap of four or five years isn''t a big deal, right? Plus, I''m sure your brother is going to be famous. So I don''t see any harm in getting close to him," Hazel said, giggling again as she nudged Lily in the side.


    The two girls made their way to the parking area just as a car pulled up, and the door opened to reveal Leon stepping out with his blonde hair catching the sunlight. He turned to Hazel, a slightly puzzled expression on his face as he looked at his sister''s new friend.


    "Hi," Hazel greeted cheerfully, waving her hand and stepping forward to shake hands. "My name is Hazel," she introduced herself before pulling Lily closer. "I''m a good friend of your sister-she''s so cute, friendly, and kind-hearted. I wanted to be her friend to make sure her kindness isn''t taken advantage of," she added with a giggle.


    "Hi, thanks for looking out for her. I''m Leon," he replied.


    "Yes, I knew it! Lily often talks about you and brags about her amazing brother," her words trailing off as Lily quickly nudged her to stop.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Lily then turned to Leon. "Leon, I''m going to hang out and have dinner with Hazel. Would you prefer to head home first?"


    "No, invite him," Hazel interjected. "You don''t mind joining us, do you?"


    Leon looked at them both, slightly confused. "Are you sure I won''t interrupt your conversation?"


    "No, not at all. I''d love to hear more about Immortal Legacy from you," Hazel replied, giving Leon a warm smile.


    Hazel and Lily climbed into the car, making it a point to have Lily sit in the back seat and position herself in the middle. Leon followed suit, taking a seat next to Hazel.


    The car then began to move.


    "Leon, I saw your action with the Ass Guild," Hazel said enthusiastically, turning to face him.


    Leon nced back at Hazel and noticed how close she was leaning towards him. Lily quickly moved forward and gently pushed Hazel back.


    "Don''t get too close. Leon doesn''t like being too close to girls, especially underage ones."


    "I''m 17 years old, so in a few months, I''ll be an adult," Hazel replied with a giggle, turning to Lily. "And I''m just asking about the game, Lily. Why are you so protective of your brother?" she teased.


    Lily sighed but said nothing further.


    Hazel resumed her conversation with Leon, her face close enough for him to clearly see that despite her youth, she took good care of herself, disying a high standard of beauty. Perhapsparable to Freya, though Freya was more mature.


    "Yes, I did a raid battle with them," Leon answered.


    "Lily said your level is much lower than theirs, yet they invited you to join their party. Isn''t that amazing?" Hazel said, her enthusiasm evident. "I''m a big fan of the Ass Guild members, especially Melliandra. She''s only 15 years old, but she''s incredibly popr... and she''s cute too."


    "Leon once killed Melliandra," Lily interjected.


    Hazel giggled at thement. "Lily, you''ve told me that story before," she said, then turned back to Leon. "Tell me exactly what happened. I know not many people are aware of this, and now I have the chance to hear it directly from you."


    The rest of the journey was filled with light-hearted chatter. Hazel was genuinely excited and incredibly friendly, oftenughing at even the simplest of Leon''s responses. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and she paid equal attention to both Leon and Lily, showing a close personal connection with them.


    The trio continued their outing at a nearby caf¨¦, ordering food and drinks while their conversation flowed effortlessly. Hazel kept generating new topics while Lily monitored each one carefully, trying to hold Hazel back when she seemed to stray into overly personal areas.


    "Lily, can I visit your ce sometime? You''ve been holding off on this for a while," Hazel asked enthusiastically.


    "You do know that I live alone with Leon, right? He can be quite careless at home, and our ce can get messy," Lily replied.


    "Oh," Hazel teased, "you''re not worried because you don''t want me getting close to your brother, are you?" she said with a giggle.


    Hazel then turned to Leon. "Leon, would it be okay if I came over to your ce?"


    Leon thought for a moment, considering why she might not be able to visit. Freya often came over, and there were no prohibitions from the Golden Age Company about having guests.


    "Uhm, as long as you get permission from your parents, I don''t see why not," he responded.


    "See, Lily. Your brother doesn''t mind," Hazel teased.


    After finishing their meal, they headed to the shopping mall. Leon had promised to apany Lily to buy some new clothes and a new phone. He had been insisting on this for a while, assuring Lily that he had more than enough money to afford these things now. With the recent windfall from his activities, these purchases were well within their reach.


    Hazel enthusiastically joined them, using her experience to help Lily pick suitable brands and styles. She even checked with Leon about the budget for Lily''s shopping spree.


    "Uhm, I''m not really sure, but I think as long as Lily wants it, I can afford it," he said.


    "Leon, are you serious?" Lily asked, emphasizing the point.


    "Yes, Lily. Buy everything you want. I assure you, I have more than enough money for it," he


    confirmed.


    Although still hesitant, Lily allowed herself to be pulled away by Hazel, who quickly began choosing more outfits for her. Hazel''s enthusiasm and guidance helped to ease some of Lily''s reservations, turning their shopping trip into a fun and enjoyable experience.


    Sometimeter, Hazel approached Leon carrying a gray hat with a cksmith ss emblem on it. It was an official hat of Immortal Legacy.


    "Leon, excuse me for a moment," she said.


    She then ced the hat on his head and gently turned his arm so he could see himself in a


    nearby mirror.


    "What do you think?" she asked.


    Leon looked at his reflection and seemed to like the hat. "cksmith is my ss. I like the


    hat," he responded.


    Hazel smiled, took the hat off him, and walked away.


    A few hourster, they returned to the car, and Hazel had already been picked up by her


    family''s driver.


    "That hat," Lily said, "Hazel bought it for you."


    "Huh? Really?" Leon checked the hat and realized it wasn''t on the receipt. "I guess I should


    thank her. Give me her phone number."


    "No, I don''t think that''s necessary," Lily giggled. "That''s just your excuse to get closer to her, isn''t it, Leon? So, do you like teenage girls like that? She''s underage..."


    Leon paused and turned to Lily, making her curious.


    "What?"


    "She''ll be an adult in a few months, so I guess that wouldn''t be a problem, right?" he joked.


    Lily nudged him in the side. "Freya is okay, but Hazel is a big no!" she said a bit sternly.

 Chapter 152: Chapter 152 - The Guilds Proposal

    Chapter 152: - The Guild''s Proposal


    ?


    Back to the Immortal Legacy, Broken, Freya, Elincia, Maylock, and Goldrich all gathered in a spacious meeting room at their lodging-a ce that served as the designated meeting ground for members of The Ass Guild. Even though the room wasrge, it felt unusually empty, with only the five of them present.


    As they settled into the room, Elincia nced towards Broken and asked, "I heard you''ve sessfully crafted a Legendary-grade Item. Is that true?"


    Only Broken, Freya, and Ivana knew the details about the item''s grade, but the cksmiths in the smithy had quickly recognized its grade from the golden-energy waves it emitted as it was freshly crafted. News of its creation had spread like wildfire, especially since members of The Ass Guild had been paying particr attention to him.


    Broken remained silent, not directly answering her question. Instead, he posed one of his own. "Do you believe a low-level yer could actually craft a Legendary-grade item?"


    Goldrich responded with augh. "Khi khi khi. Traditionally, Legendary-grade items could only be crafted by Master Rank cksmiths, as the history books tell us. But ever since the arrival of yers, we''ve seen many incredible and seemingly impossible feats. I believe this could be another one."


    Elincia smiled slightly and said, "Looks like Goldrich was correct-you go quiet when you don''t want to share something."


    Maylock added, "Let''s not turn this conversation into an interrogation."


    Elincia reassured Maylock, "Don''t worry, he has every right to have his secrets. We''re just making small talk to ease the tension."


    Looking back at Broken, her expression softened. "Have you forgiven the misunderstanding between us?"


    Broken gave a slight nod. "Yes," he said slowly. "I don''t think there is any more reason for this matter to remain unresolved. Especially after you all kept your promise to assist me in collecting the materials I needed to craft my item."


    He paused for a brief moment. "And I must thank you as well," he added. "I''ve gained a great deal from your help, even as you endured the aftermath of the raid battle incident."


    Elincia smiled warmly in response. "Thanks, I appreciate that," she said. "We''ve also discussed many things with all the guild members, including the incident-but you don''t need to worry about that."


    The tension in the room seemed to melt away, and their conversation gradually transitioned to the true purpose of the meeting. Elincia took a deep breath before continuing, "Allow me to get straight to the point," she began. "Let me exin our current situation and our ultimate goal before we discuss our next n."


    She went into detail, describing the circumstances surrounding her Guild and Princess Alora''s ascent to the Throne of Dissidia. The crux of the matter was that they wanted Broken to join forces with them to facilitate this mission and ensure that Princess Alora''s rise to be the new ruler went smoothly.


    Broken remained silent for a moment, his mind racing as he absorbed Elincia''s words. A chill ran down his spine as he realized the gravity of the situation. He knew that he and The Ass Guild shared amon goal, but the key differencey in their ultimate ambitions. While he wanted to im the throne for himself, the Guild sought to ce Princess Alora on it.


    Still grappling with his own uncertainties, Broken pondered his aspirations to take over the throne. He understood that he needed to delve deeper into the quest to obtain The Sword of Dissidia. He wondered if there might be another way to acquire the sword without having to be the ruler of the Dissidia Kingdom.


    However, it was clear that Broken had an S-rated quest that demanded he obtain the Sword of Dissidia-a feat that could only be achieved by bing the ruler of the kingdom. He swallowed hard, the weight of that reality pressing down on him. Naturally, he wasn''t entirely dismissing the potential ofpleting this quest, but he knew he needed more time to consider his ns carefully.


    "What do you expect from me?" he asked hesitantly. "I''m less impactful than the entire membership of The Ass Guild."


    Maylock then added, "Can you confidently meet Princess Alora with your current condition, Broken?"


    Broken shook his head but offered no further exnation. After all, he had only met Princess Alora once and didn''t fully grasp what The Ass Guild meant by suggesting they seek him out. "We still have a solution for this," Elincia continued. "Despite the opposition''s efforts to cut off ourmunication with Princess Alora, there is still one hope we can rely on."


    "And what is that?" Broken pressed.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "A significant event is about to take ce in the capital," she exined. "It''s a chance to join the court and serve Princess Alora by participating in a craftsmanshippetition. The victor will be richly rewarded and held in high esteem."


    "What kind ofpetition?"


    "Apetition to create new weapons and battle equipment for Her Highness Princess Alora," Elincia replied. "The winner of thispetition will get the chance to work directly for Princess Alora, bing her private crafter. With your skills in cksmithing, I believe you have a great chance of winning this, Broken."


    Maylock added, "This isn''t just a smallpetition. Crafters from all over Dissidia and even from nearby countries will be participating. This event will be broadcast live on TV around the world. You could quickly be popr if you make a name for yourself in this bigpetition. Plus, there''s a grand prize that hasn''t been won by anyone for decades."


    Broken slowly nodded, feeling genuinely intrigued by the word petition." Not only did it promise a hefty reward, but the chance to work directly under Princess Alora also meant ess to the pce and its exceptional facilities-a significant opportunity for him.


    He then asked, "What if I take all of the rewards and opportunities for myself and prioritize my own interests over yours?"


    Maylock''s expression shifted. "In light of this, we would like to propose a mutually beneficial arrangement."


    "Please, describe the details of this agreement," Broken urged.


    "We are willing to be your partners in this grand mission," Maylock began. "If we can secure victory, you''ll receive 10% of the overall results-10% for you and 90% for our Guild. Of course, nothing worth havinges without risk or effort. Nheless, I hope you recognize the value in our offer."


    Broken paused, contemting Maylock''s words. The proposal was tempting, but he needed to weigh his options carefully.


    He was uncertain of the future, yet he was pretty sure that The Ass Guild would be a dependable ally. If he could form a beneficial rtionship with them, it would benefit him in


    some way.


    Yet, one thing nagged at him, sticking out like a sore thumb in his heart. He knew the rewards would be plentiful, and he agreed to help Princess Alora ascend as the new queen. But he had another quest¡ªa far more demanding one: to seize control of the throne.


    He paused, letting the tension in the room settle before he spoke.


    "Listen, I''m not asking for a lot. All I want is the privilege to be the first to pick the most significant position avable in the kingdom or choose from the rewards you''ve promised, with the fair 10% share you mentioned, if we win this war."


    The room was silent as everyone took in his words.

 Chapter 153: Chapter 153 - Bargaining for the Throne

    Chapter 153: - Bargaining for the Throne


    ?


    Broken continued with his answer to the proposal. "Gold and wealth don''t mean much to me. Those can be split without any problems. What I really want, though, is for my proposal to be taken seriously when ites to positions or the items we get. Can you consider that?"


    Maylock smiled slightly at his question. "I don''t know what you were thinking when you made this proposal, but I believe we need to consider your request first."


    "Khi khi khi... that''s what I thought too," Goldrich added with a chuckle. "He''s quite interesting, isn''t he?"


    Elincia nodded thoughtfully. "I understand this isn''t a proposal that can be easily negotiated, but allow us to discuss it with the others before responding to your offer," she exined. After a period of careful consideration, discussions between the two parties halted. Elincia and her guildmates left the room while Broken and Freya stayed behind. Both of them were now deep in thought about their next moves.


    "So, what do you think, Broken?" she asked with an intrigued smile.


    "I have an advantage because the quest doesn''t set a deadline for when I mustplete it. Clearly, I need to gather my strength first to truly pursue this quest," he replied.


    Freya nodded. "And what about the decision to help Princess Alora ascend to the throne?"


    Broken paused for a moment.


    "Elincia said the factions opposing Princess Alora seem quite powerful. They might even be getting support from unknown parties. It would be much harder to fight them if they manage to take control of the Dissidia Kingdom."


    "So..." Freya continued, "do you mean you want to help Princess Alora be the new ruler and then take the throne from her once you''ve gathered enough power?"


    Broken fell silent, then shook his head. "I''m not sure about that. Is that the only way to take possession of the Sword of Dissidia?"


    Freya grinned and responded, "Maybe if you marry Princess Alora after she bes queen, you would also gain the authority to wield the sword? I''m not sure about that."


    Broken sighed. "Both solutions seem equally absurd to me right now, whether it''s overthrowing the throne or marrying the ruler." He paused for a moment.


    "Decision?"


    "For now, I will join forces with The Ass Guild and Princess Alora to secure her throne."


    Freya nodded and smiled. "I think that''s a wise decision because Princess Alora is not someone to be taken lightly. She has loyal knights and possibly support from the Forest Elves. So, this isn''t a war that needs to be won alone; there are many forces united under the same banner."


    Broken nodded slowly, realizing the magnitude of the situation. "Doesn''t this also mean that the opponents we''ll face will be formidable as well?"


    Freya nodded slowly. "I''m certain you''ll soon receive more detailed information from The Ass Guild about this."


    After a few minutes, both parties gathered again in the same room, each prepared to give their respective responses.


    Once they had reunited, Elincia began, "This is aplex decision. We, the Guild, would like to retain ultimate control over the final rewards, but we also want to respect your request. You will be given the opportunity to select the reward you prefer first, provided you are willing to coborate with us and assist in winning the war. Afterward, we will divide the spoils ording to our efforts. Does that sound agreeable to you?"


    Broken paused briefly. He yearned for this chance because if Princess Alora triumphed in the war and The Ass Guild lent their support, she would certainly reward them with a distinguished role in the kingdom, be it as a Viscount or any other title. This would enable him to execute his missions, granting him greater ess to the royal family.


    He then stood up and slowly extended his hand as a gesture of respect. Elincia also rose from her chair, gently taking his hand.


    "I think I agree with this arrangement."


    "Thank you."


    The room erupted in apuse as Goldrich stood and pped his hands. "I never expected the infamous and innocent yboy to be so skilled at negotiations," he chuckled.


    Maylock sighed before responding, "That''s why I said we should be careful about how we behave around him." He cleared his throat. "Even still, I can''t put my finger on what he ns to gain from this deal. Perhaps it''s better if I don''t know."


    Freya smiled and said, "You certainly are straightforward in your thoughts, aren''t you, Mr. Maylock?"


    "This is just my way of showing that we are not trying to hide anything from this partnership," he responded.


    Freya chuckled softly, "So, have you thought about what you believe is the true mission of Broken?"


    "I''m not sure," Maylock sighed. "I get the feeling Broken has a big ambition, maybe even taking over the kingdom. But let''s just forget about it. Sometimes, I overthink things." Goldrich shed an amused smile. "Khi khi khi... I enjoy being friends with someone who has grand ambitions. That''s why we''ll get along so well, right, Broken?"


    Broken nced between the two of them before responding. "I hope so... but honestly, I feel overwhelmed around you two. You''re both so smart. It''s intimidating, and it makes me think harder than I usually do."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Goldrich waved off his reply with a heartyugh, "Khi khi khi! Don''t worry. We can always get Maylock out of sight if this relentless thinker bothers you too much."


    Elincia smiled as she watched the growing bond between them. "Therefore, our next stop is the capital of the Dissidia Kingdom. We can depart whenever you are ready, Broken."


    The journey to the capital of the Dissidia Kingdom was set to take ce in a week. This was because some participants, particrly members of The Ass Guild, were still engaged in various missions or grinding for levels in nearby dungeons. Simrly, Broken began to make sure he was fully prepared, especially by crafting more arrows.


    He still had to rely on his Warrior''s Call set of armor, as he didn''t have time to craft a new set. However, this gear was still sufficient, considering the multitude of upgrades he had acquired in recent weeks. This was especially true after Queen Gaia joined his ranks and also his new Legendary-grade item.


    Over the course of the week, he dedicated himself to rigorously training his new skills, ensuring he could use them optimally when needed in battle. Within four days, he had already be adept at using the ten massive vines he had gained from Gaia''s skill, bolstering his confidence inbat.


    Additionally, the twelve nt-type creatures he could summon had started to fight in a more coordinated manner. Broken only needed to givemands from a distance, and they would adapt to their respective roles. Although initially, he had to memorize the characteristics and skills of each of the twelve summons, this effort paid off as it allowed him tomand them with precision and efficiency.


    [Name: Broken]


    [Level: 86]


    [ss: Super Novice | Royal cksmith]


    [Health: 2,680 | Mana: 3,108]


    [Strength: 525 | Agility: 304 | Intelligence: 274 | Constitution: 218 | Stamina: 220]


    [Charisma: 90 | Luck: 35 | Dexterity: 50 | Survival: 30]


    [Avable Stat Points: 0]


    [Weight: 1,973/3,150]


    He took a moment to check his overall stats. He had leveled up quite a bit and felt more prepared than ever. Wearing his Warrior''s Call armor, discreetly hidden under a ck robe to conceal his lower-level gear, he was ready to head to the Capital of the Dissidia Kingdom.

 Chapter 154: Chapter 154 - Boars, Battles, and Bonds

    Chapter 154: - Boars, Battles, and Bonds


    ?


    The seventeen adventurers-thirteen from The Ass Guild and four from Broken''s side-set off on their journey from rio Town.


    Elincia beamed as she slowly passed her gaze over each face, her genuine smile revealing her true character. She was someone naturally cheerful and able to enliven the atmosphere, although this often got overshadowed by the sternness required in her role as Guild Master.


    "Everyone," she dered, "since we all have different movement speeds and abilities, it would be best to take this journey slowly and savor each moment. Let''s fight any monsters we encounter, and I hope you all enjoy this adventure together."


    rio Town was a picturesque locale, boasting stone houses and lush gardens brimming with greenery. They had gathered there with a specific mission in mind, and over the past month, much had transpired. Now, the time hade to press onward with their journey to the capital of the Dissidia Kingdom.


    The sun beamed down as they walked along the winding road, the salty scent of the sea wafting in the air from their right and the beautiful, untamed forest on their left.


    They trudged onward, hoping to soon reach the nearest vige where they could secure a carriage to continue their journey to the capital. While the monsters on the shoreline were not as fierce as those deep in the woods, they were still a formidable presence. Consequently, they chose a more spread-out, loose formation.


    In the back row, Broken, Booba, Freya, and Ivana kept close together, with Kingsley and Goldrich interspersed among them. Meanwhile, at the front of the pack, Elincia and the others led theirrades.


    Goldrich turned to Broken as they walked. "Broken..."


    "Yes?" Broken replied cautiously.


    "Are you interested in receiving amission from me?"


    "To craft something for you?"


    Goldrich nodded. "Yes, indeed. I''ll give you ess to some blueprints I have. They''re of great value, so I''ll provide double the materials, and you can take half of them. Of course, I''ll pay the proper amount as well. Does that sound agreeable?"


    After a moment of silence, Broken responded slowly. "I appreciate your offer, Goldrich," he began, "but you know I can''t guarantee a high-grade item, right?"


    "Khi khi khi... Don''t worry. I still wish for my next weapon to be crafted by you. Your cksmithing skill is unparalleled, and I''d trust you over anyone else."


    "I can''t promise anything," Broken cautioned. "Crafting something takes time, and I have many othermitments."


    "You sure became popr overnight, huh? Khi khi khi khi," Goldrichughed.


    The monsters hade to attack several times, but as always, the group managed to take them out one by one with ease. Their swift and decisive efficiency made it seem almost too good to be true.


    Startled, they spotted a boar-shaped monster emerging from the shadows of the forest. The creature stood a staggering two meters (6.5 feet) tall, with razor-sharp tusks that glittered menacingly. It bellowed a ferocious roar as it stood before them, blocking their way forward. It stamped its hooves on the ground, snorting and foaming as if ready for a fight. [Rare - Wild Boar Lv. 185]


    The Wild Boar leaped to the attack with a tremendous burst of speed, yet Skywarden stood unyielding in its way. His shield held firm as he weathered the onught, remaining unflinching even as the beast''s teeth ground into its surface.


    "Broken!" Maylock called out. "Kill the monster!"


    Elincia grinned and added her encouragement. "Come on, Broken! Show us what your newest knuckles can do!"


    Jovina''s expression shifted to one of eagerness as she echoed Elincia''s challenge. "Yes! Show me the power of your Legendary-grade item, Broken!"


    Their voices joined together in unison as they cheered Broken on.


    "Broken!" yelled Skywarden. "If you don''t take care of this beast quickly, I''ll release it, and it will end your life, you fool!"


    Freya, standing close to Broken, gave him a gentle nudge with her shoulder. "Come on," she said. "Let''s do it."


    Broken took a deep breath andposed a faint smile on his lips. In his hands materialized a pair of brilliant green knuckles, their shining des seeming to glow even under the sun above.


    [Vines of Torment (Active Skill)]


    He shed his knuckles through the air. Without warning, five tremendous vines orrge tree roots erupted from the ground with a loud rumble; they split the earth viciously and entwined around the Wild Boar like an unbreakable prison.


    The monster struggled violently, trying desperately to free itself from their powerful grip, yet it was futile. In seconds, the creature''s body was crushed beneath the mighty embrace of the five giant wild vines.


    Freya grinned and patted him on the back. "Well done, Broken."


    [You have sessfully in the Rare - Wild Boar Lv. 185]


    [You have obtained 2 pieces of medium-quality wild boar meat]


    [You have obtained 1 piece of medium-quality wild boar skin]


    [You have obtained 1 Rare - Wild Boar Lv. 185 Monster Core]


    As they all stood in stunned silence, Broken disyed the full might of his newly acquired Legendary-grade knuckles skill.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Woah... This is only one skill from that Legendary-grade item."


    "I want to see more, haha."


    "I think the skill would be more fun if it were used to kill another yer, hahaha."


    The area buzzed with a flurry of excited murmurs, everyone voicing their appreciation for Broken''s remarkable ability.


    After continuing their journey, they were relieved when they finally discovered a wide opening in the dense forest. Sunlight beamed down on them as they entered the clearing.


    They quickly decided to rest for a few minutes before continuing with their journey, as it was already midday, and everyone needed to replenish their stamina and satisfy their hunger. Without hesitation, they scattered around, each finding a spot to rx while Broken and Freya found refuge under a giant oak tree.


    Ivana, with a warm smile, took out the food she had prepared beforehand from her bag. She began to offer delicious treats to everyone. "Everyone," she said cheerfully, "I cooked something wonderful for you all... I hope you enjoy it."


    The mention of Ivana''s cooking sent waves of excitement through the group. Her reputation for creating satisfyingly delicious dishes that provided significant stat buffs was well known, thanks to Freya''s stories.


    Freya spun around to face Broken with a yful glint in her eyes. "She is an absolute treasure, don''t you agree? So caring and motherly, a potential shielder, and an incredible chef-why


    don''t you make her your wife, Broken?"


    "Where did you get that idea, Freya?"


    "Why not? You need someone to marry to unlock the potential of your ring, right? You can''t marry me since I''m a yer, but you can marry me outside the game. You won''t regret it," she said with a chuckle.


    Broken paused for a moment before responding. "I need an affinity of 80% with an NPC to unlock the first potential of the skill."


    "Then, the answer is Ivana, right? Your affinity with her is high. How high is it?"


    "67%."


    "You just need to build a bit more of a rtionship with her, and you can reach 80%. That way, you''ll get a 10% stat boost if you invite her into battle, right? Plus, she''s a shielder, which is perfect for someone like you who has many summons. She can help keep your


    summons in the fight longer."


    Broken considered her words and nodded slowly.


    "And I think there''s no harm in marrying Ivana," Freya continued, giggling.


    "NPCs are not just tools from which to gain benefits, right?" Broken said seriously.


    "So, you clearly treat them as living souls. That makes it even better," she replied enthusiastically.


    At that moment, Ivana marched over to them with an inviting smile and two tes of


    steaming bread.


    "Hi... You haven''t gotten tired of eating my cooking, have you?" she said warmly as she


    ced the food near them.


    "What a wonderful surprise!" Freya eximed before turning back to Broken. "See? I told you


    I had a n."


    "Ivana," Freya then said. "Would you like it if Broken proposed to you? I mean, if he married


    you?"


    Ivana''s eyes widened, and she froze for a moment before turning to look at Broken. "I think I''d be really happy if that actually happened," she said, letting out a little chuckle.


    "See... you really need to speed things up," Freya added with a teasing smirk. Broken shifted ufortably, his embarrassment evident on his face. "Can you guys stop it?" he muttered.

 Chapter 155: Chapter 155 - A Strange Alliance

    Chapter 155: - A Strange Alliance


    ?


    While Broken was casually chatting with Freya and Ivana, Melliandra was seen walking towards them, her steps hesitant and uncertain. She nced at Freya and Ivana, who were still nearby, before speaking up.


    "Can I talk to him?" she asked, reading the questioning looks on their faces.


    Freya cheerfully replied, "Sure... take your time," before grabbing Ivana''s wrist and walking away, giving them some space.


    Broken turned to the girl, noticing that she no longer appeared as threatening as she had during their first encounter.


    "Hi," he said.


    Melliandra waited to respond. Instead, she walked closer and slowly sat down on the root of arge tree a few paces from Broken. They sat in silence, with Broken continuing to eat the food Ivana had prepared.


    "Take it. It''s an energy drink," Melliandra finally said, breaking the silence. "I''m sure you will like it."


    She threw a can of the drink at him, which he caught easily. It was the same energy drink brand that Melliandra and Kingsley had advertised, one that Broken had seen on digital billboards in the city.


    "Thanks," he replied, slowly opening the can. The scent wafted up, a strange yet appealing mix of vors. He took a sip, savoring the unexpected refreshment, and wondered how Melliandra had managed to obtain such drinks within the game.


    "I thought this was a real word drink?" he asked.


    "They have the in-game version too... it restores stamina faster," she exined.


    "The taste is good," he said quietly.


    They fell back into silence, the initial tension now reced by an awkward, uneasy calm. Broken wondered what Melliandra really wanted to discuss. She had insisted on speaking with him, but now that they were alone, she seemed unsure of how to proceed.


    Despite the unresolved tension from their past conflict, it was clear that their initial hatred had cooled. Melliandra had yed a significant role in the recent raid battle, and her contribution had been noticed. Any lingering hostility seemed unnecessary. Though a direct apology from her had never been voiced, Broken didn''t think it was necessary. He had no intention of pushing for it either.


    "Can you summon the white fox? I want to talk to her."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Sure," he said.


    Suddenly, Polly appeared, her four tails wagging as she quickly ran and hid behind Broken''s feet, her snow-white fur blocking out the light.


    Melliandra gasped in awe at the sight of Polly. She ran up to them, her lips stretched into a wide grin and knelt down in front of Broken, wanting to take in every inch of the spirit beast before her.


    "Woah... she''s so cute."


    Broken averted his gaze, feeling ufortable as Melliandra knelt down at his feet and attempted to converse with Polly. He stayed silent and chose to ignore the situation, giving Melliandra room to speak.


    "Will you forgive me for what I did?" Melliandra asked Polly.


    So she wanted to apologize to Polly? Broken thought. Not to him. It made sense, considering Melliandra had been the one to kill Polly, even though it was Broken she had initially threatened.


    Polly''s ears twitched, her eyes widening as if she wanted to forgive yet hesitant tomunicate with a stranger.


    Melliandra looked up pleadingly and asked, "Can I touch her?"


    Broken nodded slowly. "Yeah, sure, if Polly allows it."


    Melliandra gently extended her arm towards Polly, softly stroking her head. The small creature didn''t move an inch, even when Melliandra lightly scratched behind her ears.


    "She''s so cute," Melliandra whispered in amazement.


    Encouraged by Polly''s calmness, Melliandra attempted to hold the fox, but Polly immediately darted away.


    "Wait... Polly... I want to be friends with you," Melliandra called out, running after the spirit beast.


    Melliandra continued to chase Polly,ughter filling the air as both seemed to enjoy each other''spany truly. Polly darted away yfully, clearly reveling in the sudden game.


    Shortly after, Elincia approached Broken. Her face lit up into a smile, and she yfully waved at him. "Hi," she said.


    Broken returned her smile. "Hi," he replied.


    Upon reaching him, she gracefully sat down nearby. Bringing a water bottle to her lips, she paused for a moment before beginning to speak. "So..." she started but then fell silent.


    Broken turned his head towards Elincia, noticing that she seemed to be in thought. He returned his gaze towards Polly, still running around and being chased by Melliandra, both now fully engaged in their yful game.


    Elincia waved her legs lightly, appearing carefree and untroubled.


    Finally, she spoke. "I know what I''m about to say may sound a bit forward, but..." she trailed off again.


    "Yes?" he prompted, turning back to her.


    "Do you understand that each of us has some blueprints of exceptional value? By valuable, I mean their rarity and the potential grade they could produce. Something that only a few people in Yunatea possess?" Elincia asked, turning to Broken with a smile.


    "So, are you nning to ask for the same thing that Goldrich asked me?" Broken inquired.


    Elincia let out augh, covering her lips with the back of her hand. She cast her gaze on Broken again before speaking.


    "I know you have every right to decline because there is no need for you toply with our wishes. But, I would like you to lend an ear to what we have to offer.


    Please ept the blueprints so that you may create something special from them, something that no one else has done before. And if it pleases you, we would like to be the first ones to buy those creations from you."


    A pleasant smile graced her face. "Some of us are willing to share the blueprints with you without asking you to craft something in return for them. But if you are willing to craft something, we will provide the materials for you and purchase the items at a fair price."


    So, what Elincia was saying is that they are willing to share some valuable blueprints with him? Broken thought, recognizing the true value of the offer. Obtaining blueprints was a challenging task, especially ones that could greatly benefit him. He needed a high-level set of armor, at least level 200, for different roles like swordsman, archer, and assassin. The variety in equipment was essential for his needs.


    However, epting such a valuable gift wouldn''t be without its costs. There was no way they wouldn''t expect something in return. At the very least, they would feel like they had given something precious to him, and he would need to do something to repay that.


    But in reality, Broken had already intended to offer his services to others to earnmission money. Of course, offering them to the members of the Ass Guild was a smart decision, as they seemed willing to pay for it. So, he would consider this offer more seriously when he had the time to do so.


    "I think that''s an interesting offer," he replied. "But I''m not sure if I can craft it in the near future, especially with thepetition in the capital... but I would dly ept the offer."


    Elincia bit her lip before speaking up again. "You know, we might be able to give you a set of level 200 equipment blueprints. I mean, I''m sure you don''t want to use level 50 equipment


    forever, right?"


    She shifted nervously and added in an almost shy tone, "Please let me know if you need anything from me. We''re allies, okay?" She then hopped off the ground and faced Broken. "Thanks for chatting for a bit. Enjoy your break; we''ll be setting off soon."


    She said this before walking away, leaving Broken to ponder over the generous offer.


    Freya and Ivana slowly made their way back toward him. When they reached him, they settled down, Freya on his right and Ivana on his left. They blended seamlessly into Broken''s quiet mood, relishing the serene moment together.


    "A few weeks ago, we traversed this path with just Booba," Freya recalled.


    "That journey was absolutely grueling," Broken responded, his mind shing back to the harrowing experience of being chased by monsters and trying their best to avoidrge gatherings of them.


    Shortly after, they resumed their trek. With thebined skills of these elite yers, the challenging path seemed easy to navigate, and before long, they reached the vige that was their destination. From here, they could hire carriages to take them to the capital. However, Broken had one unresolved matter he needed to attend to before heading to the capital. He shared his intention with the others as soon as they arrived at the vige. "I will go to Deadbay City first, and then catch up with you in the Capital," he exined.

 Chapter 156: Chapter 156 - Ivanas Secret Pain

    Chapter 156: - Ivana''s Secret Pain


    ?


    Ivana stood beside Broken as he exined the n to the others.


    "Broken," Booba was the first to respond. "I want toe with you. There''s no way I can let you go alone, you know."


    "No, Booba. I''ll move faster on my own, so you don''t need toe. I promise I''ll catch up soon enough."


    Elincia then spoke up. "Are you sure, Broken? We would all feel much safer if you weren''t traveling alone. I cane along too if needed; I can travel quickly as well."


    "No, I don''t think that''s necessary. Polly can run fast, and I''m confident I can catch up and meet you within a day. Besides, Ivana will be with me, so you can rest easy. She''s over level 200 and more than capable of protecting me," he tried to reassure them.


    After hearing his exnation, everyone agreed to head to the capital first, while Broken would take a detour to Deadbay City with Ivana.


    To save time, Broken and Ivana quickly left the vige, riding Polly. The white fox darted swiftly across the barren desert roads, Broken seated in front while Ivana clung tightly behind him.


    The two sat in thick silence, neither daring to break it. Then, unexpectedly, Ivana''s voice cut through the tension.


    "Broken... May I hug you from behind?" she asked with a soft chuckle.


    Broken couldn''t help but sigh. "It''s okay, though. This will be a long journey, so make sure you feelfortable."


    "I mean, I''m sleepy," she yawned, "so I wish I could sleep holding onto you." As if on cue, she immediately wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her cheek on his back.


    "I enjoy journeys like this," she then said.


    "What kind of journeys?"


    "The quieter ones."


    Broken pondered for a moment about her mention of "quieter." He knew Ivana as someone cheerful and always friendly with everyone. But even someone as sociable and cheerful as she needed some peace and quiet, didn''t they?


    He decided not to delve further. Perhaps she missed her mother? After all, his detour to Deadbay City was also to meet Fokil, and Ivana was returning home. Although she had expressed interest in joining him on the journey to the capital.


    He could feel Ivana''s cheek against his back as Polly continued to sprint with all her might. The sound of the wind blew gently, with only the rhythmic pounding of Polly''s paws breaking the silence.


    Every now and then, he heard a faint whimpering from Ivana. He pondered if she was crying and felt a strong urge to ask her what was wrong. However, he found himself unable to form the words.


    Is Ivana crying? Or am I just hearing things? he thought.


    Finally, after what felt like hours, they arrived at Deadbay. They stopped in the central za, and Ivana quickly dismounted, bidding her farewell. They would meet againter at Fokil''s ce.


    Broken couldn''t contain his excitement to share the news with Fokil about his Legendary- grade item. He immediately sprinted toward Fokil''s Smithy.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Standing before the Smithy''s door, he took a moment to catch his breath before knocking on the door.


    Fokil opened the door shortly after, and the first thing he said was, "Kid, did you know that Gia passed away right after you left a few weeks ago?"


    Broken froze, stunned, and unable to believe the words Fokil had just uttered.


    "Gia..." he whispered. He suddenly felt an urgent need to see Ivana. "Sir, I''ll be back," he said hurriedly.


    The moment Broken heard Fokil''s news about Gia''s death, he bolted out of the Smithy, desperate to find Ivana.


    His mind raced with questions and grief. "Why didn''t she tell me about this? Was this why Ivana seemed so gloomy during our journey to Deadbay? So her mother has passed away, which is why she finally summoned the courage to leave the city and explore? Because she has no reason to stay anymore?"


    He asked aloud as he sprinted across the city, asking several people who might know her whereabouts. Eventually, he gathered enough information to figure out where she might be. He came to an open area of rolling hills where a slight breeze had begun to blow. In the middle of the field stood several tombstones sticking out from between the shadowy trees like rigid fingers.


    A surge of emotion coursed through his veins as he approached, and there, standing amongst them in a white dress that fluttered in the wind, was Ivana. Her blonde hair seemed to be dancing in the gusts, almost as if it were calling him towards her.


    His steps echoed as he cautiously approached her, who was standing in front of two somber tombs. He slowly moved to stand beside her.


    As she gradually raised her head, he could see that her cheeks glistened with freshly shed tears. She peered into his gaze, a faint smile curling the edges of her lips.


    "Hey... Broken... You found me here..." she whispered. She then turned her gaze back to the tombstones.


    A silence descended over them as they stood side by side in this hallowed ground, contemting the pain and loss life can bring.


    Broken gazed at the two tombstones before them, both bearing names of those no longer here with them. Two names were inscribed on them-Gia and Gale. Gale must have been


    Ivana''s father.


    "Why didn''t you tell me about this?" he asked softly, his voice barely audible above the sound of the wind sweeping around them and rustling the dry leaves at their feet.


    She smiled then, although it wasn''t a happy smile. It was one full of understanding and


    sorrow.


    "You''ve been busy. I didn''t think it was something important enough to discuss...." she said, her voice trailing off.


    "I think you need to talk to me more; I''m okay with this," he said. "I''m here to listen to your worries too... we are friends, right?"


    Ivana then turned back to Broken, watching his face for a moment. A thin smile appeared on her face, although her cheeks were still visibly wet with tears. "I was going to tell you this," she said. "I guess I''m toote now, you''ve found out on your own."


    Ivana lowered her head, unable to hold back her tears any longer. "Because of her death, I wanted to be an adventurer, a shielder, so I could protect those I care about and do more for them," she said, her voice clearly breaking.


    Broken hesitated for a moment before gently cing his hand on her left shoulder, slowly pulling her closer. She sobbed as she leaned her forehead against his chest. "I don''t know


    what to do anymore," she said.


    "You''re an adventurer now, right?" he replied gently.


    Still sobbing, tears continued to fall from her eyes. "I tried to be a chef so I could make the best food for her, to help her get healthier... but I couldn''t even make something that would keep her alive longer," she said, still regretting what had happened.


    Broken then slowly wrapped his arms around Ivana as she continued to sob, her tears soaking


    his shoulder.


    "You did your best... Ivana," he whispered.


    Ivana continued, her voice shaking with sobs, "I wanted to do more for her... to repay all the kindness she gave me. I miss her so much."


    Tears streamed down her face as she added, "I''m all alone now... I didn''t know it would be this hard to go on. I tried to forget by taking up this new activity, bing an adventurer,


    and fighting monsters..."


    "But even so, I''m still trapped by regret... and it gets stronger every time Ie back to this


    city and stand in front of her grave."


    As she spoke, fully revealing everything she was thinking and feeling, Broken felt a sense of relief. At least now, he could help lighten the burden she was carrying.


    Time passed as Ivana tried to calm her sobbing, revealing the hidden sadness behind her cheerful facade and her constant efforts to show kindness in front of others. This was the


    weakest moment in her life.


    As she opened up, pieces of the puzzle in Broken''s mind began to fall into ce. Ivana''s sudden transformation made sense now - it was the events in her life, connected to Gia''s death, that had changed her. She even mentioned her reason for bing a chef.


    But then, something caught Broken''s eye. He nced at the date on Gale''s tombstone and noticed the year of his death. Thirty years ago? he wondered. Shouldn''t Ivana be in her early


    twenties?

 Chapter 157: Chapter 157 - A Shared Sorrow

    Chapter 157: - A Shared Sorrow


    ?


    Ivana released her embrace from Broken, forcing a wan smile on her face as she wiped away the tears streaking her cheeks and eyes. Taking a deep breath, she looked up. "I''m sorry..." she paused for a moment, her voice trembling, "...thank you."


    Broken acknowledged her words with a gentle nod. Then, they both turned back to face the two tombstones standing silently before them.


    "Gale is..." Broken murmured hesitantly, still uncertain how to broach the topic. His mind raced with confusion and curiosity. Thirty years? Could it be that Ivana isn''t Gia and Gale''s biological daughter? If not, then who is she?


    "Was he your father?" he finally asked.


    Ivana slowly shifted her gaze from the tombstones to Broken and shook her head solemnly. "Gia raised me from a child, even though I''m not her biological child. I''ve always considered her my mother," she said softly.


    Taken aback by her revtion, Broken turned to see her face, now bathed in the golden warmth of the setting sun. He was struck by the gravity of her confession and the weight of


    her past.


    "Yes..." she continued, her voice quivering slightly, "I don''t know who my real parents are..." Broken nodded, absorbing this new truth. The realization intensified his own pain, knowing that he and his sister also lost their parents under mysterious circumstances. They spent years in uncertainty, not knowing if their parents were alive or dead. Their bodies were never found, their whereabouts a lingering question. This mutual sorrow gave him a deep empathy for Ivana, who grew up not knowing her own parents.


    "You don''t need to worry about me, okay," she said, offering him a reassuring smile.


    Broken shook his head, not knowing what else to say. He nced away, his heart heavy with guilt. Unable to do more than nod sympathetically, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath of the evening air. After a few moments, he turned back to her.


    "Shall we head back? The night is drawing near," he suggested softly.


    Ivana nodded slowly, and they began their descent down the slope. Broken gently took Ivana''s hand in his, providing her with a smallfort. She turned to him, her lips curling into a soft smile.


    The sun set in the hazy sky, casting golden hues as they walked infortable silence.


    At that moment, Broken noticed a notification on his system, indicating that Ivana''s affinity towards him had risen to 68%.


    ***


    Broken then made his way back to Fokil''s Smithy, proudly disying his Legendary-grade knuckles to the Master cksmith.


    Fokil extended an arm, giving Broken a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "You''ve really been pushing beyond your limits, haven''t you, kid?" he remarked, his voice a blend of admiration and concern. "So, what''s your next n?"


    "There''s a lot on my te, but I n to seize every opportunity thates my way. I''ll take it slow and steady, just like always." His tone grew even more resolute, "Craft more items, and gather more power."


    "I''m thrilled to see that fire in you," Fokil said. "I knew I made the right choice by passing down the cksmith ss to you."


    "I''m deeply indebted to you, sir."


    "You''ve dedicated yourself to this craft," Fokil continued. "If you can keep creating more Legendary-grade items, that alone would make me very happy."


    The two of them slowly made their way to a sturdy wooden table and took a seat on chairs that creaked under their weight. Fokil took a moment, contemting his next words before finally speaking.


    "So, about Ivana... Can I ask you a favor?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Ivana..." Broken''s voice trailed off as he pondered. "What can I do to help, sir?" he inquired.


    "She is a kind girl," Fokil began, his voice tinged with a mix of fondness and concern. "Her smile never leaves her face, and everyone knows her as someone cheerful and always willing to help others without expecting anything in return. With her skill as an expert chef, she could easily secure afortable life at the pce. But she chose to stay here for Gia."


    Fokil paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "But since Gia''s death, she seems to have lost herself." He took a deep breath as if gathering the strength to go on. "I know she has something special in her, something that could be beneficial to you in the future. So, I''m certain it would be very helpful if you invited her to join you in your adventures."


    "Can I ask you to let her follow you?" Fokil''s face was etched with worry. "She has no one left in this town, and I''m afraid I can''t do anything more for her."


    Ivana had previously mentioned to Broken that she wanted to embark on adventures, explore new horizons, and do many things. She even confided in him that, if given the chance, she''d like to join him on his journeys. Knowing that she possessed abat ss and could at least defend herself had gradually reduced his initial doubts.


    Having more allies would undeniably be advantageous, especially since Broken was well aware that he couldn''t achieve much on his own. The assistance he received from Freya had already proved invaluable, and having more help would be immensely beneficial.


    Moreover, exploring and engaging in more monster hunts would also allow Ivana to grow and develop further. As a Special NPC, the potential she could unlock in the future remained an


    exciting mystery.


    Broken nodded slowly, absorbing the gravity of Fokil''s request. "I''ll leave this decision to her, sir. If she''s willing toe with me, then I have no objections."


    Fokil nodded in return, a rare smile breaking across his weathered face. "Thank you," he said earnestly. "I have high hopes for you both."


    There remained one thing that lingered persistently in his mind. Broken felt the urge to uncover the true identity of Ivana. For some reason, his curiosity about this matter had deepened, especially after discovering that Ivana had suddenly transformed into a Special NPC.


    "Sir, regarding Ivana... there''s something I need to ask you," he stated.


    "What is it?"


    "Did you know that Ivana is adopted?"


    Fokil furrowed his brows momentarily. "Yes..." he replied. "I don''t fully understand the whole story, but yes... Gia adopted her when she was around... four or five years old." Broken nodded thoughtfully at the response. "Do you know how she was adopted, or any information about her real parents?"


    Fokil paused, his eyes reflecting a distant search within his memory.


    "No, kid... unfortunately, I can''t help you with that. I don''t have any information about her biological parents."


    That was all the information Broken could glean from Fokil, and it didn''t seem nearly enough. But then, how important was it to know who Ivana''s real parents were? Did she care about it? Did she ever wonder about it herself?


    Broken logged out of the game and logged back in the next day. He set out for the za to replenish his supplies and sell some items that he didn''t need. His inventory space was limitedpared to those who had surpassed level 100 or even level 200, so he had to manage his items carefully, making sure to retain the materials necessary for crafting.


    As he and Ivana had nned, they were to meet that morning in the central za. He eagerly anticipated hearing her final decision on how she intended to proceed with her life from this point forward.

 Chapter 158: Chapter 158 - To the Heart of Dissidia

    Chapter 158: - To the Heart of Dissidia


    ?


    After several minutes of waiting, Broken finally spotted Ivana approaching. She still wore the knee-length white dress with a blue belt and matching ribbon in her hair, hurrying towards him with a warm smile on her face. As usual, she carried a wooden basket in her hand. They met at the edge of the bustling za, standing face to face amidst the crowd, their smiles reflecting a shared sense of better mood and renewed motivation in their eyes.


    "Good morning, Broken," she greeted him.


    "Good morning, Ivana. Did you get a good night''s sleep?"


    Ivana shrugged slightly and giggled. "Not really," she confessed. "But my mood improved after making this dish... for you," she added, offering the basket she held.


    Side by side, they walked away from the lively za toward the beach, where several iron benches awaited them. As they sat down, the gentle morning breeze from the sea caused Ivana''s hair to flutter. She tried to tame her flowing locks, tucking them behind her right ear.


    "I feel much better now," she admitted softly.


    Broken turned to her. "I''m d to hear that."


    Ivana nodded, her gaze sweeping over the serene beach.


    After a moment of silence, Broken broached the topic weighing on his mind. "So... have you decided what to do next?"


    Ivana looked at him, determination in her eyes. "I want to follow you," she said, her voice steady before pausing as the sound of waves crashing filled the air around them. "I want to explore this world with you," she continued. "I want to embark on this adventure and reach new heights together."


    Broken nodded at Ivana''s response. It was evident that she genuinely wanted to move on and embrace a new chapter in her life. The day before, she had seemed lost, unsure of what to do next, but today, her answer revealed that she had found a new purpose.


    "What do you hope to achieve, Ivana?" he asked gently.


    "Uhm..." Ivana paused, slightly puffing out her cheek in thought. "I want to... be by your side when you aplish great things," she admitted with a soft giggle, turning to look at him. "Does that make me seem like I have no purpose of my own?"


    "No," he replied with a grin. "I think that''s a pretty cool goal. It means you believe I''m going to do a lot of amazing things, right?"


    Ivana nodded resolutely. "I am certain of it."


    "But," he continued, "you need to understand something important. I''m almost like an immortal being-I can revive after death. The journey I''m about to undertake won''t be an easy one. It''s going to take more than just luck to reach my goals. Are you prepared for that?" "Yes!" she affirmed without hesitation. "I, too, have a Unique-grade Shielder ss, known as the Aegis Guardian. Like you, I have a way to cheat death once a day. Yes, something like being revived, although in a slightly different manner." She paused briefly, then added, "So... I guess I''m not entirely a clueless native of Yunatea."


    Broken was taken aback by Ivana''s casual revtion about her ss. A Unique-grade ss? And she could revive once a day?! That was truly extraordinary.


    "You''re talking about an extraordinary skill and ss like it''s nothing," he said. "Your Unique-grade ss would make all Adventurers green with envy once they hear about it. From now on, never mention the name of this particr ss or its grade to anyone else, alright? Only I should know."


    Ivana nodded. "Yes, sir," she replied eagerly. "Have I passed the selection test? Am I worthy to apany you?"


    Broken hesitated before replying. "I guess so..." he said reluctantly. After a moment, he added, "I do believe you have more than enough to be worthy. Wee to the party. Let''s work well together."


    Ivana''s lips curled up into a smile. "Thanks... I''ll make more delicious food for us."


    Broken nodded slowly, feeling the weight of responsibility he had taken on by agreeing to have Ivana join him. But then, whether he epted or not, she would have embarked on her adventures, with or without him. It was better for her to join him; her potential was too great to be left to chance.


    "One more thing," he added, his tone serious. "In case of an emergency, you must always obey my orders without question, understood?"


    Ivana was quiet for a few seconds, contemting her response. "I will follow your orders..." she finally said after a moment of reflection. "But..." She began to voice an objection but then reconsidered and shook her head. "Yes," she added softly.


    By midday, after they had finished their preparations and Ivana had donned her set of armor, they embarked on their journey toward the Capital of Dissidia Kingdom, the Dissidia Capital City.


    As an NPC, Ivanacked the feature of an Inventory, which yers inherently possessed. While some NPCs had a simr ability, it was through a different capability. Thus, Broken carried Ivana''s belongings, including her shield and sword, and also her food supplies in his Inventory storage.


    "Polly, if only you ate the same food as us, I promise you''d get a special treat every day!" Ivana shouted over the roaring wind as they sped down the road toward the Dissidia Capital


    City.


    "Can you make Monster Core taste better...?" Polly responded.


    Ivana paused at Polly''s question. "Uhm... I''m not sure if that''s possible."


    Broken chuckled and intervened. "I don''t think that''s a topic worth discussing."


    Ivana giggled at hisment.


    The journey was time-consuming and lessfortable than sitting in a carriage, where one could lean back and rx. Riding Polly required Broken, who sat in front, to remain focused to avoid falling from Polly''s back. However, as they traveled, Ivana started feelingfortable, her arms wrapped around Broken from behind. This reduced the burden on Polly, allowing them to move faster with less wind resistance. Theplexity of the game was truly


    remarkable.


    They encountered a few monsters on their way, as this route was frequently traveled by adventurers and merchants. asionally, they passed several carriages on the road, and curious heads peeked out from the windows to get a glimpse of Broken and Ivana. "Whoa... is that a yer? I wish I had a mount like that..." they eximed in awe.


    "The girl behind him... is she a Special NPC? Damn... what did that yer do to have such a beautiful Special NPC apany him?"


    "I''m jealous..."


    Hours passed, and soon enough, the towering city walls of the fortress-like capital came into view. The white walls reflected the evening sky like blinding mirrors. This was Dissidia Capital City, the heart of the Dissidia Kingdom.


    They halted before the imposing gates. Guards stopped them for identity checks. Once their identities had been confirmed, Broken and Ivana were finally allowed through the threshold, and it felt as though they had stepped into an entirely different world.


    Everything in the city was arranged with perfect symmetry and grace, like a masterpiece brought to life. Magnificent marble structures and exquisite sculptures lined the streets, while lush gardens added vibrant colors to every corner. The city buzzed with activity, filled with both local residents and adventurers, making any other ce they had seen pale in


    comparison.


    This, too, was the first time Broken had set foot in the Capital City.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

 Chapter 159: Chapter 159 - First Steps in the Capital

    Chapter 159: - First Steps in the Capital


    ?


    Broken and Ivana stepped through the city gates in awe. Towering buildings and spires rose around them, their white stone glittering in the sun. People of all shapes and sizes bustled about, merchants haggling between stalls, and adventurers recounting their war stories. Carts rumbled by, their wheels ttering against the cobblestones beneath them.


    Everywhere they looked, life thrived. People went about their business, sharedughter, exchanged juicy gossip, and asionally, cast veiled nces at the neers. It was like stepping into a different world, vibrant and full of energy.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Have you ever been to the capital before, Ivana?" Broken asked.


    Ivana shook her head. "No, this is my first time," she replied with a warm smile.


    Broken chuckled softly. "Actually, this is my first time as well," he admitted. "Before this, I''ve only traveled around the towns and small viges surrounding the city."


    "I remember that your level isn''t too high yet... but you''ve achieved so much at your current level," she said, giggling.


    The two of them wandered through the streets, their eyes darting to the various merchants selling all sorts of necessities. The bustling streets were a stark contrast to the tranquil ambiance of viges like Deadbay.


    "Freya and the others," Ivana mentioned quietly, "they should have arrived by now, right?"


    "Yes," Broken confirmed with a nod, scanning the bustling city streets. "They''re waiting for us at the inn."


    Turning to her, he asked, "Do you want to try some food here, Ivana?"


    Ivana was silent for a moment, her steps steady as she followed his lead. "Umh..."


    Broken smiled. "Sure, your food is better, but let''s explore and savor the vors of this city for a bit," he suggested.


    "No... I actually want to try many things... but..." she trailed off again.


    Broken looked puzzled.


    "I need to sell my food first, because... my money is running out..." she said with a giggle.


    Broken sighed and chuckled. "That''s what happens when you give away all your food to everyone... you forget you need money as well."


    Ivana giggled again. "Previously, I received many food ingredients from people, so I managed without needing money. That''s why I shared all the food I made with others."


    Broken nodded. "Come with me then... I''ll treat you. Besides, I''ve eaten a lot of your food, so think of it as me repaying all that you''ve given me."


    "Is that okay?" she asked.


    "If you''re still willing to cook for me, then you have to let me do something for you too." "Yes, sir..." she said, her voice filled with warmth.


    They continued their journey through the bustling streets, savoring their ice cream cones. The delicious treat awakened their taste buds, and they leisurely strolled along the roadside, sampling various snacks that piqued their curiosity, though mostly small bites just to satiate their curiosity.


    "This one is so sweet," Ivana remarked with a smile.


    "Yeah, I think the food here in the capital city is definitely better than in some small towns," Broken added with a chuckle.


    It was clear that the merchants selling their wares weren''t just local residents; many were yers as well. These yers often focused on the economic aspects of the game, gathering materials and ingredients without bothering much with fighting monsters.


    As they enjoyed their snacks, they heard a voice calling out to them from a distance. Turning around, they saw two familiar faces - Freya and Booba - running toward them.


    "Hi, you two... are we interrupting something?" Freya teased as she approached. "Looks like you''re enjoying yourselves."


    "Freya!" Ivana eximed happily. "No, we''re just enjoying some snacks around here. Would you like to try some?"


    "Hahaha! I''ve been waiting for you, my friend!" Booba said as he threw his arm around Broken''s shoulder. "Why are you eating cheap food from a lowly merchant like him?" he said, pointing to the yer running the stall.


    "Hey, you jerk, get lost! You''re ruining my business with your big mouth. Do you even have the money to buy my stuff?" the merchantined.


    "Hahaha, a poor man is trying to provoke me. I don''t have time for you," Booba said dismissively, pulling Broken away. Ivana and Freya followed.


    ***


    Princess Alora sat in her chamber, surrounded by her maids, who attended to her with the utmost care and attention. A beautiful half-elf, her long red hair shimmered like silk, cascading gracefully down her back. Her delicate features-gentle eyes, small lips-radiated a charm that was both captivating and bewitching.


    The maids worked diligently, adorning her with the finest fabrics and jewels. They couldn''t help but admire her graceful demeanor and the way her hair flowed like a waterfall.


    Grace, the senior maid, slightly older than the rest, spoke up. "Your Highness, you look absolutely stunning in this dress," she said, her praise directed at the blue and red gown that enveloped Princess Alora, flowing elegantly down to her feet,plemented by ornaments in her hair.


    Princess Alora bestowed a small, gentle smile upon her, her beauty illuminating the room. "You certainly know how to tter me, Grace," she said, her voice firm yet low, as if suppressing the power it held.


    Grace returned the smile. "I have served you since you were a baby, Your Highness. I''ve witnessed your beauty evolve into something extraordinary over the years. Today, you are more beautiful than ever."


    Alora''s smile grew warmer at her words. "You know I''m not ustomed to wearing this kind of dress, right? I was born to fight on the front lines-it''s my duty to protect my people." "Your Highness, you have shouldered this responsibility with great skill and tenacity. You exemplify what a royal family member should be someone willing to do everything for the Dissidia Kingdom," Grace said with conviction. "The people could not ask for a better future Queen to protect them during these difficult times. I haveplete faith in you."


    "Thank you, Grace. Your faith strengthens my resolve."


    The maidspleted dressing her, stepping back to marvel at their aplishment.


    "Your Highness, we have finished our task, and I hope you can appreciate your appearance in this dress as much as we admire your elegance," Grace said.


    "Thank you, Grace. Thank you, everyone!" Alora replied with a warm smile. Rising from her chair, she took a step forward with the firm stride of a seasoned Knight, a trait honed by countless days on the battlefield. Yet, despite her warrior''s gait, her innate grace and the nobility of her regal attire remained unmistakably evident. No one could deny the charisma and allure she radiated.


    As she exited her royal chamber, two imposing Knights awaited her at the door. They bowed deeply before falling into step behind her. These were Lionell and Mercy, Knights specifically


    assigned to safeguard her.


    From a distance, down the grand corridor, Alora noticed another figure approaching, apanied by their own pair of guard Knights. She continued to walk upright. The


    approaching figure drew nearer, revealing a man in histe fifties with flowing blond hair,


    dressed in opulent green robes befitting royalty.


    "Alora!" the man called out, his voice both soft andmanding.


    "Uncle Demian," she replied.


    It was Demian, the younger brother of the King.

 Chapter 160: Chapter 160 - The Crown Princesss Challenge

    Chapter 160: - The Crown Princess''s Challenge


    ?


    Alora steadied herself before responding slowly, "Uncle Demian," she began, her voice calm and measured. "May I inquire about the reason for your visit to my pce? This is quite sudden, and I was not prepared to offer you the hospitality you deserve."


    She awaited his response with anticipation, her Knights standing firmly behind her, their expressions resolute and ready should any tension arise.


    Demian stood tall at 1.85 meters (6.07 feet), towering over Alora''s 1.69 meters (5.55 feet). Alora, being a Half-Human, Half-Elf, exhibited distinctive traits different from both ordinary Elves and High-Elves. While High-Elves stood at an average height of 2.2 meters (7.22 feet) with exceptional magical potential, normal Elves, or Forest Elves as they weremonly known for their woond lifestyle, shared a simr stature to Humans.


    The Forest Elves in Yunatea were an exiled race, their values maligned by other races due to the disdain from High-Elves, who never acknowledged them as kin. The fact that the crown princess of Dissidia Kingdom was a Half-Human and Half-Elf sparked considerable debate and resistance among the people.


    Demian''s voice carried a low drawl. "You have grown into a beautiful woman, Alora. I still remember you as a child-you were so fragile. Now, your strength is well-admired. For a ruler of the kingdom must possess exceptional prowess," he said softly. "At the very least, someone as formidable as your father, the current king."


    "Thank you for thepliment, Uncle Demian," Alora replied. "I may notpare to my father, but I assure you, when challenges arise, I will be the first to spill my blood to defend the kingdom''s sovereignty," she dered with steadfast resolve.


    Demian responded with a thin smile. "I expected no less a reply from a Crowned Princess," he said, drawing out thest words deliberately.


    ording to what Elincia had informed her, Demian was potentially involved in numerous irregrities and vitions within the kingdom, especially given his rumored opposition to her ascension to the throne. There were even whispers that he might attempt to seize the throne by force.


    However, the extent of Demian''s support was a mystery, and in these uncertain times, Alora found it hard to trust anyone within the kingdom except for her loyal Knights.


    Alora then met Demian''s gaze. "Is there an urgent matter that necessitates your visit, Uncle Demian?" she asked. "I have yet to hear an answer to that question."


    Demian smiled faintly, a hint of amusement ying on his lips. "Yes, of course," he replied. "I wanted to congratte you on bing a worthy Crowned Princess. It is something I take great pride in. You have garnered significant support from the nobles and themon folk alike, a feat indeed worthy ofmendation. You have certainly worked hard to achieve this."


    He continued. "I am aware that your ascension to the throne of Dissidia Kingdom will be a grand celebration, one that will be remembered for thousands of years."


    With a lingering gaze, Demian paused, then turned on his heel and walked away, a sinister smile spreading across his face.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Lionell, the knight standing attentively to the right of Princess Alora, lowered his head slightly and spoke in a voice meant only for her ears. "Your Highness."


    Kneeling beside her, his tone was filled with conviction. "I apologize, Your Highness," he said quietly. "But I feel like this entire situation has be a form of humiliation for you. I cannot remain silent."


    "He acts with impunity, merely because he is the king''s brother," she replied softly. "And he has been gathering forces, though no one knows the full extent of his actions. But there wille a time for reckoning. Resolving this issue with violence and direct confrontation is not the best solution."


    With a graceful movement, Alora stepped forward, her two loyal bodyguards following closely behind. Her people awaited their princess; it was time for her to address them.


    Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she took another step forward. The roar of the crowd grew louder as they caught sight of the young princess making her way toward them.


    ****


    Early morning, at the inn where Broken and hispanions were staying, a gathering took ce. Joining him were Freya, Ivana, Booba, and several other members of The Ass Guild. They were preparing for their walk to the royal castle of the Dissidia Kingdom. On this day, they would witness the grand opening ceremony of the kingdom''s triennialpetition, which would be inaugurated by Princess Alora herself.


    This event was traditionally held to discover new and talented individuals, both from the local residents, as well as yers. Those who demonstrated their skills would be granted special privileges by the kingdom, along with ess to exclusive orders andmissions. The event primarily focused on the Production sses, including cksmiths, Alchemists, Tailors, Jewelers, and more. As for the Combat sses, the kingdom had its own specific methods for recruiting yers, as they already had well-trained knights and royal troops. Due to their low levels of trust in yers, they kept their recruitment process rtively private, perceiving yers ascking themitment and loyalty required by the kingdom. Broken and the others stepped into the vast colosseum-like arena. Thousands of onlookers filled the grandiose seats that ringed the area, all facing a broad stage at the front. There, the royal knights stood in formation alongside an army of kingdom troops, all awaiting the appearance of Princess Alora.


    Broken and hispanions found their spots in the front row, sitting side-by-side in three rows. Ivana, Freya, Broken, Goldrich, and Elincia upied the front seats, with the others positioned behind them. The excitement was palpable as they joined the crowd in eager anticipation of the ceremony that was about tomence.


    The crowds around them murmured in admiration, awestruck by the sheer magnitude of this momentous event. Well-known faces, which they had previously only seen on television or the inte, appeared in person, adding to the bustling and crowded atmosphere.


    As the members of The Ass Guild entered the area and took their seats, several onlookers took notice of their presence.


    "Hey, look... that''s the yer named Broken who participated in that raid battle with The Ass Guild," one person pointed out.


    "So, he does have a connection with The Ass Guild?"


    "Damn, this makes me jealous. Does anyone know more about his profile?"


    "Some rumors say he is a cksmith."


    "A cksmith? Not a swordsman?"


    "I heard he can wield a bow too."


    The crowd quickly delved into discussions, intrigued and eager to learn more about Broken''s


    background.


    Goldrich, who was seated next to Broken, leaned in and whispered, "Do you miss her?"


    Broken turned his head, his face puzzled. "Miss her?"


    "Her Highness, Princess Alora... Khi khi khi," Goldrich chuckled.


    Broken smiled faintly. "Yeah, I really miss her," he replied in jest. "Myst meeting with her was cut short because of Elincia."


    Hearing her name, Elincia tuned into their conversation.


    Goldrich chuckled again at Broken''s yful response. "If it wasn''t for Elincia, who told me, I might not have believed it. I''ve never met her in person. I only knew her from pictures shared by yers worldwide or seen her from afar. And you... You''ve managed to surpass 99.999% of Immortal Legacy yers with your unique experiences," he said without specifying the exact


    topic.


    "You''re sure you can only imagine the experiences I''ve had, right, Goldrich?"


    "Were they good?"


    "Well, if you''re curious, you could always ask Elincia to cast her Ultimate Spell on you. You


    might get a taste of it yourself."


    "Khi khi khi... That sounds intriguing. But I was actually asking about your experience with Princess Alora..." Goldrich continued, still grinning.


    Ivana, sitting nearby, turned her head, drawn in by their conversation.


    Freya leaned over to whisper to her, "If you heard the story about Broken being caught naked


    in front of Princess Alora when she was about to take a bath, don''t take it too seriously. It was probably just a coincidence."


    Ivana was taken aback for a moment, then let out a chuckle. "It seems like there''s a lot I don''t know about this world," she remarked.


    Freya smiled knowingly and added, "But if Broken ever asks you to do something simr, let


    me know. I''ll make sure he''s held responsible for his actions-at the very least, I''ll force him


    to marry you first."


    Ivana couldn''t help butugh again at Freya''s yful remark.

 Chapter 161: Chapter 161 - Royal Welcome, Grand Prize

    Chapter 161: - Royal Wee, Grand Prize


    ?


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The lively city of Dissidia buzzed with excitement as everyone waited for the grand event that had everyone talking. yers from all over the country and even from nearby areas had


    flocked to the Capital City, eager to join the celebrations and test their skills for the much- rumored grand prize that no one had won yet. Thepetition promised not just fame, but a legendary reward that spurred them on.


    In one corner of the event grounds, a row of chairs was upied by members of the cksmith Association. Their eyes were fixed on a gathering of individuals from The Ass Guild at the far end of the area. Among this group, one figure stood out a stranger whose presence among the guild members had sparked much conversation within the cksmithmunity.


    Lanceshot was a cksmith of incredible skill, ranked at advanced level 9. He was one of the most respected craftsmen in the world of Immortal Legacy. His reputation was unmatched, and many yers admired him greatly. Simply put, Lanceshot was one of the best cksmith yers known in Immortal Legacy.


    "So, is this the guy everyone''s talking about? Who is he? He doesn''t look familiar to me," Lanceshot inquired, his curious eyes locked on the outsider sitting with The Ass Guild.


    "Is he The Ass Guild''s new puppet?" he continued.


    "I heard," responded Strikeshot, a younger cksmith who held the second highest rank in their trade, "he''s been making a name for himself recently in rio Town by crafting a lot of Epic-grade arrows."


    "Epic-grade arrows aren''t that impressive," Lanceshot countered.


    "Yeah, The Ass Guild seems desperate," Strikeshot added. "They''re under a lot of pressure and had to resort to hiring an amateur cksmith like him."


    "So his gamer name is Broken? Hah!" Lanceshotughed. "What does that even mean? What''s broken about him? His heart? His life? His brain? I''ll make sure everything will be shattered once he realizes that I''mpeting too!"


    At that very moment, the attention of every individual in the Colosseum was drawn to the other side of the grand stage. Princess Alora had made her entrance, moving down the aisle with an undeniable air of majesty. d in an exquisite gown that entuated her long, flowing red hair, she was apanied by royal attendants who bowed deeply as she approached her seat.


    The spectators in the stands rose collectively, awestruck by her beauty. Her meticulously crafted dress glittered like a constetion of stars, drawing all eyes to her as she walked gracefully. The intricate gold embroidery on her sleeves highlighted her natural elegance and dignity, setting a standard no one else in attendance could hope to match.


    Upon reaching the stage, Princess Alora offered a small, gracious smile before settling onto her seat. The admiration of the crowd around her was palpable, their gazes locked onto her with pure adtion. The arena erupted in cheers and apuse as they weed Princess Alora with enthusiasm.


    In the crowd, a mix of yers and local residents of Dissidia eagerly shared their reactions.


    "What a lovely sight! Wee, Princess Alora!"


    "She looks so beautiful! Hail the Princess!"


    "What an honor to be in the presence of such a remarkable Princess!"


    "Oh, she truly is stunning, I feel like I might faint just seeing her from this distance."


    "I want her... She is absolutely extraordinary... such divinity! The game does her justice; she is more than perfect!"


    "My reason for ying this game and spending so much time on it is to serve and work for the kingdom. I want to work for Princess Alora!"


    "She may be a half-elf, but she''s still the rightful crowned Princess!" a supportive localmented.


    Yet, not all the voices in the crowd were filled with admiration and eptance.


    "I''m not sure if we can trust a Half-Elf to be our new ruler. We should wait and see what she can do."


    "This is ridiculous-half-elf, she''s not worthy to be our next ruler!" another jeered.


    "What a waste of resources on a half-breed!"


    "I don''t think a Half-Elf can be trusted as a ruler. We should get rid of her before she can do any damage to our kingdom."


    "She''s got no right to be here. She''s not even a real Princess!"


    As the Colosseum gradually filled with spectators, Princess Alora rose gracefully and stepped onto the central stage. She let her gaze wander, clearly moved by the vast sea of faces that had gathered to witness the day''s grand opening. The crowd erupted in cheers, their admiration for the beloved royal evident in their enthusiastic apuse.


    "Good morning, everyone," Princess Alora began, her voice magically amplified to reach every corner of the immense arena.


    She felt the cheers and excitement from the crowd, noticing their eager gazes and even some skeptical looks¡ªa judgment she was used to. But none of that fazed her; this was her stage, and she knew she belonged here.


    "The Kingdom of Dissidia has always taken immense pride in its array of talents, and I am deeply honored to be the one to wee you to today''s festivities," she continued.


    Opening this grandpetition was a task for the second most important person in the kingdom, and as the crowned princess, it was her right. She would confidently show that she was worthy of it.


    "Every time thispetition is held, extraordinary talents emerge, captivating countless eyes and contributing to the strength and growth of our kingdom. I have no doubt that this tradition will continue, and we will witness the rise of remarkable new talents in this verypetition," she dered.


    "Do your best, show off your skills, and the Dissidia Kingdom will reward you more than fairly for proving your worth." As she spoke, apuse echoed throughout the arena. "And so, I proudly dere-let the festivities begin!"


    At her deration, a spectacr disy of magical fireworks burst forth from various corners of the stadium, painting the sky with a vibrant array of colors and adding an extrayer of grandeur to mark the event''smencement.


    "All winners from any category will be rewarded with gold, materials, and a special privilege -a decade of exclusive ess to the most advanced workshop within the castle," Princess Alora borated. "You will have the chance to work in the royal workshop, joining the kingdom''s finest craftsmen and serving with utmost distinction."


    "There is also a grand prize! I''m sure many of you have heard about it," she continued, her voice resonating through the now hushed arena. "The grand prize that, unfortunately, has yet to be imed by anyone since the inception of this greatpetition many decades ago."


    "His Majesty, the King, hopes that in this currentpetition, someone will create a legendary-grade item worthy of his recognition, a gift he has long desired to bestow upon a truly deserving individual," she concluded.


    The entire arena buzzed with excited murmurs and spections about the grand prize Princess Alora had just mentioned.


    "What''s the grand prize?" someone in the crowd asked.


    "Seriously, you don''t know? You must be kidding!"


    "The exact details of the grand prize have never been revealed, idiot!" someone chimed in.


    "But everyone is sure that it''s something extraordinary."


    "Damn, I''m curious to see who''s going to be lucky enough to win it."


    "Is it really worth all the hype?"


    "It''s massive; this reward is what all Immortal Legacy yers dream of."


    "But the requirements are next to impossible."


    "Yes, crafting a Legendary-grade Item is just that-legendary. It''s seemingly impossible."


    "However, let''s not forget that many Advanced Rank Production ss yers are here today.


    I think it''s still within the realm of possibility."


    As the discussions continued, all eyes eventually refocused on Princess Alora, who had


    paused, allowing the crowd to quiet down once again.


    "Thete King ndorr of the Dissidia Kingdom once said that in our darkest times, someone


    will emerge who is destined to inherit his treasure," she began again.


    "He prophesied that a miracle would be revealed when that special person arrives at their destined moment," she continued.


    Hearing the name King ndorr, memories flooded over Broken. He instantly remembered something crucial. He had encountered King ndorr in the Trial Domain, even if it was just a


    fragment of the king''s soul.


    Knowing this fact made him smile slightly and sigh. If they only knew that thete King ndorr once asked Broken to kill his descendants, would they still revere him so much?

 Chapter 162: Chapter 162 - The Competition Begins

    Chapter 162: - The Competition Begins


    ?


    The crowd that gathered was abuzz with spection, each person trying to guess what the grand prize might be. It was said to have been prepared by thete King ndorr of the Dissidia Kingdom, thest Sloth Champion from the native Yunateans. His legend had been recounted countless times, and even now, many of Dissidia''s inhabitants still held his memory in reverence.


    "Aren''t you curious what sort of prize could be prepared by someone who''s no longer with us, Broken? Khi khi khi..." Goldrich, seated next to Broken, joined the lively discussion about the grand prize.


    Broken appeared to be lost in thought. Memories of King ndorr surfaced- a figure notorious for hisziness andck of preparation. Even the two S-rated quests King ndorr had given Broken came without any mention of rewards for theirpletion. Yet, despite the king''s infamous slothfulness, the rewards forpleting the trial domain had been tremendous. Perhaps ndorr''sziness was just part of his nature as the Sloth Champion, but ultimately, he could still be trusted to keep his promises. At least, that''s what Broken hoped.


    "King ndorr is a legend. Maybe it''s some legendary-grade item?" he mused.


    "Khi khi khi... sure, many would fight over something like that, but everyone knows crafting a legendary-grade item is no easy feat. Even a Master Rank cksmith can manage it only a handful of times." Goldrich nudged Broken yfully with his shoulder. "So, I hope you can work another miracle with your Master Rank cksmith ss, khi khi khi..."


    Broken remained silent, his face betraying no emotion in response to Goldrich''sment.


    Elincia, who had been listening to the exchange, chimed in, "So, are you certain that Broken is a Master Rank cksmith?"


    "Whatever the case, I just wanted to see his reaction. Khi khi khi... He''s so cute when he''s trying to hide something," Goldrich said, still amused.


    Broken then turned to Freya, "Freya, could I swap seats with you?"


    Freya nced to Broken''s right, where Goldrich was waving cheerfully. "No, thanks," she replied coolly.


    Princess Alora stood on the stage and continued her speech. "The fortunate individual who acquires the gift specially prepared by thete King ndorr will inherit a legacy so unique that it will only reveal itself to its rightful owner! This is a prize that cannot be forged or mistakenly given to anyone else."


    The audience erupted in thunderous apuse once more.


    Princess Alora went on, "With that said, I call upon all contestants toe down to the arena."


    She then gracefully returned to her seat.


    The massive arena at the center of the Colosseum had been meticulously prepared, with various workstations arranged for the different production sses participating in thepetition. Due to the sheer number of applicants, specific criteria had to be met for entry. These included demonstrating their Craftsmanship Rank and securing rmendations from key factions. Notably, The Ass Guild had provided a slot for Broken in the cksmithpetition and another for Toberry in the Alchemist contest.


    Responding to Princess Alora''s announcement, hundreds of contestants with participation tokens began descending from the spectator seats. They represented a diverse range of production sses and quickly formed lines in the arena ording to their assigned numbers. It was evident that the majority of the participants were yers-a sight that was unheard of before yers began entering this world.


    A host, dressed in regal attire and brimming with enthusiasm, took over the event to wee the crowd of participants.


    "Wee, everyone!" Morbit, the host, boomed with excitement. "I understand this may be a bit of an adjustment for all of you yers who have your own unique culture and ways of interacting. As a representative of the native Yunateans, I will be your host for this event. Rest assured, I will strive to learn how to bettermunicate and engage with you all. And not to worry I won''t be alone on this stage."


    From behind him emerged Max, an iconic yer known for her live-streaming channel of Immortal Legacy. She stepped onto the stage. "Good morning, everyone!" Max greeted the crowd, drawing cheers from the audience.


    She shed them a wide grin before turning to Morbit and nodding confidently. "Alright Morbit, I''m so proud to be the host of this big event. And what do you think about the hype and everything? I want to hear more from your perspective as a native of Yunatea."


    Princess Alora sat regally upon her golden throne, observing the grand event now being handled by the two enthusiastic hosts. Her gaze, however, swept across the contestants. True to her expectations, the person she had been searching for was indeed among them.


    "He is the one Elincia brought..." she said to her knight, "There are a few matters I wish to discuss with him," her voice clear yet measured.


    Lionell, the knight standing beside her, bowed his head respectfully. "Your Highness, shall I extend your regards to him?"


    "No, not yet," Alora murmured thoughtfully. "I hope he performs well in this event. I owe him an apology since that day. But it''s surprising that he is also a cksmith; it seems I have yet to fully grasp his potential."


    "But Your Highness, is it possible for someone skilled inbat to also excel in a production ss?" Lionell inquired.


    "Nothing is impossible, especially for these yers who have capabilities that differ from ours. Thispetition will give us a chance to gauge the extent of his abilities. Beyond his spirit beast, his production ss, and his unique skills, I hope he can reveal even more." "Are you so certain about this man, Your Highness? Isn''t he just like any other yer?" Lionell persisted.


    "I can''t say for sure yet... but I believe those questions will be answered in thispetition,"


    she replied.


    Morbit and Max stood in the center of the stage, their faces alight with anticipation. They were ready to outline the rules for that day''s match to the eager participants.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "For this initial round," Morbit began, his voice strong and confident, "everyone will have the opportunity to craft whatever they desire. You will have a maximum of 48 hours toplete your work, plus an additional 4 hours for breaks. So, in total, you have 52 hours. After all, you can''t stay in this world indefinitely, haha!"


    He chuckled before continuing, "Some might think this gives an unfair advantage to the native Yunateans, but rest assured, everyone needs rest. So, make the most of your time." Max took over, her enthusiasm evident as she surveyed the gathered contestants. "Everyone should ensure they work as efficiently as possible; time is of the essence! We already have some impressive entrants, so don''t let yourselves fall behind."


    Morbit fixed his gaze on the hopeful faces in the crowd and spoke once more. "Remember, the judges will determine who is worthy to proceed to the next round. From all of you who submit your work, only the top 5 from each category will advance. Keep in mind, you have only one chance to craft the item you want to present-so make sure it''s of excellent quality!"


    Max added, "Yes, quality over quantity. An aplished crafter is not someone who relies on luck alone but someone who has trained extensively to hone their skill and talent to create something exceptional."


    Morbit nodded approvingly. Looking at the eager faces, he concluded, "So, don''t be afraid to give it your all, and remember that you can always exceed your best."


    The royal servants bustled with activity, setting up anvils, hammers, and tongs to be used by thepetitors. One corner was stocked with an array of raw materials-wood, iron, stone, y, and more¡ªawaiting their transformation by masterful hands.


    Max, brimming with energy, added, "I want to remind everyone once more¡ªthe quality of your result and the level of challenge you take on in your craft are crucial! Everything will be taken into consideration, so be sure to choose and decide wisely on what item you will work on in this short amount of time. Good luck to everyone."


    Morbit followed swiftly, "The first round begins now!"


    With that final deration, thepetitors gathered at their designated workstations. The air was thick with anticipation. As the royal bell rang out with a resounding chime, the grand event officiallymenced.


    Who would win the grand prize? Many would strive for it, but only one would ultimately


    im victory.

 Chapter 163: Chapter 163 - The Titanium Controversy

    Chapter 163: - The Titanium Controversy


    ?


    The Dissidia Kingdom''s Grand Event was broadcast widely on television and live-streamed, captivating viewers around the globe. The audience was particrly entranced by the event''s opening, where Princess Alora made her grand entrance. She appeared like a figure from a fairy tale, exuding charm and elegance, her beauty far surpassing her usual formidable battle-d image.


    "Princess Alora is definitely my dream. I would do anything for her-even if it means dying for her."


    "It''s incredible; she is so perfect. The visuals of this game are so stunningly beautiful that it''s almost unbelievable to think it could create a character like this."


    "I would give anything to touch her skin, or just to be her humble servant."


    "She is stunningly beautiful, a blend of human and elf. In the Human Kingdom, she stands out as the Crown Princess. She is a true inspiration, known for her bravery and worth."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "I love her, I love her, I love her, I love her!!!"


    "I want to buy more of her merchandise. I want to collect every piece of merchandise created for her. Please, Golden Age, release more merchandise about her! Take all of my money." "She is so perfect! I feel likeing to thepetition just to see Princess Alora in person!" "I think Princess Alora is the most perfect character in Immortal Legacy."


    On the screen, Morbit and Max could be seen walking among the contestants, clearly on the lookout for someone to interview.


    "Do you know who''s with us this time?" Max asked, her face radiating excitement.


    "Of course, everyone should be aware," Morbit replied with a knowing smile.


    At that moment, the renowned cksmith known as Lanceshot appeared before them.


    "Mr. Lanceshot!" Max eximed, eliciting loud cheers from both the Immortal Legacy yers and those watching from the real world.


    Max nodded enthusiastically, "As many of you know, he is the top-ranked cksmith: Advanced Rank Level 9! He''s been honing his cksmithing skills since the game wasunched to the public, and his aplishments speak volumes. He is well-known and respected by many."


    Morbit continued, "Given Mr. Lanceshot''s great reputation, I''m curious to hear his thoughts on this grand event and his hopes for thepetition."


    Lanceshot replied confidently, "This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase my cksmithing skills to the world. Even though I''m already well-known, I''m determined to give it my all in thispetition. I aim to ensure my work is of the highest possible quality so that no one else canpete with me. I''m sure I''ll win the grand prize!"


    Apuse and cheers erupted in response to Lanceshot''s bold deration, with severalpliments and admiration pouring in from all around.


    With a cheerful face, Max said, "Oh, you sure are very humble and confident, Mr. Lanceshot." As the apuse began to fade, Morbit resumed, "Mr. Lanceshot, can you provide some insight to inspire other cksmiths on how to reach a high level in the craft?"


    "Absolutely," Lanceshot replied. "My secret is to never take the easy route when crafting a weapon. Using automated crafting features may get you the item quickly, but the quality will be inferior. A true cksmith puts in the hard work, toiling diligently to create an item with high levels of tenacity and precision. This, along with natural talent, is what''s required to reach a high level. Of course, not everyone is born with the same aptitude-that''s why no one has surpassed me yet, hahaha."


    The audience erupted in apuse and praise for Lanceshot from all corners of the world, his confidence and expertise clearly resonating with them all.


    Broken had been pondering what item he should craft for some time when he finally recalled a blueprint he had received from Fokil a while back when he had sessfully crafted his first Glove.


    [Royal Hammer Blueprint]


    [Grade: Rare ~ Unique]


    [The perfect tool for any cksmith looking to make a statement. With its luxurious golden handle and signature red velvet cushion, it''s sure to bring a touch of royalty to the smithy. Plus, its titanium head is guaranteed to make your hammering work easier and more efficient! Start hammering like a king today!]


    [To craft this item, you will need steel, a specific amount of titanium, a high-quality monster bone, and a high-quality monster hide.]


    [Crafting this item requires the skill of an Advanced cksmith.]


    "Royal Hammer?" Broken muttered under his breath. Nodding slowly, he added, "From the materials needed, it doesn''t seem too difficult. The organizers have provided steel and titanium, and I have some bones and hides from the monsters I''ve killed so far. Luckily, I didn''t sell all the items I acquired from hunting."


    He felt particrly interested in crafting this hammer because it would be essential for the next round. With such a tool, his chances of creating higher-grade equipment would greatly improve.


    He joined the queue, weaving through the bustling crowd of aspiring craftsmen. As he got closer, he noticed a scowling figure standing guard at the counter-the cksmith assigned to ensure that no one took more than their fair share of materials.


    "I need steel and titanium," Broken said firmly.


    The words had barely left his lips before shock registered on the cksmith''s face.


    "What? Titanium? What kind of joke is this? You can''t just ask for titanium in the first round! Do you really think you''re worthy of such prestigious materials? I doubt it; even famous cksmiths wouldn''t dare."


    The cksmith then grudgingly threw three steel bars at Broken. "Take these and get out of here!"


    "I heard all the items here are free for us to use, and I''m not breaking any rules," Broken


    stated.


    "Move along! There are many others waiting in line! Get out!" the cksmith barked.


    A voice from the back of the line shouted, "Hey! Hurry up, you''re holding up the queue!"


    Another person chimed in, "Asshole! Get out of here quickly!"


    "Your selfishness will ruin it for everyone in this line!"


    "Don''t waste our time."


    An agitated individual ran up to Broken, pointing a finger at him. "Lose the attitude and move now, or I''ll deal with you myself. We can''t let one person disrupt the entire line. Do you


    understand?"


    However, Broken remained calm and unbothered by theints around him, his focus steady on the cksmith guarding the counter. "I want the titanium," he stated. "I''m not breaking any rules, and I have every right to use the material for my crafting."


    The cksmith''s face twisted in frustration at Broken''s stubbornness. "I suggest you leave before I lose my patiencepletely!" he growled. "I''ll call the guards and have you disqualified from thepetition. You''re not even worth anyone''s attention!"


    Broken stood his ground. "All I''m asking for is a few titanium bars-something that''s avable to me. Once I get them, I''ll leave. Until then, I won''t budge."


    The crowd''s anger was reaching a fever pitch, and people started shouting in frustration. The situation was quickly getting out of hand.


    Suddenly, a powerful voice echoed through the chaos. "Asking for titanium in the first round isn''t against the rules. Let him have the titanium bars!"


    Everyone''s heads whipped around toward the voice, and they immediately stiffened when


    they saw who had spoken.

 Chapter 164: Chapter 164 - The Grand Cross Intervention

    Chapter 164: - The Grand Cross Intervention


    ?


    At the sound of themanding voice, all eyes turned to Lionell, the Knight Grand Cross. Standing at an intimidating 2.2 meters (7.5 feet) tall, Lionell''s mere presence demanded respect and sent shivers down spines. As Princess Alora''s personal bodyguard, his clear voice cut through the tension, carrying a hint of menace. It was easy to see why he was so feared; it took real courage and undeniable strength to face him.


    "Give him the titanium bars," Lionell said firmly.


    "But, Sir Lionell, a titanium bar is a valuable material. It''s impossible to craft anything significant with it in just 48 hours. It will be wasted, and someone else might use it more wisely, especially since he might not even make it to the second round," the cksmith protested.


    "There are no rules stating otherwise, or are you nning to tarnish thispetition with your baseless reasoning?" Lionell retorted.


    "Yes, Sir Lionell... that''s my fault," the cksmith conceded, trembling as he ced a few titanium bars into Broken''s hands, seemingly terrified of what Lionell might do if he did notply.


    Broken epted the titanium bars without hesitation, offering a slight bow in gratitude before turning to regard the imposing figure. "Thanks, Sir Lionell," he said and then walked


    away.


    Lionell then turned and walked away, his imposing presence still lingering in the minds of those who had witnessed the scene. Many remained frozen in ce, processing the encounter with the formidable Knight Grand Cross.


    Broken walked back to his workstation, carrying all the necessary materials. He couldn''t help but reflect on the events.


    "I didn''t notice Lionell when I first met Princess Alora," he muttered to himself. "But it seems he''s quite strong, judging by the distinctive armor he wears."


    He remembered Freya''s tales about Princess Alora''s incredible strength, especially her two Knight Grand Cross bodyguards. These knights, he recalled, were just one rank below the elite Imperial Knights, who guarded the king. Their numbers were so limited that even in a vast kingdom like Dissidia, you could count them on one hand.


    Compared to yers, the Knight Grand Cross could likely be equated to those above level 200, with enhanced stats, high-grade sses, and perhaps even unique-grade sses.


    The hierarchy of knights is a carefully structured system reflecting different levels of experience, skill, and responsibility. It isposed of several distinct grades: Page Knight, Squire Knight, Knight Bachelor (standard Knight), Knight Commander, Knight Grand Cross, and at the highest echelon, Imperial Knight.


    Page Knights, the youngest of the ranks, are typically aged 8-15. They serve as apprentices to seasoned knights, learning the basics of knighthood such as horsemanship, weaponry, and court etiquette.


    Squire Knights, generally aged 16-20, build upon this foundational knowledge. They take on more involved knightly duties, such as guarding castles, escorting nobles, and apanying their knightly mentors on various adventures.


    Once a squire has proven himself to be a capable knight, he can be knighted as a Knight Bachelor or simply a Knight. These knights take on the critical responsibility of protectingnds and manors, operating as the backbone of their respective domains.


    The next rank is Knight Commander, who bears greater prestige and is tasked with leading armies into battle and serving as personal advisors to their lords ordies.


    Ascending higher, the rank of Knight Grand Cross is the embodiment of knighthood''s pinnacle. They are entrusted with the most crucial assignments, such as leadingrge armies, undertaking special missions, overseeing the construction of fortifications, and serving as personal bodyguards to their lord ordy.


    At the apex of the hierarchy stand the Imperial Knights, the most powerful and revered. These knights lead entire armies into battle, govern vast tracts ofnd, and act as the right hand of their lord ordy. They are expected to be the ultimate embodiment of knighthood, and their word isw. The more Imperial Knights a kingdom possesses, the stronger and more powerful it is perceived to be.


    The Kingdom of Dissidia was proud to host two Imperial Knights and five Knight Grand Cross, each admired and respected for their unmatched strength and heroic feats. Even though Lionell was a Knight Grand Cross, his skills already outshone those of the top five yers in Immortal Legacy¡ªa testament to the power of a high-tier knight. Rumor had it that an Imperial Knight could single-handedly take down thirty top Immortal Legacy yers. However, there was one major drawback for these formidable knights: they could die, while yers had the advantage of respawning upon death.


    "The Dissidia Kingdom is the most powerful kingdom in the Southern Continent. But I fear their strength might not be enough whenpared to kingdoms in other continents, especially when ites to High-Elves and possibly Demons," Broken thought. He understood that this issue was far beyond his current concern and focus.


    Broken immediately refocused on his work; he had to finish the Royal Hammer within the allotted 52 hours. It was a daunting task, given the limited time. He knew that if he worked non-stop and maintained high concentration, he could achieve his target.


    He quickly got to work, pouring all his focus into the task at hand. "Fortunately," he muttered with a slight smile, "all the materials provided are already processed-smelted and ready. This will save a considerable amount of time. However, the quality of the materials is low- grade." Pausing for a moment, he continued, "But I can''tin because everyone has the same disadvantage."


    As he began his task, everything around him seemed to blur. It felt like he was working alone in his own world, his attention solely on the project before him.


    "Whoa... looks like there''s been quite a bit of excitement here," Max eximed as she noticed Knight Grand Cross Lionell descending onto the arena. "How about we find out what happened?"


    The duo walked closer to the area where materials were being distributed to the participants.


    "Sir Lionell really descended into the arena to ensure today''spetition runs smoothly," Morbitmented. "He is highly respected in the Dissidia Kingdom. His dedication isn/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    remarkable."


    Morbit and Max then approached Broken, who had recently caused quite a stir in the


    material-picking queue.


    "Why don''t we interview someone who certainly caused quite amotion at the start of thispetition," Morbit suggested with a chuckle.


    "Sure," Max replied enthusiastically. "You never know, we might discover a dark horse with a great performance in thispetition." She nced around, feeling the excitement in the atmosphere. "All these faces are quite impressive."


    "Broken," Morbit began, "can you tell us what kind of item you are working on?"


    But Broken was so engrossed in his work that Morbit''s question seemed to go unheard. Max spoke up. "I think he''s very focused; I bet he''s working on something really big?" Broken raised his face and noticed the two hosts, who seemed overly cheerful and had inadvertently disrupted his focus. Why don''t they just leave? he thought to himself.


    "Do you have time for a little interview?" Morbit asked.


    Broken slowly shook his head. "Sorry, but I really don''t think I''m suitable for that sort of


    interview. Let me get back to my work." With that, he refocused on his task.


    "Oh, sure," Morbit said, "you can continue your work without any distractions."


    The two hosts then walked away from Broken. "I''m really amazed by some people who are somitted to their work," Morbit remarked.


    Max nodded in agreement. "Yes, everyone is trying to secure those five crucial spots to advance to the second round, so I''m sure they''re all working really hard and giving their


    best."


    Almost immediately, a barrage of negativements exploded during the livestream, condemning Broken''s behavior for refusing the interview.


    "What makes him think he''s so important? He''s not even famous!"


    "What a joke! You can tell he''s an amateur just by looking at his face."


    "Someone should tell this guy toe down from his high horse!" "Acting like he''s too good for an interview? Yeah, that''ll get him somewhere..."


    "Give me a break! He''s obviously not worth interviewing."


    "Another one thinking they''re too good for the rest of us!"


    "Just because you don''t want an interview doesn''t mean you''re better than everyone else!"


    "If he thinks he''s so great, why doesn''t he just win a prize and shut up?"


    "This guy has no idea what he''s talking about. Clearly an amateur."


    "What an arrogant jerk! He won''t win any prizes for sure."

 Chapter 165: Chapter 165 - Ivanas Determined Plea

    Chapter 165: - Ivana''s Determined Plea


    ?


    The first round of thepetition seemed to drag on forever, taking an exhausting two days to finish. Despite the lengthy duration, some devoted spectators remained in their seats throughout the entire event, while others took shifts, exchanging ces with friends at regr intervals. By the end, only those connected to thepeting participants and the most dedicated spectators stayed.


    The participants had ess to a secluded dining area, specifically allocated for their needs, where they were presented with gourmet dishes prepared by renowned chefs. Somepetitors began to spend more time indulging in the delightful cuisine than working on their creations, apparently epting that their chances of winning had dwindled.


    "I''m done here," one of them joked with a lightheartedugh. "Might as well enjoy this delicious food while I still can before I''m out of thepetition!"


    As thepetition entered its second day, there was one person who seemed utterly determined to keep going, despite the evident exhaustion of those around him. He worked tirelessly, never taking a break, not even for a moment, even though he had earned the right and the need to do so.


    All eyes were on him as he continued to astound those present with his relentless concentration and remarkable speed. It was incredible to see that he did not appear the least bit tired, as if propelled by an invisible energy.


    And that person was Broken.


    Several people intentionally walked by Broken, hurling snide remarks and attempting to provoke him.


    "No matter how hard you try, you''ll never make it. Haha..."


    The guards stationed around the arena seemed indifferent to such minor disruptions, given therge number of contestants. As long as it didn''t escte into chaos, it was left unchecked. In the seats of The Ass Guild members, someone stood with a face twisted in irritation. "They are all assholes!" Booba bellowed from his chair. "I want to go down there and beat them all! I know they''re trying to provoke Broken."


    "If you create such a mess, do you honestly believe..." Elincia said sternly, "that you have the capability to take on those knights with your current abilities and level?"


    Booba sunk back into his chair, still seething. "Those knights should show some courage and put a stop to this injustice," he said. "They''re only getting in the way of his work!"


    Elincia turned toward Goldrich and Maylock. "Do you know what item Broken is crafting right now?" she asked them.


    Maylock smiled faintly as he replied, "He''s crafting something with steel and titanium materials. It looks like it''s supposed to be an Advanced Rank cksmith item." His smile grew a little wider as he continued, "He never backs away from a challenge, no matter how tough it might be. I''m starting to wonder if he has any fear at all."


    "Khi khi khi..." Goldrich chuckled. "From what I observe, he is crafting a hammer. A hammer for forging, and I must apud his decision. He seems confident he''ll advance to the second round."


    "Yes," Maylock added. "I''m sure it''s a special hammer that will definitely aid him in the next round, possibly increasing his chances of producing higher-grade items."


    "But that''s only if he qualifies for the next round, right?" Elincia asked. "Wouldn''t it take a long time to craft something like that? Will he make it?"


    "He sure will!" Booba interrupted passionately. "He will! I trust him 1000%, hahaha!" However, there was something else weighing heavily on Ivana''s mind. Her heart ached as she gazed upon Broken in the distance, who hadn''t eaten for thest 24 hours. She turned to Freya and said, "Broken hasn''t eaten in 24 hours. Can we help him get some food like we usually do? It would restore his stamina and boost his performance."


    Freya looked up at her, her lips tight. "Yes... but... we can''t go onto the arena floor. If we try, the knights will kick us out."


    Ivana frowned, shaking her head. "But Broken needs to eat, or else his stamina will deplete," she insisted.


    Maylock chimed in, "I''ve heard stories about him working non-stop like this, but what I''m seeing now is beyond reason."


    Goldrich added, "It''s one thing to skip meals for eight hours in the real world, but he''s gone over 24 hours in-game without eating. Yet somehow, his concentration and focus remain unshaken. Khi khi khi."


    Booba suddenly stood up and shouted, "Broken!!!" His face was full of desperation. "You need to eat something, even just a little, or you''ll copse!"


    Elincia let out an exasperated groan. "So stupid and embarrassing, you idiot Booba!" Sheined, rolling her eyes. "Do you really think Broken will hear you? Why don''t you just leave, you fool?"


    Ivana''s face brightened with determination. "I''ll go there!"


    Freya immediately grabbed her wrist in agreement, and the two of them, apanied by Booba, hurried down the stands.


    The three quickened their steps toward therge arena, where they were met by royal troops. "We need to see our friend. He hasn''t eaten in 24 hours," Freya pleaded with the royal troop. "No one is allowed to enter except the contestants," the royal troop replied sternly. "Hey, you!" Booba began to shout, but Freya quickly pulled him back, pushing him behind her.


    "Can you shut up, Booba! Don''t make a scene that might put Broken in trouble!" she warned him firmly.


    "We need to check on our friend," Ivana insisted. "He''s been working non-stop for 24 hours without a break. I just want to make sure he''s okay."


    The guard eyed them cautiously before responding, "Even so, no one will starve because we''ve prepared plenty of food for the participants."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Morbit and Max, who had been observing from a distance, walked over curiously to see what


    was happening.


    "Is there anything interesting happening here? I sense something intriguing," Morbit remarked.


    "Yeah...," Max replied. "I can''t believe what I''m seeing. You guys are going to love it once you find out."


    Hearing themotion, several spectators turned their heads, their attention piqued by the unusual scene. As the royal troop maintained their firm stance, Freya, Ivana, and Booba did their best to keep theirposure, knowing that any further disturbance could jeopardize Broken''s chances in thepetition.


    "Please, there must be something you can do," Freya said. "We just want to make sure he''s alright."


    When Morbit and Max reached Freya and the others, Ivana''s face appeared on the camera, which was broadcast to millions of viewers outside the game, creating an outpouring of


    admiration and praise.


    "Who is she?"


    "She is absolutely beautiful!"


    "Wow, who is that beautiful girl?"


    "She''s so captivating, I can''t take my eyes off her!"


    "That girl must be a real beauty! Her charm is mesmerizing!"


    "She is a special NPC?"


    "Ivana? Who is Ivana? Is she important?"


    "Can someone please tell me her background? Is she from a royal family?"


    "Damn... she is unrealistically beautiful... and she''s just wearing regr clothes? Like a local


    viger? Could she be hiding her true identity?"


    Thements came in a flood, each one expressing more curiosity and admiration than thest. The unexpected spotlight on Ivana added an intriguing twist to the situation, drawing


    even more attention to their plight.


    Max slowly stepped towards Ivana, her brows furrowed in curiosity. "What could have brought you here? I''m sure your mere presence is enough to captivate the audience," she said. Ivana smiled gently and gave a slight bow. "My friend has been working for over 24 hours without a break or any food. I want to help him eat something, because otherwise, he won''t get the rest he needs until his work is done."


    Max was silent for a moment, her eyes wide with amazement as Ivana told the story. "Are you


    serious?" she eximed in shock, turning to the camera and addressing the viewers. "Is there actually someone here today who is worthy of such an honor from a special NPC as beautiful as her? Are you all curious to know who this person might be?"


    She paused, allowing the viewers a moment to ponder the question before continuing, "I''m sure by now all of you must be wondering who exactly this beautiful girl, Ivana, is referring


    to."


    Max then turned her attention back to Ivana. "Can you enlighten me with this person''s name so I can pass it along to themittee?"


    Ivana nodded slowly, her lips curling into a gentle smile. "Yes... He is," she said, letting the


    anticipation build.

 Chapter 166: Chapter 166 - Ivana’s Touching Gesture

    Chapter 166: - Ivana¡¯s Touching Gesture


    ?


    "He is Broken," Ivana answered Max''s inquiry.


    "Broken?" Max responded, a bit taken aback. "Isn''t that the yer who refused our interview yesterday?"


    "Yes, Max, I think we''re talking about the same person," Morbit chimed in.


    Lionell, the Knight Grand Cross, approached Morbit, Max, and the others. His towering


    presence instantlymanded respect from everyone around him.


    "I appreciate the hard work done by the contestant named Broken," Lionell said. "I will only allow one person to approach him. I will also escort them myself to ensure there is no cheating and the other contestants are not disturbed."


    Ivana smiled gratefully at Lionell''s kindness and bowed slightly. "Thank you, Sir Lionell," she said.


    "See," Morbit replied. "I think we have the permission we need. Ivana will be able to meet the yer named Broken."


    Max then added, "Let''s apany Ivana to meet her Prince Charming. We are sure to witness a touching moment between a yer and an NPC, showcasing a unique bond that could only happen in Immortal Legacy."


    With that, Morbit, Max, and Ivana made their way to the center of the arena, with Lionell escorting them from behind. As they moved closer to Broken, the anticipation grew. Viewers watching the broadcast felt the tension and excitement, eager to see what would unfold in this unique scenario.


    Ivana approached Broken, sensing that he was deeply absorbed in his work. She didn''t want to disturb him but couldn''t resist sharing some food. As she opened her wooden bag, the delicious aroma filled the air.


    "Broken..." Ivana called gently, trying not to startle him.


    Slowly, Broken lifted his head from his forging tool. His eyes met hers, and he gradually slowed his pace until he stoppedpletely. He noticed the others around him, including the two enthusiastic hosts and Knight Lionell.


    "Ivana... What are you doing here?" he asked quietly.


    "You need to eat," Ivana replied softly, her words touching him deeply.


    Broken nced at the time on his system and realized how long he had been engrossed in his work. "Have I really been working for that long?" he mused. He had been so focused, determined to make the most of the limited time, that he lost track of everything else.


    "I guess I overdid it," he chuckled.


    "Isn''t that what you always do?" she teased, her smile softening her words.


    He returned her smile. "Yeah, I suppose you''re right."


    Ivana gave a quick nod. "Freya mentioned you should log out soon. Your body out there needs some food too, doesn''t it?"


    "Yes, I''ll log out briefly after this. I can already feel the hunger pangs," he said with a smile. "Let me help you," Ivana offered, preparing the food for him.


    Broken was silent for a moment, feeling overwhelmed by her kindness. "I can do it myself."


    Ivana shook her head. "Let me help you a little."


    As Ivana set up the food, Broken took a forkful of spaghetti and brought it to his virtual mouth.


    "I love it," he said, savoring the vors.


    "You never seem to get tired of saying how good the food is, do you?" she said, giggling.


    "I''ll always dly tell you how delicious your cooking is, feeling grateful I get to taste such amazing food."


    Ivana giggled at his words. "Thanks..."


    They sat together,municating with fewer words. The presence of others around them faded into the background, leaving just the two of them in their own moment.


    Max''s face lit up with uncontainable excitement as she turned toward the camera, her eyes sparkling with joy.


    "You''re not going to believe this! This is the most stunning thing I''ve witnessed since ying Immortal Legacy," she eximed passionately.


    "Can you see how love can blossom, even when you''re a yer and your partner is an NPC? I''m curious-has anyone else experienced something simr? Please, share your romantic tales from the game, whether they involve another yer or an NPC!"


    Almost instantly, thements poured in, flooding the inte from all corners.


    "This is absolute nonsense!"


    "Seriously, it''s all just programming. There''s no way that guy, Broken, could ever attract someone as stunning as that Special NPC."


    "Are they for real? This is just ridiculous!"


    "But wait, isn''t Broken the one who joined the raid battle with The Ass Guild a few weeks back?"


    "Yeah, I remember him! He was fighting with both a sword and a bow."


    "This is getting stranger by the minute-could Broken really have multiple sses? It''s hard to believe!"


    "I''ve actually seen Broken and Ivana together in rio town before. I''m pretty sure there''s something real between them."


    "But honestly, if they keep pulling stunts like this, I''m tuning out for good!"


    "That Ivana girl is so beautiful-I''d totally make her my waifu!"


    ***


    Leon slowly opened his eyes and emerged from the capsule device, his stomach growling loudly after sixteen straight hours inside the game. He desperately needed something to eat. He walked out of his room and found Lily chatting animatedly with Freya in the living room. They were both engrossed in watching a grand event from The Dissidia Kingdom projected on


    the TV screen.


    "Oh, Leon, you''re finally up!" Lily eximed with a cheerful smile. "I''m seeing it now with my own eyes-all those beautiful women in your game who are falling for you... I don''t know who to pick! Ivana is so kind and cute, but Princess Alora is stunning and so cool."


    Leon gave her an exhausted look, taking a deep breath to steady himself from the fatigue. "Don''t pay too much attention to what Freya says," he warned, his voice even. "She has a tendency to exaggerate things sometimes."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Freya burst intoughter. "Leon, I''m just giving her more details about what happened in the game. And it''s all being broadcast live across many channels, you know... you''re quite


    famous, Broken."


    Lily giggled in agreement. "Yes, he''s very famous, although plenty of people are still jealous of what he''s achieved in the game."


    "Yeah, who would have thought? Someone who isn''t all that popr in real life can be close to such beautiful women in a game," Freya added, giggling as well.


    The three of them moved to the dining room, with Freya and Lily apanying Leon as he dug into histe-night dinner. He ate with an immense appetite as if he hadn''t had a meal in


    days.


    "Lily," Freya said with a sly smirk, watching Leon devour his te of food, "do you understand now why he''s morefortable in the game than in reality?"


    "Completely," Lily replied, bursting intoughter. "In the virtual realm, beautiful women


    feed him, but here, he has to fend for himself."


    "Yes, Lily," Freya responded, her tone cheeky. "And you should see Leon''s face when he''s


    being pampered by Ivana..."


    Lily shook her head, amused. "What a yer he is!"


    Leon looked up from his te, leaning back in his seat. "Why don''t you feed me here too, Freya? After all, you''re my special assistant, right?"


    Freyaughed, responding in the same teasing tone, "Oh really, Leon... I wouldn''t mind. But if I do feed you, you might have to take responsibility if I end up falling for you from all this


    intimacy."


    "Yes, Leon," Lily chimed in. "You really shouldn''t toy with a woman''s feelings like that, you


    know."


    Clearing his throat, Leon replied, "It''s just feeding food. You two certainly seem to enjoy watching me being fed, right?"

 Chapter 167: Chapter 167 - Leon’s Relentless Routine

    Chapter 167: - Leon¡¯s Relentless Routine


    ?


    Leon quickly changed his clothes and dashed out of the hotel, knowing Alfred was already waiting for him. He had a Muay Thai training session scheduled for the evening.


    For this session, Leon had purposely booked a flexible slot, as his unpredictable schedule often revolved around the time he spent immersed in his virtual game world. Even though this arrangement cost him more, it was well worth it, as it allowed him to maintain his diverse training routines without any constraints.


    Arriving promptly at the Martial Arts Center, Leon met up with his Muay Thai trainer, who greeted him with a broad smile.


    "Are you ready, Leon? Hahaha... I heard you just logged out of the game, huh? Saw you on TV earlier," the trainer remarked.


    Leon simply grinned in response. "I''ve only got two hours for this, sir. I hope I can make the most of it."


    "Hahaha, two hours is plenty for a session like this, Leon. You might just pass out after that long, but let''s see your fierce determination, Leon. Hahaha," the trainer said enthusiastically. Without wasting any time, Leon removed his t-shirt, pulled on his training shorts, and strapped on his boxing gloves. He began with a warm-up, running on the treadmill at an increasingly faster pace. His heart pounded in his chest, and he could feel the cells in his body jolting awake after being dormant for hours inside the capsule device.


    "Let''s go, Leon... push harder, push harder!" The trainer encouraged him.


    Leon quickened his pace, feeling the sweat begin to seep through his body.


    He continued his workout by targeting his core strength, performing sit-ups repeatedly while the trainer''s fists pounded against his abdomen. "Hold it, Leon, hold it."


    This was an incredibly grueling exercise, yet he forced himself to endure. Despite feeling as if his body might break from the strain, Leon pushed through, determined to get ustomed to the rigorous routine.


    The training session pressed on with a round of skipping rope. Leon truly pushed himself to his limits, driven by his resolve. The trainer watched him with a grin, impressed by Leon''s relentless effort.


    "You sure are pushing yourself hard, huh... I want to see just how far you can go, Leon!" the trainer said, his voice filled with a stern challenge.


    "I''ll survive and fight!" Leon responded.


    "Hahaha, I love that spirit," the trainer replied, clearly enjoying Leon''s grit.


    The session continued, transitioning to punching and kicking drills. The trainer wore protective gear and held kick pads, while Leonunched a relentless series of punches and kicks with intense vigor.


    He could feel his body urging him to stop, almost as if it were trying to shut down from the exertion. But Leon knew he had to push past his limits. He couldn''t see any other way to grow stronger than to push himself through such taxing routines.


    "Come on Leon, push it, push it! I know you can!" The trainer''s words spurred him on.


    Leon hadmitted to spending two hours training, but time seemed to stretch endlessly, each second dragging by with the intensity of the program. He felt his vision start to blur with exhaustion.


    "I won''t let you give up, Leon... push harder! Push harder, Leon!" the trainer urged.


    Leon continued kicking and punching, his effort punctuated by grunts and shouts with every strike.


    "Where''s the strength, Leon? Hit harder, hit harder, kick harder!" the trainermanded firmly.


    With each punch, Leon felt his body teeter on the brink of copse. Onest kick sent him sprawling backward from his own force. Hey on the floor, gasping for breath, his body seemingly unable to rise again.


    The trainer stood over him with a grin. "Leon?" he called, extending a hand.


    Leon grasped his trainer''s hand and pulled himself back to his feet. Despite the dizziness and the sweat pouring off him, he forced a smile onto his face.


    "Leon?"


    "I''m not going to stop until I pass out, sir," Leon replied with a defiant grin.


    "Hahaha... don''t just talk big, Leon! Show it to me!" The trainer challenged, and the session continued.


    Ultimately, Leon couldn''tplete his two-hour goal, copsing twenty minutes short. Hey sprawled on the floor, while the trainerughed and sat beside him.


    "Nice effort, Leon... take your break. This is just the beginning; you still have plenty of time."


    Leon sat up, still weak and breathless. "Thanks, sir."


    The trainer gestured towards the entrance. "Your girlfriend is waiting for you."


    Leon turned and saw Freya waving at him.


    "Hey, Mr. Fighter, I''vee to pick you up," she said, giggling.


    The trainer grinned and patted Leon on the shoulder. "Go on, talk to her. We''ll meet again next time."


    With the trainer''s help, Leon managed to stand. A few minutester, he left the training center, utterly exhausted but filled with a sense of aplishment.


    In the car, Leon sat slouched, teetering on the edge of consciousness from the exhaustion coursing through his body. He found a strangefort in the soothing music and the sound of Freya''sughter mocking his hard work.


    "What drives you to push yourself so hard, you training maniac? Look at you-do you think you can just bounce back with a quick recovery drink?" she teased.


    "I want to do more... achieve more..." he murmured softly.


    "Take it easy, Mr. Gentleman," she said. "You still have to log back into the game after this. Are you sure you''re not going to drop dead on me?"


    Leon opened his eyes, took a sip of water from his bottle, and smiled again. Despite his exhaustion, his blood was pumping, and a warm sensation spread through his body thanks to the intense workout. He was fatigued but found a certain joy in the feeling.


    "Just a little more time and I''llplete the hammer. Freya, I''m confident it will be of the


    highest possible grade," he said, his voice filled with excitement.


    Freya smiled and sped up the car slightly. "You better treat me to dinner tomorrow for picking


    you up from the training center."


    "You could just say you want a dinner date with me, no need for excuses."


    "Shut up, or I''ll punch you, and you won''t be able to fight back!" she said firmly, then burst


    into giggles.


    ***


    Nearly fifty hours had passed, and several cksmiths had alreadypleted their masterpieces, striving to secure the top five ranking positions. The temporary champions waited anxiously, their breaths held in anticipation of the remaining participants''


    completions.


    Everyone else watched with impatience, their eyes glued to the slowly ticking clock, knowing


    there was still one person yet to finish his craft.


    "Ah, Broken? Again?"


    "Why does he always cause such amotion?"


    "I think thepetition''s over already. We can dere the winner of the first round and stop waiting for one person to finish their project," another suggested.


    "I agree," snorted another smith. "There''s no point in waiting around when we already know who the victor is. This is aplete waste of our time and energy. I''m exhausted and just want to go home, take a break, and get some rest."


    "Yes," several others chimed in. "We are the top five cksmiths in thispetition. It''s impossible for anyone to surpass us now."


    As the group grumbled and voiced their grievances, they were reminded that they still had to wait at least two more hours until the official time limit expired or until Broken finished his


    crafting.


    Elincia''s face was etched with worry as she turned to Maylock. "He will finish his item crafting


    on time, won''t he?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Maylock sighed deeply, crossing his arms. "If I were in his position," he said, shaking his


    head, "I might have given up already. This is beyond anything I predicted; the risk he''s taking is too high. Who knows what will happen, though?"


    Goldrich shrugged his shoulders. "This is Broken we''re talking about," he said confidently. "I think he''ll be able to achieve something that will shock us all."


    Skywarden scoffed. "You must be dreaming, Goldrich!" he spat, shaking his head. "He''ll


    surely fail this time."


    "Even if he does fail," Jovina added, "I still admire him for having the courage to take on such


    a challenge. Crafting an item asplex as this within such a limited time? He''s amazing!


    Hahaha."


    Ivana and Freya exchanged nervous nces from where they sat, both silently hoping for the best oue that day.

 Chapter 168: Chapter 168 - Shocking First Round Finish

    Chapter 168: - Shocking First Round Finish


    ?


    Morbit and Max couldn''t hide their excitement, their faces alight with enthusiasm as they stood among the top five cksmiths who had achieved outstanding results in the first round of thepetition. Their eyes glinted with pride, knowing this achievement marked a significant step in their crafting journey.


    Lanceshot, the revered top-ranked cksmith, addressed the camera with an air of confidence. "I am proud to reveal that I have crafted an Epic-grade Glove," he announced, holding up a gleaming silver glove, his eyes bright with triumph. "This creation is truly remarkable, perfect for any warrior seeking to enhance their abilities. With its superior stats and exceptional skills, I believe this glove will fetch a handsome price."


    Morbit let out a heartyugh and apuded Lanceshot''s confident deration. "Indeed, earning the trust of such a renowned cksmith is no small feat. This glove is undoubtedly a masterpiece!" he eximed.


    The four cksmiths then presented their work-all Epic-grade items. Amidst them, Titonor stood with an air of confidence, brandishing his Epic-grade arrow.


    "It may just be an arrow," he dered boldly, "but it is a work of art that should not be underestimated. This level of craftsmanship demands immense hard work and unparalleled talent. Who knows? Maybe I''ll create something even more extraordinary in the next round!"


    His gaze shifted towards Broken, who was still absorbed in his crafting. "We don''t have to wait to see the oue," he continued with a smirk. "I know him too well. Even with all his effort, his talent won''t carry him far or grant him any luck¡ªhaha."


    As the minutes ticked away, tension grew among the spectators who surrounded Broken from a distance. Lionell and a few royal cksmiths, who were acting as judges, stood nearby, their expressions a mix of concern and interest.


    "There are only five minutes left until time runs out," someone murmured. "Do you think he''ll make it?"


    The royal cksmith slowly shook his head. "It''s unlikely. He might need just a bit more time to finish, but I fear it won''t be enough for him to create something that could surpass the others in such a short period."


    As the seconds ticked away, the crowd held its collective breath in anticipation. Everyone''s eyes were glued to Broken, waiting to see if he couldplete his creation in time.


    "You can do it, Broken! Don''t give up!" Booba shouted from afar, his fist clenched in a show of support.


    "Only four minutes left, though it feels like an eternity," Goldrich announced.


    "No matter how hard I try, I can''t catch my breath," Maylock added anxiously. "Yet, there''s this nervous excitement to see how it ends."


    "Come on, Broken, you''re going to beat them all!" Jovina yelled, her voice brimming with encouragement.


    "Yes, you can do it, Broken!" Melliandra screamed excitedly.


    Freya, visibly annoyed, snapped back, "Can you all please be quiet for a minute?! He needs to concentrate."


    Melliandra''s eyes widened in surprise at Freya''sment. "What did you just say, you low- level ingrate?" she retorted, mouth agape.


    Freya shrank back, her face flushing red. "So-sorry... I''m just really anxious too," she stammered.


    All eyes were fixed on Broken as he poured his energy into his final hammer strikes. His confident precision ignored the doubts and noise around him.


    "Four," the royal cksmith announced.


    But Broken''s face remained focused and determined.


    "Three," the royal cksmith continued, a bead of sweat trickling down his temple.


    "Two." He seemed to have already resigned himself to Broken''s failure. "This is over," he dered. "You failed."


    "One!" Knight Lionell interjected.


    At that precise moment, Broken lifted his newly crafted hammer, a look of pride and aplishment etched on his face. The hammer emitted a brilliant green glow, radiating an aura of power and strength. The crowd was left in stunned silence, their mouths agape as they took in the magnificent hammer now held triumphantly in Broken''s hands.


    The royal cksmith''s face lit up with a mix of admiration and disbelief, his body trembling uncontrobly. "Don''t tell me?! My eyes can''t be wrong! This is a miracle!" he eximed, his voice reverberating with awe.


    The audience erupted into a buzz of murmurs, caught off guard by the royal cksmith''s reaction.


    "What happened?" a man in the crowd shouted. "Didn''t he fail?"


    "There''s no way this nobody, Broken, could create something that rivals the top


    cksmiths!" another voiced in disbelief.


    "I don''t think so. Maybe the royal cksmith just couldn''t bear to see all his hard work end in failure?"


    "But that hammer has a light green glow. Does it mean something?" another asked


    cautiously.


    "What''s the deal with the light green glow?" someone else chimed in skeptically.


    "It''s a Unique - grade item! I''m a cksmith too. I know it very well."


    "Nonsense! This can''t be happening!"


    With measured steps, the royal cksmith approached Broken. His eyes glinted under the forge''s bright light, and he spoke in a steady tone. "May I inspect the stats of your item?" he asked politely.


    Broken nodded, presenting the hammer he had just fashioned. His hand was steady as he handed it over.


    The royal cksmith carefully examined the hammer, turning it gently in his hands. He murmured to himself, "This is something extraordinary... this far exceeds any expectations.


    This is truly incredible."


    The crowd, hushed and wide-eyed, watched as the royal cksmith''s hands moved reverently over Broken''s masterpiece.


    [Royal Hammer]


    [Grade: Unique]


    [Attack Power: 800-890


    Stamina +50


    Dexterity +10]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 1370]


    [The ultimate cksmith tool! This hammer is made from abination of steel and titanium, making it robust enough to withstand even the toughest battles. But it''s not just a weapon-it''s a tool that can boost your forging and smelting speed, helping you craft the perfect weapon or armor in record time.]


    [Skills:]


    [Forge Like a cksmith on Steroids: Increase your forging speed and effectiveness by 50%. Get ready to be the ultimate weapon-maker.]


    [Odds of Making an Epic-grade Item: +5%


    Odds of Making a Unique-grade Item: +2%


    Odds of Making a Legendary-grade Item: +0.2%]


    [There is a small chance that when you craft your item, you might get a visual attribute on it.


    It could be a rainbow-colored handle, glittery sparkles embedded in the de, or an extra- shiny sheen! Whatever it is, it''s sure to make your enemies do a double-take. Who knows, it


    might even make themugh!]


    [User Restriction: Advanced Rank cksmith or higher.]


    The royal cksmith then turned to face the crowd. "For the first round of thepetition, Broken has crafted a truly Unique-grade item - an incredible achievement! He has secured first ce in this round and will advance to the next stage."


    The announcement left the audience in stunned silence. The rarity of such a feat was not lost on them, and yet, there it was for all to see. Gradually, pockets of the crowd erupted into cheers and apuse, their disbelief giving way to admiration. Others still murmured in shock, their minds struggling to reconcile what they had witnessed.


    People still couldn''t hide their amazement at the result.


    "Wow, a Unique-grade? Is he an Advanced Rank cksmith?" one spectator wondered aloud.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "I don''t know, but his name doesn''t appear on the ranking dashboard," another replied.


    "Maybe he''s been hiding his status from the public."


    "I can''t believe there''s a cksmith better than Lanceshot," another marveled.


    In the stands where the Ass Guild members sat, they were jumping up and down with excitement, their cheers echoing around. The people nearby joined in the celebration. After all, the Ass Guild was filled with important figures having a grand time.


    "Yeah, Broken... you did it... hahaha!"


    "Broken, you make us proud!"


    "Damn, this guy is truly impressive," Maylock remarked. "We''re lucky we managed to


    persuade him to join our alliance."


    Goldrich chuckled softly, "Khi khi khi... seems like Elincia has a knack for finding potential in


    the most unique ways."


    Elincia said. "I hadn''t anticipated this level of skill when we sought to bring him into our alliance. Yet here he is, creating something extraordinary once again."


    Jovina couldn''t help butugh. "Yo, Broken crafts a Legendary-grade item like it''s nothing. So, achieving a Unique-grade is probably just like a stroll in the park for him. Hahaha!" On the stage, Titonor, Lanceshot, and the other cksmiths hurried forward, their faces marked with surprise and curiosity. They crowded around the royal cksmith, eager for a closer look at Broken''s exceptional creation.


    Lanceshot''s voice boomed out angrily. "He should be disqualified!" he shouted, jabbing a finger in Broken''s direction. "He finished after the time limit!"

 Chapter 169: Chapter 169 - The Royal Blacksmiths Demand

    Chapter 169: - The Royal cksmith''s Demand


    ?


    Broken felt his hands still trembling from the intensity of the crafting process. The process to achieve this result required deep concentration and focus. He couldn''t afford even the


    smallest mistake, ensuring each step was carried out with utmost care. The result was a Unique-grade Hammer!


    The hammer boasted surprisingly high attack power and conferred additional Dexterity to its user. It was truly extraordinary. Even though it might not havebat-specific skills, it could still be a formidable weapon in dire situations due to its significant attack damage.


    The first skill was particrly insane, enhancing his crafting efficiency by an astounding 50%! This was a huge deal. Imaginepleting crafting tasks much faster during time-pressuredpetitions. The efficiency gain alone was worth its weight in gold.


    The second skill was even more incredible. It increased the chance of creating higher-grade items, including Epic, Unique, and even Legendary grades. Though the chance of achieving a Legendary-grade item was slim, the hammer still opened up that possibility.


    Could this mean he might craft a Legendary-grade item even if the blueprint didn''t specify it? This was something Broken needed to explore through experimentation.


    Now, he had his own Hammer-a personal tool to aid his future creations. As a cksmith, it was only natural to have a personal hammer. Slowly but surely, he envisioned building his own workstation, a ce where he could hone his craft and push his own limits.


    On the stage, Titonor, Lanceshot, and the other cksmiths hurried forward, their faces marked with surprise and curiosity. They crowded around the royal cksmith, eager for a closer look at Broken''s exceptional creation.


    Lanceshot''s voice boomed with anger. "He should be disqualified!" he shouted, jabbing a finger in Broken''s direction. "He finished after the time limit!"


    Another critic chimed in, "Yeah, he just got lucky. He didn''t deserve to win! He''s too slow!"


    Lanceshot insisted, "The five of us who''ve been standing here deserved the win instead of him!"


    Hearing these usations stirred doubt among the crowd about Broken''s legitimacy to hold the top spot in the first round of thepetition.


    "Judge, please change the decision!" someone shouted. "Everyone agrees Broken doesn''t deserve the win. He didn''t finish on time."


    Lionell, the Knight Grand Cross, stepped in with a firm deration. "No. He finished the job on time. I''ll put my name on the line for his worthiness."


    His words silenced the crowd instantly. The respect people had for Lionell''s word left no room for further arguments or doubts. Everyone knew that if Lionell vouched for someone, it was final.


    With this decision, Titonor, who had been poised in fifth ce, found himself disqualified and denied entry into the final round.


    He fell to the ground with a loud thud, his face contorted with agony. "This can''t be happening," he whispered, disbelief and shock evident in his voice. "How can someone so inexperienced beat me? I won''t ept it!"


    Morbit''s voice echoed with excitement throughout the space. "Alright, everyone! After this thrilling round, we have carefully chosen five participants from each category who will be progressing to the next round in two days. Congrattions to Broken, who has shocked us all with the grade of his item. I hope he can maintain this level of luck and skill in the final round."


    Max eximed, "Keep your eyes peeled for more surprises and unforgettable moments. We can''t wait for all of you to join us again and witness even more astounding feats!" "Until then, cheers!" added Morbit.


    The royal cksmith, still holding the Unique-grade Hammer that Broken had just crafted, started to walk away.


    "Sir, could I please have the hammer back?" Broken implored.


    The royal cksmith stopped in his tracks and turned around, a serious expression on his face. "This hammer is a treasured piece-it deserves to be kept in royal hands," he dered.


    Jasper, a royal cksmith known for his expertise at Expert Rank Level 2, held great respect throughout the Dissidia Kingdom. He was chosen as a judge to evaluate talented cksmiths who might earn the honor of working in the castle.


    During the judging, he witnessed an extraordinary sight: an unknown cksmith had crafted a Unique-grade hammer with a skill effect that significantly added the chance of producing Legendary-grade items.


    He was captivated by the hammer, unable to simply set it down-as though it had a maic pull he couldn''t resist. His desire to possess the hammer was overwhelming, but he knew deep down it wasn''t his to take. The thought of letting it go filled him with a sense of failure. "The hammer belongs to me. The rules clearly state that the crafted items remain the property of the cksmiths who create them," Broken asserted.


    "Listen, young man," Jasper said, his expression shifting to one of calcted interest. "You are a very talented cksmith, and I want to learn more about you. Will youe with me?"


    Without waiting for a response, Jasper turned and started to walk away, expecting Broken to follow.


    From a distance, Lionell noticed the exchange, his eyes narrowing suspiciously.


    But before he could act, a Knight ran up to him and said, "Sir Lionell, Princess Alora is looking for you."


    Lionell hesitated for a moment, evaluating the situation. He thought that nothing out of the ordinary would happen, so he decided to return to Princess Alora.


    Meanwhile, Jasper led Broken into a secluded room where five other royal cksmiths were gathered. Their eyes lit up when they saw Broken.


    "Look! He''s the one who crafted the Unique-grade item. He''s incredibly talented," one of


    them said.


    The cksmiths encircled Broken, their curiosity palpable.


    "Give me back the hammer," Broken demanded.


    "Listen," Jasper said soothingly. "You have the potential to gain great honor by contributing to the kingdom, and for that..."


    "No!" Broken interrupted, his voice resolute. "Give me back the hammer."


    Jasper''s demeanor shifted, his voice echoing through the room. "I am a royal cksmith, and I hold power here. I''m certain you still wish to proceed to the next round, correct?" Broken''s voice trembled with anger as he spoke loudly, "The rules of the first round state that all crafted objects are rightfully owned by their creators. I worked tirelessly to make this


    hammer with my own hands, and it belongs to me!"


    One of the cksmiths turned to Jasper. "Do you really want that hammer, Jasper?"


    Jasper responded with a casual air, "This hammer is extremely valuable. It holds the potential to create Legendary items, something every cksmith covets. I''m sure after reading the details of its skills, you''ll want to craft something with it too."


    "Yeah," another cksmith agreed. "I''m certain this hammer would be more useful in the hands of us royal cksmiths."


    "Hey, just let us use the hammer," one of them suggested. "We''ll return it to youter."


    "We''re only borrowing it. You won''t lose the hammer," another assured him.


    The six cksmiths encircled Broken, trapping him from all sides.


    Broken took a slow, measured breath as he assessed the situation. "Please don''t force me to


    fight," he said resolutely.


    He didn''t want to cause any trouble in the kingdom, but they were trying to rob him. The hammer was a Unique-grade item, exceptionally valuable, and he couldn''t let it go without a


    fight.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Listen, young man," Jasper continued, his tone softening, "We willpensate you generously for this hammer. We don''t want to take it from you unfairly. And don''t be disheartened¡ªyou can always create another hammer with your talents. We will provide you


    with the resources you need."


    The six cksmiths simultaneously prepared their hammers as if to ready themselves for a


    confrontation.


    "You sure you want to fight us?" one cksmith taunted. "Our levels are high, and there are six of us. You''re just a cksmith with nobat ability."


    Broken dered. "Don''t underestimate me just because I appear to be nothing more than a


    cksmith."


    "So, what else? Do you think you can fight us using a sword and slice us like the yers do to monsters? Hahaha," one of the cksmiths taunted.


    "We''ve tried to be patient by offering you a fair reward, but you''re wasting our generosity,"


    another added.


    "Don''t me us if something happens to you and the hammer bes ours."


    Jasper stepped forward, adding his voice to the threats. "Broken, opposing us is not a wise


    decision. You still have a chance to participate in the second round, and you wouldn''t act so foolishly as to throw away all those opportunities, would you?"


    ***


    (Author''s Note: I published 10 new privilege chapters today. But no worries, I''ll also publish 2 new chapters for everyone. I love the story and I love my readers too.)

 Chapter 170: Chapter 170 - Blacksmiths’ Hidden Motives Unveiled

    Chapter 170: - cksmiths¡¯ Hidden Motives Unveiled


    ?


    "Where''s Broken?" Booba eximed, looking around in confusion as he realized his friend had vanished from the stage after being announced as the winner.


    "Maybe he''s getting recognition from the royal cksmiths?" Freya suggested.


    Earlier, they had seen Broken leaving with the royal cksmiths, but they had no idea why. They had sent him private messages, hoping for a response, but had been met with nothing but silence.


    "Let''s give him a few more minutes..." Elincia suggested. "If he doesn''te back soon, we should go find him ourselves."


    The rest of the group shared a look of impatience, concern written all over their faces.


    "He''s always stirring up trouble," Melliandra muttered under her breath.


    "I have a feeling the royal cksmiths are trying to get their hands on Broken''s hammer."


    Just then, Maylock made a remark that grabbed everyone''s attention.


    "Damn it, those royal cksmiths must be after his hammer!" Booba growled, his anger mounting as he stood up abruptly.


    "Would that be a wise move? Could any goode of it?" Elincia asked slowly.


    "Of course it''s not good! What makes you think letting those fools take the hammer would be a good idea, Elincia?" Booba snapped.


    "Shut up, Booba. I didn''t ask for your opinion, idiot," Elincia shot back.


    "Maylock, what do you think?" she continued, turning to him.


    "Well, it could be advantageous for him... if they offer a significant price for it," Maylock mused, his eyes narrowing as he considered the possibilities.


    Goldrich nodded in agreement, "They certainly have the resources to buy the hammer from him."


    "Do you think Broken might ept the offer?" Elincia asked, turning to Freya. "He needs that hammer, right? It''s a Unique-grade item."


    Freya smirked, shrugging her shoulders. "He definitely loves money. But I''m not so sure about this hammer. He seemed really protective of it. It''s Unique-grade, which means it''s worth a fortune. Yet, if the skills embedded in that hammer are truly one-of-a-kind, he might think twice before letting it go."


    "What if Broken refuses to sell the hammer?" Booba interjected. "Something feels off about this whole situation. I should go check on him."


    "What do you n to do, Booba? Are you joking? Trying to cause trouble with your low level?" Melliandra retorted.


    "Everyone cane with me," Booba insisted. "We need to do something to save Broken."


    Jovina''s eyes sparkled with excitement at Booba''s suggestion. "I love a bit of chaos. Let''s stir things up, hahaha."


    Maylock rose from his seat, dusting off his cloak and taking a slow, deep breath. "I agree. Being friends with Broken seems to alwaysnd us in big trouble. Starting a riot here isn''t ideal, but we can''t let him face this alone."


    Goldrich chuckled softly. "You''re quite concerned about him, aren''t you, Maylock? You''ve never been this eager to help anyone before."


    Maylock nodded thoughtfully. "He has enormous potential. I want him to see me as a reliable friend now, while he''s still building his reputation. It''s a strategic move. Let''s help him out of this mess."


    Without another word, the group stood and began making their way toward the arena. But before they could get far, they were confronted by a line of royal troops blocking their path.


    ***


    "Don''t make me do this," Broken implored, his gaze locking onto Jasper.


    Jasper sighed, a weariness settling in his eyes. "We tried to resolve this peacefully, but it seems you''re not willing to cooperate."


    "I have every right to refuse your offer," Broken asserted. "This hammer is mine- and that''s final."


    "I guess we have no choice," Jasper replied confidently. "You yers return to the Temple of Resurrection if you die, right?"


    The other cksmiths exchanged anxious nces. "Jasper, are you sure about this?" one asked tentatively.


    Jasper waved off their concerns with a dismissive gesture. "Don''t worry. What can one cksmith do against six of us?"


    Broken clenched his fists. He donned his fullbat attire, transforming into a menacing figure in gleaming ck armor, resembling a battle-hardened swordsman.


    "He''s dual-ss?" one cksmith whispered in surprise.


    "But he''s only a level 50 yer," another scoffed. "We can handle him easily."


    "We''ll have no trouble dealing with him," Jasper dered confidently.


    In an instant, a pair of magnificent knuckles materialized in Broken''s hands, their des a striking green that glittered like emeralds in the dim light of the room. The sight left the six cksmiths momentarily speechless, their eyes wide with awe.


    "What kind of knuckles are those?" one of them asked.


    "They look high-grade... am I wrong?" another murmured.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "He must be loaded with valuable items," another cksmith whispered.


    "We''vee this far," one of them said resolutely. "So let''s finish this. Kill him!"


    The atmosphere within the group grew thick with tension, fear, and suspicion. Even the


    bravado they showed moments ago began to waver.


    "But can we really defeat him?" one of them asked.


    "What could he possibly do against six of us?" another tried to reassure.


    Broken steeled himself, channeling his focus and activating his skills.


    [Blessing of Health (Active Skill) Lv. 3]


    If things went south, he was prepared to summon Gaia and eliminate all six cksmiths at once. Defending himself, no matter the consequences, was far better than letting them take


    his creation.


    One of the cksmiths lunged forward, hammer raised high, aiming to strike Broken. But with a deft movement, Broken parried the hammer''s blow with his knuckles.


    "You think with your low level you can withstand my attack?" the cksmith taunted.


    To everyone''s surprise, the impact forced the cksmith backward, taking several unsteady steps. That was just a fraction of the power Broken''s knuckles held.


    Without wasting a moment, Broken surged forward, his knuckles a blur as he rained blows on the cksmith. Energy surged from the ground like wild, green vines, entangling the cksmith and restraining him for a brief moment.


    The other cksmiths gasped in astonishment. It was a passive skill and an extraordinary one


    at that.


    Broken angled his strike towards the cksmith''s neck, but Jasper intervened, swinging the hammer from the side. Broken swiftly dodged, leaping sideways to avoid the attack. "Damn," muttered the cksmith who had taken Broken''s hit, visibly frustrated. "That knuckle doesn''t just have a passive skill to restrain its target-it also ignores defense."


    "Could it be a Unique-grade item too? It certainly seems like a valuable weapon," another


    spected.


    "We can''t just let him keep striking at will with that kind of firepower," a third cksmith


    pointed out.


    "Let''s make him hand over the knuckles as well," another suggested.


    "Attack him together!"


    Broken smiled grimly, preparing himself for the onught. "I need to end this quickly before


    more people show up," he thought.


    Just then, something unexpected happened. Four knights burst into the room, swords drawn, surveying the chaotic scene.


    One of the knights barked, "Drop your weapon or face the consequences!" Seeing an opportunity, Jasper shouted, "This man here is trying to harm us! We must stop him!" His voice dripped with rage, hoping to turn the knights against Broken.


    The knights advanced, their attention now fixed on the lone figure in gleaming ck armor- Broken. The tension in the room skyrocketed as he found himself surrounded, adversaries closing in from all sides.

 Chapter 171: Chapter 171 - He Owes Me an Apology

    Chapter 171: - He Owes Me an Apology


    ?


    Broken found himself in a difficult situation. Four knights were closing in, their intentions clear. His precious hammer had been taken, and instead of help, the royal cksmiths falsely used him, threatening imprisonment.


    "No one is permitted to draw their weapon in this domain!" one of the knights dered sternly. "Your insolence shall be punished, and you will be taken to prison."


    "He took my hammer!" Broken shouted, pointing a finger at Jasper.


    "Listen here, young man," Jasper interjected. "We offered a fair price for your work, yet you refused and instead drew your weapon, threatening us."


    Jasper''s eyes gleamed with greed as he nced at the knuckles on Broken''s hands, marveling at its craftsmanship and the thought of owning it.


    "I was merely defending myself," Broken stated firmly. "Return my hammer, and I will leave peacefully."


    But the knights remained resolute, their swords poised menacingly at the young warrior, who showed no signs of fear despite the odds.


    "Drop your weapon, young man," one of the knightsmanded.


    "I won''t until I get my hammer back!" Broken insisted.


    One of the knights tightened his grip on his weapon, muttering, "We don''t have any choice then? Fine, seize him!"


    Broken knew there was no way he could take on all four knights by himself without causing even more chaos by using all his skills and summons. But he was determined never to give up without a fight.


    "It seems I have no choice," he dered. "Polly!"


    A massive white fox materialized beside him.


    Brandishing his knuckles, Broken shed them through the air, producing a loud, resounding echo. The knuckles glimmered as they extended outward, manifesting thick, vibrant green energy vines. These tendrils snaked swiftly across the floor, curling around Jasper''s body like writhing serpents and dragging him to one side of the room.


    "Argh... please help me!" Jasper screamed in panic, and the other cksmiths were equally shocked by the skills of the knuckles.


    Polly cloned herself, and now there were six identical foxes. Each one was poised to attack, ready to protect their master.


    Broken surged forward, his knuckles ready to strike, his eyes locked on Jasper. He was determined to reim what was rightfully his: his hammer.


    Suddenly, a powerful surge of energy filled the room, causing everyone to stumble and be disoriented.


    "Everyone, stop!" amanding voice shouted.


    All eyes turned to two majestic figures who had entered the room. Leading the way was Lionell, whose deep, powerful voice echoed through the chaos,manding absolute attention.


    "Put down your weapons now!" he ordered, his presence filling the room with tension and leaving everyone speechless.


    The cksmiths grew increasingly panicked at the sight of Lionell and Mercy. But they clung to the hope that the same fabricated story would corner Broken, keeping themselves out of trouble.


    Alora then stepped into the room, gracefully positioning herself between Lionell and Marcy. Her eyes swept the room, taking in the chaotic scene with a calm, prating gaze.


    "Could this get any worse?" thought the cksmiths, trembling with fear. Princess Alora was not someone easily deceived, and they desperately searched for a way out.


    "No need to exin," Alora said, her eyes scanning the room. "But if anyone still wishes to, I can ensure your punishment will be less severe than the others."


    The weight of her words hung heavily in the air, and the room fell into a tense silence. All attention was now on the Princess, whose mere presence demanded truth and justice, making it clear that any deception would not easily go unpunished.


    The cksmiths hurriedlyplied, with one of them sprinting over and dropping to his knees before Princess Alora. The others quickly followed suit, bowing low in submission. They knew if they didn''t, their punishment would be far worse.


    "Your Highness," they spoke in fear, ashamedly lowering their gazes. "We were foolish and wanted to acquire the hammer that man had made. We are deserving of punishment." Jasper, utterly stunned and filled with remorse, slowly lowered himself to his knees and hung his head. "Your Highness," he begged, "please forgive me. I have betrayed my oath, blinded by greed. I am no longer fit to carry out these duties. I ept whatever punishment you deem necessary."


    The four knights, who had made the wrong judgment, humbly knelt before Princess Alora, imploring her to forgive them.


    "Your Highness," one of them said. "We have acted without fully understanding the truth."


    "Take them to prison!" Aloramanded with a wave of her arm, indicating the six cksmiths.


    Mercy stepped forward, gesturing to the other four knights to apany the men to prison. The knightsplied, their heads hanging low as they escorted the cksmiths away. With only Princess Alora, Knight Lionell, and Broken left in the room, the air was eerily silent. Alora''s gaze slowly swept across the area, eventually lingering on Broken. She strolled towards a corner, her long dress sweeping across the floor. There, she picked up a hammer that had been carelessly discarded. Slowly, she made her way towards Broken.


    "Your Highness," Broken said respectfully. "Thank you for your fair judgment. I apologize for causing a bit of chaos, but I was just fighting for my rights."


    Alora nodded slowly as she extended the hammer to him. "This is yours, correct?"


    Broken epted it gratefully and quietly answered, "Yes."


    He stared at Alora, who raised her head to meet his eyes. "It seems that our meetings always start with a misunderstanding. As much as I have tried to make amends for yesterday''s mistake, I''m afraid my people have wronged you again today."


    She paused. "I need to express my apologies for all that has happened and has hurt you." Broken stepped back and bowed his head, feeling overwhelmed. Conversations with royalty were far from his daily experiences, and anxiety bubbled within him as he searched for the right words. His eyes met hers again, and he politely replied, "I''m humbled by your apology, Your Highness, and I''m grateful for your hospitality."


    Alora smiled warmly. "You don''t need to act like my people. So act asfortably as you feel around me. I want to make friends, not to have people be respectful simply out of fear of my


    status. Will you?"


    "Thank you, Your Highness," Broken responded.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ***


    The Ass Guild members pushed past the royal troops, desperate to reach Broken. They shed with the soldiers multiple times, even as the number of troops pouring in continued to grow.


    Elincia, Goldrich, and Maylock managed to break through the throng, pulling up short as a wave of despair hit them. In the distance, they saw Broken walking beside Princess Alora. They appeared to be chatting casually as if nothing had happened, while the guild members had been fighting off royal troops to rescue him.


    Goldrich cursed under his breath. "We''ve caused a huge fuss for nothing. The yboy''s just having a cozy chat with the princess."


    Maylock angrily dered, "I hate him! He had the audacity to walk around as if nothing happened while we''ve been here battling troops!"


    Elincia scowled, "What a yboy! He owes me an apology."


    As more and more royal troops arrived, they began to encircle the group from all directions.

 Chapter 172: Chapter 172 - Balancing Life and Ambition

    Chapter 172: - Bncing Life and Ambition


    ?


    Alora arrived just in time and swiftly cleared up the misunderstandings between Broken and the royal cksmiths.


    Next, she discovered a confrontation between the Ass Guild and the royal guards. She


    commanded the royal guards to stand down, who had been surrounding the members of the guild. Unfortunately, she couldn''t stay longer to converse with the yers and had to return to her pce.


    Despite the challenges faced during the first round of thepetition, Broken eventually reimed his hammer and even exchanged a few words with Alora.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Feeling drained from the day''s intense events, they all agreed to end their discussion. They decided to log out, nning to reconver after they had a chance to rest and recover. Leon stepped out of his game room, his eyes scanning the empty living area. He was alone. "Lily must have left for school already," he said to himself.


    The clock disyed nine o''clock, reminding him of his ns to visit the campus. He took a deep breath, exhaling with a mild groan.


    "If only I didn''t have to worry about these studies anymore," he thought.


    As he undressed in the bathroom, his thoughts drifted to why he had gone to college in the first ce. "Wasn''t college supposed to make me smarter, help me find a good job, and earn a living?" he pondered. "But now, making money isn''t really a problem, is it?"


    After getting ready, Leon checked the contents of his wardrobe. His eyes fell on the array of expensive new clothes, causing him to frown.


    "Is this all Freya''s doing?" he wondered. "This can''t be Lily, can it? Could this be part of the Golden Age Company''s service?"


    He browsed through the clothes, finally picking out a T-shirt, jeans, a warm jacket, and shoes that fit him perfectly.


    "I really need to thank Freya more," he mused. "She''s been such a great help."


    Leon settled into the passenger seat of the car as Alfred started driving. His thoughts were already consumed with the many tasks waiting for him in Immortal Legacy.


    "Do you have any hobbies besides gaming, Leon?" Alfred asked, breaking the silence.


    Leon blinked and pulled back from his reverie. "I used to love ying basketball," he said. "But since college started, I just haven''t had the time. There''s always more work and never enough hours in the day to do everything I want."


    Alfred suggested eagerly, "If you miss ying basketball, I can take you to the nearest court. Your campus has its own court, too-perfect for practicing after sses or for a quick game to unwind."


    Leon took a deep, calming breath and rxed, letting memories of his basketball days flood back. Despite his hectic schedule, he always found time to maintain a tough practice routine. He ran every chance he got, trained with a sword, and threw himself into Muay Thai. Driven by an unending desire to master more weapons, he also practiced archery and staff fighting. It didn''t matter if it was morning, afternoon, or night-he always carved out spare moments to train.


    The idea of returning to basketball seemed like an easy choice at first. But then, reality set in -the sheer number ofmitments already demanding his time.


    "I think I''ll have to postpone that idea for now," he finally responded.


    As the sleek luxury car glided to a stop in the bustling parking lot of the university, Leon expelled a resigned sigh. He sprang from his seat, grabbed his bag with one hand, and slung it over his shoulder.


    Taking another deep breath, he steeled himself for the day ahead and strode toward the entrance of the building. It was time to face another... monotonous day.


    ***


    Freya stepped out of her Capsule Device, squinting as her eyes adjusted to the light of the room. Once the re faded, she took in the familiar sights of her bedroom-a spacious, modernly designed sanctuary adorned withvish decor.


    Fatigue washed over her. She walked to the door, pushed it open, and stepped into the hallway. Entering the elevator, she descended to another floor. Making her way to the kitchen, she grabbed a refreshingly cold bottle of mineral water.


    With the bottle in hand, she headed down the staircase and settled into a plush sofa in the living room. The house her parents left her was no mere home; it was practically a castle, brimming with luxurious furnishings and impably maintained, a true testament to the wealth of its upants.


    Freya reclined on the sofa, rxing as the TV automatically flickered to life, disying a weather forecast read by a crisp-voiced anchor. She reached for her phone from her shorts.


    "Did Leon go to campus today?" she murmured to herself.


    After dialing Alfred, she waited for his response. Upon confirming that Leon had indeed gone to the campus, she ended the call. She needed to discuss their next strategy for the final round of thepetition with him. Clearly, Leon was determined to win-not just topete, but to im the grand prize if possible.


    Leon was undeniably ambitious, a trait that Freya had recognized in him from the very beginning¡ªeven from the first time she had met him, so long ago.


    Leaning back, Freya opened the photo gallery on her phone, her eyes settling on pictures of two children, about eight years old. One photo showed a girl with brown hair; the other, a boy with blond hair.


    A knowing smile curled her lips as she gazed at the images. "You sure have grown up to be someone important now, you idiot!"


    ***


    In the afternoon, Leon decided to take some time for himself and took Alfred''s suggestion, heading to the campus basketball court. When he arrived, therge room was almostpletely deserted.


    "It''s really rare for this ce to be so quiet. Normally, there are always students ying


    here."


    Leon stepped onto the court, his sneakers squeaking lightly against the wood floor. He grabbed a basketball and bounced it a few times. Smiling, he started to dribble.


    He started slowly, familiarizing himself with the feel of the ball and the court. Gradually, he picked up the pace, the ball moving in perfect harmony with his movements, speed, and control. He was finding his groove again.


    Leon ran, dribbling the ball with ease beforeing to a graceful stop. With a swift motion, he sent the ball soaring toward the.


    "Yes!" he shouted in triumph. "I still got it!" he added, a wide smile spreading across his face.


    He continued ying, his body moving fluidly and his breath steady-a testament to the rigorous training he put himself through every day. It didn''t take long for him to get back into the rhythm of the court.


    Soon, he was dribbling confidently, and before he knew it, he was going for a dunk. He did it! His height had always been a challenge for such moves, requiring powerful footwork and a strong vertical leap to reach the rim. But with his past training and his now-improved physical condition, he managed to pull it off. He did it!


    Leon was genuinely happy, grinning as he reveled in the joy of the game. He realized that sneaking in a basketball session now and then wouldn''t disrupt his demanding routine; in fact, it brought him a sense of bnce and joy.


    But his pleasure was abruptly cut short when he noticed several familiar faces from his ss approaching. It was a group of students who often taunted Leon, especially after learning of his growing connection with the members of the Ass Guild.


    He tossed the ball aside and thought about making a quick escape. But before he could move,


    four of them had already surrounded him.


    "Look who we have here," one of them sneered. "ying basketball, are we?"


    "How about we have a quick game, huh?" another chimed in.

 Chapter 173: Chapter 173 - Basketball Challenge

    Chapter 173: - Basketball Challenge


    ?


    "Leon Chambers," Viktor called out. He was a tall, blonde-haired man with piercing blue eyes. "You think you''re a hotshot at basketball, huh? Why don''t we settle this with a game? And let''s make it interesting-how about we ce a bet?"


    "I''m not interested," Leon responded. He tried to walk past Viktor, but therger man ced a firm hand on Leon''s shoulder, halting his progress.


    Leon nced at the offending hand, contemting whether to brush it off or push Viktor away. However, he knew that causing a scene in the middle of the campus could attract unwanted attention, and he wanted to avoid furtherplications.


    "Come on, Leon..." Viktor goaded. "It''s just a simple one-on-one game. What''s the worst that could happen? You won''t get hurt over a littlepetition, right?"


    Viktor''s friends, who had gathered to watch the confrontation, burst intoughter.


    "Let him go, Viktor. Maybe he''s scared."


    "He probably just ys for fun. Don''t mind him, hahaha."


    Viktor''s eyes gleamed with amusement. "Come on, Leon... the loser has to kowtow to the winner. Sounds exciting, doesn''t it? Just think, there will be lots of people watching, maybe even some pretty girls. Wouldn''t it be something if I had to bow down to you? Hahaha." Leon felt an annoyance wash over him at Viktor''s taunt. Viktor and his gang loved these sorts of challenges, especially when they could humiliate someone like Leon-someone not quite as popr as they were. Picking on the new kids seemed to be their favorite sport.


    Viktor caught a basketball thrown by one of his friends and tossed it toward Leon.


    "Go on, take it. You get the ball first. One on one. Don''t tell me you''re so scared you need to run home to mommy, hahaha."


    "He doesn''t have a mommy, Viktor, hahaha," another friend chimed in.


    "Oh, sorry, Leon, I forgot you''re an orphan," Viktor added.


    Leon tightened his grip on the basketball, feeling his heart race. He couldn''t stand it when people brought up his parents just to get under his skin, and Viktor knew exactly how to hit him where it hurt.


    Leon walked to the center of the basketball court, determination etched on his face.


    Viktor followed, readying himself in a defensive stance. "Alright, let''s see how good you really are, Leon..."


    Leon had no option but to ept this challenge. He wasn''t the type to walk away from a confrontation, even if it meant facing off with a peer. In fact, he had quite the history of standing his ground. Back in elementary school, he frequently fought boys who bothered Lily or taunted him for being an orphan. The pain had be a familiarpanion for Leon over the years.


    Perhaps it was this tolerance for pain that allowed him to endure the grueling martial arts training. He was used to pushing himself beyond his limits.


    Leon squared up, gripping the basketball tightly as Viktor lunged to snatch it away. Viktor''s face showed a twisted sense of enjoyment, clearly reveling in the abuse. Meanwhile, Viktor''s friends gathered around the court, adding to the pressure with their jeers and taunts.


    Moving deftly, Leon feinted to the right, then the left, before darting forward and dribbling the ball. Viktor, towering over Leon at about 1.9 meters (6.2 feet), shadowed him closely, using his height and reach to his advantage. Just as Leon prepared to shoot, Viktor lunged and swatted the ball out of his hands effortlessly, a smug smile spreading across his face.


    "Come on, Leon... barely a struggle, huh? Hahaha," Viktor mocked.


    The roles reversed, giving Viktor possession of the ball while Leon prepared to defend.


    A whistle blew, signaling the start, and Viktor immediately began dribbling with an air of confidence. Leon tried to stay close, but Viktor''s movements were fluid and quick. He leaped towards the basket for ayup. Leon, desperate to block him, jumped as well, but Viktor''s release was swift. The ball bounced off the backboard and circled the rim before finally dropping through the hoop.


    Viktor sprinted over to his friends, celebrating their triumph with high-fives andughter.


    "You sure are amazing, Viktor!"


    "That was pure talent, hahaha."


    The whistle blew again, signaling another round. Viktor took possession of the ball while Leon scrambled to intercept. In a swift maneuver, Viktor body-checked Leon from the side and dribbled past him.


    Leon chased after him, attempting to reim the ball, but Viktor''s confidence only grew. He performed a behind-the-back dribble trick, catching the ball effortlessly before leaping for anotheryup. Once more, Leon''s block failed, and the ball kissed the backboard before slipping through the hoop.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The whistle sounded again. 2 to 0.


    They erupted into more cheers and high-fives, relishing the easy game.


    "This is going to be a breeze, Viktor, hahaha..."


    "You might as well give up, Leon. You''ll never beat Viktor."


    Viktor, grinning with delight, readied himself again. He would keep possession of the ball until Leon could force a turnover-if that ever happened.


    The whistle blew again. Viktor caught the ball and, with a quick leap, sent it flying from his hands. Thanks to his towering height, the ball easily soared over Leon''s extended arms. Leon jumped, trying to block it, but he was just a bit too short. The ball swished through the hoop with ease.


    The whistle blew again. 4 to 0.


    Another round of cheers and chest bumps erupted from Viktor''s friends as he secured another impressive point.


    "You''ll never score a single point against me, Leon... do you understand that?" Viktor taunted.


    Leon had yed basketball since he was a child, although he had never been in a professional team. He was used to casual pick-up games at the park with random people; certainly, nothing thatpared to Viktor''s experience as a member of the school''s team. This challenge, in truth, was a suicide mission for him. Viktor had the advantage in almost every area: height, skill, and experience.


    Leon knew he''d rather go down fighting than walk away and face their sneers-backing down just wasn''t in his nature. So, he steeled himself to keep going. Maybe, just maybe, he could score a point or even pull off a surprising win. He had a strong build from lifting heavy stuff all the time, and though it had been a while since hisst game, his resolve hadn''t faded one


    bit.


    A growing number of spectators began to trickle in through the gym doors, drawn by themotion. Many voices floated over the court as onlookers gathered to see what was


    happening.


    "Hey, is that a one-on-one game? Who''s going up against Viktor?"


    "Uhm... I don''t recognize him."


    "Looks like they''re just having fun toying with a rookie."


    "Hahaha, Viktor always does stuff like this..."


    "He sure is having the time of his life."


    The new faces crowded around the court, watching as Viktor repeatedly sunk baskets and added to his score. The game truly seemed one-sided; Leon was being easily overwhelmed.


    The whistle blew again, marking the score at 7 to 0. Leon hadn''t even had another chance to


    touch the ball.


    "Viktor, you''re just bullying a newbie... hahaha."


    "I wonder what made him think he could take on Viktor?"


    "He''s Leon... someone from my ss. I know him."


    "So he''s into basketball?"


    "Not sure, but he''s always been a loner and a bookworm, a nerd."


    "Hahaha, a nerd trying to take on a basketball talent."


    But gradually, Leon began to find his rhythm, tuning into the tempo of Viktor''s game. This


    time, he was determined to steal the ball.


    Viktor, dribbling quickly, performed a trick, weaving the ball between his legs, his face showing pure enjoyment as if he faced no resistance at all. In a sh, Viktor leaped, ready for another sessful shot. However, Leon''s jump was stronger and higher this time. He


    managed to block the ball in Viktor''s hands.


    Viktor was momentarily stunned, but his surprise quickly turned into a grin. With a forceful shove, he sent the ball spinning wildly, bouncing erratically off the rim.


    Both Viktor and Leonnded back on the ground, their eyes immediately following the hoop


    as the ball continued to strike the rim repeatedly, as though it was searching for its final


    resting ce.


    Not only was Viktor shocked by Leon''s defense, but the crowd also collectively gasped. Leon had almost stopped the shot. All eyes were glued to the ball as it tapped repeatedly against the rim, each bounce heightening the anticipation. Would it finally sink in?

 Chapter 174: Chapter 174 - Surprising Comeback

    Chapter 174: - Surprising Comeback


    ?


    The basketball bounced a few times, capturing everyone''s hopes that it would miss the hoop. Everyone except Leon silently wished for failure. Yet, to Leon''s relief and everyone else''s


    dismay, the ball swished cleanly through the.


    Viktor leaped with joy, sprinting back to his friends, who greeted him withughter and high- fives. The spectators cheered, clearly impressed by Viktor''s skill on the court.


    Viktor assumed his position again, ready for action. Leon, determined, squared up in defense.


    "I didn''t even break a sweat, Leon," Viktor teased, chuckling.


    However, Leon had managed to nearly block Viktor''s shot, falling just short of stopping it entirely. He knew he just needed to replicate that effort one more time.


    The score shed 8 to 0 as the whistle blew, signaling a y. Viktor received the ball confidently, with a sly smile. He jumped, preparing to shoot from where he stood. Leon, anticipating this move, sprang into action. Just as Viktor released the ball, Leon swatted it away, sending it hurtling toward the stands. The crowd gasped and scrambled aside as the ball ricocheted against the seats beforeing to a halt.


    The unexpected deflection drew astonished murmurs from the audience. Now, the possession switched, and the ball was in Leon''s hands.


    "Do it right, Leon," Viktor taunted.


    Leon remained expressionless as the whistle blew. He caught the ball, instantly grabbing Viktor''s attention. Viktor lunged for the ball, but Leon skillfully shielded it with his body. He tried to sprint forward, but Viktor''s long arms obstructed his path.


    "Do it right, Leon," Viktor repeated with a mocking tone.


    The crowd''s cheers for Viktor were loud and clear, pushing him forward. Leon acted as if he was about to sprint, then, with a quick feint, sent the ball soaring into the air. Viktor, caught off guard, could do nothing but watch as the ball arced gracefully toward the hoop.


    It glided gracefully through the. The whistle sounded once more, and the score adjusted to 8 to 2.


    "Wow, not bad," a voice from the crowd remarked.


    "That was pure luck, right?" another spected.


    "Show him how it''s done, Viktor!" someone shouted.


    The


    game pressed on into the next phase, with Leon evading Viktor''s attempts to block him. He dribbled the ball skillfully, surprising everyone when he executed a gracefulyup into the hoop.


    Despite being shorter than Viktor, Leon showcased impressive agility, leaping higher than anyone expected. The score climbed steadily until it stood at 8 to 7 in Viktor''s favor. Leon was on the verge of surpassing him, clutching the ball with determination.


    "Don''t celebrate too soon; the game isn''t over yet," Viktor remarked.


    "Please, teach me how to y basketball, Viktor," Leon responded, before darting forward and dribbling the ball.


    Viktor lunged forward, aiming to body-check Leon, but Leon moved with agility, sidestepping the attack effortlessly. Viktor swung his arm in a desperate attempt to swat the ball out of Leon''s grip. Yet, Leon was too quick; he spun gracefully to his left and, with a swift motion,unched the ball toward the hoop.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Viktor, seeing his chance, leaped into the air, arms outstretched to block the shot. However, Leon''s aim was powerful. The ball sailed past Viktor''s fingertips, and with a satisfying swish, it dropped cleanly through the hoop.


    The piercing sound of the whistle sliced through the air, and the scoreboard flickered to show the new score: 8 to 8.


    "What''s going on, Viktor?"


    "Are you throwing the game on purpose? Hahaha!"


    "Surely you won''t let Leon win, right?"


    Viktor''s frustration grew. His score was no longer afortable lead but rather an even match. Determined to reim his dominance, Viktor steeled himself, ready to up the ante against Leon.


    Viktor''s frustration was so clear. What had started as afortable lead had now dwindled into a neck-and-neck battle. The time for ying it safe was over; he knew he had to elevate his game to match Leon''s newfound intensity.


    From the entrance came a woman, it was Freya. She froze momentarily, astonished by themotion that revealed itself to be Leon engaged in a heated one-on-one basketball match against an opponent.


    "What is he doing now, huh? epting another challenge from someone?" she mused, a giggle escaping her lips.


    Freya''s arrival definitely didn''t go unnoticed. Her natural charm always seemed to grab attention, and today was no exception. A wave of curiosity swept through the crowd, especially from those who had neverid eyes on her before.


    "Who is she?" a few of them whispered among themselves.


    "I don''t know... But she looks familiar."


    "Man, she''s stunning..."


    "Go on, talk to her, ask her name."


    "Damn, I want to... But let''s wait until the game''s over."


    Freya sauntered over to the spectator seats, gracefully crossing one leg over the other as she took her ce. Her eyes were fixed on the court, intrigued to see how the game would conclude.


    "Huh, turns out he''s still quite the basketball yer," she remarked, a smile ying on her lips.


    The game continued with Viktor back in possession of the ball. But, in a sh, Leon managed to steal it away. The score climbed to a tense 12 to 12, signaling the game was nearing its conclusion, with Leon holding the ball once again.


    This time, the audience seemed to hush, curiosity and suspense hanging in the air as they anticipated the oue.


    Leon epted the ball, and Viktor immediately stepped up, determined to reim it. Leon, finding his opening, began to dribble skillfully. Viktor shadowed him closely, trying to block any attempt, whether it be a direct shot or ayup.


    With a low stance to shield the ball, Leon deftly maneuvered, passing the ball between his legs. In a swift, surprising move, he darted to Viktor''s right and prepared for a shot. Viktor chased after him, unwilling to let this opportunity slip. But Leon was already a step ahead, gearing up for a daring dunk.


    The spectators watched with bated breath, some skeptical of Leon''s audacity.


    "He won''t pull that off," a voice doubted.


    "Viktor will block him easily," another predicted.


    Viktor leapt to intercept, but Leon''s speed and strength were unmatched. With a final, powerful thrust, Leon dunked the ball, hanging from the hoop momentarily before dropping


    to the floor just as the whistle blew. The basketball bounced around his feet, marking the


    dramatic end.


    "Woah... Damn, did Leon just win?"


    "Is he a professional yer? How did he beat Viktor?"


    "I think the team should recruit him. He''s really good."


    "This must be because Viktor underestimated his opponent. No way Viktor lost otherwise."


    Viktor, breathing heavily, grappled with the oue. He had fought hard, indeed, recognizing the game had been far from easy. What struck him most was how he hadn''t


    anticipated Leon''s basketball prowess.


    "Pay up," Leon said to Viktor. "Honor our bet."


    Viktor stood, fists clenched, weighing his options. "I''ll apologize," he conceded, "but I won''t


    kowtow. I''ll pay you since you won. You need money, right?"


    By now, the crowd encircled them both, buzzing with excitement and questions.


    "Hey, Viktor, did you really lose to him?"


    "Yeah, isn''t he just a newbie in basketball?"


    "But I saw he can really y."


    "So, what was the bet?" another inquired.


    Viktor showed no intention of holding up his end of the bet.


    "You''re good. Thanks for the game," Viktor said, his voice still trembling as he struggled to


    ept the terms of their bet.


    "Leon..." A woman''s voice cut through the tension that lingered on the court.


    Everyone turned their eyes to see a young woman making her way through the crowd. She had red-brown hair neatly tucked behind her ears and wore a jeans skirt with a white t-shirt.


    "Freya?"


    She rushed forward and grabbed Leon''s hand. "Come on, you promised me a date, didn''t


    you?"


    Freya then nced at Viktor. "So, you won the game? That''s great... Seems like you still have your basketball skills even though thest time you held a basketball was in high school, huh," she remarked with a smile.


    Wrapping her arms around Leon, Freya then took his hand and led him away from the court.


    "Let''s go."


    The onlookers were left stunned by the turn of events. The beautiful woman who had captivated everyone''s attention knew Leon? And they were going on a date? One of Viktor''s friends patted him on the shoulder. "How did that happen, Viktor?"


    Viktor sighed deeply. "I guess he really can y basketball," he admitted.

 Chapter 175: Chapter 175 - Luxury Car, Lonely Dream

    Chapter 175: - Luxury Car, Lonely Dream


    ?


    Leon couldn''t help but grumble as he maneuvered the car onto the road. "You ruined my chance to see Viktor bow down to me because of that game, Freya," he said.


    Freya giggled at hisint, finding his disappointment cute. "So, you made a bet on that? How childish..." she teased.


    Leon sighed deeply. "It wasn''t really my idea. They showed up out of the blue while I was ying basketball by myself. Viktor challenged me to a one-on-one game."


    Freya chuckled again. "But you won, didn''t you? That''s impressive. You really should think about joining the basketball team instead of wasting your time on video games."


    Leon fell silent for a moment, reflecting on the intense match from earlier. Viktor was undeniably talented, and Leon''s victory was partly because Viktor had underestimated him. "When I started scoring, Viktor lost his focus," Leon admitted softly. "I managed to turn the game around and win, but it wasn''t easy. Luck yed a big part."


    A few moments passed before Freya spoke again. "But you could tell Viktor wasn''t nning on honoring the bet, right? Besides, leaving the court with a beautiful woman like me by your side looked way cooler than seeing him grovel."


    Leon let out a heavy sigh. "You''re cutting down my chances of getting any girls on campus," he said.


    Freya nudged Leon yfully with her elbow as he drove. "Guys with a girlfriend look even cooler, especially if their girlfriend is as pretty as me. So, really, it''s a win for you."


    "Thanks, but please, don''t do it again," he replied with a grin.


    Leon had a Muay Thai training session scheduled forter that day, but he had some time to rx beforehand. He and Freya decided to grab a bite to eat, letting her pick the ce.


    As usual, their meal was apanied by Freya''s animated chatter, punctuated withughter. Leon mostly nodded and agreed with her, asionally receiving a yful kick from her under the table.


    "Start a topic, will you? You''re making it hard for me to carry the conversation when you just sit there like that," sheined.


    "You don''t seem to be struggling, so feel free to talk about whatever''s on your mind, Freya," he replied with a chuckle.


    After lunch, they took a leisurely stroll to a nearby park and settled down on a long iron bench. It was autumn, so the afternoon air was pleasantly crisp, and the park was bustling with local families and children running around, ying games.


    They sat infortable silence for a while, with Leon trying to unwind before his nextmitment.


    "So... have you figured out a strategy for the next round of thepetition?" Freya asked.


    "What''s the rule for the final round?" he inquired.


    "ording to pastpetitions, the participants will have to choose a blueprint provided by the organizers and craft an item based on it. The remaining rules are the same, but the time limit is longer than the first round," she exined.


    Leon nodded and smiled, feeling confident. "Then I''ll select an item that''s useful for me and make the most of the time to produce the highest possible quality. If all goes well, I''ll aim for a legendary-grade item," he said.


    "Good n," Freya murmured softly.


    They both settled into afortable silence, watching as a group of young children nearby engaged in a heated argument. The tension was unease, and it seemed like a fight might break out at any moment.


    "They''re so cute," Freya remarked, her voice filled with amusement.


    "They''re going to start fighting, or worse," Leonmented.


    "Is that you talking from experience?" Freya teased, raising an eyebrow.


    Leon fell silent, his thoughts wandering to past confrontations and their usual oues. In


    his mind, solving problems with a fight seemed normal.


    "Not every confrontation leads to a fight, you know," Freya said gently.


    "But it''s the easiest way to solve problems, isn''t it?" he responded quietly. "I''m not good at resolving issues through talking and negotiation."


    "I think you should learn more about that."


    "I''ve learned to fight better in real life, so I can solve problems more easily that way."


    Freya giggled at his words. "Go sign up for MMA then, Mr. Muscle Brain..."


    They sat in silence for a moment longer, observing as the children who had seemed ready to


    brawl suddenly made peace, hugging each other and resuming their y.


    "See? They made up," Freya pointed out with a satisfied smile.


    Leon didn''t respond.


    "This park... I used to y here a lot when I was little," Freya continued.


    Leon turned to look at her, his face showing a hint of puzzlement. He, too, had spent countless hours in this park as a child, ying with Lily and Uncle Ben. But he decided to keep this coincidence to himself, choosing not to share his thoughts.


    ***


    shback.


    A young girl, about ten years old, sat alone in the passenger seat of a luxury car. Her chestnut- colored hair cascaded down her shoulders, and her clothes were obviously high-end, even at a


    quick nce.


    From inside the car, the girl gazed out at the park, where children were ying under the midday sun.


    "Miss Freya..." called the chauffeur and family butler from the driver''s seat.


    "Yes..." the young girl responded, her eyes still fixed on the children outside, watching them run around and squabble over toys.


    "Why are they fighting over toys? Wouldn''t it be easier if each of them had their own?" she wondered aloud, almost talking to herself. "They''re just ordinary toys..."


    The butler smiled kindly and replied, "You said you wanted to y, right? Why don''t you go outside and find out for yourself?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The girl remained silent, continuing to watch from the safety of the car. "Yes... I want to have a friend," she finally said.


    After a moment, the butler responded softly, "You could join a club or take up a new hobby. It would be easy for you to make friends that way..."


    The young girl shook her head. "They only want to be friends with people who have nice things..." she said.


    She paused for a moment before speaking again, more firmly this time. "I don''t like it."


    The butler responded again, "So, Miss Freya, what kind of friendship do you want?"


    The young girl paused for a moment before replying with determination, "I don''t like fake


    friends!"


    From inside the car, she watched as children yed tag and others busied themselves building sandcastles. Among them was a little boy ying alongside a small girl who looked


    around five years old.


    "Why is that boy ying with such a young child?" she asked.


    "Maybe she is his sister?" the butler suggested.


    The girl fell silent, her expression softening as she murmured, "I want a sibling too..."


    The butler had no immediate response, simply noting the wistfulness in her tone.


    A few momentster, a ball came flying through the air, smashing into the boy''s sandcastle. He looked shocked as the castle crumbled. The children who had kicked the ball came over, retrieving it and deliberately kicking down the remaining parts of the sandcastle. Theyughed at the boy and his work.


    The little girl, presumably his sister, was visibly upset and angrily confronted the older kids. Her frustration was met with mockingughter until she pushed one of the older boys. The boy, who looked to be about ten years old, stumbled back, his face showing signs of


    anger. He appeared ready to retaliate when the older brother of the small girl stepped forward, standing protectively in front of her.


    "Are they going to fight?" Little Freya asked from inside the car, her voice tinged with


    concern.


    ***


    (Freya''s Note: Ugh, the Author was sick yesterday, so they only just managed to write. Thankfully, this chapter is all about me, so I''m not too disappointed. Dear reader, make sure


    to pay close attention to my past, okay?)


    (Author''s Note: Sorry, reader! I''ll upload another chapter in a few hours.)

 Chapter 176: Chapter 176 - New Friendships in the Park

    Chapter 176: - New Friendships in the Park


    ?


    The boy whose sandcastle had been destroyed shoved one of the boys in response. Almost immediately, a scuffle broke out as they began to push and grapple with each other, trying to wrestle the other to the ground.


    The other children cheered them on, further provoking the fight, while the little girl, likely the younger sister, screamed desperately for them to stop.


    "They''re fighting..." little Freya whispered. "What if something happened to them? Shouldn''t we go and help break it up?"


    The butler remained silent, simply watching the scene unfold. Momentster, an adult approached, stepping in to break up the fight. The man separated the boys and led the boy and his younger sister away.


    "Is that their father?" little Freya asked, her eyes wide. "He came just in time."


    "The boy''s name is Leon," the butler said suddenly.


    Freya turned to him, surprised. "You know him?"


    The butler smiled. "I know a bit about him," he replied.


    "Did you look into them because I wanted to make friends with them?" little Freya asked, sighing softly.


    "Leon and his sister," the butler continued, "no longer have parents." He paused for a moment before going on. "The man you saw is their uncle."


    Freya was taken aback by this revtion. "So... they''re just like me," she said quietly. "What happened to their parents?"


    The butler shook his head, smiling gently. "I didn''t find out that much, Miss Freya. But if you want to, you can try to be friends with them."


    "Does their uncle treat them well? Do they go to school? I wonder why they lost their parents, too... Did their parents have an ident too, like mine?" she asked softly, almost to herself.


    A few dayster, little Freya finally mustered the courage to step out of the car and try to make friends with the children ying in the park. She stood there, searching for a way to blend in. However, no one seemed to notice her at first. As she walked closer, a few of the girls nced her way while the boys stopped their game and slowly approached her.


    "Hey, are you a rich kid?" one of the boys asked.


    Freya was startled by the question. She nced down at her outfit, which she had carefully chosen to look as ordinary as possible. Yet, she still stood out, cleaner and different from the other children.


    "Uh... no... I''m not that rich," she said hesitantly.


    "Hey, you''re so cute. Want to y with us?" another boy chimed in.


    "Come on, do you like basketball?" they asked.


    "No! I don''t y basketball!" little Freya replied defensively.


    "So, what do rich kids y with, huh? Dolls?" one of the boys retorted, promptingughter from the others.


    "I y archery!" little Freya responded firmly. "Do you think girls always y with dolls?"


    "Archery? Ha! Are you trying to be in a movie? What''s fun about archery, huh?" another boy sneered, and the othersughed again.


    "Leave me alone!" little Freya demanded, growing visibly upset.


    "Haha, this is our ce. You''re so bossy for a rich kid, huh?" the boys taunted. "Why don''t you buy the park and y by yourself if you want?"


    "I want to y, but not with you," little Freya shot back.


    One of the boys then shoved her shoulder. "Hey, you snobby rich kid, just because you have money, you think you can talk however you want? No one wants to be friends with you." Little Freya, filled with anger, pushed the boy back. "Stop it! What have I done to you?"


    The boy looked enraged and was about to push her again when suddenly, another boy forced his way through the crowd and grabbed little Freya''s wrist. "She''s my friend. Stay away from her," he said. It was Leon, the boy Freya had noticed earlier.


    Leon pulled Freya away from the group. "Losers only y with other losers! Haha," the boys mocked as they watched them leave.


    Freyained as she was pulled by Leon. "Let go of me! Why are you dragging me around? Who are you, anyway? You said you''re my friend, but I don''t even know you!" she eximed.


    Leon released her wrist and replied, "I did that to make it look like you have a friend so they wouldn''t underestimate you."


    "I don''t need you to pretend to be my friend!" she said firmly.


    "You should be thanking me, notining."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "You just ruined my chances of making friends with them because you imed to be my friend first," she countered.


    "At least it''s better than having no friends at all."


    Leon then turned and walked away to join his little sister at the sandpit, leaving little Freya standing there. Determined, Freya chased after him and sat down nearby as they yed.


    The little girl, Leon''s younger sister, looked at Freya with curiosity.


    "Hey you, you haven''t apologized. Do you understand the mistake you made? You ruined my image by pretending to be my friend and fighting with them," Freya said, her cheeks flushed


    with frustration.


    Leon turned back to her. "You''re the rich kid who always arrives in a fancy car, right? This is probably the first time you''ve ever stepped out. You think you can just y with them because you''re rich? You should be hanging out with kids on your own level. What were you thinkinging here alone without any protection? Where is your butler?"


    Freya bristled at his words. "I came here to make friends just like everyone else. And how do you even know I''m rich? What makes me different?"


    "That fancy car shows up every few days. It''s impossible not to notice it," Leon replied. "People like us can only admire such luxury from afar, while you loungefortably inside." Freya felt another wave of frustration wash over her. "So, you helped me because you knew I was rich and wanted something in return?"


    Leon answered with a t tone, not looking at her this time. "I helped you because you''re so weird. What were you even thinking?" He turned his gaze back to her. "Pretending not to be rich and trying to make friends? I think you''ve watched too many dramas. Why y here if you can achieve more with your money?"


    "Who do you think you are to speak about me like that?" Freya snapped.


    "I helped you, so you owe me thanks," Leon replied nonchntly.


    At that moment, the little girl walked over to Freya. "Hi, would you like to be my friend? My name is Lily. What''s your name?" the girl asked with a sweet smile.


    Freya''s anger melted away instantly, and she smiled back at Lily. "Hi, Lily. My name is Fre..." She paused briefly. "Freda. Nice to meet you."


    Lily''s face lit up, and she grabbed Freya''s hands. "He''s my brother. His name is Leon. Do you want to y with us? My brother is good at fighting, so he''ll protect you if those boys bother you again," she said, giggling.


    "Yes, Lily, I''d love to y with you. But ying with your brother doesn''t sound very appealing, so I think I''ll pass on that part," Freya replied.


    Leon looked up from his sandcastle. "No one asked for your opinion," he said tersely.


    "I don''t care about you either," Freya shot back, then yfully kicked a small pebble that bounced off Leon''s foot.


    Leon paused for a moment before standing and facing Freya. "You dare to do that to someone who helped you? Now feel my revenge."


    Freya grinned and stood up as well. "No, please don''t," she said,ughing as she sprinted


    away.


    Leon gave chase, weaving around trees as Freya tried to evade his grasp. They both seemed to be enjoying the game?


    Lily watched them, tilting her head in confusion. "Have they made up?" she wondered aloud.

 Chapter 177: Chapter 177 - Unveiling the Final Challenge

    Chapter 177: - Unveiling the Final Challenge


    ?


    On a brisk morning in the Dissidia Kingdom, the grand arena buzzed with anticipation. The finalists of the grandpetition stood in neat rows, each belonging to different categories, ready to prove their mettle once more.


    The crowd was noticeablyrger than before, swelled by curious onlookers lured by the tales of the previous round''s uproar. Whispers of the incident attract spectators eager for another spectacle.


    "I think those guys from the Ass Guild really blundered," one said, shaking his head. "They aimed to bolster Princess Alora''s im to the throne but ended up crossing swords with the royal guards instead."


    "Is it true they fought because they thought Broken was about to be swindled by the royal cksmiths?"


    The first man shrugged. "Something definitely went down between him and the royal cksmiths, but the royals are keeping it under wraps."


    "Why does it feel like there''s no one here you can trust? Even within my own party, someone ran off with our loot from the monster raid."


    The first spectator chuckled. "What did you expect from an online game? It''s just pixels and code, after all. Don''t take it to heart. Enjoy it while itsts, and don''t sweat the betrayals. Theye with the territory."


    Broken stood at the far end of the line, nked by the other cksmiths. His spot was next to Lanceshot, who, due to his impressive rank and level, held the highest position among all the cksmiths. Despite having the skill to top the leaderboard, Broken had declined to list his own name, choosing anonymity over recognition.


    "Your luck ends today," Lanceshot sneered.


    Broken, unfazed, remained silent, his eyes forward as if he hadn''t heard a word.


    "You''ll soon learn the hard way whates from being so arrogant," Lanceshot pressed. Inside, Broken scoffed at the absurdity of Lanceshot''s words. Sighing in annoyance, he dismissed the taunt, too weary to entertain such petty provocations.


    Momentster, the arena erupted into cheers. King Alorik had arrived, apanied by his daughter, Princess Alora, and four of his most esteemed knights-two Imperial Knights and two Knights Grand Cross. d in their regal finery, they made a striking entrance.


    King Alorik and Princess Alora stepped onto the stage. They were followed by the knights, who took their positions at the edges of the tform. The king raised his hand in a gesture of respect towards the crowd, prompting a deafening cheer in response.


    Despite his ny-plus years, King Alorik still cut an impressive figure. His once mighty frame had thinned with age, but it bore the marks of a life filled with strength and resilience, a testament to his days as a formidable warrior.


    "Good morning, people of the Dissidia Kingdom and esteemed guests from afar," he greeted in a voice that resonated with calm authority.


    As one, the entire audience rose to their feet, their apuse a thunderous standing ovation, a tribute to their beloved king.


    King Alorik continued his speech. "I stand here today to reaffirm that everyone in this kingdom shall feel safe and protected. To this end, I have personally ensured that the cksmiths who attempted tomit fraud just days ago have received appropriate punishment."


    The king''s words validating the rumors that had been swirling around the arena. "Thispetition is of paramount importance," he went on. "It''s a tradition handed down from my predecessor, King ndorr. To honor his legacy, all participants will be treated to a grand banquet and shown the utmost hospitality. Moreover, the victor of thispetition will receive a reward beyondpare, a prize that surpasses anything we''ve ever seen."


    Thunderous apuse echoed throughout the arena.


    A few spectators turned to each other, curious about the history behind King ndorr.


    "Who exactly is King ndorr?" one viewer asked.


    "King ndorr is King Alorik''s grandfather."


    "I''ve heard he carried the Blessing of Sloth."


    "Isn''t the Blessing of Sins something the yers possess?"


    "If you don''t know these stories, what are you even doing here? The lore is a huge part of the experience."


    "I''m more into the gamey than the lore. The world''s beauty is what draws me in." "Before yers arrived in this world, the Gods of the Sins granted their blessings to the seven major races of Yunatea: Humans, Elves, Dragons, Dwarves, Demons, Giants, and Fairies. When yers began entering this realm, those blessings started being bestowed upon them too."


    "Why did they decide to give blessings to the yers?"


    "No one knows for sure. However, it''s clear that not all blessings remain with the original races. For instance, Dragons lost their Greed Blessing, and Humans no longer hold the Sloth Blessing, which wasst held by King ndorr."


    "Ah, that makes more sense now."


    "King ndorr was aplex figure, wrapped in both triumph and scandal. Hemanded numerous key wars, creating a legacy that some praise and others criticize."


    "I wonder what kind of prize King Alorik has lined up for thispetition. It must be something incredibly valuable."


    "Definitely," the other agreed. "Thispetition is intertwined with Yunatea''s main plot. I can''t wait to see who wins and what unfolds next. It''s going to make the game even more


    thrilling."


    After concluding his speech, King Alorik was escorted off the stage by two of his loyal Imperial Knights. As he disappeared from view, all eyes turned to Princess Alora, who remained seated on the main stage, ready to witness the fortingpetition.


    In the stands, a spectator leaned in close to their friend and murmured, "Do you think the King will pass away soon? If he doesn''t, the ascension to the throne won''t happen anytime soon, right?"


    His friend shot him a stern look. "I suggest you keep your mouth shut. Talking like that could get you killed around here."


    "I mean, the King still looks very strong. I bet he can still fight, don''t you think?"


    His friend nodded. "Yes, I''ve heard he''s still a match for two Imperial Knights."


    "Really? So he''s that powerful?"


    "Yes, especially when he wields the Sword of Dissidia. With that weapon in his hand, he bes almost invincible."


    "The Sword of Dissidia must be extraordinary. I''d love to know more about that legendary


    de."


    "It''s said that only the ruler of Dissidia Kingdom has the right to wield it," the friend exined. "If Princess Alora seeds her father, she''ll inherit not just the throne but the


    sword as well."


    "So, if Princess Alora bes the new Queen, she''ll be an incredibly powerful figure?"


    "I suppose so," his friend replied thoughtfully.


    They both turned their gaze toward Princess Alora. Her beauty was captivating, drawing


    admirers effortlessly.


    "I can''t wait for that to happen. I truly idolize her." He continued with admiration, "Just look


    at her. Her beauty is remarkable; I could sit here for days, simply gazing at her."


    His friend agreed. "You''re right, but her path to the throne won''t be easy. There are many factions opposed to her, causing tension among the top guilds."


    The first man nodded. "Yes, those top guilds are only interested in the rewards for


    themselves."


    His friend looked thoughtful. "Indeed, and seeing the Ass Guild currently supporting Princess Alora, I''m concerned about the oue of this great struggle."


    Morbit and Max strode confidently onto the stage, their presence immediately electrifying


    the crowd. As they made their way to the center of the tform, all eyes were fixed on them.


    "Good morning,dies and gentlemen!" he eximed. "We''re thrilled to be here today to kick off this incredible event!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "But before we get started," Max interjected smoothly, raising one hand to capture their attention, "let''s take a moment to go over some important details for the next round."


    Each contestant would be tasked with crafting an item using blueprints or recipes provided by themittee. Participants would select their preferred blueprint or recipe based on their ranking from the first round, with the highest-ranking contestants choosing first. Morbit borated, "Each participant will select a blueprint or recipe in order of their ranking from the initial round. You''ll then have a set amount of time to craft your item." Max chimed in, "If you sessfullyplete your item within the time limit, you get to keep


    it. However, if you fail, you must return whatever remains, and you won''t take anything


    home." Morbit nodded in agreement. "The champion of this round will receive all the promised rewards. So, make every moment count and put your best skills to the test."


    Max addressed the crowd once more. "I''m sure you''re all excited to hear this news. Are you


    ready?" she eximed.


    ***


    Author''s Note: Dear readers, let me know if you enjoy glimpses of the MC''s real life, or if you''re only interested in the game world. There are many storylines I want to explore in this tale, so you might find a lot of interconnected elements.

 Chapter 178: Chapter 178 - Choosing the Wavebreaker

    Chapter 178: - Choosing the Wavebreaker


    ?


    Morbit continued to borate on the rewards awaiting the contestants. "The grand champion will receive 500 gold coins, along with additional prizes. Those who excel in each category will be awarded 100 gold coins. Moreover, they''ll have the chance to work at the pce,


    handling specialmissions from the royal family."


    As the host described these grand prizes, thunderous apuse erupted, filling the area with such intensity that it felt as though the very ground was shaking.


    "Alright," Max began once the enthusiastic crowd had settled down, and the contestants were prepared. "You each have seven days toplete your work, including time for logging out. Utilize your strategies wisely and make the most of this period."


    Morbit added reassuringly, "Don''t worry about the materials. We''ve prepared everything you might need, all readily avable for you to use."


    The participants moved forward, eager to select the blueprint or recipe they would be crafting in the final round. Having ranked highest in the initial round, Broken naturally had the first choice.


    With a confident stride, he approached the table at the center of the arena, where two royal cksmiths stood, overseeing the final stage of thepetition.


    "What blueprint will you choose, Broken?" asked one of the royal cksmiths.


    Broken surveyed the array of intricate blueprintsid out before him-helmets, chest tes, gauntlets, trousers, boots, swords, shields, daggers, and spears. Each design exudedplexity and required an Advanced Rank cksmith to craft, with a level requirement of 200.


    He marveled at the craftsmanship embedded within each piece, knowing that each item represented a formidable challenge. "This is going to be tough," he thought.


    At the moment, Broken was only at level 96, which meant he could use items with a maximum level requirement of 196. However, it wouldn''t be long before he reached level 100, allowing him to use level 200 items. This prospect filled him with confidence, believing he could eventually wield whatever item he crafted in thispetition.


    The kingdom had set a very high bar for the contest. Only cksmiths of the advanced rank could participate in the final round, significantly limiting the number of eligible participants. Should anyone of a lower rank somehow make it this far, they would be disqualified automatically.


    Broken was fortunate in his skill; he had ess to a variety of weapons within the game, including swords, bows, and more. Yet, he found himself hesitating, unsure of what to choose. He decided that selecting another weapon type might be his best bet. Opting to craft a piece of an armor set seemed impractical to him since collecting the entire set during thepetition was unlikely. Picking a weapon would be a more optimal choice, given the circumstances.


    "Hurry up, young man," the royal cksmith''s voice cut through his thoughts. "You only have ten minutes left to decide."


    Broken was highly proficient with a sword inbat, and as a backup for long-distance encounters, he was also skilled in using a bow. Though he felt a strong temptation to obtain a magical weapon, he was reluctant to allocate too many Stat Points to Intelligence this early in his journey.


    "I''ll pass on magic weapons for now," he decided.


    Daggers and swords might appear simr in design, but the fighting styles associated with each were vastly different. He acknowledged that they couldn''t truly be considered the same. Taking a deep breath, he paused to weigh his options.


    "Whatever I choose, it will still take me some time to get ustomed to it," he mused.


    "I think I should choose a weapon that''s effective in close-quartersbat. There will be moments when Dendros, the spirit within the Moonvine Knuckles, can only depend on the Knuckles themselves. Having a backup weapon for close-range fights is crucial."


    Broken quickly grabbed the blueprint he wanted and gave a resolute nod. "Thank you," he said to the cksmiths before heading off.


    The two royal cksmiths exchanged puzzled nces as they scrutinized Broken''s choice. "I heard he had a legendary weapon," one of them remarked. "Could it be that he crafted it himself?"


    The other cksmith shook his head in doubt. "I wanted to believe it was his work, but after watching him pick that blueprint, I''m not so sure. He doesn''t seem to have much expertise."


    "What''s your take on him?" the first cksmith inquired.


    "If he wants to win, he should choose gloves. They''re the easiest to craft within the given time. But he''s too naive and greedy; it doesn''t seem like he''s thinking things through."


    "I agree," the first cksmith conceded. "We don''t need to worry about him anymore. He''ll likely end upst and won''t im any prizes in thispetition."


    Broken quickly gathered all the necessary materials for his new weapon, marveling at the quality of each one. He couldn''t help but be amazed at his fortune for being able to get his hands on such rare items.


    Flipping through the blueprint, a feeling of determination rose within him. He was aware of the risks, but if sessful, he would be able to craft something extraordinary.


    [Wavebreaker Spear Blueprint]


    [Grade: Elite - Legendary]


    [The Wavebreaker Spear is a formidable weapon capable of piercing the toughest armor with ease. It possesses a unique ability to generate a powerful wave, able to repel even the mightiest of armies. Additionally, its long handle makes it perfect for spearfishing in the sea!] [To craft this item, you will need steel, titanium, a pure water crystal, a sea creature''s fin, and a sea creature monster core.]


    [A hidden feature has been discovered in this blueprint. By adding an extra Monster Soul Stone to the materials, it is possible to mutate the soul, granting the spear unexpected and advantageous enhancements.]


    [Crafting this item requires the skill of an Advanced cksmith.]


    After studying the blueprint for the spear he had chosen, Broken felt a nervous twinge in his stomach. The spear''s value was immense, especially given that it had legendary-grade potential. Having ess to this blueprint was already a tremendous aplishment, as it was incredibly costly and rare.


    "I can''t even begin to imagine how the royal family managed to get their hands on such a valuable blueprint," he murmured to himself.


    As he examined the blueprint more closely, Broken discovered a hidden feature that caught his eye. "If I add one a monster soul stone to the materials, I can unlock an exciting upgrade,"


    he said.


    "Luckily, I still have one monster soul stone in reserve," he thought. "I''ll use all the resources I have for this project. If I seed, I''ll be able to wield this weapon myself."


    The monster soul stone he had was from a Wild Boar, one he had acquired while hunting with RememberMe and the others in his early adventures. "I wonder how they''re doing these days," he mused.


    A few minutester, the participants had taken their positions. Therge arena was now much less crowded, with everyone spread out and each one watched over by amittee


    representative.


    Morbit spoke with enthusiasm, "Alright, everyone is in ce. I hope you all make the most of the time you''ve been given and deliver your best results."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Max then added, "Let''s give a round of apuse to kick off this greatpetition."


    Right on cue, the sound of a trumpet red, marking the beginning of the final round.

 Chapter 179: Chapter 179 - Unexpected Guests: Shadow Wolves

    Chapter 179: - Unexpected Guests: Shadow Wolves


    ?


    Morbit and Max weaved through the bustling crowd towards the table reserved for the esteemed hosts. Seated there already was a face they recognized instantly.


    "Ah, today we have the pleasure of Titonor''spany," Morbit remarked as he pulled out his chair and settled in.


    Titonor, shing a smile, responded, "The pleasure is mine. It''s good to see you both."


    Max couldn''t help but chime in, "Everyone knows your name, Titonor! Your fame has reached far beyond the realms of Immortal Legacy!"


    With a nod, Morbit turned to address Titonor once more, "We''d be keen to hear your insights on what we can expect from the final round."


    Max eagerly added her agreement, "Especially after the surprising sess Broken had with creating that Unique-grade item yesterday."


    Titonor''s face took on a more serious expression as he began, "Given my extensive background in cksmithing, I must say, Broken made a grave error in thispetition. He had an ideal opportunity with the glove item-perfect for the limited time provided in the final round. Instead, he chose to work on the spear, an endeavor I believe he won''tplete in time."


    A look of concern crossed Morbit''s face. "Can you borate on why that happened, Mr. Titonor?" he asked.


    Titonor sighed lightly before answering, "It''s apparent that Broken underestimated theplexity involved in crafting a high-quality spear. He was overly confident, believing he could manage it within the given timeframe. I feel he relied too much on luck, and, unfortunately, that led to a reckless decision."


    He continued. "Crafting spears and simr weapons demands extraordinary precision. One small mistake can turn a promising piece into a failure," he dered with conviction.


    Morbit tried to lighten the mood. "Well then," he chirped brightly, "what do you all think? Who do you believe will emerge victorious and im the grand prize that has eluded so many for decades?"


    Max added, "Yes, please, weigh in with your thoughts!"


    The final round of thepetition had stretched into its third day, with conversations and debates regarding the potential winner intensifying online.


    "I''m certain Lanceshot will take the championship."


    "But what about Broken? He could be a dark horse in this race."


    "No one even considers him! He''s unknown, and maybe he just got lucky in the first round, like Titonor said."


    Meanwhile, within the venue, the murmur of voices from the spectator seats suddenly erupted into amotion. All eyes turned towards the grand arena entrance, where a substantial number of onlookers surged forward, eager to see what had captured everyone''s attention.


    To the crowd''s amazement, five imposing figures emerged from the gates. Their presencemanded immediate attention, and whispers of anticipation swept through the audience. "Who are they?" someone asked.


    "They''re from the Shadow Wolves guild," another replied, seemingly surprised by the question. "Haven''t you heard of them?"


    "Are they that special?"


    "You idiot, two of their members are the Gluttony Champions."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Really? I want to get a closer look at them," someone else added, pushing forward for a better view.


    Five members of the Shadow Wolves strode into the grand stadium, immediatelymanding the crowd''s attention. Among them, two figures stood out-Blessed with Blessing of Gluttony.


    What was even more shocking was the unmistakable red glow of their gamer tags, marking them as yer killers with unresolved statuses. Despite this, they boldly appeared in public, facing thousands of spectators without a hint of fear.


    "What? The Shadow Wolves are here?!" someone shouted.


    "Oh my goodness-Marlene is here!" another eximed in awe. "I''ve been a huge fan of hers for so long."


    At the forefront of the group was Paul, the guild master. Dressed in formidable jet-ck armor, with a pair of imposing horns crowning his blond head. He was a living testament to his status as both the guild master of the Shadow Wolves and a champion blessed with the Blessing of Gluttony.


    Beside him stood Marlene, her tightly fitted ck leather outfit entuating her striking figure. She wore a bright red coat that not only matched her fiery red hair but also made her presence even moremanding. She stood proudly beside Paul, not just as a member of the guild but as a fellow champion of Gluttony.


    "Demon!!!" one of the NPCs shouted in terror as he spotted Paul from a distance.


    "Will you quiet down!" hispanion hissed back.


    "But that''s a demon!"


    "Yes, I know, but he''s a yer too!"


    "A yer with a demon race? Isn''t that a bit worrisome? Do you think he could be the one behind the recent killings in the kingdom?"


    "The royal court has been keeping an eye on him, and so far, he hasn''t done anything wrong. I don''t think yers with the demon race are the same as the original demons."


    "No, even though he''s a yer of the demon race, I still feel uneasy about him!"


    At that moment, several NPCs around the stadium stood up and began to hastily depart, clearly ovee by fear.


    The five members of the Shadow Wolves took their seats. Paul''s gaze shifted to the corner of the area, where he spotted a few members of the Ass Guild gathered.


    "Looks like this is going to be really boring," Paul said with a smirk. "We have to fight against the Ass Guild? They''re so weak it won''t even be a challenge. There''s no thrill in the war we


    have ahead."


    Marlene, the epitome of sexiness at twenty-two, sat with her right foot resting on her left, her figure drawing many eyes. Her striking presence only amplified the interest around her. "Why don''t we just dere open war on them?" she suggested. "We could show our strength and get a real fight going. It would be far more fun than waiting for them to get stronger. Honestly, dealing with NPCs is getting dull. Killing them isn''t satisfying at all."


    Paul chuckled, already savoring the sense of impending victory. "We just need to kill a few more NPCs," he added, "and then I can summon the Named Demon. We''ll finish this up quickly and easily."


    Marlene nodded, though her enthusiasm was tempered by a hint of resignation. "Yeah, alright, I guess there''s no other option."


    She nced towards the arena, observing thepetitors hard at work on their items. "He is


    Broken."


    "What''s broken?" Paul asked.


    "No, I mean, he is the one they''re counting on," Marlene rified. "The contestant in the


    cksmith category. His name is Broken."


    "What''s so special about him?" Paul inquired.


    "Rumor has it he managed to craft a Legendary-grade item and secured first ce in the first round of thepetition," Marlene exined. "Seems like the Ass Guild believes he might win this entirepetition and gain greater ess to the pce through Broken."


    "Are you sure he''s that good?" Paul questioned. "His name doesn''t ring a bell. Isn''t there Lanceshotpeting? He seems more likely to win."


    "Who knows for sure," Marlene shrugged, "but he has shown remarkable skill so far. From what I''ve heard, the Ass Guild is just trying to use him. They haven''t even invited him to join


    their ranks."


    Paul paused, his eyes narrowing as he gazed towards the arena. "Hmm... offer him money and buy him. He seems easy enough to sway."

 Chapter 180: Chapter 180 - Business Meets Brotherhood

    Chapter 180: - Business Meets Brotherhood


    ?


    On the other side of the grand stadium, members of the Ass Guild were seated. Only four individuals were visible: Goldrich, Maylock, Jovina, and Toberry. They, too, noticed the arrival of the Shadow Wolves Guild.


    "Khi khi khi... I get it, they''re our enemies," Goldrich said, "but I can''t help admiring Marlene''s beauty. It''s like nothing I''ve ever seen before."


    "She may be beautiful," Maylock cut in, "but don''t forget-she''s also cunning and resourceful. We need to stay sharp around her."


    Jovina rolled her eyes, a smirk ying on her lips. "You''re such a perv, old man, always thinking with your pants... ha ha ha."


    She added. "That witch," she spat. "I''ll rip her mouth and stomp her faceter. I can''t wait. Honestly, I want to beat them up right now if Elincia didn''t forbid it."


    Maylock said. "Marlene may be young, but she''s certainly clever. She knows how to use her charm to get what she wants."


    Goldrich added, "I wonder... could she possibly seduce me with her sexiness to convince me to betray the Ass Guild and join their side? Khi khi khi..."


    "So..." Toberry said, redirecting the conversation, "what kind of skill does that guy with horns have? He''s a champion of gluttony, right?"


    Maylock''s expression grew serious as he exined, "Paul, the guild leader, the more people he kills, the more upgrades and benefits he gains for himself. It was obvious that the first thing he gained was bing a demon race. I wonder how many yers or NPCs he had to kill to achieve that status."


    "Whoa..." Toberry eximed, taken aback. "A killer like him can really roam the royal areas? Hasn''t the kingdom done anything?"


    "That''s because of Demian." Maylock replied, "his position as King Alorik''s brother gives Paul and his guild the freedom to move about in royal areas without much interference."


    "Ha ha," Toberryughed, though his tone was uneasy. "Political stuff like this really gives me a headache..."


    "You sure are the dumbest person in this guild, Toberry," Jovina added scornfully. "You even failed in the first round of the Alchemistpetition. You''re so dumb! Why someone like you even join the Ass Guild?" She punctuated her words by smacking Toberry on the head.


    "Ah hahaha, sorry... I made a small mistake, so my potion failed," Toberry replied with augh, rubbing his head. "I''ll try again next time."


    ***


    As the autumn sun began to set, painting the sky in a stunning array of indigo and scarlet hues, Freya received an invitation from Ronald, a new business partner. They nned to meet at a quaint downtown caf¨¦ to discuss a business proposal involving endorsing his brand to Leon within the game.


    Freya epted the invitation because the other side imed they had a good rtionship with Broken in the game.


    Ronald, a man in his early twenties with blonde hair and friendly eyes, extended his hand in greeting.


    "Ms. Freya, it''s a pleasure to meet you," he said warmly.


    Freya smiled back. "The pleasure is mine, Mr. Ronald."


    "Please, take a seat. I''d be delighted to chat with you about all sorts of things," Ronald offered, gesturing towards the plush chairs.


    They both settledfortably, and a waitress soon approached with menus, taking their orders for drinks and food before they could delve into their conversation in earnest.


    "So..." Freya began, "you mentioned that you were a close friend of Broken in the game?" Ronald''s face lit up with joy. "Yes, indeed! I''m not just close to him; we''re like two halves of the same soul," he said with a hearty chuckle.


    Freya raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "He never mentioned having a friend as close as you. I mean, I didn''t expect that quiet person to have a sessful businessman friend like you, Ronald. Your bond must be really strong!"


    Ronald leaned back slightly, a satisfied smile ying on his lips. "It is. We''ve been through a lot together in the virtual world. Our friendship is built on mutual respect and trust."


    As the waitress returned with their drinks, the conversation continued.


    Freya took some time to delve deeper into Ronald''s connection with Broken in the game.


    "Hahaha... You''re quite good at praising people, Freya. But our friendship with Broken is truly special-priceless, even!"


    "What is your game name again, if I may know?" she asked.


    Ronald brought his face closer, "Remember Me... hahaha," he said, thenughed heartily.


    "That''s a great name-certainly one that''ll be hard to forget. Everyone will always remember you."


    Ronald smiled at herment.


    "And I''m also very impressed. It turns out my friend Broken has an assistant as beautiful and intelligent as you," Ronald said in a friendly tone.


    He continued. "I think this is the perfect opportunity to surprise him with a business deal no one could refuse!"


    "But please," he added hastily, "don''t tell Broken that I''m the one offering this business to him... Let''s just say it''s a surprise."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Freya''s brows furrowed as she considered Ronald''s words. "Alright. I think that condition is still eptable."


    Ronald''s face lit up with a broad grin as he presented his business card. "So, what kind of proposal am I offering here? It''s simple..."


    He waved the card around, allowing Freya to see the words "Remember Car Shop" and its tagline, "A car shop you will always remember."


    "I''m offering Broken the chance to promote my auto shop just once when he wins thepetitionter," Ronald exined. "In return, I''ll let him choose any car he wants from my shop-within a reasonable limit, of course. Let''s say up to $200,000."


    Freya leaned forward. "How about $300,000, Mr. Ronald?" she suggested. "I''m afraid Broken won''t be satisfied with the car options avable at the price you''re offering. He''s not exactly a car enthusiast, so we need to ensure he''s genuinely interested in this deal." Ronald chuckled, throwing his head back in amusement. "You''re quite the negotiator," he remarked. "It seems that Broken has chosen the right assistant in you."


    Freya simply smiled in response, pleased with thepliment.


    "Alright, you''ve convinced me," Ronald said, still grinning. "We''ll increase the limit to $300,000. I want this to be an offer he can''t refuse."


    Freya nodded, satisfied with the oue. "I believe this will make apelling proposal.


    Broken will appreciate it."


    With the details ironed out, they spent a few more moments discussing final arrangements, and they exchanged a few more pleasantries before parting ways.


    As they wrapped up, Ronald''s lips curled into a smirk of satisfaction. "Alright then, I have no other choice-besides, Broken is my best friend, hahaha..."


    Freya, however, looked momentarily concerned. "But what if Broken doesn''t win this


    competition?"


    Ronald burst into heartyughter. "I''ve known Broken since he was just starting to take on level 50 monsters. And I know just how ''broken'' he is; I even nicknamed him The Legendary Broken yer. He always manages to overturn the skepticism of those who underestimate him. I''m not just confident that Broken will win; I''m certain he''ll take home the grand prize. My instincts have never been wrong, haha."


    Freya smiled, reassured by Ronald''s confidence. "I hope this will be a long-term partnership. I''ll inform you as soon as we finalize the agreement, Mr. Ronald."

 Chapter 181: Chapter 181 - Echoes of King Elandorr’s Quest

    Chapter 181: - Echoes of King ndorr¡¯s Quest


    ?


    Morbit and Max stood in awe, their eyes fixed on Lanceshot as he skillfullypleted his craft.


    "Unique grade!" Lanceshot dered, lifting his creation for all to see.


    The crowd erupted in cheers, admiration radiating from their faces as they took in the masterpiece that had just been born.


    "Everyone," Morbit eximed excitedly. "Did you all see that? I''m sure you were expecting it, right? Lanceshot has truly seeded in crafting a Unique-grade item that even the most expert of master craftsmen would be proud of!"


    Max added reassuringly, "I''m certain the item Mr. Lanceshot created isn''t something to be taken lightly. Without a doubt, this is the finest work anyone in thispetition could have achieved. Let''s give our best apuse to Mr. Lanceshot!"


    Morbit stepped up to Lanceshot, holding the microphone close. "Well, Mr. Lanceshot," he said, "what do you have to say?"


    Lanceshot smiled. "I can confidently dere that, with my Unique-grade Glove, I am the undisputed champion of this prestigiouspetition."


    The moment he spoke, thunderous apuse erupted throughout the stadium, reverberating off the walls as everyone celebrated his sess.


    Several other cksmiths gathered around Lanceshot, offering their congrattions, though their expressions showed a mixture of admiration and the sting of their own defeat.


    "Damn, man, you''re so talented," one of them said. "I really wanted to win thispetition, but I guess it''s your moment to shine this time."


    Lanceshot smiled warmly. "Yeah, I know it''s been an uphill battle for all of us. But I can''t deny that my aplishments have hopefully served as inspiration to many in Immortal Legacy."


    "Congrattions, man!" another cksmith said, pping Lanceshot on the back. "You''ve earned a major de!"


    "What an amazing aplishment," added a third. "I''m sure you''ll reach even greater heights in the future. You''ve proven yourself time and time again, and I''m truly happy for you."


    "You deserve every bit of praise for this incredible achievement," thest one chimed in. "Well done, my friend."


    Lanceshot nodded. "Thank you, everyone. Your words mean a lot to me. This victory isn''t just mine; it reflects the hard work and dedication we all put into this craft. Here''s to all our futures and what we''ll achieve next!"


    Nevertheless, Lanceshot''s victory was not assured until the conclusion of the final round of the tournament. One contestant, Broken, had yet to finish his work. All eyes turned towards him, noticing his intense focus on the forging tool in front of him.


    "That Broken guy again!" sighed one spectator. "Why does he always have to finishst? He''s not fast enough to be appreciated by anyone."


    "He''s too stupid, and he''s wasting everybody''s time. He won''t be able to win."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Forget about him," said yet another. "He''s not going to do anything right. We should make a decision now and dere the rightful winner!"


    "Unique-grade items aren''t something people can make easily, so Broken won''t be able to repeat his luck!"


    "He''s a real letdown. Why should we even bother waiting for him? He should be ashamed of himself."


    "We should just move on; he won''t be able to win thispetition either. He''s too slow. He''ll never produce something of quality or better than Lanceshot''s."


    The final day of the grandpetition had finally arrived, and winners in the various categories¡ªalchemist, tailor, and jeweler-had all been determined. Yet, none had seeded in crafting a legendary-grade item, a feat necessary to secure the grand prize. Only one category remained, and within it, a single contestant was still working against the clock. On the main stage, two regal seats were arranged: one upied by King Alorik and the other by Princess Alora. The royal pair watched patiently as the final seconds of thepetition''s second round ticked away.


    "That person..." King Alorik murmured, catching Princess Alora''s attention.


    "Wasn''t he the one who crafted the Unique-grade hammer during the first round?" he queried, curiosity clear in his voice.


    "Yes, Father," she confirmed, her gaze following his to Broken at the forging tool.


    King Alorik nodded, a small chuckle escaping his lips. "Then, I hope he canplete another great achievement today. That way, I can fulfill the task my grandfather gave me as well."


    A tense silence hung in the air following King Alorik''s words, "The era haspletely changed..." he said.


    "The arrival of the yers haspletely transformed this world," King Alorik continued after a brief pause. "I must acknowledge that thete King ndorr might have been right when he spoke about the possibility of something catastrophic urring in the future that could end the lives of many Yunateans."


    King Alorik''s voice grew somber but then shifted to a firmer tone. "However, he also foretold the emergence of a force capable of preventing such a tragedy. And I can only hope that I will live to see the second great prediction of hise to fruition!"


    Princess Alora had heard the incredible tales about King ndorr, the God yer. His strength surpassed that of any human, and his bravery was renowned throughout the southern continent, causing fear among many races.


    Thete King ndorr had achieved remarkable feats, leading the Dissidia Kingdom to be the most powerful on the continent. His ambition and determination drove him to strive for more than just personal glory.


    Even though destiny had not yet granted him what he sought, he still aimed to aplish a mission so grand that no mortal could bear-to put an end to the gods'' egotistical behavior that brought cmity to the inhabitants of Yunatea.


    "Is this rted to the great mission of thete King ndorr, Father?" Princess Alora asked. The old king sighed in acknowledgment. "Indeed, thete King ndorr''s great quest was one that he alone could bear as the Champion of Sloth. His blessing gave him the potential to be something greater than anyone could hope to achieve. He could have ascended to the level of a god had hepleted the trials that confronted him. Unfortunately, he left us with a heavy debt that can never be repaid.


    "Since his departure, no one has inherited the Blessing of Sloth, and this has caused us humans to be weakened. We have since been reduced to a race that is despised and ignored by the other great races."


    Princess Alora was silent for a moment, the pressure in her heart palpable. She knew that many people, especially the residents of the Dissidia Kingdom, were hoping for the Blessing of Sloth to be bestowed upon the heir of the kingdom. But she also knew that, as a half-elf, her chances of receiving it were slim.


    The Blessing of Sloth had only ever been bestowed upon humans. With Princess Alora''s ascension to the throne, humans would once again be unable topete with the other major


    races of Yunatea.


    "But, Father," Alora began hesitantly, "was thete King ndorr''s mission really to..." She trailed off, not daring to finish her sentence.


    King Alorik slowly nodded. "This noble mission was only ever undertaken by one man, thete King ndorr. For thousands of years, the Gods have brought destruction to the people of Yunatea, selfishly treating them as mere objects and causing countless deaths throughout the


    world."


    "But, Father," Alora said softly, "haven''t the Gods of Sins now given their blessings to the yers?"


    King Alorik''s expression grew thoughtful. "Some yers im to have met the Goddess Akidia in person. However, no one has confirmed that a new Champion of Sloth has been


    chosen."


    He continued, "The Sin Blessings bestowed upon yers are not nearly as powerful as the Blessings of the past. The sheer number of yers receiving blessings has diluted their power. In contrast, in the past, only one person from each major race in Yunatea could receive


    a Blessing."


    "Did the ring inherited by thete King ndorr have anything to do with the Champion of Sloth and his great mission?" Alora asked with curiosity.


    King Alorik shook his head slowly. "Thete King ndorr had attained a higher level of knowledge that may remain beyond ourprehension. We do not have enough information to fully understand the legacy he left behind. All we can do is ensure that we pass on the messages he left to those chosen to receive them."


    Alora solemnly nodded in agreement and then turned her gaze towards Broken, a glimmer of hope filling her heart. She smiled lightly and added, "I can''t wait to see the results of this


    competition."


    "To y the Gods," King Alorik dered, "is a mission that could be nothing more than rhetoric or a genuine call to action. Ultimately, the fate of this mission will be decided by the one who seeds King ndorr."


    As the final minute of the final round of thepetition approached, Lionell, the Knight


    Grand Cross, kept a vignt eye on Broken, ensuring that no disruptions would ur again.


    A royal cksmith stood nearby, prepared to assess the item that Broken was finalizing. "We''ve only got one minute left!" the royal cksmith eximed. "The end time is almost


    here!"

 Chapter 182: Chapter 182 - A Miracle in Broad Daylight

    Chapter 182: - A Miracle in Broad Daylight


    ?


    "Only one minute left until the end time," the royal cksmith announced.


    Broken''s eyes were full of focus as he worked on his spear; though it wasn''t finished, it was already impressive to everyone watching.


    Melliandra, who was sitting in the audience seats, let out a sigh of frustration. "This is really stressful," she said. "I''ve been waiting here for so long, and I can''t wait to see the result!"


    "Don''t you hate that Broken?" Jovina asked in a low tone. "Why don''t you just go out and hunt some monsters?"


    "You, Jovina bitch," Melliandra snapped back. She then stood up and brazenly took out her sniper rifle. "Let''s go out now and duel."


    Elincia shouted, "Both of you, shut up! Can you two not fight for one day?"


    "Yes, sir!" Jovina replied with a chuckle.


    "Damn you, Jovina!" Melliandra sighed and then sat back down, her shoulders slumping in frustration.


    Maylock could be seen pacing anxiously on the floor, stamping his feet as he waited for the results of Broken''s work.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Freya and Ivana clung to each other, waiting tensely for the oue.


    The royal cksmith''s deep voice echoed through the area like a bell as he slowly began his countdown.


    "Five seconds!"


    Broken worked feverishly, hammering and chiseling away at his spear. The ng of the hammer on steel reverberated throughout the area, creating a sharp buzz that filled their ears.


    "Four," the royal cksmith continued.


    Lionell watched with rapt attention, his Knight experience telling him this weapon would be extraordinary whenpleted. He felt a peculiar shiver run through him just looking at the unfinished product.


    "Three." The royal cksmith murmured. Despite his apprehension about this unfamiliar situation, he couldn''t deny the excitement of witnessing something special being created in front of him.


    "Two." The royal cksmith continued.


    He clicked his tongue and took a deep breath. "What a pity, you failed, young man."


    A heavy silence befell the crowd as they awaited the royal cksmith''s announcement of Broken''s failure.


    "One!" he said, shaking his head in disappointment. He slowly turned to face the audience, expecting an embarrassing moment for Broken.


    But then something strange happened. As he looked around, instead of slumped shoulders and faces full of disgrace, he saw everyone turning towards him... or rather, towards Broken. In unison, they all wore looks of amazement and respect.


    "What happened?!" the royal cksmith murmured to himself.


    The royal cksmith slowly turned his head to face Broken, and there it was a pitch-ck spear adorned with a vividpiszuli wave-shaped ornament.


    Broken hoisted the spear into the air with grace using his right hand, and a luminous golden aura began to emanate from its tip, illuminating the entire area.


    The royal cksmith had no need to inspect its stats; he already knew its quality and craftsmanship. Overwhelmed by the magnificence of the weapon, he dropped to both knees in reverence, his face awash with awe.


    "The spear is so beautiful!" the royal cksmith eximed, his voice trembling. "I''ve never seen such a beautiful spear before!"


    All of the other royal cksmiths in the arena were stopped dead in their tracks. They looked upon Broken with awe and admiration, never having witnessed a miracle like this before. In unison, they dropped to their knees.


    The audience, sensing the gravity of the situation, erupted into chatter.


    "What happened? Why are the cksmiths acting so strangely?" one person blurted out.


    "I can''t say," another replied.


    "What? Why?"


    "I think Broken managed to create yet another Legendary-grade weapon," came the reply.


    "Impossible."


    "Is it really possible for a yer to create a Legendary-grade weapon?"


    "Damn, I have chills just watching from afar. The spear looks so enchanting and beautiful¡ªI feel like I want to hold it."


    "The spear is so beautiful. The golden aura enveloping the spear truly shows its quality. I am certain this is the best weapon ever created by a yer."


    "Broken has really surpassed everyone''s expectations."


    Maylock''s lips curled upward as he proimed, "He really did it." With augh, he added, "Please wee Broken as the new future ruler of this world!"


    "Khi khi khi," Goldrich jeered. "At least I will enjoy seeing our hero, Broken, surrounded by many women in the future. I doubt he will be able to maintain his virginity for much longer."


    Elincia screamed with absolute glee. "Broken... you made it!"


    Melliandra shouted, "Broken... you did it! You won!"


    Freya embraced Ivana tightly, unable to contain her joy any longer.


    Booba shouted and jumped up and down, and Kingsley, with his tall and broad frame, did the same. Their bodies blocked the view of the people behind them, but no one dared to


    comin.


    Princess Alora stood in the distance, her eyes fixed on the final result of Broken''s crafting. An expression of enthusiasm was clearly visible on her face. She turned to King Alorik, who gave


    a slow nod.


    "Father, he made it," she said.


    King Alorik smiled despite his weary appearance from thousands of battles. "Yes, the one foretold by King ndorr has truly arrived," he said.


    Morbit then approached Broken, his face full of admiration. "Looks like it will take some time until the judges announce your victory. I''m sure everyone is still in shock from the miracle that happened right in front of them."


    Max also approached enthusiastically. "Broken, I''m still trembling from the final revtion of your creation. This is truly extraordinary. I don''t even dare to look at the description and stats of the spear, even though I''m incredibly curious. It''s really beautiful."


    "Thank you," Broken said.


    Morbit continued. "Do you have any messages or words of motivation that have driven you to take such big risks and seed in proving yourself to everyone?"


    Broken nodded slowly and said, "I''m a firm believer in never letting fear stand in the way of our dreams. No matter how wild or crazy they may seem, we mustn''t forget to take risks! Pursue your dreams, not only in the game but in real life, too.


    Recently, I was searching for my dream car at the most prestigious car shop, Remember Car Shop. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to do whatever it took to make sure I could get it-my dream car-no matter what risks were involved.


    That''s when I decided to try my luck at thispetition, and thankfully, my hard work paid


    off!


    My message to everyone is this: don''t let fear stop you from chasing after your dreams. Anything is possible if you''re willing to step outside yourfort zone.


    And for anyone out there who wishes to reach for the stars and make their dreamse true, I highly rmend visiting Remember Car Shop and getting your ultimate vehicle!"


    Upon hearing Broken''sst words, some people momentarily forgot about the gravity of the


    moment and resumed their des and scoffs.


    "This is so trash. He''s advertising an auto shop?"


    "You''ve got to be kidding me. I know this isn''t the time for this, but... man..." another chimed


    in.


    "What the hell is Remember Car Shop? I don''t remember any car shop like that," another said. "I''m sure it''s just a small, obscure auto shop," concluded someone else.

 Chapter 183 - Wavebreaker Spear

    Chapter 183 - Wavebreaker Spear


    Broken eagerly read the description of the legendary spear he had just crafted and quickly zeroed in on the detailed list of skills it offered.


    "Wow!" he eximed. "There are four skills in total!"


    [Wavebreaker Spear]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Attack Power: 1085~1194


    Stamina +100


    Constitution +150


    Strength +100]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 1580]


    [The ultimate weapon for causing chaos with water! With this mighty spear, you can summon enormous waves that crash over your enemies, dealing significant area damage and slowing them down. You can also call down a torrent of water spears from the sky and receive the ocean''s blessing to fight with unrivaled fierceness. Plus, its hrious design is sure to make you smile as you wield it in battle!


    [Skills:]


    [Ocean''s Wrath: Unleash the sea''s fury with this devastating move! It generates five enormous waves that crash down on your enemies, dealing 200% physical damage and 200% water elemental damage each.


    The waves also slow down enemies by 20%, making them easier to catch.


    Mana Cost: 800


    Cooldown: 30 Seconds


    Duration: 5 seconds]


    [Sea of Storms: Call forth 100 water spears from the sky to strike random enemies near the caster. Each spear deals 50% physical damage and 50% water elemental damage.


    These spears drench your foes, making them feel like they''re drowning. The onughtsts for 5 seconds, ensuring no one escapes unscathed.


    Mana Cost: 1200


    Cooldown: 45 seconds


    Duration: 5 seconds]


    [Oceanic Blessing: Envelop yourself with a blessing from the ocean''s depths, boosting your water affinity. Your attacks will ignore 50% of the enemy''s defense, and you''ll take 20% less damage from all sources.


    Additionally, there''s a small chance to summon a spear from the ocean to deal an extra 200% damage, and each attack slows the target''s attack speed by 20% for 0.5 seconds.


    Your enemies will feel like they''re struggling through a raging sea!]


    [Boar''s Flood: Summon the Water Wild Boar spirit within the spear! This mighty spirit can conjure a devastating deluge, dealing 1,000% physical damage and 500% water elemental damage to enemies near the summoning area.


    Beware the Wild Water Boar''s wrath, as it will drench you to the core. Call upon the water Boar and watch it wreak havoc on your enemies with its overwhelming power.


    Mana Cost: 600


    Cooldown: 40 Seconds


    Duration: 20 Seconds]


    [User Restriction: Level 200 or higher.


    Spear User.]


    From the stats provided by the spear, it boasts an impressive attack power. Additionally, it offers a significant boost with +100 Stamina, +150 Constitution, and +100 Strength. Just from these numbers alone, it''s akin to leveling up by 35 levels! This is a remarkably high value, and if he enhances the spear further, the stats will only continue to climb. Truly, a legendary-grade item possesses stats that are almost unreal. And that''s not even considering the skills it grants.


    The first skill was called "Ocean''s Wrath."


    Broken took a deep breath, trying to wrap his mind around the description of this first skill. "This straightforward skill delivers Area of Effect damage to opponents, dealing both physical and water elemental damage. It also slows down the opponent''s movement speed by 20%."


    He paused, contemting the potential effects. Water elemental damage was a rare trait, typically only essible to those with an affinity for water elements. Fortunately, Broken had a high affinity for water, a reward he earned from the title ''Master of Mythic Spirit'' after sessfully forging a contract with Gaia. Finally, he would be able to harness elemental powers after obtaining this weapon.


    However, he knew that water elemental damage was derived from magic damage, meaning the higher one''s Intelligence stat, the more potent the damage they could inflict.


    He nodded, piecing it all together. This spear is perfectly suited for a Magic Spear user whobines both physical and magical attacks inbat.


    "Sea of Storms, the second skill," he began. This particr skill unleashed a torrent of water spells, causing chaos within a designated area. While each individual spear''s damage might not be overwhelming, thebined assault of a hundred rain spears was immensely effective against multiple adversaries.


    He pondered further. "Although the damage is dispersed and strikes opponents at random, this means that as the number of enemies decreases, the remaining ones will suffer increasingly concentrated damage."


    It truly was an extraordinary area-of-effect skill. With just the first two skills revealed, both were already highly potent in terms of area damage, despite the spear being primarily intended for close-quartersbat.


    The third skill was a passive ability, one that allowed the user to bypass a certain percentage of their opponent''s defense, thereby dealing more damage. It also came with a chance to reduce the opponent''s movement speed, all without consuming any mana. Truly, this was the hallmark of a Legendary-grade weapon!


    Broken couldn''t help but smile with pride, his chest swelling at the sight of his magnificent creation. The very act of fighting with this spear would present a significant challenge to any opponent. Moreover, he could also mitigate the damage he received. Since it was a passive skill, simply wielding the spear would automatically enhance hisbat effectiveness, skyrocketing his fighting potential to unprecedented heights.


    The final skill, which Broken believed was derived from the Wild Boar Soul Stone, was a summoning ability. It allowed him to call forth a wild boar that could inflict significant damage on a target and continue fighting independently for 20 seconds.


    "I suppose the boar inherits some of its abilities from its original form?" he mused aloud.


    He paused, a small smile ying on his lips. "The more summoning skills I acquire, the better. It appears that even if I find myself fighting alone, I''ll still have the assistance of the many allies I can summon through my various skills."


    After absorbing every detail of the weapon he had just crafted, Broken finally turned his attention back to the surroundings. He noticed more and more people gathering, driven by curiosity about the dazzling new spear he held. It dawned on him that they had been waiting, watching him as he admired histest creation.


    "Broken... you are the winner," Morbit announced, and the crowd erupted in a standing ovation.


    "This is a significant achievement," Max greeted him with a handshake and a smile. "Finally, someone has managed to craft a Legendary-grade item in thispetition, earning the grand prize that had been withheld for decades."


    The air was filled with the sound of apuse as everyone celebrated. The royal cksmiths stood in stunned silence, still trying to process the miracle that Broken had aplished right before their eyes.


    Lionell took a few strides towards him. "I believe the King and the Princess have been eagerly awaiting your arrival to present you with something special, Broken."


    Nodding slowly, Broken felt the urgency in Lionell''s tone and followed him, apanied by Morbit, Max, and the royal cksmiths. As they approached the area where the Royals awaited, an eerie sensation crept up his spine, making him wonder what rewardsy in store. The anticipation was almost too much to bear.


    King Alorik and Princess Alora rose to their feet in unison. Suddenly, two pce maids appeared in the distance, each carrying a wooden box gilded with gold, nked by several knights. Their footsteps echoed as they approached the stage.


    This was his moment. For Broken, it felt like another great milestone was within reach, with untold wonders awaiting him.


    ***

 Chapter 184: Chapter 184 - Perceptive One

    Chapter 184: - Perceptive One


    ?


    Princess Alora walked gracefully towards Broken, a soft smile adorning her face. Her elven features and ming red hair gave her an ethereal beauty that made her look like a true vision of royalty. This was a stark contrast to the Princess Alora he had first met, d in battle armor. In her royal dress, she appeared almost otherworldly, and he found himself momentarily dazzled by her presence as she lowered her gaze slightly.


    "I congratte you on your sess in winning thispetition, Broken," Princess Alora said.


    Broken bowed slightly and responded, "Your Highness, Princess Alora, I am deeply honored to receive these congrattions from you personally."


    "I believe you have exceeded many expectations, and you should be proud of this remarkable achievement," she added.


    The royal maids carrying the wooden boxes approached and knelt beside Princess Alora, cing the wooden chests before Broken. Sensing their cue, Morbit and Max stepped forward to assist.


    "Allow me to help you, champion," Morbit said, eagerly taking one of the golden chests while Max took charge of the other.


    "This chest holds 600 Gold Coins," Princess Alora exined, her emerald green eyes shimmering with delight. "The other chest contains rare materials that you may use to craft future items. I hope these rewards will enable you to create even more extraordinary pieces. Congrattions once again!"


    "Thank you, Your Highness," Broken replied with a small bow of his head.


    Princess Alora made her way back to King Alorik''s side, her ruby-red velvet gown rustling softly as she moved. Though usually a figure ofposed nobility, a subtle anticipation was visible in her demeanor.


    King Alorik stood before Broken. "You have aplished something that no one else has ever achieved," he said.


    He nodded approvingly. "For that, you shall receive rewards greater than any we have promised."


    Broken felt his breath catch in his throat, and his heart leaped with excitement. His eyes widened in anticipation of what these greater rewards could be, and a wide smile spread across his face.


    [Congrattions to Broken, the first yer to win the grand prize of thepetition event from the Dissidia Kingdom!]


    [His name will forever be remembered in history, and he is now known as the Grand Champion of the Realm of Dissidia. May his fame and gloryst for all eternity!]


    [For this amazing aplishment, you get a bonus of 20 stat points along with an additional 10 stat points on Charisma.]


    As Broken stood before King Alorik, his vision was suddenly filled with a cascade of notifications. He tried to read each one carefully, all the while keeping an eye on the King, who seemed on the verge of delivering an important announcement.


    "Another bonus stat point? Nice," he muttered softly to himself.


    [Congrattions, Broken, for your remarkable achievement that will surely be remembered by many! As a reward, you have obtained the new Perception stat! As for your new title, let''s call you the ''Perceptive One''.]


    [You have certainly earned it! May your sess continue to grow!]


    [For this great achievement, you will receive a 20 bonus to your Perception stat.]


    [Perception is a stat that allows you to observe the basic information of any individual, such as their level, ss, current abilities, maximum stats, and skills. The higher your Perception stat is, the more information you can gather.]


    Broken smiled once more, relishing the extraordinary rewards for his unparalleled achievement. "Perception stat," he whispered to himself. This wasn''t even the grand reward promised by King ndorr nor the one hinted at by King Alorik, yet he had already gained so much.


    Just then, he turned his gaze to King Alorik and was startled to see a set of information appear before him, something that had never happened before. The Perception stat was already making its mark.


    [Name: Alorik Rogwyn


    Level: ???


    Strength: 1,213 Agility: ??? Intelligence: 740 Constitution: 932 Stamina: ???]


    Broken swallowed hard after catching a glimpse of King Alorik''s staggering stats. His Strength was an astounding 1213, and his Intelligence was equally impressive. This indicated that the King was likely a close-range magicbatant, perhaps a magic swordsman when wielding the Sword of Dissidia or a simr weapon. His Constitution was also immensely high, suggesting he was well-suited to stand alone on the battlefield, fending off multiple adversaries.


    Although Broken couldn''t see the King''s level directly, nor his Agility and Stamina, he surmised that they must be equally formidable. Judging from the raw power in front of him, Broken estimated that King Alorik''s level was likely above 400.


    It was the first time Broken had encountered someone so powerful, and it made perfect sense that the man standing before him was the current King of Dissidia. King Alorik alone seemed capable of single-handedly dismantling arge guild, such as the Ass Guild.


    "This is truly extraordinary. This Perception stat is incredible," Broken thought, his mind buzzing with excitement over the newfound potential of his abilities. With this skill, he could assess his opponents much more effectively, although he had yet to test if this ability applied to other yers as well.


    Eager to further explore his new ability, he shifted his gaze towards Princess Alora. He felt a thrill deep within his core as he prepared to unveil the stats of the Crowned Princess of the Dissidia Kingdom, curious to see just how strong she really was.


    [Name: Alora Rogwyn


    Level: 217


    Strength: 833 Agility: ??? Intelligence: 637 Constitution: ??? Stamina: 621]


    "Damn!" Broken felt a jolt of shock as he absorbed even a fraction of Princess Alora''s stats. Her Strength was incredibly high at 833, clearly indicating she specialized as a sword-fighter. Her Intelligence stat was also impressive, revealing her prowess as a Magic Sword user.


    He pondered her stats further. "Her total stats for a level 217 character far surpass the average for that level-she''s truly exceptional," he thought.


    As he concluded the stats, Broken felt Princess Alora''s gaze upon him. He suddenly realized that while inspecting her stats, he had inadvertently been staring at her face. Their eyes met, and she smiled at him.


    Embarrassed, Broken quickly lowered his head. "Damn," he thought, "was I looking for too long?"


    King Alorik observed the man standing before him and noticed the nce exchanged between Broken and Alora. A warm contentment bloomed in his chest at the thought. The knights had mentioned that Alora had met Broken before, although he didn''t know how well they knew each other. It seemed that Alora and Broken were already familiar with one another-and perhaps even more than just acquaintances?


    Could there be a special bond between them? If so, wouldn''t Broken be an admirable and worthypanion for his daughter, especially considering he had just proven himself in front of the grand prophecy of King ndorr?


    King Alorik''s musings wandered back to recollections of thete King ndorr and his fabled prophecy. Could it be possible that the man standing before him would y a significant role in shaping the future?


    As he carefully considered the prospect, a thought urred to him: could Broken offer the


    best possible guidance and support to Alora as she prepared to ascend to the throne? It seemed not only feasible but also desirable. King Alorik was confident that whatever guidance and support Broken could provide would be immensely beneficial for his daughter''s future


    reign.


    Their prolonged gaze and Alora''s smiling response confirmed to King Alorik that perhaps there was more between them than he initially realized.


    King Alorik''s mind was made up. He decided to create more opportunities for his daughtern/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    and Broken to be together. If Broken''s destiny was indeed intertwined with that of the Dissidia Kingdom, then fostering their connection was the right course of action. This alliance, both personal and political, seemed written in the stars.


    "Broken, you have achieved great sess in thepetition," King Alorik finally continued.

 Chapter 185: Chapter 185 - The Baron of Slumdon

    Chapter 185: - The Baron of Slumdon


    ?


    The camera capturing the moment showed Broken and Princess Alora exchanging nces, igniting a flurry of intense reactions across the inte.


    "This fool, Broken, actually has the audacity to flirt with Princess Alora at a time like this!"


    "Just look at the way he''s staring at Princess Alora. I can barely contain my rage!"


    "I wish I could be in Broken''s ce, standing so close to the beauty of Princess Alora."


    "I''m so envious of this guy. He''s gotten to see Princess Alora up close."


    "I''m sure he''s used up his entire lifetime''s fortune. After this, he''ll be gued by bad luck until the day he dies."


    "Is it possible that Broken is the luckiest yer in Immortal Legacy?"


    "Broken has truly struck it rich in an instant! The rewards he''s getting are incredible."


    "Damn, I wish I had that kind of luck too. Is it possible to get rich from a game?"


    "Princess Alora... I Love You!"


    Meanwhile, on the stage, King Alorik continued his address.


    "Broken, you have achieved great sess in thepetition. Your victory is a true testament to your hard work and dedication. As the King of the Dissidia Kingdom, I can think of no better way to celebrate your sess than to grant you and of your own, Slumdon Town, and to make you its lord."


    Broken was overwhelmed with emotion. He had never expected such an incredible reward. And? A lord?! Could this mean he would have the opportunity to engage in city-building? The possibilities raced through his mind. Struggling to contain his excitement, he bowed his head in deep respect.


    "Your Majesty," he said, his voice shaking with emotion. "This is far more than I could have ever hoped for. I am deeply grateful for your generosity."


    The King smiled and continued, "Your sess in thepetition has been so extraordinary that I feelpelled to bestow upon you the title of Baron. You are now Baron of Slumdon, and the entire kingdom is proud of you."


    The entire area erupted in a mixture of cheers, shock, jealousy, and apuse at the King''s promation.


    [Congrattions to Broken, the Baron of Slumdon! You have achieved the remarkable feat of bing the first yer to be the lord of your ownnd in the Dissidia Kingdom - an impressive aplishment worthy of a new title - The All-Conquering Lord of Slumdon! May your reign be long and prosperous.]


    [Upon receiving this achievement, you are granted ess to the Land Management feature. This will enable you to effectively manage thend that you already own. Congrattions! You are well on your way to bing a kingdom builder, and for now, you are able to begin your own town-building journey.]


    Broken was stunned as he read the notifications, his mouth agape in disbelief. The astonishing reward he had received was far beyond anything he had ever imagined-a town of his own within this magnificent kingdom!


    "Now I have my own town in this kingdom? This is really far from what I expected," he murmured quietly to himself, still trying to fathom the enormity of the prize bestowed upon him.


    An expectant hush fell across the grand area as King Alorik paused for a moment. "And now, I will grant you the main reward for your winnings," he intoned.


    And that was not the final reward yet!


    "Damn, I''m envious!" Maylock eximed with a chuckle from his seat among the spectators.


    "He really robbed the King today, khi khi khi..." Goldrich responded.


    Jovina chimed in, "Man, the rewards are truly exceptional. Can anyone summarize what Broken has received so far, besides the material rewards? Hahaha... I always had a feeling that Broken was a remarkable ally."


    Elincia nodded and added, "The Legendary-grade Spear is certainly another powerful weapon for Broken to wield. And then there''s the gold and materials, which alone are incredibly valuable."


    "Yup, hahaha," Booba agreed. "Broken really went from rags to riches in an instant, hahaha." Goldrich continued, "I bet he also earned a bunch of achievements, new titles, and new abilities. Who knows just how extraordinary his gains have been?"


    Maylock interjected, "And now, and grant. All this, acquired as a single yer-not a guild!"


    Elincia smiled, "That was surely the right decision to bring him to our side, right?"


    Melliandra, who had remained silent among them, finally spoke up, "Still, he''s an asshole. He took my ring."


    "You dropped it, so it''s fair game if he picked it up, shorty, haha," Booba retorted.


    "Shut up, low-level!" Melliandra shot back.


    But the group soon noticed the absence of Freya as they scanned the crowd.


    "Hi, Ivana," Elincia called out to her.


    "Yes, Elincia?" Ivana responded with a smile.


    "Why haven''t I seen Freya here? Isn''t this a significant moment?" Elincia asked.


    Ivana paused for a moment, then giggled before responding, "Freya mentioned something about business; I don''t know the details, but I''m sure she''ll be here soon."


    "So... Freya might be his assistant out there. She was the one who made the deal about the car shop," Maylockmented casually.


    "Nice conclusion, Mr. Detective," Elincia said, turning her attention back to the stage.


    ***


    Marco, the CEO of the Golden Age Company, sighed as he reviewed the final results of the grandpetition in the Dissidia Kingdom.


    "I''ve never seen a yer receive this many rewards at once, except for him," he remarked with a rxed smile.


    Several key figures from thepany sat around a room with arge screen disying the


    results.


    One of themmented, "He even earned more than my monthly sry."


    "But your share in the stocks is stillrger, hahaha... Let''s just be happy about the remarkable achievement this yer has achieved."


    Another chimed in, "Will this yer be able to utilize all the features he''s been granted effectively? I mean, considering his background and the town management aspect, I doubt it


    will end well."


    "But he is close to the Ass Guild, right? I''m sure he can leverage his connections with them to build the town properly. This could also be a great opportunity to showcase more of the game''s features. More yers will strive to ownnd themselves."


    "I''m not sure the Ass Guild will have time for town building. They''re busy preparing to counter the opposing faction that doesn''t want Alora to ascend the throne."


    Their conversation revolved around whether Broken would be able to make full use of thend management feature he had just unlocked. This was the first time a yer had ess to


    such a feature.


    One of them reasserted, "You all know that Broken achieved all of this in a very short time. Is the game still bnced when a yer like him has ess to such significant advantages? I mean, his blessings, his two legendary weapons, and now thend itself. What will other top


    yers think?"


    Marco stood and faced the others. "Whether Broken will survive or not depends on his decisions and future actions. But one thing I''m certain of is that the game will no longer


    remain the same with his presence."


    "Should we hold him back a bit?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Marco quickly responded, "The question is, could we? The answer is no! We don''t have the capability to do that!"

 Chapter 186: Chapter 186 - Personal Blacksmith

    Chapter 186: - Personal cksmith


    ?


    The King slowly pulled out a small box from his cloak. Albedo, his most trusted bodyguard and Imperial Knight stepped into view. Measuring an impressive 2.3 meters (7.55 feet) tall, he bowed in respect before taking the box and walking towards Broken with the utmost reverence. Albedo was not only the King''s protector but also his closest confidant.


    "Broken," the King said in a loud and clear voice, "You have won the grand prize, and I congratte you on your sess."


    The King paused to nce at the crowd before continuing.


    "You have done us all proud, and I am honored to present you with a special gift: a ring that thete King ndorr had entrusted to the winner. I trust that you will use this ring wisely and with great care."


    Broken epted the box from Imperial Knight Albedo and discreetly ced the item into his Inventory, postponing reading its description to savor the moment.


    The King continued, "Furthermore, I am granting you the privilege of bing the personal cksmith for my daughter, Princess Alora. You will be given ess to the royal cksmith workshop, as well as five Knights and one Knight Commander to serve as your personal guards. This is my gift to you in honor of your impressive sess."


    Feeling deeply humbled by the King''s words, Broken bowed deeply and expressed his gratitude. "Your Majesty, I am deeply honored and will do my best to serve the Princess and the kingdom."


    King Alorik nodded, a warm smile spreading across his face. "I have no doubt that you will, and I look forward to seeing the great work you will create. Congrattions, Broken."


    The King stepped back, allowing Broken to bask in the glory of his victory. The apuse from everyone in the area was deafening.


    Comments from everyone who witnessed the event flooded in from various directions, both from those who were there in person and those watching the live stream.


    "This is unbelievable! I never expected the reward to be this grand. Just look, a single yer now has their very ownnd in the kingdom! They''re sure to be one of the richest people around!"


    "And what is that? Personal cksmith for Princess Alora? I can hardly believe it; amoner is getting close to the Princess? This is outrageous!"


    "That lucky fool, Broken-I should be in his position! What an ideal life he must have, crafting weapons for Princess Alora..."


    "I''m so envious. But it doesn''t matter. Princess Alora will be mine one day."


    "What kind of ring did Broken receive from the King?"


    "I don''t know. I hope it''s just a trash ring because he''s already gotten too many rewards!"


    "He is so lucky! He''ll likely have an ident that will end his life soon enough. He has no right to this fortune. It should be Lanceshot who gets it-at least he''s someone we know!"


    "Maybe Broken was chosen for a reason, or perhaps it''s all a part of the King''s grand n." "It doesn''t matter who gets it anyway. Our lives will remain the same."


    "But do you know what kind of town Slumdon is?"


    "A ghost town."


    "Really? A ghost town? What happened?"


    "Slumdon had been slowly deteriorating for years due to the dry climate andck of rainfall. Folks just couldn''t make a living off the parchednd, so they all drifted away, leaving only a broken-down husk behind."


    "Wait, so you mean this Broken guy was duped by the King? He was given a piece of worthlessnd?"


    "It seems he got more than he bargained for... poor chap."


    King Alorik had just finished his conversation with Broken, and Knight Albedo stepped forward to inform him of his next steps.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Her Highness Princess Alora will give you the full details about everything that needs to be done. I''m counting on your cooperation and support for the kingdom," he said.


    Broken bowed deeply in response. "Yes, thank you, Sir Albedo."


    Broken could truly feel the authority and strength emanating from the Imperial Knight standing before him. It struck him that here, in this very moment, he was surrounded by the most powerful individuals in the Dissidia Kingdom.


    He watched as the King gracefully exited the area. The King''sposure and dignity left asting impression on him.


    After King Alorik left, Morbit and Max quickly took control of the situation.


    "It seems that this has be something truly remarkable," Morbit began, addressing the awestruck crowd. "Surely you thought about how this would end. Who could have predicted that Broken woulde out on top? We have all witnessed something incredible today."


    Max chimed in, "Before you head off into your next journey, why don''t we all reconvene in the capital of the Dissidia Kingdom to celebrate our victory?"


    Morbit nodded in agreement with a smile. "Yes, I think it is best that we take some time to enjoy our sess before continuing on our journeys."


    Firmly concluding their agreement, Morbit added, "We will surely meet again."


    Princess Alora and her knight started to move away when Knight Lionell turned to Broken with a gesture for him to follow. At first, Broken walked behind them, but he stopped when he saw Princess Alora pause as well.


    "Can you walk a bit faster beside me, so we can talk more easily?" she asked.


    Broken nodded slowly and quickened his pace. As they walked toward the castle, Broken


    found himself walking beside Princess Alora.


    "So... I see you just got a lot of extraordinary prizes," the Princess said in an inviting tone. "Once again, I congratte you."


    Broken took a deep breath before answering quietly, "Thank you, Your Highness."


    "No..." Alora shook her head. "Please, just call me Princess Alora or simply Alora," she insisted firmly.


    Sensing the uneasiness in the air, she then smiled to ease the tension. "I know you''re not from Yunatea, and I''m sure you aren''t ustomed to theplicated hierarchy between the royal family and citizens. So don''t worry too much about addressing me with the proper respect- something more casual is perfectly fine," she paused, then added with a smirk, "At least do it while we''re alone, not in front of the King."


    Her voice calming despite its authoritative undertone, she continued, "Let''s discuss many things together. After all, I''m interested in hearing your thoughts."


    Broken nodded and replied quietly, "Yes, Princess Alora."


    Alora smiled warmly at him. She could sense he was trying his best to be respectful yet remained somewhat ufortable due to the unfamiliarity and formality.


    To dispel any lingering anxiety, she added reassuringly, "You don''t need to worry about Lionell and Mercy either-they are my loyal knights and will never question you for being more casual with me."


    Broken smiled and nodded. "Thanks, Princess... I think I still feel morefortable calling you Princess. It''s a form of respect and honor from me to you," he said.


    "Sure, that''s better," Princess Alora agreed. "Now, let''s talk about the real deal... Do you need


    some time to rest?"


    "No, I''m curious about what we''ll be working on first. So it''s okay for me."


    "I like that spirit... I knew from the first moment that you might be someone special," she responded with a smile.

 Chapter 187: Chapter 187 - Royal Blacksmith Workshop

    Chapter 187: - Royal cksmith Workshop


    ?


    "Allow me to show you around this ce. You''ll likely be quite familiar with it soon," Princess Alora said as she and Broken strolled side by side down the inner corridor of the


    pce.


    Broken observed several royal guards stationed at various posts, as well as maids diligently cleaning and bowing respectfully whenever the princess passed by.


    "Thanks a lot, Princess," Broken responded quietly. "This is my first time experiencing something like this."


    "What do you think about the Kingdom, Broken?" she asked, continuing their conversation.


    He turned to her, slightly puzzled by her question. "Which part are you referring to, Princess?"


    "Overall, give me your honest opinion about the Kingdom of Dissidia. Please, no sugarcoating."


    Broken fell silent for a moment, their footsteps echoing softly through the corridor, apanied by the rhythmic nking of armor from the two Knight Grand Crosses trailing behind them.


    "About the Kingdom..." he murmured thoughtfully. "Let me start with thend... I haven''t explored the whole kingdom yet. I''ve only been in the Dissidia region sinceing to Yunatea, so I can''t fully judge it."


    "And?" she prompted, encouraging him to continue.


    "And... to be honest, I felt a shiver down my spine standing before the King and his two Imperial Knights. Knowing their immense power, I can''t even fathom the extent of their abilities in battle," he added.


    "Really..." Alora replied. "I have never seen the King fight with his full might either. I hope we won''t have to witness that anytime soon," she said thoughtfully.


    Despite Princess Alora''s graceful appearance in her elegant royal gown and her voice, which sounded sweet and melodious, there was an underlying firmness in her words. She always seemed sure of what she was saying and doing, a fact that became strikingly clear to Broken in their unguarded conversation.


    "Our first stop today shall be the cksmith workshop," Princess Alora said.


    "Yes, Princess," Broken replied with a nod. He couldn''t help but nce around as they stepped into an open area. The view of lush gardens and serene fish ponds on the right was captivating.


    As they continued walking, Alora spoke again. "All of the kingdom''s cksmiths are gathered in this workshop. They are responsible for crafting all the equipment for our knights and guards. Each one is handpicked from the most talented craftsmen across thend," she exined. "And..." she paused for a moment.


    "It''s truly unfortunate that one of the highly talented cksmiths recently got involved in actions that caused you harm. However, they''ve been duly punished for their misconduct," she added.


    Broken also felt regret. Losing a cksmith of such high caliber was a significant blow to the kingdom, which heavily relied on their craftsmanship. He mused whether it was still possible for the imprisoned cksmith to continue working, despite their current situation.


    "Princess," he began, catching Alora''s attention. "Are the cksmiths here only native Yunateans, or do they include yers as well?"


    Alora paused briefly before nodding. "There are a few yers working as royal cksmiths, but the majority of them are of Beginner rank. Most Advanced Rank cksmiths prefer to work outside the kingdom walls, where they have more control over their sales and profits. So, it''s the same for you, Broken-you won''t be obligated to eptmissions from us if you feel it''s not worth your time. However, I will certainly strive to retain a valuable talent like yours," she said, giving him a warm smile.


    Broken couldn''t help but smile back at Alora. "I''ll do my best, Princess... I trust the kingdom will treat me fairly."


    They walked down the hall, their footsteps echoing through the grand corridor. Emerging into a flourishing garden, they were greeted by a symphony of colors, where vibrant flowers painted a breathtaking scene.


    Alora pointed to a building across the garden. "Over there is the cksmith workshop," she said, her voice mingling with the soft murmurs of nearby streams and the cheerful chirping of birds.


    Broken squinted at the imposing structure. It was built of solid stone, yet it had an immacte shine that he had never seen before. The grandiosity of the building left him in


    awe.


    "It looks like plenty of cksmiths are operating there," he remarked, admiring the building''s beauty.


    "Yes," Alora confirmed with a nod. "There are approximately one hundred cksmiths of Beginner rank and sixteen Advanced ranks."


    Broken nodded, though he knew there was a Master cksmith named Fokil living in the small town of Deadbay. He wasn''t sure if all cksmiths would be interested in working for the kingdom.


    They strolled towards the workshop at the end of the garden. As they arrived, tens of cksmiths awaited their arrival, lining up with respectful bows in honor of Princess Alora''s presence.


    Alora smiled at the respectful disy and turned to Broken. "We are so d you decided to join us, Broken. I want to ensure you have everything you need to workfortably. Would you prefer an open area or a private space for yourself?"


    He answered promptly. "Working with others wouldn''t bother me too much, Princess. I like to immerse myself in my work and tend not to be distracted by my surroundings."


    Alora smiled knowingly and nodded. "Good then."


    The two continued through the expansive workshop, taking in the orderly array of forging tools, anvils, and cksmithing equipment neatly arranged along the walls and on worktables. Everywhere Broken looked, there was a flurry of activity as smiths prepared for their uing projects.


    The cksmiths paused their work and bowed respectfully to Princess Alora before swiftly resuming their tasks. It was amon scene, as Princess Alora often visited the workshop to personally oversee the progress.


    "Do you think he''s just lucky to be able to craft a Legendary-grade weapon?" one cksmith said to hispanion.


    "Are you out of your mind? If making a Legendary-grade weapon was just about luck, there should be countless people capable of doing it! Have you seen even one among the hundreds of cksmiths here achieve that?" thepanion replied, shaking his head.


    "What rank do you think he is?"


    "He can''t be an Advanced Rank cksmith."


    "But the highest rank any yer has achieved is only Advanced Rank level 9, and that''s held by Lanceshot."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "It''s possible he doesn''t want to reveal his rank publicly. He could be at least an Expert rank." "Even Jasper, an Expert Rank cksmith, has never seeded in creating a Legendary-grade


    item."


    "So, I believe he''s exceptionally talented."


    "I hope he decides to stay and work here for a long time. I''m eager to see what he can produce


    with his skills."


    "Yeah, I want to learn more from him too."


    "Imagine if he really crafted two Legendary-grade items in such a short span of time, like the rumors say that''s unbelievable!"


    After spending some time around the workshop, it became evident to Broken that the facility exceeded his expectations in both upkeep and organization. The difference between the equipment provided by the pce and what was avable outside was stark. Here, everyone worked with a noticeable sense of diligence and discipline.


    Soon, Broken was shown to his workstation-a ce for him to craft his creations, perhaps for an extended period. He was quite pleased to see that, despite being in the center of the workshop, his spot was set apart from others, offering him a bit of privacy. It seemed intentional, perhaps to allow people to gather around, reminiscent of what had happened in


    rio Town.


    Does the kingdom intend to make me a spectacle for the other cksmiths? he wondered. "Inform the guards about any supplies you need, and they will get them for you right away. I will also assign one of my Knights to watch over you," Alora said. Broken nodded firmly. "This is more than I imagined I would receive. Thank you, Princess."


    After a while, Alora continued, "The chefs have prepared lunch for us. Do you still want to tour this ce further?"


    "No, I think I''ve seen enough for today," he replied. "I cane back tomorrow to take a


    closer look."


    With that, they walked out of the workshop. Outside, they were greeted by the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers and the harmonious chirping of birds in the trees. They moved on to their next agenda, and Broken took the opportunity to assess the Land Management feature he had recently acquired after securing a plot ofnd in the Dissidia Kingdom. He found a new menu on his system and eagerly opened it to explore its contents.

 Chapter 188: Chapter 188 - Land Management

    Chapter 188: - Land Management


    ?


    [Area Name: Slumdon Town]


    [Mayor: Broken]


    [Overall Score: F - An incredibly poor condition, almost entirely destroyed and seemingly


    beyond salvation]


    [Deputy Mayor: - ]


    [...]


    [Market Master: -]


    [Diplomat: - ]


    [Animal Keeper or Breeder: -]


    Broken furrowed his brow as he examined the details of the Land Management status. The initial page disyed information about various positions that could be held within the town, including Deputy Mayor, Market Master, and more.


    As he delved deeper, he confirmed that each position could indeed be filled by the same individuals. However, it was clear that not all positions should be handled by just one person. This indicated that Land Management was not meant to be a solo effort. Instead, it required the coboration of a group or a guild.


    Then, his attention shifted to the overall score of thend, marked with an F, indicating poor condition. The description even noted it was almost entirely destroyed. He felt a twinge of doubt and confusion upon seeing this. Did the King intentionally give him a piece ofnd that was nearly ruined? Was the gift less generous than it seemed on the surface? Why was thend in such poor condition?


    Broken had yet to conduct thorough research on thend, as this was his first encounter with the name Slumdon Town. Nevertheless, he knew he would need to investigate further soon, especially now that the town was officially his responsibility.


    But then, regardless of the condition of thend given to him, whether it was a thriving city or a town that needed to be rebuilt from the ground up, having it was still better than having nothing at all. Moreover, the potential of this game was enormous, and much of it remained unexplored by yers. The area might house dungeons, valuable material sources, or ores worth a fortune.


    He explored more of thend management feature, uncovering its variousponents.


    [Resource Overview]


    [Construction]


    [Technology and Research]


    [Military and Defense]


    [Quests and Objectives]


    [...]


    There were numerous menus presented in the feature, each one indicating that managing a town would require significant time and effort to fully understand and utilize. Yet, this prospect excited him. The thought of city-building in Immortal Legacy promised a level of realism and challenge that would be far from ordinary. He would face unique challenges and problems, the solutions to which he would need to discover on his own-there would be no guidebook for this adventure.


    "I''m going to need a lot of help to build this town, and who knows how far this will go," he mused quietly. But to start with, he decided to discuss everything with Freya first.


    Broken lifted his head and noticed Princess Alora watching him.


    "Is there something you want to discuss, Broken?" she asked.


    He paused for a moment before gathering the courage to bring up what had been on his mind. "About Slumdon Town, Princess," he said.


    "Do you want to talk about Slumdon Town? Alright, what would you like to know?" she responded.


    "I''d love to hear a few things about this town from you," Broken said.


    "Slumdon Town was a beautiful ce. At least, that''s what I remember most about it," she began.


    She paused briefly before continuing. "Can you share the map of Dissidia Kingdom?" she asked.


    Broken essed the map feature from his system and disyed it for Princess Alora. She quickly pointed to the location of Slumdon Town.


    Upon closer examination, it became clear that the town was situated in the western part of the continent, nestled in a dense forest and near the vast desert that stretched toward the Keseon Kingdom at the southern end of the continent.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The South Continent was expansive and uniquely shaped, stretching along the bottommost part of the world. The Dissidia Kingdom upied the westernmost region, while the White Sand Kingdomy to the east of Dissidia. Meanwhile, at the southern edge, the Keseon Kingdom extended eastward alongside two other kingdoms. In total, there were five kingdoms on the South Continent.


    "Slumdon is indeed quite a distance from the capital of Dissidia Kingdom," Princess Alora exined, "but it was once a popr stopping point for those traveling to the Keseon Kingdom. Since the journey to the Keseon Kingdom passes through a long desert, Slumdon''s position was quite strategic back then.


    "However, things changed when Keseon built a city near the mountains and arge forest on its border adjacent to Dissidia. Many people began opting to stay in that city instead of Slumdon, which is situated in a more barren area.


    "Moreover, Slumdon has suffered setbacks due to reduced clean water resources and the increasing difficulty of growing nts, making it challenging for residents to sustain their crops and livelihoods. It has been increasingly hard for the people living there to survive." Alora continued.


    "While the town is located near a vast forest and ocean to the west, those areas are high-level zones teeming with dangerous monsters. The residents are too afraid to venture deep into the forest and only gather resources from its outskirts. Essentially, the town is perched on the edge of a desert.


    "But the main appeal of Slumdon is the abundance of mineral-rich caves surrounding the city," she added. "Many of these caves are yet to be explored, and this is a resource that has not been fully utilized. I know that this is a challenging task, but I believe there is a lot of untapped potential in the town. This means there will be a lot for you to do, Broken."


    Broken listened intently, absorbing the information. His mind raced with the possibilities and challenges ahead. The strategic location once held by Slumdon, coupled with its rich mineral resources and unexplored caves, could be the key to revitalizing the town.


    "I will rebuild the city," Broken said resolutely. "Because it is now my responsibility." Though he had yet to formte a concrete n for building the city, the thought of the project excited him. After all, it would be his very own city within the game. Princess Alora paused for a moment, letting his words sink in. She halted her steps, prompting the two knights who followed them to stop as well.


    "This should be the responsibility of the kingdom," she began slowly, "but this task has now fallen on your shoulders. However, you won''t be working alone. The kingdom will


    continuously support you in this endeavor."


    "I''m grateful for this trust, Princess," Broken replied humbly. "I''m very excited to visit the town soon. While I can''t promise immediate results, I will do my best to rebuild the city."


    Alora smiled warmly at his determination. "I''ll visit that town, too, and will strive to provide as much support as possible for you and the people of Slumdon."


    "Thank you, Princess."


    Princess Alora nodded once more, adding, "Thanks from me too."


    After a moment, they resumed walking. "I want to discuss something more important with you, but I think you should first experience the royal cuisine. We have the best chefs in the kingdom who have prepared a meal for us. I''m sure you''ll love it."


    Broken nodded and smiled, though his thoughts wandered to Ivana, an Expert Rank Chef who had repeatedly served him exquisite dishes. He couldn''t help but wonder how the pce chefs wouldpare to Ivana''s exceptional cooking.

 Chapter 189: Chapter 189 - Named Demons

    Chapter 189: - Named Demons


    ?


    Broken and Alora stepped into the regal dining room. The ce was designed with meticulous detail, featuring ornate chandeliers and fine decorations adorning the walls. The smell of freshly baked treats wafted through the air, and each table was set with avish spread of food.


    Broken''s eyes widened in wonder as he took in the feast before him.


    "Make yourselffortable and enjoy anything on the table. You''re free to eat to your heart''s content," Alora said with a soft smile. "Will you?"


    "Is this a challenge, Princess?" Broken asked.


    "Yes..." she replied casually. "To honor you, I won''t hold back either."


    Broken paused momentarily, imagining Princess Alora putting herself to such a test to honor a guest. "You don''t need to go that far, Princess."


    "Eating isn''t that difficult, and I''m ustomed to handling much tougher tasks. So please... don''t hold back," she insisted.


    They took their seats and began to dine, engaging in gentle conversation as they enjoyed their meal. Broken''s curiosity about the pce chefspared to Ivana''s cooking was momentarily pushed aside by the warmth of the moment.


    As they dined, Princess Alora spoke up. "There is a set of equipment and a new weapon that I require," she said, ncing at Broken.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "But I''m not asking you to do this in a hurry. Take your time," she added.


    "I''ll do it," Broken responded without hesitation.


    Alora shook her head with a chuckle, "Don''t you know how to refuse? There''s no challenge if you easily agree with everything I say."


    "Not really. I do know how to refuse, but I genuinely want to help you so that I will do my best for you. If what I craft can help boost your power, then I''m all in," he assured her.


    Broken wholeheartedly sampled all the foodsid out on the table. He couldn''t help but notice that Alora was doing the same. He found it a bit surprising to see a princess eating such arge portion. She really didn''t need to go that far, though it amused him to see her enjoying the feast as much as he was.


    Nevertheless, even though Alora ate a substantial amount, she maintained her elegance. She barely opened her mouth while chewing, despite doing so quickly. Each time she drank, she did so with such grace that not a drop was spilled. She truly embodied the quality of a noble.


    The variety of foods Broken tasted was wide-ranging, making it difficult for him topare them to Ivana''s cooking as he had initially intended. However, the assortment of vors provided a random yet delightful experience as he tried different dishes almost


    simultaneously. He thoroughly enjoyed everything.


    Sometimeter, as they transitioned to enjoying desserts like cake and sweets, they discussed new topics.


    "Princess, I have a message for you," Broken began cautiously.


    Alora lifted her gaze. "Is this a message from Elincia?" she asked with a tone of curiosity but firmness. "You don''t have to worry. You can pass it on here."


    Broken nced towards Knight Lionell and Mercy, considering the security of this information and whether it was appropriate to share it in their presence. He then proceeded, reassured by Alora''s confident demeanor, and continued with his story.


    "Elincia said that the opposing side is trying to gather strength by killing local people and yers in cold blood. It seems they are nning something big-something sinister. No one knows what will happen, but Maylock, a strategist from the Ass Guild, informed us that they might be attempting to summon one of the 72 Named Demons to the Dissidia Kingdom," Broken exined gravely.


    Alora was taken aback by his words. She hadn''t anticipated hearing about the ''72 Named Demons,'' a group of powerful and prestigious demons. Some believed their numbers were fewer than 72, but these demons were legendary for their strength and might. The higher their rank, the more formidable their power.


    These Named Demons held immense status and power, oftenmanding their own armies and territories. Though they didn''t reside in Yunatea, they existed in an alternate world directly adjacent to it, known as Hell.


    "The Named Demons." All eyes turned toward Lionel as he spoke up.


    He continued, "The King of Demons, King Bael, possesses the blessing of gluttony. Because of this blessing, he can create an alternate world we call Hell. This world has a territory size equivalent to Yunatea, and it is where demons live, grow strong, and rule their domains. Most demons can''t cross into Yunatea, especially the Named Demons, who are rumored to number 72. The Named Demons are bound by restrictions that prevent them from entering Yunatea unless certain conditions are met. No matter how powerful a Named Demon is, they cannot easily step out of Hell," Lionel exined.


    Alora''s expression turned serious as she absorbed the information. "This is troubling news. If they are indeed trying to summon one of the 72 Named Demons, the consequences could be disastrous."


    Broken then asked, "Is it possible to summon them through killing and dropping victims?"


    Lionel replied, "That might be one of the necessary conditions. But considering we''re talking about yers who are Gluttony Champions, it''s possible they have ess and the means to summon the Named Demons."


    "If a Named Demon is summoned to Yunatea," Mercy said thoughtfully, "King Alorik and the two Imperial Knights should still be able to handle them, at least for demons ranked in the 40s. Am I being too pessimistic?"


    Broken swallowed hard. Even King Alorik and the two Imperial Knights, whom he considered immensely powerful, were onlypared to Named Demons ranked in the 40s? The implications were staggering. Just how strong were the Named Demons ranked in the 30s, or even higher?


    Lionel replied. "But if the ranking is in the 30s or higher, I''m not sure what will happen. Named Demons ranked in the 20s are said to be powerful enough to destroy a kingdom in an instant easily. As for those in the single-digit ranks, they''re even said to be able to hold their own against the Gods."


    Broken listened in stunned silence. The gravity of the situation was sinking in. Hearing Lionel speak of the Named Demons'' immense power and the catastrophic potential of their summoning brought a chill to his core.


    Afterward, they discussed the potential for such an attack further and considered what measures could be taken if it were to happen in the near future.


    "I think what we can do right now," Princess Alora said, her face lined with worry, "is tighten the guard within the kingdom and reduce the killing of local residents as much as possible."


    After a lengthy discussion, Lionel suddenly brought up an intriguing suggestion. "Baron Broken, would you care to meet the Knights who have been assigned to work for you now?" Broken''s face remainedposed as he looked into Lionel''s eyes for a moment. Then he slowly nodded and said with resolve, "I think that''s a good idea."


    Once they had finished their grand meal, six valiant knights marched into the room and gave respectful salutations. Broken, Princess Alora and the others stood up in unison to greet them. Broken''s gaze settled on the imposing figures of the five Knights and one Knight Commander. There were four male knights and two female knights.


    As he nced at each of them, information about their stats appeared in front of him. The detailed stats disyed their names, as well as individual strengths.

 Chapter 190: Chapter 190 - The Six Knights

    Chapter 190: - The Six Knights


    ?


    (Author''s Note: Heads up! This chapter is packed with stats and information. Feel free to skip if you''re not interested in the new Knights who will serve the main character.)


    ***


    Taking a deep breath, Broken approached the six Knights kneeling in front of him. "Please, raise your heads and stand," he said gently, wanting to see the faces of those who would stand for him in battle.


    "Yes, my Lord," responded Igor, the Knight Commander. Igor appeared to be the eldest among them, likely in his thirties. His short brown hair framed a face marked by calmness and determination, traits befitting his leadership role.


    As Broken appraised Igor''s stats.


    [Name: Igor]


    [Level: 174]


    [Strength: 610 | Agility: 230 | Intelligence: 220 | Constitution: 453 | Stamina: 530]


    Impressed, Broken nodded approvingly. "You seem to be an expert in closebat, Igor." "Yes, my Lord," Igor replied, his voice steady with confidence. "I have trained with the sword since childhood. I have led several assaults and rescue missions. While I have yet to fight in a massive battle, I assure you, I am ready toy down my life for you."


    "Thank you for your dedication, Igor. As the only Knight Commander among the six, I expect you to help manage and lead the others."


    "Yes, my Lord," Igor affirmed.


    Broken then turned his attention to the remaining five Knights, three men, and two women, all standing with disciplined poise. With genuine curiosity, he asked, "Could each of you exin your areas of expertise to me?"


    [Name: Karl]


    [Level: 135]


    [Strength: 550 | Agility: 123 | Intelligence: 190 | Constitution: 311 | Stamina: 410]


    Karl''s voice was firm and confident as he began to speak. "Yes, my Lord," he said.


    Karl, a mid-twenty, stood as tall as Broken, and his well-developed muscles were a testament to his physical fortitude.


    "I have been honing my sword skills since I was a child," Karl exined. "I''m proficient in closebat, and I pledge to prove my dedication and service to you, my Lord."


    Broken took a moment to reflect on Karl''s stats. They revealed a well-rounded knight with a focus on close-rangebat, much like Igor, but at a slightly lower level. Nheless, Karl''s qualities seemed quite satisfactory.


    "Good, Karl," Broken acknowledged with a nod of approval.


    He then directed his attention to the next Knight in line. "Next," he said.


    [Name: Yann]


    [Level: 136]


    [Strength: 320 | Agility: 650 | Intelligence: 213 | Constitution: 211 | Stamina: 211]


    The next Knight stepped forward, a slim young man. "My Lord," Yann began, his voice clear. "I specialize in using the bow and fighting from a distance."


    "Good, Yann," Broken responded, pleased with the diverse skill set his Knights seemed to possess. "I look forward to effective cooperation from you."


    "Ready to serve, my Lord," Yann replied confidently.


    So far, Broken felt quite satisfied with theposition of his Knights. With two close-range fighters in Igor and Karl and now an archer in Yann, it was apparent that these warriors were chosen with specific roles in mind. It lent credit to the thought that his Knights were not randomly selected.


    With one Knight Commander and five skilled Knights at his disposal, Broken realized he had apetent team capable of operating independently in variousbat scenarios. Though he had yet to assess the remaining three Knights, he was optimistic about the capabilities and roles they would bring to the group.


    [Name: Damir]


    [Level: 119]


    [Strength: 211 | Agility: 120 | Intelligence: 540 | Constitution: 213 | Stamina: 315]


    The next Knight to step forward was a young man named Damir, not yet twenty but brimming with determination and loyalty.


    "My Lord," Damir began respectfully, "I am a sword-wielder, and I dedicate my life to serving you."


    Broken examined Damir''s stats closely and found it intriguing that despite his notably high Intelligence, he had chosen the path of a swordsman.


    "Damir," Broken addressed him.


    "Yes, my Lord," Damir replied, bowing his head slightly in a gesture of respect.


    Broken pondered for a moment before asking, "Have you ever considered learning magic?"


    After a thoughtful moment, Damir responded, "My Lord, I apologize, but we haven''t had the opportunity to learn magic. However, I would be more than willing to learn if given the chance, especially if it is yourmand."


    A pleased smile tugged at Broken''s lips. "Excellent," he said. "I shall introduce you to a Mage who I am certain you can learn a great deal from. And I hope you will be eager to learn."


    "Thank you, my Lord," Damir replied.


    This revtion was another pleasant surprise for Broken. With a knight possessing such high Intelligence, he now saw the potential for adding a Mage Knight to his team.


    The dynamics of his group were getting more exciting by the minute. Two Sword Fighters, one Archer, and one Mage. But what about the other two, the female knights?


    [Name: Anna]


    Level: 106]


    [Strength: 511 | Agility: 211 | Intelligence: 190 | Constitution: 120 | Stamina: 210]


    Anna, an 18-year-old girl with shoulder-length blonde hair, spoke up loudly, "My Lord, I am also a sword user. I''ll work hard and won''t let you down."


    Broken nced at Anna''s stats and was surprised to see such a high Strength stat for someone


    so young. However, he noticed her other stats needed work.


    "I believe you''ll be an exceptional Knight in the future," he said with confidence.


    "Thank you, My Lord," Anna responded gratefully.


    [Name: Inggrid]


    [Level: 113]


    [Strength: 213 | Agility: 393 | Intelligence: 220 | Constitution: 210 | Stamina: 290]


    The final Knight was Inggrid, a twenty-year-old woman with long, jet-ck hair.


    "My Lord," she dered resolutely. "I, too, am a sword fighter, and I dedicate myself to doing my best to meet your expectations."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Broken was pleased to see that Inggrid''s stats were evenly distributed. He thought she might be even more formidable if she tried using a bow or agility-type weapon.


    "Have you ever considered trying something other than sword fighting, Inggrid?" he asked.


    "My Lord, I''ve never had the opportunity to use any other weapons, but if youmand it, I would be more than willing to learn," Inggrid replied.


    He smiled, excitement in his voice. "Very well. I will give you the chance to gain experience with a different weapon."


    "Thank you, My Lord," she said, nodding appreciatively.


    Broken was quite satisfied after reviewing the overall stats of the six knights. Although there was no Tanker among them, he thought Igor might be able to take on that role. Meanwhile, Karl would focus on being a close-range physical damage dealer. Yann would serve as the archer, keeping an eye on the battle from a distance. Damir would delve into mastering magic. With Anna''s high Strength, she seemed suited for wielding a greatsword or a hammer. As for Inggrid, she appeared to be a better fit for fighting with daggers or knuckles.


    He was intrigued by the six Knights standing before him and determined to utilize all his resources to maximize their potential. They could prove to be invaluable in the future. He even thought, who knows? Maybe they could be Imperial Knights one day. "Alright, Igor, Karl, Yann, Damir, Anna, Inggrid," he said in a steady voice, "I''m confident you''ll all be great knights in the future. I hope we can work well together, and I hope I can meet your expectations as your Lord."


    "Yes, My Lord," they replied in unison. "We are ready to serve you."


    Broken surveyed the average levels of the six Knights and realized that they were sufficiently powerful to assist him in hunting. However, he was aware that they weren''t strong enough to tackle high-level monsters, not to mention the risk if there were yers intentionally trying


    to harm them.


    "At least these Knights can work more independently," he mused to himself, unlike Spirit, who always sticks close to him, or many of his summons that could only be called for a short


    duration and required intense control.


    "Broken?" Princess Alora''s voice broke through his thoughts.


    He turned towards her, "Yes, Princess?"


    "I will prepare the necessary equipment and weapons for them if you truly want them to learn


    new types of weaponry," she offered.


    "Is this too much of a burden, Princess?"


    "No," she replied. "I''m d I can help."


    "Thank you, Princess," Broken said gratefully.


    He then checked the information in his Manage Employees menu and found additional details about his knights, specifically their Talents?! What are talents? Are they different from skills?

 Chapter 191: Chapter 191 - The Knights’ Talents

    Chapter 191: - The Knights¡¯ Talents


    ?


    (Author''s Note: This is an MMORPG, so naturally, there are a lot of stats and systems, lol. Next time, I''ll provide a mini wiki to summarize everything from skills, equipment, characters, and more. Just give me some time to put it together.)


    ***


    Broken then checked some information in his Manage Employees menu and found some additional information about the six Knights.


    [Name: Igor


    Profession: Guard


    Sry: 3 Gold 10 Silver


    Talents: Battlefield Commander (B) - Charge Tactics (A) - Bravery (B) - Sword Mastery (A) ¨C Kindred Bond (B) - Social Chameleon (D)]


    Broken felt a growing sense of amazement as he delved deeper into the profiles of his Knights, uncovering details about their talents that went beyond merebat. The information on Igor, in particr, stood out, highlighting his impressive capabilities.


    Igor''s talents included ranks like Battlefield Commander with a B rating and Charge Tactics with an A rating, clearly showcasing his strategic prowess. It was evident that Igor''s choice to master the sword was spot on, given his Sword Mastery talents. However, it was some of the more socially inclined talents that caught Broken''s attention.


    [Kindred Bond: Develops an instant rapport with others, forming connections based on shared experiences.]


    [Social Chameleon: Adapts their behavior and mannerisms to fit in seamlessly with different groups.]


    Igor was truly an excellent fit for the title of Knight Commander. His blend ofbat prowess and innate talent for forging strong interpersonal rtionships made him uniquely suited to lead a battalion. He wasn''t just a fighter; he was a leader who fostered team spirit and camaraderie. Broken couldn''t help but feel he had hit the jackpot with Igor.


    "This is something new to me," Broken mused aloud, pondering the capabilities of the ''Manage Employees'' menu. "It seems that essing this menu also reveals detailed information about their talents. I wonder if NPCs like Princess Alora have ess to this kind of information. If they did, it would certainly help in maximizing their potential."


    [Name: Karl


    Profession: Guard


    Sry: 2 Gold 10 Silver


    Talents: Precision Strikes (S) - Iron Will (B) - Last Stand (B) - Sword Mastery (A) - Faction Diplomat (D) - Mirthful Jester (C)]


    Karl definitely looked like he''d be a great fighter. His fighting spirit was strong, and it was clear that he could bring positive energy to the team with his social skills.


    [Name: Yann


    Profession: Guard


    Sry: 1 Gold 90 Silver


    Talents: Volley Barrage (B) - Escape Artist (S) - Pathfinding (B) - Bow Expert (B) - Problem Solver (C) - Crisis Counselor (C)]


    And as for Yann, he should be exceptional with the bow. He''s a skilled navigator with a sharp mind and strong convictions. He reminded Broken a bit of Maylock, who was also an archer and a strategist. Maybe they''d get along well? Or maybe not?


    [Name: Damir


    Profession: Guard


    Sry: 1 Gold 70 Silver


    Talents: Charismatic Performer (B) - Unity Advocate (C) - Spell Mastery (B) - Pyromancer (C) - Friendship Forger (C) - Innkeeper''s Charm (D)]


    It was undeniably true that Damir should learn magic; he had a remarkable aptitude for it. Broken believed Damir could be a great asset to the team, especially considering theirck of magic damage. Additionally, he seemed like the kind of person who was deeply devoted to those around him.


    [Name: Anna


    Profession: Guard


    Sry: 1 Gold 20 Silver


    Talents: Bravery (S) - Whirlwind Assault (A) - Battle Cry (B) - Greatsword Proficiency (A) - Master Storyteller (C) - Humor Enchanter (B)]


    Anna was the youngest among the group, yet her overall talent ratings were quite impressive. However, it seemed she had chosen an unsuitable type of weapon. She should focus on using a greatsword moving forward. Despite that, her cheerful demeanor made her a good fit for her role. She was quite sociable, with talents as a Storyteller and Humor Enchanter.


    "Anna," Broken then said aloud.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Yes, My Lord," she responded with a clear voice. Anna lifted her head and looked at him with a passionate expression.


    "Have you ever been trained to use a greatsword?"


    "No, My Lord," she replied.


    "Very well, please take this opportunity to learn about that type of weapon. I will provide you


    with the proper weaponter," he instructed. "Are you interested in trying it?"


    "Yes, My Lord," she answered. "I will do my best to learn and be the most reliable Knight you can depend on."


    "Excellent, Anna," he praised.


    With Anna''s exceptional Strength stat, she would surely be a Knight with great mastery of the greatsword. And her Bravery, rated S, meant she would be fearless and unyielding on the front lines. However, her greatest challenge would be bncing her stats, particrly in


    Constitution and Stamina.


    [Name: Inggrid


    Profession: Guard


    Sry: 1 Gold 90 Silver


    Talents: Camouge (B) - Escape Artist (B) - Tactical Genius (C) - Dual Wielder (C) - Ambush Specialist (C) - Subtle Maniptor (B)]


    Broken studied Ingrid''s profile and concluded that she could develop into a special unit, such as a spy, given her unique talents. He also noted that she had chosen the wrong type of


    weapon.


    "Ingrid," he said, "please try to learn dual-wield weapons. You can choose between swords or daggers. I give you the freedom to decide."


    Ingrid lifted her face and responded firmly, "Understood, My Lord. I will do my best."


    With this, the roles of the knights became clearer. Anna could develop into a tank role once she became ustomed to the greatsword and improved her Constitution. Igor and Karl could remain focused on using swords. Yann, with his strategic mind, would excel with the bow. Damir would master magic, and Ingrid, specializing in dual swords or daggers, could be a formidable special unit due to her talents. All in all, the six Knights he received from the kingdom were truly aplete package.


    Broken slowly nodded, understanding that even though he now had personal knights, he still had to provide them with a monthly sry-a sum that was quite high, especially because three months in Yunatea equaled one month in the real world.


    But then again, nurturing spirits was also costly, given that they consumed Monster Cores and even Monster Soul Stones, which were extremely valuable.


    Yet, he was determined to treat anyone who worked for him well, having worked for others


    and experienced poor treatment himself. From this, he understood the importance of


    kindness and respect towards his employees.


    He was even more motivated to develop his own town, which would, of course, bring in a lot


    of money.


    Princess Alora watched carefully as Broken spoke to his Knights, and it was evident to her that


    he held a deep affection for them, even though he had only known them for a short time. He


    made a conscious effort to get to know each one on a personal level.


    She thought to herself, "He will make a great leader in the future."


    "Broken..." Princess Alora called out.


    Broken turned to face her, inquiring, "Yes, Princess?"


    "They live in the barracks at the pce," Princess Alora said, her voice steady and confident, "but if you want to depart for Slumdon Town soon, you can take them with you." "Very well, Princess Alora," he replied. "I haven''t yet determined my ns for the immediate future, but I will formte a strategy first. Once I have done so, I shall take all six of them


    with me."


    "Good, then," she replied with a satisfied smile. "I''m sure you can make them excellent Knights in the future. I''m looking forward to seeing how far they develop under your


    leadership."


    [Princess Alora has taken a great liking to your hard work and friendly demeanor. Your affinity with the Princess has risen to 30%, showing that she trusts you and is open to further


    cooperation. Keep up the excellent work!]


    Broken intended to check the information from the ring he had received from King Alorik.


    Before doing so, he asked the Princess for permission to leave the castle. "Once again, congrattions, Broken," Princess Alora said, waving her hand.


    The six Knights bowed to Broken, though Anna seemed to wave at him with a bit more


    enthusiasm. "Until we meet again, my Lord," she said cheerfully.


    Broken decided to exit the castle through the back ess, choosing this less crowded path for


    a bit of solitude.


    He made his way to an iron chair situated near the garden by the exit gate. Before stepping outside, he sat down, deciding to log out for a while. With all the information he had received, The needed some time to digest everything.

 Chapter 192: Chapter 192 - Celebratory Banter and Teasing

    Chapter 192: - Celebratory Banter and Teasing


    ?


    Leon slowly opened his eyes inside the capsule device, feeling disoriented for a moment. The only illumination came from a faint, glimmering light seeping in from outside. As he began to move, an electrical crackle filled the silence, and the transparent lid of the capsule finally slid open.


    Leon slowly emerged from the capsule device, trying to adjust to the dimly lit room. However, a sudden burst of brightness caused him to squint, momentarily closing his eyes against the sharp light. Amidst this, he heard the melodious sounds of trumpets echoing around him.


    "Congrattions, my brother," came Lily''s cheerful voice from somewhere ahead.


    "Congrattions on the victory, Baron of Slumdon Town," added Freya''s voice.


    Leon blinked a few times to adjust his vision and saw Lily and Freya standing before him, each holding a trumpet. As they yed, a cascade of colorful confetti rained down, enveloping the room in celebration.


    Lily then leaped forward, enveloping Leon in a tight hug. "Congrattions, brother," she eximed.


    Leon gently patted her back. "Thanks, Lily."


    He turned his gaze to Freya, who smiled warmly at him. "So, how does it feel to be Lord of the Land in the Kingdom of Dissidia?"


    Leon took a deep, steadying breath before answering, "Overwhelmed! So many things are happening all at once, but I can''t deny the incredible rewards I''ve reaped from this game."


    Freya nodded. "Yes, absolutely... You''ve really struck it rich, haven''t you? I can''t wait to hear all your stories."


    The three of them exited the room and made their way to the dining area. It was arranged with an array of mouthwatering dishes, promising a feast befitting their victorious celebration.


    "Do you know, Freya deliberately cooked all of these dishes to win you over," Lily said with a chuckle, teasingly nudging Leon. "She''s just like my sister-inw. Is it possible that you might get marriedter?"


    Leon lightly tapped Lily on the forehead in response. "What have you two been talking about while I was immersed in the game?"


    Freya added, "It was Lily who kept pushing me to marry you," she said with a sigh. "I think she still can''t tell the difference between professional and personal rtionships."


    Lilyughed, "Oh really? Freya... poor you for having to work overtime every day, huh?" she teased, giggling.


    The trio then reached their seats around the table, the aroma of the meal making their mouths water.


    "Thanks, Freya... I didn''t know you were this good at cooking."


    "Sure! I''m good at cooking outside the game, but don''tpare me to Ivana. She''s beautiful, friendly, and an expert chef," Freya responded with augh. "And don''t expect me to feed you like she did. Keep that imagination far away."


    "No, I''m not interested in that... Being fed by Ivana was enough for me," Leon replied with a grin.


    Freya yfully kicked Leon''s knee from under the table. "Say more sweet things to me this time... I worked hard to cook this dinner."


    "Thanks a lot for the meal, Ms. Freya... I feel incredibly fortunate to receive such special treatment from a talented and beautiful assistant like you... Oh, I''m so happy," Leon quipped back, it was clear he was ying along.


    Lily burst intoughter, hearing their jokes at the dining table.


    "So," Freya said, "now you''re getting richer, and you''ll even receive a new car bonus! That''spensation for your phenomenal promotion line after creating the Legendary-grade spear."


    "Woah," Lilyughed. "Yes, that part really stood out, haha. I read so manyments online about that promotion."


    Freya chimed in enthusiastically. "The reward isn''t money, but I think it''s better because finally, your brother, Lily, will have his own car!"


    "Leon, you''re finally getting your own luxury car! Can Ie with you when you go to pick up the car? Do you know the brand yet... I''m curious about what kind of car you''ll get."


    Leon nodded slowly. "Sure, why not? We can go tomorrow. Is it possible to do it right away, Freya?" he asked, turning to her. "Since tomorrow is Sunday, we can even go for a joyride to test it out."


    "Yes, don''t worry," Freya replied with a reassuring smile. "I''ve arranged everything. But I''ll be quite busy tomorrow, so I might not be able to join you guys... Then again, maybe you should force me toe as a way of thanking me. Do it!"


    "This is all because of your help, Freya," Leon answered with a smile. "You have brought so many wonderful things into my life. Thank you so much! So, I''m forcing you to join us for the outing tomorrow. You don''t have a choice," he said, grinning.


    Freya smiled warmly. "Sure, I''ll reconsider the offer, especially if you''re insisting," she giggled.


    She continued. "It''s my job to make sure everything goes smoothly for you."


    Lily smirked and nudged Freya yfully before turning to Leon. "What kind of job keeps you here day and night, Freya? Just tell him how you feel! I wouldn''t mind it. After all, wasn''t it just a few days ago you almost kissed him when he fell asleep?"


    "Lily, no! That''s not true... You know that was just a misunderstanding, but you still bring it up," Freya protested.


    Freya''s flustered state only made Lilyugh harder. Freya, with a panicked expression, turned to Leon. "Don''t believe a word she says. I swear I didn''t do it."


    "So... Lily... you''re saying Freya was going to kiss me while I was asleep on the sofa? Damn... Freya... that''s practically sexual harassment, you know."


    Freya, now even more irritated, kicked Leon''s leg under the table, this time more seriously and forcefully, causing the table to jolt from her knee. "Shut up! I didn''t do it. Keep your imagination away..."


    Seeing Freya''s rosy cheeks and her denial made Leon chuckle, while Lily found the whole situation endlessly entertaining.


    After they had finished their dinner, they cleaned up the dining table. Leon took the dirty dishes to the sink and began washing them while Freya disposed of the leftover food and Lily


    tidied the table.


    Freya whistled softly and then stood beside Leon, nudging him with her shoulder. "You''re not washing them properly. You should be used to this by now, considering you didn''t always


    have people doing it for you."


    "Lily used to do this stuff more often, by the way," he said.


    "That''s really irresponsible, huh? Quite a good brother you are."


    "It''s not how you think. I did more of the house cleaning andundry. We split the chores."


    "A good reason, Mr. Excuses," she muttered softly.


    They both continued washing the dishes together, with Leon asionally sshing water


    onto Freya''s hands. Freya retaliated by sshing water onto Leon''s face.


    "What do you know about this kind of chore? You''re rich, right, Freya?"


    "Where did you get the idea that I''m rich?"


    "From your clothes, your car, your behavior, your intelligence, your demeanor-everything. I


    couldn''t even make eye contact with you when we first met."


    "Couldn''t make eye contact with me but enjoyed the bare-skin view of Princess Alora? So


    funny," she said, giggling.


    Broken sighed softly. "That was so quick, I don''t even remember anything," he admitted. "If


    only I had another chance..."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Pervert!" she teased.


    "Tell me, how much do you get paid for doing this job? Surely, you can''t afford a luxury car


    with this kind of work," he continued.


    "When you''re so rich that you no longer work for money, you start doing things that interest


    you. So, no need to worry about me..."


    "You remind me of someone I knew when I was a kid," he said, trailing off.


    "Who is that? Your ex-girlfriend? A childhood friend?"


    Leon paused for a moment, then nodded slowly. "She was so rich, that''s what she said to me...


    Her name was... Fre..."


    "Freya?" Freya giggled, then quickly walked away, leaving Leon behind.


    "Who was her name again? Freya? No, not Freya..." Leon muttered quietly, then let it slip


    from his mind.


    After they had finished washing the dishes, they all congregated in the living room, as they had numerous topics to discuss that evening.


    Leon sank into the plush softness of the sofa, with Lily sitting to his left. Freya opened herptop and ced it on the ss table in front of them.


    "Alright... now that we''ve filled our stomachs, it''s time to discuss some interesting things!"


    Freya began.

 Chapter 193: Chapter 193 - Rebuilding Slumdon

    Chapter 193: - Rebuilding Slumdon


    ?


    Freya began speaking with a confident tone, "The first thing we need to address is that you have managed to forge a spear of Legendary-grade quality. This weapon''s skills are remarkably well-suited for dealing withrge groups of adversaries, isn''t it?"


    Leon nodded. "Yes."


    Freya continued, "The reason this spear stands out is because of its crowd control abilities, which make it incredibly effective against many foes at once. On the other hand, the Moonvine Knuckles are designed to deliver extremely powerful attacks, but they are more focused on individual targets."


    Leon nodded. "Yes."


    She then spoke with a mixture of encouragement and caution, "While I''m confident in your ability to wield the spear effectively, it is important to acknowledge that mastering its use in battle will take time and effort. This is a task that will require patience and dedication on your part."


    Leon nodded thoughtfully and replied, "I have already started learning how to use the spear, but I agree that more practice will be necessary."


    Freya clicked her tongue. "You really do have a knack for making things challenging for yourself, don''t you?" she said before chuckling softly.


    In truth, Leon could have chosen to craft a sword, given his proficiency with it. However, he was well aware that expanding his arsenal would unlock more skills for his Super Novice ss. This strategy gave him a wider array of options duringbat. Especially if he had enough Mana to wield all those skills, he could unleash a barrage of attacks to inflict significant damage in a short period.


    Freya continued, "There''s also a ring with a description you haven''t examined yet. Perhaps we can discuss it in detail at ater time."


    Leon nodded. "Yes."


    "You now have at your disposal one Knight Commander and five knights who serve you personally. This could be quite beneficial."


    Leon nodded. "Yes."


    Freya continued, "It seems there''s no problem with that setup; they will be instrumental in maintaining order in your town. While there are a few guards in Slumdon, their skill levels aren''t exactly impressive. You''ll need to train them rigorously to make them truly effective." "What do you think about the Knights, Freya?" he inquired.


    Freya pondered for a moment before beginning, "Based on the description you provided earlier, it seems the six Knights have incredible potential. The issue lies with the previous royal party, which failed to fully utilize their capabilities. However, you''ve been able to delve deep into their stats and talents. Your intention to focus more on these Knights means you have the opportunity to give them specialized training or even craft specific equipment or weapons tailored for them."


    Leon nodded slowly, digesting her statements. "That does sound like a substantial amount of work, but I also recognize my good fortune with these knights. Each of the six has a unique role to y within the party."


    Freya chuckled at his modesty. "You''re not just lucky, Leon; you''re positively drenched in it." Lily, who had been quietly listening, nodded in agreement. "I feel fortunate as well, Leon," she chimed in. "I''ve gained so much because of you." She leaned against Leon, her face radiating enthusiasm as they recounted all the remarkable achievements Leon had made in the game that day.


    Freya continued, "As for Slumdon Town, I''ve done some research, and it''s evident that the town is in quite a dire state currently. However, just as Princess Alora highlighted, the area is rich in valuable mineral resources.


    She continued, "Owning a city in Yunatea would be an incredible honor, something unprecedented in Immortal Legacy. You''re the first to achieve such a feat. With this reality, I am confident that countless opportunities and advantages wille your way. We can discuss the specifics moreter."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Leon nodded. "We have to turn this town into something extraordinary!"


    "But," Freya''s voice took a more serious tone as she continued, "to transform Slumdon Town into something remarkable, you will need a significant amount of resources-money, to be precise."


    Leon nodded slowly, acknowledging the gravity of what she was saying. "I''ve considered that as well, but I''m not exactly sure how much I will need."


    Freya exined further, "Constructing a city in Immortal Legacy is simr, in many ways, to building one in the real world, though somewhat less costly depending on various factors. However, a substantial amount of funds is still required to develop homes and a variety of public amenities that are essential for the growth of the city. You''ll need to employ people to help you, such as paying researchers, constructors, farmers, and others."


    Leon''s shoulders sagged slightly under the weight of this new responsibility. "I don''t have the money to achieve that right now," he confessed, feeling a bit daunted. "What steps can I take in the meantime?"


    Freya smiled, shaking her head to dispel his worries. "There''s no need for too much concern. I have a n to address this issue."


    Leon sighed softly and began to absorb the topic they were discussing more seriously. While he was indeed lucky to have ess to a town in the game, he hadn''t been able to reap the benefits directly yet. He needed to invest a lot of money and time to build it up before he could start profiting from it.


    "So," Freya continued, "I''m here to provide you with some options for your consideration and leave the final decision to you."


    "Yes, I''m ready, please tell me the n, Ms. nner," Leon replied with a slight smile on his lips.


    "First," Freya began, "Slumdon has great potential, even though the city is in a dire state. This is a great opportunity to be taken advantage of. For one, Slumdon can serve as a convenient stopping point for travelers on their way to the Keseon Kingdom. This is an opportunity that we cannot pass up, and we must ensure that we provide all the necessary amenities so that more adventurers will make a stop in our town."


    "That''s a good idea," Leon said. "The town used to serve a simr function before, though its poprity dropped drastically after that. But we can restore that function to the town." "Secondly," she continued, "the town is situated close to a vast forest area towards the southwest seaside. I''m sure there are plenty of hunting grounds and resources to be found in the forest. By providingprehensive facilities, we can attract many adventurers to stay in the town for longer. This way, they will also end up spending more money there."


    "That''s a great idea!"


    "Lastly, there is an abundance of mineral resources in the area, which can be used to generate more profits. I''m sure that by mobilizing more workers to gather the minerals and process them into finished products, we can make a substantial amount of money from there." "That''s certainly a good idea," Leon replied, paying close attention to Freya''s words.


    "Slumdon is the first city in Yunatea to be directly owned by a yer," Freya continued, "so we have the opportunity to invite several brands to sponsor the construction of this city." "Interesting," he remarked, "what do they get in return for their sponsorship?" "There are several options," she exined. "For example, they can have their brand name used as andmark or have a monument built in their honor."


    "And then? Tell me the n to attract all these sponsors," he said, intrigued.


    Freya smiled and raised her eyebrows proudly. "Now, you really see the benefits of having a


    work partner like me, huh."


    "You''re the best, Freya," Leon said, giggling.


    "Yeah, Freya is the best," Lily chimed in as well.

 Chapter 194: Chapter 194 - A Towns Desperate Quest

    Chapter 194: - A Town''s Desperate Quest


    ?


    Freya continued discussing the n to rebuild Slumdon Town.


    "Based on the facts I''ve shared," she went on, "we could let several people be


    shareholders in Slumdon. They would need to invest money, and in return, they''d get a ce in the city and the job of helping to develop it. Maybe we could even give them a small piece ofnd and a say in decision-making."


    Leon raised an eyebrow. "That''s quite intriguing. I''ve never delved deeply into investment strategies before."


    Freya exined in more detail. "Do you understand where this money will go? You''ll need to build barracks to fortify your army, develop agriculture to ensure a steady food supply, construct schools to educate the popce, establish a research center to cultivate local talent, create markets to stimte the economy, open a smithy, and set up various workshop facilities, among other things."


    Leon nodded slowly, his mind processing her words. "Considering the limited information I provided about the Land Management feature, how did you reach this conclusion so swiftly, Freya?"


    Freya crouched down, her face level with Leon''s as she leaned in closer, gently tapping his cheek twice with her index finger. "It''s standard practice in Kingdom Building games and simr formats. This time, you''re starting with a city, but who knows? This might just be the groundwork for establishing your own Kingdom someday."


    Leon nodded. "I see now. I''ve never really yed Kingdom Building games before."


    Freya thought for a moment, considering her next approach. "So," she started again, "to simplify things, I''ll seek out a few brands that might be interested in sponsoring your town. Ultimately, it''ll be up to you whether you ept their investments."


    "And then?" Leon leaned forward.


    "Regarding the idea of shared ownership, you could extend this opportunity to the members of the Ass Guild. Most, if not almost all, of the members are incredibly wealthy, so funding shouldn''t be an issue for them. However, I advise you to consider the long-term implications. How do you envision your rtionship with them evolving in the future?"


    Leon looked perplexed. "What do you mean, Freya?"


    Freya paused, choosing her words carefully. "Think about it, Leon. If you involve these individuals as shareholders, they will have a stake in the city''s sess. You need to consider how their influence might shape Slumdon and whether their goals align with yours. This isn''t just about financial investment; it''s about forming alliances and ensuring that your vision for Slumdon remains intact while leveraging their resources."


    "In my opinion, at least you have to be in the same guild as them or in a more binding alliance," she added. "And in this case, there are only two options: you join them, or you build your own guild and invite them to join yours." She giggled, thinking it was a pretty amusing idea. "Yes, invite them to your guild."


    "Invite them into my guild?" he asked tentatively.


    "Yeah..." Freya said, her voice filled with amusement as she chuckled.


    She continued. "You can''t possibly join the Ass Guild and take over the position of Guild Master, right? While I know you don''t seem interested in being part of them, or at least you have your own goals, you shouldn''t follow the whims of many people. You should decide your own path and pick individuals who share your vision and are willing to support you."


    After a moment, she added, "A person with as much potential as you really should be the one making the highest decisions. Therefore, I think the best option is for you to create your own guild." She chuckled again.


    Leon was once again faced with the option of forming a guild. While he had pondered the idea a few times, the more he ventured into the game, the more he realized he would need allies to work with. Having everyone united under one guild would certainly make it easier to share a vision and achievemon goals. Yet, the decision between joining an existing guild or creating his own still lingered in his mind.


    "I propose myself as the Deputy Master-second-inmand. I''ll assist you, the Guild Master, and step in as your right hand when needed. That''s the best offer I can make because I know you can''t handle everything on your own," Freya said.


    "I''d take care of the day-to-day operations and coordinate with the other guild members. I''d manage everything under your orders while you''re out and about, possibly adding more women to your list of potential brides," she added with a giggle.


    Lily immediately burst intoughter at Freya''s joke, obviously finding the idea of Leon gathering women in the game quite amusing. "I think collecting potential brides sounds way more fun than managing a guild."


    Leon took a deep, calming breath and propped himself up on the sofa. "Woah..." he said, pausing as he realized the many tasks ahead. "Is it possible for the gamepany to remove the total login limit for each yer? I mean, I really need more time to spend on the game."


    Lily interjected, "You''re not isekaied. You''re not transmigrated to another world, Leon. You still have responsibilities to attend to in the real world, you know."


    Freyaughed at Lily''s words. "Looks like he''s given up on his real life, Lily... in the real world, he was left by a woman, but in the game world, he''s dating a princess."


    Leon leaned back on the sofa, looking a bit worn out. "Okay," he sighed. "I guess I''ll spend some time in the pce first, working on some armor for myself. I''ll also monitor the progress of the attack against Princess Alora. After that, I''ll check out what I can do in Slumdon Town."


    Freya smiled approvingly and replied, "That sounds like a good idea," before adding, "but remember that your ns might have to be adjusted after you learn what the ring given as the grand prize holds."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Yeah, sure," he replied, nodding in agreement.


    The next morning, Leon woke up brimming with excitement. He dressed smartly, knowing that today was the day they would visit the Remember Car Shop to pick up the new car he had received as part of his sponsorship deal.


    "I still can''t believe I got such an incredible reward just for mentioning their brand at the right moment."


    He emerged from his bedroom wearing a pair of sharp blue jeans paired with a crisp white shirt. As he entered the living room, he noticed Lily already there, dressed in a charming sunny yellow dress with a short skirt. It was Sunday, and she had the day off from school. "Leon!" Lily chirped as he approached. "Freya said she couldn''te with us today due to some urgent matters, and Alfred had to take an unexpected day off as well."


    "No problem," Leon responded with a smile. "We can just take a cab."


    Descending the stairs and walking through the bustling hotel lobby, Leon noticed a few people recognizing him due to his recent rise to fame. Shortly after, they found themselves in a taxi, making their way towards the Remember Car Shop.


    Minutester, the taxi pulled up in front of a sleek, ss-fronted building showcasing rows of pristine cars inside. As they stepped out, Lily''s face radiated enthusiasm, her eyes wide with awe. "I never imagined this day woulde when you''d actually be able to drive a luxury car all on your own, Leon," she eximed, her voice tinged with excitement.


    Leon nodded slowly, a satisfied smile ying on his lips. "Let''s go," he said, his voice filled with eager anticipation.


    "Let''s pick out one of the most luxurious cars they have." He beamed, feeling a sense of aplishment as they stepped into the showroom.

 Chapter 195: Chapter 195 - Wheels or Work?

    Chapter 195: - Wheels or Work?


    ?


    The neatly dressed salesperson kept a careful eye on the streets while tidying up the showroom for the day. Suddenly, a yellow taxi pulled up just outside, catching his attention. His eyes widened in surprise as a young man and a young girl stepped out from the cab.


    "I don''t remember this ce hiring," he thought to himself.


    "A customer?" a female salesperson next to him asked. "It''s your turn, Eric."


    Eric sighed, "Are you kidding? Customers don''te in taxis. They usually show up in fancy cars."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Lia patted Eric on the back. "Remember the older man in a tracksuit who came in a few days ago? You ignored him, but I treated him well, and he ended up buying a car that same day." Eric sighed again and clicked his tongue. "Yeah, I learned my lesson from that. Next time an old guy in a tracksuit shows up, I''ll treat him well. But two well-dressed young people arriving in a taxi? Maybe they''re here to apply for a job."


    Slowly, Eric walked towards the entrance as the ss door opened. Squinting his eyes, he realized the man''s face looked familiar.


    "Leon? What is he doing here?" Eric eximed just as Leon and his sister entered the store.


    Eric and Leon had been high school ssmates, and Eric remembered how poor Leon had been growing up. Now, out of the blue, Leon was sharply dressed in expensive, neat clothes, with his sister looking lovely in her dress. What could they possibly want at a luxury car store? Begging?


    "But... I didn''t know Leon''s sister was so pretty," Eric muttered.


    He approached them, his expression stern, and asked, "What are you doing here, Leon?"


    Leon recognized Eric immediately.


    "Do you know him, Leon?" Lily whispered.


    Leon nodded and addressed Eric. "I made an appointment with the store manager. Is he here yet?"


    Eric sighed and tried to reason, "Please leave, Leon. Don''t pull a prank here. You know this is a luxury car store, right?"


    Ignoring Eric, Leon grabbed Lily''s wrist and tried to walk past him, but Eric blocked their way. "Didn''t you hear me? We''re not hiring right now, and there''s no point meeting the manager. Leave before I call security. You''re just embarrassing yourself," Eric said, pressing the issue. Eric then patted Leon''s shoulder. "How did you even afford clothes like this, huh?"


    Lily, who had been watching in disbelief, quickly spoke up. "We received an invitation directly from the owner of this car store," she said. "So the store manager must know about this."


    Hearing Lily''s words, Eric suddenly couldn''t hold back hisughter. He tried to suppress it but failed. "An invitation from the owner? What? Seriously... ha!" he stifled hisughter. "That''s not funny. Do you really think the owner has time to waste? Who do you think you are?"


    At that moment, one of Eric''s colleagues, Lia, approached. "Eric, I think they are special guests from the Boss. Let me talk to the manager."


    But Eric refused, saying, "No need, I know him. I know he''s not important, so don''t waste time, Lia." He turned back to Leon. "Leon, please go. I feel sorry for you, don''t embarrass yourself."


    Lia then invited Leon and Lily, "Please,e with me," she said.


    "Wait, what?" Eric looked annoyed as Leon and Lily followed Lia towards the luxurious- looking waiting room of the car store. Therge room was filled with various types of parked cars, each one more luxurious and tempting than thest.


    Leon and Lily sat down in the elegant waiting room while the female salesperson treated them with respect. "Please wait a moment. I''ve contacted the manager. He''ll be here shortly."


    "Thanks," Leon replied, and the woman walked away.


    Lily leaned in and whispered, "Why do all your high school ssmates have such bad attitudes?" She giggled softly. "First, your store manager, and now this one."


    Leon sighed and leaned back in his chair. "If I were in his shoes, I''d probably do the same. I mean, who would believe an orphan, poor kid suddenly showing up at a luxury car store iming to have an invitation from the owner? It does sound like a joke."


    Lily giggled at his words, finding the irony amusing.


    "Ck!" Eric grumbled, making no effort to hide his disdain as he moved closer to the entrance. For some reason, he was irritated by the way Lia treated everyone like they were special. She should use more logic, he thought. But then, as if on cue, the store manager''s car arrived, and Eric felt a spark of excitement.


    A few minutester, the manager walked briskly towards him. "Eric, are the special guests that the big boss invited here yet?" Lars, the store manager, asked.


    "Who are the guests?" Eric replied, puzzled.


    Lars immediately looked across the waiting room. Spotting Leon and Lily, who matched the description he had been briefed on, he eximed, "There! Those are the special guests."


    Without hesitation, Lars rushed past Eric, even bumping his shoulder in his haste, and hurried over to greet Leon and Lily.


    "Wait, what?" Eric frowned, still in shock. "Special guest? Leon?" He followed the store manager, struggling to understand. "How? How did Leon be a special guest? Is the store hiring new employees?"


    Lars, the store manager, appeared before Leon with a broad smile. "Good morning, Mr. Leon Chambers," he greeted warmly.


    Leon and Lily stood up, and Lars shook Leon''s hand with genuine warmth.


    "I''m here for our scheduled appointment," Leon began.


    "Of course," Lars responded, still beaming. "My name is Lars, by the way. Apologies for my tardiness; I''m the store manager for this branch. Today, I''ll personally assist you in finding your dream car. I''m incredibly excited to help."


    Lars then nced behind him, spotting Eric nearby. He quickly grabbed Eric''s shoulder. "Eric, please prepare drinks for our guests," he instructed before turning back to Leon and Lily. "What would you like to drink?"


    Leon smiled politely. "Just some mineral water, thank you."


    Lars nodded and directed his attention back to Eric. "Eric, please arrange some drinks and a variety of refreshments for them immediately," he said, gently nudging Eric away.


    Eric remained rooted to the spot, a perplexed expression on his face. "I know him; he''s a ssmate from high school," he exined.


    "Really?" Lars replied, raising an eyebrow. "You know Leon? Well, you must be proud to have a ssmate who''s on the path to bing quite famous," Lars chuckled. Turning his focus back to Leon and Lily, Lars said, "Please follow me, Mr. Leon, and Ms?"


    "Lily," she interjected with a smile.


    "Ms. Lily, it''s a pleasure," Lars responded, leading them deeper into the showroom. Eric watched as Leon and the manager strolled around, inspecting the cars with keen interest. "What the heck is going on here?" he asked, turning to Lia, who was walking beside him.


    "You idiot, Eric," she replied. "That man has struck a deal with the Boss. As a reward, he''s allowed to pick any car he wants today."


    "What?! No way!" Eric eximed in disbelief. "What kind of deal is that? Why didn''t you tell


    me earlier?"


    "At first, I wasn''t sure if it was them. You really are quite oblivious, aren''t you? I bet you don''t even know about Immortal Legacy," she said with a smirk.


    "Of course, I know about it! I y the game too. Do you think I''m an idiot? I have enough money to afford the capsule device," he retorted.


    "Then I guess you should pay more attention to the news associated with the game," she added with a knowing look.

 Chapter 196: Chapter 196 - Northstar Turbo 2

    Chapter 196: - Northstar Turbo 2


    ?


    By 2035, a whopping 70% of vehicles across the country were electric. Stringent government rules had driven up the cost of fuel-powered engines, pushing most folks to switch. But, funnily enough, the wealthy clung to their gas guzzlers, finding them more stylish and


    prestigious.


    These gasoline-powered cars, now rare, became even more desirable, emblematic of luxury. Yet, that same year, electric cars saw an incredible rise in poprity. Their cutting-edge AI features had everyone talking and wanting one.


    "So, Leon, have you decided on the type of car you want?" Lars inquired. "If not, I can give you a tour of the models we have here. I assure you, we''ll find exactly what you''re looking for. Perhaps I could suggest some sports cars you might be interested in."


    "Ah... Yes," Leon responded thoughtfully. "I don''t need a sports car at the moment, so I''ll pass on that. I''m looking for the most advanced electric vehicle that fits within the budget." Lars stopped for a moment, then gestured for Leon to follow him. He led Leon to a sleek, luxurious car, its unique blue finish gleaming under the lights. "This," he announced proudly, "is our most sophisticated electric vehicle. It''s got four seats and all the bells and whistles." Leon instantly recognized the brand; he had frequently seen advertisements for it on digital billboards and had even considered it in the past. But Freya had mentioned there was a budget limit for the car he could own.


    "I like this car," Leon said. "What''s the price?"


    Lars hesitated briefly. "Let me check on something real quick," he replied before hurrying away.


    Lars had received a message that he needed to treat Leon exceptionally well, providing the best service possible. Even when discussing prices, he had to be meticulous to avoid giving a bad impression. Leon''s value to their big boss was immense.


    Lars called Ronald. "Boss, it seems Leon is interested in a car that exceeds our initial budget. He looks really keen on that model."


    "What car and how much?" Ronald asked over the phone. "Don''t hold back with him-he''s a potential partner for us and incredibly important. So make sure to serve him well."


    "But boss, are you sure?" Lars hesitated. "The price difference is ny thousand dors." "That''s a small amount. Give it to him. We''ll gain significant marketing leverage because of him," Ronald responded firmly. "Provide him with the best service."


    After hanging up, Lars swallowed hard, realizing how easily the boss was willing to exceed the initial budget for this customer. Any failure on his part to provide top-notch service could spell a significant disaster for him.


    Returning to Leon, Lars wore a confident smile. "If you''re really interested in this car," he said, "I can arrange it for you right away. This is the Northstar Turbo 2, priced at $390,000. It''s currently the world''s favorite electric vehicle, packed with thetest cutting-edge technology. Trust me, you won''t be disappointed."


    Leon paused, mulling over the store manager''s exnation. "Isn''t this beyond the budget? Maybe I should pick something else."


    "No," the store manager quickly interjected. "I''ve already checked with the boss. Consider it a bonus. We truly value our coboration with you. You can take this car home today. Just give us a few minutes, and it will be ready for you to drive."


    "Thank you?" Leon replied, still a bit hesitant. But then he nodded. "Yes, thanks. I really want this car. I''ll take it."


    The Northstar Turbo 2 is a top-of-the-line luxury electric car that turns heads. Its sleek, aerodynamic design shines with metallic deep blue paint that glistens in the light. Chrome ents add a modern and ssy touch.


    Leon and Lily waited for a while in the waiting room as the documents and other arrangements were being prepared.


    "Leon," Lily said excitedly, "I can''t believe what I''m seeing... The car''s price is way over the initial budget, isn''t it? But they gave it to you so easily."


    "Yes... I was surprised at first, too," he replied, smiling.


    "Are you sure you don''t need to confirm this with Freya first? What if they do something that harms you?" Lily asked, worried.


    Leon shook his head. "No, I think it''s okay. Freya already confirmed that dealing with the people behind this car store is the safest transaction I could make, so I trust Freya."


    Lily giggled. "Freya is really reliable."


    "Yes... Golden Age Company really treats their yers well," Leon said.


    "More specifically, Elite yers like you, right? This car is incredibly expensive... and you''re actually going to drive it home," Lily said, still a bit hysterical with excitement.


    After a short wait, the car was ready. Leon took a moment to learn how to use it, set up some ounts, and connect it to his phone. He received the key card for the car, and once everything was configured, it was ready to drive. Leon got into the driver''s seat, with Lily following suit.


    He felt thefort of sitting in the car, the new-car smell filling his nostrils. Smiling, he ced his hands on the steering wheel with its futuristic design.


    "This is truly amazing," he said in awe. "I''ve driven Freya''s EV a few times, so this should be easy for me."


    The car came to life, and soon, they were driving away from the car store.


    Eric, standing in the car store, shook his head in disbelief. "That guy was so poor-how did he manage to get our boss''s attention? Are you sure the boss isn''t making a mistake by dealing with someone like that?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Lars spun around to face Eric. "You idiot! You almost cost yourself your job by treating a special guest of our boss that way. Watch your words next time!" he said, massaging his temples. "You''re really giving me a headache, Eric. You need to stop judging people by their appearance, understand?"


    Eric swallowed hard. "But I wasn''t wrong. I really know Leon from back then... who could''ve guessed he''d get this kind of treatment out of nowhere?"


    Lars took a deep breath and patted Eric on the shoulder. "Anything can happen to anyone. Luck isn''t ours to decide. Your high school ssmate got incredibly lucky. From now on, treat customers better, understand?"


    "Yes, sir..." Eric nodded, breaking into a cold sweat as he thought about how he had treated


    Leon.


    True to his promise the night before, Leon nned to take Freya and Lily for a ride in his new car. He was excited about it. Freya was already waiting, and he and Lily were on their way to


    meet her.


    During the drive, they chatted lightly. Leon listened as Lily talked about her new school and how well her peers were treating her.


    "Are you sure you''re not hiding anything from me, Lily?" he asked.


    "No, of course not," Lily replied with a chuckle. "It''s really an amazing school. You visited once, remember? I even introduced you to my friend, Hazel. And I also got the chance to y


    Immortal Legacy."


    "Really? What''s your game name?" he asked, intrigued.


    Lilyughed at his question. "I can''t tell you yet... Wait until we have enough time to level up. After all, we don''t y like normal yers," she said teasingly.


    "Okay..."


    "But Hazel is high level," she added.


    "Really? Tell me her game name."


    "Oh, sorry... I don''t remember, Leon," Lily replied yfully.


    They continued chatting casually as they made their way to pick up Freya.

 Chapter 197: Chapter 197 - Ocean Views and Outfits

    Chapter 197: - Ocean Views and Outfits


    ?


    The Northstar Turbo 2 eased to a halt at the park where Freya was waiting. She hurried over and yanked open the car door, surprised to see Lily already settled in the back seat.


    "Freya, hop in the front with Leon," Lily said firmly, shing a grin.


    "Oh, okay," Freya replied, then moved to the front seat. She couldn''t help but grin when she saw Leon''s beaming face.


    "What''s with the goofy look, huh?" Freya teased.


    "No, nothing. My face is just normal," Leon tried to y it cool.


    "No, you definitely look weird with that big smile," Freya said,ughing.


    Freya traced her fingers over the dashboard and steering wheel, marveling at the car''s sleek design. "This car is stunning... They did mention the price was higher than our agreement." "Any concerns from them?" Leon asked, casting a quick look her way.


    "Nope, none at all! It''s officially yours now," Freya replied with a cheerful smile.


    The car slowly pulled away from the park. They were headed to a unique caf¨¦ near the beach, nning to have lunch and enjoy the seaside air.


    "Did you know you can connect your Immortal Legacy ount with this car, Leon?" Freya started the chat again.


    Leon nodded slowly. "They told me about it, but I haven''t set it up. How do you do it?"


    "You just need to link your Immortal Card to the car..." Freya said, then suddenly reached behind Leon.


    "Freya, what are you doing?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Shut up," Freya giggled as she fished Leon''s wallet out of his pocket. She opened it and retrieved his Immortal Card.


    "You really respect my privacy, huh? Ms. Assistant," Leon remarked sarcastically.


    Freya pressed the Immortal Card on the screen panel. "ce your finger here!"


    Leon followed her instructions. A screen lit up, showing the Immortal Legacy panel interface.


    "Its limited features allow you to send and receive messages even if you''ve hit your online limit. It''s really convenient," Freya exined.


    Leon nodded, acknowledging the point. "Yeah, it''s interesting." But he couldn''t help but wonder why Immortal Legacy would grant such ess. "Why with Northstar, Freya? Why do they have this capability?"


    Freya leaned back in her seat. "Northstar holds a small share in Golden Age Company. Besides making EVs, they also manufacture Capsule Devices, the luxury ones, actually."


    "Ah yes, I remember that now," Leon agreed.


    Their journey was filled with light-hearted chatter andughter as they drove toward the seaside. Their destination was a charming caf¨¦ painted in pristine white, with an open design that offered a direct view of the tranquil beach. The sunlight danced on the blue Northstar Turbo, making it shine brilliantly and attracting the admiring eyes of passersby, whose gazes lingered as the car glided into the parking area.


    "What a stunning car," one onlooker remarked, unable to look away.


    "I agree. That''s the newest model from Northstar, the Turbo series."


    "I bet the owner is quite wealthy," a thirdmented.


    Leon and the others stepped out of the car. As usual, Freya waited patiently for Leon to open her door, stepping out with a brightugh once he did. Leon then turned to open the door for Lily, who emerged from the vehicle giggling.


    "Thanks, Leon," she said.


    "That''s how ady should be treated, Lily. Do you understand?" Freya quipped with a chuckle as they made their way into the caf¨¦.


    The trio continued to draw attention, even after leaving the glistening car behind. Conversations buzzed around them, fueled by envy and admiration.


    "What a lucky guy. He''s wealthy and gets to be in thepany of such a beautiful woman," a man muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.


    "I envy him so much."


    "But who''s the younger girl? She is cute."


    "She looks like him. I think they might be siblings."


    "I think so, too."


    Most of the onlookers sighed longingly. "I wish I could be in his shoes... driving that amazing car and being surrounded by stunning women."


    "Wake up from your daydream," another shot back.


    Leon and the others chose the reserved seating, which was on the second floor, an open space directly overlooking the serene beach. It was a quiet time, as autumn had arrived, and the beach wasn''t as crowded as it would be during the summer.


    Soon, a waiter approached their table to take their orders. Freya, with a yful glint in her eye, smiled at Leon. "You''re treating us today, right, Leon?"


    "Yes," Leon replied confidently. "Order whatever you want. I''ve got enough money for it," he added with a chuckle.


    Lily''s eyes sparkled with excitement as she scanned the menu, filled with items far beyond their usual budget. "These prices are incredible... I still sometimes feel guilty eating such expensive food."


    Freya leaned in and reassured her. "You know how much money Leon''s made from the game, right, Lily? Enjoying a meal here won''t even make a dent in his finances."


    With a giggle, Lily submitted their order, and they settled in to enjoy their food and drinks. The gentle autumn breeze mixed with the warmth of the sun created a perfect midday ambiance. The sun''s rays felt sharper against their skin, a pleasant contrast to the cooler air. "We should be ying on the beach, not just sitting here," Freya murmured after a while. Lily''s face lit up with enthusiasm. "That''s a great idea, Freya!" She paused, ncing down at her attire. "But I think I chose the wrong outfit for beach y."


    Freya waved away her concerns, standing up and grabbing Lily''s wrist. "No worries, Lily. There''s a clothing store nearby. It would be a shame not to make the most of this moment and enjoy the beach!"


    Turning to Leon, who seemed contentedly absorbed in the moment, she said, "Meet us by the beachter. I''ll send you a message when we''re ready." Without waiting for a reply, she dragged Lily toward the store.


    Leon squinted slightly as he watched the two of them leave. "The air isn''t too cold today," he muttered quietly to himself.


    Leon spent some time enjoying his solitude, sipping thest of his drink. He breathed a sigh of relief, though he could feel the asional gaze from onlookers. To distract himself, he turned his eyes towards the beach, watching the waves crash against the shore.


    After a while of observing the sea, he decided it was time to pay for their meal and head down to the beach. Standing by the shoreline, he let the sea breeze wash over him, feeling the familiar embrace of nature.


    He often visited the beaches in Deadbay City within the game. Although the virtual beaches were a marvelous blend of unique elements, the real world had its own irreceable charm.


    Leon nced at his phone and noticed a message from Freya. Momentster, both girls walked up to him, dressed in fresh beach outfits. Freya sported ayered bikini topped with a kimono-style dress. Lily''s look was simr but featured a modest bikini paired with a mini


    skirt andyered dress.


    As they reached him, Freya tossed a shopping bag his way. "Go, change your outfit," she


    commanded.


    Leon paused for a moment, taking in their appearance. "You..."


    "What?" Freya responded sharply.


    "You look stunning in that outfit, Freya."


    Caught off guard by thepliment, Freya quickly retorted, "Shut it, pervert... Do you think I


    like hearing that from you?"


    "Don''t women enjoy beingplimented?" Leon countered with a grin.


    "Yes, genuinepliments, not teasing remarks like yours."


    Lily burst intoughter, clearly amused by their yful banter.

 Chapter 198: Chapter 198 - Sandy Shores and Stronger Bonds

    Chapter 198: - Sandy Shores and Stronger Bonds


    ?


    Autumn air was definitely cooler than summer, but that did not deter Leon, Freya, and Lily from taking a barefoot stroll along the shoreline. The midday sun was still visible, casting a warm glow as the waves rolled in, gentlypping at their feet.


    Lily''s excitement was contagious as she darted around, collecting beacbing treasures and shells that gleamed in the sunlight. Leon strolled beside Freya, d in casual beachwear, his rxed demeanor reflecting the tranquility of their surroundings. Freya, in a flowing kimono dress, walked to his left, her outfit gracefully billowing in the seaside breeze.


    Silence prevailed, with only the sound of waves and the asional distantugh breaking it, creating a tranquil atmosphere. There were few visitors, making the beach feel almost like their private retreat.


    "Now that you have more resources," Freya broke the silence with a giggle, "you should spend more time doing things like this. ying at the beach, going on vacations abroad, visiting amusement parks... I bet you''ve never done any of that, have you?"


    Leon nodded slowly. "Are you hinting that I should invite you along too, Freya?" he asked, chuckling.


    Freya gave Leon a yful shove, trying to nudge him into the water. As usual, his solid frame barely budged.


    "You could at least pretend to be pushed, you know..." sheughed.


    Theirughter blended harmoniously with the waves, enhancing the peacefulness of the beach. Only distant children''s shouts and the asionalughter of other beachgoers intruded upon their calm.


    "I like the sound of what you were saying earlier, Freya," Leon admitted after a quiet moment. "I want to try all those things."


    "Yeah, you have the money now... enjoy it," she encouraged.


    Leon nodded again, his mind drifting to the possibilities. The thought of using his newfound wealth for personal enjoyment and experiences he had never had before tempted him. After all, earning more money was not a difficult task for him, right?


    But deep down, he knew that having money wasn''t enough if he didn''t know how to manage it properly. What did he really want to achieve with the wealth he possessed? What desires did he seek to fulfill?


    "Freya," Leon began thoughtfully.


    "Yes?" she responded.


    "Tell me more about yourself," he suggested.


    "What do you want to know about me?" Freya asked, tilting her head slightly.


    "Well, you know a lot about me and my family. But I feel like I barely know anything about your background. Invite me to your home sometime," he proposed.


    Freya''s eyes widened in surprise. "What are you trying to do, huh? Getting closer to me? Remember, we''re just colleagues," she said, giggling.


    "For me, you''re not just a colleague anymore," Leon admitted quietly.


    "Don''t get all melodramatic on me, okay? I know you''re just joking," she teased.


    "No, Freya... I''m serious. I''m happy to have a friend like you," he said softly.


    Freya stoppedughing and fell silent, contemting his words. "There''s nothing interesting about my background, you know... I hardly go to my own home," she finally said. Leon simply nodded, respecting her privacy and choosing not to press further.


    They then transitioned to ying in the sand. Under the insistence of the two women, Leon found himself bing the victim of an impromptu beach burial. Hey on his back as Lily and Freya,ughing, covered his body with sand.


    "Hey, be careful around my eyes," Leonined.


    "Don''t worry, Leon. This is fun, trust me," Freya said yfully.


    Once Leon waspletely buried, save for his head, Freya and Lily set up a tripod and positioned themselves on either side of his head, taking a few selfies with the buried Leon.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Leon remained in his sandy grave for a while, at the mercy of the giggling girls who wouldn''t let him out.


    "Give me water, I''m thirsty," he eventually protested.


    Freya opened a bottle and slowly poured water into his mouth. Leon did his best to catch the droplets, feeling a bit yful himself.


    "Freya, you''re treating my brother too harshly," Lily said, half-joking but clearly enjoying the situation.


    "He likes it, so no worries," Freya giggled in response.


    As the afternoon turned to evening, they began to clean up, wash off the sand, and change into fresh clothes. Once they were ready, they regrouped and prepared for the journey home.


    Leon walked ahead while Freya and Lily lingered a bit, still lost inughter and discussing various things he didn''t catch. But it was clear from his rxed demeanor that Leon had thoroughly enjoyed the day.


    From a distance, several people who recognized Leon''s distinctive car and had been observing him since the afternoon couldn''t help butment on what they saw.


    "Damn, that guy... he''s living the dream," one of them muttered.


    "Yes, seriously, the girl is stunning! And he''s clearly enjoying himself with her," another added.


    "His sister is cute too... but why are they hanging out as a trio? Wouldn''t it be more fun if it was just him and his girlfriend?"


    "Or maybe she''s also his sibling?" another chimed in.


    "No way, idiot. Look at the way they interact. It''s obvious they have something special going


    on."


    "Whatever the case, the girl is so beautiful..." another onlooker sighed, seemingly captivated by Freya''s presence.


    Their murmurs of admiration and curiosity followed Leon and the girls as they continued their walk back to the car.


    Leon missed some game login time that day because he spent it picking up the car and enjoying the beach with everyone. However, he felt immensely satisfied, especially since he got to spend quality time with Lily. He often felt guilty for leaving Lily alone while he immersed himself in the game. Since Lily was the only family Leon had left, aside from their Uncle, who was more like a father to them, this time together was precious. Additionally, Leon had more opportunities to joke around with Freya. Their bond was growing stronger each day. Freya, who was initially just a guardian sent by the Golden Age Company, had seamlessly be a friend to him.


    This outing was a rare treat for Leon. It wasn''t something he usually did-taking a break to enjoy a small vacation like this. He thought that next time, a camping trip or a getaway out of town would be fun, especially since they now had the car, the time, and the money to do it.


    In the past, ack of funds had always been a major barrier to such leisure activities, but that was no longer the case.


    "You can use the auto-drive feature if you''re tired of driving," Freya suggested.


    "No..." Leon replied casually. "I''m still fresh and alert."


    He paused momentarily before adding, "Besides, I have a Muay Thai training session


    scheduled after this, so I''ll keep going."


    Freya sighed. "You''re such a training maniac, huh?" she said with a giggle.


    During the drive back, they noticed Lily had fallen asleep in the backseat. They eased up on


    their conversation, letting soothing music fill the car as they headed home. The sun had already set, reced by the night sky as they entered the city streets.


    While Leon still had one more task outside the game-his Muay Thai training-his mind was already buzzing with excitement about trying out his new spear and diving back into the


    game.

 Chapter 199: Chapter 199 - A Quest for the Perfect Plate

    Chapter 199: - A Quest for the Perfect te


    ?


    Princess Alora emerged gracefully from her chamber, and her maid, Grace, approached. "Your Highness," she greeted with a respectful bow.


    "Have you heard any news about Baron Broken?" Princess Alora inquired.


    Grace bowed again in response. "Baron Broken hasn''t returned yet. But the guards said he wasst seen logging out in the garden near the castle''s rear exit."


    "Thank you, Grace," Alora replied with a gentle smile. "I''ll head there now."


    Alora made her way to the garden, deciding to walk alone and enjoy the fresh morning air. Her outfit was simpler for the day, a flowing gown that contrasted with the battle armor she often wore. The garden was serene, bathed in soft sunlight, providing the perfect backdrop for a moment of tranquility.


    She slowly approached the iron chair positioned in the center of the garden. She intended to sit there for a while, anticipating Baron Broken''s imminent arrival. As she settled into the chair, a peculiar sensation caught her off guard. The seat felt slightly ufortable, as if something was beneath her, not just the iron surface.


    "What is this?" she murmured to herself, shifting slightly. "Why does the chair feel so odd?" "Princess... Sorry," a male voice spoke from behind her. Startled, Alora quickly stood up, finding herself having been seated on Broken''sp, who had logged in unexpectedly.


    "Sorry," he repeated, his voice tinged with an awkward apology.


    "Broken... What are you doing here?" she asked, trying to regain herposure.


    "I just logged in and suddenly found you sitting on myp," he said awkwardly.


    "That''s a strange coincidence, huh," she replied with a chuckle.


    Immediately, guards rushed towards them, spears at the ready, aiming at the Baron. Alora swiftly intervened, raising her hand to restrain them.


    "No, wait... don''t worry. This is Baron Broken. He has done nothing wrong!"


    The guards exchanged confused nces, but trusting their princess, they lowered their weapons and stepped back.


    Still flustered, Princess Alora turned to Broken. "It''s alright. Let''s talk here for a while," she said, her voice softer now.


    Broken bowed respectfully. "Good morning, Princess Alora," he greeted her.


    Alora smiled warmly at him. "Good morning. Why is it that you always seem to show up at the most inconvenient times?"


    Broken smiled awkwardly. "At least this time, I don''t have to worry about being attacked for something I didn''t do on purpose."


    Alora chuckled softly. "So, are you still holding a grudge against Elincia? Have you two made peace since that incident?"


    Broken''s smile widened as he bowed slightly. "Yes, everything has improved since then."


    "I have something for you," Alora said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Yes, Princess?" Broken replied.


    "Wait," she said, turning her gaze to a small table and chairs set up in the middle of the garden. "Let''s talk over there."


    The two of them moved to the designated area and took their seats. Shortly after, a group of servants appeared, carrying trays of refreshments, tea, and a wooden box. Princess Alora graciously epted the items and turned to Broken.


    "Here," she said, handing him the wooden box.


    "This chest contains a set of heavy armor blueprints for melee fighters. I thought you might be interested in it. I''ve provided all the necessary materials so you can craft two sets of this armor. If you have the time, I''d be grateful if you could make them. You may keep one of the sets, and I''llpensate you for the other."


    Broken nodded in response to the Princess''s request. He opened the box, revealing five blueprints along with the essential materials, notably the Monster Core needed to craft the armor. Carefully, he examined the contents, admiring the intricate designs and the high- quality materials provided.


    "This is quite remarkable, Princess," Broken said. "I''ll start working on these as soon as I can. Thank you for this opportunity."


    [Invincible Paragon Helmet Blueprint]


    [Grade: Common ~ Unique]


    [To create this item, you will require steel, titanium, and the monster core of earth-type elements.]


    [Crafting this item requires the skill of an Advanced cksmith.]


    [Invincible Paragon Gloves Blueprint]


    [Invincible Paragon Armor (Chest) Blueprint]


    [Grade: Common - Unique]


    [Invincible Paragon Armor (Pants) Blueprint]


    [Grade: Common ~ Unique]


    [Invincible Paragon Shoes Blueprint]


    [Grade: Common ~ Unique]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Invincible Paragon?" Broken murmured softly as he examined the blueprints handed to him by Princess Alora.


    He knew that acquiring high-level equipment was always a challenging endeavor, especially when it came to unique gear sets. Moreover, there were special bonuses that came with equipping an entire set. What he held now were blueprints for a set of armor with a maximum grade of Unique. Additionally, the box also contained the Monster Cores needed to craft twoplete sets of armor.


    Just from the design and structure, the armor looked incredibly impressive. Broken''s curiosity was piqued as he imagined the final product. This set of blueprints matched perfectly with his desire to craft high-level armor for himself.


    Princess Alora''s voice broke through his thoughts, "This armor is designed to be most effective for someone with an affinity for earth elements. If you''d like, I can provide you with another set tailored towards the water element, which wouldplement your water- element spear. But even without an earth affinity, the value of this armor remains exceptionally high. What do you think?"


    Broken shook his head, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. It just so happened that he had a high affinity with both water and earth elements, which meant he could use the set of equipment without any issues. But if he crafted two sets of armor, wouldn''t he and Princess Alora end up wearing matching sets? The mere thought of it was thrilling.


    "No, Your Highness, it''s okay for me. Allow me to work on this set. I have an affinity with the earth element, too, so this is perfectly suitable for me," he said confidently. Princess Alora gave him a warm smile and nodded. "Do let me know if there''s anything I can do to help. The Royal cksmith Workshop will always be at your disposal, and we''ll provide any additional materials you need for the armor crafting," she assured him.


    Broken returned her nod, closing the wooden box with care. "Your Highness, I would require someone to store these items before Ie back tomorrow to work on them," he exined, noting that his inventory was reaching its maximum capacity and couldn''t hold any more


    items.


    "Yes, of course," she agreed. "Lionell will take care of these for you until you return


    tomorrow."


    There was an invitation for a small party with the members of the Ass Guild, so Broken wouldn''t be able to start his work immediately, even though he was eager to get started. He had to hold off for now.


    "Princess, I''ll return tomorrow to work on this," he promised. "I''llplete two sets at once


    until they''re finished."


    Alora smiled and nodded. "I''m very pleased to hear that and can''t wait to see the final results. But please, don''t stress too much about the final grade of your creation. Whatever the oue, I''ll be happy with the new sets."


    With her permission to leave, Broken thanked her for her kindness and mentioned that he had been invited by some members of the Ass Guild to a tavern near their inn for a small party. He headed straight to the tavern where the others were waiting. Booba, Freya, and Ivana were there as well. As soon as he opened the wooden door, everyone ran joyfully toward him. "Congrattions, Broken!" they shouted,ughing in celebration.


    ***


    (Author''s Note: I published 10 new privilege chapters today. But no worries, I''ll also publish 2 new chapters for everyone. I love the story and I love my readers too.)

 Chapter 200: Chapter 200 - Lost in a Sea of New Faces

    Chapter 200: - Lost in a Sea of New Faces


    ?


    Broken headed straight to the tavern where his friends were waiting for him. As soon as he pushed open the wooden door, everyone rushed toward him with joy.


    "Congrattions, Broken!" they all cheered, theirughter filling the room.


    Booba pped him on the shoulder warmly. "Hahaha, you really are the friend I''m most proud of, Broken."


    Elincia greeted him with a sweet smile. "Congrattions, Broken," she said.


    "Let''s have some drinks today, young man," Goldrich chuckled, pushing Broken towards a special table prepared just for him.


    Ivana, Freya, and Maylock also made their way to therge round table where everyone gathered. All the members of the Ass Guild and Broken''s friends hade together to celebrate.


    Ivana, sitting next to him with a bright smile, leaned in. "Congrattions, Broken," she said warmly. "You did it! You''ve definitely made Master Fokil proud."


    "Thank you, Ivana," Broken replied, turning to face her. She wore a white dress, her blonde hair framing her face, making her look just like an ordinary NPC girl. No one would have guessed that she was a shielder with a Unique-grade ss, holding immense potential and power.


    Several members of the Ass Guild around the table appeared curious about Broken''s recent aplishment.


    "Broken, you owe us an exnation," Goldrich began with a mischievous grin. "What were you doing with Princess Alora in her chamber, huh? Khi khi khi..."


    "It''s something I can''t share in front of everyone," Broken replied with a smirk. "But I might open a premium membership for those wanting all the juicy details."


    The group burst intoughter at Broken''s yful joke.


    Standing right behind him, Kingsley gave Broken a gentle pat on the shoulder. "You''ve made us all proud, Broken... I''m honored to know you in this game."


    Jovina immediately responded with a loudugh. "Hahaha... it''s all because of me! Every single one of you doubted him, except me... hahaha... Now look how he''s exceeded every expectation you had."


    "Shut up, Jovina," Melliandra interjected. "It was Elincia who brought Broken here."


    Toberry the Alchemist chimed in enthusiastically. "Broken, when are you heading to Slumdon Town? I''m curious about the ce, too... I hear the forest nearby is full of rare nts for alchemy... hahaha," he said casually.


    The conversation and questions kept flooding towards Broken as everyone continued to celebrate.


    While listening to their conversation, Broken decided to use his Perception skill on the other yers. However, he quickly realized that his current perception stat wasn''t sufficient; it only seemed to work on NPCs. Then, he focused on Ivana''s overall stats and was stunned by what he found.


    [Name: Ivana]


    [Level: 206]


    [Strength: 632 | Agility: 471 | Intelligence: 572 | Constitution: 755 | Stamina: 631]


    To his surprise, he could see all of Ivana''s stats, unlike when he tried the same with King Alorik or Princess Alora. Perhaps affinity with the character yed a role here.


    Upon seeing Ivana''s stats, Broken almost cursed out loud. They were staggeringly high! Not just high, but super high!


    Her level was still below Princess Alora''s, yet her total stats wereparable to a yer with around level 280. Truly extraordinary.


    How did Ivana, who started as a chef, acquire such incredible stats? Not even the best yers in the Ass Guild couldpare to her. Typically, a yer at level 206 would have around 2100 total stat points, but Ivana boasted over 3000!


    Everyone, all the members of the Ass Guild, everyone in the tavern, would lose their minds if they knew the strength of the NPC seated among them. A woman in a white dress, with a cheerful and friendly smile, who outwardly seemed like someone who needed protection.


    Broken stared at Ivana''s face for too long, forgetting himself in the moment. Noticing, Ivana gently grasped his wrist. "Broken, are you okay?" she whispered softly.


    Broken snapped out of his daze, still astonished by what he had just learned from her. "Yes, I''m alright," he reassured.


    Ivana smiled at his reply. "Would you like something to eat or drink? I can get it for you." Before Broken could reply, someone interrupted. At that moment, Goldrich shouted, "Hey! What are you doing just staring at thatdy over there, huh? There are plenty of people here! I know she''s beautiful, but you can save that forter, can''t you? Haha!"


    Broken nced over at Goldrich, giving an awkward smile. Goldrich always seemed to find a way to tease him, especially when it came to women.


    "Do you want to eat something?" Goldrich asked, grinning. "Ivana''s offering."


    Broken understood the underlying implication in Goldrich''s words.


    Ivana tilted her head, her gaze still on Broken. "Is there anything I can do for you, Broken?"


    "Ah, no, Ivana," he shook his head, turning his attention to the others who were already offering him a drink.


    "Hey, let''s enjoy this party that we''ve put together for you," Goldrich chimed in enthusiastically.


    A group of people ascended the stage. Among them was Starfall, a mage with straight ck hair and an Asian face. This South Korean celebrity sensation wasn''t just an actress; she was


    also a singer.


    The sound of musical instruments filled the air, capturing everyone''s attention and drawing all eyes to the stage. As the first verse began, Starfall''s exquisite voice resonated through the room, leaving everyone in awe of her talent.


    The audience was quickly entranced by her stunning voice; they even raised their hands and chanted "Oy, oy, oy," making the atmosphere in the tavern even more lively.


    Starfall stepped down from the stage, still singing, and walked over to the table where Broken and his friends were seated. She made a gesture with her hand, pointing towards Broken as she finished her song. The crowd erupted in enthusiastic apuse.


    "Do you want to sing, Broken?" Starfall asked him.


    Broken stood up, returning her gentle gaze and soft smile. Despite the warmth in her eyes, singing was one thing he had absolutely no interest in.


    "Uhm," he hesitated. "I think I''ll pass on that offer. I''d much rather enjoy listening to your


    singing."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Starfall smiled at him and then turned to the rest of the crowd. "Do you guys have a song


    request?"


    Immediately, everyone started shouting out their favorite songs, eager to hear Starfall


    perform again.


    Freya, who was seated to Broken''s left, leaned in and remarked, "She is so beautiful, isn''t she? If her fans knew she spoke to you like that, they''d be furious!" She giggled.


    Broken nced at Starfall, then nodded. "Yes... she is perfect," he said.


    Freya whispered back to him, "How do you feel being surrounded by so many new friends


    here?"


    He looked around the room once more. "Do they consider me a friend? I mean, am I their friend?" he asked slowly.


    "What do you think friends mean?" Freya asked. "If they want to do something for you and want to share something with you, then it''s enough to say they are your friends."


    Broken remained silent for a moment before nodding.


    "And me too," Freya continued, "I''m your good and kind friend."


    Leon smiled and then responded with a joke. "You''re not just my friend. You''re my super


    assistant, right?"


    Freya nudged Leon''s waist with her elbow and giggled. "I know you''re happier now, right? With so many people around you sharing positive vibes."


    "Who says I''m never happy?" Leon replied, chuckling. "You''re being too harsh on me, you


    know."

 Chapter 201: Chapter 201 - Uncovering the Hero of Destiny

    Chapter 201: - Uncovering the Hero of Destiny


    ?


    The celebration of Broken''s victory was still in full swing, with some revelers beginning to pass out from all the drinking. Among the most notorious party-goers was Trison, a member of the Ass Guild known for his unique ss, Rare - Drunken Healer. Trison drank the most and even danced clumsily, much to the delight of others.


    "Let''s party until dawn, hahaha!" he cheered, plopping down at the table and offering a drink to Jovina.


    "Get away from me, you stiff jerk," Jovina snapped, shoving him off the chair.


    Goldrich, watching the scene, chuckled. "Look at that fool... Khi khi khi... He''s got a ss that makes him heal better the more he drinks."


    Broken smiled at Goldrich''s remark.


    Goldrich then posed a thoughtful question. "Do you think this game reads more than our physical bodies, giving us something rted to our personal lives?"


    The others at the table listened closely. Jovina shot back, "Then why isn''t your ss something like Indecent Mage or Obscene Mage?"


    Goldrich grinned. "Khi khi khi,e on, Sage Sorcerer suits wise ol'' me better."


    One of the folks at the table was a man with ck hair dressed in white leather. He stood at about 1.7M (5.58ft) and looked like a martial artist. His name was Optimus, and he had the Rare - Grandmaster Flurry ss. He was also Trison''s teammate.


    Optimus scoffed. "Trison is a useless partner. I''d be better off alone than with that idiot."


    Goldrichughed heartily. "I think I''m the only one here with the best teammate," he said, ncing at Jovina.


    "You old fool!" Jovina retorted. "If you think I''m the best partner, you''re the real idiot and the worst team partner for me!"


    "Then tell me, Jovina, why do you have healer skills when your mouth is so poisonous?" Melliandra asked,ughing loudly along with everyone else in the room.


    "Oh... Cute little Melliandra... Of course, because I''m someone who encourages and supports everyone around me," Jovina replied casually,ughing to herself.


    Maylock couldn''t resist jumping in with his own jab. "More likely, you''re so bossy that you got the skill to enve those beasts, right, Jovina?"


    "Ck... Shut up, or I''ll reveal all your dirty secrets in front of everyone, Maylock, you jerk," Jovina retorted.


    Their exchange sent the table into fits ofughter.


    While everyone was still indulging in the food and drinks at their respective tables, Broken seized the opportunity to find out more about the Ring of Fate, the ring given to him as the grand prize of the Dissidia Competition.


    [The Ring of Fate]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Durability: 95/100]


    [Weight: 10]


    [The Ring of Fate is a magical ring that chooses only the worthy to wield its power. Those fortunate enough to receive it unlock hidden potential, gaining extraordinary skills and abilities that provide an edge in any situation.]


    [User Restriction: The ring can only be possessed by the Grand Winner of The Dissidia Kingdom''s triennialpetition event.]


    The ring''s description was simple, listing only its Epic grade and the user requirement. Since he is qualified to use it, something interesting should happen when he puts it on, right? he thought to himself.


    Broken quickly slid the ring onto his finger. A soft voice vibrated in his ears, clear despite the noisy tavern filled withughter and loud chatter. It was the same voice he remembered from his encounter with the spirit of King ndorr. Suddenly, a series of inscriptions appeared before him.


    [Yo... This is King ndorr.]


    [I hope you have read your history books and understand who I am.]


    [Listen carefully, for this is of the utmost importance. I am sure you are the ideal candidate to undertake this great mission. As you have ess to this Ring, it is clear that you are the one destined to possess it.]


    [I have a great reward for you, something so amazing that you could never have expected to inherit it. All I need to ask is for your help. Should you seed in the quests I have set before you, I will bestow upon you a very special reward.]


    "So," Broken muttered under his breath, nodding slowly. "It seems the rewards from this Ringe in the form of quests for those deemed worthy. Clever enough."


    However, King ndorr''s tone seemed a bit more enthusiastic... here? Very different from thezy demeanor he had when Broken first met him.


    The inscriptions continued.


    [In short, someone will be taking over my role, and he will be living in the same era as you. Your responsibility is to provide him with the support he needs to aplish his grand task.] "Eh?" Broken paused, his brow furrowing as he carefully pondered the text before him. "Why does this quest sound so simr to the one King ndorr assigned to me before?"


    Suddenly, another set of notifications popped up, revealing a brand-new quest.


    [The Faithful Supporter Quest 1 - Uncovering the Hero of Destiny]


    [Rating: A]


    [King ndorr has a mission for you: to seek out the individual fated to save the world! You will be provided with guidance and clues to find this person, and when you meet them, you''ll


    know.


    Identify the destined hero, deliver the king''s message, and ally with them. Together, you will be an unstoppable duo and save the world from impending doom-with style!]


    [Clear Conditions:


    - Greet The Faithful Hero.


    - Form a bond of friendship with them.]


    [Clear Rewards:


    - 20 Stat Points.


    - 1 Epic Production ss Ticket.]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Quest Failure: -]


    He paused for a moment, ruminating on the quest''s description - "The Faithful Hero?" - before shaking his head in disbelief and eximing, "Don''t tell me!"


    A notification suddenly appeared before him, further interrupting his contemtion. [Congrattions to Broken, whopleted the Quest ''Uncovering the Hero of Destiny'' faster


    than a speeding bullet!]


    [Because of this aplishment, his quest rating got upgraded. His heroic efforts not only boosted the quest rating to a whopping ''S'', but also earned him a bonus reward.]


    [We may never know how he did it, and we may never understand, but we do know one thing -


    The sure did it fast! Congrattions.]


    [As a reward forpleting this quest, you will be granted 20 stat points.]


    [Additionally, you will also be rewarded with an Epic Production ss Ticket.]


    [To top it off, you will be gifted the rarest and most sought-after of all items: a Unique-grade


    All You Need Ticket.]


    Broken was so startled by the notification that he nearly spat out his drink.


    "Oh, Broken..." Goldrich said with a smirk. "Don''t gulp like that if you''re not prepared. You really need to work on that, khi khi khi..."


    Broken merely grinned at Goldrich''sment. Then, he turned his attention back to the notification in front of him.


    "So... the quest wants me to find someone, and that someone is... me?" he muttered slowly.


    "And I, by default,pleted this quest without lifting a finger? An A-rating quest that got upgraded to an S-rating quest?" He couldn''t help but chuckle to himself. "I bet Freya would be speechless if I told her about this."


    He got 20 stat points and two intriguing items just waiting to be checked out. The names alone piqued his curiosity. Epic Production ss Ticket and All You Need Ticket?


    He quickly examined the two items, eager to discover their potential.

 Chapter 202: Chapter 202 - Epic Production Class Ticket

    Chapter 202: - Epic Production ss Ticket


    ?


    [Epic Production ss Ticket]


    [With this ticket, you get the chance to choose one Epic-grade production ss that you can master.]


    The first reward Broken received from the quest was the Epic Production ss Ticket, which, judging by its name alone, already hinted at its impressive function. But after reading the description, he realized just how extraordinary it truly was!


    An Epic-grade production ss handed to him just because hepleted a quest by sheer coincidence. But this was indeed a new production ss, and he could choose whichever ss he wanted.


    For now, though, he was still engrossed in his current cksmith ss. He didn''t feel the need to dive into another production ss just yet. Plus, it would probably be wise to think carefully about which production ss to choose. So, he decided to hold onto the ticket for the time being.


    Broken nodded slowly, contemting the details of the ticket he had received. So, King ndorr intentionally sought someone capable of crafting Legendary-grade Items and provided this ss Ticket to that person, as well as aid for the one entrusted with the mission to y the Gods?


    Did King ndorr also predict that the cksmith and the hero he mentioned might be the same person? Because this would indeed make the quest difficult if he had to search for someone without clear instructions on who to find.


    He was reminded of the quest to find the Dragon Princess. He still didn''t know how toplete that quest.


    He paused for a moment.


    At least, knowing about this Faithful Supporter quest, it appears King ndorr is not as irresponsible as Broken initially thought.


    "And what about the other ticket?" he murmured quietly as he checked the details of the second reward he had received.


    [Unique-grade All You Need Ticket]


    [This ticket will give you whatever item you need the most in any situation. Need a new pet for your birthday? A ss of wine for a stressful day? Even if you''re stuck in a sticky situation and can''t see a way out, just pull out this ticket, and you''ll be saved!


    Don''t expect unlimited power or anything - just expect the value of the object you get to berge enough to make you feel like you''ve got something special.


    So, don''t be disappointed. Just be ready to be surprised!]


    Broken nodded in satisfaction after reading the description of the item he had received. The ticket promised to grant him the item he needed most in a given situation. He pondered for a moment-if he were to use the ticket right now, what would he get?


    Did he need money? Of course, he did, but it seemed unlikely that the ticket would give him gold, right?


    But then, if he thought about what he needed most at the moment, it was the material to craft The Unseen Universe Ne. He needed an Eternal me Eye and a Monster Soul Stone from a Fairy-type creature.


    However, those were things he wanted, not necessarily things he needed. Weren''t those two different things?


    Perhaps if he used the ticket in an emergency or when he hit a dead end, it would have greater value. For now, he resolved to hold back and not use the ticket. He would save it for when he had no other options and had to rely on the uncertainty it offered.


    At the very least, he hoped the ticket wouldn''t just grant him something trivial like a new pet or a bottle of wine, as the description hinted it might.


    Broken paused for a moment, recalling The Unseen Universe Ne. After crafting the Moonvine Knuckles, his next target should indeed be crafting The Unseen Universe Ne. He needed to figure out how to obtain the Eternal me Eye-whatever that might be-and perhaps also acquire a Fairy Soul Stone. He sighed every time he thought about the materials needed to craft the item.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Grounding himself back in reality, he allowed himself to enjoy the music and singing filling the tavern. But then, another notification appeared before him.


    [You got a new quest]


    [The Faithful Supporter Quest 2]


    "Wait, another quest already?" he responded with enthusiasm, hoping once again toplete a high-rating quest without having to do much.


    [The Faithful Supporter Quest 2 - Crafting Epic Equipment for the Hero]


    [Rating: A]


    [You have been tasked with an important mission! You must craft one set of Epic-grade equipment for the Hero, ensuring they have the best protection and power they can get.]


    [Clear Conditions: Craft an Epic-grade or higher set of equipment for the Hero.]


    [Clear Rewards:


    - 1 Item Grade Enhancer Ticket


    - New Title: ''Best Faithful Supporter'']


    [Quest Failure: -]


    Broken nodded slowly as he studied the new quest he had received. Indeed, while he no longer earned massive quest rewards without effort, this new quest was something he could handle easily: crafting Epic-grade equipment for himself.


    This aligned perfectly with his n for the uing weeks, especially after receiving a request from Princess Alora. He could simultaneouslyplete this quest from King


    ndorr.


    Crafting Epic-grade equipment should still be manageable for him. And if he failed to create an Epic-grade item on the first try, he could keep attempting until he seeded. He had enough time for that.


    His n was clear: stay at the pce for a few weeks until he finished crafting the armor for himself. With a level 200 armor set, he would feel much more confident venturing outside, equipped with better protection. Moreover, this armor set with Earth Element would offer even greater defensive potential.


    Besides, the reward promised by the quest looked incredible. A Grade Enhancer Ticket. Did this mean he could upgrade the grade of any item he crafted? This reward was incredibly valuable! He just needed to know the maximum grade the ticket offered. If he could upgrade from Epic-grade to Unique-grade instantly, the mary value alone was immense. The rewards from these quests were truly unbelievable.


    Broken shifted his attention back to his surroundings as everyone continued to revel in the celebration party.


    Starfall, who had been mesmerizing the tavern with her singing, stepped down from the stage and gracefully made her way toward their table. As she approached Ivana, she asked with a serene smile, "Want to sing?"


    Ivana nodded without hesitation and rose to follow Starfall to the stage. Broken frowned, surprised by how easily Ivana epted the offer.


    Freya noticed his reaction and asked, "Did you just discover that Ivana can sing?"


    He looked puzzled. "Is it true that she can sing?"


    "Let''s watch and see," she replied.


    Ivana began to dance slowly, swaying to the rxed rhythm of the music. Her voice then filled


    the tavern, melodic and ethereal.


    "In thend of Yunatea, we bow to the gods."


    "Their power and grace will bring us rewards."


    "The goddess of the moon gave us her blessing."


    "The goddess of beauty showers us with love never less."


    Broken''s eyes widened in astonishment as he listened, his mouth slightly agape at the


    heavenly sound of her voice.


    Freya smirked, nudging him gently with her elbow. "Surprised, aren''t you?"


    "How is she so good at everything?" he wondered aloud.


    "She''s a special NPC. What can we say?" Freya replied.


    "Who is she, really?" he probed. "Is she a banished scion of a royal family, sent away by a


    jealous stepmother? Or perhaps she''s the reincarnation of a deity?"


    Freya chuckled at his spection. "One thing you need to remember, protect her, for she is so


    precious."


    Broken shook his head. "If you knew how high her overall stats were, you''d say the opposite; she doesn''t need protection. We are the ones who need her protection."

 Chapter 203: Chapter 203 - The First Step of the Monumental Task

    Chapter 203: - The First Step of the Monumental Task


    ?


    The next morning, the excitement from the previous day''s celebrations had started to fade. The Ass Guild and Broken gathered for a crucial meeting to discuss the recent developments and decide their next steps for their grand n.


    Broken attended the meeting with Freya, Ivana, Booba, and thirteen other members of the Ass Guild. As usual, Maylock led the discussion and shared the intel he had collected.


    "The Shadow Wolves guild will receive help from the Horde of Hell guild in their uing battle," Maylock began. "The Shadow Wolves Guild has two Gluttony Champions: their guild master, Paul, and Marlene, the witch. The Horde of Hell, based in the East Continent, has three Gluttony Champions. They will soon join the Shadow Wolves to strengthen their position."


    With the Horde of Hell joining forces with the Shadow Wolves, five Gluttony Champions will be united. This means theirbined power is significant and shouldn''t be underestimated. Two major guilds with five Divine Champions will pose a formidable challenge.


    Maylock proceeded with a serious tone, "Soon, the Horde of Hell will embark on a journey from the East Continent to the South Continent to join forces with the Shadow Wolves."


    Jovina, with clear concern, interrupted, "It''s evident they mean business. Do you really think they''ll go through with summoning a Named Demon?"


    Melliandra, unable to contain her frustration, suggested, "Why don''t we confront them head-on? What''s the point of waiting for them toplete whatever they''re scheming? We can crush them in open battle. I just can''tprehend why we have to sit back like this."


    Goldrich calmly responded, "On the surface,unching an open battle might seem straightforward, but acting without a calcted n could put us in grave danger. We don''t even fully understand what they''re up to."


    Maylock, nodding in agreement, borated, "We could dere war right away, but that wouldn''t necessarily halt their preparations. If we deplete our resources and they manage to summon the Named Demon while we''re unprepared, the consequences could be catastrophic. Moreover, we must recognize the presence of a third faction that could exploit the chaos. That''s why the best strategy is to confront them during the real event."


    Optimus, a martial artist yer, interjected with a firm voice, "So, what''s the n, Maylock? You''re taking too long to decide; I''d rather just fight them now. After all, the Horde of Hell is only led by a young kid."


    Maylock replied, "We will continue to keep a close watch on their movements. In the meantime, we must strengthen our forces."


    Optimus asked, "When do you think they''llunch their n?"


    Maylock replied, "They''re aligning with a cult known as Darkened me, and I believe their ultimate objective is to seize power by gaining ess to the Sword of Dissidia."


    Optimus continued, "So, they want that damned sword. Why do they desire it so much? Is it really that powerful?"


    Goldrich responded with a chuckle, "If demons are after that sword, then they must be nning something major with it, khi khi khi."


    Broken, who had been listening intently, was in silence, thoughtfully absorbing every detail of their discussion. The weight of the Sword of Dissidia, a legendary weapon he was destined to obtain, hung heavily in the air. It was clear that all these looming battles and power struggles revolved around this legendary de.


    Maylock spoke up, bringing the conversation to a close. "I believe we have approximately up to one year of Yunatea Time left before this situation reaches its climax," he stated solemnly. "We must make the most of this time and execute our n with the utmost precision."


    Everyone seemed to digest the information and ns that Maylock hadid out, realizing the enormity of their responsibilities as a Top Guild with only a handful of members. Each individual''s role was crucial, and they all knew they had to constantly level up and strengthen themselves to stay ahead.


    Elincia turned to Broken, breaking the silence. "Broken, do you have anything to say?"


    Broken rose to his feet, the room falling silent as he prepared to speak. "I understand the magnitude of the work ahead of us. And I also have a duty to coborate closely with each of you, as well as amitment to my own growth."


    He continued, "First, I''m going to focus on upgrading my equipment, and I''ll do the same for Princess Alora. This is my firstmission from her, so I intend to spend the next few weeks dedicated to this task."


    Elincia responded to his words, "What you''re doing is still in line with our n, Broken. By helping to strengthen Princess Alora, you''re also increasing our chances of winning the war. So, good luck with your endeavor."


    Broken nodded softly. "Thanks, Elincia."


    He then addressed another pressing matter. "And now, about Slumdon Town." He paused, taking a moment to gather his thoughts.


    The members of the Ass Guild had been buzzing about Slumdon Town, curious about Broken''s strategy to rebuild it given its vast potential. The opportunity to contribute to its reconstruction was one no one wanted to miss, especially considering their alliance with Broken.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "I may need a lot of help to rebuild the city, and I might need assistance from all of you if you''re interested in contributing," Broken continued. "But I can''t decide the details yet. I need to assess everything before making a fair decision for everyone. For now, I''ll focus on working on my new set of armor, because I think I can do it more efficiently at the Royal cksmith Workshop. So, I''ll have to personally dy my visit to Slumdon Town."


    "Broken," Goldrich raised his hand. "I know this is outside the agreement we made, but as a partner, I feel responsible for what you have. So, I''m offering to go to that town first and do a survey. Then, I''ll give you the information you need so you can hurry up and get there."


    Elincia then raised her hand inquisitively. "You need at least two months to finish your work, correct?" she asked.


    Broken slowly nodded in agreement.


    "Don''t worry," Elincia reassured him. "We''ll split up the chores so you can focus all your attention on your work."


    Broken remained silent for a moment, considering Goldrich''s offer of assistance. He also wanted to be open to giving and receiving support from these people, who he had slowly begun to consider his friends.


    "I suppose that''s a viable option," he finally concluded. "I must ask for your help, Goldrich." "Well, I''m happy to help if it makes things easier for you," Goldrich said, winking. Elincia then stood up again after the discussion had concluded. "Everyone in The Ass Guild has an obligation to push yourselves! Keep getting stronger! Don''t bezy! Anyone I see cking off, I''ll kill you back to level 1! Mark my words!"


    They all stood up and shouted, "Let''s show them what our ass is made of!"


    Once everyone had agreed on their respective tasks, they immediately set off in different directions. The team was strategically divided: some continued to gather intelligence, keeping a close watch on their adversaries, others remained focused on strengthening themselves and sharing resources. Additionally, a few dedicated their efforts to assist Broken in fulfilling Princess Alora''smission and nning the revival of Slumdon Town. The sense of aplishment from the day''s discussions injected new energy into the group. They felt the invigorating presence of new allies, even though Broken and hispanions weren''t official members of the Ass Guild.


    Determined, Broken quickly set about preparing for the weeks ahead, knowing he needed to be stronger as swiftly as possible. The blessing he had received from the Goddess of Sloth was a rare gift, and he was resolved to make the most of it.


    His goal was clear: to gain independence and reduce his reliance on others. Completing his equipment set was crucial topensating for his defensive weaknesses, even though he already had an arsenal that significantly boosted his offensive capabilities.


    Later that day, Broken returned to the pce and entered the Royal cksmith Workshop,


    ready to delve into his project. As he stepped through the doorway, dozens of cksmiths fixed their eyes on him, a mix of curiosity and wonder evident in their gazes. They were eager to see him in action, curious to find out whether his reputation as a talented cksmith was deserved or merely a stroke of luck.

 Chapter 204: Chapter 204 - All Work and No Play

    Chapter 204: - All Work and No y


    ?


    [You can forge like a cksmith on steroids! You''ll be able to create high-quality weapons in no time. Increase your forging speed and effectiveness by 50%. Get ready to be the


    ultimate weapon-maker!]


    The Royal Hammer he wielded possessed a talent that enabled him to elerate the forging process, giving Broken a significant advantage over other cksmiths.


    Broken was hunched over his workbench, his eyes intensely focused on the intricate details of his craftsmanship. His hands moved swiftly, expertly forging and welding pieces of metal into intricately designed sets of equipment.


    Every minute was precious, and he worked tirelessly to meet his target. Sweat trickled down his forehead, and he asionally nced up to check his progress, determination burning in his eyes.


    The royal cksmiths gathered on the other side of the workshop, watching Broken work intently. They were awestruck by the speed and precision with which he moved his hands, expertly handling the materials.


    "He''s so intense," one of themmented. "How can he keep up such a work pace without taking any breaks?"


    "He only takes breaks to eat and log out of the game," someone replied.


    "I''m truly inspired by Baron Broken''s work ethic, but I don''t think I can be as diligent as him," said another.


    "I''ve seen that he has crafted several items, and some of them are even Epic grade," a third remarked.


    "I think a work ethic like his allows him to produce two to three times more items than others," someone else suggested.


    "Yeah, I think so too," another agreed.


    Broken had to craft 10 items, consisting of two sets of equipment-one for himself and one for Princess Alora. He needed to ensure that the minimum grade for the items met the Epic standard to satisfy the quest''s requirements.


    Pausing for a moment, he smiled softly and took a deep breath. He had been working non- stop for 24 hours and needed some fresh air. After finishing up his work, he stepped out of the workshop.


    He ventured to a different area of the castle, where a few barracks were located and a wide field stretched out, upied by guards and knights in training. As he walked up to the side, he saw Lionell standing and observing the activities.


    "Baron Broken?" Lionell noticed his presence and turned to face him.


    Broken watched as his six personal knights noticed his presence and immediately halted their training. They took a step back, knee-deep in dirt and gravel, and raised their weapons in salute as he approached.


    "Please, continue your training," hemanded.


    The knights bowed before resuming their exercises.


    "Sir Lionell, I am very thankful that you have personally taken it upon yourself to train my personal knights," Broken said.


    "It is my honor, Baron Broken. Princess Alora requested that I take on this responsibility, and


    I am also delighted to be able to train the six of them," Lionell replied.


    "So, how is their progress?" Broken inquired.


    "Igor, who is the leader of the group and a Knight Commander, is mature enough and only requires more experience for his potential to truly grow," Lionell exined.


    Broken nodded in understanding.


    "Karl possesses immense courage and never gives up. I''m certain he will ascend to a higher rank of knighthood in the near future," Lionell continued. "Yann is also very skilled with a bow. His proficiency is unquestionable."


    Broken nodded along with Lionell''s exnation.


    "As for Damir," Lionell continued, "he is quite adept at learning magic, and he has already mastered two types of pyro magic within the two weeks he trained. I believe your decision to have him learn magic was a wise one. He is clearly very talented, and you are fortunate to have him among your Knights."


    Broken nodded once more. "Does this mean that perhaps all the Knights in the kingdom might have more potential than what they are currently focusing on?"


    Lionell paused before responding. "Knights are given the freedom to choose their own path, but it is not always easy to recognize the talents of each individual, my Lord Broken. I believe you have a good eye for doing just that."


    Broken smiled faintly, realizing he was merely utilizing the features of Land Management to assess the capabilities of his knights.


    "And for Anna," Lionell continued, pointing to an 18-year-old female Knight with shoulder- length blonde hair. "I''ve never seen someone as passionate as her. She has an incredible affinity for the greatsword and can learn to wield it quickly."


    Broken nodded slowly and smiled, watching Anna. She reminded him of Lily, his own sister, who had a simr hairstyle and the same fiery determination.


    "And for Inggrid," Lionell continued. "She picked up how to use dual swords quickly, and I believe she has a natural talent for that type of weapon."


    Broken nodded again, feeling pleased with the progress of all the knights under Lionell''s tutge.


    After checking the overall stats of his six knights, he noticed a slight improvement. Although the upgrades were small, they made him even more excited to finish his crafting so he could take the knights out hunting and enhance their stats and skills further.


    Broken also noticed the six knights were now using new weapons, clearly showing they had received special attention. Was this really because of Princess Alora''s request? He should thank her more for this. Moreover, Lionell, a Knight Grand Cross, had personally trained them. He couldn''t ask for more than that.


    On his way back to the cksmith workshop, Broken spotted a sprawling garden nearby. In its center, he noticed someone waving. He stopped in his tracks.


    "Broken,e here," Princess Alora''s voice called out.


    He walked towards her, noting she was donned in shimmering silver battle armor.


    Bowing slowly, he greeted her, "Good afternoon, Princess Alora."


    He wondered why she was dressed in such armor. Was there something urgent outside then/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    pce?


    "I''ve heard many talking about your tireless work ethic. Is that true?" Princess Alora asked, curiosity in her tone.


    Broken smiled, a hint of eagerness in his voice. "No, Princess. I just want to finish my tasks quickly to be as productive as I can."


    Alora smiled back at him. "Are you sure you can keep up with working non-stop like that?"


    "No need to worry, Princess. I''m quite used to this kind of work," he replied confidently. "You certainly are a hard worker. But please let me know if you need anything. The knights mentioned you don''t eat the food from the pce. Is something wrong with it?" she asked. Broken paused for a moment. In truth, Ivana often sent him meals, and he preferred those. "No, Princess... My friend sends me food every day, so I eat what she brings. There is no problem with the pce food."


    "Okay then. I''ll be leaving the pce for a few days on a mission. If you need help, contact Lionell who will stay here." Princess Alora exined.


    "Thank you, Princess," Broken replied gratefully.


    "Well, I should be going now," Princess Alora said as she waved and walked away.


    Broken watched her intently as she left.


    "She didn''te here just to tell me she''d be away on duty for a few days, did she?" he


    thought.


    Broken turned and headed back to the cksmith workshop, his mind still mulling over their


    encounter.

 Chapter 205: Chapter 205 - Ivana, Lets Go Hunt

    Chapter 205: - Ivana, Let''s Go Hunt


    ?


    That day, Broken received news from the knights that someone was waiting for him in the garden.


    Who could it be? he wondered.


    Clearing up his work, he hurried out of the cksmith workshop and headed to the garden. There, he saw a woman sitting on a long iron bench, dressed in a white gown with a straw hat and carrying a wooden basket.


    "Ivana?" Broken thought, puzzled. How could Ivana get into the castle grounds, with all the tight security?


    He quickened his pace, and soon Ivana noticed himing. She stood up and waved enthusiastically. She had a cheerful smile when he reached her.


    "Good morning, Broken... Are you surprised to see me here?" she said with a giggle.


    "Good morning..." he paused for a moment. "How did you get ess to this area, Ivana?"


    Ivana chuckled softly, covering her mouth with her hand. "Yesterday, Sir Lionell came to see me and told me I had been granted permission to deliver food to you once a day."


    "Really? Sir Lionell?"


    Ivana nodded. "Maybe it''s because of your good reputation and the value of your skills to the pce. They must have trusted you enough to let me in, too."


    Broken fell silent for a moment, recalling his conversation with Princess Alora the previous day. Could it be that she granted Ivana permission after hearing about his daily meals from her?


    Previously, Ivana would leave the food she brought with the guards, who would then deliver it to Broken. This arrangement was due to Knight Lionell mentioning Broken''s name to the guards stationed near the gate by the cksmith workshop. But today, Ivana hade directly into the castle grounds.


    Broken smiled and nodded. "I''m happy to see you here," he said.


    They then sat down on the iron bench, and Ivana quickly opened the wooden basket. The aroma of the food wafted out instantly.


    "Roast meat?" Broken eximed, suddenly feeling hungrier and eager to dig in.


    Ivana giggled. "Booba and Freya helped me hunt in the forest, so I was able to gather enough quality ingredients for this dish," she said enthusiastically. "They love my cooking and always finish it, as do some members of the Ass Guild. So I keep cooking for them."


    Broken chuckled softly. "Hearing you mention Booba and Freya helping you hunt sounds funny, while I''m sure you wouldn''t get a scratch even if you went alone."


    He paused for a moment, noticing the puzzled look on Ivana''s face. "But of course, they love your cooking. A chef with your skills should be paid handsomely if working in the pce, yet you give your meals away for free?"


    Ivana shook her head. "No, Broken... I don''t give it away for free..."


    "Then?"


    "Booba rents me a nice ce to live... And Mr. Goldrich often provides high-quality ingredients. He only takes a small portion of what I cook. They really are good people," she said with enthusiasm.


    While Broken smiled and nodded slowly, he couldn''t help but think that it was Ivana herself who was too kind to everyone. She seemed to have no ill will towards anyone. At least the people around her right now were trustworthy. He hoped that no one would ever try to take advantage of her kindness.


    "So, what have you been up to these past few weeks?" he inquired.


    Ivana began taking the food out of her wooden basket, preparing it for Broken as she spoke. "I''ve been hunting monsters with Freya and Booba. They are very friendly and kind to me."


    "Why does it sound like they''re using you to level up?" he said jokingly.


    Ivanaughed lightly at hisment. "Not quite," she replied with a smile. "They often ask me to stay behind in case they can''t handle the monsters theye across. Plus, Booba is really friendly, even though he never seems to stop talking."


    Broken eagerly devoured the roast meat she had brought, savoring the vor. "I really like your cooking, Ivana," he said with a smile.


    Ivana returned the smile warmly and nodded slowly. "I''ll bring you food every day," she offered, pausing for a moment in thought. "Is there any specific dish you''d like? I just got some new and delicious recipes from Mr. Goldrich, and I''d love to make them for you one by one."


    "Thanks," he said softly. "While I won''t be able to join you in hunting for a while, I''ll pay you for the food you make for me."


    But Ivana shook her head and chuckled. "You don''t need to worry. Freya and Booba helped me gather the ingredients for this dish. We''re doing this to support you, okay? I just want to do this small thing to repay your kindness," she exined.


    He smiled faintly at her words. "You must never think of yourself as small, alright? You''re an extraordinary individual. You''re incredibly talented in everything you do, and you''re kind to everyone."


    "Uhm..." she said, looking a bit puzzled beforeughing softly. "I''m happy to hear such praise from you. You can also say some very sweet things sometimes," she said with a chuckle.


    The curious cksmiths inside the smithy peeked out from their windows quietly, their eyes wide with surprise and curiosity as they watched Broken and Ivana together. They saw the two of them sitting close, asionally exchanging warm smiles and gentleughter.


    "He sure is quite the yboy!" one of them remarked.


    "Yeah, I suppose so... Do you think he used his cksmithing talents to attract thedies?" another asked.


    "I would say so," the first replied. "With the craftsmanship and luck he has, he can definitely attract women with those skills."


    "I''ll have to work harder so that I can also get the attention of a woman as beautiful as her," a third chimed in.


    "Yeah, why not? Is it possible that he worked hard with the intention of drawing the attention


    of women?"


    "He''s really quite inspiring," the second noted.


    "Now he is my number one idol and role model," the first added.


    [Name: Broken]


    [Level: 107]


    [ss: Unique - Super Novice | Unique - Royal cksmith]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    [Health: 2,680 | Mana: 3,108]


    [Strength: 525 | Agility: 304 | Intelligence: 274 | Constitution: 218 | Stamina: 220]


    [Charisma: 100 | Luck: 35 | Dexterity: 50 | Survival: 30 | Perception: 20]


    [Avable Stat Points: 250]


    [Weight: 1,983/3,150]


    While enjoying the food Ivana had brought, Broken took a moment to check his overall stats, something he hadn''t updated in a while. He noticed that his level had increased since hest won thepetition. However, he felt that his progress had slowed down, even though it had been three weeks since thepetition ended.


    Curious, Broken decided to spend all of his avable stat points. He thought carefully about the best allocation he needed. After a moment of contemtion, he took a deep breath, realizing he truly needed a high Intelligence stat to cover the Mana deficit from using his high-tier skills with his Legendary weapons. Additionally, a higher Intelligence would boost his Magic Damage, which was essential since the Wavebreaker Spear dealt Water Elemental


    Magic Damage.


    He then decided to bnce his stats in a way that would ensure the final damage output he


    desired.


    [Health: 3,080 | Mana: 4,188]


    [Strength: 565 | Agility: 344 | Intelligence: 364 | Constitution: 258 | Stamina: 260]


    [Charisma: 100 | Luck: 35 | Dexterity: 50 | Survival: 30 | Perception: 20]


    Broken was quite satisfied with the end result. Although his Constitution and Stamina values


    stillgged behind, at least his mana pool had increased dramatically.


    Next, seeing his updated stats, he remembered that he wanted to test his improvedbat


    abilities against monsters. What if he spent some time hunting?


    With renewed enthusiasm, he reached out and grabbed Ivana''s hand, momentarily surprising her. "Ivana, let''s go hunt," he said.

 Chapter 206: Chapter 206 - Thorned Vindicator Sword

    Chapter 206: - Thorned Vindicator Sword


    ?


    Broken and Ivana walked through the bustling streets of the capital city, heading out for a hunting trip that mightst a day or two. For Broken, this would be a refreshing break from the intense focus he had ced on his crafting. Plus, it offered a chance to test his newly updated stats and some items he hadn''t yet used in real battle.


    During a previous raid with the Ass Guild, Broken had received three drop items: a weapon and two pieces of armor. The weapon was the Sword Thorned Vindicator, and the two pieces of armor were for an Archer ss. Since all three items required level 200 to use, he had kept them aside until he was able to meet that requirement.


    He eagerly took out the first item from his inventory. The de was a deep emerald green, with veins of glowing green energy running through it. When swung, it left a faint trail of green light, highlighting its magical nature.


    "The sword is beautiful, Broken," Ivana said enthusiastically.


    "Really?" he said softly. "I''ve just now reached the level to use this sword. Let me check the description."


    [Thorned Vindicator Sword]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Attack Power: 500~550


    Strength +120


    Agility +120]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 480]


    [A sword forged from the heartwood of the Vine Horror Treant,ced with potent magic that enhances agility and delivers devastating strikes.]


    [Skills:]


    [Vine Strike: Unleashes a powerful strike that deals 450% physical attack damage and roots the target for 2 seconds.


    Cooldown: 30 Seconds]


    [Thorned Aura: Creates an aura of thorns around the user, dealing 50% of physical attack as damage per second to nearby enemies.


    Cooldown: 60 Seconds


    Duration: 10 Seconds]


    [User Restriction: Level 200 or higher.


    Swordsman ss or a simr one.]


    The sword was indeed an Epic-grade item. While its Attack Power wasn''t exceptionally high for a level 200 sword, it did add 120 points each to Strength and Agility¡ªa total of 24 levels'' worth of stats. That was extraordinary. No wonder, it was a drop from a Raid Boss that required a high-level party to defeat. Despite its Epic grade, the stats alone were exceptional. Additionally, the sword only had two skills, but both did not require any Mana to use. The first skill dealt damage and applied a rooting effect to the target, while the second skill emitted an aura dealing damage over time to the surrounding area. The duration wasn''t very long, but still decent.


    The skills were impressive, although they paledpared to his Moonvine Knuckles. Still, it was a decent sword.


    Do I really need this sword? He wondered to himself.


    "You can use all sorts of weapons, Broken... I''m so jealous," Ivana said with a giggle.


    "Someone like you doesn''t deserve to say they''re jealous of anyone, Ivana," Broken responded with a smile. "If anyone knew about your various talents, I''m sure many wouldpete to have you in their party."


    "Huh?" Ivana looked puzzled by his words. "Why?"


    Broken just giggled at her innocence. "But don''t worry, I won''t let others find out about your talents, so you''ll always stay with me," he said, then resumed inspecting the sword.


    However, Broken''s words made Ivana think for a moment. "You want me to stay with you, always, Broken?" she asked, tilting her head in confusion.


    Broken turned to her and nodded. "Yes, stay with me always, okay? I promised Mr. Fokil," he said, gently patting Ivana''s head.


    Ivana lowered her gaze and smiled at his gesture.


    "What if..." Ivana began but then trailed off, causing Broken to turn to her.


    "Yes?"


    "What if one day I... leave?"


    Broken furrowed his brow, thinking. "Leave of your own will?"


    Ivana nodded slowly.


    "I''de to find you," he said without any hesitation in his voice.


    They continued walking through the city streets, heading toward the exit gate.


    "What should I do to make sure you don''t regret taking on this responsibility, Broken..." she said softly. "I''ll cook for you every day. I''ll be at the front in every battle, and I''ll protect you. I have a protection skill to protect others, and I''ll cast it on you. I will..." she paused again as Broken took her hand.


    "For now, you''re very powerful, Ivana. So strong... you won''t need protection from anyone. But, one day, I will be stronger and protect you, okay?" Broken replied. "I promised Mr. Fokil... And I''m also grateful to Gia," he added softly.


    They continued walking while Broken still held and admired the sword he was holding.


    "I don''t need this sword that much; maybe you need it, Ivana," he then turned to her. "What is the grade of the sword Mr. Fokil gave to you?"


    "Uhm... it''s Unique-grade. The shield is Unique-grade too," Ivana answered softly.


    Broken swallowed hard at her response. "Okay, I''m sure you don''t need this sword then." "But, the armor..." Ivana continued, "The shoes and the helmet are Epic-grade."


    "What about the others?"


    "They are Unique-grade, too," she replied softly.


    Broken nodded thoughtfully as he listened to her exnation. "It seems Mr. Fokil really cares about you, giving you such valuable items while selling lower-grade ones at high prices."


    Ivana nodded slowly in response to his words. "Should I return these items to Mr. Fokil, Broken? He could sell them for a high price, right?"


    Broken took a deep breath before answering. "Would you be happy if, starting tomorrow, I


    refused the meals you brought me?"


    Ivana looked shocked at the suggestion. "Why?!"


    "The answer is, would you want me to do that?"


    "No... don''t do it... please..."


    "Okay, then you don''t need to think about returning those items to Mr. Fokil," he concluded.


    Ivana nodded in understanding at his exnation.


    Broken continued to inspect the other items he had obtained from the Raid Boss.


    [Verdant Whisperte (Chest)]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Agility +120


    Health +500


    Defense +100]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 370]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Crafted from the resilient bark and leaves of the Vine Horror Treant, this armor offers


    unmatched agility and stealth.]


    [Skills:]


    [Forest Camouge: Grants 50% increased evasion and invisibility.


    Cooldown: 30 Seconds


    Duration: 5 Seconds]


    [User Restriction: Level 200 or higher.


    Archer ss or a simr one.]


    "Five seconds of invisibility?" he murmured, examining the skill on the item. He concluded


    that this would indeed be perfect to use during the charge time for his Explosive Arrow skill, which also took five seconds. He felt the skill from the item would be extremely useful for


    him.


    [Verdant Swiftstride (Pants)]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Agility +70


    Movement Speed +20%


    Health +300


    Stamina +50]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 320]


    [Imbued with the speed of the forest creatures, enhancing the wearer''s agility and speed.]


    [Skills:]


    [Swift Escape: Increases movement speed by 50%.


    Cooldown: 30 Seconds


    Duration: 10 Seconds]


    [User Restriction: Level 200 or higher.


    Archer ss or a simr one.]


    The final item he inspected had the skill Swift Escape, which could be used in battle for better


    positioning or to avoid danger. These two items were perfect for an archer relying on stealth, movement speed, and agility. The boost to Agility was incredibly high, making the items even


    more appealing.


    He realized he hadn''t upgraded any of the items he had recently acquired. Upgrading equipment was like enhancing the items, adding a "+" and a number to the item name, which


    boosted the values of the stats attached to them. These upgrades would not only strengthen


    their stats but also add visual effects to the equipment, like aura effects that would make


    them look even cooler.


    But since Broken felt he didn''t have enough time for that just now, he decided to test the


    items in battle first.


    "Let''s go, Ivana. It''s been a while since Ist saw Polly," he said.

 Chapter 207: Chapter 207 - Unleashing the Oceans Wrath

    Chapter 207: - Unleashing the Ocean''s Wrath


    ?


    Broken and Ivana were already outside the city gates when he suddenly remembered something important. Ivana was still wearing her casual dress, which was not exactly the ideal attire for a hunting expedition. Should they go back into the city first?


    "Ivana, we should head back to the inn to pick up your sword, shield, and armor," he suggested, causing Ivana to stop and turn to face him.


    Ivana giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. She seemed amused by his concern. "I forgot to mention that Mr. Goldrich gave me a ring that can store an entire set of armor and two weapons," she exined, showing him her left hand. On her index finger, a silver ring adorned with a ck cubic ornament sparkled.


    The ring was a form of dimensional storage, albeit a limited version. It could store a specific number of items, perfect for her needs.


    "Goldrich gave you that? He''s really generous, huh," Broken remarked, a slight undercurrent of unease coloring his tone. He couldn''t shake the feeling that Goldrich was offering more support to Ivana than he was. Why did that bother him so much?


    "Mr. Goldrich is so kind to me," Ivana added.


    But something about it nagged at Broken. Goldrich was a man known for his lecherous tendencies towards women. Could there be an ulterior motive behind his generosity? Why did the thought keep eating at him? Was he actually... jealous?


    He nced back at Ivana, who now looked puzzled, trying to read his expression.


    "Broken, is something wrong?" she asked.


    "No, it''s nothing. Go ahead and equip your armor, Ivana. We should get going," he replied, forcing a reassuring smile.


    Ivana nodded, and with a small surge of energy, the ring activated. A translucent wave enveloped her, instantly equipping her in a set of heavy armor that made her appear sturdier and battle-ready.


    Broken smiled at Ivana once again, her armor set, transforming her image entirely. Then he called for Polly, and the little fox appeared around them, staring up with its big round eyes.


    Broken knelt and reached for her, gently stroking her head. "Hi, Polly, how are you?"


    "Hello, Polly!" Ivana greeted her cheerfully.


    "Master..." Polly answered softly. "I''ve been waiting a long time for you to summon me... Let me stay with you while you''re working on cksmithing..."


    "Yes, of course, next time I''ll summon you... but it might be boring because I''ll be focused on my work while you''re doing nothing. Is that okay with you?"


    "Yes... Master... I''m happy just being near you..." Polly said softly.


    She then turned to Ivana and twitched her ears. "Ivana... Hello..." she replied gently.


    After cing Polly back on the ground, Broken said, "We''re going hunting today, okay?"


    The little fox then grew in size, returning to her battle form. Broken climbed on and extended his hand to Ivana, who took it and joined him, sitting behind.


    With that, the fox dashed off, running through the outskirts of the city into areas where grass and trees became scarcer as they ventured further away.


    "Where do you usually hunt with Booba and Freya?"


    "In the desert, we hunt scorpions, worms, and the like... do you want to hunt there too, Broken?"


    "What''s the average level of those monsters?"


    "The monsters there are about level 120-150," Ivana replied from behind. "What level of monsters are you looking to hunt? I can take you to ces with higher-level monsters."


    His goal was to test the area skills of the Wavebreaker Spear, so monsters around level 120 should be sufficient. However, he preferred a ce with a higher monster density, if possible. After some time, Ivana tapped his shoulder, indicating they had reached their hunting ground. In the distance, scorpion monsters could indeed be seen wandering, though their numbers were few since most hid beneath the sand.


    "Ivana, do you have any taunt skills or something? I mean, can you pull in 10 to 20 monsters at once toe here?" Broken asked, a bit uncertain if 20 monsters were too many for him to handle. But then he rxed, knowing that if things got dire, he could always summon everyone, including Gaia, Dendros, and the rest, to deal with the monsters.


    Ivana chuckled softly, covering her mouth with her hand. "You''re really eager, aren''t you, Broken? Do you want to kill as many monsters as possible?"


    "Can you?" he asked again.


    Ivana nodded. "Uh...you''ve never told me your level. Are you sure you can handle so many monsters?" She looked hesitant. "No...no worries, I''ll cast a shield around us so you can attack them from a distance."


    Broken smiled, feeling a bit guilty for keeping so many things hidden from everyone in the game except for Freya, who knew the most about him. "Don''t tell anyone, alright? My level is


    107."


    "107?" Ivana looked puzzled. "But..." She seemed about to confirm something but then reconsidered. "Alright...I understand. I won''t tell anyone."


    Ivana drew her sword and shield. She struck the sword against the shield multiple times, causing it to glow with silver energy. Lifting the shield into the air, she announced, "This is Resonant Challenge. It will taunt the nearby monsters toe here. Be prepared, Broken... the number might be more than 20. Are you okay with that?"


    "Yes, please... Ivana," Broken reassured her.


    From Ivana''s shield, energy spread in all directions each time she struck it with her sword. A buzzing sound, like that of a distant bell, resonated through the air, making Broken cover his ears, feeling disturbed by the noise.


    "What kind of skill is Resonant Challenge? Why does it have such a huge impact? Are you sure it''s just a taunt skill, Ivana?" Broken asked, his voice tinged with concern.


    Ivana turned to him and nodded firmly. "Yes, I''m sure."


    Suddenly, the ground seemed to tremble, and roars echoed from all around them. Dust swirled into spirals, and monstrous scorpions erupted from the earth, their shrill cries sounding both angry and distressed as they emerged from the distance.


    [Sand Serpent Lv. 125]


    [Burrowing Beast Lv. 121]


    [Sand Serpent Lv. 127]


    [Inferno Scorpion Lv. 137]


    [ss Serpent Lv. 123]


    [Inferno Scorpion Lv. 143]


    From a distance, Broken could see countless monsters emerging-not just scorpions but also snakes and various other creatures, their numbers swelling into the dozens. Ivana really doesn''t know how to hold back, he thought.


    He quickly stepped forward and stood beside her, brandishing The Wavebreaker Spear, its ck shaft adorned with blue wave-like patterns that gleamed under the sunlight. "Broken, should I kill some of them first and leave only 20 monsters for you?" Ivana asked, tilting her head and looking at him.


    Broken sighed. "You really don''t have anymon sense, do you, Ivana?" he replied.


    But in truth, Broken wanted to test his full power against such a massive horde to see if he


    could handle them all.


    "Gaia, pleasee and lend your strength to me," he called out.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    A green aura emanated from the ring he wore, and the transparent, ethereal form of Gaia


    appeared behind


    him.


    Raising his spear into the air, Broken prepared to unleash his skill as the monsters charged at


    him from all directions.


    "Ocean''s Wrath!" he shouted, activating his skill.


    [Ocean''s Wrath (Active Skill)]


    A deafening roar broke the desert''s stillness as a massive wave appeared in front of Broken. It seemed as if reality itself had been ripped apart, releasing the ocean''s rage onto the dryndscape. The wave towered over the sand dunes, rolling forward with unstoppable force. It came crashing down in a frothy cascade, obliterating everything in its path. One by one, monsters were swallowed by the relentless tide and swept away by the impact.


    [Sea of Storms (Active Skill)]


    Dozens of glowing magic circles appeared in the air around him. Each circle spun quickly,


    shining with a blue light. From these magical portals, water spears began to form and solidify in an instant. The spears then shot downward like lightning, raining upon the battlefield in a continuous barrage. Each spear struck its target with pinpoint uracy, piercing through monsters and ground alike, causing random, devastating impacts.


    Broken could see the impact of both the skills he had cast, but noticed that only a few


    monsters had died immediately. There were still many that survived. However, he knew they


    were weakened.


    [Oceanic Blessing (Passive Skill)]


    His passive skill enveloped his body in a blue aura, and with that newfound strength, he darted forward, ready to finish off the remaining monsters.

 Chapter 208: Chapter 208 - Immortal Legacy Grand Competition

    Chapter 208: - Immortal Legacy Grand Competition


    ?


    Leon stepped out of the capsule device, taking a deep breath of fresh air as he left the room. His feet fell softly on the floor as he strolled into the living room, where he spotted Freya lounging on the sofa, her eyes fixed on the television screen. It was midday.


    "Hi, My Lord Broken," she greeted him with a wave.


    He slowly made his way toward her and settled beside her on the sofa. His body melted into the plush cushions,fortably embracing its inviting warmth.


    "You went on a date with Ivana, huh? What did you do with her?" Freya asked.


    "Just testing the Wavebreaker Spear, and Gaia... And my knuckles too..." he said, looking exhausted as he spoke.


    "Oh... really?" She giggled. "You were just testing, but you''ve already caused a stir on the forums, huh..."


    "What happened?" he asked, looking confused.


    "Read it for yourselfter. Someone recorded what you did, and some yers even died from sudden monster horde attacks that appeared out of nowhere."


    "Really?"


    Leon was still a bit puzzled by Ivana''s skill, which had a surprisinglyrge impact. "That''s Ivana''s skill, a taunt skill, she said. But with an impact that huge... I wonder how she got a skill like that. Is it part of her Unique-grade ss?"


    Freya just giggled again at Leon''s words. "That''s your wife, so you should know her better, right?"


    They both fell silent, watching the television, though Leon was actually staring nkly, the exhaustion evident in his eyes.


    "Go sleep, a real sleep," she insisted.


    "I still have a lot to do," he replied wearily.


    "How was your project?" she inquired. "The crafting."


    "It''s not too bad... I''m sure if I pushed myself, I couldplete it faster," he replied simply.


    "Do you want me to tell you what''s been going on in Slumdon Town and with the people there?" she questioned.


    Leon perked up instantly. "Yeah, sure." He was eager to hear whatever news she had to share. "So," Freya began confidently, "the first update. I have news from RememberMe that he has agreed to sponsor your city development project and is awaiting your decision on when to initiate the investment."


    "RememberMe? Why RememberMe?" Leon raised an eyebrow. "Was he the one who gave me the car, Freya?"


    "Indeed he was," she replied. "He was quite passionate about this offer and stated he was more than content to be involved in your project."


    "So... he really is that wealthy at such a young age?" he marveled.


    Freyaughed at Leon''s remark. "Yes, it''s true that he inherited his wealth from his parents, but it''s also true that he is quite skilled in business at such a young age. I believe you''re really lucky to know him."


    Leon smiled a bit awkwardly, as this fact wiped away the image he had of RememberMe acting recklessly without thinking but holding such a ster reputation in real life. "Does he alsough freely and talk without a filter in real life?"


    "Yes... still the same. But business seems to flow in his veins, so he does it naturally," she exined.


    "Okay, that''s quite interesting. I want to meet him too," Leon mused. "He''s already helped me so much, with the car and everything. So that''s why they easily gave me an extra bonus on the car I picked; it''s because of him."


    "Yeah... he really trusts you. With his way of acting on instincts and thinking less, he chose the right person when he decided to trust you," Freya said.


    Leon furrowed his brow. "Do business people really do that?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Freya shrugged her shoulders. "nning is essential, but guts are very important too."


    Leon nodded slowly, taking her words to heart.


    He continued, "What''s the next update?"


    Freya went on, "Goldrich conducted a survey in Slumdon Town, and it appears the city is in a really dire situation. But he''s also mapped out some information on what can be done to start rebuilding it."


    Leon nodded. "That sounds interesting. What did Goldrich find?"


    "He discovered that the people of Slumdon Townck basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare," Freya exined. "He also identified ways to start rebuilding the city, such as providing ess to clean water, better housing, and improved health services."


    "Did he go to Slumdon alone?" Leon asked.


    "No," Freya replied. "He went with Jovina, his team partner. They were waiting for you in Slumdon while they were hunting near the town. It seems they quite enjoyed hunting monsters there because there wasn''t muchpetition from other yers. Also, other members of the Ass Guild are nning to head to Slumdon in light of this news."


    Leon nodded thoughtfully, absorbing the information. "And what about the Shadow Wolves, the Horde of Hell, and the Darkened me?" he asked. There were many updates he wanted to catch up on after spending so much time in the workshop working on the new set of armor.


    "They''re having a tough time," Freya replied. "Some members of the Ass Guild have confronted them multiple times in the hunting grounds, as well as when they tried to kill yers or NPCs."


    "Are the royals really just letting them get away with their actions?"


    Freya nodded. "It seems so. Demian has been very crafty in assisting the guilds with their movements, and if his n seeds, he could potentially be the next King."


    Leon was leaning back on the couch. "I guess those NPCs really are pretty good at using their petty ways and politics, aren''t they?"


    "Yeah," Freya replied, her face showing admiration. "They really are very intelligent, which is why we need someone like Maylock on our side."


    Leon nodded slowly. "Correct, it''s fortunate that The Ass Guild has someone like Maylock, who never seems to stop thinking."


    Freya giggled and nudged Leon''s shoulder. "He''s the opposite of you, huh? Maylock never stops thinking, and you never stop working and hate thinking," she teased.


    "You''re really good at sweet-talking, aren''t you, My Guardian?" he replied casually.


    After chatting for a while, Leon stood up and stretched his muscles. "I''m going jogging, Freya. Would you like to join me?"


    Freya smiled and stood up, eager to ept his invitation. "Yeah, sure, let''s go."


    ***


    In the main office of the Golden Age Company, a spacious and luxurious room held an impressive meeting table crafted from dark wood. Luxurious chairs surrounded it. Marco was seated at the head of the table, clothed in a sharply tailored suit that highlighted his regal presence. All eyes were on him as he addressed the assembled group, watching and listening


    with respect.


    "So, I think this is the perfect moment to announce this," he began. "We have been nning this for a long time, but it seems that we will finally be able to realize it next year."


    Once he saw that the room had absorbed his words, he continued.


    "Today, I will be discussing the grand annual event that we are nning to host next year, in


    2036. This is a momentous asion that will bring together all the top yers from the Immortal Legacy game from around the globe in one location to partake in a grandpetition that will surely captivate the attention of many."

 Chapter 209: Chapter 209 - The Eternal Challenge

    Chapter 209: - The Eternal Challenge


    ?


    "The title of our grand event will be ''The Eternal Challenge''," Marco announced as he addressed everyone present in the room.


    He paused briefly, then continued. "This marks the inaugural international event directly hosted by the Golden Age Company. We n to invite yers from every corner of the globe to showcase their talents in a broad array ofpetitions. Each aspect of thispetition has been meticulously nned to ensure an unforgettable experience. Themunity has been buzzing with excitement, and we''ll be revealing the event''s date in the near future."


    Marco then turned towards the massive screen behind him, "We have carefully designed various types ofpetitions for this event, and I''m pleased to announce that everything is in ce for an incredible grand opening."


    The room''s audience included thepany''s biggest shareholders, as well as sponsors and partners eager to coborate on this monumental project. Among them, a curious shareholder raised a hand to ask a pressing question, "Won''t there be an issue since Divine Champions aren''t evenly distributed across countries? One nation has significantly more Champions than others."


    With aposed smile, Marco responded, "The purpose of this immensepetition is to celebrate the diversemunity of Immortal Legacy yers. Its essence lies in bringing everyone together in a spirit of unity and mutual respect. As for the distribution of Divine Champions, it''s governed by the game itself, beyond our control. Everyone is aware of this reality. Furthermore, yers who possess an Epic ss shouldn''t be underestimated, as their numbers are substantial. I firmly believe that the event will remain within the bounds of fairness."


    "What about the yer with a Unique-grade ss? Can we reveal their presence to the public? I think we should also know who these yers are," another person chimed in.


    Marco paused for a moment, considering the question. Out of the five Unique-grade sses that yers currently held, two belonged to Broken. Broken was a yer everyone was talking about. He had both the Self Transcendence Blessing and two Unique-grade sses-an extraordinary individual with immense potential.


    However, the distribution of sses and divine champions was highly confidential information, with only a limited amount that could be shared, even with shareholders. Only a few special teams had ess to this data. If a yer didn''t freely reveal the grade of their ss to the public, it would remain a secret forever.


    "There have been three yers who have announced the grade of their Unique-ss to the public," he replied simply. It was clear his answer was different from what they were hoping for.


    A man with an Asian face and Chinese nationality raised his hand. "I know that thergest number of Divine Champions are Chinese," he began. "However, we heard that the Sloth Champion was thest champion chosen by God, and he possesses more special skills than the other champions. I understand that this game is run and controlled by a super-advanced AI, but considering that this yer hails from the same country where Immortal Legacy was created, it will inevitably raise suspicions among many people. Do you have any exnation for this?"


    Marco took a moment before responding. "Immortal Legacy holds nearly boundless potential. yers have the freedom to pursue their own paths, and the future of Yunatea ispletely in their hands. While the Divine Champions y a significant role in Immortal Legacy, it''s important to remember that there are many yers with an Epic-grade ss who do not have divine blessings."


    He continued, "There are also those who use their wealth and standing to be powerful. All these variables create a multitude of opportunities based on one''s efforts and luck."


    Marco''s expression turned earnest. "What I want to emphasize is that we diligently monitor the numerous variables within Immortal Legacy. With unwavering integrity, we ensure that no cheating happens in the game. We aremitted to maintaining a fair and bnced environment where every yer has the chance to shine based on their merits."


    "If need be," Marco continued with a resolute tone, "we can disclose any relevant data to address these concerns. And if it so happens that the yer in questiones from the same country where Immortal Legacy was developed, it is likely abination of luck and the individual''s hard work that led to their sess."


    Some of the attendees looked disappointed, while others nodded in agreement with Marco''s statement. While it was evident that the uingpetition might not officially represent individual nations, the reality was that everyone would be cheering for theirpatriots. The yer who ultimately triumphs in thepetition will undoubtedly bring pride and recognition to their country.


    Marco allowed the murmur of voices to settle before continuing. "I believe it''s vital that we focus on the spirit of thepetition and the incredible talents ourmunity has to offer. Regardless of origin, every yer''s effort and dedication deserve our respect and support."


    The news of the uing Eternal Challenge spread like wildfire, igniting excitement and anticipation among yers worldwide. This event had been eagerly awaited since the game''s release three years ago, and now, atst, that long-held hope wasing to fruition.


    Immortal Legacy was a game of staggering scope, so expansive that even after three years, yers had only just begun to scratch the surface. Despite having explored only a fraction of its offerings, they were already overwhelmed by its sheer abundance of content. In this world, the possibilities seemed endless, and everyone could carve their own unique path. Now, with yers having grown more experienced and stable in their chosen professions and roles within the game, the time had finallye tounch this grandpetition. The Eternal Challenge would not merely be a test of brute strength but a showcase of unity and diverse skills. It would epass a vast array of contests, from battles of might to disys of teamwork, and even extend to beast battles, spirit shes, beast races, monster raid simtions, and production sspetitions. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.


    As the excitement mounted, yers from all corners of the globe prepared themselves for the myriad challenges that awaited. This was not just an event-it was a celebration of the extraordinary talents and dedication within the Immortal Legacymunity, promising to be an epic spectacle unlike any other.


    While the online forums buzzed with talks about the Eternal Challenge, one unique topic caught everyone''s attention that day.


    "I saw two people in the desert near Dissidia City, causing all the monsters to appear and go on a rampage. I only managed to take a photo because I died soon after."


    "I got a video, but from afar," someone else posted, showing arge wave sweeping through the desert and spears raining down from the sky. "Damn, that skill is magnificent. Does anyone know who this might be?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "I''ve never seen skills like that before. Could it be a Divine Champion?"


    "There are a lot of Divine Champions gathering in Dissidia City; I think they might be one of them. But I don''t remember any of them having water-element skills like that."


    "Hey, could it be the skill from the Legendary-grade spear that was just crafted in the grandpetition? I think the cksmith was named Broken."


    "Wait, so he sold the spear? Damn, I wonder how much he sold it for."


    "Damn, I''m so mad that I died because of those people. I hate those arrogant, rich folks!"

 Chapter 210: Chapter 210 - The Unexpected Dungeon Invitation

    Chapter 210: - The Unexpected Dungeon Invitation


    ?


    Leon satfortably in the driver''s seat as he maneuvered the car through the city streets. The electric car hummed with power, and its bright blue lights cut through the night. He couldn''t help but smile, thoroughly enjoying the experience of driving such an advanced car. Freya let out a yfulugh. "So, how does it feel to have your own car, Leon?"


    "Uhm..." Leon responded softly. "Honestly... it feels pretty normal... not that different."


    "No way..." Freya shot back quickly. "Your face clearly shows you''re loving it, liar!" she teased.


    A few momentster, Freya continued, "How did you get so good at driving a car, even though you''ve never owned one before?"


    "Well," Leon began. "I did drive a few times at the store where I worked before, and I already had my license, so... I guess I just picked it up along the way."


    "You''re really good at picking things up easily, huh?"


    "Really? Is that what you think? Maybe you''re right... I just want something, and boom, suddenly, I''m good at it without any effort," he replied jokingly.


    She tapped his waist. "I''m serious! I know you work hard, but still, you effortlessly master so many things..."


    "I work really hard for it... it''s not like everything gets handed to me on a silver tter," he said.


    Freya pinched his waist. "Are you teasing me? If you didn''t get a silver spoon from the Goddess of Sloth, then what did you get, a diamond spoon?" she giggled.


    "Good point... but why does something like this have toe when I''m already in my twenties?"


    "Betterte than never, Mr. Greedy," she said with a smile.


    Leon had just returned from a training session at the Martial Arts Center and nned to squeeze in an hour for a coffee break. He invited Freya to join him, and soon, they arrived at the caf¨¦. Inside, they gotfortable, ready to spend some time chatting and enjoying each other''spany over a cup of coffee.


    Leon and Freya had spent their time at the caf¨¦ discussing Kingdom Building. Freya''s knowledge of the game genre was impressive, and Leon nodded slowly, smiling as she exined with enthusiasm.


    "Could you respond to my exnation with something other than ''Yes'', huh?" Freya asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Leon chuckled. "Yeah, I guess I don''t have much more to add than ''Yes''. I''mpletely blown away by your knowledge. It makes me even more excited to visit Slumdon."


    "Well then," Freya said with a grin. "Hurry up and finish your work, and we''ll head to the town together."


    After returning home, Leon immersed himself in researching the topic of Kingdom Building on the inte. He discovered that Kingdom Building epasses a wide array of elements, each one interconnected and influencing the others.


    Building a kingdom or even just a city, as he nned to do, was no simple task. It required seriousmitment, especially since Immortal Legacy was apletely different game with unparalleled freedom and endless possibilities.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    After reading numerous articles and guides, Leon realized that mere research wouldn''t suffice; he had to jump in and experience it firsthand. Engrossed in his studies, he continued researching until the morning sun began to peek through the sky.


    "Leon... have you really been awake for 24 hours, both in and out of the game?" Lily asked loudly as she prepared to leave for school.


    "We can sleep inside the capsule while our consciousness roams the world of Yunatea. You know that, don''t you, Lily?" he replied.


    Lily chuckled. "I know, but still, you really work tirelessly. Alright then, take care. See you... bye," she said, waving as she left the room.


    Leon took a deep breath and, after having breakfast, prepared once again to explore the world of Yunatea.


    ***


    Broken logged back into Immortal Legacy, knowing he had an appointment with members of the Ass Guild. A few days ago, he had received an invitation to join them for a dungeon exploration.


    This would be a short dungeon run,sting no more than two days, so he felt confident he could fit it into his schedule while still having time to craft his new set of armors.


    The invitation came from Elincia, and since they agreed not to invite him to the party norment on it, he had epted. It just so happened that Livelywood would also be joining the party, which further intrigued him. He wanted to learn more about sword fighting and knew observing someone of Livelywood''s caliber would be invaluable.


    Broken had asked if they needed a tanker, as he was considering inviting Ivana to the party, but Elincia assured him that they already had a tanker.


    "Did she invite Kingsley and Melliandra too?" he wondered.


    On a crisp morning in Dissidia Capital City, Broken walked towards the city gate when he spotted Elincia in the distance, waiting in her striking blue outfit, along with a few others. She waved to him enthusiastically from afar.


    Broken quickened his pace, noticing four other yers standing with her. Livelywood, donning his swordsman armor, stood out clearly beside a mage with ck hair and a matching ck outfit, named Starfall. Next to them was a yer d in shining white armor, Skywarden, and his team partner, a woman wearing an assassin ninja outfit, Charmelyn. "Hi, Broken, we''ve been waiting," Elincia called out.


    "Hi, Elincia, Livelywood, Starfall... and..." he responded, trailing off as he looked at the others.


    Starfall and Livelywood waved back at him. Skywarden, however, simply crossed his arms without acknowledging Broken while Charmelyn stood silently, ncing his way.


    Broken turned to Charmelyn and waved. "Hi..."


    Charmelyn seemed slightly startled, then nodded at him. "Hi..." she replied softly.


    Elincia looked cheerful as she continued, "Are you sure this doesn''t interfere with your tight schedule?" she asked with a giggle.


    "No! It''s okay. I''m actually excited you guys invited me for a Dungeon Exploration. It''s been a while since I''ve done this," he said enthusiastically. "What''s the level of the dungeon again?"


    "It''s a level 200 dungeon. Can you handle it?"


    "Yes... sure!" he replied casually.


    "Skywarden will y the role of the tanker, Livelywood and Charmelyn are our close-range fighters, I''ll deal full magic damage, and Starfall will be versatile, handling damage, support, and healing. And you..." she paused with a smile. "You can be whatever you want, huh?"


    "But this will be my first time entering a level 200 dungeon. Please let me know if I make any mistakes," Broken answered.


    "I''ll kill you if you make a fatal mistake!" Skywarden replied sternly.


    Broken turned to him and nodded, wondering why Skywarden still seemed unfriendly even now. Did Broken make a mistake towards him?


    After ensuring all preparations wereplete, they set off. Broken wore his old level 50 armor, but it wasrgely hidden by his Obsidian Shroud - Clothes, a costume he got from the Golden Age Company''s Gacha tickets, so the low-level armor was hardly noticeable.


    The journey to the dungeon was long, so they traveled by carriage. Broken joined the same carriage because he wanted to be part of the strategy discussions during the trip. He sat on the right side, facing Elincia, who sat with Livelywood and Starfall. To Broken''s left sat Charmelyn, pushed by Skywarden, who wanted to avoid sitting next to Broken.


    Broken turned to greet Charmelyn and Skywarden, but Skywarden didn''t nce his way, and


    Charmelyn kept her head down, avoiding direct eye contact with him. What''s up with both of them? he wondered.


    "Okay, Broken, I want to go over our strategy," Elincia began.

 Chapter 211: Chapter 211 - The Night We Spent in a Dungeon Cave

    Chapter 211: - The Night We Spent in a Dungeon Cave


    ?


    ording to the n that Elincia and the others had discussed, the one who would mostly make the calls in battle was the tanker, which in this case was Skywarden. Although the overall n would be discussed together, during critical battles, the tanker''s role was crucial. If the tanker fell first, the entire party could copse, so each member respected their own position.


    They got off the carriage and arrived at the dungeon''s entrance, situated in the middle of a desert, marked by arge, floating circr portal. Several yers from the guild association were there, securing the entrance. This association was created to manage dungeon allocations across the Dissidia Kingdom.


    High-level dungeons like the one they were about to explore today weren''t popr among lower-level yers due to their difficulty. Onlyrge guilds like the Ass Guild dared to explore them.


    They approached the portal with Skywarden leading, standing beside Charmelyn, while Starfall and Elincia were in the middle. Broken and Livelywood took up positions at the back to secure the group.


    Each member of the Ass Guild party was quite independent and capable of defending themselves. Elincia, with her floating skill, could easily avoid danger, and Starfall, with her set of defensive skills, was not easily taken down. However, inrge and intense battles, a dedicated tanker like Skywarden was still essential.


    Skywarden paused before stepping into the dungeon and looked back. "I want this dungeon run to go smoothly, so," he nced at Broken, "stay away from me and don''t hinder me!" he said, then turned forward again.


    Elincia raised her eyebrows and also nced at Broken. "Don''t mind his harsh words," she said with a smile.


    Livelywood, standing next to Broken, nced at the sword in Broken''s hand-it was the Thorned Vindicator Sword.


    "You''re not going to fight using the Legendary weapon, Broken-san?" he asked.


    Broken turned to him with a cheeky grin. "I want to learn more about sword fighting. So, while you''re here, I want to observe you in action and practice during realbat."


    "Ah ha ha," Livelywoodughed awkwardly. "I''m not that great... but I can spar with you during breaks inside the dungeon if you''d like."


    "Thanks," Broken said appreciatively.


    They stepped through the dungeon portal and immediately found themselves in a simr environment¡ªa vast in with scattered trees, and a few hignds and caves. As they entered, they felt the ground tremble beneath their feet, apanied by roars from various directions. It was a level 200 dungeon, so the difficulty was undoubtedly high.


    This dungeon allowed up to 10 yers to enter, but they were tackling it with just six. Though their numbers were small, they were used to doing it with just five people. Elincia valued Broken''s significantbat potential, especially with the two Legendary-grade weapons he possessed, making this dungeon run manageable.


    A monstrous creature emerged from the ground-a giant worm, revealing only half its body. Its mouth gaped open, splitting into four sections lined with hundreds of teeth.


    Other monsters also appeared, including beetles and scorpions. But one question lingered, Why did the worm have to be so enormous?


    [Rare Sand Colossus Lv. 215]


    [Sun Beetle Lv. 205]


    [Sun Beetle Lv. 203]


    [Scorched Scorpion Lv. 212]


    [Scorched Scorpion Lv. 215]


    It was a rare-grade monster. Skywarden immediately shouted, "ughter the smaller monsters first! I''ll handle the damn worm."


    They sprang into action. Elincia crackled with electric energy and floated into the air. Charmelyn dashed forward, spreading out with her clones, while Livelywood stayed close to Starfall. Broken positioned himself near Starfall as well, aiming to protect her alongside Livelywood.


    The battlemenced fiercely. Elincia rained down bolts of electricity on the smaller monsters, instantly frying several beetles and scorpions. Charmelyn and her clones moved swiftly, slicing through the lesser creatures with precision. Livelywood''s swordsmanship was unmatched, cleaving through enemies with powerful strikes, while Starfall unleashed versatile spells to both attack the monsters and heal her teammates.


    Broken focused on using only his sword, reserving his Mana and Stamina. With agile movements, he parried and struck the smaller monsters, ensuring none got too close to Starfall.


    Skywarden faced the giant worm head-on, his shield up, taking the brunt of its attacks. The wormshed out with its toothy maw, but Skywarden held firm, countering its blows and keeping it at bay.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Within minutes, the first wave of monsters was defeated. The smaller creatures were either reduced to charred remains or had vanishedpletely. Despite the variety and number of enemies, the team''s coordinated efforts made it seem easy.


    Broken''s strategy of holding back and using just his sword had paid off, conserving his energy for the tougher battles ahead.


    "That was just the weingmittee," he thought, knowing the deeper they ventured, the more challenging the dungeon would be.


    They continued to explore the area, searching for a suitable ce to rest and take coverter. Moving as stealthily as possible, they only engaged the monsters they encountered, whether in small orrge numbers. Their goal was to quickly eliminate the monsters before drawing the attention of arger horde.


    Throughout the dungeon exploration, the teammunicated minimally, moving swiftly and silently with each attack, as if everyone knew their roles perfectly. Broken found himself learning a lot about positioning, knowing when to advance or retreat.


    He had never been involved in such a high-level or serious dungeon exploration before. This experience was teaching him valuable lessons.


    They took short breaks in sheltered areas beneath trees to restore their Mana, heal wounds, and recover Stamina. After resting, they kept moving, trying their best to thin out the monster poption in the vast area whose full extent was unknown.


    As night fell, they found a cave to use as their shelter for the night. It was quite spacious, with a small stream running through it, forming a pool that flowed outwards-a perfect ce to set up camp and rest. The low entrance to the cave made it ideal, as it would preventrge monsters from entering.


    Inside, they set up their makeshift camp. The sound of the flowing water provided a calming backdrop, helping to ease the tension from the day''s battles.


    They sat around the campfire they had built, their faces illuminated by the flickering mes, settling on the nearby rocks. As they savored their dinner, it was evident that they belonged to a well-to-do crowd. Broken couldn''t help but notice Elincia and Starfall indulging in what


    appeared to be gourmet meals, looking delicious even from a distance.


    Meanwhile, Broken munched on the dried meat he had prepared for himself.


    "Where''s the special food your wife usually makes, Broken?" Elincia teased with a yful


    giggle.


    Broken smiled and shook his head. "We left too early, and I forgot to ask Ivana." Livelywoodughed awkwardly. "Broken-san, sorry, but are you really married to her?


    Hehe."


    Starfall chuckled softly at Livelywood''sment, and Elincia joined in with a smile.


    "Why?" Livelywood looked confused, ncing between them. "Did I say something wrong?"


    Elincia said, "I said ''your wife'' to Broken, and he immediately named Ivana. So maybe that''s why Livelywood thought you were actually married to her."


    Broken grinned sheepishly, his mind catching up to the misunderstanding. "Ah, no... not married," he stammered, unsure of how to rify further.


    At that moment, he noticed Charmelyn staring at him intently, her gaze fixed as if lost in thought. When he met her eyes, she quickly looked away, refocusing on her piece of bread. "What''s up with her? Did I do something wrong?" he wondered. "Thest time we spoke was after the Raid Boss Vine Horror Treant. We haven''t talked since then."


    The atmosphere inside the cave was noticeably subdued, with Elincia being the only one actively breaking the silence. Starfall spoke sparingly, keeping her words to a minimum. Livelywoodughed at nearly everything, including yawns, as if he found humor in even the smallest things. Charmelyn remained quiet, keeping to herself, while Skywarden took every opportunity toin.


    After a sufficient rest, Elincia stood up. ording to their n, she would venture out to scout the area. She was the most agile among them, naturally suited for the task, whether by her ability to fly or Charmelyn''s assassin-like scouting skills.


    "Don''t cause any trouble while I''m gone," she said, casting a pointed nce at Skywarden. "Shut up, Elincia. Do you think I''m a child?" Skywarden shot back.


    "I wasn''t necessarily talking to you," she replied with a smirk, before stepping out of the


    cave.


    Skywarden continued eating his meal without so much as ncing in Broken''s direction. The group fell back into a tense silence, the only soundsing from the crackling fire and the


    faint rustling of nature outside.

 Chapter 212: Chapter 212 - The Not-So-Relaxing Strategy

    Chapter 212: - The Not-So-Rxing Strategy


    ?


    Broken waited by the campfire, finally getting a chance to chat with Starfall after Elincia had left. It seemed that when the most talkative person in the team was gone, someone else would take over the conversation. He found himself talking to the famous celebrity, Starfall, who was surprisingly warm and weing. Livelywood, nearby, seemed to enjoy the conversation, too, grinning and chuckling asionally.


    "How do you manage your time between gaming and your tight schedule as a public figure?" Broken asked, diving deeper into the conversation now that Starfall had opened up to him. "Uhm..." Starfall paused, thinking for a moment before smiling. "Honestly, it''s a bit embarrassing to admit, but... I actually enjoy gaming more than my real-life profession."


    Broken raised his eyebrows, taken aback by her answer. From what Freya had told him, Starfall was exceptionally talented in singing-she was a solo singer, a rarity, and one of the top ones. Besides that, while other singers or artists might venture into acting just to capitalize on their poprity, Starfall excelled in acting, too. Her acting skills were top- notch. With such incredible talent, she says she is enjoying the game more?


    Livelywood responded, "Starfall-san is someone who is high up but says she doesn''t really like her job. Hehe..."


    "No..." Starfall rified. "How do I put this... I mean, if I had to choose, I would pick gaming... but it''s not that I don''t enjoy singing or acting... It''s just hard to exin without sounding like I''m making excuses." Sheughed softly.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A whileter, Elincia returned, her face lit up with excitement, a wide grin stretching across her features. Broken wondered why she seemed so thrilled, but the others, who understood her personality better, knew that her enthusiasm usually meant tougher challenges.


    Elincia eagerly shared a photo she had taken from the air, depicting an open area filled with an enormous concentration of monsters-thergest gathering Broken had ever seen.


    "That''s... a lot," Starfallmented quietly.


    "Yes... I think we could start clearing them out tonight to save time. What do you think, guys?" Elincia said, catching Broken off guard.


    Broken had initially thought they would rest and log out for a while, but it seemed they nned on tackling the massive horde of monsters during the night. How on earth are we supposed to kill so many monsters? He wondered.


    Given their high levels, the monsters'' HP would be substantial, requiring massive area damage to take them down effectively. From what he knew, Elincia was the only one with significant area damage capabilities, while Starfall''s skills, though versatile, didn''t focus on delivering great damage.


    "Can we deal enough area damage to kill them more easily?" he finally asked.


    Elincia responded immediately. "That''s what we need to discuss, Broken. How should we approach this issue? What do you think? I want to hear your opinion."


    Broken nced slightly at Skywarden. He wasn''t sure how effective Skywarden''s protective skills would be against such arge number of monsters. He felt it wouldn''t be safe to confront the monsters directly; their numbers were too overwhelming, and the team would be outmatched in resources if they engaged them head-on.


    "I have a long-range attack with area damage," he said, but Skywarden interjected.


    "That''s a stupid idea. Do you really think your skill could kill them all at once?" Skywarden said disdainfully.


    "Let him talk!" Elincia cut in sharply.


    "I mean, the idea is to separate the group into smaller numbers. I can attack them from a distance, which would split them into more manageable groups. Then, we could pick them off more easily," Broken exined.


    Skywarden retorted, "Your exnation shows you really have no experience. That''s a foolish idea!"


    Broken knew hecked experience, but Elincia had asked for his opinion, and he had shared what he thought. "Then tell me your n," he said, trying not to sour the discussion.


    "If you attack from a distance, the monsters will scatter and be harder to hunt down. We needrge amounts of experience points quickly; facing them all at once is the most efficient way," Skywarden replied.


    Isn''t that suicide? Broken thought, but he kept his opinion to himself.


    Elincia seemed to ponder Skywarden''s suggestion, but it was clear that someone like Maylock was needed on the team to tackle such issues. It seemed they often approached problems based on their individual preferences.


    "I agree with Broken''s idea, but..." Elincia said, ncing at the others.


    Starfall responded, "We could try, I guess? Worst case, we just reset the dungeon ande up with a better n."


    Isn''t that just a waste of time? Broken thought.


    Livelywood added, "Uhm... I''m not sure of the best approach, but I don''t mind giving it a shot."


    The group then turned to Charmelyn. "Uhm..." she said softly. "I think I agree with Broken''s suggestion."


    Elincia nodded. "So, three vs. two?" she said. "Convince me more, Skywarden."


    "I''m the tanker! I''m confident I can hold them off. We can approach from the side and take them out quickly!" he said with confidence.


    Are they seriously considering confronting such a massive number of monsters head-on? Broken thought, feeling uneasy about the n.


    Elincia seemed to weigh the options, her eyes scanning the group for further insights.


    "Alright, here''s what we''ll do. We''ll start by testing Skywarden''s approach. If it doesn''t look promising, we''ll quickly make an escape and try another approach."


    But what if we don''t have time to escape? Broken thought to himself but kept silent. No one elseined, and everyone seemed ready for the battle.


    The team set off, walking straight towards the area where they would face the massive horde of monsters. Within a few minutes, they reached a cliff, and as they got closer, they could see below, in the vast open field, dozens or even hundreds of monsters roaming as if they were at some kind of night festival.


    Why are they all gathered in one ce like this? Why aren''t they spread out? Is this normal for high-level dungeons? Broken wondered.


    Skywarden stood confidently, holding his shield and sword. "We''ll attack from that path over there. I think it will be easier to escape if we need to," he said, looking back at the others.


    "Alright..." Elincia responded. "Dungeon exploration wouldn''t be fun without some risk, right?"


    The others nodded in agreement.


    They descended the hill and moved through the trees. From a distance, they could hear the roars and howls of monsters.


    They ran through the forest under cover of night, and now they could clearly see the various shapes of the monsters amidst the distant trees.


    "We do it fast! Unleash all your skills!" Skywardenmanded, charging ahead, and


    everyone followed.


    Are they serious? Broken still couldn''t believe this was the n they had settled on.


    As they ran, Broken drew out his legendary spear, which glowed a radiant blue in the darkness. His body was instantly enveloped in the same blue energy. Elincia nced his way and smiled. Livelywood''s excitement grew as he saw Broken wield the legendary-grade spear. "Broken- san, I can''t wait to see how awesome that weapon is in action," he said enthusiastically. When they were close enough, Skywarden cast a skill that added anotheryer of protection to their bodies, with an aura of spinning shields encircling them. The air crackled with a thunderous noise, and Elincia shot into the sky, apanied by the sound of rumbling


    thunder.


    Broken felt a surge of adrenaline. The team was now fully prepared to face the horde, their auras glowing with the power of Skywarden''s protection spell. As they charged into the fray, the ground beneath them trembled with thebined force of their advance and the monsters'' roars.

 Chapter 213: Chapter 213 - Overwhelmed by Hordes of Monsters

    Chapter 213: - Overwhelmed by Hordes of Monsters


    ?


    The battle began, and the monsters charged toward Skywarden like a pack of predators chasing their prey. There were many of them, spreading out, but all heading in the same direction.


    "Is this some kind of prank?" Broken wondered aloud.


    Skywarden smashed his shield into a giant scorpion approaching him. The impact sent the creature hurtling backwards, crashing into other monsters. He repeated this with every monster that came at him from the front. There were so many of them that even the monsters struggled to get close.


    Hovering in the air, Elincia''s body was wrapped in blue lightning. One explosion of lightning after another lit up the night, raining down on the monsters below. Each strike created massive sts, hurling the creatures through the air with immense damage.


    "Have they been saving their skills this whole time?" Broken mused to himself.


    Livelywood, Charmelyn, and Broken formed a protective circle around Starfall, who was positioned at the center, valiantly trying to fend off the encroaching monsters surging forth from Skywarden''s domain.


    Livelywood enveloped in a radiant golden aura, moved with incredible speed, almost as if he were dancing. His graceful yet powerful swings cleaved through the monsters with stunning precision, leaving a trail of carnage in their wake.


    In stark contrast, Charmelyn darted swiftly, dodging and creating illusions of herself. Her rapid movements allowed her to strike from multiple angles, her de shing as she repeatedly pierced her foes before delivering a final, decisive decapitation.


    Despite their efforts, the sheer volume of monsters attacking from every direction became overwhelming.


    "Help!" Starfall''s desperate cry cut through the chaos.


    All eyes snapped towards her just in time to see a monstrous scorpion''s pincers mp down around her waist, lifting her high into the air. Panic surged through the group.


    Livelywood instantly responded, racing to her aid, but his leg was abruptly ensnared by a monstrous sandworm erupting from the ground. Meanwhile, Starfall was brutally flung high into the swarm of monsters. Time was running out; they had to save her.


    Broken didn''t hesitate. He dropped his spear, knowing there was no time to store it in his inventory. Instead, he armed himself with the Moonvine Knuckles.


    [Nature Warp Strike (Active Skill)]


    From his gauntlets, wild vines shot forth, weaving their way toward Starfall and wrapping around her, arresting her fall. With a swift tug, Broken reeled her in, suspending her mid-air and pulling her towards him.


    "Polly!" he called out.


    Immediately, his summon Polly appeared, her massive form providing anding spot for Starfall as she descended. Polly then cloned herself, each duplicate working to fend off the encroaching monsters, creating a clear path back toward Broken and his charge.


    Broken leaped onto Polly''s back, situating himself behind Starfall.


    "I''m getting Starfall out of here!" he shouted over the din of battle.


    "Broken, do you think you can just decide that on your own?!" Skywarden''s voice boomed, filled with frustration.


    Broken nced upwards. Elincia was still amidst the thick of the battle, her colossal spells devastating the monsters below. Hadn''t she noticed how dire their situation had be? Why hadn''t she given the order to retreat?


    Broken ran backward to a spot with fewer monsters. His spear was still stuck in the ground, and no other yer could retrieve it for him.


    Polly dashed and leaped each time a monster tried to attack.


    "Starfall, are you okay? Can you attack from on top of Polly? It''s better if you ride her," he said hurriedly.


    Broken held onto Starfall from behind to keep her from falling off each time Polly jumped to dodge an attack. Polly even leaped over the bodies of monsters as she ran.


    "I can do it. I''ll try my best," Starfall replied firmly.


    Broken tried to loosen his grip. Starfall, who initially struggled to hold onto Polly, began to cast her skills with one hand. Magic circles appeared in the air once again, and she started to attack.


    "I''m okay, Broken," she said, trying to maintain her position.


    "Okay," Broken responded and then jumped off Polly, attempting to rejoin the others. Polly also tried to stay as close to the group as possible.


    Livelywood, knowing Starfall was now in a safer position, seemed to unleash his full potential. He charged forward towards the throng of monsters and immediately began shing with his sword. He ducked, slicing at their legs, then leaped high and somersaulted in the air, driving his sword into a monster''s head with precision, swiftly destroying it.


    He continued his acrobatic leaps, and as he descended, his sword cleaved through a monster, splitting it in two. It was as if he had be one with his weapon.


    "Should I reconsider using so many different types of weapons?" Broken wondered as he watched Livelywood fight. The title of the Swordmaster Prodigy suited Livelywood perfectly.


    One of the skills from the Moonvine Knuckles was Summon the Guardian, which allowed him to summon Dendros for 15 minutes with a 30-minute cooldown. With that in mind, he quickly ran back to retrieve his spear. Once he was close, he promptly cast the skill.


    [Summon the Guardian (Active Skill)]


    Broken threw the knuckles into the air.


    In an extraordinary spectacle, streaks of vines, tree roots, and branches converged in mid-air, knitting together to form a tall, lean figure- a warrior of nature. The newly formed Dendros immediately grabbed the knuckles, spiraling into action. Vines shot out from his fists, targeting a monster that had been sneaking up on Charmelyn from behind. With a swift strike, Dendros felled the creature.


    Broken reimed his spear, twirling it expertly to create a defensive barrier around himself, pushing the encroaching monsters back.


    [Ocean''s Wrath (Active Skill)]


    In response, waves manifested in front of him, surging forward with the force of a tidal wave, sweeping the monsters back in their relentless assault.


    [Sea of Storms (Active Skill)]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Dozens of magical circles materialized in the sky above, and in an awe-inspiring torrent, spears formed from glittering water began to descend. The spears sparkled against the night sky, already alive with the explosions and lightning from Elincia''s own potent spells.


    The bombardment of water spears,bined with the crackling lightning, created an electrifying symphony of battle. The field below transformed into a chaotic maelstrom, where massive damage was meted out to the monsters who dared to challenge them. It was a breathtaking disy of skill, coordination, and raw power, turning the tide of battle in their


    favor.


    Broken swiftly moved forward using his spear. He had learned spear techniques from the Martial Arts Center, including basic maneuvers like thrusting, sweeping, and spinning. Although it was only the fundamentals, he was proficient enough to execute powerful spins


    and shes with his spear.


    Here, he could truly feel the power of his skills and the difference in his speedpared to the real world. The spear''s damage output, along with the protective barrier granted by its


    passive skills, made him formidable.


    He cast another skill.


    [Boar''s Flood (Active Skill)]


    Suddenly, water burst into the air as if from an unknown source. It quickly exploded


    outwards, forming a circr shape that morphed into a massive wild boar. When fully formed, the wild boar caused an explosion, sending shockwaves in all directions. The wild boar rampaged wildly, crashing into everything around it.


    Were they winning now?


    No! It was clear that Skywarden''s movements were slowing down, and Charmelyn was visibly injured, with arge gash on her thigh and another on her back. Meanwhile, Starfall was heavily upied, making it difficult for her to provide adequate support. The situation was


    deteriorating rapidly.


    Could they continue until the end?


    Charmelyn needed healing immediately, but neither Skywarden nor Elincia had given the order to retreat. At that moment, a monster struck Skywarden, sending him flying backward and causing the protective shield around them to vanish.


    Broken assessed the situation urgently. If Skywarden fell, they would all be overrun.


    Where is Elincia? Why is she still floating... not responding?


    The monsters were closing in. Livelywood was separated, and Charmelyn was in critical condition, almost impaled in her abdomen. Broken hurled the vines to pull Charmelyn just before her head could be devoured by a monster. He struggled to lift Charmelyn onto his back.


    "Sorry... let me fight, I''m not defeated yet," Charmelyn pleaded.


    "Charmelyn, I''m taking you to safety," he insisted.


    Skywarden was now swarmed by monsters, teetering on the brink of defeat.


    Broken clenched his fist, and a green glow of energy emerged from his hand. He looked up


    towards Elincia in the air.


    "Elincia?" he muttered.


    He then continued, "Gaia... I summon you. I need your strength!" he called out.

 Chapter 214: Chapter 214 - The Tide Turns in Battle

    Chapter 214: - The Tide Turns in Battle


    ?


    Skywarden was attacked by monsters while lying on the ground. He tried to get up but his health kept dropping. Elincia was desperately trying to reduce the number of monsters around them, but her area of damage skill wasn''t enough to take them down quickly. At the same time, Livelywood was caught up in his own battle, unable to move away as he was surrounded on all sides.


    Starfall, riding Polly, was having a hard time, too. Polly was running and leaping to avoid the monsters, trying to keep Starfall safe.


    Meanwhile, Charmelyn was on Broken''s back because of an injury to her leg. Her movement speed had drastically decreased, making it dangerous for her to keep fighting.


    It was an emergency!


    In such a critical situation, Broken knew he had no choice but to use everything he had to give them a fighting chance or at least a way to escape from the unwinnable battle.


    He called out Gaia''s name, and suddenly, a burst of green energy shot from his finger. It took the form of an ethereal spirit resembling a woman made of nts, her tendril-like hair flowing beautifully in the moonlight.


    Elincia and Starfall were stunned, their eyes wide at what Broken had summoned. Charmelyn, however, had seen Queen Gaia before, so this wasn''t a shock for her like it was for the others.


    "Is that the spirit Goldrich mentioned before?" Starfall murmured in awe. "So their prediction was right. Broken managed to conquer that spirit. But... is it really a Mythic-grade spirit?" Her voice trembled as she said the word ''Mythic.''


    "Alright..." Elincia smiled and giggled in the air, continuously maneuvering and casting lightning from the sky that struck the ground repeatedly. "Looks like Maylock and Goldrich''s analysis was spot on as always."


    [Nature''s Wrath (Active Skill)]


    Without wasting a moment, Broken activated Gaia''s first skill. Instantly, dark green vines and massive roots burst from the ground, forming ten tentacle-like limbs that twisted and swayed across the battlefield.


    With precise movements, he guided those ten extra limbs as if they were extensions of his own body. One giant vine arm crashed into the ground, sending nearby monsters flying. Another massive vine armshed out at the monsters attacking Skywarden. It took two enormous vine arms and several powerful strikes, but they finally managed to clear the creatures off Skywarden''s beleaguered form.


    The tenrge vine arms then twisted and turned in the air, striking away monsters to create space and give Broken and the others a fighting chance to hold their position.


    The ten massive vine arms continued to attack, flinging the monsters away repeatedly. Despite their efforts, the sheer number of monsters kept theming. However, the brief respite allowed Skywarden to finally rise. He quickly downed a mana potion and a health potion. With a determined expression, he once again cast his protective skills.


    Broken gently lowered Charmelyn to the ground and immediately inspected the wound on her leg. "Charmelyn, let me help you."


    He touched the long gash on her thigh.


    [Healing Touch (Active Skill) Lv. 3]


    He used his healing skill from his Super Novice ss, and the gash on Charmelyn''s thigh slowly began to close. But it wasn''t enough. The skill had a 10-second cooldown before it could be used again.


    "Hang on. I need 10 seconds for my skill to cool down," he said.


    "I''m okay, Leon... I can fig¡ª" Charmelyn abruptly stopped herself, realizing she almost said something she shouldn''t have.


    Fortunately, Broken didn''t seem to hear as the battle continued to rage at a critical intensity.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Gaia could be summoned for only 5 minutes, so he had to make the most of this short time to turn the fight around. Thankfully, Gaia''s skills didn''t cost him any Mana, so he could use them to their fullest. He quickly cast another skill.


    [Nature Conjuring (Active Skill)]


    Suddenly, wild vines erupted from the ground, twisting and exploding at various points. Some of the vines and tree branches shot into the air, weaving and growing rapidly as if forming the veins and flesh of a creature from the wild nts.


    Previously, the sky was only filled with Elincia''s lightning, but now a dragon twisted and turned in the air, its mouth agape as it roared fiercely. It was a spectacr sight that would leave anyone who saw it in awe. The majestic beast had a trunk-like body with leaves resembling a dragon''s, bark-like scales on its body, golden glowing eyes, and a pair of trunk- shaped horns.


    [Elder Dragon Tree]


    [Dragon''s Wrath (Active Skill)]


    The dragon breathed green energy that looked like a cloud of flower petals spreading widely. This green energy filled the battlefield, causing explosive damage to the monsters it swept


    over.


    [Fern Rabbit]


    A small rabbit with fur resembling soft, green ferns and gentle green eyes, its ears covered in fern-like patterns, appeared beside Charmelyn. It began to sniff and lick the wound on her thigh. As it did so, green healing energy flowed steadily, slowly healing her wound. At the same time, Charmelyn''s body began to turn transparent. It wasn''t her skill but the skill of the rabbit.


    [Healing Herbs: Heals a targeted ally over time and grants them temporary stealth.]


    Other nt creatures emerged on the battlefield and immediately attacked in all directions.


    [Creeper Monkey]


    An agile monkey with limbs made of creeping vines, its fur a mix of green and brown, with bright, mischievous eyes. The monkey leaped wildly, throwing explosive bananas in all directions. It cackled and danced joyously afterward, leaving behind explosive rings that ensnared anyone who stepped on them with vines. The monkey then continued hurling exploding bananas at the trapped monsters until they shattered into pixel fragments.


    [Chili Pepper Rooster]


    A vibrant rooster with feathers resembling chili peppers in red, orange, and yellow, and a fiery redb and wattle. The rooster ran around the battlefield, searching for a safe spot to use its skill. It found a ce near Skywarden, then jumped into the air and, instead of coughing, shot a zing fireser beam that incinerated distant enemies.


    [Fiery st: Shoots a burst of fire that damages and briefly blinds enemies.]


    "Damn, what kind of chicken is this?" Skywarden shouted loudly while continuing to bash the monsters around him.


    Meanwhile, Elincia darted around the Elder Dragon Tree, which continued to bombard the ground with its magic. "What a beautiful skill! And to think that one person can cast something this majestic! Does he have any more tricks up his sleeve?"


    Starfall was now on solid ground, protected by Thorn Ox and Truffle Boar. With her newfound security, she was able to cast her skills more easily, summoning showers of rocks, ice, and fireballs onto the battlefield. Their chances of victory were significantly increased.


    Livelywood''s expression showed sheer joy; he grinned widely as he fought with Bark Hound by his side, tearing monsters to pieces until they vanished from the field.


    [Nature Healing (Active Skill)]


    Broken wielded the Wavebreaker Spear, his body wrapped in a blue aura. This time, anotheryer of energy enveloped him-a skill that would continuously regenerate his health and free him from negative effects. With newfound confidence, he charged forward, now able to fight without any restraints. It was a spectacr five minutes of enhanced power!


    But then, notifications shed before his eyes.


    [Identifying new upgrades for the Super Novice ss...]


    The system''s chime signaled the start of a new evolution.


    [Identifying the newpatible weapon type for the user...] [The user is highlypatible with spear-type weapons.] [Analyzing more skillspatible with the user''s weapon type.]


    [The new skill Spiral Pierce (Conditional Passive Skill) Lv. 1 has been unlocked.] [The new skill Spear Guard (Conditional Passive Skill) Lv. 1 has been unlocked.]


    [The new skill Groundbreaker (Active Skill) Lv. 1 has been unlocked.] [The new skill Sniper''s Focus (Active Skill) Lv. 1 has been unlocked.] [The new skill de Dance (Active Skill) Lv. 1 has been unlocked.]

 Chapter 215: Chapter 215 - The Aftermath of a Reckless War

    Chapter 215: - The Aftermath of a Reckless War


    ?


    Broken charged forward with his spear, delivering strike after strike. He used techniques he had learned for wielding a spear, though at first, he struggled to control his movements and timing. Despite the difficulties, he pushed himself, making mistakes along the way.


    Sometimes, the spear would catch on his arm, but he would quickly leap back, then charge again, spinning with the spear before delivering a powerful blow to his opponent. Suddenly, one of his Conditional Passive Skills activated, giving him a surge of strength and precision. [Spiral Pierce (Conditional Passive Skill) Lv. 1]


    [Spins the spear rapidly before striking, causing massive damage and staggering the enemy.]


    [250% physical damage and causes a mini stun (0.5 seconds).


    Cooldown: 18 Seconds]N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Having recently unlocked five new skills from his Super Novice ss, he had only skimmed through the descriptions. Three were for a spear, one for a sword, and one for a bow. The first spear skill triggered automatically when he spun before attacking, increasing the damage and causing a mini stun. However, its cooldown was quite lengthy for a 250% damage increase. But since it was only level one, he couldn''tin.


    Broken also tried to parry with his spear when a scorpion''s w attacked him, activating another new skill.


    [Spear Guard (Conditional Passive Skill) Lv. 1]


    [Adopts a defensive stance with the spear, deflecting an iing attack and swiftly countering.]


    [Reduces the damage of the iing attack by 50% and instantly counters with 200% physical damage.


    Cooldown: 15 Seconds]


    Spear Guard was a skill that would deflect iing attacks while parrying, reducing the damage taken and returning it by 200%-an incredibly powerful skill.


    Both spear skills were conditional passive skills, activated during battle by performing specific actions like spin hits and parries. While the cooldowns were long, he needed to use them at the right moments to maximize their effectiveness.


    Thest new skill was an active one, Groundbreaker.


    [Groundbreaker (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    [ms the spear into the ground, causing a powerful shockwave that deals high damage to enemies in a line.


    Effect: 300% physical damage in a line.


    Mana Cost: 450


    Cooldown: 30 Seconds]


    Broken struck the ground with his spear, sending damage in a small area forward, hitting multiple enemies in its path.


    [Sniper''s Focus (Active Skill)]


    [Takes aim with unerring uracy to hit the enemy''s weak point, dealing massive damage and temporarily reducing their defenses.]


    [Deals 1500% physical damage to a single target and reduces their defense by 30% for 10 seconds.


    Mana Cost: 700


    Cooldown: 45 Seconds


    Charge Time: 2 Seconds]


    [de Dance (Active Skill)]


    [Executes a series of swift sword strikes, attacking multiple enemies in quick session.]


    [Deals 180% physical damage to up to 3 enemies.


    Mana Cost: 300


    Cooldown: 20 Seconds]


    Two other skills were for the bow-a single target damage skill with a 2-second charge time ¡ªand another offensive skill that used a sword. However, he wouldn''t be able to practice those just yet. For now, he continued to wield the spear, which dealt greater damage.


    Gaia was at level 185 with over 2000 total stat points, making herparable to yers in the early 2008. Remarkably, each of her summons possessed the same total stat points as she did, effectively creating a formidable team of near-level 200 creatures.


    As a result, Broken found himself battling alongside an awe-inspiring force: twelve nt- type creatures, the mighty Dendros summoned from his Knuckles, and the ferocious Water Boar, all of which were wreaking havoc on the battlefield.


    In the midst of this chaos, it felt as though Broken had rallied an entire guild to fight against the monstrous tide. However, despite the overwhelming numbers, it became increasingly apparent that the enemy ranks were thinning. With each passing moment, Broken and his team managed to gain more control over the battlefield, gradually tipping the scales in their favor. They began to sense the possibility of a hard-earned victory.


    This remarkable turnaround was all due to the efforts of one yer who had summoned their Contracted Spirit, a creature of Unique-grade power. It made Broken wonder: what if Gaia had retained her original grade? Her earlier boast of being capable of destroying the world suddenly seemed less of an exaggeration. Such was her immense power that the mere thought of her potential was both awe-inspiring and terrifying.


    In the midst of the battle, every member of the Ass Guild couldn''t help but notice what Broken was doing. Skywarden, having run out of monsters near him, nced over at Broken, who was confronting dozens of monsters simultaneously without his health dropping at all. "Damn, what kind of skill does he have?!" Skywarden muttered irritably.


    Broken was now outside the range of Skywarden''s buffs and was truly fighting on his own, not to mention all the summons he had brought forth.


    Feeling increasingly frustrated, Skywarden charged at the nearest group of monsters. He wasn''t about to let Broken finish this battle all by himself.


    Meanwhile, Elincia finally ran out of Mana, Stamina, and all her other resources. She started to descend to the ground, her body growing weak. One of Polly''s clones rushed to assist her, but it was obvious she was still enthusiastic.


    "Woah... hahahah," she said, her face beaming with satisfaction. "This truly is a night and battle I''ll never forget," she added,ughing freely. "Broken... you''ve once again given us an incredible surprise!" she shouted.


    Starfall, too, jumped down from Polly''s back, clearly exhausted. They could no longer drink Mana Potions or Health Potions, having reached their limit, and were entirely drained. Livelywood, on the other hand, was still fighting energetically in the distance, trying to finish off the remaining monsters.


    Charmelyn emerged from the shadows, copsing into a seated position on the ground, her body covered in wounds. Starfall sat down beside her.


    "Hei, sorry... I can''t heal you..." Starfall said softly.


    Charmelyn shook her head. "The battle is over. He saved us."


    "I can''t disagree with that," Elincia added.


    Though the battle wouldn''t have ended without everyone''s cooperation, it was clear that their victory was triggered by Broken summoning his spirit, Queen Gaia.


    "He could take on an entire guild just with those summons," Starfall said, giggling.


    "Is that why he hasn''t joined a guild?" Elincia responded with augh. "Because he prefers ying with his summons."


    As time passed, the monsters began to fall and break apart into pixels, leaving their loot scattered on the ground. It was clear that everyone''s inventories were full, causing most


    items to remain on the battlefield.


    Skywarden, visibly exhausted, removed his armor and weapon to lighten his load. Livelywood, with his armor shed across the chest and arms, showed clear signs of injury, but it was obvious he enjoyed the battle.


    As Broken''s summoned creatures vanished one by one, he stood alone in the moonlight. His spear glowed with an ethereal blue light, casting a striking silhouette against the darkest


    night, with the shadowy forest stretching out in the distance.


    "Finally, the battle is over..." Elincia said with a sigh of relief.


    "I want to log out and take a hot bath," Starfall responded, giggling. Meanwhile, Broken was excitedly counting the three monster soul stones and dozens of monster cores he had collected from the night''s battle. He had enough resources to feed both Polly and Gaia. He smiled, satisfied. He, too, was ready to log out of the game.

 Chapter 216: Chapter 216 - I Can Meet You Anytime

    Chapter 216: - I Can Meet You Anytime


    ?


    Leon stepped out of his capsule device after an intense dungeon exploration session. The daylight indicated it waste in the afternoon, and Lily should be home from school by now. He left his room and spotted his sister sitting in the living room, on the floor, leaning against the sofa with herptop, looking busy with something.


    She nced up and smiled. "Hi, brother..."


    Leon approached and settled down next to her. "What are you up to, sis?"


    Lily beamed and showed him what she was studying. "I''m doing some research about the history of Immortal Legacy."


    "Research? Sounds like the kind of thing Freya usually does."


    "I''ve gotten really interested in learning about Immortal Legacy. We''ve been learning a lot about the game at school, and one of the most fascinating parts is its long history. I find it really intriguing."


    Leon sighed tiredly and leaned against his sister.


    "You know you''re heavy, right?" Lilyined, pushing him away.


    Leon didn''t respond, remaining silent, appearing as though his soul had detached from his body.


    The recent dungeon exploration had ended well-no one died, and there were no major losses. Yet, despite their significant victory, Leon was left with numerous questions. Why did the scenario have to unfold like that? Why did it feel like they were a bunch of amateur yers making unnned attacks?


    Leon couldn''t shake off the nagging doubts. The battle had been chaotic, their movescking coordination, and their strategies seemed haphazard at best. This wasn''t what he expected from a team supposedlyposed of top-tier yers.


    Moreover, with someone as impulsive as Skywarden making decisions during the battle, Leon doubted they could secure any major victories in the future. It was reckless, and even Elincia failed to demonstrate effective leadership despite her abilities.


    "Tell me... why do you look so exhausted?" Lily asked, closing herptop. She shifted to face her brother directly.


    "Tell me... why do you seem so frustrated?" she repeated giggling.


    Leon slowly began recounting his experience in the game, about the invitation to the dungeon exploration. Surprisingly, Lily found it easy to connect with the topic this time. "That must have been exciting, going with the top yers," shemented.


    Leon continued, describing how they fought exceptionally well until a foolish decision was made. He shared his frustration with Elincia, who, despite being the guild master, didn''t seem capable of managing her members effectively.


    "Well... The Ass Guild is a top guild; there must be a reason behind that, right?" Lily responded.


    "There are only two people I see as smart and influential in that guild so far-Maylock, the strategist, and Goldrich, who''s brilliant at calctions," Leon replied.


    "Do you think those two intelligent people would choose someone to lead them at random?" Lily prompted further.


    Leon tried to process her statement, wondering why Maylock and Goldrich had chosen Elincia as their guild master. Luckily, he remembered Goldrich had once exined this. Goldrich had said that Elincia''s ability to be both firm and gentle in the right situations made her perfect for leading their rebellious and hard-to-manage members. He shared this insight with Lily. "But she didn''t seem to discipline Skywarden, and I feel their decisions were truly fatal. The team could have been wiped out, and the dungeon exploration would have failed," he exined.


    "But the dungeon exploration didn''t fail, did it?" Lily pointed out.


    "Yes, that''s because..." Leon trailed off mid-sentence. "Wait... did Elincia do this on purpose to make me reveal my full power? But for what reason? To uncover my secret?" He pondered this, lost in thought.


    "I actually have another thought..." Lily replied.


    "What is that?"


    "You mentioned that someone named Skywarden is the one most against you, right?" "Yes."


    "He doesn''t ept you because he thinks you''re inexperienced and at a low level with just level 50 equipment?"


    "Yes,"


    "And even after you got a Legendary-grade weapon, he still looked down on you." "Uh-huh..."


    "What if Elincia did this on purpose to show that you can achieve great things among the members of the Ass Guild? When Skywarden nearly faced a major defeat, you became the key to their victory," she suggested with a giggle.


    Leon furrowed his brow and took a deep breath. "You always seem to find the positive side of any situation, huh, Lil?"


    Lily giggled at his words. "But if her real goal was to make you more epted within the team, doesn''t it make sense that she brought Skywarden along instead of Kingsley?"


    "Not really..." Leon replied. "Kingsley teams up with Melliandra; if she invited them, there would be no support in the team."


    The conversation continued, revolving around analyzing why Elincia made such a decision and whether she was truly incapable of leading or if it was all intentional.


    "And..." Leon continued, "I feel more and more ufortable as more people recognize me in the game," he said.


    "What?" Lily responded, furrowing her brow.


    "I don''t know... having a face that looks the same in the game as in real life makes it hard to hide your identity," he exined.


    "They can cover their face with a mask, right?" Lily replied.


    Actually, Leon had heard Charmelyn call his name, Leon. He wasn''t sure if he misheard, but it didn''t seem like it. It happened during a very intense moment in the battle, so he hadn''t confirmed it. However, since he was bing more well-known, it wasn''t surprising if someone recognized him in both the game and real life.


    But... Could that mean Charmelyn is someone he knows in real life? Because Leon didn''t consider himself famous in the real world. Except maybe among his college friends and perhaps a few old schoolmates who still remembered him. Other than that, he wasn''t important enough for someone to remember him so easily.


    "Yes..." Leon continued. "I''m thinking about starting to wear a mask from now on," he said with a sigh. "Honestly, being recognized by many people isn''t something I find appealing."


    "But, you could be famous and star inmercials, right? That would make you famous and wealthier, Leon..." she added.


    Leon pondered her words-fame and wealth. Did he really want that?


    His thoughts drifted to what he truly desired most in the world, and Lily''s face appeared in his mind. They had grown up together without parents, though he had some faint memories of them from when he was a little kid. Those memories struggled to stay alive in his mind because it had been so long, and he had been so young at the time.


    What he truly wanted, something that could never happen was to see his parents again. Their bodies had never been found, had they? Maybe they weren''t even dead yet.


    A surge of emotion welled up in his chest as he thought about it. He trembled and tried to conceal the tears brimming in his eyes.


    "I''m going for a run," he said abruptly, standing up and heading to his room.


    As he made his way to his room, Leon''s phone rang-a message hade in. And it was from


    Laura?n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Leon paused, staring at the name, hesitating to open it. What could she want?


    He finally opened the message and read it. She wrote.


    "Leon... sorry... I just learned how to bake, and I want someone to try it. But since I don''t have many friends here yet, would you be willing to taste it and give me some feedback?"


    Then, there was a second message.


    "Leon... I just want to give you the cake. It won''t take long. Please let me know where I can


    meet you for a moment to hand it over."


    And then the third message.


    "Please let me know if you have time... I''m not too busy, so... I can meet you anytime..."

 Chapter 217: Chapter 217 - Baking Up Memories

    Chapter 217: - Baking Up Memories


    ?


    Leon quickly left the hotel just as the sun began to set and the street lights flickered on. The streets were bustling with people, most fresh off work or heading out to enjoy the evening with friends. But Leon picked up his pace, running faster and faster until he reached a spacious park where he could runps andplete his daily exercise routine.


    The more he engaged in this routine, the better his body adjusted to the intense workouts. His heart rate adapted well, and he progressively increased his speed and the length of his runs.


    His life had felt significantly longer since receiving the blessing of Sloth, mainly because life within the game moved three times faster than in real life. Surprisingly, less than two months had passed in real life since it happened. But really, had so much transpired in such a short time?


    Leon often found himself checking his calendar repeatedly to convince himself that only 1.5 months had passed in the real world. It was truly astonishing.


    But in that brief span, his life hadpletely transformed. He now lived in a top-tier environment, enjoyed the best food, made new friends, and even had a new car! All these changes had urred in such a short amount of time.


    His running session was over, and he took a short time to cool down, even washing his face in a nearby public restroom. There was someone he needed to meet afterward. It was Laura, his friend from senior high school who now attended the same university.


    He walked toward their meeting spot and saw a woman in a cotton zer, mini skirt, thick stockings, and a scarf, with her wavy blonde hair cascading down. She noticed Leon approaching and stood up, waving her hand with a smile on her face.


    Leon approached and returned her smile.


    "Hi, Leon... I saw you earlier... while you were running," she said. "And I instantly regretted offering you a cake."


    Leon paused for a moment, taking in her appearance once more. She had changed


    significantly from her school days. Back then, she had a more casual style, but now she was dressed in high-quality clothing. He could tell the difference even without knowing the brands¡ªsomething he had developed an eye for while living in poverty. It reminded him of the type of outfits Freya wore.


    "Hi, Laura," he replied. "No... actually, I''m not too strict with my diet, so a cake or even more is okay for me."


    He then sat on a park bench with Laura, nning to try the cake right there and maybe give her some immediate feedback, knowing she needed his opinion on it.


    "So... um..." she began. "Actually, I''ve been learning to bake for a while now," she said. "For a hobby," she continued. "I want to know if someone tries it, whether they''ll like it or not."


    Laura handed the box to Leon. "Thanks," he said. "Mind if I try it right now?"


    Laura nodded and smiled. "Yes, go ahead."


    She helped Leon open the box, revealing a stic spoon and a cake cutter. Together, they cut a slice, and Leon prepared to taste it.


    When was thest time Leon had a cake like this? He hadn''t celebrated his birthday in so long; the thought made him smile.


    "So... I think I''m not the best person to give feedback on something like this, Laura," he admitted.


    He turned to her. "I can''tpare this cake to anything because... I haven''t had many like it, and I don''t have much to go on. But if you want my honest opinion... I could easily finish this cake alone and not share it with anyone else."


    Laura giggled at his words and replied, "But I see your life is very different now," she said. "I''ve seen you a few times... in Immortal Legacy."


    Leon turned to her. "In Immortal Legacy?"


    Laura nodded. "I mean... you''ve appeared on TV a few times while ying Immortal Legacy," she continued.


    Leon nodded.


    "Thanks... that''s enough to make me happy. At least there''s one person besides myself who likes the cake," she said, smiling warmly.


    After a few moments of silence, they both seemed to run out of topics to discuss. This left Leon feeling a bit awkward, as he was never great at carrying on conversations. "Thanks for the cake, Laura."


    He stood up. "I need to go. See you." He turned to leave, but she grabbed his left hand, causing him to pause. Despite this, he didn''t turn back.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Leon..." she said softly. "Do you have just five minutes to hear what I have to say?" she asked quietly, but Leon didn''t respond.


    "You don''t have to reply to anything I''m about to say. I just need to get this off my chest. It''s been weighing on my mind, and for some reason, I feel like I must tell you, no matter what the oue is," she continued.


    "I''ll make it as brief as possible so it won''t take up too much of your time."


    Leon hesitated for a moment, hearing her words. Laura''s hands held his left hand, making him dy his departure further.


    Did he really have a reason not to listen to what she had to say? At first, he had been disappointed in her for meeting him because of Bob. Bob, who had caused him so much


    trouble.


    How could he be sure that what she was about to say had nothing to do with Bob? What if Bob was still trying to get revenge for losing a significant amount of money to him?


    Leon had previously decided not to get involved with Laura anymore for anything. Simply because he didn''t want to deal with suchplicated matters, and for some reason, he always felt unsettled whenever he met her. Was it due to the disappointment he felt in the past? However, he thought he had moved on from that.


    But then, she kepting to see him, and while he told himself he didn''t have a reason to refuse her since her reasons were clear-discussing school subjects or trying the cakes she baked-he couldn''t help but feel uneasy when the topics turned to something more sentimental like this. What was she trying to exin?


    "Will saying this make you feel better?" he asked.


    At the same time, Laura understood his meaning. In this situation, she was more at fault for the misunderstandings between them so far. "I want to make everyone feel better. And I''mmitted to that," she exined.


    "Five minutes?" Leon asked again.


    "Yes..." Laura replied softly.


    Leon then decided to sit back down, and Laura released her grip on his hand.


    They sat in silence for a few seconds before Laura took a deep breath, clearly steeling herself for whatever she was about to say.


    "First about Bob," she began. "I need to exin everything that happened..." she paused.


    She went on to exin how Bob had helped Laura to get back to the house where she and her father used to live, and in return, Bob asked her to meet with Leon to do some negative things


    toward him.


    Laura took another deep breath, her words heavy as they left her lips. "But you misunderstood, Leon. Even at that time, I told him over the phone that I had no intention of following his ns... you only heard the part where I mentioned Bob''s name..." she said, her


    voice trailing off.


    Laura turned to him, hoping to hear his response.

 Chapter 218: Chapter 218 - Emotional Baggage Unloaded

    Chapter 218: - Emotional Baggage Unloaded


    ?


    Leon nodded slowly as Laura exined about Bob, feeling that he could at least try to put that misunderstanding behind him. But, it reassured him not to get too involved with Laura, just in case Bob still had his ws in her. He had been used to Bob''s bullying, even back in senior high school. Bob, being a wealthy kid surrounded by others who only wanted his money, always tried to pester less popr kids like Leon.


    "Okay," Leon replied softly.


    Laura looked at Leon, observing his face as he nced away. Although she still felt uneasy and guilty, she had so much more she wanted to say. She kept struggling to choose her words carefully and figure out what she wanted to convey to him first.


    "Thanks for listening to my exnation," she replied.


    "Anything else?" he asked.


    "Yes..." she answered, her heartbeat quickening. This time, she truly wanted to dive into the main topic that had been weighing on her heart for so long.


    "Leon... I want to talk about something from the past," she began, watching his expression closely, trying to gauge what he might be thinking.


    "You have every right to hate me for what I did to you... I want to apologize for what happened," Laura continued, her voice trembling.


    Hearing those words, an urgent desire to flee welled up inside Leon. This conversation was tugging him back into a past he''d worked hard to leave behind.


    "Can we not talk about that, Laura?" He asked, his difort evident.


    "Leon!" Laura''s voice carried a note of panic as she reached out and gently grasped his hand. There was a hint of hesitation in her touch. "I understand if this makes you hate me or if you never want to speak to me again, but I need to exin," she pleaded.


    Leon pulled his hand away and fell silent for a moment. "Okay, three minutes," he relented.


    Laura took a deep breath, clearly unsure of where to begin. "My father was very sick at the time... and," she hesitated, her words faltering. "He found out about our rtionship," her voice was shaky, her lips quivering, and her entire body seemed tense.


    "He didn''t want me to be with you," she continued, her eyes filling with tears that she couldn''t hold back any longer. Tears streamed down her cheeks, but she struggled to keep herposure.


    "I don''t expect you to forgive me, Leon; I just need you to understand. I was so scared of losing my father, and I didn''t have the courage to tell you. I ended up following his wishes. All I wanted back then was for him to get better," she hurriedly exined, her voice tinged with desperation.


    "We moved to a different city because my father wanted a change of scenery. He said this ce reminded him too much of my mother. But even after we moved, his condition didn''t improve, and eventually, he passed away," she revealed, her voice breaking as she started to sob openly. Tears fell freely as she choked on her words.


    "I''m sorry to hear that, Laura," Leon responded, his voice calm. "I didn''t know about your father."


    Laura tried to stifle her sobs, wiping her tears away as she bit her lip in an effort to contain the emotions tearing through her.


    Laura quickly continued, "That''s what happened, Leon... I''m sorry..." she said.


    But this time, Leon didn''t respond, even though he wanted to tell her that he had already moved past all of it.


    "I want to be your friend again, like in the past," she went on.


    Leon remained silent. Should he delve deeper into her words? Should he forgive her? He thought he didn''t care about those things anymore. Yes, he thought he had already moved on. And now, hearing her apology was something he had needed back then.


    "Thank you for the apology, Laura," he finally admitted, breathing deeply, trying to calm himself.


    Laura shook her head, "I should be the one thanking you for giving me the chance to exin," she said.


    She hurriedly continued, "I deeply regret what happened. Since then, I''ve been haunted by guilt, and you..." she hesitated. "You never left my mind..." her voice quivered. "I''ve always been trying to find a way to exin this... until... I decided toe back to this city and find you," she finally expressed the words she had held in her heart for years.


    Laura felt a wave of relief wash over her now that she had let it out. "Please, let me start over..." she said.


    "I want to be friends again..." she continued. "I really want that..." she paused again. "I miss our friendship from the past..."


    They had been friends for quite some time, about two years during senior high school, sharing many things, and during those moments, they opened up to each other and shared their feelings.


    "Let''s just let this happen naturally," Leon finally said, turning to her.


    Laura managed a small smile at his words. "Thanks..."


    Leon then stood up, "That''s six minutes. You''ve taken more time than you asked for."


    Laura nodded and smiled. "I''ll repay you with another cake I''ll bake next time."


    With that, Leon jogged away, leaving Laura with a sense of hope and a weight lifted off her shoulders.


    Laura remained seated on the park bench, closing her eyes and trying to calm the turbulent emotions and tense body that had overwhelmed her while she spoke. It had been an incredibly difficult thing to do, but she had finally managed to get it off her chest.


    Yet, one thought continued to trouble her: what if Leon discovered that Charmelyn was actually her? Would he see it as another deception? Should she reveal the truth to him? And did she have any reason to keep it a secret? But... doubt nagged at her.


    In this delicate situation, she feared that Leon might truly turn away if she hastily disclosed her in-game identity. Perhaps it would be wiser to wait until their real-world rtionship


    improved.


    Laura realized she still hadn''t been able to move on from Leon. He still held a ce deep in her heart. Yes... she was sure that she still had feelings for him. Those feelings had only grown stronger since their separation.


    Should she fight for him? Did she deserve another chance after disappointing him?


    One thing Laura was certain of was that she still loved Leon. She resolved to slowly rebuild his trust and, one day, confess her feelings to him again.


    Laura took out her phone and scrolled through her photos. There was a picture of her and Leon, taken in this very park, sitting in the same spot she upied now. They had posed with cheerful faces, their cheeks touching, clearly happy together. Once again, tears streamed


    down her face at the memory.


    "I''ll fight for you, Leon," she whispered to herself.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Meanwhile, Leon made it back to the hotel and opened the door to his room, and the sound ofughter and conversation spilled out from the half-opened door. Who could that be? he wondered. As he stepped inside, he saw Lily sitting with another girl her age. It was her school friend, Hazel, whom Leon had gone out to eat and shop with Lily and her before.


    Hazel immediately stood up, waving enthusiastically. "Hi Leon... I''ve been waiting for you."


    Lily quickly tugged Hazel back down to sit. "You promised you wouldn''t flirt with my brother, huh... remember the age difference," she said firmly.


    "Oh, Lily, I''m just saying hi. Is that so wrong?" Hazel giggled, still waving at Leon. "I wanted


    to talk about Immortal Legacy with you..."


    But Lily tried to pull Hazel to sit again. "Stop it, Hazel!"


    "Lily, stop being so protective... You know, I''m more approachable than the other girls around your brother. I''m sure I have more charm than they do," Hazel said, giggling.


    Leon couldn''t help but chuckle at their exchange. "Good to see you too, Hazel. What''s this about Immortal Legacy?" he asked.


    Lily gave him a grateful look while Hazel shot him a yful smile. "Oh, nothing too serious. I just have a few questions about the game since you''re such an expert."


    "This is thest time I''m letting you visit here," Lily warned.


    Hazel pouted but then grinned at Lily. "I''ll behave, promise."

 Chapter 219: Chapter 219 - The Jolly Buddy

    Chapter 219: - The Jolly Buddy


    ?


    Leon entered the room and ced the cake box he had received from Laura on the table. Both Hazel and Lily followed him, curious about what he had brought.


    "Woah, what did you bring, Leon..." Hazel said with enthusiasm, shing a smile at Leon.


    "Uh..." Leon opened the box. "A friend gave me this... try it."


    "Woah... really... may I?" Hazel asked, still brimming with excitement.


    Leon grabbed some tes and started cutting pieces of the cake.


    "Who is this from, Leon?" Lily asked, looking suspicious. "Friend? Which friend?"


    "It''s definitely from a girl, right?" Hazel teased and giggled. "No way it''s from a guy."


    "Freya?" Lily spected uncertainly. "No, if it were from Freya, she would have brought it over herself."


    Hazel tried a piece and disyed a delighted expression. "Hmm... the cake is delicious... Did she bake it herself? Oh... is this woman also one of thosepeting for your brother''s heart, Lily?" she asked, turning to Lily.


    "Stop talking about things like that," Lily said, elbowing Hazel''s side. "Behave! Is it okay for you to act so flirty in front of a guy, huh?"


    Hazel leaned over and whispered to Lily, but Leon could clearly hear her. "You need to be aggressive if you really want something, you know... I''m teaching you firsthand..." she said, giggling.


    Leonughed at their yful exchange and took a bite of the cake. Somehow, it tasted even sweeter now than when he had tried it at the park. Maybe finishing his run had dulled his taste buds then. But honestly, this cake was just amazingly sweet and delicious, with a blend of fillings inside. Whatever toppings Laura had mixed into the batter were just fantastic.


    "I''m going to bake a cake, too," Hazel said with a smile, looking at Leon. "Would you like to try it?"


    Lily sighed, almost ready to give up on Hazel''s antics.


    "For the record, I''m not an expert at taste-testing cakes, okay," Leon said.


    "Don''t worry, I just want to show some effort," Hazel replied, her face glowing with excitement.


    "Enough," Lily finally said, conceding.


    Leon nodded. "That''s fine. I''m always open to free stuff," he said casually.


    Afterward, Leon tried to address something Hazel had mentioned wanting to ask him about. "So, what about the thing you wanted to discuss, Hazel? Just so you know, I''m not that great at Immortal Legacy, but my friend knows more about it," he said.


    "No, it''s aboutbat. That''s why Lily is no help with this. I want to learn more about sword fighting. I know you''re good at it. I saw your raid battle back then," she said excitedly.


    "Oh, I don''t consider myself that good. There are others on the team who are better," Leon responded.


    "But you''re the one I can reach," Hazel insisted.


    The conversation then shifted towards discussing how to fight more effectively and better utilize the game''s battle mechanics.


    "I want to learn Kenjutsu too... May I join your training session?" Hazel asked eagerly.


    "Sure... if you want, I can go with you to register at the Martial Arts Center," Leon replied casually.


    "Leon, you''re really walking blindly into Hazel''s trap... she just wants to get closer to you. Are you that naive?" Lily said, looking exasperated.


    "Lily, you know I''m a sword fighter too, right? I need Kenjutsu training just as much," Hazel exined.


    "You''re already good with a sword... stop the drama," Lily said, starting to give up, but Hazel just giggled and pinched Lily''s cheek.


    "Oh, Lily... you''re so cute when you''re angry. Next time, how about we go clothes shopping again, okay?" Hazel said, then turned to Leon. "I think Lily needs more clothes. Let''s have another shopping day."


    Leon nodded. "Yes, sure, if Lily needs it."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "You''re taking her bait again, Leon!" Lily eximed.


    Leon then continued, "But Lily said your level is high, Hazel?"


    Hazel nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! My level is really high! But Lily told me not to meet you in the game."


    "That''s not what I said," Lily defended herself.


    "I y the game with her," Hazel said, ncing at Lily. "I help her level up."


    Lily chimed in, "I just said it wasn''t the right time to meet Leon in the game, you understand, right? He''s so busy... I wanted to level up first."


    Hazel nodded eagerly, "Yes, I understand. Let''s surprise your brotherter, okay?"


    Their conversation continued with yful banter between Hazel and Lily, and it was clear that Lily talked more when she was with Hazel. They seemed quite close, and it was the first time Leon had seen Lily bring a friend home. He felt happy about it.


    Hazel appeared to treat Lily well, though Leon still felt the need to ensure Lily was genuinely treated better at her new school. He knew Lily often hid her problems from him or their uncle, not wanting to burden others.


    "Oh, by the way, Hazel," Leon continued. "Thanks for the hat."


    "Oh... yeah, sure... Do you like it?" she asked excitedly. "Why aren''t you wearing it? I can get you more if you need backups."


    "Yes, I''ll wear it. I never really wore hats before, but yes, I like it. I''ll start wearing it."


    Hazel giggled. "That''s good! I''ll buy you more... because giving is my lovenguage, and my zodiac is Sagittarius. What''s yours?"


    Lily squeezed Hazel''s wrist. "Stop it... you''re getting out of hand."


    "Lily..." Hazel turned to Lily with a questioning look. "I''m just talking about zodiac signs... and lovenguages... it''s personality stuff... nothing serious," she said, giggling.


    Leon just smiled as he listened to their chatter. After a few minutes of random conversation, with Leon simply trying to keep thempany, it was finally time for Hazel to go home. Lily was subtly urging her to leave, even going so far as to gently push Hazel toward the door. "I''ll be back. I really like you guys... you''re so warm," Hazel said, standing with her back at


    the door.


    "Goodbye, Hazel," Lily said, handing Hazel her bag.


    "Are you really going to let me go down to the lobby alone? I''m still underage," Hazel said


    with a questioning look.


    "You came here by yourself," Lily replied.


    However, Leon needed to discuss something with Hazel, specifically Lily''s situation at


    school. It seemed better to ask one of her ssmates directly.


    "I''ll walk Hazel to the lobby," Leon said.


    Lily sighed and shook her head. "Fine then. I give up," she said.


    Hazel beamed at Leon''s offer, then opened the door and stepped outside, with Leon


    following suit.


    "Wait, Leon, take this," Lily said, tossing something to him. Leon caught it-it was the hat


    Hazel had given him.


    "Thanks, Lily," Leon said as he put on the hat, which covered his blonde hair.


    "That looks cool on you," Hazel remarked.


    She then turned to Lily, "Bye, Lily..."


    "Bye," Lily replied.


    Leon and Hazel then walked down the hallway toward the elevator, continuing on their way.


    But then, the atmosphere between them suddenly turned quiet as they walked side by side.


    "Ugh, I''m so nervous," Hazel admitted. "What do you want to talk to me about, Leon?" she asked, smiling up at him since Leon was taller than her.


    "It''s about Lily..." Leon replied.

 Chapter 220: Chapter 220 - A Deadly Lesson Learned

    Chapter 220: - A Deadly Lesson Learned


    ?


    "So, Hazel," Leon began as they stepped into the elevator.


    "Uh-huh," Hazel answered, her smile still bright and enthusiastic as she nodded.


    "I want to know... about Lily, at school," he continued.


    "Yes, I know. you''re worried, right? Lily told me about what she went through at her previous school."


    "She did?" Leon asked, surprised.


    Hazel nodded again. "But, you don''t need to worry... Lily is so cute. You''d be shocked at how many boys like and idolize her," she said.


    "Really?" Leon looked even more concerned. "That actually makes me more worried."


    Hazel chuckled at his words. "You really are protective of Lily, aren''t you? Just like she''s so protective of you."


    The elevator dinged, and the doors opened. They stepped out and walked into the lobby.


    "No, it''s not like that," Leon continued. "I just want to make sure whoever might be interested in her treats her well."


    Hazel giggled, and they stopped in front of the ss doors leading outside the hotel. "I''ll do my best to protect her!" she said. "You can count on me."


    She then nodded confidently. "I might look soft and feminine, but I won''t hesitate to punch and kick any guy who mistreats Lily. You have my word," she assured him with a determined expression.


    "Thanks, Hazel."


    "But..." she added.


    "But what?"


    "You''ll have to pay for my services."


    "Pay?" Leon raised an eyebrow.


    "Uh-huh..." Hazel replied, "Hang out with me, go to the movies, have dinner, visit amusement parks."


    Leon furrowed his brows. "I guess going out with you and Lily isn''t a problem."


    "No, just the two of us," she said.


    At that moment, a ck car pulled up, and the driver got out to open the door, clearly there to pick up Hazel.


    Hazel walked backward, still smiling. "Don''t worry, I''ll be eighteen soon." She got into the car, waved, and then the vehicle drove away.


    Leon sighed and shook his head. "What''s with all these women?" he muttered, reflecting on his intense conversations with Laura and now Hazel.


    He turned around and was startled to see a woman blocking his path. Looking up, he found Freya standing in front of him.


    "Oh, so the yboy is hunting for new prey, huh?" she remarked.


    "Freya? Why are you here all of a sudden?"


    "Oh, so you''re too busy with a teenage girl to notice my arrival."


    "You snuck up behind me; that''s not my fault."


    They both walked towards the elevator.


    "I have something I want to show you," Freya said as they made their way back to the room where Lily was waiting.


    "Freya, so you saw Leon walking with Hazel, right?" Lily said to her.


    "Yes..." Freya replied quietly.


    "He also met with the woman who gave him the cake," Lily continued. "So my advice is you need to be more aggressive because yourpetition seems really fierce," she added with a giggle.


    Freya looked at Leon and then back at Lily. "You set me up... you''re teasing me, Lily. You''re leaving me tongue-tied, you know."


    Lily just giggled at her words.


    Afterward, they settled in the living room, and Freya switched the channel to a serious interview and discussion about Immortal Legacy. The program''s panelists were delving into a hot topic that many people were demanding: the removal of the time limit for logging into Immortal Legacy.


    "Why restrict login time? Isn''t this extraordinary technology? We can even sleep while our minds explore the game. We have more time to learn, to adventure, to develop our wisdom. I think this rule is ridiculous, with many yers suffering from the game-time limits. If the Golden Age Company truly cares about its yers, it shouldn''t create such absurd restrictions. Imagine needing to solve a quest with limited time, being forced to log in for the whole day of Yunatea Time, expending the chances, resources, and effort this is so stupid," one panelist exined at length.


    Another added, "Golden Age Company once allowed unrestricted logins during the early release of the game, but that changed when someone was found dead in their capsule device."


    "That''s not a valid reason. Just one casualty, and they imposed this burden on all yers? This is stupid," another panelist responded.


    Leon, watching the program, decided to join the discussion with Freya and Lily.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "I think this is an interesting topic. Being able to log in all day and choose when to log out, or


    at least giving more freedom to yers, sounds appealing," he said, turning to Freya. "So many people are demanding this?"


    "Yes," Freya replied. "While it''s true that we can rest and sleep while diving into the Immortal Legacy game, there are still many who oppose this theory because no valid research


    supports it yet."


    "So, it''s just a im by the Golden Agepany?" Lily added.


    Freya nodded. "Yes, and the development team behind this game is actually very secretive. Not many people know what''s really behind that advanced AI."


    Leon also nodded, taking in Freya''s exnation. "It seems like they''re hiding something big,


    huh?"


    "The person they mentioned..." Lily continued, grabbing both Leon and Freya''s attention.


    "The yer who was found dead in the capsule device."


    Freya nodded, understanding what Lily was referring to.


    "It was... Hazel''s father, right?" Lily continued.


    "What? Are you sure, Lily? Hazel''s father?" Leon responded, shocked.


    Freya then spoke up. "This was a widely discussed topic in the past, Leon. I think you hadn''t entered the game world at that time. And yes, what Lily said is true. The person found dead in the capsule device was the father of Lily''s friend, the girl you escorted to the lobby earlier." Leon fell silent, grappling with the story of a father''s death, having heard simr stories from both Laura and Hazel.


    "Hazel told me that he was not her real father," Lily continued.


    Leon furrowed his brow in confusion. "Wait? Not the real father?"


    "This is something that''s not a secret; it was a big deal in the past. I think it''s okay for me to tell you about it," Lily added.


    "Hazel''s mother and her father originally lived together," Lily began narrating. "One day, her father discovered that her mother had been unfaithful, and Hazel wasn''t his biological daughter. That revtion shattered their family. They got divorced, and Hazel''s mother took her to live with her biological father. This all happened when she was just around five years


    old."


    Leon listened intently, visibly moved by the unfolding story.


    "The man we''re discussing now is Hazel''s first father, or ''fake father'' as some might call him. After the divorce, he couldn''t cope with the betrayal and the loss. His life got worse after that. Even when Immortal Legacy was released, he spent almost 24 hours a day in the game, withdrew from the outside world, locked himself away, and abandoned the sessful career


    he once had," Lily continued.


    Freya nodded in agreement, adding, "He spiraled into obsession, losing himself in the game world. Even his friends couldn''t bring him back from that dark ce."


    Leon shook his head. "I imagine that was a heavy blow for him to end up like that."


    The room fell silent for a moment as Lily gathered herself to continue. "Hazel stayed in touch with him. She still saw him as her real father, despite everything. She nned to visit him one day after a phone call... but when she arrived, she found the police there."


    Leon raised his eyebrows, urging her to go on.


    "The game capsule had sent a distress signal to the server, alerting the authorities. They


    arrived as Hazel was just getting there. She witnessed them pulling his lifeless body out of the capsule device," Lily said, her voice softer now. "Hazel told me about it in tears. She''s never been able to forget that day."


    Leon felt a lump form in his throat. "She hides that dark past behind her cheerful smile."


    Lily nodded. "Hazel might look happy on the surface, but she''s carrying such a heavy


    burden." Hearing two stories about the death of someone close to the people around him, Leon finally decided to try to set it aside for now.


    Everyone really is fighting their own battles, he thought, showing that no matter how heavy the problems we face, we can''tpare them to others''. Take Hazel, for instance-she seemed perfect on the outside, with her looks and sessful career at such a young age. She appeared cheerful and fine on the surface, but no one knew what was happening behind the


    scenes.


    The same could be said if someone judged Laura solely by her outward appearance.


    Leon needed to focus onpleting the dungeon exploration. With these unsettling thoughts still lingering, he logged back into the game.

 Chapter 221: Chapter 221 - Preparing for the Final Challenge

    Chapter 221: - Preparing for the Final Challenge


    ?


    Broken had re-entered the Immortal Legacy dungeon, with the sun now high in the sky. He and hisrades decided it was finally time to do something they had previously postponed: sorting through and selecting the items that were scattered across the ground.


    Their inventory storage had its limits: 1 cubic meter for levels 1 to 100, and 2 cubic meters for levels 101 to 150. For those above that, it expanded to 3 cubic meters and then continued to grow following the Fiboni sequence every 50 levels. Since Broken was just around level 100, he only had 2 cubic meters of storage in his inventory.


    Consequently, they focused on choosing high-quality materials. When it came to equipment, including armor and weapons, they selected anything that had a good resale value or could be of use to them. The sheer amount of loot sprawled across the dungeon floor was overwhelming, and it was obvious that Elincia and the others already had superior equipment. Most of the discarded items were left behind, littering the ground.


    During this process, Broken took special care to pick out any items that could potentially be useful for him or his knights.


    [Sandstorm Devastator Greatsword (Epic) Lvl. 200]


    [Scorpion''s Sting Sword (Epic) Lvl. 200]


    [Dune Breaker Sword (Epic) Lvl. 200]


    [Scorching Rod Magic Staff (Epic) Lvl. 200]


    [Scorpion Guard Shield (Epic) Lvl. 200]


    [Oasis Defender Sword (Epic) Lvl. 200]


    [Scorpion''s Arch Bow (Epic) Lvl. 200]


    Every item he found was Epic-grade and level 200. While the knights couldn''t use them just yet, the weapons had excellent stats, and he could distribute them once they reached level 200. If there were no other options, Broken could always rely on these weapons.


    For armor, he struggled to findplete sets. Instead, he picked random pieces with good stats and skills since his inventory was almost full. He needed to figure out a way to carry more storage on these kinds of expeditions.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Elincia walked over and analyzed the items scattered on the ground.


    "Need more storage?" she asked with a rxed smile.


    "Hmmm..." Broken thought for a moment. "No... actually, the rest aren''t great, so I''ll just take what''s useful."


    "For your knights, right?"


    "Yes."


    "Let me know when you''re done; we''ll continue the exploration." "Okay."


    After spending a bit more time making sure nothing was left behind, Broken felt confident that he had collected everything worthwhile. He joined the others under the lone tree, which didn''t provide full cover but was adequate for them to stand and discuss their next move.


    After a thorough discussion and coordination, they felt more refreshed than before and resumed their expedition. To their surprise, the dungeon was far more extensive than Broken had anticipated. They spent another whole day exploring, vanquishing every monster they encountered. This time, however, they moved quicker because Broken had be more familiar with how the team operated.


    Whenever a monster appeared, one of them would strike first, swiftly weakening it. If the damage wasn''t sufficient, the next person in line would step in to finish the job. This approach conserved their resources and managed the cooldowns of their major skills effectively.


    Elincia asionally hovered in the air to scout from a distance while Charmelyn swiftly and stealthily moved on the ground, checking out hidden spots. This made their movements incredibly efficient, and by the end of the day, they had covered almost 70% of the dungeon''s


    area.


    They gathered once more on a high in near a cliff, which provided a good vantage point for monitoring any iing threats. They set up tents and built a campfire, preparing themselves for some well-deserved rest.


    They continued with their dinner, and as usual, Charmelyn chose to eat alone, away from the others. She returned after finishing her meal, sitting silently and refraining from joining the conversations. It seemed that some people were indeed extremely introverted, and even among her guildmates, Charmelyn remained quiet. This demeanor, in a way, seemed to align perfectly with her chosen ss.


    Meanwhile, Skywarden appeared more rxed that evening, starting to engage in the conversation, though he always fell silent and seemed to ignore whenever Elincia or Starfall tried to draw Broken into the conversation.


    As they chatted, Charmelyn suddenly got to her feet, catching everyone''s eye. "I''m heading out to find the boss''s location," she dered, as it was her turn to scout. Not waiting for anyone to reply, she backed up slowly and disappeared into the shadows.


    "Is it just me, or does Charmelyn seem quieter than usual?" Starfallmented, a hint of concern in her voice.


    "I think she''s been more reserved ever since she lost someone important to her," Elincia exined softly.


    "Ck!" Skywarden scoffed. "Not really. She talks plenty when it''s just the two of us on a mission. Maybe she just feels ufortable with strangers around."


    Elincia kicked a stone toward Skywarden, hitting him squarely. "Your mouth never tires of taking jabs at Broken, does it? Without him, we''d all be dead in this dungeon."


    "Shut up!" Skywarden retorted angrily as he stood up. "I''m going to scout the nearby area too." With that, he walked away.


    After Skywarden departed, Elincia giggled and nced at Broken. "You''re okay, right?


    Broken?"


    "Yes," Broken replied promptly. "Everything''s fine."


    "You sure are humble," Starfall chimed in with a knowing smile.


    "Sorry?" Broken asked, puzzled by her remark.


    "Yes," Elincia insisted. "You''re so powerful, yet you try to hide it from everyone..."


    Broken fell silent, absorbing Elincia''s words. Despite his abilities, he still felt he needed the support of the team, especially during challenging dungeon explorations where he couldn''t manage everything on his own.


    "I learn a lot from you guys, too," he finally said.


    "Join our missions more often next time," Elincia suggested warmly. "Maylock, Toberry, Goldrich, Jovina, Optimus, Trison, Kingsley, Melliandra-they would all be thrilled to have you with us on dungeon explorations."


    "Really?"


    Starfall nodded, her smile softening. "Yes... We enjoy having you here. It''s so much more fun


    with you around."


    "Thanks," Broken whispered, nodding slowly. For the first time in his life, he felt truly


    appreciated by others. Had his past been so miserable that a simple acknowledgment and


    gratitude from others warmed his heart so profoundly?


    A whileter, Skywarden returned to the group, but he didn''t say a word. Instead, he sat down and started enjoying another meal. Shortly after, Charmelyn also came back, drawing everyone''s attention.


    "Hey, find anything interesting? Did you find the boss''s location?" Elincia was the first to


    speak up.


    Charmelyn nodded slowly, then sat on a wooden log and shared a photo from her system, which hovered in front of everyone.


    "Not the boss, but I found something underground... like a temple or something. There were some destroyed golems outside, but no monsters or the boss inside. I even tried going in but found nothing. Sorry... I''ve scouted the unexplored areas, and I think this underground ce is the only thing worth reporting."


    "That''s where the boss is!" Skywarden interjected. "Let''s head there right now, clear this


    damn ce, and get out of this boring dungeon."


    Elincia nodded in agreement. "Even if Charmelyn didn''t find the dungeon boss, we might still


    discover a clue or something valuable there."


    She looked around at everyone. "Ready?" "Always!" Livelywood replied with a grin.

 Chapter 222: Chapter 222 - The Secret Golem Lair

    Chapter 222: - The Secret Golem Lair


    ?


    The team made their way to the location that Charmelyn had discovered. It was an area well- hidden behind a scattering of rocks and overgrown bushes. They found a staircase descending into darkness.


    Unlike Charmelyn, who had scouted the area in her stealth mode, they were now fully


    exposed. Elincia took out a crystalmp, and with a swift motion, it lit up, casting a bright glow around them. There were no audible signs of monsters or other dangers from where they stood; it seemed safe enough.


    "Let''s go see what''s down there," Elincia said.


    They began their descent down the stone steps, several of which were broken, forcing them to carefully leap over gaps. The sound of their footsteps echoed more loudly the deeper they went. Not long after, they arrived at the first chamber, a spacious area lined with towering pirs, some of which had copsed in various ces.


    Just as Charmelyn had described, there were several stone statues resembling knights scattered across the floor. She had referred to them as golems.


    "Let''s see what we can find here," Elincia instructed, and the team promptly spread out.


    Intrigued, Broken approached one of the golem knights. This particr one seemed mostly intact, even though it was sitting against a wall. Even in its seated position, the golem''s height reached up to his chest.


    Broken had battled golems before, during his trial in the Fate Trial Domain, a ce where he had also encountered King ndorr. He remembered those encounters well; fighting golems was always a tedious task. It took considerable effort and time to bring them down, and Broken couldn''t shake the feeling of impending trouble they might face with these stone giants.


    Broken examined the golem closely, using his knuckle to try and break into its chest area. He pounded on the spot repeatedly, creating echoes in the chamber and causing some cracks to crumble onto the ground.


    "What are you doing, dumbass!" Skywarden shouted from a distance.


    Inside the chest area, Broken discovered a socket where the Golem Core should have been.


    "The core socket is empty," he muttered, puzzled.


    Elincia walked over, curious. "Have you found anything interesting?"


    "This golem," Broken responded. "The Core socket is intact, but the Golem Core itself is missing."


    Elincia nodded. "A Golem Body and a Golem Core can only be crafted by someone with a ss like a Golem Creator or something simr. If we had someone like that here, we might be able to take this golem back home."


    "Can we really do that?" Broken asked, eager to learn more about golems.


    During the Fate Trial Domain, he had actually managed to acquire three Elite-grade Golem cores. That''s why he was curious if he could use those cores on this golem.


    "Not us specifically," Elincia rified. "But someone with a golem-rted ss might be able to. That''s about as much as I know."


    His curiosity deepened. "If someone had a golem core, could they activate this golem?"


    "Yes," Elincia confirmed. "They can, but there''s no guarantee they would be able to control it. That depends on the settings made by the golem''s creator."


    Broken nodded slowly, his mind racing with possibilities. The idea of activating the golem intrigued him, especially since he had three golem cores. However, he was concerned about whether they could actually control the golem.


    While he was confident that the six of them could handle a golem of this level, he didn''t want to invite unnecessary trouble. He knew Skywarden, in particr, wouldn''t be pleased about it.


    "Do you have a golem creator ss?" Elincia asked.


    "Is a Golem Creator considered part of the Production ss?" Broken inquired further.


    Broken possessed an Epic Production ss Ticket, a rare and valuable item he had earned from the quest "The Faithful Supporter Quest 1 - Uncovering the Hero of Destiny." The quest hade into his hands after securing victory in the grandpetition held in the Dissidia Kingdom, a win that had also granted him the ring tied to the quest.


    This ticket offered him a unique opportunity: the ability to instantly learn any production ss, and not just any ss, but one guaranteed to be Epic-grade. It was truly a remarkable item.


    However, there was a catch. He couldn''t check the list of avable production sses unless hemitted to using the ticket first and chose from the options presented. This limitation made him hesitant. He needed to be certain about how to use this ticket since once he acquired a new ss, he couldn''t just ignore it. He would have to make good use of it, or it would be a wasted opportunity.


    The weight of this decision loomedrge in his mind. Acquiring a new ss was a significantmitment and one he couldn''t afford to take lightly. He needed a clear n to ensure that whatever ss he chose would be beneficial and could be utilized to its fullest potential.


    "Yes," Elincia finally responded after a moment of thought. "I believe a Golem Creator falls under a production ss because they can sell ess to their golems to others. Although they can''t mass-produce golems like other production sses, most golem creators are a blend of production andbat. Take Toberry, for instance, an alchemist who also fights, using the various potions he crafts."


    "Okay, thanks for the answer," Broken nodded, his thoughts drifting towards the idea of acquiring a golem creation ss.


    After they felt they had thoroughly analyzed the first chamber, they decided to venture deeper into the underground chambers. As they moved forward, they encountered more broken golems. The possibility that these golems might spring to life and be their final challenge stirred a sense of unease among them. Every chamber they entered was filled with numerous golems, seemingly ready to awaken and hunt them down at their master''smand.


    They kept going until they entered thest chamber, much bigger than the others. At the far end of the room stood the ultimate golem, looking more polished than any before. It resembled a knight, but it was much taller, almost as tall as Kingsley when he transformed into a bear. This golem, however, looked like a huge armored gori.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    They approached the formidable golem cautiously. Skywarden took the lead, positioned himself closest and struck at the golem''s chest- the usual location of the Golem Core. But this time, they discovered something different. The core''s socket was shielded by a magic sphere, a protective barrier that enveloped the crucial area.


    "It''s protected!" Skywarden eximed in frustration.


    Elincia stepped closer, examining the barrier. "It seems the seal will only open under certain conditions," she mused.


    "Yes, just like before," Skywarden replied, irritation seeping into his voice. "We probably need to defeat every monster in this dungeon before this thing bes active. Can''t we


    destroy the golem and end this dungeon already?"


    "You can''t be serious," Elincia retorted. "The core socket is protected. Even if we destroy the golem''s body, once the Golem Core is activated, it will still rise."


    Realizing they couldn''t do anything immediately, they agreed to leave the chamber and continue their mission. Their objective was clear: eliminate every monster in the dungeon first. Only then might the golem activate, which they suspected was the dungeon boss they needed to defeat to clear the dungeon.


    As they prepared to exit, curiosity gnawed at Broken. He took a few steps closer to the massive golem, causing the others to nce back at him.


    Skywarden called out, "Don''t waste time!"


    But one thing caught Broken''s eye and made him especially curious. Inside the golem''s chest, he noticed a small area that protected the Core Socket-a private domain.

 Chapter 223: Chapter 223 - The Golems Early Retirement Plan

    Chapter 223: - The Golem''s Early Retirement n


    ?


    [Enigmatic Barrier of the Ancient Golem Lv. 200]


    A faint smile yed on Broken''s lips as he read the floating text before him. The golem core socket was protected by a private domain-a detail that meant he could potentially bypass the barrier and tamper with it.


    He reached out his hand, hesitantly touching the shimmering magic sphere. His finger pierced through the barrier effortlessly, followed by his entire hand. He felt around inside the socket, the sensation unfamiliar but tinged with raw, explosive energy. This must be the golem core.


    "Broken?" Elincia called out. The entire team turned to watch him, curiosity and concern mingled in their expressions. "The core is protected by a magic barrier; we couldn''t do anything."


    Broken didn''t respond immediately, his mind racing with the possibilities. What if he could destroy the golem core before the golem activated? Wouldn''t that neutralize the threatpletely?


    Determined, he drew out his Moonvine Knuckles and prepared to strike. He aimed carefully and then unleashed a series of powerful punches into the core within the barrier. Each blow sent vibrations throughout the chamber, causing the walls to tremble and debris to rain down.


    The team watched with growing fear as Broken continued his relentless assault on the core. With each strike, the room shook, adding to the tension that hung thick in the air. Despite the fear surrounding him, Broken remained focused, his eyes never wavering from his target.


    "What are you doing, you fool!" Skywarden yelled angrily, ready to charge.


    Suddenly, Elincia''s body crackled with blue electricity as she moved at lightning speed, positioning herself in front of Skywarden and blocking his path. The room lit up with the crackling energy surrounding her, revealing the massive form of the gori golem. In the electric glow, they could clearly see Broken hammering relentlessly at the golem''s chest. Starfall looked worried as she ran closer, but not close enough to see exactly what he was doing. "Broken, you can''t destroy the magic barrier domain like that," she said.


    But what he was doing was different. He was actually pounding on the golem''s core inside the domain.


    A few more punches and the golem''s eyes lit up, and it started to tremble.


    "The golem is active!" Skywarden shouted in fury. "Stop, you fool!"


    But with one final hit, Broken made the golem fall silent again, the room stopped shaking, and a system notification appeared before them all.


    [The dungeon boss has been defeated]


    [Congrattions! You have cleared the Savage Savannah dungeon Level 200]


    All eyes widened in shock as the notification shed before them, announcing the sessfulpletion of the dungeon. A treasure chest materialized in the center of the room, confirming their victory.


    Elincia, Starfall, and Charmelyn could feel the surge of energy as they leveled up, their experience points sufficient to propel them to the next level. The restoration that came with leveling up revived their condition instantly.


    "Whoa, level up!" Livelywood eximed, although the experience points he earned weren''t quite enough to level him up.


    Skywarden''s face was stunned as he slowly walked toward Broken, astonished by what had just happened. "The golem core was protected by a magic barrier. How did you do it?"


    Elincia interjected, "How he did it doesn''t matter. What''s important is that we can head home sooner, right?"


    Elincia deliberately avoided delving into how Broken had managed the feat. She knew the details might make him ufortable and sought to steer the discussion away from him.


    Starfall nodded and smiled. "Yes, I''m also d we could finish the dungeon quickly. Thanks, Broken."


    Livelywood grinned. "Well, I might be a bit disappointed that I didn''t get a chance to tussle with the golem," he said with a chuckle, "but at least our time here wasn''t wasted."


    They moved toward the treasure chest, which opened as they approached. Inside, they found a pile of silver coins mixed with a few gold ones.


    "The content is mostly silver with a bit of gold to make it seem more abundant," Skywardenmented.


    "I''ll store the silver and gold and distribute them evenlyter," Elincia offered. She absorbed the coins into her inventory, making sure to keep track of the amounts. With the coins taken care of, the remaining items in the chest drew their attention.


    There was a silver shield with gleaming white patterns and a few deliberate-looking cracks that added an interesting aesthetic. Despite the appearance, the shield was in excellent condition. It was an Epic-grade shield. Next to it was an Epic-grade dagger and an Epic-grade ring, along with a ticket and a golem core.


    Elincia picked up the ticket and read its description aloud.


    [Golem Vessel Registration Ticket: This ticket authorizes the bearer to summon a Golem Body and register themselves as its rightful owner and controller. Please note that this ticket does not include a Golem Core, which must be acquired separately.]


    "It seems like you can summon a golem body with this, but it requires the core separately," she said, showing the ticket to the others. Then she held up the golem core. "So I think someone could better utilize the ticket if they also obtained the core. But unfortunately, I think these two items must go to different people."


    ording to the rules they followed during dungeon explorations, equipment obtained from the dungeon boss was prioritized for those whose ss matched the item''s use. Unless they chose to pass on their turn, they could queue for other items that might not be selected by


    others.


    Skywarden was the clear choice for the shield, given his role as their primary tank.


    "Skywarden, would you like to take the shield?" Elincia asked.


    Skywarden nced at the shield for a moment, deep in thought, then grabbed it. "I''ll take it. It''s a bit better than my current one."


    Elincia then turned to Charmelyn. "Charmelyn, do you want the dagger?"


    Charmelyn nodded and took the dagger. "Thanks."


    Next, Elincia looked at Broken. "Sorry, Broken. I know you can use a variety of weapons, but would you like to choose the next item: the ticket, the ring, or the golem core?"


    Without hesitation, Broken chose the golem ticket, thinking he could summon the golem. He didn''t need the golem core reward from the dungeon because he already had three in his


    inventory.


    Then, Starfall took the ring as it would help her use Mana more efficiently, and Livelywood took the golem core. They all agreed that Elincia should take the silver and gold.


    "I''ll give you this golem core, Broken," Livelywood said, handing it to him.


    Elincia smiled at Livelywood''s gesture.


    "You know that thing has value, right?" Skywarden said. "At least sell it."


    "No."


    "No."


    Broken and Livelywood simultaneously refused.


    "It''s alright, I don''t need it," Livelywood insisted. "I want to give this to you. This dungeon exploration wouldn''t have gone so smoothly without you. I''m happy with the experience I


    gained here."


    "Livelywood," Broken replied, "Thanks for the offer, but I can''t ept it. Don''t worry about


    me; I have a few golem cores. You should keep it."


    Livelywood fell silent for a moment. "But I want you to have it. Take it... you can use itter."


    "No, you keep it."


    "No, I insist. This is for you. Please ept it."


    "You can hold on to it. I really don''t need it."


    They continued to argue back and forth.


    "Enough! You''re so noisy!" Skywarden shouted angrily, snatching the golem core from


    Livelywood''s hand. "I''ll take it if neither of you wants it."


    He started walking towards the exit portal. Elincia giggled and followed him. "Skywarden, please let Broken-san have it," Livelywood pleaded, but Skywarden had alreadyn/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    stepped through the portal and left the dungeon.


    Broken patted Livelywood on the shoulder with a warm smile. "Thanks for the experience,"


    he said. "I learned a lot about using the sword from you." With that, he stepped through the


    exit portal.


    The others followed, and the dungeon expedition ended with a satisfying result.

 Chapter 224: Chapter 224 - Coveting from a Distance

    Chapter 224: - Coveting from a Distance


    ?


    In the early morning light, Leon emerged from his bedroom, feeling the drowsiness from the previous night''s intense dungeon exploration in the game. Thebination of concentration and fullbat experience had been surprisingly exhausting.


    He sshed water on his face at the sink, dried off with a towel, and made his way to the kitchen. At the dining table, Lily was already seated, savoring her breakfast and looking ready for school.


    "Hi, Leon... breakfast?" She greeted him with a smile.


    Leon sank into a chair, grabbed a piece of bread, and started eating, still looking a bit groggy. He took a swig of water to wake himself up.


    "What''s with that face, huh?" she teased. "Already tired of your crazy routine?"


    "No, just a slight mood swing. It''s normal," he replied casually.


    After a moment, Lily continued, "Leon, have you heard about The Eternal Challenge?"


    "The Eternal Challenge?"


    "Yeah, it''s a grandpetition organized by the officials, set to take ce next year. It''s apetition for Immortal Legacy yers, covering various fields of contests."


    "Really? So, they''ve finally decided to do it?"


    "Yes," Lily said excitedly. "I''m sure Freya will try to convince you to participate. You must be interested, right?"


    Leon paused, the thought of such a grandpetition involving yers from all over the world had never crossed his mind. The idea intrigued him. But if he intended to participate, what should he do? What about his official level, and what kind of contest should he attend?


    "I''m heading out," Lily announced, breaking his train of thought.


    "Let me drive you to school," he offered.


    "What?" Lily looked surprised. "Why the sudden change? Trying to impress the girls at my school?"


    "I''m doing this as a brother for his little sister. But if that happens to be a side effect, I won''tin," he said with a grin.


    "Flirt!" sheughed before walking toward the door. Leon followed, still munching on a piece of bread.


    The Northstar Turbo 2 rolled into the school grounds, instantly capturing the attention of several students arriving that morning. Some of them had seen the Northstar Turbo 2 on the streets before, but never this close. The car glided smoothly beforeing to a stop in the parking area.


    "That''s thetest model, the Turbo series," one student said.


    "That car looks even better up close, huh?" another group of boys, who seemed intrigued, turned their heads toward the car.


    "Who do you think owns that car? I''ve never seen it here before."


    "Maybe one of the teachers."


    "Not necessarily. Some students here have enough money to buy a car like that."


    "Yes, the wealth range in this school is really wide."


    Just then, the passenger door opened, and a girl stepped out. Many of the boys noticed immediately.


    "Lily?"


    "She usually gets picked up in fancy cars, but this one seems new."


    "Is she really that wealthy?"


    "Not sure, but she hangs out with Hazel, so I guess she is."


    "Damn, Lily is so cute. I totally idolize her."


    "Keep dreaming, idiot!"


    Lily paused, her attention caught by someone approaching. It was Hazel, who had just arrived and stepped out of her own car. Hazel walked closer, then broke into a run, her face alight with enthusiasm.


    "Hi, Lily," Hazel greeted enthusiastically. "Is that Leon in the car?"


    "Yes," Lily replied.


    Hazel waved towards the vehicle. "Hi, Leon!"


    Leon stepped out and walked over to stand beside Lily, acknowledging Hazel with a nod. "Hi, please take care of my sister."


    Lily nudged Leon in the ribs. "Do you think I''m a child that needs to be looked after, especially by this flirtatious girl?"


    Hazel giggled and smiled at Leon. "I want to go to the amusement park this weekend. Do you have time, big brother Leon?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with a yful grin.


    "What? An amusement park?" Lily eximed in surprise.


    "Yes, it''s a date," Hazel responded.


    "Leon?!" Lily turned to her brother. "Is there something I should know about the two of


    you?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Ah, no, Lily," Leon stammered, looking flustered. He then turned to Hazel. "I haven''t agreed to that, right?"


    Hazel giggled again and then linked her arm with Lily''s, pulling her gently. "You don''t have much of a choice, you know. Just look at the faces of those boys watching us."


    Leon nced around and noticed a number of students quickly turning away, clearly caught staring. "Why do I get the feeling this ce isn''t safe for Lily?"


    "I''ll take good care of her," Hazel assured him. "And don''t forget to pick me up this weekend, okay?" With that, she started to lead Lily away, leaving Leon standing there with a bemused


    expression.


    As Hazel and Lily walked towards the school building, Hazel nced back at Leon with a slight smile. Leon sighed, already anticipating the kind of weekend that awaited him.


    Leon climbed back into his car and quickly drove away from the school, still feeling the lingering stares from the students. The looks felt unusually judgmental, likely because he had arrived with Lily and chatted with Hazel as if they were close friends.


    He sighed, steering the car out of the school grounds. Today was an open day for him-no ns to attend his sses, just another day of ying hooky. Maybe he would make it to campus next week instead.


    He stopped at a nearby caf¨¦, intending to rx and enjoy a cup of coffee. As usual, his luxury car drew attention from onlookers, but he had grown ustomed to the curiosity and paid no mind to it as he entered the caf¨¦. Dressed in shorts and a simple t-shirt, his outfit was casual but undeniably expensive, a far cry from his usual attire.


    The caf¨¦ waiter, having noticed his high-end vehicle, treated him with a noticeable degree of deference. Leon ordered a cappino and a burger, having found his morning meal insufficiently satisfying, and then settled in to wait for his order.


    Sipping his coffee, Leon began to rethink his ns. After the sessful dungeon exploration, he now owned a golem. Although he didn''t know its exact size when summoned, Elincia had exined that once brought into existence, the golem would remain. Given its presumedrge size, storing the golem in his inventory wouldn''t be possible, which presented a logistical challenge.


    For now, he didn''t feel the urgency to summon the golem as he was engrossed in his crafting projects at the pce. Hence, he decided to wait until he reached Slumdon Town to bring it forth. He envisioned setting up the golem as a guardian statue at the town''s entrance, capable of activating and defending when necessary. Just thinking about it filled him with excitement.


    He savored the coffee, relishing the rich aroma that filled his nose. The difference between this high-end brew and the instant coffee he usually drank was striking. At first, he struggled with the bitterness, but his taste buds began to limate, and soon he found himself enjoying it. He thought to himself that this must be how the wealthy live, drinking such fine coffee. He was just trying to have some fun with the money he had earned.


    After spending some time rxing and enjoying his break, he headed back home. A long day at the forge, with the anvil and the cksmith''s fiery workshop, awaited him.


    He missed the smell of the burning metal and the searing heat of the forge. With anticipation, he logged into the game.

 Chapter 225: Chapter 225 - Confronting All Doubts

    Chapter 225: - Confronting All Doubts


    ?


    Back at the royal cksmith workshop, it was time for Broken to finish his creations. Six weeks had passed since he first started on his work. With great care, he had crafted ten items, leaving them nearlyplete. He had decided to add the final touches to all of them at once. Finally, the day came to see everythinge together and find out the quality of his work.


    On that day, all the cksmiths in the workshop were on hand, watching him closely while keeping a respectful distance so as not to disrupt his concentration. They were eager to see the results of his efforts, their curiosity growing over the past few weeks. Almost everyone at the workshop had been talking about him and his dedication.


    "Do you think he can craft high-grade items sessfully?" one of the cksmiths whispered.


    "I doubt it," another replied skeptically. "We craft dozens of items sessfully every day. What makes him so specialpared to the rest of us?"


    "He did manage to craft a Legendary-grade item before," someone chimed in. "So, of course, we''re curious to see how this attempt turns out."


    "Do you think he could craft another Legendary-grade item?"


    "I think even crafting a Unique-grade item is a stretch. He''ll probably end up with just Elite- grade items at best?"


    "Then why are you so eager to see the final results if you don''t believe in him?"


    "For the entertainment, obviously. What''s more satisfying than seeing someone fail miserably after all this hype and praise?"


    "True, we all work hard every day, not just him," another agreed.


    Broken carefully lined up all the items he was about to finish. Even in their iplete state, the shapes of the items drew everyone''s attention.


    "Even though they''re not finished yet, they still look amazing and beautiful," one admired.


    "Your expectations are too high," another retorted. "I don''t see anything extraordinary about what he''s doing."


    Broken took two pairs of gloves and got ready to add the final touches. With steady hands, he hammered away, inserting Monster Cores into each glove. Sparks of energy red from the items, marking the moment of theirpletion. He had sessfully crafted the two sets of gloves.


    [Invincible Paragon Gloves]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Invincible Paragon Gloves]


    [Grade: Epic]


    Broken muttered in surprise, "Epic grade? I was hoping for something better!" He chuckled softly to himself.


    Around him, the other cksmiths stood in shock.


    "Both of them are Epic-grade! This is unbelievable," one of them eximed in disbelief. Another added, "What''s the big deal about Epic-grade? Plenty of people here can craft Epic- grade items."


    "Yes, but the blueprints he''s working with can range from Common to Unique grades," someone pointed out. "Crafting an Epic grade requires immense skill, patience, and a bit of luck¡ªit''s already quite extraordinary. Most people would probably only manage Elite grade."


    "But there are still eight more items left. I''m sure it''s just a stroke of luck!"


    Broken turned his attention to the next two helmets, focusing intently. With each deliberate strike of his hammer, he made the final touches with great force and precision. Gradually, the helmets began to gleam under the workshop''s lights.


    As he worked, a green aura started to emanate from the metal, growing more vibrant with each strike. When he finally examined his handiwork, he was pleased to see both helmets glowing with a brilliant emerald hue.


    [Invincible Paragon Helmet]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Invincible Paragon Helmet]


    [Grade: Epic]


    Broken muttered to himself, "Another Epic-grade item? Where are the Unique-grade items?"


    The crowd gasped in awe, their mouths agape in disbelief.


    "This is insane! Four Epic-grade items in a row? How can that be possible?" one of them eximed.


    "Is there a mistake? Can''t you feel the overwhelming aura of Epic-grade around it?" another questioned.


    "It''s beyond belief! I never thought I''d witness something like this!" someone added, shaking their head in wonder.


    They chattered away, specting and talking fervently amongst themselves. After all, none of them had ever seen anything like this.


    "Damn, I''m trembling just watching this. My knees feel weak," someone whispered, visibly shaken.


    "Is he truly the cksmith messiah of this world?"


    An eerie silence fell over the workshop as the cksmiths ran out of words to describe the miraculous event unfolding before them. Broken picked up two sets of shoes and began hammering them vigorously, his focus unwavering.


    As hepleted the work, a green and blue aura radiated from the shoes, casting an otherworldly glow around them.


    [Invincible Paragon Shoes]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Invincible Paragon Shoes]


    [Grade: Elite]


    "Damn," Broken cursed, eyeing the results. "Elite and Epic! Where''s my Unique-grade?"


    The cksmiths around him were struck with astonishment, their admiration practically


    spilling over.


    "He managed to craft five Epic-grade items in a row¡ªit''s incredible," one of them marveled. "Don''t forget about the Elite-grade item he just crafted, too," another added.


    "Ah, but look, his luck might be running out. He probably won''t craft anything better than Common-grade now. Who knows, he might even fail and end up destroying the item," a third man chimed in, a wary expression crossing his face.


    Broken then grabbed two sets of chest armor, taking a deep breath to steady himself. He proceeded with the finishing touches, hammering certain parts with precise care and ensuring each stage waspleted wlessly. This time, the aura that emanated was distinctly different from before.


    "Yes! It''s Unique-grade!" he muttered to himself, a satisfied expression spreading across his


    face.


    [Invincible Paragon Armor (Chest)]


    [Grade: Unique]


    [Invincible Paragon Armor (Chest)]


    [Grade: Epic]


    Everyone was inplete shock, having witnessed so many incredible feats in such a short


    time.


    "A Unique-grade!" one man bellowed.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Incredible!"


    "Amazing!"


    "My hands are trembling just from watching him sessfully create a Unique-grade item!"


    someone admitted.


    "It''s unbelievable that he can construct high-grade items with such ease!" another shouted.


    "But this must be thest one; it''s irrational to believe he has that much luck, right?" a voice questioned, filled with doubt.


    However, Broken''s next two creations were even more incredible, eliciting even more praise from the crowd.


    He said with a smile, examining his work. "Another Unique-grade item. Princess Alora will be thrilled when she sees this one-it should fit her needs perfectly."


    [Invincible Paragon Armor (Pants)]


    [Grade: Unique]


    [Invincible Paragon Armor (Pants)]


    [Grade: Unique]


    The sight of his creations left everyone in awe and shock, with wild murmurs of disbelief


    filling the air.


    "Wow! Two Unique-grade items?" someone eximed.


    "Uh oh, I''m getting a headache. This is too much! I think it''s time for me to go home,"


    another said nervously.


    "I feel like all my efforts have been for nothing. I''ve never been able to craft a Unique-grade


    item," a third person said sadly. "And the worst part is, I''ve only ever managed a single Epic-


    grade item."


    The room buzzed with envy and jealousy at Broken''s unbelievable luck, and some started whispering among themselves.


    "He must be cheating or the son of the CEO of the Golden Agepany. His luck is unreal,"


    one spected.


    "Maybe his father was involved in creating the game and gave him cheat codes," another


    agreed.


    "The luck he has is outrageous!" someone else muttered, shaking their head in disbelief.


    The exchange of words created an almost eerie atmosphere, and a sense of dread washed over


    everyone.


    A series of notifications filled Broken''s vision.


    [Congrattions, Broken! You have done it!]


    He was flooded with messages confirming that he had once againpleted an A-rating


    quest to perfection. To his delight, he discovered that he had earned a prestigious title, along with its apanying rewards.

 Chapter 226: Chapter 226 - Completing the Armor Quest

    Chapter 226: - Completing the Armor Quest


    ?


    Broken''s eyes lit up with wonder as he gazed at the magnificent armor in front of him. The metal gleamed in the light, showcasing its intricate engravings and bold design. The mix of dark and earthy yellow hues was striking, and he couldn''t help but smile as he picked up each piece, savoring the moment.


    The armor fit him perfectly, like a second skin. He felt powerful and invincible yet surprisingly unrestricted. Finally, he could wear this high-level armor set-a long-held dream. The satisfaction was palpable.


    Each metalyer emitted a soft blue glow, highlighting the detailed patterns. The shifting colors created a captivating visual effect, making the armor appear almost alive with an ethereal beauty.


    The blue patterns on the armor, including the glowing eyes, added to its mystique. At first nce, it might have seemed a bit shy, reminiscent of a Power Ranger''s suit. However, the sharp, warrior-like design gave it authority and elegance.


    Indeed, the armor had the ability to change its color patterns, a feature he attributed to the special skill of his Royal Hammer. He looked down at his hands, now encased in the shining armor. His reflection in the mirror showed a figure that looked like a superhero, yet he felt free and unencumbered beneath its embrace.


    He could hardly believe the oue was this incredible. Euphoria surged through him as he thought about showing off this stunning armor to Ivana, Freya, and sharing his joy with them.


    Slowly, a few cksmiths began to apud. The pping spread, soon filling the room with cheers, whistles, and jubtion. The cksmiths were in awe, admiration shining in their eyes. They couldn''t help but acknowledge Broken''s exceptional skill. Many of them believed his rank had to be higher than Advanced, perhaps even Expert.


    "You are truly remarkable, Broken!" one of them said.


    "I will definitely work harder and train more diligently, Baron Broken," another eximed.


    "I''m going to put forth my best effort to match it."


    "You''ve really inspired us."


    "Ah, I wish my life were as fortunate as yours, Lord Broken," sighed one. "To be surrounded by such beauties!"


    [Congrattions, Broken! You have done it!]


    [You have sessfullypleted the quest "Crafting Epic Equipment for the Hero," and now the Hero is equipped with the most epic gear to save the world.]


    [Your hard work and dedication have been rewarded, and you should feel proud!]


    [As a token of appreciation, you are awarded 20 stat points and 1 Item Grade Enhancer Ticket, as well as a brand new title - ''Best Faithful Supporter''.]


    [Now, don''t forget to treat yourself to a well-deserved rest and rxation. Until next time!]


    "Thanks for the rewards," Broken muttered under his breath, barely containing his joyful excitement as he absorbed the fact that he had been awarded another 20 stat points.


    With a total of 100 stat points now at his disposal, he knew he needed to start considering where to allocate them soon.


    He then turned his attention to the enhancer ticket, pondering its potential. Although the name of the item already gave him a good idea of its effects, he couldn''t help but wonder about the specifics.


    [Item Grade Enhancer Ticket]


    [With the Item Grade Enhancer Ticket, you can take one of your boring items and upgrade it to something much more exciting! It''s like a magical lottery ticket, with a 70% chance of winning an Epic-grade item, a 10% chance of winning a Unique-grade item, and a tiny 1% chance of winning a Legendary-grade item! So take a chance and let the Ticket do its thing - you never know what you''ll get!]


    The ticket offered him the opportunity to upgrade his item to a higher grade, with even a slight chance of achieving a Legendary grade. He slowly nodded, understanding the value of what he held.


    "Even though the odds are slim, it''s still a possibility," he mused. "I''ll think about what I should use this ticket forter."


    [Congrattions to Broken for being an incredible asset to the Hero in his preparations for the grand battle!]


    [You have earned the esteemed title of ''Best Faithful Supporter'' and will be generously rewarded for your efforts.]


    [Every piece of equipment you crafted for the Hero will now have a 10% buff stats booster when used!]


    [Your hard work and dedication are truly remarkable¡ªand your new title will be a testament to that!]


    Another notification filled his view, this time revealing the new title he had obtained after sessfullypleting the quest.


    "So... this title boosts the equipment''s stats by 10% if I craft it for myself?" he thought, feeling satisfied with the merit he had earned.


    "Thanks, King ndorr. You really are a very good king," he muttered under his breath, chuckling.


    He took a few moments to read through all the notifications that had appeared before him. As he shifted his attention to his surroundings, he noticed that all the cksmiths in the room had their eyes locked on him.


    "Thank you all," he said with a bow. "It was wonderful being able to work here. I''m heading off towards Slumdon soon, but I maye back another time."


    With one final nce around the familiar tools and equipment of the cksmith workshop, he collected another set of armor and put them into his inventory before finally exiting the


    workshop.


    "Good luck, Lord Broken," they shouted after him.


    "See you again!"


    "You are our inspiration!"


    Broken turned away from the workshop, his head held high and a smile on his face. He was confident in his aplishment and felt ready to finally meet Lionell and tell him about it. His gaze then shifted ahead, and he noticed a woman wearing an ornate gown nked by two resolute knights. As he approached, he realized it was none other than Princess Alora. Broken quickened his pace and approached the princess. "Good morning, Princess." "Hi, Broken," she replied, eyeing him and noticing the impressive armor he now wore. "I heard that you wouldplete all the items today. Is that true?" she asked. Broken smiled and nodded slowly. "Yes, that''s right, Princess. I''m sure I''ve finished yours too."


    "I can''t wait to see the stats! How about we find a better ce to discuss this?"


    Broken nodded, and the two of them moved away in search of a more suitable spot for their conversation. He hadn''t yet had the opportunity to read through the details of his new equipment and the skills it came with. In his haste to meet Princess Alora, he had neglected to take the time to do so.


    As they walked together, Princess Alora suddenly stopped and looked at him with concern. "Are you all right, Broken? I can tell your pace is a bit slower today."


    Broken nced at his status and realized that thebined weight of the equipment he was wearing was greater than his carrying capacity.


    [Weight: 3,619/3,270]


    "Damn," Broken cursed quietly. He already had a high Strength score, but he just realized that


    the weight of each piece of armor he had crafted was significantly higher than average. It was probably because the items contained earth elements and were of a higher level, with a focus


    on defense.


    Broken hesitated, frantically trying toe up with an excuse. There was no way he''d admit to his low Strength Stat.


    Lionell, misinterpreting his hesitation as exhaustion, stepped forward. "Lord Broken, I''m sorry. Let me help you," he said, lifting Broken onto his back before Broken had a chance to


    protest.


    "Wait, Sir Lionell," Broken managed to say, but it was toote. He found himself securely perched on Lionell''s back.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Alora let out a lightugh at the sight. "Come on, let''s head to my chamber," she said, leading


    them down the hallway.


    Broken could only sigh and hold on, embarrassed by the unexpected turn of events.

 Chapter 227: Chapter 227 - Invincible Paragon Armor

    Chapter 227: - Invincible Paragon Armor


    ?


    (A/N: Another chapter packed with information about the armor set. I did my best to make the game as realistic as possible, so here it is. Feel free to skip this chapter if you''re not interested in the armor details and skills.)


    ***


    Broken was still being carried by Knight Lionell through the hallway, aware of the many servants and guards casting nces his way. He quickly removed the Invincible Paragon set he was wearing, instantly feeling a relief in his Weight Capacity.


    "Sir Lionell, please, I''m fine, I''m okay," he said, catching the attention of both Alora and Lionell.


    "Are you sure, Baron Broken?" Lionell asked.


    "Yes, please."


    Lionell gently set Broken down, watching to see if he could stand on his own. Broken smiled, trying to show he was indeed alright. "I''m okay."


    "It''s not because you''re embarrassed, right?" Alora asked with a slight smile.


    "Yes, I''m okay," he replied awkwardly.


    "Okay then, please follow me."


    Broken then walked beside Princess Alora, ncing at the equipment descriptions as he analyzed them while they continued towards their destination.


    [Invincible Paragon Gloves]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Strength: +50


    Attack Speed: +70


    Defense: +200]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 538]


    [Skills:]


    [When you perform a parry with your sword-type weapon, your chance of a counterattack increases by 20%, allowing you tond a guaranteed counterattack and reflect the damage.] [Chain-Strike: You have a 5% chance to trigger 5 linked attacks. If it activates, you''ll perform 5 sessive follow-up attacks.


    Cooldown: 5 Seconds.]


    [User Restriction: Level 200 or higher.]


    He slowly read the information about the skills embedded in his gloves and came to a conclusion.


    These gloves can help increase the chances of dealing a counterattack with 100% damage when the user parries an attack from an opponent. This may not be a practical skill since parrying during a battle requires some talent and practice. Nevertheless, the potential for a counterattack with full damage is still considerable.


    Normally, when parrying, there are several factors to consider. For instance, the damage might be partially blocked, but some could still get through, or the impact of the parry might depend on the strength of the received damage. However, with this skill, he has a 20% chance to counterattack the damage. That''s remarkable, especially since there is no cooldown for its use. Even though parrying isn''t something that needs to be done repeatedly, the chances are still quite high.


    Furthermore, the possibility of five consecutive attacks with a 5% chance of activation must not be underestimated. While the probability of it urring is rtively low, if it were to take ce, the resulting damage would be tremendous. It''s a passive skill, and its effect will be especially impressive when triggered during another offensive attack skill. Five sessive attacks are insane! And a 5% chance with just a 5-second cooldown? Does this skill seem overpowered for Epic-grade gloves?


    [Invincible Paragon Helmet]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Health: +500


    Mana: +800]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 623]


    [Skills:]


    [Reduces your chance of taking a critical hit by 20%.]


    [20% chance to cut mana usage by half.]


    [User Restriction: Level 200 or higher.]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He inspected the next item, a helmet. The helmet provided extra Health and Mana, which was very beneficial since Broken had a low Intelligence stat.


    There''s a 20% chance to reduce a critical hit as well, a passive ability that would boost his confidence in battle the more passive abilities he possessed.


    What''s more, there was a skill that could reduce Mana usage-ordinarily really useful for a Mage. But with his low Intelligence stat, he believed it would still be beneficial for him. He concluded his inspection with these thoughts.


    [Invincible Paragon Shoes]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Movement Speed: +150


    Defense: +250]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 694]


    [Skills:]


    [Dash: Boosts your movement speed by 150% for 2 seconds.


    Cooldown: 10 Seconds.]


    [You can''t be slowed down by any debuffs.]


    [User Restriction: Level 200 or higher.]


    He examined the shoes thoroughly and was awed. Not only did they increase his movement speed in battle with a 10-second cooldown and a 2-second duration-an incredibly useful feature¡ªbut they also made him immune to any speed-reducing debuffs. For an Epic-grade item, this was truly remarkable!


    Broken finally had a consistent option for the Dash skill, which he previously relied on from other shoes he had acquired when facing yer killers. Now, he didn''t need to switch shoes whenever he needed to increase his speed.


    [Invincible Paragon Armor (Chest)]


    [Grade: Unique]


    [Health: +4000


    Defense: +600


    Stamina: +50]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 883]


    [Skills:]


    [Invincible Shields: Generates 12yers of energy shields that negate any damage you take. Each shield breaks with every hit, like having a dozen nkets wrapped around you for


    protection.


    Cooldown: 60 seconds.]


    [Invincible Force Reflection: Forms a forcefield that deflects all physical damage back to


    attackers, absorbing and then returning the damage like a boomerang. Enjoy watching your


    enemies deal with their own attacks.


    Duration: 2 seconds.


    Cooldown: 180 seconds.]


    [Earth Skin: Surrounds your body with an Earth Elemental Shield, cutting the physical damage


    you take by 30%.


    Duration: 30 seconds.


    Cooldown: 60 seconds.]


    [User Restriction: Level 200 or higher.]


    He carefully examined his Chest Armor, absorbing the information about its skills. Taking a deep breath, he couldn''t help but feel a bit overwhelmed. The protection this chest armor offered was incredible, featuring three protection skills.


    The first skill, Invincible Shields, provided twelveyers of immunity to damage. This was incredibly powerful, especially against a single enemy. While it might run out quickly in battles against multiple opponents, twelveyers were still significant.


    The second skill, Invincible Force Reflection, was excellent for facingrge numbers of


    enemies. When used at the right moment, it could reflect the damage he received back to his attackers. It reminded him of the effect in the ck Panther outfit from the movie. Wasn''t


    that simr?


    He paused for a moment, thinking. The first and second skills had superior functions in different situations. Even so, both skills were still amazing.


    The third skill, Earth Skin, was indeed incredible. It reduced physical damage by thirty percent. Truly remarkable for something of a Unique grade!


    Broken inhaled deeply, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information. "Thankfully," he muttered quietly, "most of these skills are passive, so I don''t have to rush to


    be ustomed to them all."


    [Invincible Paragon Armor (Pants)]


    [Grade: Unique]


    [Health: +4500 Defense: +400


    Stamina: +200] [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 856]


    [Skills:]


    [Increases your Health and Stamina regeneration speed by 250%.]


    [30% chance to negate damage from ignore-defense skills.]


    [Earth Elemental Protection: Summons an earth elemental aura that shields you for 30% of


    your total Health, absorbing iing attacks.


    Cooldown: 30 seconds.]


    [Automatically adjusts the color and pattern of your equipment to match your


    characteristics.]


    [User Restriction: Level 200 or higher.]


    Broken carefully examined the Legs'' Armor, feeling pleased with its utility.


    The armor would definitely boost his Health and Stamina regeneration. This would be


    especially useful during crafting sessions, as it would extend his capacity to work without needing frequent breaks. Now, he could work while wearing armor.


    The next skill provided a 30% chance to block ignore-defense skills. This would be very effective against yers like Melliandra, who possessed a lot of those types of skills. Moreover, an earth elemental shield with 30% of his total health was an exceptional skill. It


    greatly increased his odds of surviving in battle.


    Thest skill automatically adjusted the color of the armor. While it might seem trivial, it really enhanced the look of the armor he was wearing. This skill exined why the armor


    showed a blue pattern when he wore it. So, this armor might change color if used by someone else, like Princess Alora.


    As the door opened in front of them, a room of grandeur and beauty was revealed. The walls


    were adorned with intricate paintings. A circr table in the center of the room gleamed gold, and the chairs were ornately carved with borate designs. Princess Alora stood with a smile, gesturing for Broken toe inside. Once the door closed


    behind them, Princess Alora leaned in slightly and whispered, "It looks like you''re in


    trouble."


    "What?" Broken, caught off guard by her words.


    "You''ve been so quiet as if you were thinking about something. Are you in trouble? Has


    Elincia told you anything about the Demon attack?" she asked. "Don''t worry, we''re now in my private chamber. You can share any secret information without fear of being spied on." Broken was too confused to respond immediately; he had been preupied with reading the details about his new armor. And Princess Alora seemed to misunderstand.


    "No... I''m okay, I''m not in trouble," he said with a slight grin.


    "Is it possible that Lord Broken is worried that we''ll take his newly crafted gear?" Lionell


    added.


    Alora chuckled at Lionell''sment. "Don''t worry, I won''t do that."

 Chapter 228: Chapter 228 - Berserker Rage Skill

    Chapter 228: - Berserker Rage Skill


    ?


    Princess Alora emerged from another room, adorned in the magnificent set of armor, The Invincible Paragon, crafted and presented to her by Broken. The armor''s original ck hadrgely given way to a striking red, ented with intricate red and ck designs that highlighted her elegant figure. She moved through the hall with a fluid grace that caught Broken''s gaze.


    "I absolutely love this armor! I can hardly believe how it changes color when I put it on," Princess Alora eximed, walking closer to him.


    The armor, crafted from one master design, subtly transformed when worn by a woman, bing sleeker while still retaining its strong, formidable look. Even though hers was a different colorpared to Broken''s, the likeness was undeniable, making them appear as if they were part of a coordinated set.


    Alora said with a satisfied smile. "My expectations weren''t that high, but you''ve certainly surpassed them. A set with 1 Unique-grade, 4 Epic-grade, and 1 Elite-grade piece-this is extraordinary."


    "It is an honor to receive such kind words from you, Princess," Broken replied humbly. "But if you want a full set of Epic-grade armor, I can spend some more time crafting the shoes until we achieve another Epic-grade piece."


    Broken had kept the higher-grade pieces he had crafted for himself, his desire for the best not allowing him to pass those pieces to Princess Alora. Thus, he had Unique-grade chest and pants armor, with the rest being Epic-grade. Although it helped himplete a quest, it wasn''t purely out of selfishness that he kept them. He still remained willing to provide Princess Alora with higher grades if she wished, at least the Epic-grade pieces.


    "No, that would be a waste of your time. I know you need to head to Slumdon Town soon, right?" she said calmly.


    "Yes," Broken nodded slowly.


    "No worries, I''lle up with more amazing blueprints next time," Alora said with a confident smile. "Maybe an armor with more offensive capabilities, while this one focuses on defense."


    "I''d be happy to craft more equipment for you, Princess."


    Broken nodded as he read through the details of the armor. "This armor will be extremely useful on the battlefield, especially against tough opponents," he thought. "It will help you endure longer in fights. However, it should be paired with skills that deal more damage for the best results."


    After considering it, he realized this armor was exactly what he needed. Given his extensive array of offensive skills, he required protection that could keep him alive even in the most intense situations.


    Princess Alora''s enthusiasm was palpable as she spoke about the armor set.


    "I agree with you. This armor has an impressive Defense stat for each piece, and the Invincible Shields skill is even more extraordinary. I didn''t expect the end result to be this good."


    "Berserker Rage," she continued. "If we equip the Invincible Paragon set, we''ll have ess to a new skill that could be a game-changer in the right conditions."


    "Berserker Rage?" Broken inquired, intrigued. He had forgotten that wearing aplete armor set could unlock additional skills. Curious, he decided to don his armor once more. The ck armor with blue patterns quickly enveloped his body. He switched the helmet''s appearance to leave his face exposed.


    He surveyed the list of avable skills and found one that was only essible when equipping the full armor set.


    [Berserker Rage (Active Skill)]


    [Unleash your inner beast and temporarily transfer 80% of your Constitution Stat into your Strength Stat! No need to worry about the consequences of your actions-you''ll be too busy ripping your enemies to pieces with your newfound powers!


    Duration: 5 seconds


    Cooldown: 10 minutes]


    A surge of excitement washed over Broken as he read the skill description. The potential of this armor set was immense. Five seconds of unmatched strength could change the course of any battle, especially with the short cooldown time. Transferring 80% of the Constitution stat to Strength for five seconds would result in a tremendous boost in physical damage.


    "Even though it means the wearer could be more vulnerable, the power it grants in those crucial moments is extraordinary," he thought.


    "The skill is so incredible," he said, turning to Princess Alora. "This skill could indeed be a game-changer, Princess. I just read the details about it."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "It certainly is a high-risk, high-reward type of skill," Alora said thoughtfully. "I think this skill will be most effective with precise timing, activating all protective skills at the same moment. Those five seconds could be a game-changer if used wisely. However," she added with a hint of concern, "like all berserker skills, the increase in strengthes with significant risk. This will definitely test my patience in battle."


    Broken bowed solemnly and replied, "Yes, Princess. I understand the gravity of this move; please be extremely careful when using it."


    Alora smiled at him and said confidently, "Don''t worry. I will take into ount all the different possibilities and worst-case scenarios in the battle before activating this skill." Broken merely smiled and nodded. "I trust you can make the best use of this skill, Princess." "So," Alora continued, her voice inquiring, "do you have a price reference for the services you provided in crafting this set?"


    Broken was silent for a moment; he had no idea how to price equipment of such a high grade and level. He slowly shook his head.


    "I received the materials and the blueprint from you," he began, "and I also got a new set of equipment with an average grade higher than the set I gave you." He paused before continuing. "I''ll leave the payment up to you. I could even ept leaving with no payment at all; I''m quite satisfied with the armor set I received."


    Alora couldn''t help but chuckle. "You are so honest, aren''t you?" she said with a smile. "What if I demanded that you give the higher-grade items to me?"


    Broken shook his head regretfully. "No matter how much I would like to give them to you, these are my first set of equipment with level 200. I don''t think I can part with them. So I''ll do my best to keep them."


    "See," Alora said, "you are always honest and speak your mind without worrying about the consequences, even when talking to the crowned princess of Dissidia Kingdom."


    "I usually think twice before I say something," he replied, "but when I do, I always mean


    what I say."


    Alora smiled and said, "Alright," she then suggested, "Since we don''t have a price reference for this set, perhaps I should call someone to help us out."


    After a few minutes, Lionell returned with someone. From the direction of the door, a person with ck hair and a thin yet tall build walked over, wearing a forced smile. It was Garran, the financier of the Dissidia kingdom.


    Garran nodded at them and said, "Good morning, Your Highness," before giving a faint smile


    to Broken.


    "You look incredible in that new armor," he said. "I''ll help assess the value of the items and services for your new armor set." He then nced at Broken with a thin smile.


    "Yes, please, Garran," Alora said.

 Chapter 229: Chapter 229 - A Justified Cost

    Chapter 229: - A Justified Cost


    ?


    Princess Alora ced the equipment on the table, and Garran immediately started examining the grades, stats, and skills of each item. He took his time, jotting down a few notes in his notebook. Finally, he looked up.


    "Your Highness," he began, looking at her, "the Invincible Paragon is an exceptional gear set for a closebat warrior. The skills it provides can really help someonest longer in battle. I genuinely think this is a set you need for yourbat. Plus, there''s one piece that''s Unique- grade, something even the royal cksmiths would find hard to create."


    Princess Alora nodded slowly, taking in Garran''s exnation.


    "For the Elite and Epic items, their prices should align with the market easily. However, the materials for the Invincible Paragon set cost around 25 gold coins each. You''ve provided two sets of materials totaling 50 gold coins. Considering the materials for Baron Broken, we need to add approximately 170 gold coins. This should cover the cost of all four pieces. Then, we need to recalcte for the crafting service of the Unique-grade item," Garran rified. Broken had just grasped the true worth of the materials used to craft the items. The value was astounding, as was the total worth of a single set of armor. And this was without any upgrades to the armor, which would require even more cost.


    Considering this high value, it was clear that only yers with substantial wealth could afford to use such equipment. However, for a crowned princess, that amount of money should be trivial, almost insignificant. She should be able to afford much more expensive and higher quality armor, at least a full set of Unique-grade items.


    Even before tackling the Unique-grade item, Broken had already received 120 gold coins! He trembled at the thought of earning such a huge sum for about seven weeks of in-game work, tranting to less than three weeks in the real world. The earnings were truly enormous!


    Moreover, knowing this, the armor and weapons Ivana wore were also of high grades and high levels, which meant their value was extremely high, even though Fokil had given them to her for free.


    Broken then spoke up. "I think I''m fine with the price, Princess Alora," he said.


    Alora shook her head and said, "The price for the materials isn''t that high. So, let''s just say the materials I gave him were gifts from me. We''ll pay him the full amount."


    Garran persisted, "But, Your Highness, you shouldn''t waste the royal finances so easily, especially on someone who isn''t even... part of Yunatea."


    Lionell interjected firmly, "Garran!"


    Garran turned back to Alora and said, "I wasn''t speaking out of turn, was I?" He then nced at Lionell, "Sir Lionell, I know you''re the most skilled in war, but when ites to finances, you can''t underestimate me. I''m well-versed in the kingdom''s finances, and I''m just doing my duty, not trying to use anyone."


    Lionell replied firmly, "Her Highness Princess Alora has her reasons. It''s up to Her Highness. Your job is to provide advice, not make decisions."


    Garran responded, "I understand," then he turned and bowed to Princess Alora. "Nevertheless, as a royal financial expert, I know what is best for this kingdom''s finances, and I strongly believe that spending too much money on this is wasteful, Your Highness." Lionell''s face contorted in annoyance, and he was about to step forward, but Princess Alora interjected, "Enough."


    She continued, "I suppose I need to learn more about managing finances, and I must apologize to Lord Broken. We will follow Garran''s advice. I''m sure the money can be used to obtain more high-quality materials for the next time Lord Broken does another crafting."


    Broken shook his head and bowed slowly. "As I said, Princess, there''s no need for you to apologize. You''ve already provided so much material for me to craft as well."


    "I will certainly repay you in some other way," Princess Alora said.


    "I am deeply grateful, Your Highness."


    Garran then added, "If this Unique-grade item were to be put up for auction, I''m sure it would fetch a much higher price than 360 gold coins. Nevertheless, this sum is more than satisfactory."


    Alora nodded in agreement and then turned to Broken. "What do you think, Broken? Is 360 gold coins a fair price?"


    Broken roughly calcted the total gold coins he could receive-480 gold coins. Add that to the set of armor he now possessed, and it was truly a massive amount of money. He could buy materials to craft a new weapon or upgrade all his equipment with that kind of wealth. However, his expectations had not been nearly this high before. This showed just how valuable even a Unique-grade item was. Then he started wondering, just how valuable could Legendary-grade items be? The value might run into millions of dors if converted to real- world currency. And the amazing thing was, he owned two Legendary-grade items.


    He turned to Alora with a humble expression. "Your Highness, I don''t really know much about the market value of Unique-grade items, but I''m more than happy with the offer Garran just gave me. The privilege the kingdom has granted me to work in the pce and also receive specialmissions from you holds great value for me as well."


    Alora nodded. "It''s a deal then." She shifted her gaze to Garran. "Thank you for your assistance, Garran."


    Garran bowed his head slightly. "It''s my pleasure, Your Highness. May I take my leave?" Once Garran had left, Princess Alora continued, "The gold coins will be prepared for you shortly."


    "Yes, Princess," he responded.


    "And..." Princess Alora added thoughtfully, "You can make good use of the armor, and I know you have abat ss. I''ll be going on a short expedition in a couple of days, and if you''re interested, I''d like to invite you as well, Broken. What do you think?"


    "An expedition?" Broken asked, intrigued.


    "Yes. It''s a short trip, but it will involve some battles. I know with your Legendary-grade weapon, you must be eager for a fight. Am I wrong?"


    Broken had originally nned to head to Slumdon Town, but the Princess''s invitation was too enticing to pass up. This could be a great opportunity for him to build a stronger bond with


    her.


    "Please let me know the exact time, and I''ll prepare myself for the expedition," he agreed. "It will take up more of your time. Are you okay with that?" she asked, showing concern. "I''m more than curious to see what kind of expedition you have nned." Princess Alora smiled warmly at him. "But be prepared; you''ll attract quite a bit of attention wearing armor like mine. People might even mistake you for a prince, a high-tier knight, or a royal from a neighboring country."


    "Will that cause any trouble for me?" he asked.


    "You could always stay inside the workshop if you want to avoid trouble, I suppose," Princess Alora said, chuckling slightly. For the first time, Broken glimpsed a softer, more yful side of the Princess, who usually projected such firmness in public.


    "I think a little trouble is worth it for the chance to go on an expedition with you, Princess," The replied with a smile.


    "I''m starting to understand why your friends call you a yboy," she teased.


    "No, Princess... I''m genuinely excited to get this opportunity. To go on an expedition with you."


    "Be careful. Some people might misunderstand your statement." Alora giggled softly. At this point, Broken felt a bit awkward, unsure how to respond to the jest of a royal, especially with a Grand Cross Knight standing so close by.


    After receiving the wooden box filled with the gold he had earned for his services, Broken wasted no time in leaving the pce.


    He seemed to make money faster than he spent it. He realized he needed to learn more about managing his finances from Freya-whether to splurge or invest wisely. He also knew he would need a new ce to live once his one-year stay at his current hotel was up since the amodation was only provided for that duration.


    As he walked away from the pce, Broken noticed several people approaching him. One of them, who looked like a mage with a cheerful expression, greeted him.


    "Ah, Broken," the mage said eagerly. "I''ve been waiting for this chance for some time. Allow me to introduce myself-my name is Subaru, and I''m from the Shadow Wolves guild. There''s something important I need to discuss with you."N?v(el)B\\jnn

 Chapter 230: Chapter 230 - Meeting the Shadow Wolves

    Chapter 230: - Meeting the Shadow Wolves


    ?


    "Shadow Wolves?" Broken repeated the name of the guild the mage had mentioned.


    It was a guild currently on the opposing side of the Ass Guild. They had two Gluttony champions and were intent on summoning a named demon to seize the crown from the rightful heir, Princess Alora.


    "What do you want from me?" he asked quietly.


    "Sorry, sorry for the sudden approach," Subaru said, lowering his head with a lightugh. "I assure you, Ie with good intentions." He raised his head again, smiling brightly. "Please, I''m doing my best to show you there''s no ill will." He then grinned wider. "Can''t you tell how friendly I am?"


    Broken gave Subaru a more serious look. "Tell me what you want, or I''ll leave."


    "Ah, haha," Subaruughed nervously. "Okay, okay."


    He continued, "Alright... I apologize if my presence is too abrupt, but I would like to extend an invitation on behalf of our Guild Master, Paul. He wants to discuss something with you. I understand if you have some doubts, but I can guarantee with my life that you''re in no danger. Even though Shadow Wolves and the Ass Guild are on opposing sides, you''re not part of that guild, so we really have no serious problem with you."


    "What does he want from me? What kind of topic does he want to discuss?" Broken asked, his curiosity piqued.


    Subaru tried to hold back hisughter and responded in a calmer tone. "He mentioned that he has a really good offer for you, something big, and it won''t take much of your time¡ªjust about 30 minutes, no! Only 10 minutes. Are you interested?"


    "An offer?"


    Sensing Broken''s hesitation, Subaru quickly reassured him. He then pulled out a magic staff from his inventory and handed it to Broken.


    "This is my level 200 magic staff, my main weapon as a mage. You can hold this as a guarantee that I''m serious about this discussion. Does this convince you? But please, return it once the discussion is over, okay?" he said with a hesitant smile.


    Broken examined the Epic-grade magic staff carefully. He weighed the invitation in his mind, wondering if meeting with the Shadow Wolves would be considered a breach of agreement with the Ass Guild. But after all, it was just an invitation, and he had no idea what they might be offering him. There was no harm in at least hearing them out, and it could be a good opportunity to get to know the potential enemy better.


    Plus, this would be his first encounter with another Divine Champions, especially one from the Gluttony faction.


    "Alright," he finally said, looking up at Subaru. "I''ll hear what your Guild Master has to say. But I''m keeping this magic staff until the meeting is over."


    Subaru''s face lit up. "Great! Follow me. It won''t take long," he said eagerly, leading the way.


    Subaru chatted away several times with his peculiar, fidgety style. "I saw you in thepetition with the Legendary-grade spear... hehe," he said awkwardly.


    But Broken didn''t respond.


    "It''s a shame the Ass Guild didn''t invite you to their guild, right? I guess they''re too haughty to do that," Subaru continued.


    Still, Broken remained silent.


    "I think you''re an interesting person," Subaru went on. "I want to know you more, maybe be friends... Please consider Paul''s offer carefully. He''s very kind, and I''m sure you''ll like him."


    Broken still didn''t answer.


    Were they nning to invite him to join the Shadow Wolves, a guild with two Gluttony Champions? Subaru wasn''t wrong, though-the Ass Guild hadn''t officially invited him to join yet, even though the thought of joining a guild was still unsettled in his mind.


    Broken followed Subaru to a tavern in a quieter part of town. Subaru opened the wooden door and stepped inside, with Broken right behind him. Inside, a few patrons were scattered around, lounging in their chairs. What immediately caught his attention were two huge wolves, each twice the size of a normal wolf, lying on the ground.


    Sitting with one leg crossed over the other was a woman dressed in tight ck leather that entuated her curves and strained to cover her ample chest. From what Broken knew, she was Marlene, one of the Gluttony Champions.


    "That''s Marlene," Subaru exined. "Paul will be here soon. You can chat with her in the meantime."


    Marlene looked up and smirked, her eyes gleaming with interest. She stood up and strode towards Broken.


    "Wee, Broken. Nice to meet you. I''m Marlene, second inmand of the Shadow Wolves," she said, her lips curling into a cold smile. "I''m so d you epted our invitation. Please, have a seat."


    "Thanks for the invitation," Broken replied, doing his best to divert his eyes from the temptation of her body. His instincts as a man were truly tested by the sight before him¡ªa woman dressed in tight leather with an incredibly alluring figure.


    More likely, she knew she had a good body and was deliberately exposing it, whatever her reason might be.


    Broken then sat down across from Marlene in arge,fortable armchair, in front of which stood a low wooden table. Marlene crossed her right leg over her left, making her thigh even more visible.


    "I truly admire your great aplishments," she said with a neutral expression. "It''s an achievement that deserves much recognition, and I believe the kingdom has given you the credit you deserve."


    "Thank you," he responded. "May I ask what kind of discussion you intend to have with me?" He was eager to get to the main topic, not wanting to waste any time.


    Marlene smiled at his question and responded quietly, "I''m sure Paul, the Shadow Wolves'' Guild Master, will be arriving shortly. I apologize for making you wait, but I''ll ensure he gets here soon so no more of your time is wasted."


    "Thank you," Broken said.


    Marlene cautiously asked, "Would you mind if I ask you some questions until Paul arrives?"


    "Yeah, but I can''t promise I''ll answer all of them," Broken replied.


    Marlene smiled and nodded slowly. "I''m sure you''re a remarkable person, given the recognition and achievements you''ve umted in such a short time. Could you tell me


    what you hope to gain from ying this game?"


    Broken paused for a moment, considering the seemingly casual question. What kind of question is that? He thought it was too random, but he tried to figure out where Marlene was heading with this conversation.


    He replied, "I thought ying Immortal Legacy was a way to escape from reality," he said


    slowly.


    He continued, "But, over time, I''ve realized it has be my second world¡ªone that has enriched and improved my life in the real world. This game has be my life, and I am looking to gain pleasure and achieve great heights-something I will strive for with all my effort and determination."


    Marlene smiled warmly. "You must be very determined and hardworking," she said. "It seems like we have a lot inmon-we both want to make the most out of this game and


    strive for greatness."


    "That''s good to hear," he replied. "I think there are many people out there who have made Immortal Legacy their second world."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Marlene spoke slowly, her tone measured. "Am I right to assume that you will do whatever it takes to make yourself happy and to feel a sense of aplishment?"


    Broken began to feel wary, sensing that Marlene was trying to steer him toward a specific line of thinking or had an agenda she wanted to push.


    "Your statement is quite absurd. I want to be happy... No, not happy-more like content. But I don''t think of doing anything without considering the freedom of others around me, except if theye first and try to disturb my peace. I believe those are two different things."


    Broken lifted his head, now meeting her gaze directly. "But," he continued, "care to enlighten me on where you''re headed with this, Marlene? I know you''re trying to lead me to a topic of discussion, and I prefer straightforward conversations." Marlene chuckled softly and looked into his eyes with a rxed yet intense expression. "I''d


    like to hear what you think about Princess Alora as the crowned princess who will soon be the ruler of the Dissidia Kingdom. I assume you''ve interacted with her directly,


    right?"


    "What kind of answer are you looking for?" he asked, pressing further. "Please be specific."

 Chapter 231: Chapter 231 - Taming the Demonic Bonds

    Chapter 231: - Taming the Demonic Bonds


    ?


    Marlene smiled, though her expression remained cold. She continued, addressing Broken''s cautious demeanor.


    "Is it important to you that it be Princess Alora, or would anyone suffice as long as you can achieve what you want-power, money... women?" she asked, her voice gentle yet her eyes fixated on Broken with a calm but icy stare, creating a strange sensation for him.


    It took a little while for Broken to respond. "I''m not particrly concerned about who will be the next ruler of the Dissidia Kingdom, but I''m certain that Princess Alora is the best candidate for the throne. Now that I''ve gotten to know her better, I''m even more confident that she is the most suitable person to be the new Queen of Dissidia, especially since she is the rightful heir."


    "You seem to know quite a bit about her, huh?" Marlene remarked.


    "No, not really... I''ve only had a few conversations with her, and I don''t know her deeply, but I''ve given you my answer," he continued.


    Marlene slowly shook her head. "But you know that Princess Alora has failed to gain the trust of the people of Dissidia Kingdom, right? She is not of pure Human race, and many believe she will bring the kingdom to its downfall."


    Broken''s expression hardened. "Your point being?"


    "My point," Marlene said, leaning forward slightly, "is that intentions and rightfulness aside, leadership is also about perception. How the people see and ept their ruler can dictate the future of the kingdom. Are you willing to support someone who may not have the people''s confidence or trust?"


    Broken thought for a moment before replying. "Princess Alora may not have the full trust of the people right now, but trust can be built over time. A ruler who is both just and wise can win the hearts of even the most skeptical subjects. I''m willing to support her because I believe she has that potential."


    It was now clear where Marlene was steering the conversation. Her attempts to cast doubt on Princess Alora''s suitability for the throne underscored their position as opposition, supporting a rival faction notorious for causing deaths among both native inhabitants and yers alike.


    "What about you?" Broken asked, his voice steady.


    "Me?" Marlene echoed, raising an eyebrow.


    "Yes, you stand with the opposition, don''t you? I want to know your opinion," he said.


    Marlene smirked at his boldness. "You''re quite straightforward in conversations, aren''t you?"


    "I see no reason why we shouldn''t have a straightforward discussion when everyone already knows where you stand," Broken replied. "Do you believe that the candidate you''re supporting will lead the Dissidia Kingdom to an even greater future than what we have now?" Marlene''s smile widened slightly. "The Dissidia Kingdom will not only experience growth on the Southern Continent, but its influence will spread across the vast ins of Yunatea. Even the High Elves can be brought under our control if we follow the path my side and I have chosen. I am more than willing to exin the evidence that supports my im."


    "I would be grateful if you could borate," Broken replied, intrigued.


    Marlene leaned back slightly, her demeanor shifting to one of confident assurance. Yet, for some reason, she felt an irresistible determination to tame the man sitting before her.


    "Let''s chat over drinks so we can better enjoy the topic we''re about to cover," she suggested. With delicate movements, she stood and approached him, sitting down beside him on the couch. She picked up a ss from a nearby table and poured the contents of a bottle into it. "Take it," she said, extending the ss toward him.


    "Thanks," Broken responded slowly but firmly. "But I would appreciate it if you could exin what you mean more directly. I really don''t have the best time."


    A re of anger ignited within Marlene, bubbling up until she was almost shaking with it. She gritted her teeth, struggling to maintain herposure.


    Despite her desire tosh out in rage at his insolence, she managed to keep a polite smile on her face.


    "No need to be so hasty, Broken," she replied coolly. "Surely you can spare a few moments to hear me out?"


    Broken didn''t look back at Marlene, who now sat conspicuously close to him, speaking softly. "Can you see my two adorable wolves over there?" she said, gesturing towards the magnificent creatures.


    He followed her gesture to the two wolves. Their fur, dark and glossy, glistened under the dim light. Their eyes, a deep crimson, seemed to warn everyone to stay clear. Despite their intimidating presence, their beauty was undeniable-they were twice the size of normal wolves, clearly not ordinary creatures.


    Broken fixed his gaze intently on the beasts, meticulously noting every intimidating detail of their physical appearance. He narrowed his eyes as he observed their status information and processed what he saw.


    [Name: Wolfing]


    [Level: 219]


    [Strength: 878 | Agility: 451 | Intelligence: ??? | Constitution: ??? | Stamina: ???]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    [Name: Howler]


    [Level: ???]


    [Strength: ??? Agility: 799 Intelligence: ??? Constitution: 432 Stamina: 651]


    Broken inhaled sharply as he examined the stats of the two wolves, feeling a surge of excitement at their extraordinary capabilities. Both had levels above 200. Though the exact level of the second wolf was obscured, he was certain it was high. The first wolf seemed focused on Strength, while the second had higher Agility stats. It was clear these wolves had immensebat potential; even Polly would have a tough time against them. No, Polly would surely lose because her level wasn''t as high as theirs yet.


    "They are Demon Beasts," Marlene continued.


    Broken nced back at Marlene, intrigued by this revtion. "Demon Beasts?" This was the


    first time he had heard of such creatures.


    "Yes, Demon Beasts. You have a high-grade Spirit Beast, right?" she probed.


    Broken nodded hesitantly.


    Her voice grew more intense as she borated. "You may not know this, but yers can form contracts with Demons as well as Spirits."


    Broken stared at Marlene intently, his eyes wide with anticipation. She was clearly trying to tempt him with this information, though he wasn''t quite sure what her ultimate goal was. Was she intending to offer him the chance to contract with a Demon Beast?


    Marlene noticed his curiosity and leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "Demon Beasts offer a unique set of abilities and strengths. They are not merely creatures; they could be powerful allies if you know how to control them. Imagine the power you would wield with such beings at yourmand."


    He continued voicing his curiosity. "But there''s only one slot for a contract, isn''t there?" Marlene shook her head. "Did you know there are Divine Champions in this world, Broken?"


    "Yes, I''ve heard about them," he replied tly.


    "And I am one of them," she continued. "As the Champion of Gluttony, I have a special skill to form contracts with demon beasts." She paused, then added, "And uniquely, I can share the


    contract with someone else."


    Broken was unfamiliar with such a concept. Information on demons wasn''t widely avable, apart from the low-intelligence demons often used as fodder for leveling up.


    Marlene continued, "What if I offered you the chance to attempt this contract?" she said


    softly. "Yes, with a Demon Beast."


    "What do you want in exchange?" Broken asked, his curiosity piqued.

 Chapter 232: Chapter 232 - The Irresistible Offer

    Chapter 232: - The Irresistible Offer


    ?


    "What do you want in exchange?" Broken asked, his curiosity piqued.


    Marlene shed a knowing smile. "I know you might find it interesting," she said confidently. "How about we be friends? All I''m asking for is your friendship. If you''re up for it, I can help you try to form a contract with the demon beast."


    "You''re saying we be friends, and you''ll give me all this ess?" he queried.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Marlene paused before nodding. "Yes," she confirmed. "I''m one of the Champions of Gluttony, so I have the power to help you with the Demon Beast. If you agree to be my friend, I can assist you. Simple, right?"


    Broken paused, weighing the potential risks of this arrangement. Bing friends didn''t seem like a huge deal, though being offered such a significant incentive just for friendship was a new experience for him. Alliances with clear terms were fine, but friendship? Usually, those developed over time.


    "Paul," Marlene continued, "has another offer for you that he''ll go overter. But this is my personal gesture of goodwill. I''m giving you the opportunity to try and make a contract with a Demon Beast, which could be a loyal ally in battle. I can''t guarantee sess or that you''ll get something high-grade since luck ys a big part, but it''s worth a try, isn''t it?" Broken nodded slowly. "I''m not sure what you expect from being friends with me, but I have to admit, this offer is quite tempting. But from what I know, friendship doesn''t usuallye with conditions, right? I''m not exactly a social expert, but it seems like this isn''t the usual way to make a friend."


    Marlene shook her head and gave a small smile. "I have my reasons. We''re on opposing sides, so I need to go the extra mile to make you more open to me, don''t you think? That''s why this is my gesture of goodwill."


    "I appreciate it," he replied.


    "Besides, this is the best way to answer your earlier question," she added.


    Marlene had clearly mentioned the reasons why her side had chosen to oppose Princess Alora''s im to the throne. Instead of offering exnations, she preferred to demonstrate her point. Perhaps showing the contract with demon beasts was one of her ways of illustrating her position.


    Wasn''t this indirectly suggesting that the Dissidia Kingdom would be better off with the support of demons, or even ruled by them? Broken thought it was a truly unconventional idea that many people would surely reject, especially given the ruthless methods they employed, like killing people.


    "I want to know more about the requirements and details of this contract, and the consequences for me too," Broken said. "I need to gather some information about it."


    "I respect your approach," Marlene said softly. "It''s good to know that you understand that my intentions are sincere. I''ll exin everything you need to know. I''ll let you know the exact time for this offerter," Marlene assured him. "Let me add you to my friend list so I can easily contact you."


    Broken nodded and let her add him to her friend list.


    Sometimeter, Paul, the guild master of the Shadow Wolves guild, strode into the Tavern, his presencemanding attention from everyone in the room. He cast a cold smile towards Broken before making his way over and taking a seat opposite him.


    "Let''s see who''s here," Paul said, extending his hand. "My name is Paul."


    "Broken," Broken replied, shaking Paul''s hand firmly.


    Paul started the conversation by ncing at Marlene with a smirk. "So... I hope you two have be friends while you were waiting for me?"


    Paul then turned his attention back to Broken, who had just opened his mouth to say something. "I came here because your guild member told me that you personally invited me to discuss something important."


    Paul''s enthusiasm was evident as he responded, "Yes, of course! I extended the invitation to you, and I assure you it''s a great honor to have you here. I''ll make sure you receive the best treatment from me," he added.


    He continued, his gaze still fixed on Broken. "I''m confident that this gesture shows how special you truly are to us."


    Broken returned to the topic, feeling he''d already spent too much time there. "I just want to know why you invited me here. I don''t have a lot of time today, so if you could kindly get to the point, that would be greatly appreciated."


    Broken''s distaste for drawn-out conversations was evident; he preferred when peoplemunicated clearly and concisely, which allowed him to optimize his time better.


    Paul grinned at Broken''s straightforwardness. "Alright, let''s cut to the chase. I know The Ass Guild is only using you; they didn''t even invite you to join them, did they? You deserve more. A cksmith with your level of... luck? Someone like you would be a valuable asset to a top guild like ours."


    He continued, "I''m offering you a spot in my guild with various privileges. I''ll give you 100 gold coins every three months of Yunatea time. Your task is simple: be our exclusive cksmith. This will make you more valued and able to earn more. There will be many benefits in the future. It''s an interesting offer, don''t you think?" Paul exined.


    Broken took a deep breath, feeling overwhelmed by Paul''s offer. Casting a nce at the yer with a pair of demonic horns seated in front of him, it was evident that Paul was a man of great wealth capable of offering such a generous sry.


    However, Broken could sense the arrogance radiating from Paul; it was clear that he was one of those people who believed their money entitled them to acquire whatever they wanted. Broken had no interest in forming a friendship with someone like that. He had encountered many of these types in his life and knew exactly how things would turn out.


    Even without hesitation, Paul confidently made the offer as if Broken had no choice but to ept it. Broken had already formed an alliance with the Ass Guild and had no intention of allying with people like him.


    "I appreciate the offer," he said, standing up, "but I must decline. I have other matters that require my attention."


    He strolled away and took out a magic staff from his inventory, handing it to Subaru. "This is a cool staff," hemented before hastening his way out of the Tavern.


    Broken left immediately after hearing Paul''s offer.


    Paul''s brow furrowed as he asked firmly, "Did he just tantly refuse my offer?"


    Marlene clicked her tongue before replying, "It seems he''s not easily swayed by such things. Wealth. I''m sure he already receives more from the kingdom. Perhaps you need to think of offering him more."


    Paul turned his head to look at her and argued, "What kind of person can''t be persuaded with money? One hundred gold coins is no small amount. Only a fool would refuse an offer like


    this!"


    Marlene sighed in response, "I believe he''s someone not easily swayed by material things. He has an unwavering sense of loyalty and pride that money cannot rece."


    Subaru interjected, "Paul, why don''t you offer me the same sry? I''m sure I could be of great help to you, and I''d be willing to follow you until the end of my life if you pay me that


    amount."


    Paul shook his head and replied decisively, "You are of no use to me, Subaru! But this Broken guy could be the key to a huge victory if I can get him on our side."


    Marlene suggested, "I''ll try one more time. Money might not be enough for him, but I''m sure


    I can convince him somehow."


    "If we can''t recruit him," Paul said, standing up and stretching his hands, "then we''ll just need to crush him to pieces. He''s not officially part of the Ass Guild, after all, is he?"


    Marlene shook her head. "I''m against that approach. He has great potential, especially as a cksmith, and he''s a key connection between Princess Alora and the Ass Guild. Let me try something first," she suggested, "and then you can decide."


    Paul''s thin smile grew even wider as he looked around. "I just remembered that he has his own town in Dissidia now. How about we pay a visit there? Who knows, we might find


    something interesting."

 Chapter 233: Chapter 233 - A Day Packed With Rides

    Chapter 233: - A Day Packed With Rides


    ?


    Leon allowed himself the luxury of sleeping in on Saturday, feeling somewhatzy after the intense focus he''d dedicated to his game over the past few weeks. Even though he had crafted only two sets of armor, the effort had been nothing short of extraordinary. The results, too, had exceeded his expectations in ways he hadn''t anticipated.


    Emerging from his bedroom, Leon wandered towards the living room that led to the balcony. The upbeat rhythms of aerobics music filtered through the air, growing louder as he approached. There, in the early morning light, was Lily, energetically following an aerobics routine.


    Noticing Leon, Lily shot him a quick nce before pausing the music. She grabbed a towel and dabbed at the sweat glistening on her forehead.


    "Hazel''s been trying to reach you."


    "Hazel?"


    "Yes," Lily nodded, "She mentioned something about a promise you made to her."


    Leon remembered Hazel''s invitation. She had wanted him to go to the amusement park with her a week ago. But caught up in crafting, he had let themitment slip from his mind. Even though he hadn''t given a firm yes, he knew Hazel took it as a promise.


    Taking his phone from his pocket, Leon saw a string of messages from Hazel.


    Lily stepped closer, her eyes locking with his. "Leon, just remember, she''s not yet eighteen. If you''re nning to hang out with her, keep it innocent. You don''t want any trouble."


    "It''s really just a casual outing to the amusement park," Leon reassured her but paused, considering his ns. "Should I go? What do you think?"


    "You did promise her, didn''t you?" Lily''s tone was unexpectedly encouraging, unlike her usual resistance when it came to Hazel. This time, it seemed like she was pushing him to follow through.


    "I thought you would forbid me from going."


    "Why?" Lily asked in return. "Do you have special intentions toward her?" she questioned with an interrogative tone.


    "You misunderstand. You''re the one who always tries to stop me from doing things, aren''t you?"


    "Oh, so you want to take this further, Leon?"


    Leon sighed. "Okay, it seems like anything I say will be wrong."


    "Go with her, fulfill the promise, and don''t do anything stupid, okay."


    "Like I usually do that." Leon then stood up and walked toward the bathroom.


    "But Hazel is flirtatious. I''m not sure if you can resist her charms," Lily remarked.


    Leon had already gotten Hazel''s address, and he was about to head out to pick her up. He felt this was something he needed to do, especially since he needed her to look after Lily at school. This was for Lily, wasn''t it?


    He got ready and headed out, driving his Northstar Turbo.


    It was a residential area with truly luxurious homes. As Leon drove down the street, he noticed cars parked in front of several houses, yet the area remained peaceful and quiet. He imagined owning a ce here someday, once he no longer lived at the Golden Age facility.


    Judging by the houses in the area, it was clear Hazel''s family was quite wealthy since they could afford a home in this location. He also wondered how much a house here might cost.


    When he arrived at the specified house, Leon stopped to check Hazel''s message again. Yes, the number matched. He stepped out and approached the house gate, looking around for anyone. Just then, the front door opened, and a girl in a sleeveless white dress and denim shorts hurried out. She ran towards him with a bright smile.


    "I''ve been waiting... I''m so happy you''re here," she said, chuckling.


    "May I..." Leon said softly, "talk with your parents?"


    "No, you don''t," Hazel replied quickly, grabbing his arm and pulling him towards the car.


    "I need to make sure they know who''s taking their daughter out," Leon insisted.


    "No, you don''t. Let''s go... they''re not at home. You won''t find anyone," Hazel said, still pulling him with an excited look on her face.


    They both got into the car, and the Northstar swiftly drove away from the quiet neighborhood.


    "I promise I won''t take too much of your time," Hazel said enthusiastically. "You probably want to get back to your games, right?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Leon nodded slightly. "It''s okay..." he replied softly. "Sometimes I need a break to y too." He paused, then added, "Maybe next time we should invite Lily to join us."


    Hazel nodded eagerly. "I''m so selfish..." she admitted with a grin. "But that''s why this won''t take long. And I promise, I''ll make it worth your while."


    They soon arrived at the amusement park. As soon as they stepped out of the car, Hazel''s face lit up with almost uncontainable excitement.


    "I''m so happy!" she eximed, grabbing Leon''s hand. "Come on, Leon, we have to try all the rides here, okay?"


    Leon followed her with a small nod, letting her lead the way.


    "You look like you don''te to ces like this often," he remarked.


    "Exactly, I don''t," she said, chuckling as she looked back at him. "I''ve been waiting for this for so long. My mom is super busy, they don''t seem to care much about me. That''s why I spend so much time ying games," she said,ughing.


    "That''s not really something tough about, is it?"


    "Are you surprised?" she asked. "Have you ever heard about what happened to my father? I mean, it''s quite well-known. I wonder if Lily ever told you."


    "I heard a little about it," he replied.


    Hazel giggled excitedly, pointing towards a water ride. "Let''s do that one!"


    Soon, they found themselves queuing for the water ride, Hazel visibly bubbling with excitement. When their turn came, they secured seats at the very front of the ride, her eyes shining with anticipation.


    "You sure know how to pick a ride," Leon remarked. "It''s early, and you''re already choosing the water ride."


    Hazel turned to him. "I saw it and couldn''t resist. I guess that''s my impulsive side showing," she admitted,ughing lightly.


    The ride began, the train boat chugging forward and sshing water on both sides. The lively chatter andughter of the other riders added to the atmosphere. Leon felt the first cold spray of water hit his face, a refreshing jolt signaling the ride''s start.


    As the ride continued, it climbed a steep incline, the chain lift dragging them up towards what appeared to be a cave adorned with twinkling lights. Leon started to rx, caught up in the joyousughter around him. Hazel seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the experience as well.


    "This is amazing! I love it!" she eximed to Leon.


    Leon nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.


    The ride neared its climax, poised to make a sudden, steep descent. The anticipation was electric. As they hurtled downwards, the water awaiting them, Leon instinctively leaned forward to shield Hazel from the impending ssh. The wave crashed over them, soaking his back while Hazel remained mostly dry, though wide-eyed at the gesture.


    "Having fun, right?" he asked.


    Hazel looked at him, clearly flustered, and then chuckled. "I''ve seen something like this in a romance drama, where the guy does exactly what you just did. I have to say, you''ve earned


    some serious gentleman points. I''m so happy right now!"


    They exited the ride, droplets of water still clinging to them.


    "Do you need to change, Leon?"


    Leon shook his head. "Nah, it''s not too bad. I''ll dry off soon enough, as long as you don''t pick


    another water ride."


    Hazel giggled, grabbing his hand once more. "Alright, then! Let''s hit the roller coaster next!"


    she dered.


    It had been a day packed with rides. They had tried many attractions and eventually found themselves sitting in a park area, with Hazel enjoying her ice cream while listening to the


    laughter around them.


    "Do you believe..." she started, her voice trailing off.


    Leon turned to her. "Yes?"


    "If I told you that people..." she continued more softly this time, still watching the crowds


    pass by, "that people could be brought back to life..."


    Leon furrowed his brow in confusion.


    She went on, "in a game?"


    Leon processed the statement, trying to decipher her meaning.


    Hazel turned to him and smiled. "I want to share something extraordinary with you, but


    please, don''t be judgmental, okay? Because this is a real story, not something made up. Next


    time, I''ll show you the proof."


    "Yes, please," Leon nodded slowly.

 Chapter 234: Chapter 234 - Rollercoaster of Emotions

    Chapter 234: - Rollercoaster of Emotions


    ?


    Leon and Hazel took a moment on the bench, a breather from the whirl of amusement park attractions. Hazel savored her ice cream, her body swaying gently to the cheerful music


    ying from the nearby rides.


    As she licked her ice cream cone, Hazel''s expression grew somber for a moment. "I saw it with my own eyes," she began. "When they pulled my father''s dead body from the capsule device."


    She fell silent, her gaze distant, as if reying the haunting memory. "It''s a sight that never leaves my mind, no matter how hard I try to forget." Her tone was calm.


    "But you still chose to y the game, didn''t you?" Leon asked.


    She nodded in response, nibbling at the cone now.


    "You even dove deeper into the game," he continued.


    Hazel nodded again, a wry smile crossing her lips. "I have a reason..." she trailed off, then took a deep breath and looked up at him. "And I want to share that reason with you. I want to know your opinion."


    Leon nodded. "Yes, I''m here to listen."


    Hazel took a moment to finish her ice cream before speaking again, this time more slowly. "I met my father... in the game."


    Leon turned to her, surprised. "When he was still alive?"


    Hazel shook her head. "No, I met my father as an NPC in the game."


    A chill ran down Leon''s spine at this revtion. His curiosity peaked, he looked at her intently, eager to hear more.


    "Did he look like your father? The face?" he asked.


    Hazel shook her head again. "No, it''s a game character, an NPC. He had apletely different appearance, but I''m sure he is my father-at least in the way he talked and acted around me."


    Leon sat in silence, trying to process this. Could it be that Hazel was just projecting her hopes and desires to see her father onto this NPC?


    "You probably think I''m just hallucinating, right?" she said, turning to him with a smile.


    Leon didn''t respond.


    "I can''t exin it in words, but only I know that he''s him, my father. He lives inside the game, as a game character. He''s not just an NPC generated by a super AI like people im; I''m sure he''s the same person, with the same soul," she continued.


    Leon shook his head slightly. He tried to find reasons to reject this idea, but of course, he had none. This was Hazel''s interpretation of her experience in the game.


    "I knew him very well," she said softly. "Yes, he isn''t my biological father, but I love him a lot."


    Leon nodded, recalling the stories Lily had shared about Hazel''s parents.


    "When you love someone deeply and you encounter them again, even if they''re in a different body, it doesn''t take long for you to recognize them," she continued. "Because love is something that lives inside us. It''s always there, it never leaves."


    Hazel''s words stirred Leon''s memories of his own parents, his father and his mother, who had disappeared without a trace when he was a little kid. Even now, he couldn''t deny the longing The felt for them and would give anything to see them again.


    The love he had received from his parents still resided in his heart, and he missed that feeling, that sense of togetherness.


    "My father lost his life while he was surfing the game, Immortal Legacy," she went on.


    Leon remained silent, giving her space to share her story.


    "I wonder if the game took his soul and revived it inside the game, as an NPC," she continued. "Did you ever ask this NPC you met if he was the same person you meant?" Leon asked gently. Hazel shook her head. "This character would shake his head and respond haltingly, exactly the way my father used to whenever he tried to hide something from me. Trying to seem perfect in front of me, even though I knew how troubled his life had been since the ident," she said softly.


    Leon took a slow breath, trying to calm himself since this topic touched something sensitive within him as well.


    "Is it possible to bring someone back to life in a game? To use their personality and any data they had while alive to create a character that''s simr in the game?" she asked, turning to


    Leon.


    Leon shook his head slowly, not offering an answer.


    "I want to know more about Immortal Legacy," she continued. "I want to understand what lies behind this game-something that remains a mystery for many. Even the Golden Age Company hasn''t shared much about it. They just let everyone log in and explore, doing whatever they want, like giving us ess to another world where we can live any life we choose," she said, ending her words with a smile.


    Leon remained silent, giving Hazel space to speak.


    "That''s why," she went on, "I want to delve deeper into the game, reach new heights, and uncover the many secrets it holds." She paused, barely able to contain her enthusiasm. "And my level is high," she added with a soft giggle.


    "Above 200?" Leon murmured.


    Hazel shook her head as if keeping a secret. "My ss is cool, too."


    "You have a high-grade ss?"


    Hazel sighed. "This is a request from Lily, but don''t worry, I''ll see you soon, Leon," she said and giggled.


    They sat in silence, each absorbed in their own thoughts, watching the happy faces of people passing by in the amusement park. For a moment, Leon noticed that Hazel had moved closer, her shoulder now touching his.


    "Do you often meet the NPC you talked about... your father in the game?" Leon asked,


    hesitating slightly.


    Hazel shook her head. "Not anymore," she said softly, pausing. "It seems he is deliberately avoiding me."


    Leon wondered if he might experience the same-meeting his parents again in the game, even if it was just an illusion. The thought triggered a wave of emotion, a twinge of pain in his heart. It was the longing he always tried to bury. This conversation made him hope for something uncertain.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    If everyone who had passed away could be brought back to life in a game, wouldn''t that be extraordinary? It would change so many things in the world. People would never truly lose their loved ones. They could simply log into the game and encounter them there. Whether it''s real or not, the feelings in one''s heart would remain the same.


    Love doesn''t care whether what it loves is real or just a fantastical creation, a generated pixel made by a super AI. Maybe one day, this could be a reality.


    "Let''s go," Hazel said as she stood up. She reached out for Leon''s hand, standing in front of


    him.


    "I''ve taken up too much of your time. I''m happy, thank you," she added with a smile.


    Leon stood up as well and nodded.


    "Are you happy too?" she continued.


    Leon nodded immediately. "Yes, I''m happy. Thanks for the day, Hazel."


    Hazel giggled, then looked down before lifting her face again. "In a month, I''ll be 18, and I''ll


    be ready topete with the other women."


    Leon smiled at her words. "Are you serious?"


    Hazel nodded and pulled Leon''s hand. "Of course I am." She tilted her head, looking at him. "Besides, we share the same story, right?"


    Leon nodded, realizing she was referring to his parents, a topic she might have heard about from Lily.

 Chapter 235: Chapter 235 - Setting Sail with the Crowned Princess

    Chapter 235: - Setting Sail with the Crowned Princess


    ?


    Back at the Yunatea, the morning air was fresh and cool. Broken stood at attention on the pce grounds, his Invincible Paragon armor gleaming in the early light. Pride filled him as the sun''s rays danced off his polished suit.


    Today marked the beginning of Princess Alora''s grand expedition, and he had made it a point to get there early, determined to make sure everything was set before they began their journey.


    Taking a moment, he checked his overall stats onest time.


    [Name: Broken]


    [Level: 115]


    [ss: Unique - Super Novice | Unique - Royal cksmith]


    [Health: 11,580 | Mana: 4,988]


    [Strength: 695 | Agility: 324 | Intelligence: 349 | Constitution: 258 | Stamina: 500] [Charisma: 100 | Luck: 35 | Dexterity: 50 | Survival: 30 | Perception: 20]


    [Avable Stat Points: 0]


    [Weight: 3,619/4,170]


    He had allocated all his avable stat points and felt a sense of satisfaction as he noted his health had skyrocketed to nearly four times its previous value, courtesy of his Invincible Paragon set. This armor truly transformed him into a formidable tanker, ready to stand at the forefront of any battle.


    However, an issue still gnawed at him. Despite pouring every stat point he had into Strength, it wasn''t enough. When he equipped his Moonvine Knuckle or Wavebreaker Spears, his weight capacity was still exceeded.


    He checked his weight capacity again while holding the Wavebreaker Spear and sighed.


    [Weight: 5,199/4,770]


    "With my current stats, my movement speed is going to take a hit," he muttered.


    Unfortunately, the penalty was system-imposed and couldn''t be counteracted by the skills of his shoes.


    He needed at least another 80 stat points in Strength to cover all his deficiencies, and it seemed like he would need quite a bit of time for that. Thest time he checked, it took him about a month of Yunatea Time to gain just 8 levels. That was when he crafted the Invincible Paragon. As his level increased, the progress of leveling up slowed down significantly.


    However, this pace was still rapidpared to most other yers. In just around six months of Yunatea Time, he had climbed from level 25 to his current level, all without the tedious effort of hunting monsters. It was truly extraordinary!


    "And to think," he mused aloud, "all this happened without me having to grind endlessly." Broken''s presence that morning did not go unnoticed by the guards and knights stationed around the area. Some of them were scheduled to join the expedition with Princess Alora, while others were performing their regr duties.


    "That''s the armor Princess Alora wears too," one guard remarked.


    "It''s so beautiful and looks very sturdy."


    "He''s so lucky, a talented cksmith and a fighter. Does someone like that really exist?"


    "Yes. He''s a yer. Some of them have really extraordinary abilities."


    "They can''t die either. Damn, it must be so fun being like them."


    As Broken waited, he spotted six knights approaching from a distance. He quickly recognized them as his own knights, the same ones who would be joining the expedition that day.


    Igor and the others halted and lined up to salute. "My Lord, we are ready to join this expedition," Igor announced.


    Broken nodded. "I''m d to see you all here. Please, I want to hear about your progress."


    Igor was the first to respond. "I trained to better utilize everyone''s unique abilities and efficiency in teamwork, My Lord."


    Karl then spoke up, his voice firm. "My Lord, I have been training harder with my sword."


    Next was Yann. "I did more training with my bow, My Lord."


    Damir followed, his tone calmer than the others. "My Lord, I''ve learned a lot about magic and I''m ready to take on this role in battle."


    Broken nodded, satisfied with Damir''s dedication to his new role. "That''s good to hear, Damir."


    Anna then spoke, her voice cheerfully louder than the rest. "My Lord, I''m having fun with my greatsword, and I''ll dly crush our enemies with it."


    The other knights seemed a bit nervous at Anna''s enthusiastic demeanor in front of their Lord. Igor felt the need to teach her more aboutposure.


    "Good, Anna. I like your spirit. I want to see you more on the battlefield with your greatsword. Let''s crush our enemies hardter."


    "Yes, My Lord."


    The other knights seemed visibly relieved as Broken responded positively to Anna''s overly cheerful attitude.


    Finally, Ingrid spoke. "My Lord, I''ve been training with dual swords, and I''ve adapted quite well. I will do my best in my role."


    He then concluded, "All right, I''m quite pleased with your progress. I want you to stay focused on your training, and I''ll be providing more support to you soon."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Yes, My Lord," they responded in unison.


    Broken was quite pleased to hear the progress from his six knights. He also noticed their levels had increased, indicating significant development over the recent period. Their levels had risen by about 6 to 12 levels. Anna''s level had increased the most, followed closely by Inggrid.


    It seemed that those who adapted to new types of weapons advanced more rapidly. Perhaps this was because they had started engaging inbat styles that better matched their individual skills and talents.


    Afterward, Broken and the others waited as the knights who would join the expedition began to gather and prepare. Eventually, Princess Alora appeared in the distance, apanied by Knight Lionel and Mercy.


    Alora approached them wearing her Invincible Paragon armor, a striking red that perfectlyplemented her braided red hair flowing down her back. She looked every bit the part, perfectly suited to the armor. She exuded elegance as a princess yet appeared incredibly formidable as a knight. She walked with confidence in her armor, resembling a battlemander more than a crowned princess.


    As Alora walked closer, Broken stepped forward and saluted. "Good morning, Princess Alora. I''m here and ready to join you in this expedition," he said.


    Alora smiled at him. "The royal carriage has been prepared. You will ride with me because I want to discuss something with you."


    Broken was momentarily taken aback by her request but quickly regained hisposure. "It would be my pleasure, Princess," he replied.


    Alora then walked toward the royal carriage. The carriage was a pristine white adorned with golden decorations, featuring ss windows on both sides, each with curtains inside. The carriage was spacious enough tofortably seat around four people, though it currently had just a pair of plush seats on one side.


    Lionel held the door open for her as the Princess gracefully stepped inside, followed by Broken, who took a seat next to her. Soon after, they set off, leaving the pce grounds


    behind.


    Two Knight Grand Crosses, Princess Alora''s personal guards, joined them on the journey. Alongside them were Broken''s team of six knights and another six knights from Princess


    Alora''s own contingent.


    The knights spread out in front of and behind the princess''s carriage, each riding their own


    mount.


    The carriage rolled through the city streets, capturing the attention of many onlookers. They waved enthusiastically, knowing that Princess Alora was inside. She opened the ss window and waved back at them. However, the presence of someone sitting in the carriage with her stirred even more curiosity.


    Broken had intentionally put on his helmet after confirming it was okay with her beforehand.


    In Immortal Legacy, when someone masked their face, they could hide their name. Therefore, the onlookers had no information about Broken.


    "What the hell! Who is that person with Princess Alora?" Some yers eximed.


    "Damn, he''s so lucky."


    "They''re wearing matching armor sets? Why am I so jealous?"


    "It must be a yer! NPCs rarely hide their personal information."


    "Ugh, it''s frustrating just watching this from afar."


    Local residents were also intrigued. It was the first time seeing Princess Alora with someone


    whose identity they didn''t recognize. It was clearly not a knight, since her personal knights,


    Lionel and Mercy, were outside.


    "Who''s that with Her Highness in the carriage?"


    "I was wondering that too, but don''t they wear simr armor?"


    "Could it be the prince from the neighboring kingdom she''s betrothed to?"


    "Could it be that marrying off Princess Alora is a way to push her off the throne?" another


    spected.


    Although Broken couldn''t hear exactly what the people outside were saying, he clearly


    noticed how their eager eyes, which were initially focused on Princess Alora''s entourage,


    were now all looking at him.


    This only strengthened his resolve to keep his identity hidden. He couldn''t help but wonder, what was Princess Alora''s true purpose in doing this?

 Chapter 236: Chapter 236 - A Carriage Ride with the Princess

    Chapter 236: - A Carriage Ride with the Princess


    ?


    Princess Alora''s entourage finally passed through the city gates and began traveling along the roads outside the city. Feeling more at ease, Broken decided to remove his helmet and took a deep breath of relief.


    Princess Alora chuckled softly and turned to him.


    "Yes, Princess?" he asked, looking a bit puzzled.


    "Why do you seem afraid of being seen by so many people? This is a chance for you to raise your profile, being in the same carriage with me," she remarked.


    Broken sighed. "I think quite the opposite, Princess. Sure, I''m happy to be in the same carriage with you. But you might not know that I''m certain more people will hate me just for being here with you."


    "Really? Are you talking about the locals or the yers?"


    "I''m not sure about the locals, but yers will definitely curse me and hunt me down," Broken replied. "You have to understand that many yers idolize you. So, my being in the same carriage with you will surely make me a public enemy."


    "Are you scared?"


    "Scared?" Broken paused for a moment before sighing again.


    Alora simply chuckled at his reaction. "I think you''ll have to get used to it. I''ll be needing your help more in the future."


    Broken nodded resolutely. "I guess this is a risk I can bear if it''s for you," he said.


    "So..." Alora continued.


    "Yes?"


    "Are you one of those yers who idolizes me?" she asked.


    Broken paused for a moment, taking in her words. He was conversing directly with the crowned princess of Dissidia Kingdom. She wasn''t just any ordinary person; she was a royal, guarded by two Knight Grand Crosses. He felt unsure about the best way to answer such a question, especially given his limited interactions with people.


    "Yes," he answered quickly. "I can''t deny that I idolize you too."


    Alora chuckled at his words. "That''s a simple and straightforward answer."


    Broken nodded. "I''ve learned a lot about your profile, Princess."


    "And?"


    "Being a half-human, half-elf crowned princess, but in a difficult position even in your own home," he said.


    "Oh really? I''m d you understand my situation," she responded.


    "I mean, in my world, I often find myself in simr situations."


    "Are you a prince from a kingdom in your world? A half-race not desired by your people?"


    "No," Broken replied immediately. "Quite the opposite. I''m seen as trash on the streets, in the eyes of many people," he said,ughing a bit.


    "Is that literal or some term only you yers understand?"


    Broken shook his head. "What I mean to say is, more like being outcast because of situations beyond my control, things I never asked for."


    Alora nodded. "It seems hard, huh?"


    "What do you think, Princess?" he asked in return.


    Princess Alora paused, then looked straight ahead. "Being a crowned princess is a huge responsibility for me."


    Broken nodded slowly. "I can see how hard you work, even going down to the battlefield for it."


    Alora continued, "The ruler of this kingdom," she said, pausing again, "has always been a warrior, a battlemander, a warlord feared by many. Not the kind of ruler who simply sits on the throne and issuesmands."


    "Don''t other kingdoms operate the same way, Princess?"


    "Yes," Alora replied. "Most rulers are strong. But not many descend into every single battle that happens within their territories."


    Broken nodded, understanding the difference after hearing it directly from Alora. It also made him realize why Alora had such high overall stats, even though her level was around 200. She could clearly win against yers at simr levels, which was evident just from her stats. As for her skills, that was still a question he hadn''t found the answer to. He needed to see firsthand how Princess Alora fought in battle to truly understand.


    After discussing her role in the kingdom for a while, Alora began to delve into what they would be doing during the expedition.


    "So, you decided to join this expedition without knowing the details beforehand," she said. "What if I trap you and steal your armor?"


    Broken chuckled softly at her question. "No, please. Don''t do it now while I don''t have much value. Wait until I have more. Surely you won''t go to all that trouble just to acquire this simple set of armor, right?"


    Alora giggled at his words. "So..." she continued, "we are going to visit the miners today."


    "Miners?"


    "The kingdom''s ore supply has been disruptedtely. There have been many reports of increased monster activity in the kingdom''s mining area, and I''m going to investigate the cause," she exined.


    Broken tried to piece together the situation from her brief exnation. So, there is a central mining area where many miners work, but due to increased monster attacks, the ore supply has diminished.


    "Couldn''t you just issue a quest to the yers, Princess? They would be happy to hunt those monsters for experience points," he suggested.


    "No, I believe the situation we''re facing this time is quite unique," she replied. "But I won''t draw any conclusions until we see it firsthand."


    "Yes, I''m both eager to fight hordes of monsters and do some mining," he said.


    "You''re a miner too?"


    "I haven''t done it for long, but my Mining Technique is at level 5," he said quietly, feeling a bit embarrassed for mentioning the level of his mining skill.


    "Is that how yers show off?" she giggled.


    "Thanks for thepliment, Princess," he replied.


    Remembering the mining, Broken also recalled having previously repaired the pickaxe he received from Gia. It was a cherished item tied to his memories of mining Moonstones. Originally, the pickaxe was only Elite-grade, but after repairing and restoring its durability, it luckily upgraded to an Epic-grade pickaxe.


    [The Iron Solemn Pickaxe]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Stamina +50]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 325]


    [Only someone who works with unwavering dedication and toils tirelessly day and night deserves to wield this pickaxe. Commit yourself to the craft of mining, and show the world that you can shape a new future through your hard work.]


    [Skills:]


    [Increases the chance of mining high-quality ores by ten percent.]


    [Significantly reduces the stamina needed for mining.]


    There were no additional skills, but the existing ones were upgraded, offering better values. The pickaxe also now had a Stamina stat of 50. This was perfect for mining, as it provided him


    with extra stamina.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Should he do some miningter? Not necessarily to acquire ores, but perhaps just for the fun of it since he hadn''t done it in a while. After all, it would be a waste not to use the Epic-grade


    pickaxe.


    The journey was quite long, taking around two hours. This was the longest time Broken had ever spent talking with Princess Alora. The more they talked, the morefortable he became, gradually forgetting he was conversing with a crowned princess. This wasrgely due to Alora''s rxed demeanor and her encouragement for Broken to speak his mind freely. For Alora, she felt she was gaining a lot more support, particrly from the yers. Initially, this support came from the Ass Guild, but now she was hearing stories from Broken about people who had even formed fan clubs to idolize and admire her. To Alora, it was a unique and


    fascinating tale.


    Finally, they began to enter the mining town, a small settlement primarily inhabited by miners. Princess Alora''s entourage proceeded into the town and prepared to meet with the


    City Lord.

 Chapter 237: Chapter 237 - The Mysterious Miner

    Chapter 237: - The Mysterious Miner


    ?


    Princess Alora''s entourage finally reached their destination city. Lionell opened the carriage door, and she gracefully stepped out. Broken followed close behind, this time wearing his Obsidian Shroud¡ªa cloak that concealed his armor, making him look as though he were simply dressed in a ck robe.


    A short, stocky man with blonde hair, standing at about 1.5 meters (4.93 feet) tall, greeted them. His pristine white robe suggested he was likely the lord of the city.


    "Wee to our humble town, Your Highness, Princess Alora," said the NPC named Tristan.


    Princess Alora looked around before turning back to Tristan. "Please, tell me in detail about the problems guing this city, Lord Tristan."


    "Yes, Your Highness," Tristan replied, leading the way for Princess Alora to follow.


    Lionell and Mercy walked behind her, with Broken trailing after them. However, a few guards stepped in front of him.


    "You stay here," theymanded.


    "I came with Princess Alora," Broken asserted.


    Princess Alora, noticing themotion, turned back. "Lord Tristan, allow him toe with us," she requested.


    "But Your Highness, if I may ask, why would you bring a servant of the royal household here?" Tristan inquired. "I''ve arranged a grand feast for you; let him stay here."


    "No, he is Baron Broken, the Lord of Slumdon Town," Alora rified.


    Tristan paused, then let out a small chuckle. "Ah, hahah! Forgive me. In that case, very well," he said, then resumed leading the way.


    As they followed Tristan, Broken decided to casually check Tristan''s status. After ncing at it, a frown creased his forehead.


    [Name: Tristan]


    [Level: 225]


    [Strength: ??? | Agility: ??? | Intelligence: 980 | Constitution: ??? | Stamina: ???]


    "980 Intelligence stat value!" Broken muttered in disbelief as he stared at Tristan''s status. At level 225, Tristan''s Intelligence was extraordinarily high. Although the rest of his stats were hidden from view, there was no doubt in Broken''s mind that this man was a formidable magic


    caster.


    "With power that great, shouldn''t he be able to handle the problems on his own?" he thought to himself. "His level is even higher than Princess Alora''s, although still lower than the two Knight Grand Crosses."


    Curiosity piqued, Broken began checking the status of other people around the area. Most were regr NPCs with low stats, fitting for their roles as miners. Their levels ranged from the twenties, with the strongest among them peaking at around level fifty-those were the ones with more robust builds.


    But then, something peculiar caught his attention. Among a group gathered in the distance, one individual''s stats appeared... unusual. There were no values visible for this person. No level, no stats-nothing.


    [Name: Ulrich]


    [Level: ???]


    [Strength: ??? | Agility: ??? | Intelligence: ??? | Constitution: ??? | Stamina: ???]


    "Why?" Broken wondered.


    This was a first for him. Even when he had checked King Alorik''s status, despite the high level, he could still glean some information. Yet this NPC, named Ulrich, was aplete enigma.


    Ulrich looked unremarkable at a nce-a thin, disheveled man with dirty, dusty clothes that seemed to bear the remnants of a cave. He clutched a pickaxe and stood among the other miners, who were all at about level twenty.


    "Is there some condition preventing me from using my Perception skill?" Broken wondered, ncing around him. Usually, as he got closer to someone, he could learn more information about them.


    He tried to scan everyone in the vicinity once more. And once again, he found another person with simr unviewable stats. This time, it was a city guard. Just like before, Broken couldn''t see their level or any of their stats.


    His curiosity deepened as he continued scanning around. He identified at least six people with the same issue. Stopping to ponder, he questioned whether he should take this seriously or if it was just a coincidence. He lifted his head and nced at Tristan, who was engrossed in conversation, sharing various random details with Princess Alora.


    "Is something troubling you, Baron Broken?" Lionell asked, slowing his pace to match Broken''s stride.


    "Uh... Not really, but..." Broken replied hesitantly.


    "You look puzzled. Is there something you need?" Lionell prodded.


    "Actually, I have a question."


    "Yes?"


    "Does this city have any high-level guards or protectors? Or is it just workers?"


    Lionell immediately responded, "There are a few guards with levels up to 150 here. But their numbers are limited. The monsters in the surrounding area are generally low-level, and even though this is a mining town, it''s seldom visited by yers due to the previously low monster activity," Lionell exined.


    "What about the City Lord?" Broken asked quietly, casting a cautious nce at Tristan to ensure he wasn''t overheard.


    "Lord Tristan''s level isn''t that high, which is why he has a few guards here. However, the kingdom frequently provides additional troops for support, such as now, as we are dealing with the city''s issues," Lionell borated.


    Lionell''s exnation made it clear that most city guards had levels not exceeding 150. However, what stood out as peculiar was Tristan''s status. With a level of over 225, he possessed a significantly high level for the current average standards. Even members of the Ass Guild, renowned for their strength, had average levels below 210-already considered high for most yers.


    Given this, Tristan was certainly not an ordinary NPC. There had to be a special role or purpose he held, beyond merely being the City Lord overseeing the town.


    Upon arriving at the residence of the City Lord, Princess Alora was invited to sit, and Tristan took his seat opposite her. It was an outdoor area.


    The two Knight Grand Crosses stood watch near Princess Alora while Broken positioned himself close to Lionell and Mercy, the two towering figures evenpared to him.


    Tristan began to exin the city''s issues. "We have conducted an in-depth investigation, Your Highness, and we''ve concluded that the problem originates from three caves near the city," he exined. "These caves are heavily used for mining, buttely, monsters have been emerging from them, and we''ve ceased mining operations out of fear."


    "We only need to eradicate all the monsters in each cave. I believe that''s the simplest solution we can undertake right now," Princess Alora suggested.


    "But..." Tristan responded, his face showing worry.


    "The city faces nightly attacks from monsters trying to breach the walls. Because of this, no one dares to venture out at night. We have a limited number of city guards, so we can only fend off the monsters from the top of the wall, shooting arrows to keep them from breaking through and entering the city. It''s be more than we can handle," he said, shaking his


    head frantically.


    A short whileter, two city guards arrived, escorting a miner with a terrified expression. Broken immediately recognized the NPC as Ulrich, the miner whose stats he couldn''t view, alongside two city guards whose stats were simrly hidden.


    "Here, Your Highness. This miner has firsthand experience of the monster attacks," Tristan exined. "Tell us about the source of the monsters, Ulrich."


    Ulrich''s face was a mask of panic, his eyes wide and his body trembling. "The monsters came from within the cave..." he stammered, his hands shaking. "There''s a terrifying presence, like demons! Demons! Demons are going to attack the city!" he cried out, copsing to his knees,n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    drenched in sweat.


    Princess Alora stood up and knelt before Ulrich, one knee on the ground. "Tell me, where do these monsterse from? Can you show me the ce?"


    "Yes... Your Highness. I will show you," Ulrich replied, his voice quivering.


    Princess Alora stood up. "I wille and inspect the area at once."


    Tristan quickly rose, a worried look on his face. "Your Highness, since there are multiple


    spots that need to be checked, how about we divide our resources? I mean, what if Sir Lionell and Sir Mercy inspect the other caves while I apany you to where Ulrich found the source


    of the problem?"


    "Alright, I agree," Alora said, giving instructions to Lionell and Mercy. She then turned to


    Broken.


    "Will youe with me?" she asked.


    Broken took out his pickaxe and grinned. "Yes, Your Highness, the spirit of a miner burns


    within me. I want to try mining in this ce," he said, ncing at Tristan.


    Tristan responded with a thin, almost unreadable smile.


    "Are you a City Lord or a miner?" Tristan inquired with a raised eyebrow.


    "I''m a City Lord, but also a miner," Broken replied with a smile.


    Tristan didn''t respond further; he simply nodded and proceeded to lead the way for Princess


    Alora.

 Chapter 238: Chapter 238 - Exploring the Depths of the Cave

    Chapter 238: - Exploring the Depths of the Cave


    ?


    The location that Broken and Princess Alora were headed to was about a 30-minute walk. It was a cave situated in a deste desert area. Scattered around were several carts filled with ores, and broken pickaxes littered the ground. There were also bloodstains near the cave''s entrance. When they arrived, Ulrich, with eyes wide, turned to face Alora.


    "Your Highness, it''s inside, about a 30-minute walk," he said, his voice trembling.


    "Okay, let''s proceed," Aloramanded.


    Princess Alora led the way, followed by Tristan, Ulrich, two city guards, and Broken. Inside the cave, the path was illuminated by crystalmps ced every few steps. The cave appeared chaotic, with broken wooden carts scattered around and other signs of disarray.


    Broken paused briefly, his mind drifting back to Ulrich''s warnings about encountering demons in this unforgiving ce. Demons? Were they mindless ones or named demons with terrifying powers? The very thought filled him with unease, especially considering the anomalies he had noticed among the other NPCs.


    From all he knew, demons were rarely seen in the South Continent-at least, that was his understanding¡ªunless they were Gluttony Champions like Paul, who was half-demon due to his unique ss.


    Demons inhabited the East Continent exclusively, as ity within their domain. However, if demons were indeed present in the South Continent, particrly in the Dissidia Kingdom, it could potentially be linked to a sinister plot to usurp the throne from Princess Alora.


    If that were true, it would indeed make this situation dire. Should demons be found in this region, it likely involved some members of the Gluttony Champions or individuals under themand of Demian. He contemted the gravity of their current predicament.


    Moreover, the presence of Tristan and the three others raised additional questions. Broken''s inability to discern their statuses or levels added to his concerns. It was clear, though, that Tristan possessed formidable power. But he seemed to be intentionally concealing it for unknown reasons.


    For now, Broken decided to y the fool, masking his awareness to uncover their true intentions. Despite all uncertainties, he ced his trust in Princess Alora''s outstanding abilities, impressive level, and extraordinary stats. Furthermore, he had his own arsenal, including the Unique-grade All You Need Ticket, a powerful resource he hoped would aid them in any critical moments.


    Two pairs of red eyes approached rapidly from the distance, and soon, a ck wolf appeared with two pairs of horns, standing menacingly.


    Seeing this, Ulrich yelled and tried to flee, but the city guards held him back. "Demons, the demons have arrived... no, let me go, I want to save my life... the demons are terrifying. We won''t survive," he said in a panic.


    But Princess Alora quickly drew her sword, a ck de adorned with red patterns. The creature was a level 210 monster wolf, but Princess Alora dashed forward, her body almost bing transparent as she swiftly decapitated it. With a single strike, the monster fell and disintegrated into pixel fragments.


    "Damn, that was an incredible disy of power," thought Broken to himself.


    Princess Alora turned to the others. "It was only a normal monster, not a demon creature," she exined.


    Tristan forced a smile on his face. "Your Highness, yourbat skills are truly undeniable. You are extraordinary, and I am confident you will be a worthy ruler for the future of Dissidia Kingdom."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Alora gave a faint smile, then turned back around and continued her journey inward.


    Throughout the journey, Ulrich repeatedly rambled and screamed, causing his voice to echo throughout the cave.


    "Demons are terrifying, they will kill us all. Please believe me, our lives are in danger," he cried hysterically.


    "We''re all going to die because of the demons!" he shouted frantically.


    One of the city guards shook Ulrich roughly. "Shut up, or you''ll just attract more monsters." "Bu-but... I''m so scared..." Ulrich stammered.


    Their path frequently forked, and that was when Ulrich''s knowledge came into y. With trembling hands and wide eyes, he pointed to one of the branches. "The demons came from that direction," he said, terrified.


    Alora nodded and continued leading the way. After some time, another group of monsters approached¡ªjust like the monster wolves they had encountered before.


    One of the city guards brandished his spear and immediately moved to block Broken, pushing him back.


    "Step back if you don''t want to die foolishly," he said firmly, almost shouting.


    Broken gave a thin smile. "Sorry..." he mumbled and then took out his pickaxe, lifting it up. "I''m just a miner; facing monsters like these is far from my daily routine," he said.


    "Then it''s a stupid decision to follow us here," the city guard retorted. "It''s a pity your people will soon lose their lord again," he added with a faint, sarcastic smile.


    Once again, Alora demonstrated her mastery of the sword. She dashed forward, her red sword and armor reflecting the crystal light from the cave walls, creating the illusion of vibrant red lines dancing amidst the horde of wolves.


    The number of wolf monsters kept increasing till they were in the dozens. But Princess Alora moved swiftly, her every sh decapitating a monster effortlessly. She dodged, darted, and struck with agility, showing no hint of hesitation in her movements. This spectacr disy left everyone watching in awe of herbat prowess.


    The monsters she faced were not minor creatures; they were all above level 200 and should not have been defeated so easily. Yet, even in this challenge, Princess Alora didn''t use any active skills and still managed to handle the monsters with ease.


    With a final sh, she finished thest monster and stood tall, calmly cing her sword back into her dimensional storage. She turned to face the others. "Still no demons," she


    announced.


    Tristan''s stern face broke into a stiff smile. "That was truly nerve-wracking. I almost wet my pants watching those monsters," he said, his voice trembling.


    Several times, the same monster attacks kepting, but Princess Alora always handled them with ease, even in the narrow cave passages. While waiting, Broken amused himself by swinging his pickaxe around the cave, attempting some mining-hoping perhaps to level up


    his mining skill.


    The city guards nced at Broken with puzzled expressions.


    "I need more ores to sell. Mind if I do some mining here?" he asked.


    The city guards didn''t bother to reply, and Broken continued his task. He even managed to find some high-quality iron ores, which he quickly stored in his inventory.


    After another battle ended, the group prepared to move on again, but this time, Tristan looked concerned and turned to Broken.


    "You''re certainly mining in the wrong ce. Go away and stop bothering us," he said.


    "Wait, I''m only mining while waiting. Better than doing nothing, right?" Broken replied


    quietly.


    "He is with me," Princess Alora interjected. "No need to worry. Baron Broken isn''t just anyone; he hasbat abilities."


    Tristan smiled and turned back to Princess Alora. "You are indeed a good leader, Your Highness, treating even a useless baron like him, who''s just a miner, with respect. But saying


    he hasbat ability sounds like an over-the-top joke."


    Princess Alora merely smiled and continued walking.


    [The activation of the Self Transcendence Blessing is triggered.]


    [The Self Transcendence Blessing analyzes the optimal upgrade suitable for the current


    situation.]


    [The yer is granted a new Unique-grade ss...]


    "No way, a Unique-grade ss?" Broken whispered, barely able to believe what he was


    seeing.

 Chapter 239: Chapter 239 - Rift Digger Class

    Chapter 239: - Rift Digger ss


    ?


    [The yer is granted a new Unique-grade ss Rift Digger]


    [The new skill Quake Strike (Active Skill) Lv. 1 has been unlocked.]


    [The new skill Miner''s Fortitude (Conditional Passive Skill) Lv. 1 has been unlocked.] [The new skill Treasure Sense (Conditional Passive Skill) has been unlocked.]


    [The new skill Puzzle Smacker (Conditional Active Skill) Lv. 1 has been unlocked.]


    Broken stood still for a moment after reading the notification in front of him, muttering a curse to himself. It was a blend of joy and amazement-he had received yet another Unique- grade ss just like that! And all this happened due to the Self-Transcendence Blessing bestowed by Goddess Akidia. Just how far-reaching is the capability of this blessing?


    A Unique-grade ss was given to him without any effort! And what is this, Rift Digger? Even ording to the info he knew, only a handful of yers possessed Unique-grade sses, yet here he was with three Unique-grade sses! He surely felt like he had raided an entire treasure trove!


    From the set of skills he skimmed, it seemed like this ss heavily depended on the use of a pickaxe. Damn, why did he have to get a miner''s ss when he was only doing it as a passing fancy?


    But then, a miner''s ss was indeed perfect when paired with a cksmith. However, he couldn''t help but wonder why a miner? This meant he would have to focus even more on using this ss, especially given the intriguing set of skills he had briefly read from the notification.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He needed to thoroughly read through each skill because this clearly sparked his excitement. [Quake Strike (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    [Whacking the ground with your trusty pickaxe causes a mini earthquake that shakes and stuns enemies in a small area around the caster.]


    [Deals 300% of physical attack as damage and stuns enemies for 1 second.


    Mana Cost: 400


    Cooldown: 10 seconds]


    The first skill, Quake Strike, was simply an offensive move using a pickaxe. Seriously, why did this ss need an offensive skill? And with a pickaxe of all things? A pickaxe didn''t even have a damage stat, did it? It seemed useless unless he could craft a new pickaxe with good offensive capabilities and physical damage.


    However, the skill did have a one-second stun and a short ten-second cooldown. This meant he could use the pickaxe to disrupt opponents'' moves every ten seconds. That was quite valuable, considering it was only a level 1 skill. But for now, the mana cost felt steep at 400. Leveling up the skill would likely be a challenge since he rarely engaged inbat. Still, it offered another option among the offensive skills he possessed.


    [Miner''s Fortitude (Conditional Passive Skill) Lv. 1]


    [Years of swinging that pickaxe have toughened you up, boosting your defense and health. Who knew mining could be such a workout?]


    [Increases defense by 5% and maximum Health by 2,000.]


    The second skill, Miner''s Fortitude, increased defense and health when holding a pickaxe. But why? When someone was preparing for a fight, they''d surely choose a more practical weapon, right? Why hold a pickaxe that only increases defense and maximum health?


    Broken had many questions about the set of skills he had gained. Yet again, he hadn''t fully explored their potential. But since this was a Unique-grade ss, the skills and their potential should be quite impressive.


    He would really need to craft a better pickaxe, one that could be used for both mining and battling effectively.


    [Treasure Sense (Conditional Passive Skill)]


    [Equipped with a pickaxe, you integrate a radar-like sense with your map to detect hidden treasures.]


    The third skill, Treasure Sense, felt truly amazing when he read about it. First, it was a passive skill, so he only needed to wield a pickaxe to activate the radar. The skill didn''t have levels, meaning he could immediately use it to explore the mining cave with its most optimum potential.


    As he examined it, Broken noticed an upgrade to his map system. He observed several icons on the map indicating spots with higher ore concentrations both ahead and behind in the corridor. This was indeed a very useful skill.


    There were many incredibly expensive and rare ores in the world of Yunatea. If he could truly take advantage of this skill, he should be able to find something valuable for crafting better items or selling.


    The potential was immense. He could gain a lot of profit by utilizing this skill.


    But then the thought of carrying a pickaxe everywhere he went seemed quite bothersome. People might think he had nothing better to do if he constantly carried a pickaxe instead of storing it in his inventory.


    They might even start calling him "Broken the Pickaxe Lover" if he never let go of it. This was somewhat worrisome, but he couldn''tin. He acquired these abilities instantly, with no effort! Surely, only a Sloth Champion could achieve such a thing.


    [Puzzle Smacker (Conditional Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    [With your pickaxe, you can smash through puzzle elements as if you''re breaking rocks. Each swing has a chance to solve the puzzle, leave it unchanged, or, if you''re not careful, break it


    entirely!]


    [Each hit has a 10% chance to solve the puzzle, a 10% chance to destroy it, and an 80% chance to leave it unchanged. Each attempt increases the chance to destroy it by 5%.]


    The truly extraordinary aspects of this Unique-grade ss began to reveal themselves when he read about the fourth skill, Puzzle Smacker. This skill was truly phenomenal. For a miner exploring areas, especially those inside caves, encountering puzzles could be quite a nuisance. But with this skill, he could solve puzzles simply by smacking them!


    He felt a surge of excitement at the thought of trying this out, particrly since dungeons often contained puzzles that required time and thought to solve. Could this skill unlock sealed chambers, too? He would need to experiment more with these skills. Clearly, with abilities like these, the Rift Digger ss was proving to be quite the game-changer.


    But there was one drawback to this skill: the more he attempted to instantly solve a puzzle, the higher the chance it would break. What would happen if the puzzle broke? Would it destroy and eliminate the entire mechanism? Would that mean the puzzle didn''t need to be solved at all?


    He decided to leave this thought for now, nning to test it out whenever he had the chance.


    The journey through the cave corridor continued, and they had spent over an hour inside. This was much longer than what Ulrich had originally exined when he said it wouldn''t take this long to reach their destination.


    As they walked further, the cave corridor widened until they saw a faint light at the end of the tunnel. Ulrich suddenly fell silent, a terrified look on his face as he pointed toward the light. "Over there... the demons are over there!" he said, trembling with fear.


    Alora turned to Ulrich. "Are you sure the demons are there?" she asked softly but firmly.


    "The demons will devour us. They''ll kill us! We won''t be able to escape," Ulrich continued,


    his voice shaking.


    Alora appeared to mull over the situation. Just then, Tristan spoke up. "Your Highness, should we check that ce out? Or should we bring more troops if you''re not confident in doing it now?" he said with a slight smile.


    Broken sighed, recognizing that Tristan was clearly challenging Princess Alora.


    This asshole! he thought.

 Chapter 240: Chapter 240 - Tricked and Trapped

    Chapter 240: - Tricked and Trapped


    ?


    Broken inspected the map and noticed that at the end of the cave corridor was arge chamber with a pair of massive doors slightly ajar. His new skill, Treasure Sense, pointed it out to him, proving just how useful the skill was in situations like this.


    "Those huge doors," Broken thought, "there must be something extraordinary down here, especially since this cave should only have minerals for mining."


    "Let me check what''s in there first," Alora said.


    "Princess," Broken called after her.


    Alora turned towards him. "Don''t worry, I won''t be reckless," she promised, before heading towards therge chamber.


    As she entered, her silhouette was visible from a distance; she only peeked from the edge of the cave corridor, not venturing too far in. After a brief moment, she turned back and motioned for the others with a wave of her hand.


    "Come on, it looks safe," she said.


    The rest followed, moving towards the light. When they entered the vast chamber, they saw a pair of huge doors with crystalmps on either side, flickering like mes. The doors were slightly open, just enough for an adult to squeeze through, but it was clear that the inside was pitch dark.


    They walked closer to the massive, towering doors that reached up to the cave''s ceiling and paused for a moment.


    "The demons are inside!" Ulrich screamed in panic, his thin frame held by the city guards. Alora appeared deep in thought. She turned to the others. "The door looks dark inside; we can''t see anything unless we go in to find out what''s there," she said.


    "Let me apany you, Princess," Broken offered.


    Alora considered this for a moment. "No, let me check first. You stay here and guard them," she decided.


    But Broken was more concerned about Alora than about the strangers. "Sorry, Princess, but I can''t let you go in alone. I will apany you," he insisted.


    Tristan then snapped, stepping towards Broken. "How dare you defy an order from her highness, Princess Alora? Who do you think you are?" he roared, his voice echoing loudly in the chamber.


    "Enough!" Aloramanded sharply.


    "But your highness, this man has openly defied your orders! He deserves punishment!" Tristan shouted angrily.


    "I understand," Alora replied. "Now, it''s my turn to speak!" she said more firmly this time. The room fell silent after Alora asserted her authority. She turned back to Broken. "Broken, I will go just to the entrance to see what''s inside with this crystalmp," she said. "I''ll follow right behind you," he asserted. "Sorry, Princess, but I insist."


    "It''s okay," Alora replied.


    Alora moved closer to the doors, with Broken following closely behind. When they reached the entrance, Alora tried to push the doors open further but found them too heavy. She then attempted to slip inside, with Broken ready to follow.


    But then...


    A sudden magic circle materialized above Tristan''s head, spinning rapidly before unleashing a barrage of attacks toward Alora and Broken. It all happened in an instant. Alora was thrown inside with a loud crash, and the door mmed shut, leaving Broken on the outside.


    "Alora!" Broken shouted, pounding on the door.


    Broken stood frozen, panic surging through him as the heavy door mmed shut, trapping Princess Alora on the other side. He leaped to his feet, pounding his fists desperately against the solid barrier, his heart pounding as hard as his fists. The door was an immovable obstacle, crafted from some unyielding material far beyond his ability to open.


    "Damn it!" He cursed, anger and self-reproach mixing in his voice as he berated himself for letting this happen right before his eyes!


    He spun around to face Tristan and the three others, all of whom wore expressions of shock, though much of it was feigned, especially in Tristan''s case.


    "Damn! You did this!" Broken roared, his voice echoing in the confined space.


    "Huh?!" Tristan replied, feigning ignorance with a wide-eyed look of surprise. "Huh?! Hah!" His response became gradually more sardonic, and then his face split into a wicked smile. Instantly, his feigned surprise dissolved into maniacalughter.


    "Ha ha ha ha ha ha!"


    Tristan''sugh bellowed loudly, reverberating off the cave walls. He doubled over, clutching his midsection as if his amusement caused him physical pain. Hisughter was so unrestrained it seemed to possess him entirely.


    "Damn it! I''ll kill you!" Broken shouted angrily.


    Ulrich, who had been standing nearby with a frightened expression, nced over at Tristan. Suddenly, he, too, began tough.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Ha ha," he started, hisughter hesitant at first. "Ha." But soon, it escted into a crazed, uncontroble fit. "Ha ha ha ha ha ha!"


    The city guards, now infected by the madness themselves, joined the wildughter. The cave''s echo turned the sound into a crazy, overwhelming chorus.


    "I have to kill them and save Alora," Broken eximed. "Who knows what''s inside? She might be in trouble!"


    "She''s so stupid, hahaha," Tristan continued, still trying to control his fits ofughter.


    "She''s so... stupid!" he suddenly stoppedughing and stood upright, his face stern.


    Seeing Tristan stop, Ulrich and the others also ceased theirughter.


    "She''s so stupid, she fell right into my trap! Hahaha," Tristanughed again. "See, it turns out this was easy. The crowned princess fell right into my setup. And now she won''t be able to


    get out!"


    Seeing Tristan, the other three joined inughing once more.


    Broken lifted the pickaxe, pointing it at the four of them. He knew he needed to eliminate them quickly, but first, he had to gauge their strength. He couldn''t afford to go all out without truly understanding his opponents.


    "What is that? A pickaxe?" Tristan said with a maniacal grin. "You intend to fight us with a pickaxe? Hahaha... Alora is dead, she''s really dead. We did it with hardly any effort. Now, the


    future of Dissidia Kingdom will changepletely."


    [Quake Strike (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    Broken mmed the pickaxe into the ground, causing an explosion that cracked the earth and spread in all directions. The impact rippled outward, catching his enemies off guard and unleashing a surge of energy. The force knocked them back, leaving them frozen in ce, clearly affected by the stun skill he had cast. They stood motionless, stunned!


    Dropping the pickaxe, Broken swiftly drew his Wavebreaker Spear.


    [Dash (Active Skill)]


    He dashed towards Ulrich, whom he suspected was the weakest among them. He only had a


    second to act.


    He spun the spear and thrust it towards Ulrich''s neck.


    [Spiral Pierce (Conditional Passive Skill) Lv. 1]


    The spear pierced through, and in a swift motion, Broken sliced sideways, nearly severing Ulrich''s neck. Without hesitation, he turned to attack the city guards. However, they had already shaken off the effects of the stun and were ready to fight back.


    "Damn, kill him!" shouted Tristan.


    The two city guards lunged at Broken with their spears, attacking simultaneously.


    Broken spun his spear, parrying both attacks in one swift motion. A powerful burst of energy


    erupted, causing the cave chamber to tremble.


    [Spear Guard (Conditional Passive Skill) Lv. 1]


    The parry skill activated, causing Broken and the city guards to be thrown back. Regaining his stance, Broken kept his distance, trying to assess the situation. His previous attack had little


    impact on the city guards.


    Their levels must be over 200!


    Broken now knew he had to get serious.

 Chapter 241: Chapter 241 - Calculating the Demons’ Might

    Chapter 241: - Calcting the Demons¡¯ Might


    ?


    Broken''s attention shifted to Ulrich, whoy on the ground. Yet, to his horror, Ulrich stood up again, his nearly severed head hanging grotesquely to one side. Slowly, it began to reattach itself, the sinews and veins knitting together with dark, bloody tendrils. Ulrich''s body darkened, his skin turning a deep, ominous red. He had revealed his true form.


    [Elite - Bloodfiend Ulrich Lv. 215]


    "Kha kha kha kha..." Ulrich cackled shrilly.


    "Damn, they''re demons!" Broken gripped his spear tightly. It was clear that Ulrich was a demon. The others were likely demons, too.


    "So, Alora was right. This foolish yer also has abat ss," Tristan said, his voice high- pitched. "But I want to see just how strong he is."


    The two city guards immediately spread out, encircling Broken from both sides, their spears pointed at him. Meanwhile, the demon Ulrich readied himself, his ws extending and shimmering with dark energy. Tristan, the magic caster, retreated, preparing tounch spells from a distance.


    This was it-the real battle Broken had to face on his own. It was time to put all his training and preparations to the test. He tightened his grip on his spear, determination ring in his eyes.


    He had to kill these four demons-no matter what!


    [Invincible Shields (Active Skill)]


    Broken activated his skill, and earth-colored energy immediately formed,yering over his armor, ready to nullify any attack he received.


    [Earth Elemental Protection (Active Skill)]


    He activated another skill, adding an additional shield equal to 30% of his Health to his outeryer.


    He spun his spear and readied himself, knowing this would be a tough fight. Yet, despite the danger, a thin smile appeared on his face. He felt a surge of excitement and anticipation coursing through him.


    [Oceanic Blessing (Passive Skill)]


    The passive skill from the Wavebreaker Spear enveloped Broken in an aura of energy that ignored 50% of the enemy''s defense and reduced iing damage by 20%. Additionally, it had a chance to summon an oceanic spear to deal an extra 200% damage, and each attack slowed the target''s attack speed by 20% for 0.5 seconds.


    The first guard charged, aiming to strike Broken with his spear. Broken readied himself as the others also rushed at him. He spun his spear, parrying the first guard''s attack.


    [Spear Guard (Conditional Passive Skill) Lv. 1]


    The impact sent the first guard reeling backward, arge gash appearing on his chest armor. [Dash (Active Skill)]


    Broken activated his Dash, swiftly dodging the second guard''s attack. He spun his spear and shed at the guard''s left side, leaving a wound.


    [Spiral Pierce (Conditional Passive Skill) Lv. 1]


    An additional spear materialized in the air, delivering a simr strike to the second guard¡ª an effect triggered by Oceanic Blessing.


    The battle was far from over. Broken maintained his distance, using Dash whenever he had the chance. Ulrich attacked with speed, his ws aiming to tear through Broken''s defenses. Broken continuously spun his spear, parrying each strike with precision and agility. Though he was still getting used to the intricate movements, he slowly began to adapt, finding his rhythm with the spear.


    The two guards advanced from opposite directions. Broken parried the assault for the first guard, but a blow from behind struck his neck. Fortunately, his Invincible Shields absorbed the impact, nullifying any damage.


    Determined to stay in control, Broken nimbly leaped backward, utilizing his Dash ability each time it became avable. Though he persistently sought openings to strike, he found himself ensnared in a relentless dance of dodging and parrying.


    With a rapid flick of his wrist, he executed another wless parry against the first guard, sending the attacker reeling backward.


    They shed fiercely for several moments, but it was clear that Broken was struggling to fend off attacks from three opponents at once. He took a few hits, and slowly but surely, theyers of his Invincible Shields skill were being worn down.


    Summoning his skill, he activated [Groundbreaker (Active Skill) Lv. 1].


    Broken mmed his spear into the earth, the force causing it to split open and knock the second guard off bnce. Ulrich, who had been charging towards him, was also caught in the seismic upheaval.


    [Chain-Strike (Conditional Active Skill)]


    [Chain-Strike chance sessfully triggered]


    A series of powerful shockwaves erupted from beneath Broken,unching waves of energy toward the second guard and Ulrich. The ground pulsed with destructive force, each blow hitting its mark five times in quick session. This time, Ulrich didn''t emerge unscathed; fresh wounds marked his body, evidence of the fierce damage inflicted.


    This was Broken''s moment to counterattack. However, he quickly noticed the first guard swinging a spear from the right. Unable to mount an offensive, he opted for a parry. Unfortunately, his Invincible Shields had worn off. The impact sent him sprawling across the ground, tumbling wildly until he collided with the massive door behind him. The blow was powerful, leaving him reeling, though Invincible Paragon ensured he remained unharmed.


    In this fleeting opportunity, Broken could have activated Invincible Force Reflection to hurl the attack back at his enemies. However, the pace of the battle left him overwhelmed, with the rapid onught and multitude of skills needing precise timing.


    This was his first encounter with intelligent creatures wielding such strategic prowess. Unlike the feral monsters he had faced before, these adversaries attacked with coordination, meticulously probing for any weakness in his defense. Their calcted strikes continually tested his resolve, keeping him on the edge of his capabilities.


    They were tough! That was all Broken could think.


    Yet, instead of fear, a thrill surged through him-a sense of exhration! He loved to fight, and in moments like these, he felt truly alive. Every cell in his body seemed to awaken, and he wanted nothing more than to indulge in the battle all day long.


    Regaining his footing, he made sure everything was intact. His Mana was gradually replenishing. He hadn''t expended much on high-demand skills, so his reserves were still in good shape.


    Maintaining a cautious distance, he noticed his enemies were also holding back momentarily, not pressing their attack immediately. He was eager to dive back into the fray but knew he needed to conclude this quickly.


    Summoning Gaia was out of the question for now; the cooldown for her summoning was one hour. He needed Gaia to assist Alora inside and couldn''t afford any mistakes now. Thus, he had to reserve her for a more critical moment.


    Having observed and endured his opponents'' attacks, Broken now had a firm grasp of their strengths. With renewed confidence, he felt ready to unleash his full might against them. He noted with some relief that Tristan had yet to step in to aid hisrades. This was a strategic advantage-if he could incapacitate these three first, he''d have a better shot at confronting Tristan, who seemed the most formidable of the group.


    "Now you''re getting serious?" Tristan taunted, hisughter echoing through the air. "Show us everything you''ve got before we kill you and send you away from here. Then we''ll prepare the death feast for the Princess."


    "No," Broken retorted, a smirk curling his lips. "Facing you lot doesn''t require my full seriousness. You are strong, I''ll give you that, but you''re not that smart," he said with a


    confident edge to his voice.


    Tristan''sugh rang out, a sound filled with smug assurance. "Then show me what you''ve


    got, asshole!"


    "Polly," Broken murmured quietly. In an instant, Polly emerged in her battle form, her four


    tails glowing brilliantly.


    "Master, I''ll fight for you..." Polly whispered.


    "Polly, I need you to deal with these bastards," Broken replied.


    "Alright, Master..." Polly answered softly.


    Broken drew the Moonvine Knuckles. "Dendros!" he called out.


    [Summon the Guardian (Active Skill)]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    An explosion of verdant energy burst forth. Dendros appeared rapidly from the air like a torrent of vines and flora, coalescing into a formidable warrior forged from nt matter. The guardian equipped itself with the knuckles, ready to fight alongside Broken.


    "Alright, I''m ready now," Broken said more seriously.


    Polly cloned herself, duplicating into six copies that quickly spread out, ready to attack from all directions. Polly was exceptionally skilled against magic-type users, so her focus was on keeping Tristan upied and preventing him from interfering in the fight.


    Dendros sprang into action, dashing forward with his Moonvine Knuckles ready to smash


    their enemies.


    Broken allowed a thin smile to creep onto his face as he spun his spear, ready to unleash a


    barrage of skills from the Wavebreaker Spear.


    The air crackled with energy as Broken prepared to unleash the full force of his abilities,


    bracing himself for the battle ahead.


    [Ocean''s Wrath (Active Skill)]


    [Sea of Storms (Active Skill)] [Boar''s Flood (Active Skill)]

 Chapter 242: Chapter 242 - Invincible Force Reflection

    Chapter 242: - Invincible Force Reflection


    ?


    A colossal wave surged through the vast cave chamber, crashing toward the enemies and inflicting damage while slowing them down. Next, a rain of spears materialized above, repeatedly mming into the ground. Finally, a massive explosion erupted as a giant Water Boar formed, striking Ulrich and the two guards dead-on.


    Broken dashed forward to follow up with his attacks, but he noticed his movement speed was not as fast as usual. He suddenly remembered his Weight Capacity wasn''t sufficient to handle thebined load of his new armor and the Wavebreaker Spear.


    [Weight: 5,319/4,770]


    He quickly removed his Invincible Paragon Helmet and swapped it for the Warrior''s Call Helmet. Although this helmet boosted stamina and intelligence, it meant he couldn''t activate Berserker Rage for the time being. However, he could switch back if needed.


    [Weight: 4,906/4,770]


    Damn, still overweight. He removed the Obsidian Shroud - Clothes, making his ck armor with blue energy patterns glow even brighter in the cave.


    [Weight: 4,786/4,770]


    Just a bit more! He decided to remove The Unbreakable Heart Ring and The Ring of Fate, taking off all the rings he didn''t immediately need.


    [Weight: 4,764/4,770]


    Finally, he was within the limit! With his weight now manageable, Broken felt his agility return, ready to continue the fight.


    Dendros darted toward Ulrich with astounding speed, delivering punch after punch with the Moonvine Knuckles. Despite being a summoned entity, Dendros moved with the fluidity and precision of a seasoned fighter. Each punch was precise and ferocious, and the thought briefly crossed Broken''s mind that with a few kicks added to the mix, Dendros could easily pass for a Muay Thai fighter.


    A satisfied smile spread across Broken''s face. Seizing the moment, he spun his spear with graceful precision and charged at the first guard. This time, he took the offensive. The first guard managed to parry his initial strike, causing a sh of metal that forced Broken to step back slightly. However, he immediately renewed his assault, relentless and determined.


    The second guard tried to nk him, raising his weapon to strike from behind. Just as Broken prepared to defend himself, wild vines erupted from a small portal near the second guard, ensnaring him. It was Dendros! The guardian was proving to be remarkably reliable.


    Broken unleashed as many attacks as he could in that short window, slicing and thrusting his spear at the city guard. His opponent broke free from the vine roots and quickly put some distance between himself and Broken.


    For the first time in this battle, Broken felt a clear-headed focus. With his attention divided between just two foes, he could fully engage in the fight. These city guards were a far cry from the monsters he was used to-they did not follow predictable patterns, nor did they fall easily to yer attacks. Instead, their attacks were coordinated, their defenses robust, and they continually sought to exploit any blind spots in his movements. Theirbat prowess was evident in every move they made.


    Despite the challenge, Broken was exhrated. This was what he lived forbat that tested his limits and honed his skills. As he sidestepped to avoid an iing attack, he spun his spear, executing a parry that sent the blows recoiling back onto his two attackers. His parry skill had triggered once more, dealing substantial damage to both adversaries.


    Meanwhile, Dendros demonstrated exceptional prowess against Ulrich. Time and again, the guardian cast ''Vines of Torment,'' binding one of the city guards in ce while Broken unleashed powerful strikes on the other. The synergy between them was seamless; whenever one city guard found himself rooted by the vines, Broken capitalized on the opportunity to inflict significant damage.


    Meanwhile, Polly dispersed in multiple directions, her clones constantly providing support to both Dendros and Broken whenever the opportunity arose. Her primary target, however, was to immobilize Tristan.


    Tristan, seeing the increased threat level, finally unleashed his truebat prowess. He hovered in the air, his body shielded byyers of magical barriers that fended off Polly''s relentless attacks. Casting magic missiles repeatedly, he tried to strike her down, but Polly''s agility allowed her to dodge and strike from every conceivable angle.


    Despite being subjected to physical attacks in closebat, Tristan proved formidable. As a mage, his defenses were robust, and he responded by conjuring a magic circle in the air, spinning wildly as if preparing a devastating skill. While his body floated effortlessly, he continued bombarding Polly''s clones with magic missiles.


    Broken asionally nced at Tristan, realizing that this battle needed to end swiftly. Whatever magic Tristan was casting could cause catastrophic damage. He needed to cancel Tristan''s spell, but he was too upied with the two guards. He tried his best to reduce their health as much as possible.


    Running low on Mana, Broken retreated momentarily, picking up a discarded pickaxe and mming it into the ground. A shockwave of energy radiated out, momentarily stunning the two city guards. Utilizing this brief interlude, he quickly downed a Mana potion, feeling the rejuvenating energy surge through him. Without missing a beat, heunched himself back into the fray just as the city guards started recovering from the stun.


    The battle was reaching a critical point. Every moment counted, and Broken was determined to seize the advantage.


    Massive ck energy orbs coalesced in the air above Tristan''s head, spinning rapidly. This was the skill he had been preparing all along. As it hurtled towards Broken with deadly intent, Ulrich broke free from Dendros'' attacks and charged at Broken, intent on delivering a devastating blow.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Simultaneously, the two city guards closed in from either side, their spears poised for a synchronized strike.


    Broken found himself in a perilous position, with no room to maneuver. His Invincible Shields skill was on cooldown; a direct hit would be fatal.


    "Gaia?" he thought quickly, weighing his options. "No!"


    Just as the barrage of magic balls sped towards him, apanied by Ulrich''s impending attack and the guards'' spears, Broken activated his skill.


    [Invincible Force Reflection (Active Skill)]


    Ayer of shimmering energy enveloped him instantly. For 2 precious seconds, it absorbed all iing damage and prepared to reflect it back in a devastating counterattack. He braced himself as one of the city guards'' strikes nced off his shield, but the barrage of magic orbs from Tristan struck with overwhelming force, each impact sending shockwaves through the air. Ulrich''s assault and the guards'' spears all collided simultaneously, each attempting to break through his fleeting protection.


    The 2 seconds felt like an eternity as his vision was obscured by the blinding explosions, his body immobilized by the relentless onught.


    Then, the 2 seconds psed, and the collected energy was unleashed.


    Powerful explosions radiated outward, sending the absorbed attacks hurtling back in all directions. The resultant st was immense-an earth-shaking BADABOOM!!!


    The walls of the cavern trembled, and debris began to rain down from above. Even Broken was caught in the tumultuous aftermath, tossed about like a leaf in a storm.


    When the dust finally began to settle, Broken staggered, trying to regain his footing amidst the chaos. He could barely see through the haze of smoke and rubble, but he knew one thing: the tide of the battle had drastically changed!

 Chapter 243: Chapter 243 - The Shadows Embrace

    Chapter 243: - The Shadow''s Embrace


    ?


    Broken stood amid the wreckage, surveying the battleground. The recent explosion had left a devastating impact on his foes. Ulrich and the two city guards had been thrown violently, their bodies now marked with deep gashes and burns. Despite the severe injuries, they struggled to their feet, visibly weakened and far from their former strength.


    Broken knew he had to act swiftly while the advantage was still his. It would take time for his enemies to regain their full strength. He immediately switched his helmet to the Invincible Paragon one, enabling him to activate the powerful skill that came with the armor set.


    Without wasting a moment, he dashed toward Ulrich, utilizing his speed to close the distance rapidly. Ulrich''s condition was dire; his body was severely burned, and one of his arms had been detached, yet he still attempted to fight back.


    As Broken approached, he could see the determination in Ulrich''s eyes despite his grievous wounds. Broken surged forward, his dash leaving a blur in its wake. When he was within striking distance, he activated his skill with precise timing.


    [Berserker Rage (Active Skill)]


    The transformationsted only five seconds, but during that brief window, 80% of his Constitution was converted into Strength-a staggering boost that pushed his Strength stat well over 1100.


    [Name: Broken]


    [Level: 115]


    [ss: Unique - Super Novice | Unique - Royal cksmith | Unique - Rift Digger]


    [Health: 8,320 | Mana: 4,988]


    [Strength: 1,121 | Agility: 324 | Intelligence: 354 | Constitution: 82 | Stamina: 610]


    [Charisma: 100 | Luck: 35 | Dexterity: 50 | Survival: 30 | Perception: 20]


    [Avable Stat Points: 0]


    [Weight: 5,384/6,726]


    Broken couldn''t help but smile at the sheer might now coursing through his form. Even though his Constitution had plummeted, the health and defensive capabilities conferred by the Invincible Paragon armor set more thanpensated for the drop.


    With this newfound strength, Broken expertly managed the weight of his equipment and returned to his normal movement speed. Now, he stood face-to-face with Ulrich, whose defiance remained despite his mortal wounds.


    In one fluid motion, Broken spun his spear, its de catching the light as it arced through the air. With precision and overwhelming force, he brought the spear down, cleaving Ulrich''s head from his shoulders.


    Ulrich hadn''t been killed yet. Broken once again delivered repeated slices and thrusts at him. The demon''s eyes widened in shock for a split second before life drained from them, and his body crumpled to the ground in a lifeless heap.


    [You''ve killed Elite - Bloodfiend Ulrich Lv. 215]


    [You have obtained 1 piece of Medium-Quality Bloodfiend blood]


    [You have obtained 1 piece of Medium-Quality Bloodfiend nail]


    [You have obtained 1 Elite - Bloodfiend Demon Core Lv. 215]


    The two remaining city guardsunched their attacks, but their aggression only served to close the distance between them and Broken. Seizing the opportunity, he drove his spear into the ground, sending a shockwave that staggered both guards.


    Without hesitation, Broken surged forward, aiming his spear at the neck of the nearest guard. The de cut through flesh and bone with ease, ending the guard''s life in a single, precise strike. Immediately, five robust vines erupted from the earth, entangling the second guard and rendering him immobile.


    With lethal efficiency, Broken dispatched the first guard, then turned his focus on the ensnared adversary. Relentlessly, he hacked and thrust with his spear, each blow finding its mark. The guard struggled briefly before sumbing to the onught, his decapitated body slumping to the ground beside hisrade.


    Had he won? The question lingered only briefly as a notification appeared before his eyes, confirming his hard-fought victory.


    [You''ve killed Elite - Bloodfiend Fredrik Lv. 217]


    [You have obtained...]


    [You''ve killed Elite - Bloodfiend Jochen Lv. 218]


    [You have obtained...]


    [You have obtained 1 Elite - Bloodfiend Demon Core Lv. 218]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Two Demon Cores! This was the first time Broken had acquired such rare items from demons.


    He wasn''t entirely sure how he would use them yet, but he was certain these cores held extraordinary and umon potential. Their presence hinted at new possibilities and powers waiting to be unlocked.


    With three demons now definitively vanquished, Broken''s gaze shifted to his remaining adversary: Tristan, the mage. Despite Tristan''s prowess, Broken felt a surge of confidence. He was not alone in this battle-Dendros and Polly stood ready to fight by his side.


    "Ha ha ha ha!" Tristanughed maniacally. His tattered robe hung off him, revealing skin that was turning red, much like the other demons. It was obvious now-he was either a demon or a half-demon-who could be sure? But his transformation wasn''tplete like Ulrich''s, who had fully morphed into a demon.


    "You''ve got me impressed," Tristan said, with an amused glint. "You actually managed to take down those foolish minions."


    "Shut up! I''ll kill you too!" Broken retorted, gripping his spear tightly. The Berserker Rage had worn off, and now, he could focus all his energy on this one adversary.


    "Hahahaha!" Tristanughed, his body clearly on the verge of transforming. "You have no idea how powerful I am. Soon, you will see!"


    "Second form!" Broken shouted urgently. "I won''t give you the time to reach your second form!"


    Five massive vines erupted from the ground, wrapping around Tristan in an attempt to immobilize him. But Tristan merely smiled, allowing the vines to bind him. From the ground, the ceiling, and every possible direction, ck shadowy tendrils burst forth, writhing wildly and attacking indiscriminately. Dendros and Polly were besieged by the piercing tentacles that struck from every angle.


    Ignoring the chaos around him, Broken sprinted forward, refusing to let this adversaryplete his transformation. There was no room for hesitation or retreat. Every fiber of his being was focused on taking down Tristan before he could unleash his full power.


    Despite their best efforts, the shadowy tendrils constantly hindered Dendros and Polly, reducing their ability to fight effectively. The oppressive darkness wore them down, inflicting a gradual but relentless toll. However, Broken was unaffected by the movement-slowing curse of the shadows, thanks to the special abilities imbued in his boots.


    A smile broke across his face, knowing he still had his full mobility. Seizing the moment, he spun his spear, poised to strike, and dashed toward Tristan. With each step, the distance between them closed rapidly, and Broken felt the surge of adrenaline and determination in


    his veins.


    But as he closed in for the attack, Tristan''s own smile widened in sinister anticipation. "You''re just as foolish as Alora," he taunted.


    At that moment, shadowy tendrils materialized from all directions, thrusting at Broken with deadly precision.


    Broken''s eyes widened as he adjusted his stance on the fly, his mind racing to counter each spear-like attack. He deflected some with swift movements of his spear while others grazed him, adding to the tension of the battle.


    As Broken closed the distance, more shadowy tendrils emerged from the ground, their dark forms piercing and slicing into him from all angles. His Health dwindled rapidly, each assault bypassing even the formidable defenses of the Invincible Paragon. Despite his best efforts to fend off the relentless onught, Broken could feel his strength waning with each passing


    second.


    The tendrils seemed to multiply, their grip tearing through his armor. His Health plummeted sharply, the life force ebbing away as the tendrils continued their relentless attack. No skill or equipment in his arsenal seemed capable of halting the tide of shadowy violence.


    And sure enough, in no time at all, his health dropped to zero.


    But another set of notifications appeared before him.


    "This is not over yet!" Broken eximed.

 Chapter 244: Chapter 244 - Unsuccessful Blast, Vanishing Shadow

    Chapter 244: - Unsessful st, Vanishing Shadow


    ?


    [Ethereal Form has been activated. This will protect you from physical attacks and increase the damage you receive from magic for five seconds. Your Health will also be fully restored to 100%.]


    The damage was immense, and Broken''s Health plummeted to zero. Without the Ethereal Form, he would have already been sent back to the Temple or Resurrection point. He was thrown violently backward, but he managed to stash his spear in his inventory in the chaos. Regaining his footing, his Health began to regenerate quickly. He had a second chance, but for the next five seconds, he would be highly vulnerable to magical attacks.


    Broken drew the Thorned Vindicator Sword, sprinting to evade the wild shadow tendrils, assailing him from every direction.


    [Charged Attack (Active Skill) Lv. 3]


    He needed to inflict damage on Tristan and interrupt whatever spell the mage was casting, especially to prevent him frompleting his transformation. Broken''s body elerated, moving with urgency towards Tristan. He had to strike fast and decisively.


    But Tristan''s face still bore a maniacal grin. "Not bad. You can put up resistance, but it''s futile!"


    Broken was almost within striking distance when dozens of shadow tendrils erupted once again, speeding toward him in an attempt to entangle and immobilize him. If he were captured this time, there would be no escape-he would truly die.


    However, this time was different. Two thick vines emerged from beside Broken, binding around him and hurling him into the air. It was Dendros,ing to his aid at the critical moment. Now airborne, Broken had a clear shot at Tristan, and he was ready to deliver another powerful attack.


    Broken plummeted toward Tristan, gripping the Thorned Vindicator Sword tightly, ready to unleash his attack.


    [Quick Strike (Active Skill) Lv. 3]


    His sword was mere inches from cleaving Tristan when, once again, countless shadow tendrils ensnared his legs, yanking him away and hurling him backward.


    "Damn!" Broken cursed furiously as he was thrown, almost colliding with the cavern wall. But at thest moment, two robust vines emerged from the surrounding shadows, coiling around him and halting his trajectory. Gently, the vines released him, allowing him tond gracefully on his feet.


    "Thanks, Dendros," Broken muttered under his breath, though frustration simmered below the surface. This fight was far from over.


    Polly and Dendros persistently attacked Tristan from all sides, but the shadow tendrils shielded him with rming efficiency. Tristan''s transformation was nearingpletion, and the consequences could be catastrophic.


    Dendros lunged forward, delivering powerful blows in rapid session, seeking any opening in Tristan''s defenses. Yet each time its fists were about to connect, a magic shield materialized, deflecting the attacks. The sight was maddening for Broken, who observed the struggle from a distance.


    Determined to find a way through, Broken dashed towards the pickaxe lying on the ground and mmed it hard into the earth.


    [Quake Strike (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    The impact rippled through the ground, sending shockwaves in every direction and almost catching Tristan. But Tristan swiftly hovered, shifting position to avoid the attack. Broken clenched his teeth, still seeking an effective strategy. Using his bow skills wasn''t viable since they required a charge time, and he couldn''t afford to stay still while dodging the shadow tendrils.


    But their hard work started to pay off. Polly unleashed a flurry of relentless attacks. She managed to interrupt Tristan''s transformation, and it was clear he was getting more and more angry. Furious, he changed his strategy and sent out a storm of magic missiles in every direction.


    Dendros got hit several times but managed to withstand the barrage. Polly, who could better handle magical strikes, kept moving swiftly around Tristan, attacking him from all sides.


    All the skills from the Wavebreaker Spear had finished their cooldowns, and Broken knew this was his final push. Without hesitation, he switched back to his spear, ready to unleash his most devastating attacks.


    [Ocean''s Wrath (Active Skill)]


    [Sea of Storms (Active Skill)]


    [Boar''s Flood (Active Skill)]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He simultaneously cast three skills. Massive waves surged forward, sweeping away the shadow tendrils in their path. Following closely behind, a rain of spears descended randomly, decimating most of the remaining tendrils. The climax of the assault came when a wild boar made of water exploded into existence and charged directly at Tristan, hitting with thunderous force.


    Tristan narrowly evaded, hovering to maintain distance, but Broken had anticipated this. As Tristan focused on maneuvering away from the chaos, Broken dashed forward with astonishing speed, his spear whirling. With a precise spin, he struck the back of Tristan''s neck, drawing a sharp arc of blood.


    [Spiral Pierce (Conditional Passive Skill) Lv. 1]


    Tristan yelped in panic, retreating quickly to reassess. But Broken was relentless. He swiftly switched to the Bow of Artemis, ready to test his new skill. Drawing an Epic-grade Iron Piercer Arrow for maximum damage, he focused intently.


    [Sniper''s Focus (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    The shadow tendrils were slowing, granting him a brief window. He had 2 seconds to charge the skill. As Polly and Dendros maintained relentless pressure on Tristan, Broken meticulously aimed. When the bowstring was released, the arrow shot forth, its trajectory leaving a luminous trail.


    At 1500% physical damage and reducing his target''s defense by 30% for 10 seconds, the arrow struck true, embedding itself deep in Tristan''s chest. The mage crumpled slightly, his defenses markedly weakened, his expression twisted in shock and pain.


    This was the moment to finish him.


    With a fierce cry, Broken charged, spear at the ready. As he closed the distance, Tristan struggled to counter, his weakened state evident. His eyes zed with determination. He would end this now!


    With one final, powerful thrust, he aimed to deliver the coup de grace, sealing the fate of his formidable opponent.


    Five massive vines erupted from the ground, wrapping around Tristan and immobilizing him. Broken seized the moment, spinning his spear with deadly precision for a final thrust to Tristan''s neck. Victory was within his grasp.


    But Tristan''s maniacal grin remained. "You''re too naive to think you can defeat me!" he spat. A shadowy explosion enveloped him, and his body disappeared. Momentster, shadowy energy streaked into the air, revealing Tristan hovering above, his lower half now a swirling


    mass of shadow energy.


    Understanding the urgency, Polly sprinted toward the exit, ready to intercept Tristan if he tried to flee. Tristan''s elevated position made it difficult for Broken tond a direct hit. He had one option left: another skill from his Super Novice.


    [Explosive Arrow (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    The charge time was 5 seconds-an eternity in this chaotic battle. Broken knew he needed Dendros to buy him precious time.


    Dendros, sensing the urgency, relentlessly attacked, using his vines to chase Tristan in the air and disrupt his attempts to cast offensive spells. Tristan''s high position seemed to hinder his ability to use his skills effectively.


    Those 5 seconds felt like an eternity, but Dendros managed to keep Tristan preupied.


    Finally, the charge time psed.


    [Projectile''s Kiss (Active Skill)]


    This would double the skill''s damage, thanks to the ring he had received from Melliandra. Broken released the bowstring, the arrow rocketing towards the air. It found its mark, striking Tristan with pinpoint uracy.


    A colossal explosion followed-KABOOM! The impact was earth-shattering, causing the entire cavern to quake. Sections of the cavern wall crumbled, sending debris cascading down. The st wave was immense, reverberating through the entire area and making the ground vibrate underfoot. It felt as though the very foundation of the cave was being uprooted, with chunks of rock raining down from above.


    Broken crouched, seeking shelter from the chaos. Dendros immediately moved to protect him, using his body as a shield. Polly dashed around, deftly avoiding falling debris while swatting away stones that threatened Broken from above. It was utter pandemonium, and the cave plunged into darkness as the crystalmps were shattered, leaving them in pitch-ck


    chaos.


    Worse yet, Broken hadn''t seen any notification confirming Tristan''s defeat. His fists clenched in anger and frustration as he waited for the dust to settle. After several tense seconds, he pulled out a crystalmp, illuminating the immediate area in search of any sign of his adversary. To his dismay, there were no traces of Tristan.


    Polly approached gently, removing the rubble from Broken''s shoulders and head with a nudge


    of her own.


    "Master, I''m sorry... I saw the mage flee just after the explosion. He transformed into a


    shadow and escaped quickly. I was worried about you, so I chose to make sure you were safe,"


    Polly said, her voice tinged with guilt.


    Broken sighed, cing a reassuring hand on Polly''s head. "It''s okay. Now, we need to focus


    on rescuing the Princess."


    ***


    (Author''s Note: I''m not trying to prolong the battle scenes. But Broken''s level isn''t that high yet, so it''s natural for him to struggle. He also needs experience to get used to the various skills and fighting styles he possesses. I hope you aren''t getting bored with the battle scenes. I promise to focus only on the important things.)

 Chapter 245: Chapter 245 - The Abyssal Arena

    Chapter 245: - The Abyssal Arena


    ?


    Broken could still feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins from battling the four demons. It had been an incredibly intense fight, one that tested his limits and pushed him to his very edge. He had given everything he had to survive and ultimately managed to kill three of them.


    The realization settled in-those demons had been at least level 200 while he was merely at level 115. However, his substantial stats, nearly 2500 in total, were on par with yers of a much higher level.


    Without Polly, his Unique-grade spirit, and the two Legendary-grade weapons in his arsenal, along with his two Unique-grade sses, surviving such an encounter would have been impossible.


    Yet, the frustration gnawed at him-Tristan had escaped. What could Tristan do outside? Broken''s thoughts turned to his six knights, who were unaware of the full danger, guarding the city oblivious to the impending threat. Worse still, he had no way to warn anyone or call for help.


    The only person who knew that Broken was on a quest with Princess Alora was Freya. Others might have guessed his mission, but waiting for help would take too long. Alora had already been inside for ten minutes, which felt like an eternity given the situation.


    He retrieved the pickaxe that had been left on the ground. Though the battle had been brief, it had significantly reduced the durability of the tool-15 points had been lost. It wasn''t surprising, given that the pickaxe wasn''t designed forbat and had been subjected to high-grade skills like Quake Strike and Chain-Strike. He knew he needed to craft something better suited for both mining and fighting.


    With the pickaxe in hand, Broken approached the massive door, contemting how to open it. He remembered one of his skills, Puzzle Smacker, designed for solving puzzles by smashing them with the pickaxe.


    [With your pickaxe, you can smash through puzzle elements as if you''re breaking rocks. Each swing has a chance to solve the puzzle, leave it unchanged, or, if you''re not careful, break it entirely!]


    [Each hit has a 10% chance to solve the puzzle, a 10% chance to destroy it, and an 80% chance to leave it unchanged. Each attempt increases the chance to destroy it by 5%.]


    "Will it work on a door?" he wondered, unsure but willing to give it a try.


    He thought about where to strike and decided to aim for the center between the two doors. He swung the pickaxe hard, and the sound of the impact echoed through the chamber.


    Nothing happened.


    Frustrated, he tried again, striking the same spot with equal force.


    Still, nothing happened.


    Irritation bubbled up within him, but he reminded himself to stay calm. In situations like this, the primary rule of the game was to remainposed and think strategically.


    Broken took out the Wavebreaker Spear and struck the door repeatedly, but nothing happened. Damn, what should he do next?


    In scenarios like this, there had to be a key to open the door. He needed to find it. Where could it be? Was it hidden in another branch of the cavern? If so, he would have to explore every tunnel and crevice to locate it.


    But if there was a key, there should be a keyhole, right? A ce where it could be inserted to unlock the door.


    Taking a step back, Broken lifted the crystalmp and scanned the door from top to bottom. His focusnded on a faint diamond-shaped pattern at the top, with what looked like a slot in its center. Could he use the Puzzle Smacker to break that part?


    "Polly," he called out. Polly quickly approached. "Can you help me reach that part?" he asked, pointing to the diamond pattern.


    "Yes, Master... I can do it," she replied softly.


    Nodding, Broken climbed onto Polly''s back. She took a moment to prepare, then started running, building up momentum. She leaped onto the ruins of the cave, using them as stepping stones, and then propelled herself off the wall, heading swiftly towards the target. Broken used the momentum to smack the diamond pattern with precise timing.


    [Puzzle Smacker has been activated.]


    [The puzzle has been struck and solved. The door is now unlocked.]


    A notification shed before his eyes just as a creaking sound resonated, followed by a loud clunk. The door began to open.


    A wave of satisfaction washed over him as Pollynded gracefully on the ground. He had seeded with just one try.


    "Good job, Polly," he said, patting her gently.


    Broken quickly dismounted from Polly and stepped through the door. He readied his crystalmp, but the interior was not as dark as he had anticipated. A short distance from the entrance, an energy barrier glowed faintly, but he couldn''t see what was inside.


    Approaching cautiously, he examined the barrier. It was a domain-a significant one.


    [The Abyssal Arena - Trial Domain Level 200]N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Broken hesitated briefly upon reading the information but knew he had no other choice. He took a deep breath and stepped into the barrier.


    [You are about to enter the Trial Domain Level 200. As someone else is already in the trial, you will join midway.]


    Broken immediately rushed inside and saw Alora kneeling on the floor, clearly in bad shape.


    [You have entered The Abyssal Arena - Trial Domain Level 200. Solve the trial and emerge as the victor.]


    "Alora!" he called out, rushing to her side. He gently lifted her shoulders, noticing her exhaustion and the signs of relentless battle.


    "Broken," Alora responded, turning her weary eyes to him.


    "What happened?" he asked, his eyes rapidly scanning the area. It resembled a circr arena,


    with four paths extending out from each side. Each path led to a door with a circr portal.


    "You shouldn''t have followed me," she said.


    "What happened here?" he pressed.


    "There are monster waves thate every two minutes," she exined. "At first, it was easy, but the difficulty keeps increasing by 10 levels with each wave, and there are a total of 10


    waves." As she tried to stand, he noticed blood on her neck.


    "10 levels increase for 10 waves?" he murmured. "Let me heal you," he said, gently touching


    her neck.


    [Healing Touch (Active Skill) Lv. 3]


    Green energy flowed from Broken''s hands, healing her neck wounds and closing the


    lacerations. Her body visibly rxed as the healing magic took effect.


    "Thank you," Alora said, her voice slightly stronger. "But we need to be ready. The next wave


    coulde any minute."


    Broken nodded, his mind racing. They needed a n to handle the increasing waves of monsters. Carefully, he helped Alora to her feet, his eyes scanning the arena for strategic


    points.


    Broken stood and scanned the area again, trying to get a better grasp of the situation. There


    had to be a limit to how many waves woulde.


    "What level was thest wave, Alora?" he asked, gripping his spear tightly.


    Alora turned to Broken for a moment, seemingly surprised that he addressed her by name. "It


    was around level 220 or higher," she exined.


    "220?" Broken repeated, contemting the implications. "How many of them?"


    "Dozens, I think. I''m not sure," she said.


    "Dozens of monsters at level 220, and the next wave will likely be even stronger," he


    murmured. The situation was dire, and the worst part was that he couldn''t summon Gaia yet


    - he had no idea how many waves they would have to endure.


    Alora raised her sword and positioned herself with her back to Broken, facing two of the other doorways. Broken readied his spear, preparing for what was toe.


    "Will you die for your princess, Baron Broken?" Alora asked with a smile.


    "I''d die a hundred times for you, Princess. Just to keep you from dying even once," he


    dered firmly.


    Alora chuckled softly. "That''s supposed to be a joke, right?"


    "Which part?" Broken asked.


    "The part where you said you''d die hundreds of times for me."


    Broken smiled. "I can die a hundred times ande back. But that doesn''t mean I''ll let


    myself go easily. Still, the part about not letting you die-I''m serious about that. I''ll do


    everything to save you."


    Alora gave a faint smile, though it was clear she was struggling to breathe. "Thanks, that


    means a lot," she murmured.


    "That doesn''t sound much like gratitude."


    "This is the best I can manage."


    [Wave 4 of 10 in the Abyssal Arena will begin shortly. Prepare yourself.]


    A notification popped up, and Broken cursed under his breath. Yes, this was still wave 4, and


    there were a total of 10 waves, which meant the level would keep rising up to 290.


    Portals burst open from all four directions, and out stepped-demons, not ordinary


    monsters!


    [Bloodfiend Lv. 229]


    These were humanoid demons with crimson skin, just like the ones Broken had faced before.


    [Hellfire Knight Lv. 230]


    Armored demons with mes emanating from their joints.


    [Bone Collector Lv. 231]


    Skeletal demons wearing tattered robes and wielding bone weapons.


    Yes, their levels were now around 230, and there were dozens of theming at once.

 Chapter 246: Chapter 246 - My Name is Flauros

    Chapter 246: - My Name is uros


    ?


    If only Broken could level up by killing monsters and gaining experience points, he would have already reset his Mana, Health, and Stamina. Unfortunately, he could only level up passively due to the blessing that was attached to him. Meanwhile, his Ethereal Form was on a one-hour cooldown, meaning he couldn''t afford to die here. If he did, Alora would surely perish as well.


    He wondered whether an All You Need Ticket and an Item Grade Enhancer Ticket could provide any assistance in this situation. He wasn''t sure, but if things turned dire, he would need to use every resource he had, including summoning Gaia.


    Yet, Gaia could only be summoned for five minutes, likely tost just two waves of monsters. That wouldn''t be enough if the waves continued to escte without end. He didn''t know how long they would have to endure this onught.


    Holding the Wavebreaker Spear, he prepared to unleash his area-of-effect skills to deal massive damage to the approaching demons.


    "Do you have any sort of ancient artifact from your ancestors, or maybe some hidden powers that emerge when things get desperate, Princess?" Broken murmured. "Perhaps your grandfather or great-grandfather left you with some kind of emergency power?"


    "I wish I had something like that, but sadly, no," Alora replied. "I''m sorry if that disappoints you, Baron Broken."


    "Not at all. I''m just a bit on edge," he admitted.


    "Why''s that?" she asked.


    "Because I''m afraid..." his voice trailing off.


    "Afraid of losing me?" she giggled. "Are those supposed to be sweet words?"


    "I''m serious."


    Sheughed lightly, "What about you? Do you have one?"


    "Well, I do have a summoning ability, but it onlysts for five minutes. Let''s do our best to stay safe before I use it in case of an emergency," he exined.


    "They''reing," Alora warned.


    Broken nodded, readying himself to cast his skills. The monstrous growls grew louder, and the ground shook with their advancing footsteps. He would have to fight valiantly and strategically, relying on every ounce of his skill and the support of hispanions.


    Broken quickly unleashed his set of AOE skills from the Wavebreaker Spear. Massive waves surged through the arena, followed by a rain of water spears and a wild water boar that charged in unpredictable directions. The chaos these abilities caused was enough to chip away at the health of the demons, proving effective for crowd control.


    Switching to the Moonvine Knuckles, he knew he couldn''t summon Dendros yet-the cooldown was still in effect. With no other option, he had to confront the immediate threat head-on. The area-of-effect skills had given them a brief respite, but now it was all about precision and skill.


    [Nature Warp Strike (Active Skill)]


    Vines erupted from his knuckles, ensnaring a demon and yanking it toward him. Broken immediatelyunched into a flurry of punches, each strikending with the brutal efficiency he had refined through studying Muay Thai. He aimed for the demon''s abdomen, then its jaw, delivering punishing blows that left it reeling. Grabbing its jaw, he smashed his right fist into its face, a devastating follow-up.


    Taking a step back, Broken summoned another skill.


    [Vines of Torment (Active Skill)]


    Five wild vines burst from the ground, seizing another demon in their relentless grip. Broken dashed forward, delivering a final, crushing blow.


    Determined to stay close to Alora, he positioned himself back-to-back with her, constantly checking to see if she needed help. Polly darted around them, her agility proving invaluable as she distracted and outmaneuvered the demons, keeping them off bnce.


    But the tide of battle was shifting. What began as a strong opening now felt increasingly chaotic. Broken realized that the Moonvine Knuckles, while superb in singlebat, were not ideal for facing multiple foes simultaneously.


    "Damn," he muttered, knowing he needed a weapon capable of dealing massive area damage. The chaos was overwhelming, and seeing the growing threat, Broken switched back to his spear, shifting to a more defensive stance. He knew their current situation was far from ideal. His eyes caught sight of Alora, who, despite having killed more demons than him, was now visibly overwhelmed. She received a devastating blow that sent her hurtling backward, straight into Broken.


    Their situation became critical. Acting quickly, Broken caught Alora and held her close as she fell. He shielded her with his own body while activating a skill from his armor.


    [Invincible Force Reflection (Active Skill)]


    He braced himself, allowing the relentless attacks to hit him. The brief moment gave him the chance to heal Alora.


    [Healing Touch (Active Skill) Lv. 3]


    Green energy flowed from Broken''s hands, sealing Alora''s wounds and bringing her back from the brink. Seconds passed, and then the damage absorbed by the skill reflected outward, sting demons in every direction and giving them a momentary reprieve.


    Broken and Alora stood, regaining their footing. The battle was bing increasingly difficult, and Broken couldn''t fathom how Alora had managed to survive the earlier waves alone.


    The situation was in their hands-they knew this was the moment tounch a counterattack.


    Without hesitation, they sprang into action, delivering relentless strikes to the demons whose health had already been significantly depleted. Slowly but surely, the tide of battle began to shift in their favor.


    One by one, the demons fell until thest remaining creature found itself impaled through the eye by the Wavebreaker Spear, ending the wave.


    Broken stood, panting heavily, his exhaustion evident. Fighting Tristan and his minions had already taken a toll, and now another grueling battle had left him utterly drained. He could even feel the sweat pouring down his real body.


    He turned to Alora, who was equally worn out but managed to smile at him.


    Broken approached her, and they stood face to face as a notification appeared before him.


    [Wave 5 of the Abyssal Arenapleted.]


    "Are you okay?" he asked softly.


    Alora smiled, "That monster wave was worse, but it got better because you''re here."


    "Are those supposed to be sweet words?" Broken teased.


    Alora giggled at hisment. That small, light-heartedugh was enough to lift some of the heavy pressure they were both feeling, ensuring they didn''t lose hope entirely.


    Exhausted and drained, they copsed onto the floor, leaning against each other to recover what stamina they could. They had only two minutes-a barely conceivable reprieve after the brutal intensity of the previous wave.


    Broken could quickly restore his health and mana, but stamina-stamina was a different beast. It wouldn''t regenerate so quickly; it only did with rest or sleep. If their stamina waspletely depleted, they would really pass out. They were being tested to their very limits. "Khe khe khe... that was an extraordinarily entertaining show, meow," a disembodied voice echoed through the arena, its origin unclear.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Broken and Alora immediately stood up, weapons at the ready, scanning the arena for the source of the voice. It sounded like a young man in his twenties, with an oddly cheerful and slightly quirky tone-did it just say "meow"?


    From one side, a portal opened, revealing a figure-a massive cat, easily asrge as a tiger, yet far more imposing than any natural feline. Its lean body was cloaked in ck fur, marked by striking white patterns. Stranger still were therge, buffalo-like horns protruding from its head, and its red eyes bore into them with an unsettling intensity.


    "Hi, human... and... half-elf, meow..." the cat purred, its voice calm yet dripping with an unsettling charm. "Nice to meet you. My name is uros, but please call me Duke uros... I''m a named demon with ranking, you know... meow."


    [Duke uros - Felhorn Lv. 227] [Named Demon - Ranking 64]

 Chapter 247: Chapter 247 - A High-Stakes Confrontation with the Demon

    Chapter 247: - A High-Stakes Confrontation with the Demon


    ?


    Broken quickly prepared to summon Gaia if the situation worsened. This was clearly a Named Demon, and while its rank was rtively low, in the 60s, its level of 227 made it


    unpredictable. He had no idea what this demon cat was capable of.


    The demon cat sat and stared at them with a sharp gaze. "I see you''re having trouble, meow?"


    There had to be a reason why the demon appeared, even though the trial wasn''t finished yet. And it showed up right after a new challenger joined the Trial. But this was truly unexpected -Broken didn''t anticipate encountering a Named Demon so soon.


    He immediately sent messages to Freya and Maylock, updating them on the situation. Maybe they had more information about this Duke uros.


    "I''m a Named Demon, ranking 64, meow... I''m very powerful... I know you must be terrified just hearing my name, right, meow?" the cat taunted.


    "You''re a Named Demon, but I see you''re not fully summoned to Yunatea. You''ve stayed here in this Trial Domain," Broken replied. "Does that mean you''ll be released if we fail toplete the Trial?"


    "You''re quite smart for someone with such a low level, meow." uros responded. "But, what kind of cheating did you use to enter this domain? Are you some sort of divine champion, meow?"


    So the cat knew Broken''s level, indicating he shouldn''t be in this Trial Domain, which was restricted to level 200 and above. Alora turned to Broken, surprised to hear that his level wasn''t high enough to enter the domain.


    "This Trial Domain is designed to be impossible toplete, meow. So your fate is sealed to stay here forever," uros continued with a sinister grin.


    "We will kill you, and the Trial Domain will end on its own," Broken said firmly.


    "You''re so funny, meow... How can someone with such a low level dream of killing me? There''s no way; you will both soon die. And as a bonus, I get the Crowned Princess of Dissidia Kingdom in my bounty. I''m so happy, meow..."


    [Vines of Torment (Active Skill)]


    Broken cast a skill, and five massive vines sprouted from the floor, locking onto the cat demon and squeezing its body. However, the cat poofed into a shadow and reappeared nearby, untouched.


    "MEOW! Can''t you be a bit kinder to a cat, meow! I''m a ranked demon; show some respect to me!"


    Ignoring the plea, Broken cast his dash skill and sped towards the cat.


    "Broken!" Alora called out, rushing after him with her sword at the ready.


    Broken dashed forward, attempting to strike the cat, but each time he got close, the cat would poof away and reappear elsewhere.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "You stupid human, don''t you understand? Listen to what I''m saying or I''ll kill you!" the cat shouted, now appearing on the other side of the arena.


    Broken paused, then began walking calmly towards the cat, with Alora following closely behind.


    "Why refuse to fight? Wouldn''t the trial end faster if you killed me directly? Or would that ruin the ritual?" Broken asked, walking casually.


    "Shut up, meow... I just don''t want to deal with foolish humans! Listen to what I have to say!" uros demanded.


    Switching to The Wavebreaker Spear, Broken unleashed his skills. Waves surged through the arena, rolling towards the cat, and spears rained down, flooding the space and targeting the cat demon. Yet, the cat demon continued to dodge and teleport around the arena, deftly avoiding the onught.


    As the attack ended, the cat demon stood with a threatening posture. "Humans who don''t know their ce will be killed miserably. You should listen to what I say, MEOW!" it said firmly.


    Broken smiled slightly at the cat''s response.


    "Do you really want to confront the cat right now, Broken?" Alora whispered.


    Broken gave a calm nod at her. In reality, he had previously exined his situation to Maylock. This was the response he received from them.


    [Maylock: "Every Trial Domain is designed to be beatable, at least for anyone who enters with the appropriate level. If it''s a level 200 Trial Domain, it should bepletable by those at level 200 with proper preparation. There is no way the monsters will keep rising to levels like 290 or 300, because that would disrupt the bnce of the Trial Domain.


    If, in your case, you see the monster levels continually rise, I suspect something is wrong.


    uros is a demon with Shadow element and illusion skills. If I were to guess, the high levels of the monsters you''re fighting are just an illusion. Their actual levels aren''t that high. They are made to look stronger to break their opponents'' spirits.


    But this is just my hypothesis. Please keep me updated on the monsters'' levels in the next wave, and pay attention to the damage you can inflict on them and their strength. Are they really getting stronger, or are you guys weakening due to ack of resources or psychological strain?"]


    "What do you want to say?" Broken pressed.


    "So, you''re finally willing to listen, huh? Meow?" uros retaliated, his gaze turning threatening once more.


    He continued, "I feel so sorry for the both of you. Such a promising crowned princess of Dissidia Kingdom, destined for a great future. It would be a tragedy for you to die so


    miserably, wouldn''t it, meow?"


    Broken remained silent.


    "You see, I''m not like those other demons. I''m a good guy. I came to Yunatea just to have fun, not to kill." He paused for effect. "I''m offering you a chance to leave this Trial Domain. But this is thest time; I won''t grant the same mercy if I see you again, foolish human."


    Broken smiled thinly at uros''s words. "That''s very kind of you. I didn''t know demons could be so generous."


    "Meow, what do you think we are? Heartless creatures? We''re just like you, normal beings with daily lives and hobbies, meow."


    "But what if I refuse your offer and decide to continue the Trial?"


    "I doubt you''re that foolish, meow. The monsters will keep leveling up, and you''ll die a


    senseless death," uros warned.


    A silence fell between them for a few moments.


    "Is he telling the truth, Broken?" Alora whispered, breaking the silence.


    Broken reached out and took Alora''s hand, a signal that he wanted her to trust his decision.


    "So, you want me to trust and follow your decision," she said softly.


    "What do you think, Princess?"


    "You''re putting too much at stake by gambling with the fate of the crowned princess of the Dissidia Kingdom."


    "What if I manage to get us out of here safely? Will there be a grand reward for me?"


    Alora paused, contemting. "I wouldn''t be alive if you hadn''te; so, whether you show up and we fail miserably or you never came at all, it''s the same oue for me. But if you seed in saving me, I suppose that makes you worthy enough to im me as your bride." Broken was stunned for a moment, then turned to her slowly, speechless.


    "What do you think? Marrying the Princess of Dissidia Kingdom and the future ruler of the


    kingdom?"


    "This isn''t the right time to joke, Princess."


    "You sure are oblivious, aren''t you? Do you think a royal like me would lie? But you need to


    wait until I be the true ruler. What do you think? But first, make sure you don''t make the wrong decision," she said, looking at him intently.


    "Meow, I''m getting sleepy. What do you think? Please decide... what''s your answer!" uros demanded impatiently.

 Chapter 248: Chapter 248 - The Demons Illusion Exposed

    Chapter 248: - The Demon''s Illusion Exposed


    ?


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "What is the condition for us to leave the Trial?" Broken asked.


    "Meow... I''m so generous... I will allow one of you to leave the Trial. Isn''t that an enticing offer?" uros continued.


    Broken nodded slowly at the exnation.


    "Broken, let me take the responsibility. You don''t need to sacrifice yourself for me. Take the offer," Alora insisted.


    Broken turned to her, gripping her hand tighter. "You know I won''t leave you here alone, right?" he said.


    "No," Alora replied firmly. "Why should you? Just because you can revive after you die? But I''m not someone who will leave while someone sacrifices for me."


    Broken shook his head. "We will stay here, together," he responded.


    "No, that''s not a good answer. The level of the monsters will keep rising; we won''t be able to get through it," Alora argued.


    "Are you being pessimistic, Princess?" he asked softly.


    "This isn''t about pessimism; it''s about being realistic. The current monster levels are already very difficult, and we still have another six waves to go," she answered firmly.


    "You have a kingdom to protect; they need you," he insisted.


    "But a warrior doesn''t back down from a challenge, Broken. Please understand my position," she affirmed.


    "You said you would trust my decision," he replied.


    Alora fell silent, but it was clear she was still determined. "I won''t let you die for me."


    "I said I would die hundreds of times for you," he reiterated.


    "And I won''t let you do it for me."


    "I will survive, we will survive, and I will im my reward," Broken asserted once more.


    Alora shook her head. "I willmand you with my authority."


    Broken shook his head, too. "In this situation, you have no authority, Princess. You yourself said that we yers aren''t the type to bow to authority," he reminded her.


    They were both equally stubborn, standing their ground.


    "Meow, you don''t have much time. This is a one-time offer. Or do you prefer to die together, meow? I warn you, that''s not the right choice," uros pressed, increasing the tension.


    It was another message from Maylock that solidified Broken''s decision.


    [Maylock: "Trial Domains are usually meant to be tackled by one person, Broken. But you''re an anomaly, being able to enter a Trial Domain while someone else is working on it.


    I believe this means the Trial could be easier toplete. That''s probably why the demon showed up¡ªhe''s worried the Trial may actually bepleted. Try to fight the demon; if he refuses, it might indicate there''s a restriction on him.


    Yes, my conclusion is, hold on until the end. Don''t worry about the demons'' level in each wave. Good luck. Me, Elincia, and the others are on our way there."]


    Broken turned back to uros. "I''m afraid we need to refuse your offer, Mr. Cat Demon."


    "Hahaha... Meow, you both are so foolish and naive. I have warned you! You will die a pointless death."


    Another message from Maylock echoed in Broken''s mind, reinforcing his resolve.


    [Maylock: "In this regard, Broken, you can''t reveal the secret behind the demon''s illusion. Doing so would affect the restrictions set by the demons. You have to fully act as if you are deceived by their illusions. You can''t tell Alora about the fake demons'' levels either; it will be hard. I hope you seed."]


    With this in mind, Broken steeled his resolve. "We will see who ends upughing in the end," he said.


    "You''re so stupid, meow!" The demon smiled wickedly before his body vanished.


    They steeled themselves for the next challenge.


    Alora grabbed Broken''s left wrist and held it tightly. "Why did you waste that opportunity?" she said firmly.


    "You wouldn''t have left, would you? And neither will I."


    "You can''t be that stubborn, can you?"


    "Take a look in the mirror, Princess. You''re just as stubborn."


    "But this is my problem!" she insisted.


    "You invited me on this expedition, and now you expect me to shirk my responsibilities?" he retorted.


    [Wave 5 of 10 in the Abyssal Arena will begin shortly. Prepare yourself.]


    [Bloodfiend Lv. 237]


    [Hellfire Knight Lv. 239]


    [Bone Collector Lv. 242]


    "I tried to save you," Alora reiterated.


    "And I did the same," Broken countered. "Two heads are better than one. We''ll face this together until the end."


    Alora took a deep breath and nodded. "I hope you don''t regret this."


    Another battle erupted, much like the ones before. Broken focused intently on killing the demons, regardless of their perceived levels. Although each sh was grueling-especially given their dwindling resources-Broken noted something peculiar. Maylock''s words echoed in his mind as he observed the damage he inflicted on the demos. It was exactly as he stated: the demons'' levels hadn''t genuinely increased; it was merely a visual illusion. "Damn," Broken thought, marveling at how Maylock had foreseen this aspect. It was no wonder he was regarded as the brain of the Ass Guild. Maylock could solve problems even when not directly involved.


    Despite this revtion, the battle remained exceedingly tough. Fatigue was setting in, and their concentration waned with the growing number of monsters. The strain on their bodies and minds was relentless. Nheless, They fought through it, each move calcted and each strike delivered with precision.


    Theirbined efforts, along with the invaluable support from Polly, allowed them to tackle the monstrous hordes. Broken''s spear and Alora''s sword moved in deadly harmony, cutting down foes left and right. Polly''s agility and control over the battlefield kept the chaos


    manageable.


    Finally, they emerged victorious from the seemingly insurmountable challenge of the 5th wave. The final demon fell, the sound of its copse echoing through the arena, leaving behind a profound silence.


    Broken and Alora stood amidst the remnants of their battle, breaths heavy, bodies aching, but


    spirits unbroken.


    "I can''t believe we managed that," Broken said.


    "We''re not done yet, but this gives us hope," Alora replied


    They locked eyes, still catching their breath, and then they both broke into small, relieved


    laughter, sharing a brief moment of levity amidst the chaos.


    "You''re the most stubborn person I''ve ever met!" Alora said firmly. "I hate you."


    "That''s not a proper way for a princess to speak, is it, Princess?"


    "You don''t see me as a princess whose words you must follow!" she shot back, her tone


    equally firm. "That''s your own mistake."


    "I don''t. But I see you as a princess I must protect!" he replied.


    "I should be stronger than this." She said quietly.


    "You''re strong. Stronger than you think," he said softly. "The battle would be harder if you


    weren''t you."


    [In this heavy moment, Alora slowly realized she could ce more trust in Broken. His unwavering dedication had shown her his true intent, and it bolstered her resolve to fight


    even harder beside him.]


    [Alora feels she can ce more trust in you. Her affinity with you has increased to 47%.]


    [In the future, she will put even more trust in you and be a reliable ally to you.]


    "Thanks," Alora replied.


    "We have another five waves to face. Are you ready?"


    "I''ve been ready since the day I was born."


    "I love your answer," he said softly.


    "You''ll need to love me as a person too if you manage to bring me back from this trial," Alora


    added.


    Broken paused for a moment and then chuckled. "Please don''t bring that up now, Princess. I


    might lose concentration."


    "That should motivate you further, so noints. It''s amand."


    "Aye, Your Highness," he responded with a yful grin.


    A notification appeared before them, pulling their attention back to the trial at hand.


    [Wave 6 of 10 in the Abyssal Arena will begin shortly. Prepare yourself.]

 Chapter 249: Chapter 249 - The Fragile Strength of Survivors

    Chapter 249: - The Fragile Strength of Survivors


    ?


    The sixth wave was ovee once again by Broken and Alora, although it was a riskier battle due to their growing mental exhaustion. The fight took longer, but they were beginning to adapt to the attack patterns of the demons.


    They both sat on the floor, leaning against each other, trying to recover as much stamina as they could.


    "Why did you enter this Trial Domain, Princess?" Broken asked softly.


    "It felt like the Trial Domain devoured me. I couldn''t control myself, and suddenly I was here," she replied quietly.


    Broken nodded slowly.


    "What about Tristan and the others?"


    "They''re demons too," he said quietly.


    "Tristan?" she echoed in disbelief.


    "The other three, yes, but I''m not entirely sure about Tristan."


    "You killed them?"


    "Three of them, except Tristan. He escaped at thest moment."


    Alora sighed upon hearing this. "I should''ve known earlier that he was a traitor."


    Broken nodded slowly in agreement. These kinds of things, in his opinion, would keep happening. Experiencing it once was convincing enough, and she should be prepared to face the worst.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The seventh wave came crashing down on them, another nightmare they had to endure with diminishing morale and total exhaustion. Concentration became increasingly difficult, and they took more damage than before.


    Broken could no longer depend on potions, having reached the maximum limitation for his current state. They had to fight while maintaining as many passive skills as possible, keeping an eye on their Health and Mana regeneration.


    They took several near-fatal hits, but they tried to cover each other. It was a truly desperate battle, and they made a few mistakes along the way. But they kept going, as there was no better option for them.


    And they managed to endure it and survive the wave. Another sess, but still, their ordeal was far from over.


    They both copsed onto the floor, leaning against each other, their spear and sword resting on the ground beside them.


    They remained silent for a few moments, trying to control their breath. They knew another battle was still toe, but they forced themselves to take a brief rest, to regenerate their stamina.


    "Tell me more about you, Broken," Alora said softly, breaking the heavy silence.


    "What do you want to know about me, Princess?" he asked, turning to her.


    "Why have you developed so quickly?" she replied quietly, then paused before continuing. "It hasn''t even been a year. Back then, you struggled against yer killers below level 100. And now you''re here, fighting alongside me, someone who has trained hard all her life."


    "Is that a salty question, Princess?" he teased.


    "Stop answering questions with another question," she retorted.


    "That''s what I want to ask you. Why did you trust me more than the other five, even though I killed one of them?" he countered.


    "You''re so stubborn and overconfident too. Where did you get the certainty that I trusted you?"


    "That''s a question. Stop answering questions with another question," he said with a smirk. Alora chuckled at his words. She fell silent for a moment before answering, "Because I''m the crowned princess of the Dissidia Kingdom. I am the descendant of the Sloth Champion, King ndorr. Surely, I can predict such a simple thing just by looking once," she said with a confident tone.


    "Thanks, Princess, your answer is believable. I feel honored," he responded.


    Their conversation, though light-hearted, provided a brief reprieve from the relentless pressure they were under. It also deepened the bond between them, making them stronger as a team.


    Another wave, the 8th, had been survived, but this one had been the worst so far. Both of them bore heavy wounds. Alora had sustained severe injuries on her back, left arm, and right waist, with blood pouring from her wounds. The Invincible Paragon was no longer sufficient to withstand the relentless assault. Broken was in equally bad shape, though his own Healing Skill had given him some respite.


    They copsed onto the floor again, sitting face to face. Alora''s face was pale, reflecting the brutal fight they had endured. Yet, two more battles remained, with the final wave looming ominously ahead. Broken knew the moment was nearing when he would have to summon Gaia, but he wanted to hold out for one more wave at least, to save Gaia''s might for the final confrontation, whatever it might bring.


    "I''ll heal your wound," Broken said, reaching for Alora''s left arm to tend to her injuries.


    "No," Alora refused, pushing his hand away. "Save your Mana."


    "You need the healing. Let me do it," Broken insisted, his voice firm.


    "No, I don''t. You need the Mana too. We still have two waves. I can survive with this," Alora replied.


    "Princess Alora, please, you need the healing," Broken urged, growing more insistent.


    "I don''t. You need the Mana. Listen to me, you stubborn!" Alora shot back, just as firm.


    The stalemate between their desires stretched taut as they stared at each other.


    "This is my Mana, you have no right to tell me what to do with it. Let me heal you," Broken insisted, reaching for her wounds.


    "This is my body. Why do you insist on healing me if I don''t want it? Don''t force me." "Alora, listen to me and let me heal you!" Broken repeated, his tone now more assertive.


    Alora paused, then chuckled softly. "See, you''re starting to show your true self, huh? Where is the respect? But it''s okay. I guess it''s kind of interesting to have someone address me like that


    for a change."


    Ignoring her protests, Broken grabbed her left arm firmly and she eventually surrendered, allowing him to begin healing her.


    "Be quiet and let me heal you," hemanded.


    "I seem to lose all my authority around you, stepping all over my dignity," Alora responded


    quietly.


    "Sorry, Princess. I forgot myself a bit. Please don''t sentence me to death for this mistake," Broken said softly.


    "Prepare for the worst punishment, then," she replied.


    The green energy from Broken''s hands flowed into Alora''s wounds, slowly knitting the flesh back together. As the healing took effect, the severity of her injuries diminished, though not


    entirely gone.


    He waited for the cooldown to finish and then healed another wound on her waist. However, he couldn''t afford to heal her back yet, but he felt it was enough to alleviate some of the


    burden she was carrying.


    "I''m beginning to doubt what ss you actually have," she whispered.


    "An all-around fighter, cksmith, and miner," he said with a smile.


    Alora nodded. "I''ll share some exciting blueprints with youter, when we get out of here."


    "We will," Broken said confidently.


    Polly, now in her smaller form,id her head on the floor beside them. Then she hopped into Broken''sp, curling up and falling asleep, providing a small source of warmth andfort


    amidst the turmoil.


    "You''re fortunate to have been chosen by such a noble spirit beast," Alora murmured softly.


    Broken paused for a moment, looking at Polly as she rested, then gently stroked her. "You''d be even more surprised to see my other spirit," he said.


    "Yes, please. I''m ready to be amazed by more incredible things you might show today," Alora replied with a smile.


    Broken chuckled softly, appreciating her attempt to lift the mood despite their dire situation.


    Another wave came, the 9th wave, and it was another grueling battle. Broken found himself nearly cornered, contemting summoning Gaia until the veryst moment. Even Dendros''s summon duration had ended, furtherplicating their situation.


    Alora''s injuries worsened significantly, and during a critical moment, she copsed, unable to fight any longer. But fortunately, this happened just as they managed to survive the 9th wave,


    though barely.


    Broken immediately rushed to Alora, who was kneeling on the floor. Her armor, once ck


    and red, was now soaked in blood. She looked up at him, a faint smile on her face.


    "One more wave," she said weakly.


    Broken nodded, gently cradling her face as he healed her. "Yes, one more wave."


    "Your Mana," she protested weakly.


    "Don''t worry. I can go all out with my full power in the final wave," he reassured her.


    Alora nodded, trusting his determination.


    "That was so touching!" a voice suddenly remarked from the side.


    They turned, expecting to see Duke uros. But what they saw took them by surprise. Instead


    of the terrifying demon from before, there was a normal-sized cat, a chubby, overweight


    feline with a round face, still sporting the same horns, sitting not far from them.


    "What happened to him?" Broken asked, struggling to suppress hisughter.

 Chapter 250: Chapter 250 - Alora’s Fierce Empowerment

    Chapter 250: - Alora¡¯s Fierce Empowerment


    ?


    "It''s truly disheartening, meow," purred uros, though his voicecked the menace it once had.


    "Enjoy the final moments of your life before I end it in the most miserable way, meow!" This time, his voice sounded almost like an overweight teenager''s.


    What had happened to him?


    To Broken, instead of appearing terrifying, the cat demon looked almost cute.


    "Wipe that grin off your face! Do you dare mock me, meow? Just because I look like this, doesn''t mean you should underestimate me! You''ll regret ever making that mistake!" uros dered firmly.


    Broken mustered the strength to stand up again, and Alora, despite her injuries, was already back on her feet beside him. Their situation was dire: both were low on health and mana, with Alora severely wounded and herbat capabilities significantly weakened.


    Nevertheless, in this final wave, Broken could summon Gaia and unleash her full abilities. Alora, too, could be healed by the Fern Rabbit. They weren''t entirely without hope.


    One thing nagged at Broken: why had uros taken on such an odd form? Could it be that he had exhausted his power to create this Trial Domain?


    Maylock spected that the Trial Domain might be designed for uros to gather enough strength to eventually manifest in Yunatea. If that were true, it made sense for him to craft a seemingly insurmountable Trial Domain using his cunning.


    However, if someone were toplete this Trial Domain, wouldn''t the opposite hold true for uros? Wouldn''t he lose his power and be banished back to the demon''s realm? Or even worse, could it mean his demise?


    "What a foolish bond you share, meow?" uros taunted. "The human isn''t even honest about his level with you, half-elf!"


    He continued, clearly trying to sow discord between Broken and Alora.


    "What''s the corrtion between him not being honest about his level and him being trustworthy?" Alora replied calmly.


    "Isn''t it truly foolish to trust someone with your back when they haven''t fully opened up to you? What if he betrays you one day and merely uses you for his own gain?" uros pressed


    on.


    "That''s my decision and judgment to trust someone, not anyone else''s influence over my choices. And talk all you want; it won''t change anything," Alora responded resolutely. "Hahahaha... You lowly creatures, you will realize that rejecting my offer was a grave mistake," uros continued, hisughter echoing ominously.


    "So, the offer still stands? I thought you wanted to finish us off immediately?" Alora inquired.


    "Meow... I love a good show. I''ll let one of you escape unharmed, but there''s a catch. Kill each other. The survivor will receive a grand reward beyond your wildest dreams, immense power, and a noble blessing. Do it, fight each other, MEOW!"


    urosmanded, his voice now sharp andmanding.


    Broken then smiled and turned to Alora. "Princess, would you like to kill me? You could easily get out of here, and I would allow it."


    Alora gave a slight smile. "Are you a masochist or what?" she said. "Sorry, but I won''t entertain your fun. Offer that to someone else."


    Broken then turned back to uros. "No, both of us are not interested in your offer. Take it back."


    "You two are so stupid! You''re wasting my forgiveness! I will make you both regret it!" uros shouted angrily.


    Broken gripped the spear tightly, his patience wearing thin. He readied himself to summon Gaia.


    "Enough, uros! Release the final wave! After that, I''ll make sure to kill you!" he dered firmly.


    "Hahaha, where does that confidencee from, meow! I warned you, and yet you still underestimate me!" uros''s demeanor shifted, anger seeping into his voice.


    He continued. "This is the final wave you wanted, the one that will end both of your lives forever! After this, I''ll haunt you, yer. Even if you rise again, I''ll keep killing you until you grow tired of death itself, MEOW!"


    Shadowy tendrils shot forth from around uros, wrapping themselves tightly around his body. As they continued to coil, his form grewrger andrger, swelling to an enormous size, nearly twice their height. Despite this, the cat retained his chubby, feline form, far removed from the gaunt, terrifying demon he initially appeared to be.


    [Wave 10 of 10 in the Abyssal Arena will begin shortly. Prepare yourself.]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Broken took a moment to assess Alora''s condition. "Princess, I''m going to summon another spirit. I''ll heal you afterward, so please hold on until the healing isplete."


    Alora smiled and readied her sword. "Thank you for your concern."


    Broken nodded gently, acknowledging the immense pride and honor she exuded despite the dire situation. He was acutely aware of how significant her burden was-having to rely on someone else in such a critical moment. It wasn''t a matter of arrogance or weakness, but rather the weight of her immense responsibility.


    Alora was someone who should have been orchestrating strategies from behind the lines, not battling demons herself. Yet, here she was, fighting alongside him. There was no one more suited to lead the kingdom than her. The people of Dissidia should be proud to have such a noble soul as their crowned Princess.


    The horde of monsters began to pour in, heralding the final challenge of their ordeal. This wave promised to be the toughest yet, as they braced themselves not just for the onught of creatures, but for the Named Demon who stood among their adversaries.


    Suddenly, a golden aura appeared and slowly enveloped Alora like a gentle me. She looked startled and raised her hands instinctively.


    "Princess, what is that?" Broken asked, his voice filled with concern.


    Curious, Broken immediately checked her status, and one thing shocked him-her level had suddenly jumped by 10 levels!


    "I don''t know," she whispered, equally surprised.


    "Is this a special power-up granted to the Crowned Princess and the descendant of the Sloth Champion?" he wondered aloud.


    "My level increased by 10, and I also gained a new skill," she said, still in awe. "And yes, it seems King ndorr has graced me with his protection."


    [The King ndorr, the Sloth Champion, has bestowed his protection upon his faithful descendant. This protection will remain as long as they uphold the great principles of the


    Dissidia Kingdom.]


    [Alora Rogwyn, as the crowned princess and the faithful descendant, has received this protection and sessfully transcended herself, gaining a new ss grade.]


    [For this achievement, you''ve earned a new title "Protector of the Crown."]


    [For this honor, by bing the faithful partner of the princess, you''ve unlocked a new skill that can only be used while fighting alongside her.]


    [The new skill Alora''s Fierce Empowerment (Conditional Active Skill) is unlocked]


    [Need an extra edge in battle? This skill is your answer! It lets you and Alora Rogwyn cast any skill 5 levels higher while fighting together.


    Duration: 5 Minutes.


    Cooldown: 24 Hours.]


    Broken observed Alora, her condition now fully rejuvenated. The paleness that had previously dulled her face had vanished, leaving her looking revitalized. To his surprise, he realized he had acquired a new skill-one that allowed him to cast skills five levels higher when fighting alongside her. It was an incredible boon, though it only worked in her presence.


    "You were hiding this kind of power, weren''t you?" Broken remarked softly.


    Alora gripped her sword with a confident smile. "Does that disappoint you? I won''t


    apologize, because I didn''t know I had such a blessing from King ndorr."


    Broken gave a tight nod and turned his attention to the approaching horde of demons. They had both regained their strength, and the final battle loomed.


    [Alora''s Fierce Empowerment (Conditional Active Skill)]


    Broken activated the new skill, watching his list of skills surge in level-each one now five


    levels higher. With this change came greater damage potential, though at the cost of


    increased mana consumption.


    [Awaken the Nature Goddess (Active Skill)]


    He summoned Gaia, the powerful spirit. Unfortunately, not all his skills benefited from the level increase; those tied to his equipment remained unaffected. Nheless, he was ready.


    "Let''s finish this quickly, Princess," he dered.


    "Yes, Baron Broken. It has been a thrilling and exciting experience to fight alongside you,"


    she replied.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll make sure we fight together more often, to ensure this skill doesn''t go to waste," he said with a smirk.


    "You''re quite greedy, aren''t you?"


    With that, Broken summoned everything in his arsenal, preparing for the final battle against the horde of demons. They hade this far together, and they would see this through to the


    end.

 Chapter 251: Chapter 251 - Spare My Life, MEOW!

    Chapter 251: - Spare My Life, MEOW!


    ?


    Broken summoned Gaia, her ethereal form hovering behind him, emanating a vibrant green aura. Broken himself was enveloped in abination of ocean-blue and green auras, the result of the Wavebreaker Spear''s Oceanic Blessing and Gaia''s Nature Healing.


    Alora nced at Broken and smiled. "I''m truly speechless," she said. "You''ve been granted with so many blessings, huh? It makes me envious."


    "Thanks for thepliment, Princess," Broken replied enthusiastically. "But it''s ironic to hear the word ''envy''ing from someone like you."


    He unleashed every skill he had stored in the spear. Waves of oceanic energy swept across the arena, torrents of spears rained down from the sky, and a wild boar made of water charged forward, creating chaos upon exploding.


    Broken also summoned Dendros, who dashed across the battlefield wielding Moonvine Knuckles, while Polly and her clones darted in tandem, adding to the fray.


    [Nature Conjuring (Active Skill)]


    Next, Broken invoked twelve nt-type creatures, which immediately filled the battlefield and shed with the demons attacking from all sides.


    He spun his spear and mmed it into the ground. The impact split the floor, sending a fissure snaking its way forward, striking dozens of demons in its path. Their numbers had swelled, making the scene even more chaotic.


    [Groundbreaker (Active Skill) Lv. 6]


    Now, the skill dealt area damage of 1050%, and the effect was exponentially more devastating than before. Broken could feel the immense impact from the skill level boost he had just received. This dramatic enhancement was changing the battle significantly, tilting the scales in their favor.


    Broken and Alora fought with newfound freedom, thanks to the continuous regeneration provided by Nature Healing. The constant healing allowed Broken to endure hits and keep going, while Alora darted across the battlefield with remarkable agility, her sword strikes swift and precise. Each of them cleaved through the approaching demons with unerring uracy.


    They maintained a strategic distance, covering each other''s blind spots and warding off demons from two directions. asionally, their eyes would meet in brief, understanding nces, showing just how much they were enjoying this climactic battle. This final wave stood in stark contrast to the earlier struggles they had endured.


    At one point, Broken decapitated a demon about to attack Alora from behind, just as she severed the head of another demon lunging at Broken. Their synchronized strikes were wless, the two of them moving in perfect harmony as they cut down their foes. Clearly, they relished this battle.


    Broken spun his spear, parrying the attacks of five demons simultaneously. Activating the Spear Guard, he unleashed a powerful defensive move that sent the five demons tumbling backward, crashing into others and losing their lives in the process.


    Focused on eliminating the demon minions first, they moved with incredible speed and efficiency. One by one, the lesser demons fell under their relentless assault. Finally, with a swift sh, Broken dispatched thest remaining minion. The battlefield grew noticeably quieter, the screams and roars of the fallen demons fading away.


    Now, only one enemy remained: the final boss, Duke uros.


    uros let out a deafening roar, the chilling sound of a cat''s cry reverberating through the arena and shaking its very foundation. "You''ve stepped too far into my domain, and now I''ll show you the true extent of my power, for I am the one who will lead the demons in the future!" he bellowed.


    Hundreds of shadow tendrils erupted from all corners of the arena, writhing and darting toward everything that remained on the battlefield. Yet, Broken had his own arsenal. Ten massive vine arms emerged from the ground, thrashing wildly towards uros. The cat demon, however, darted around with hisrge form, intermittently transforming into shadows and reappearing elsewhere, evading the vine attacks.


    All of Broken''s summons converged their assaults on the same target. uros shifted into a defensive mode, constantly dodging and reappearing as a shadow, making him an elusive quarry. It was a relentless game of cat and mouse, but in this case, the cat was the prey. Broken and his allies pressed the attack, but uros continually slipped away.


    Seizing an opening, Broken activated his dash skill, positioning himself precisely where uros was about to reappear. With a skillful spin of his spear, he struck the demon squarely, feeling the satisfying impact of his weapon meeting flesh. It was a clear hit!


    uros let out a hiss of pain but quickly poofed into shadow form again, emerging at another spot in the arena. This time, however, the movement of the shadow tendrils began to slow. The earlier ferocity and speed waned, hinting that the demon was depleting his strength. Sensing the shift in momentum, Broken gripped his spear tighter, determination etching his features. The relentless onught had taken its toll on uros; his energy was waning. uros materialized at another point in the arena, but Dendros was already there, unleashing a flurry of powerful punches. It was another massive hit, and the cat demon let out a piercing "Meow" before disappearing once more.


    When uros reappeared elsewhere, Alora was swift to pursue, delivering a crushing blow with her sword. The strike was so forceful that it left a deep gouge in the arena wall. uros frantically dashed away and reappeared at another point in the arena, clearly panicking. "Who brought you here?" Broken shouted amidst the chaos of battle.


    "Shut up! Don''t think you can interrogate me, MEOW!" uros retorted angrily.


    "You''re about to lose and be destroyed. You''d do well to share with us who brought you here," Broken pressed on.


    "What do you think I am? I did everything by my own choice! I am the great Felhorn, Duke uros, the Named Demon ranked 64! Don''t even dream of defeating me-it''s impossible, MEOW!" uros bellowed defiantly.


    Broken tightened his grip on his spear, his determination unshaken. "Your bravado won''t save you now. You''re weakening, and your shadows can''t protect you forever."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    uros roared fiercely within the arena, and suddenly, he appeared behind Broken, ready tounch a fatal attack with a savage leap. "I''m the great Duke uros, and I will kill both of you now, MEOW!" he dered menacingly.


    Broken turned around just as the cat demon was about to engulf him, but before uros could strike, a series of powerful shes erupted behind the demon. In the next moment, the cat''s body split into multiple pieces. Emerging from behind the dismembered demon was Alora, d in her striking red armor, her sword gleaming with deadly precision.


    Had they defeated uros? Broken couldn''t afford to take chances. He prepared tounch another attack at anything in his path.


    But before he could move, another poof of shadow urred, and the smaller form of uros appeared, floating in the air, losing bnce as he tumbled toward the ground. The shadow tendrils around the arena also began to weaken and dissipate.


    "Broken!" Alora shouted, signaling him to finish the demon.


    "No, don''t do it! Spare my life, please, MEOW!" uros pleaded.


    Broken allowed himself a brief smile before thrusting his spear towards the demon. The tip of the spear pierced the small, horned cat''s body. But it seemed this was not enough to end the


    battle.


    "Spare my life, MEOW!" uros screamed again, his voice loud and agonized.


    Showing no mercy, Broken twisted the spear and delivered another devastating slice,


    ensuring the demon''s body was utterly destroyed. As uros disintegrated, all shadow


    tendrils in the arena vanished instantly.


    [Congrattions! You havepleted The Abyssal Arena - Trial Domain Level 200]


    They won! They had truly, undeniably won!


    Broken felt the surge of victory coursing through his veins with an intensity like never before. As he turned to Alora, her face lit up with the same relief and joy, a radiant smile breaking across her features. Without a second thought, they both ran toward each other, driven by the shared tion of their hard-fought triumph. They embraced, reveling in the happiness they


    wanted to share so deeply.


    However, hugging while wearing armor proved cumbersome and ufortable. Realizing this, they stepped back and gazed into each other''s eyes, the joy of victory still palpable.


    "We did it!" Broken shouted.


    "We really did," Alora echoed, just as excited.


    For a brief moment, they just stood there, a charged silence hanging between them, filled with emotions they didn''t need to speak. Broken felt an irresistible urge to show how happy he was. He leaned in closer to Alora, their faces just inches apart.


    Alora froze for a second, and Broken pressed his lips to hers. It was natural, without any hesitation, a simple expression of their shared triumph and feelings. They stayed like that, savoring the connection they had worked so hard to build and protect.


    This was their moment of triumph, a victory they felt deep within, and they were overjoyed by it. They remained in their embrace for several moments, allowing the happiness to wash over


    them.


    Broken had seeded in saving the Princess! And the time would soone when he would truly have the right to im her. As his-

 Chapter 252: Chapter 252 - Legendary-grade Felhorn

    Chapter 252: - Legendary-grade Felhorn


    ?


    What had Broken done?! She was the Crown Princess of the Dissidia Kingdom, and they were kiss-ing?!


    He pulled away from the kiss, feeling a rush of awkwardness between them. Avoiding her gaze, his mind raced with thoughts. What would she think? Had he crossed an unspoken boundary? Even though it felt genuine, he couldn''t ignore the reality that she was royalty.


    "Uhm..." Broken began, trying to find the right words.


    "The chest," Alora interrupted.


    "The- chest?" He turned to her, confused.


    "The reward, treasure chest," Alora rified, pointing towards a different part of the arena.


    "Yes, the treasure chest," he replied.


    Both of them turned towards the center of the arena where a treasure chest now stood, with a portal nearby indicating their exit. Walking towards the treasure chest, Broken took a moment to read the notifications that shed before him.


    [Congrattions, brave warrior! You have sessfully vanquished the fearsome Duke uros, Named Demon Ranking 64, and earned yourself a new title: Demon yer Extraordinaire!]


    [Your heroic deed has also granted you an additional 20 stat points.]


    [You also received a new special ability to deal 5% more damage to any demon foolish enough to cross your path.]


    It wasn''t disappointing at all - the reward for defeating a Named Demon was truly impressive. A 5% increase in damage against demons was a significant boost. And the bonus of 20 additional stat points was just the cherry on top for him.


    They had trulypleted the Trial Domain. Seeing it with their own eyes when they killed the Named Demon was the only confirmation they needed that they had finished the Trial Domain.


    This Trial Domain was incredibly challenging. Could Alora have finished it alone if Broken hadn''te to help? In the final phase, Alora received a boost, something intrinsic to her role as a Special NPC. She was too important to lose in such a trial, right? It showed that King ndorr was still protecting her, even though he was no longer in this world.


    Broken opened the wooden chest, curious about the reward they received. However, his expectations were a bit different. Inside, he saw an egg! Yes, an egg the size of a ser ball, oval-shaped, dark ck with white stripes like a cat''s markings.


    "It''s an egg," Alora remarked softly.


    [Legendary-grade Felhorn Egg]


    Broken swallowed hard when he saw the information about the egg. A Legendary-grade Egg?!


    The egg was from the same demon type as uros, a Felhorn. It seemed to be a horned cat- like demon, but the grade was Legendary, which made it incredibly valuable. But was the egg safe? How would they incubate it? And what would emerge from inside?


    "You should take the egg with you, Broken," Alora said.


    "But it''s a demon egg. Could it be that uros has reverted back into an egg?" he wondered aloud.


    Alora paused. "I don''t have any knowledge about that, but I''m sure Elincia can help you with this," she said, then fell silent for a moment. "I think it will be safer with you, under the protection of you and Elincia''s guild. You have more freedom."


    Broken touched the egg''s surface; it was textured and slightly rough. "Since when do cats hatch from eggs?" he murmured.


    He then lifted the egg and examined it closely. "What if uros hatches from this and appears in Yunatea?"


    "Kill him again. He should be easier to defeat when he''s newly hatched, right?"


    This was the reward from the Trial Domain. It ought to be something useful and valuable. But considering it was a Trial Domain created by a Named Demon, who knew what awaited him inside this egg?


    Broken nodded and tried to store the egg inside his Inventory, and he managed to do it, even though it was an egg containing a living being.


    That was the conclusion of the Trial Domain. Yet, their troubles were far from over, as Broken still hadn''t received any updates on what was happening outside, nor on what had be of Tristan, who had escaped.


    "Let''s go, Princess," he said with a smile.


    Alora nodded, and a smile appeared on her face as well.


    Broken was about to turn towards the portal, but he stopped when Alora called out to him.


    "Broken."


    He turned back. "Yes, Princess?"


    "About my promise to you," she said softly, and they locked eyes for a moment.


    "Ah, yes..." Broken felt oddly awkward. "That thing."


    "I will keep my promise. You may im me as your bride, but you need to wait until I ascend to the throne and fulfill my duties," she continued.


    Broken nodded firmly. "Yes, and I''ll help you secure the throne. To vanquish anyone who tries to oppose you."


    Alora paused for a moment. "Do I seem like I''m taking advantage of you?"


    "I''ve intended to do this from the start, so it makes no difference to me," he said. "Besides... that''s when I''ll im my reward, right?"


    Alora giggled at his words. "Don''t you dare brag about what you im from me today! Or the deal is off," she said firmly.


    "I don''t remember a thing. What have we done?"


    "Shut up," Alora replied, then walked towards the portal.


    Brokenughed softly. "You''ve shown me a lot of your true self today, Princess."


    "It was because of you, testing my patience. Take responsibility."


    "Nah, it was actually cute," he said, but Alora immediately jumped into the portal after hearing hisment.


    After exiting the Trial Domain, the outside conditions remained unchanged from before Broken had entered. He immediately summoned Polly and climbed on, with Alora following and sitting behind him. Polly quickly dashed down the cave corridor, eager to exit the cursed


    ce.


    "I''ll repair your armor and weapon, Princess," Broken murmured as Polly began to leave the


    cave.


    "No, it will take up your time. Let the royal cksmiths handle it," she replied from behind.


    "There is a chance to upgrade the grade if I do the repair."


    "Does that mean the grade might also decrease?" Alora asked.


    Broken paused at the question, realizing he hadn''t considered that possibility before. He then confirmed the skill in his Royal cksmith ss. There was no information indicating that the grade would decrease or increase, but he had previously upgraded a pickaxe grade through


    repair.


    "Honestly, I don''t know," he admitted.


    "You need to head to Slumdon Town quickly, right? I''m sure you''ve already dyed a lot of


    time. Just go, I''ll be fine," she insisted.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "It will only take maybe three days, depending on the damage. That''s alright for me."


    Alora sighed. "I''ve been through enough to know you''ll still insist."


    From a distance, they noticed someone floating in the air, dressed in blue. Broken quickly recognized who it was. The figure approached swiftly, and as they floated in front of them, Polly came to a sudden stop.


    It was Elincia, floating down to match the height of Broken and Alora on Polly''s back.


    "I''m d to see you''re both okay," Elincia said. But her attention was drawn to the


    questionable smiles on their faces; was it just her imagination?


    "What did you do inside the Trial Domain?" Elincia suddenly asked.


    "Fighting demons, what else?" Broken replied.


    Elincia nced back at Princess Alora and responded to her smile. "Let''s go; the others are


    waiting."

 Chapter 253: Chapter 253 - They Were Schoolmates

    Chapter 253: - They Were Schoolmates


    ?


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Leon decided to log out afterpleting the Trial Domain with Alora. There were several things he needed to attend to in real life. Though he didn''t have many updates about what was happening in the city, Elincia had confirmed that everything was in order, which gave him some peace of mind.


    He had to make a trip to the campus that day, something he had avoided for the past week. Since he wanted to talk with Freya, they decided to ride together in the same car, with Alfred driving them to campus.


    "It was Maylock who decided toe after you," Freya began.


    "Maylock?"


    "Yes, when they learned that you and the Princess were on an expedition, Maylock took the initiative to follow. So, he, Elincia, Toberry, Melliandra, and Kingsley all decided to join the pursuit," Freya exined.


    "Even before I consulted him about the demon? What prompted him to follow? Was it because I went with the Princess or something else?" Leon wondered aloud.


    "I don''t know," Freya responded with a giggle. "You''d better ask Maylock yourself. But it seems he always believes something interesting will happen when you''re on an expedition."


    Leon nodded slowly, understanding how crucial Maylock''s analytical skills were in navigating theplexities of the Trial Domain he and the Princess were trapped in.


    "It''s because of this that they arrived quicker and took action immediately. They were assisted by two Knight Grand Crosses," Freya continued.


    From Elincia''s ount, Tristan had eventually been captured and was taken to the pce for imprisonment. However, it was clear that he wasn''t a full demon, more like a half-demon. It seemed very likely that Tristan was the one who had brought uros into the cave, to begin with.


    "Them, the demons," Leon continued. "I couldn''t inspect their status, except for Tristan. Even then, I could only see one stat."


    Freya nodded. "So, I guess you could spend some time doing another scan of everyone who''s left there?"


    She continued, "Princess Alora and her entourage had already returned to the pce. Only Elincia and Maylock were staying behind for a while longer."


    "Yes, I''ll do it once I get back to the game this evening," Leon agreed.


    As the car pulled into the campus area, Leon grabbed his bag. "Thanks," he said, turning to Freya. "What are you up to today?"


    Freya raised an eyebrow. "What''s with that? I have a lot of things to do."


    "Uhm... Hang out? Coffee?" Leon suggested.


    "If you''re insisting, I won''t say no," Freya replied with a yful smirk.


    Leon walked towards the campus building, his mind still awhirl with everything that had happened inside the game, especially the expedition with Alora. He took a deep breath, his emotions a mix of relief and anxiety.


    What they had gone through, trapped in the Trial Domain with its intense battles, kept reying in his head. Even the slightest mistake or wrong decision could have put the Princess in grave danger. That would have been disastrous.


    Leon felt the immense responsibility of everyone ying the Immortal Legacy, especially since the Crown Princess of Dissidia Kingdom was with him. Her fate was truly hanging by a thread, even though they finally managed to escape. But the decision to continue the Trial until the end, relying solely on Maylock''s analysis, was aplete gamble!


    But if it turned out that Alora had to leave the Trial and he had to finish it by himself, would Alora be willing to do that? And could heplete the Trial alone? He wasn''t sure.


    Alora waspletely against the idea of leaving the Trial by herself. It was sheer stubbornness, and he wasn''t really sure if this was wise or just in pigheadedness. But he knew he should prioritize her safety. At least, that''s what he thought.


    Leon took another deep breath. Beyond that, there was a strange sense of exhration. Did Princess Alora really promise that he could marry her? He was still trying to convince himself that it had actually happened.


    Yes, it did. They even shared a kiss! It was the most embarrassing moment, yet he couldn''t forget it. The memory was still vivid in his mind, even now. He didn''t know how it happened, nor did he understand what led to it.


    It was aplete glory, the hardest struggle, the nightmare. Seeing Alora repeatedly getting seriously injured made him hold his breath each time. The battle demanded their utmost concentration and effort. And the final result was their victory! A massive one. How could he not be overjoyed? While he genuinely wanted to save the Princess and protect her.


    But these thoughts began to settle deeper into his mind. Many yers in Immortal Legacy had married NPCs and were happy with that. Would marrying a character in the game close off the possibility of marrying someone in the real world?


    What if he ended up marrying Princess Alora? Would he never have a real woman as a wife?


    Did he need to think about this? Did he care about the Princess? Yes. Did he love her? He didn''t know.


    But would he be willing to marry her? That offer wasn''t something you needed to question; no one would turn down such an opportunity, including Leon.


    But then, another name popped into his head-it was Ivana. He cared about her, too, and hadmitted to protecting her.


    He could no longer distinguish between the feelings of care and love. Or perhaps they were actually the same?


    Damn, Leon thought, quickly dismissing the peculiar thoughts. Maybe he was too stressed from the struggles in the game, causing his mind to be a bit chaotic. He needed to focus on something else today.


    As he approached the ssroom, someone called out to him from behind.


    "Leon, Leon," a woman called out.


    Leon turned around and saw a woman with wavy blonde hair wearing a thigh-length blue


    dress. It was Laura.


    "Hi, Laura," he replied.


    They started walking side by side.


    "It''s been a week since you werest at campus."


    "Uhm, Yes..." he responded with a grin. "It seems I''ve been getting lost in the game, and it''s always a struggle to force myself toe here. It''s really hard."


    Laura giggled at his words. "I made a summary for you, everything you missed. I''ll send it to


    your email."


    "Thanks, Laura... I really need that, at least to pass the exams," he admitted.


    They entered the ssroom, and Leon quickly moved up to a few rows of seats at the back. He turned to Laura, who was standing still, a bit hesitant. "Want to join me?"


    "May I?" she asked uncertainly.


    "Yes,"


    Laura smiled and joined him. They sat next to each other, drawing the attention of several other students in the ss. It was especially surprising because Leon was known to be quiet, not popr, and without many friends. But Laura, one of the most beautiful women in the ss with many admirers, sitting with him? It definitely raised a lot of questions, among others.


    While waiting for their professor to arrive, the ss was quite noisy, but Laura and Leon appeared to be engaged in an interesting conversation, at least from a distance. Laura, with an enthusiastic expression, kept asking questions, and Leon answered them awkwardly. Lauraughed at his responses, clearly enjoying their interaction. The closeness between them was evident as Laura focused intently on Leon''s face, smiling at his every gesture.


    That littleugh and the way Laura looked at Leon didn''t go unnoticed by others in the ss. It seemed like Laura was paying special attention to Leon?! Laura was known for not mingling much with others. She was quite reserved and usually only responded to those who approached her first. Even then, it didn''t indicate a close rtionship, just mere acquaintanceship.


    However, the conversation between Leon and Laura suggested they knew each other much better than that. Some of the students knew they came from the same high school, but they never expected Leon, the nerd, to be so close to someone as beautiful and charming as Laura.


    When the ss ended, Laura invited Leon to have lunch together at the campus cafe.


    "Yes... I think that''s a good idea," he responded.


    "Let me choose the menu, and I''ll treat you this time," she said with a smile.


    "I hope your choice won''t disappoint me."


    "You can bet on me," she responded confidently.

 Chapter 254: Chapter 254 - Hatching the Demon Egg

    Chapter 254: - Hatching the Demon Egg


    ?


    "So, you had lunch with Laura?" Freya said as she sat in the passenger seat beside Leon, who was driving.


    "Yes..." he replied simply.


    "So, you two made up." She giggled. "So, old mes reignited? Oh, you''re breaking my heart," she said, jokingly.


    "No one said that." Leon answered and then fell silent for a moment before continuing. "She exined everything about her father and apologized. And..." he paused again. "I don''t have a reason not to forgive her because... no hard feelings on my part. And she said she wants to be friends."


    They went quiet for a bit. Then Leon started a new topic, discussing his experience in the dungeon, the encounter with the Demon, and about the Egg he got from the Trial Domain. However, he skipped the part about Princess Alora''s promise to him.


    "So, incubating an egg and hatching it to make a pet ismon in Yunatea. Many people do it," she replied.


    "Does one need to have a beast tamer ss to do that?"


    "No, it''s not necessary, but building affinity with the pet takes time and special handling... and most people deal with normal monsters with standard wildness levels. But in your case, it''s a Felhorn, and it was born from the death of a Named Demon." Freya answered slowly. "It is quite worrying," she said, giggling. "But still, a Legendary-grade Egg... That''s amazing." "How do I incubate the Egg, Freya?"


    "You just need to share your mana with the egg every day. It''s easy. Just touch the egg, and there should be a notification to share mana. Have you tried it?"


    Leon had held the Egg, but he didn''t encounter anything like that. The egg just remained still even after he had stored it in his Inventory. "No, nothing like that."


    Freya paused for a moment, seemingly recalling something. "A Demon Beast Egg is quite rare. I think only those who deal extensively with demons might know more about it."


    "The Gluttony Champion?" Leon replied softly, remembering his encounter with the Shadow Wolves and their two Gluttony Champions, Marlene and Paul.


    "Yes." Freya answered, then fell silent again. "I actually wanted to suggest you discuss this with Marlene."


    "Are you sure, Freya?" Leon furrowed his brow, recalling that uros''s appearance might be connected to them. "They brought the Demon to Dissidia Kingdom, I killed them and reaped the egg, and now you suggest I consult about the egg with her?"


    "I don''t have any other name in mind who might understand Demon Beasts. Marlene''s Blessing is specifically rted to Demon Beasts," she said, pausing for a moment. "Since she also promised to help you get your own Demon Beast, right? This might be an opportunity for you."


    Leon nodded slightly, still unsure about trusting them. Since he didn''t yet know their true intentions, and he clearly didn''t like Paul''s type.


    But Marlene-so far-hadn''t done anything too extreme, except for being part of the Shadow Wolves.


    "If I had to guess," Freya continued, "maybe the Demon Egg can only be incubated in their world, the demon world, the Hell."


    "The Hell?" Leon responded, furrowing his brow. "To incubate the egg, I need to go to the demon world? Isn''t that just suicide?"


    Freya giggled at his words. "I guess it''s worth it if the final oue is you having a Legendary-grade Demon Beast as a pet."


    "If the oue is that, it seems beneficial," Leon conceded. "But what if uros rises and fights back?" He clicked his tongue. "That guy is so elusive. If we hadn''t fought in a confined space, it would have been much harder to defeat him."


    Leon sighed, realizing he had yet another issue to deal with in the near future. For some reason, he was eager to hatch the Egg. While he worried that uros might rise again from it, the potential of having a new pet was enticing.


    He pondered meeting Marlene, considering whether to conceal the fact about the Egg. But again, if uros''s arrival in the Dissidia Kingdom was connected to the Shadow Wolves, they likely already suspected that Leon had the Egg.


    A Legendary-grade Egg from a Named Demon-just hearing its name was enough to recognize its tremendous value. A Legendary-grade Egg, and from a Named Demon, made Leon potentially the first in the game to possess such an item.


    The existence of Named Demons was scarcely known, with only small pieces of information avable through various quests that many yers had undertaken. That was why Maylock had enough information about uros''s skills. However, it was clear that Maylock truly understood a lot; perhaps he did extensive research in a short time, but his analysis of how to defeat uros was spot-on.


    "Marlene is on the opposite side," Freya continued. "But I''m sure they have reasons to try pulling you to their side."


    "And?"


    "But I''m confident you won''t switch sides, right? Especially if it means opposing Princess Alora."


    "No."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "And, even though they are opponents in the game, you don''t need to worry, I guess. It''s just


    a rivalry in the power struggle for Dissidia Kingdom," Freya borated, pausing for a moment.


    "I will try to talk to her," Leon decided.


    "I knew it from the very first time," Freya said, responding with a knowing smile.


    "What do you mean?"


    "You''d talk to her even more, especially that she''s a sexy girl," she teased.


    "I don''t know. I''m not sure if I''m meeting her because I need information about the egg, or because she''s indeed beautiful and sexy," Leon chuckled.


    "You sure are bing more of a yboy as time goes on, huh," Freya nudged Leon''s side yfully.


    The urge to bezy and skip his martial arts training schedule really gnawed at Leon. But he forced himself, even that day. After chatting for a bit over coffee with Freya and discussing various aspects of the game, he immediately headed to the Martial Arts Center. He needed to stay consistent.


    That day, he had his Kenjutsu training followed by sessions with other weapons. It was an intense two-hour training session, but he enjoyed it, given his gamebat experiences with both knuckles and spears. He felt he gained more coherence and lessons by matching the way he used spears in real life with how he did it in the game.


    After fulfilling all his real-world responsibilities, he went to pick up Lily from school. There, he also met Hazel, who was walking with Lily.


    "Leon... when will you apany me to sign up for Kenjutsu training?" Hazel asked with a


    cheerful smile.


    "You can do it yourself, right?" Lily answered in a t tone. "You have a personal driver, and you know where the ce is. My brother is so busy... don''t hinder him."


    Hazel giggled at Lily''s words and winked at Leon. "You know, I have a better bond now with your brother. I know he wouldn''t mind apanying me to sign up."


    Lily sighed at Hazel''s response.


    "Next time, my training schedule will be in two days. I''ll take you and Lily to sign up as well,"


    Leon replied casually.


    "Why me? I don''t want to learn sword fighting," Lilyined.


    "You said you wanted to learn more about martial arts, right, Lily? You can pick anything you want there," Leon responded.


    "Uhm..." Lily then put on a confused face. "Let me think more about it. I''m so busy with my studying!" she said, pushing Leon into the car, saying goodbye to Hazel, and closing the door.

 Chapter 255: Chapter 255 - Rebuilding the Reputation

    Chapter 255: - Rebuilding the Reputation


    ?


    Broken spent the entire day in the miners'' city, inspecting everyone''s status. After pushing himself to the limit, casting his skill on numerous people until his stamina was drained, he found no one with a suspicious or uncheckable status.


    Feeling that everything was under control, he, Elincia, and the others finally decided to return to Dissidia Capital City.


    "That was a close battle, and thanks to you, we managed to get through it," Broken expressed his gratitude to Maylock.


    Maylock gave a slight smile. "It''s actually quite simple; some people just fail to see it."


    Elincia chimed in, "If you think he''s arrogant, Broken, no, he just doesn''t realize that not everyone is as smart as he is."


    Broken smiled at herment.


    After returning to Dissidia Capital City, Broken wasted no time and got straight to work, repairing both his and Princess Alora''s armor, as well as their weapons. The durability had taken significant hits due to the intense battles they had faced. Relying only on each other as fighters, without any support or healer roles, they had suffered numerous setbacks.


    He estimated it would take him about two or three days to repair everything. That morning, he received Princess Alora''s armor and her sword, specially delivered by Lionell to the royal cksmith workshop. Broken quickly set to work.


    The poor condition of the armor did not go unnoticed by the other royal cksmiths present that day. News of Princess Alora''s battle against the demons alongside Broken had spread widely. Although the details of the Trial Domain were kept secret, many knew about Princess Alora''s expedition to the miners'' city.


    The cksmiths were both amazed and shocked by the state of the armor. It was in a truly dreadful condition, which spoke volumes about the severity of the battle they had fought. Imagining Princess Alora, who was highly skilled in sword fighting, having to sustain such damage suggested just how challenging the fight had been.


    Many of the cksmiths were curious as to why Princess Alora was not apanied by the two Knight Grand Crosses during the event.


    Moreover, they were well aware of the high quality of the armor. It was an elemental set armor, level 200, with an average grade above Epic, and some pieces were even of Unique- grade.


    "I wouldn''t believe it if Princess Alora herself hadn''t invited Broken to the expedition," a few cksmith yers chatted among themselves.


    "Yes, Princess Alora personally acknowledges Broken. It seems he''s truly talented in both cksmithing andbat."


    "But demons? I''ve never seen demons, except Paul from the Shadow Wolves."


    "Does this mean a big war ising? I mean, I enjoy the peaceful condition of Dissidia Kingdom."


    "I agree, a big war means more work for us. And, sigh, I just want to y the game peacefully."


    "I hope the big guilds can handle these issues properly so that smaller yers like us don''t get affected."


    Several yers passing by tried to chat with Broken, who was busy working on his craft.


    "Broken... hey, I''ve heard a lot about you. You seem to be bing more poprtely," they said, but received no response.


    "Don''t disturb him. He''s working on the Princess''s armor," someone else whispered in reminder.


    Broken spent almost two straight days without logging out, fully dedicated topleting the armor. On the second day, he was nearing the finishing touches. At the same time, the other cksmiths were curious about the oue of his work.


    One by one, hepleted the pieces, starting with the highest grade. He began with the Unique-grade sword belonging to Princess Alora. Then he moved on to his two Legendary- grade weapons, which dazzled everyone''s eyes, as well as other items like his pickaxe.


    He continued with the Unique-grade pieces of armor, which retained their grade, followed by the Epic-grade pieces, which also held their grades. Finally, he moved on to thest piece, the only Elite-grade among them. He finished it, and boom, the grade upgraded to Epic-grade.


    A smile appeared on Broken''s lips. He was satisfied that he had managed to provide Princess Alora with a full set of armor, all at a minimum of Epic-grade. This improvement would enhance the stats and the skills attached to the shoes.


    This did not go unnoticed by the other cksmiths, who were amazed by what they saw. Upgrading the grade of equipment during repair was something they had heard of, but the chances were small. Usually, this happens within Rare-grade or Elite-grade items. But what they witnessed was an upgrade to Epic-grade during a repair. It was beyond their expectations.


    The cksmiths apuded after seeing Broken''s work. They had grown ustomed to the impressive disys each time Broken crafted, and they found themselves craving more. The miracles he performed with crafting were beyond anyone''s imagination. Some even dared to im that Broken was at Master rank, considering all he had achieved. However, this was disputed by many, as it seemed impossible for a yer to reach Master rank so quickly. No one had ever done it; even achieving an Expert rank was still out of any yers'' reach. Broken tidied up all his cksmithing tools and ced the armor and weapons back into his Inventory. He stood and observed the cksmiths who were watching him, wide-eyed and in


    awe.


    He smiled at their admiring gazes. He could feel it-the difference from the looks he used to receive before. He was genuinely happy that many things in his life had changed for then/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    better.


    "Tomorrow, I''m really setting off on my journey to Slumdon Town, for however long it will take," he said. The cksmiths remained silent, still curious about him.


    "Thanks for everything. Next time, I''lle back," he continued.


    The cksmiths then started pping, some offering congrattions and even patting him


    on the back as he walked past.


    "Broken, you inspire me. Thanks!" a yer said.


    "Baron Broken, thanks for everything. We will work harder to reach your level," several NPCs shouted enthusiastically.


    Broken then walked towards the door, where Lionell was already waiting for him. Together, they set off to meet Princess Alora.


    A little whileter, Broken entered the room where Princess Alora awaited him, adorned in a splendid royal dress, being attended to by her maids. As he stepped in, the maids noticed his arrival, promptly standing up and quietly exiting the room, leaving the two of them alone. "Hi,e here, don''t just stand there," she said with a warm smile.


    Broken returned her smile and approached, taking a seat on an elegant chair set in the center


    of the room.


    "So, have you finished the repairs?" she asked.


    "Yes, I finished everything-two sets of armor and some weapons," he replied, his voice


    steady.


    "That''s fast, almost too fast. Did you do it without any rest?" she asked softly.


    "No, I took a little break, rxed, and had some food," Broken replied, smiling.


    Alora let out a lightugh at his response. "That''s not quite the kind of rest I had in mind,"


    she said.


    Once again, Broken''s mind drifted back to the recent days when this princess had fought valiantly beside him against the relentless demons. Now, she sat gracefully before him in her royal attire, a stark contrast to the fierce warrior he had seen before.


    "Why that look?" Alora inquired.


    Broken chuckled softly. "It''s nothing, really. I''m just amazed at howpletely different you


    appear without your battle armor, Princess."


    "Is that supposed to be a tease?" she asked.


    "No, it''s a genuinepliment," he replied with sincerity.


    "So..." Princess Alora replied with a firm tone. "You''ve be quite bold, haven''t you?


    Teasing me like this. You''re lucky Lionel and Mercy are outside the room. If they were here, I


    wouldn''t be able to save you from their wrath, Baron Broken."


    "Please, don''t mention them, Princess. I wouldn''tst a second against the two of them,"


    Broken responded.


    With a smile, Broken took out the newly repaired armor set and sword belonging to Princess Alora and ced them on the table beside where they were sitting.


    "Epic-grade?" Alora looked impressed, her eyes widening as she examined the shoes.


    "Ah, I just remembered," she continued, turning her gaze back to him. "I think I owe you


    more rewards."


    "Rewards?"


    "Yes, for your service and assistance during thest expedition. Tell me, what do you want?"


    she asked.

 Chapter 256: Chapter 256 - Not Yet at His Peak

    Chapter 256: - Not Yet at His Peak


    ?


    "Yes, tell me what you want?" Princess Alora asked again, emphasizing her question. "Gold?" she added.


    Broken replied. "I''m not really sure what I want, Princess, but maybe a blueprint would be helpful."


    "Okay, what blueprints?"


    "A pickaxe. But I need a pickaxe withbat ability, something that can be used for mining and also for fighting in emergency situations," he exined.


    Alora paused for a moment before nodding. "Okay, I think a pickaxe with an Earth element would be good, since you have an affinity with it, too. Does this have something to do with your Miner ss? I saw you use the pickaxe once to deal area damage and stun enemies; it seemed like a good skill."


    Broken nodded. "The pickaxe isn''t really made forbat; its durability drops quickly. So, I can''t rely on it for anything other than mining."


    Another reason was that it was a pickaxe given to him by Gia, Ivana''s mother, and he wanted to keep it in good condition for as long as possible.


    "Okay, I''ll try to find a suitable blueprint for you. Anything else?"


    Broken thought for a moment about what else he might need. "A blueprint for an archer ss armor set."


    "Anything else?"


    "No, nothing else, thanks, Princess."


    Alora nodded and then smiled. "Once I find the right blueprints for you, I''ll send them to Slumdon. And I might need a new sword too. I''ll send you the blueprint and the materials. I''m sure you can find a cksmith workshop, a private one at the city lord''s residence, which will also be your ce there."


    She added, "I know a maid who works there. She works alone as far as I know, and she''s really kind. I''m sure you''ll like her."


    Broken nodded slowly, feeling a surge of enthusiasm as he anticipated his new routine of building the city.


    "When are you leaving for Slumdon?" Alora then asked.


    "It will be tomorrow morning, Princess," he replied.


    "Good luck then."


    Finally, it was time for them to part ways. Broken had responsibilities to fulfill, and Princess Alora would resume her duties as before. But he knew there was still something lingering in his mind, something he couldn''t keep to himself.


    "Please," he said.


    Alora tilted her head with a questioning look.


    "Make sure to never go far from either Knight Lionell or Knight Mercy," he said.


    He worried about what might happen if she wasn''t with her two Knight Grand Crosses, especially after what had happened before.


    "Are you worried about me?" she asked with a t expression.


    "Yes."


    Alora chuckled softly at his answer. "It''s nice to know that someone worries about me and says it directly."


    "I''m serious," he emphasized.


    "Yes, I''ll do it. I know how terrifying even a Named Demon ranked 64 can be. I''ll make sure the two of them are always near me."


    Broken then stood up, as did Alora, and they faced each other a few steps apart. "I''ll be back, Princess."


    "Take care," she replied softly.


    They stared at each other for a moment, silent and lost in their thoughts, unsure of what the other might be thinking but not saying.


    Was there really nothing left to discuss? It seemed like the time hade for Broken to leave.


    He nodded, turned, and walked slowly toward the door. He paused for a moment when he reached the knob and then opened it. Alora followed him to the doorway as he stepped into the corridor.


    Broken bowed once more and then walked away, apanied by Knight Mercy.


    After Broken walked away, Lionell, who was still with Alora, bowed slightly to her.


    "Your Highness, it was my fault, my failure. I''m so ashamed that Baron Broken had to suffer because of my mistake when you needed us the most," Knight Lionell confessed.


    "He''s not that strong yet; he struggled, he suffered, but he kept pushing through. But still, he has a lot of potential," she said quietly.


    "I believe Baron Broken is someone with qualities you can rely on, Princess. However, I agree that he has not yet reached his full potential. Is there anything I can do to help him go further?" Knight Lionell continued.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "He asked me to find blueprints for some armor and weapons," Alora said, pausing. "I''ll prepare the details, and I need you to provide me with everything needed andter send them to Slumdon."


    "Yes, Princess, I will do that," Lionell responded.


    Alora then smiled, "I think giving him a few things he needs but doesn''t yet realize will also help," she added.


    ***


    The next morning, the sky was just beginning to lighten as the morning sun painted the horizon with a soft blush. Near the city gates of Dissidia Capital City, Broken stood alongside his Knights. They were waiting for the others to join them on their journey that day.


    In the meantime, Broken took the opportunity to inspect the status of each knight and was quite satisfied with their progress. Lionell had truly been a great help to them. Eventually, Ivana, Freya, and Booba arrived. With an enthusiastic grin, Booba walked straight up to Broken and patted him on the shoulder.


    "I''ve been working hard and leveling up these past few weeks. I''m sure after this, you won''t need Elincia and her foolish guild anymore, because I can handle everything myself, hahaha!"


    he said excitedly.


    "That''s such bullshit, Booba," Freya said bluntly.


    "Hahaha, yeah, I''m used to being underestimated."


    Broken chuckled at Booba''s words before turning to Ivana, who was wearing her casual dress


    and smiling at him.


    "I''m going to make lots of food to give out to the people in Slumdon," Ivana said.


    "Still haven''t decided to sell your food?" he asked quietly.


    Freya then wrapped her arm around Ivana. "She''s so kind that all she thinks about is helping others. She really would make a perfect wife for you, Broken. What do you think?" she teased.


    Broken only smiled at thement, and then he remembered King ndorr''s words during the Trial Domain. But he quickly pushed the thought aside.


    They began making their way to the three carriages arranged for them-six knights would be in one, while Broken and the others would ride in the second, the other one would be for Elincia and her guild members.


    Eventually, thest group joining them for the journey to Slumdon appeared in the distance.


    It was Elincia, Maylock, Toberry, Melliandra, and Kingsley.


    "Good morning, Lord Broken, Baron of Slumdon," Elincia greeted cheerfully.


    "Good morning to all of you," he responded warmly.


    He shifted his gaze toward Melliandra, but she avoided his eyes, looking away.


    "So..." Elincia said. "Finally, we''ll be weing another big change after this. I can''t wait."


    "Let''s hurry up and get going then." Broken responded.


    With that, they climbed into their respective carriages. Soon enough, the three carriages rolled out from the city walls of Dissidia Capital City fortress.


    The carriage was painted a warm shade of yellow and had a full-length ss window,


    allowing the passengers to see their destination as they traveled. The seats were luxuriously soft and made of plush velvet material, making the ridefortable and enjoyable. The interior was spacious enough to fit six passengersfortably, and its sturdy frame ensured they would make it safely to their destination.


    Broken sat with Ivana beside him on his left while Booba and Freya sat across from them.


    "This game is really annoying, isn''t it?" Boobained with a frustrated tone. "I''m so tired of having to trek across miles ofnd every time I want to switch cities." "You can always y MMORPGS on your phone if you want the convenience of teleportation," Freya suggested. "That way, you don''t have to go through all the hassle of traveling."


    "It would be great if we had the freedom to move between cities more freely!" Booba said


    enthusiastically.


    "But wouldn''t that make the game less realistic?" Freya questioned. Broken chimed in, "Some people can use teleportation skills, right? Even Elincia, your sister, has a skill that allows her to make long journeys easier, doesn''t she?"


    Ivana chuckled and replied, "Yes, Booba, you can learn how to fly."


    Broken added, "You can fly if you have a skill like Kingsley, who can transform into a beast


    with flying ability."


    Freya chimed in, "You can use your Wyvern to fly, can''t you?"


    Boobaughed and said, "Hahaha, yes, but I can''t do that while sleeping, so it''s a hassle.


    Hahaha..."


    Theyughed and talked as the carriage slowly rolled down the bumpy road, with sunlight streaming in through the windows. They shifted around to getfortable, their


    conversation light and friendly.


    After about four hours, Slumdon Town began to peek over the horizon.


    Out of nowhere, Booba''s words snapped Broken out of his reverie. "Broken... How much


    money do you need to build the town? I''ll cover everything!"


    ***


    Author''s Note: Volume 2 - Forging Unbreakable Bonds ends here.


    Broken''s journey is far from over; there are many stories yet to be told and many secrets yet to


    be revealed.


    Your support helps me endure this journey. If you can, please consider purchasing the 1st tier


    of privilege chapters. It''s only 1 coin for 10 chapters in advance.


    Unlocking more privileged chapters means more features for the book and more readers


    joining us on this adventure. Thank you, and I love you all.

 Chapter 257: Chapter 257 - Yara The Maid

    Chapter 257: - Yara The Maid


    ?


    "Broken... How much money do you need to build the town? I''ll cover everything!" Booba said out of nowhere.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Freya chuckled at Booba''s offer. "See, Broken, an investor shows up even before you start looking."


    "But the funds needed would be significant. After discussing with Freya, are you sure, Booba?" Broken asked.


    "Hahaha, you don''t need to worry. Just tell me how much money you need, and I''ll be the main investor in the project," Booba replied confidently.


    Freya interjected, "But Booba, even though you have a lot of money, you can''t be the only investor. There are many things to consider, like share ownership of the town. It''s not always about money."


    "But he said he needs money, right?" Booba replied. "I have the money, so the problem is solved."


    "He needs more than just money; he needs allies too. And I don''t think someone like you, who is still at a low level and has no strong allies, can guarantee him reliable support," Freya responded in a mocking tone.


    "Yeah, but at least I can help with my money," Booba insisted, then turned back to Broken. "You may not realize how wealthy I am, hahaha, but I am determined to be of assistance to you, my friend Broken."


    "Thanks, Booba. I''ll consider it more carefully after assessing Slumdon Town," Broken said.


    "No need to worry. You''re the first yer owning a town; it will surely be big. I''m good at things like this," Booba responded confidently.


    Freya sighed, "You certainly force everyone around you to show off their wealth, don''t you?" "What? You''re wealthy too, Freya? How wealthy?"


    "I''m so wealthy and smart, it''s beyondparison to you," Freya replied with a smirk.


    After a few hours, the group approached Slumdon Town. The stone walls surrounding it were worn and crumbling. On closer inspection, they noticed the destruction; many parts of the wall showed serious damage, and a few sections werepletely ruined.


    Everyone got off the carriages as they arrived. The ce was barren, a stark reminder that this towny in the midst of a harsh desert-not an inviting ce to live.


    The wooden gate creaked loudly as it opened to wee them. Broken led the way, with Freya, Ivana, and Booba close behind him. His knights followed a few steps behind while the rest of hispanions filled in at the back. They walked in a long line, marching toward the entrance of Slumdon.


    Broken noticed many people with tattered clothing and gaunt faces. They were all ring at him. From their expressions, he could tell they were angry and frustrated with the group''s presence.


    They had been abandoned by their city lord for some time. In this deste town, people lived without rules or anyone to care for them. These were abandoned souls, clinging to life only because this was their sole ce of refuge. It was no surprise they looked at Broken with such disdain.


    Winning back their trust would be a daunting task.


    Broken didn''t try to greet or understand their situation directly. That wasn''t his style. He continued walking, ignoring their res, and headed towards the city lord''s residence.


    "Why don''t the people greet Broken with more enthusiasm?" Boobained to no one in particr.


    "Please, keep your voice down, you jerk!" Freya whispered urgently.


    Broken remained silent, observing the dozens of Slumdon residents who were now seemingly approaching him. Their intense gazes were fixed on him, but their expressions of anger and hatred made it clear they were anything but weing.


    One of them shouted from a distance, "What do you n on doing to this town?"


    "We''ve suffered enough; we don''t need another tyrant to torment us," another added.


    "We have no wealth for you to take. You''d best leave," a third chipped in.


    "There''s nothing you can get from this dead city. We have no hope left."


    "We don''t care whether you are the new lord of this town or not. You are not wee here." The murmurs of dissent echoed around Broken, their voices ringing in his ears.


    The city was dry and dusty, with sand kicked up by the wind or simply left to drift in the air. The once lush vegetation had been reced by barren patches of brown and gray dirt, and the scattered houses seemed to be in disrepair. The residence walls were covered in ayer of dust as if they had been forgotten and left to fend for themselves for many years.


    The city was gray and deste, with broken buildings, empty streets, and a thickyer of dust coating the walls. The depressing sight waspounded by the murmurs of dissent from its inhabitants. Even the adventurers who were forced to stay in the city did so with a sense of resignation and sorrow.


    This ce had potential, as Alora had mentioned. The small town was full of caves with resources that could be harvested. It was also near a forest. However, it needed to be built up first-its facilities and workforce had to be developed for the town to function better.


    Broken then turned to the people who had been shouting at him. He smiled and answered in a louder voice, "I''ll build this city! I can''t exin everything now, but just watch what I''ll do in the next few weeks."


    He then simply walked away, leaving the curious townspeople behind. He sighed, feeling how awkward he had been speaking in front of a crowd. He really needed to learn how to do better public speaking.


    "That was a really touching speech, Mr. Baron," Freya said sarcastically.


    "Thanks for thepliment, Freya. I''ve learned a lot from you," Broken replied.


    Freya giggled at his words.


    "Thinking that building this city wasn''t a waste is a truly stupid idea," came the grumbling voice from behind. It was Melliandra.


    "Mel, keep your voice down. The townspeople are staring at us," Kingsley said.


    "I don''t fucking care!" she retorted.


    From a distance, Broken saw a figure running towards him-it was a girl in a maid outfit. As she got closer, it became clear that she was a young girl with short orange hair and a maid''s dress. She hurried up and stopped right in front of Broken, her breath visible in the air as she exhaled. Her face was determined, and her eyes shone with fierce determination.


    "My apologies for not greeting you sooner, Lord Broken," the young girl said in a loud voice, bowing to him. She then lifted her face, her expression weary but clearly enthusiastic. She continued, "I''m very d to wee you here. I''m Yara, a maid of the House of Slumdon. Wee to Slumdon Town-allow me to take you to your ce of residence here." Broken smiled warmly as Yara bowed, noticing the unease beneath her respectful demeanor. He recalled Alora mentioning a maid who worked at the city lord''s residence. "Thank you, Yara, for weing me so graciously. I look forward to seeing the House of Slumdon as you said," he said gently.


    Yara nodded in acknowledgment and gracefully turned. "Alright, Lord Broken, please follow me. I will show you the way," she said, gesturing for everyone to follow her forward.

 Chapter 258: Chapter 258 - She is Working Alone?

    Chapter 258: - She is Working Alone?


    ?


    Broken paused for a moment before continuing their journey to the House of Slumdon. He walked over to the six knights who had followed him, and they immediately stood at attention, ready for orders.


    "Igor," he called.


    "Yes, My Lord," Igor responded promptly.


    "Please arrange the shifts for guarding the city gate and patrolling the town."


    "Yes, My Lord."


    Following Broken''s orders, Karl and Yann were assigned to stay behind at the city gate, taking turns guarding it as instructed by Igor. Ingrid and Igor began patrolling the town, while Anna and Damir joined Broken''s group heading to the House of Slumdon.


    They quickly resumed their journey, following Yara, who seemed cheerful and enthusiastic as she guided them through the streets of Slumdon.


    [Yara, the Maid of the House of Slumdon, has been added to your list of employees by default.]


    [You have inherited her from the previous city lord, and it is now your responsibility to manage her and pay her wages.]


    [Name: Yara]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Level: 32]


    [Strength: 32 | Agility: 75 | Intelligence: 121 | Constitution: 65 | Stamina: 72]


    [Job: Maid]


    [Sry: 0 Gold | 15 Silver]


    [Efficient Housekeeping (A) - Creative Decorator (B) - Melodic Performer (A) - Spell Mastery (B) - Body Language Reader (C) - Green Thumb (D)]


    Broken inspected Yara''s status and noticed that her level wasn''t too low for a maid. It was 32.


    Then he nced through the list of talents avable from the maid.


    [Efficient Housekeeping: Completes household chores with remarkable speed and precision, freeing up time for other tasks.]


    Her first talent, with an A score, was Efficient Housekeeping, which suited her job perfectly.


    [Melodic Performer: Lifts spirits and boosts morale through enchanting musical performances.]


    Melodic Performer? She could sing too? It reminded Broken of Ivana, who also had a talent for singing, as she had shown during her performance with Starfall. Yara was truly intriguing, harboring such an A-rating talent while working as a maid.


    Another talent, Creative Decorator, Adds artistic ir to the town''s decor and aesthetics, enhancing its visual appeal. It was also quite fitting for her current job.


    [Spell Mastery: Reduces the casting time or mana cost of spells.]


    But, Spell Mastery? A maid with the potential to be a Mage? It made sense, considering Yara''s high Intelligence stat.


    Just inspecting one employee had given Broken valuable insight into the people of this town. Now, he just needed to assign them tasks that matched their talents to ensure they performed their best.


    For Yara, she indeed had potential in Magic and singing, but for now, her role as a maid was suitable.


    He then pondered after checking the sry for the girl. Why is the sry for this job so low? Is this what the previous lord was paying? he wondered slowly.


    "It looks like I''ll have to raise the sry rate for her, considering the responsibility she holds," he thought, noting that she was currently the only one working in the House of Slumdon.


    "So, Yara," Broken began, turning to her.


    "Yes, my Lord," Yara replied politely.


    "Can you tell me what really happened to this town? Where did the former lord go?"


    Yara took a deep breath before exining, "My Lord, this town has been in decline for many years now. The economy has been plummeting, and food is bing increasingly scarce. This has caused many of its citizens to suffer from starvation. Furthermore, the previous lord abandoned this ce. However, there are still many people who remain here, as they have nowhere else to go."


    Broken slowly nodded as he listened to her exnation. "It''s amazing that this town has been able to survive and function without a city lord for such a long period of time," he remarked.


    Freya then added her thoughts, "But that''s also why this town has an F rating, right?"


    He nodded to her words. "There''s a lot of work that needs to be done," he said.


    "Happy? Sad?"


    "Very enthusiastic!"


    "That''s a workaholic for you."


    "Ah, this town is so boring!" came a high-pitched voice from behind. It was Melliandra.


    "That''s why we need to rebuild the city, Mel," Kingsley replied.


    "It would be easier to just destroy this city and start fresh. I can''t stand looking at the faces of those foolish townspeople. It makes me want to shoot them with my rifle!" she said loudly. Broken and Freya turned to look, but Elincia, who was also there, made a face that clearly said to ignore the kid throwing a tantrum.


    After some time, they finally reached their destination, The House of Slumdon.


    It was arge building surrounded by a tall, gray stone fence. Inside, there was arge, open area with dry, barren ground. Therge house stood proudly before them, its ck stone and brown wood fa?ade reflecting the sunlight. It was tall and well-maintained, with six or seven stories that appeared to be in good condition.


    The windows were clean, and the door looked freshly painted. Even though Yara worked alone, the house was a testament to her hard work and dedication.


    Broken turned to Yara and asked, "Are you sure you''re working alone in the House of Slumdon?"


    Yara solemnly replied, "Yes, my Lord. But please don''t rece me. I work hard and do my best, and you can see for yourself the condition of the house. I hope you''re satisfied with my work." Her voice carried a slight tinge of fear.


    Broken nodded slowly and smiled. "You don''t need to worry. I''m just amazed that you work alone in such arge ce, yet you manage to keep it so well-maintained."


    Yara paused for a moment as she processed his words, looking genuinely surprised by the


    tone.


    "Why?" Broken asked softly.


    Suddenly, Yara burst into tears, catching everyone''s attention. She tried to stifle her sobs, lowering her head in an attempt to hide her emotions.


    "I don''t know, I just feel like crying... You treated me so kindly. You didn''t get angry or punish me... I''m so happy... Forgive me, My Lord, I can''t hold back these feelings," she finally said, lifting her face to meet Broken''s gaze.


    With a gentle pat on her shoulder, Broken said. "It''s alright. Now, why don''t you show us the house? Everyone''s eager to rest."


    "Yes, My Lord..." Yara nodded, wiping her tears. They continued walking, and it wasn''t long before Ivana caught up to Yara, taking her hand gently.


    "Hey, you must be exhausted after working so hard. Let me help you from now on, okay?" Ivana offered warmly.


    "Huh?" Yara stopped in her tracks, startled by Ivana''s words. Tears welled up again. "Are you


    recing me?"


    "No, no, no..." Ivana hurried to exin. "I just want to help, okay? I''m not taking your job."


    "Are you sure? Thank you..." Yara responded, still in disbelief. "I''m just surprised by how kind


    you all are."


    Ivana giggled at Yara''s words. "Yes, everyone is kind, and the Lord is kind too."


    With a nod, Yara began to smile again. The entire group fell silent, witnessing the heartwarming interaction between Ivana and Yara, almost like a mother and daughter sharing


    a tender moment.


    "The town is so boring, everyone here is boring," Melliandra grumbled from the back.


    "Quiet, Mel," Kingsley said softly.

 Chapter 259: Chapter 259 - The House of Slumdon

    Chapter 259: - The House of Slumdon


    ?


    Broken and the others entered the House of Slumdon, their residence while staying in Slumdon Town. The Knights, Anna and Damir, were stationed at the front door, keeping watch.


    "Wow, the house is really neat and clean, hahaha," Booba eximed as they surveyed the interior.


    Every corner was dusted and polished to perfection; it was clear that someone had put a lot of effort into making sure the house looked pristine.


    "Woah..." Melliandra said. "I thought I would sleep in a shabby, dirty house," she chuckled. "I think a house like this is eptable. It''s definitely better than Elincia''s inn."


    Elincia then chimed in, "This is Broken''s ce. Have you made sure he allows you to stay as well, Mel?"


    Melliandra just wandered around, not hearing what Elincia said.


    The wooden floors gleamed with a warm honey-brown hue, looking almost like polished mahogany. The walls were freshly painted in a light cream color, giving the room a soft and clean atmosphere. The living room seating area was artfully arranged with plush couches and armchairs, and the carpet looked brand new, without a hint of wear or tear in sight.


    "Wee to the House of Slumdon, everyone..." Yara said, curtsying and lifting the hem of her skirt. "I have prepared rooms for you and all the other guests as well."


    "How do you manage to keep this ce in such perfect condition when you''re the only one working here?" Broken inquired.


    "My Lord," Yara replied, "someone from the capital sends supplies to maintain this ce and also provides food for the local residents. So, I never leave my job, not even for a day, and I''m happy that this ce is finally inhabited again by the new city lord."


    So, the capital still looks out for this city even though there is no longer anyone to monitor it, he thought, nodding slowly.


    "Thank you, Yara, for taking such good care of this ce."


    "It seems you''ve got a perfect maid here, Broken," Freyamented with a smile. "See, there''s always a surprise behind what seems like a ''disaster,'' isn''t there?"


    Broken nodded to her words. "Yes, this exceeds my expectations."


    Elincia said, "I think I''d really enjoy staying here too. I love the interior and the vibe. We just need to work on the garden, and this ce will be perfect."


    "Who said you''re allowed to stay here, Elincia? Hahaha," Booba teased.


    "Broken and the Ass Guild formed an alliance. Of course, we will stay here too. And you? What contribution have you made to him?" Elincia shot back.


    "I''m his friend, hahaha," Booba yfully responded.


    They all then walked into the living room and settled into the luxurious, soft chairs, unwinding from the long journey in the carriage through the desert. Having spent hours just sitting without doing anything, they finally had a chance to enjoy thefort of such a clean and well-maintained home.


    "This town really has its own charm, despite not being as grand as other cities," Kingsleymented.


    "Ch, a dry ce like this, even the previous lord abandoned it," Melliandra added.


    "Yeah, but in the hands of someone smart enough, this town can turn into something bigger than anyone''s expectations," Maylock chimed in.


    Yara bowed and spoke to Broken. "My Lord, allow me to go into the kitchen for a moment to prepare drinks and food," she said respectfully.


    She bowed briefly and was about to turn away when Ivana suddenly stood up, a bright smile on her face. She quickly ran up to Yara''s side.


    "Let me help you, Yara," Ivana said excitedly.


    Briefly taken aback by what had just happened, Yara looked confused as she tried to figure out why someone would offer to help her in the kitchen.


    "Don''t worry," Ivana said. "You don''t need to work alone now since I''m here to help prepare meals, okay?"


    "But... are you sure? This is my job, Ms. Ivana."


    "Yes, let me help. I love cooking too," Ivana said with a smile.


    The two of them shared a nce before heading towards the kitchen together.


    Maylock crossed his legs and leaned back as he opened up the topic once everyone had settled into their seats. "Do you already have a n for what you''ll do in this town, Broken?" Broken paused for a moment before answering. "No, I don''t have a detailed n yet. But I will do everything I can to rebuild this town. I want to kickstart its economy, help the residents live better lives, and turn this ce into a popr stop for adventurers again, just like it used to be. I''ll also be exploring what resources we can use around this area. But as for a step-by-step n, I don''t have that yet. I''ll take it slow and might need your help along the way."


    Elincia responded, "That sounds fun, Broken."


    Maylock added, "You know you''ll need a lot of support to build this town. And financial backing, too, right?"


    Broken nodded. "Yes, I''ve discussed this with Freya. I know I need a lot of support and can''t handle everything alone at this stage, especially when ites to finances."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Broken needed to take a tour around the city and its surrounding areas, studying everything and gathering data. Only then could he craft the most urate, step-by-step n he


    required.


    Or, as Freya suggested, he could divide this task among others, but that was precisely what made him hesitate. He wasn''t used to dealing withrge sums of money and felt like he needed to be very careful. The investments required would be significant, and so would the contributions from each person. He felt overwhelmed by all those numbers, which is why he needed to calcte everything again, perhaps taking a bit more time.


    Booba then rose to his feet. "Maylock, don''t think you can contribute much to the construction of this town with your small amount of money. I will be the main funder to build


    this town. And I''m sure Broken doesn''t need you here, hahaha."


    Elincia kicked her brother in the knee. "Could you just shut up for a moment! Do you honestly think this city can be built with only the money you have, idiot!"


    "Ouch! Hey, why did you kick me? I''m just trying to help, sis," he protested.


    Maylock then intervened. "Listen, I understand you want to help, but it''s not feasible to think you can rebuild this town with money alone, right? You need to contribute with your brain,


    too."


    Booba responded, "Wow, are you saying I have no brain? Oh,e on, Maylock!"


    Maylock continued, "We need assistance from everyone to make this town happen, and that includes you, too, Booba."


    "Hahaha," Boobaughed at Maylock''s words, then turned to Elincia. "See, sis, even your guild member acknowledges me."


    Elincia ignored her brother and responded to Maylock. "That''s exactly right. We need all the help we can get, so we all have to work together to make Broken''s dream a reality."


    Broken smiled and nodded slowly. "You don''t need to worry. I''ll get everything about this townid out for you real soon. Just need to prepare myself first."


    "Sure thing," Elincia said with a bright smile. "Take your time."

 Chapter 260: Chapter 260 - The Versatile Maid

    Chapter 260: - The Versatile Maid


    ?


    Momentster, Yara and Ivana emerged from the kitchen, carrying several sses with drinks along with some snacks for everyone to munch on. They ced them on the table, and


    everyone grew enthusiastic, knowing that Ivana had helped prepare the food. Her reputation as an excellent cook was well-known.


    "I think we''ll need to spend a lot of money if we want to hire Ivana to cook for us too," Maylock joked.


    "Yes, she surpasses pce-ss chefs," Freya responded.


    "Oh, no, no... I''m not worthy of that. I do it for fun, so please enjoy it without worrying about paying," Ivana said hurriedly. "Actually, I just used the ingredients avable in the kitchen and helped Yara."


    Yara then added, "I didn''t help with anything; it was all done by Ms. Ivana."


    The others chuckled at her modest response.


    After everyone enjoyed the drinks and food, Yara spoke politely. "My Lord, would you like me to show you your room and study now?"


    "Yeah, sure," Broken replied as he stood up. "Please take me around the house, Yara."


    Freya also rose from her seat and followed Yara and Broken. As they walked toward the stairs, Freya called out, "Yara..."


    "Yes, Ms. Freya."


    "Show us where the control room of this house is," Freya said, pointing to a corner where two pairs of doors looked like an automated elevator. "I''m sure the elevator is still working, right?" she added.


    "Yes, everything is still functioning in this house, but the resources aren''t enough to activate all of them," Yara responded. She then led them to the room Freya had mentioned.


    They ascended the staircase to the third floor, walked down the hall, and Yara pushed open arge door. In front of them was a unique sight, especially for Broken. Two tall tubes connected to several machines along the walls like veins and a gigantic ss cup resting patiently in the middle of a long table.


    "What is that?" Broken asked.


    "This," Freya said, "is the control room. Magic is at work here, controlling things such as lights, elevators, heating systems, and more. It requires a tremendous amount of energy, so we use monster cores to keep them running."


    "Ah, okay, I''ve heard of things like this," Broken said. "But this is the first time I''ve ever seen something like it!"


    "My Lord, forgive me," Yara said. "I''ve only activated a few minor functions of this house because we''ve run out of energy cores to activate them all."


    Broken nodded. "No need to apologize. Just tell me where I can put the monster cores, and I''ll make sure this ce is ready for everyone in no time."


    Yara nodded and guided him to the center of the room, where arge stone table with a beautiful magic circle inscribed upon it was located. She gestured for Broken to take a closer look.


    [Master Console of the House of Slumdon]


    [Energy: 3%]


    [Functionality: Very Limited - Only Providing Essential Facilities.]


    [Administrator: Broken]


    [Operator: Yara]


    Broken took out several Monster cores from his Inventory.


    [Would you like this Common - Wild Boar monster core Lv. 85 to power up the House?]


    Broken gave a nod before tossing a Monster Core into the console. A warm glow filled the room as the energy slowly began to replenish itself. He added a few more cores for good measure until, finally, the energy level reached 100%.


    [The Console has been integrated into your system. You can now remotely control the House of Slumdon.]


    "I guess the house is fully operational now?" he asked, turning to Yara.


    "Yes, my Lord," Yara said enthusiastically. "I''ll make sure everything is in order so you can use all the facilities perfectly."


    Broken took some time to explore the features integrated into the Console. It included options like turning off lights automatically, setting schedules, disabling the elevator, and controlling the water heater. However, he was curious if a feature like security cameras could also be installed in such a system.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He turned to Freya. "Can we install something like security cameras, Freya?" "Yes," Freya immediately replied. "We just need to purchase the items. Those are usually handled by Engineer production sses. But I''m not sure if such things are widely avable on the South Continent. Most Engineer sses are in the Central Continent because the technology there is more advanced."


    Broken frowned. "Wouldn''t it make more sense for them to spread to other continents? Isn''t that an opportunity?"


    "Why don''t you acquire an Engineer ss yourself, then?" she said, smiling at him.


    "I would if I had all the time, but, unfortunately, I already have too much on my te for now," he responded.


    "No worries, I''ll look for suppliers to get more gadgets to install in the city," she then said.


    Broken then turned to Yara. "So, what''s next on the tour, Yara?"


    "My Lord, I will take you to your private chamber and study."


    "Very good, let''s go," he said.


    The three of them departed the control room and continued to explore various rooms throughout the house. Most were empty, but there was also a library, a lounge, and a meeting room. With so many rooms avable, he began envisioning how he would use each space. With its seven floors, this residence was incredibly luxurious-something he could only dream of having in the real world.


    For now, the house would even berge enough to amodate him and all the members of the Ass Guild who would be joining to help build the city. He was already imagining this ce as the future headquarters for his own guild.


    They finally reached the top floor, where Yara opened a door to reveal a spacious and


    comfortable study room.


    "My Lord, this is your study," she said.


    Broken was quite impressed as he took in the setup: a desk and chair at one end, bookcases lining the walls, and arge window that offered a panoramic view of the city. The walls were painted a light shade, and the floor was covered with an elegant carpet.


    "My Lord, please let me know if you need anything. I will be there right away," Yara said.


    "Thank you, Yara. You''ve done an amazing job. I''ll let you know if I need anything." Broken nodded slowly, genuinely pleased with Yara''s work. She had taken excellent care of the house, even while living there alone.


    Initially, he had wondered if it might be appropriate to raise Yara''s sry, considering her responsibilities. After seeing her work firsthand, he was convinced she deserved extra


    recognition.


    "I can see that you do this housework perfectly," he said.


    "Thank you, my Lord. I''m d you like it," she responded.


    "Therefore, I would like to raise your sry to 1 gold coin and make you the Head of the Maids


    in this house."


    Yara was visibly stunned; her eyes and mouth opened wide in disbelief as she slowly shook her


    head in astonishment.


    In a trembling voice, she spoke, "My Lord, are you sure about giving me such a high sry and responsibility? You haven''t even seen how I work yet. I don''t want to disappoint you."


    "Don''t worry," he said with a smile. "I can judge how hard you''ve worked by the condition of this house. You''ve done an impressive job in taking care of it. If you maintain your performance, I''m sure it will be even better. Alright?"


    Yara nodded enthusiastically. "Thank you, my Lord," she said, bowing her head slightly. [Yara felt immense joy when she met the new Lord of Slumdon Town; he was a person who was incredibly kind and friendly, and he treated her with great respect.]


    [Your Affinity with Yara has increased to 45%, meaning she will work more efficiently and


    remain loyal to you.]


    [Her talent will also experience a boost in rating if she continues to maintain this kind of motivation and work ethic.]


    Yara quickly bowed her head in respect before turning and swiftly walking out of the room.


    Freya walked to the center of the room, threw herself onto the plush sofa, and crossed her legs. "Are you sure you''re not overpaying Yara, Broken? Have you lost control over the wealth


    you have now?"


    "She has a lot of talents, including magic. And she works very well. I''ll train her in magic too,


    later."


    Freya looked pleased. "She''s cute too, but remember that she''s still a teenager, okay? Don''t


    do anything inappropriate."


    Broken just sighed at her remark.

 Chapter 261: Chapter 261 - I Will Help You Wash

    Chapter 261: - I Will Help You Wash


    ?


    Broken walked to the center of the room and sat on the sofa opposite Freya. He wanted to learn more about the study, the room, and everything else, but there were so many things he needed to understand, one step at a time.


    He then opened several menus in his Land Management feature and found something interesting in the Quest Menu.


    [Quests and Objectives:]


    [Construct and restore housing for 200 families.]


    [Create a new region for farming.]


    [Construct a region for livestock and food supply.]


    [...]


    [Construct a training ground and barracks for the military.]


    There were many quests and objectives avable in the system, enough to guide him on how to prioritize the work he needed to do.


    "There''s a lot of work to be done."


    Freya nodded. "Yeah, I''m sure the townspeople can''t wait to see what you''re going to do with this city. Any first move you''ve already imagined?"


    "Firstly, I have to gather everyone in one location and sort them based on their talents. This way, I can give them the right jobs. By finding the right people for the right tasks based on their talents, the city''s development will progress more smoothly."


    "That''s a good move."


    He continued, "I need to pay the workerster, purchase materials, and have the initial funds to get things rolling. But I''m not sure exactly how much money that will require."


    Freya added, "Have you thought of any solutions to that problem? Based on our previous discussion?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Broken slowly nodded, contemting the vast amount of resources needed. "I need a lot of resources to construct houses and various facilities in the city," he began to exin.


    "Collecting all these materials is going to take a long time, so I''m considering buying them to elerate the building process. I''m prepared to offer the vigers a generous price so they can make a good living," he concluded.


    Freya nodded slowly.


    He continued, "There are multiple important roles in the city, like Town nner, Master Builder, Security Captain, Market Master, and more. I believe it would be beneficial for these positions to be held by yers.


    "Therefore, I will offer members of the Ass Guild an opportunity to join and hold a significant role in the town by contributing 500 gold coins. Additionally, there will be a chance to purchase shares in the future, though I cannot determine the value of those shares at this moment. Maybe I''ll offer them a plot ofnd that they can choose and use as they wish. Do you think that''s too expensive?"


    Freya chuckled at Broken''s proposal. "You sure know your worth, asking them to contribute 500 gold coins just to hold an important role in this city."


    He smiled in response. "I haven''t been able to measure the overall value of this city quite yet, so I can''t offer any shares at the moment. But I can promise that I''ll convert that contribution into sharester on, once I can estimate the city''s value."


    Freya nodded slowly. "That''s an excellent offer. How many roles are you offering them?"


    "I''d estimate about 10 vacant roles, with the possibility of moreter," he replied.


    "I think that''s a great idea."


    "Do you have any better ideas, Freya?" he inquired.


    She shook her head and responded, "I might have a more viable suggestion than this, seeing as it appears you''re taking advantage of them without offering any concrete assurances. Yet, this is where your true worth lies; you can make unreasonable offers, and they still cannot do anything other than abide by them."


    "Why?" he asked, puzzled.


    Freya let out a smallugh at his confusion. "You''ll understand soon enough when they willingly hand over the money you ask for," she said. "Most of them have a lot of money, so 500 gold coins isn''t a significant amount for them."


    "I suppose this will do, then," he replied.


    "And I have another piece of good news for you," she continued.


    "What is that?" he inquired, raising an eyebrow in interest.


    "RememberMe and two of his friends areing to town in the next few days. I think they have quite a tempting offer for you. They said they would be sponsors for this city, with the guarantee that their brand would be prominently disyed here," she said.


    "Ah, RememberMe, PussyCat, and Forev. I haven''t seen them in a long time," he said with an enthusiastic smile.


    Broken then began nning the recruitment event he intended to hold the next day. He couldn''t afford to dy any longer and aimed to conduct arge-scale recruitment drive for the town''s residents. After finishing his discussion with Freya, there was a knock on the door, and Igor stepped inside.


    "I am ready to take orders, My Lord," Igor said.


    "I need you to make an announcement to the townspeople. Tomorrow, I will be selecting individuals who are interested in working for me. I am prepared to offer very generous rewards to those chosen, ranging from thirty silver coins to sixty silver coins, and even up to one gold coin, depending on their level of talent. I am looking for people with a range of talents, and I will be making the selections myself."


    "Ready to act, My Lord," Igor said before quickly leaving the room.


    "Very well, Mayor," Freya said softly. "I know you will be the best mayor in this world. You seem very ready, even though you have no prior experience inplex city management."


    "Natural talent, I guess?" he replied.


    Freya chuckled at his response. "So, are you starting to arrogantly pride yourself now?"


    Broken simply winked at Freya in response.


    Freya got up from her seat. "I''m going to go out and explore the house for a while. I''m sure this ce is where I''ll be spending most of my time in the near future," she said before leaving the room.


    Broken spent some time in the room, nning what he would do over the next few days. Once he felt confident that he had a solid n, he thought about what else he could do in the house. He was curious to explore more, and one ce in particr intrigued him.


    Eventually, Broken left his room and headed towards a nearby spacious hot spring bath. As soon as he entered, he was greeted by a hot spring pool surrounded by polished stones. Tiny bubbles rose from the depths of the water.


    "This is amazing! I could spend a lot of time here just thinking," he said with a smile.


    He felt a wave of relief wash over him as he took off his armor and stepped into the warm


    water.


    He watched the steam rise around him like a thick fog, obscuring his vision. The waters soothed his aching body, and he felt the day''s stress melt away.


    Suddenly, he heard a voice calling from the doorway, echoing through the steam-filled air.


    "My Lord?" It was Yara''s voice.


    Broken turned around, but the thick steam obscured his vision. As he listened, he heard her footsteps approaching until she was standing near the pool. He saw Yara, her short, orange hair damp from the steam, and she stood there in her maid dress.


    "I will help you wash," she offered kindly.

 Chapter 262: Chapter 262 - Moments in the Bathroom

    Chapter 262: - Moments in the Bathroom


    ?


    Yara stood before Broken, looking a little awkward. She took a deep breath as if topose herself, and Broken looked up from the warm water he was soaking in.


    "Yara?" he said slowly. "Is there anything I can help you with?"


    Yara looked at Broken with a confused look. She took a deep breath and began to unbutton her dress, as well as the cloth belt of her maid''s attire.


    "My Lord," she said, her voice trembling, "I havee to serve you and attend to your needs. I did not realize the full extent of my duties until recently. I hadn''t expected to be paid such a generous sry for simply apanying you to your bath and sharing a bed with you. I had heard other maids mention such things. I''m sorry, my Lord. You have paid me well, so I will fulfill this duty."


    Broken immediately stood up with the underwear that was a default fixture to his body.


    "No, I can bathe myself. You should continue with the work you were doing, Yara."


    But Yara continued trying to undo the buttons of her dress.


    He continued, "That''s not what I asked of you," he affirmed. "I''m asking you to do what you have been doing all this time and not what you think you should be doing."


    "My Lord," she said. "I still want to work here. I have no other ce to go. I apologize. I will do this job properly. I have considered it, and I will serve you with all my heart. I''m sorry if I am inexperienced, my Lord, but I promise to do my best."


    Yara then stepped closer to the pool.


    "Wait. Stop," he said firmly. "Listen to me. I didn''t ask you to take a bath with me or sleep with me, okay?"


    "But, my Lord," she asked, her voice shaking. "I don''t deserve this kind of sry. I''m just a maid, not a knight risking their life on the battlefield."


    "Yes, I''m sure," he dered. "Now, let me finish my bath, andter, we can talk about this matter in more detail, okay?"


    Yara stood there, still confused, unsure if she was being tested or if she would be fired for not serving her Lord as she thought was expected.


    She then dropped to her knees on the floor, her head bowed, and a sob escaped her lips. "My Lord, I''m sorry, I''m not good enough. I failed you on the first day you arrived. I want to do my best. I want to work hard and do everything you say. But the sry you gave me is too high, and I know all masters pay their maids high wages so that they can spend time with them in their bed."


    Broken took a deep breath and stepped out of the pool, walking over to her. He sat down on the floor in front of her. "No, nothing happened. You''re doing fine, okay."


    But Yara continued to cry, so he reassured her further.


    "Listen to me. I''m not asking you to do what you''re thinking. Taking a bath with me or going to sleep with me, it''s not like what you imagine," he exined gently.


    Outside the hot spring bath, Ivana was searching for Yara. As she got closer, she could hear Yara''s sobs from afar. Ivana rushed into the bathroom, but she immediately stopped, shocked by what she saw.


    Yara was kneeling on the ground, her face tear-stained and her body shaking with her cries. Broken sat in front of her, wearing nothing but a damp towel.


    Broken''s voice echoed through the spacious bathroom as he said, "...Taking a bath with me or going to sleep with me..."


    Ivana gasped in shock at the sight. "Yara? Are you okay?" she asked, stepping toward them. Broken was startled when he saw her. "Ivana?"


    "Yara is still a minor, Broken," she said, "Do you really need to have a woman to apany you in the bath and sleep with you?"


    "No! You''ve got it all wrong, Ivana. Who said I wanted a woman to bathe and sleep with me?!" Broken eximed.


    Ivana''s eyes widened, a mix of confusion and concern on her face. "But I heard you... and seeing Yara like this..."


    Freya suddenly appeared at the entrance, her face full of confusion. She took a few steps forward, taking in the scene before her.


    Broken''s voice echoed through the spacious bathroom as he said, "...I wanted a woman to bathe and sleep with me..."


    "What is that, Broken?" Freya eximed, rushing toward them. She saw Yara crying, Broken with a towel, and Ivana standing there shocked.


    "Broken," she said firmly, "are you really serious about what you''re doing? Taking Yara and Ivana to bathe and sleep together? I mean, it''s alright to do it with Ivana, but you have to marry her afterward. But Yara, I''m afraid you''re taking it too far; she''s still a teenager!"


    Ivana chimed in. "Freya, I arrived just now and heard exactly what you did."


    "Freya, you misunderstood!" Broken insisted. "You heard it wrong! No, I didn''t do it, I didn''t say that. No one said I asked them to apany me to bathe and sleep with me!"


    At that moment, someone else stepped into the bathroom. It was Melliandra, curious about the noiseing from the room.


    "I''m sorry, I heard someone crying. Is there something wrong? Can I help?" she asked.


    Broken''s voice echoed through the spacious bathroom as he said, "...I asked them to apany me to bathe and sleep with me..."


    But what Melliandra saw as she came closer made her heart race. There was Broken, draped in a towel, surrounded by three women! She shouldn''t be seeing this! Her eyes! They stung! "Pervert! Pervert! Pervert!!" she screamed, her face flushing red as she bolted out of the room.


    After Melliandra left, Broken, Ivana, and Freya were equally stunned. Yara also slowly stopped crying.


    Freya, looking puzzled at Broken, asked, "What really happened? Are you just too frustrated and want to take it out on these two innocent girls?" She chuckled slightly.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Yara, could you please exin to them?" Broken said. "I don''t want any more


    misunderstandings."


    "Yes, My Lord..." Yara had calmed down, adjusted her clothes, and then proceeded to exin


    the events in order.


    After Yara''s exnation, Ivana and Freya exchanged nces and let out smallughs.


    "Ah, I thought the same when you gave Yara such a big sry, that you had other intentions


    for her," Freya giggled.


    "Really, Freya?" Ivana asked, looking confused.


    "No, Ivana! She''s just kidding," Broken stated firmly.


    "But if you really want a woman to do that for you, you''ve got an option, you know," Freya


    continued.


    Broken let out an exasperated sigh and urged Yara, Ivana, and Freya to leave the room. "Now, all of you, go. Give me some peace. I want to enjoy my bath."


    But Freya, still in a yful mood, said, "Are you sure you don''t need someone to keep youpany, Broken?"


    "No, please go away and leave me in peace!" he shouted.


    Broken pushed them out, and this time, he made sure to lock the door from the inside.

 Chapter 263: Chapter 263 - The Cape of Slumdon

    Chapter 263: - The Cape of Slumdon


    ?


    After finishing his bath, Broken quickly returned to his room. To his surprise, Yara was already there, waiting for him.


    "Yara?" he hesitated, ncing at her, wondering if she was still confused about the sry issue.


    "My Lord," Yara greeted him cheerfully with a bright smile. "I''ve prepared your clothes, and there''s a special cape made just for the City Lord."


    "Oh really?" He walked over to the table to inspect the neatly folded fabric, revealing a white cape. There were also white garments, a shirt, and pants that looked incredibly grand, like those worn by nobility in the kingdom.


    "Ah, this looks nice," he said, immediately changing into the new clothes.


    Now dressed in a crisp white casual suit with blue ents and a magnificent white cape, he looked every bit the part of a noble. The cape was trimmed with gold and adorned with intricate embroidery, creating an elegant and regal appearance befitting of a Baron. It perfectlyplemented the suit.


    Upon closer examination of the cape, he noticed it was an Epic-grade and had unique stats and skills attached to it.


    [The Cape of Slumdon]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Charisma +50]


    [Durability: 78/100]


    [Weight: 217]


    [An exquisite formal garment that symbolizes respect and prestige. It is made of fine, thick fabric in both a pristine white and a regal navy blue, featuring a dark blue velvet cor and a gold sp for fastening at the front. Wearing it bestows admiration and respect from those around the wearer, making them a respected figure in themunity.]


    [Skills:]


    [Slumdon Insight - Allows the user to detect the three most prominent talents of the people of Slumdon.]


    [User Restriction: City Lord of Slumdon Town]


    After reading the description of the cape, Broken realized he could now assess the talents of not only the people he had hired as employees but also all the registered residents of Slumdon. Wasn''t that incredible? This way, it would be so much easier for him to analyze everyone''s talents and pick the right people to hire soon.


    "Good," he said to Yara, smiling. "Thanks, Yara. I really like it."


    "Yes, my Lord, you look very handsome in that outfit," she replied with a bright smile.


    "Really?" he asked, looking at her. "Thanks for thepliment, Yara."


    Yara''s face suddenly turned red, and she waved her hands in a panic. "No, my Lord, sorry, I didn''t mean it like that. No, that''s not what I meant."


    Broken chuckled and patted her shoulder gently. "Take it easy, okay? No need to be so tense around me," he said softly, watching her as she tried to calm herself down.


    "When I speak and it sounds normal, don''t overthink it. If I''m angry, I''ll show it; if I''m happy, I''ll show it. So, if I''m just speaking in a regr tone, there''s no need to be afraid." He then corrected himself. "I mean, I''m not the type to get angry easily, so just get rid of any preconceived notions you might have about a city lord, okay?"


    Yara nodded slowly. "Yes, my Lord."


    "Good." Broken smiled warmly and patted her head.


    That gesture only made Yara blush even more. "He is so kind..." Yara said, meaning to keep it to herself but identally speaking out loud. Then, she felt even more embarrassed.


    Broken justughed at her behavior, finding it cute.


    After waiting a few moments for Yara to regain herposure, Broken continued, "So, will you join me for another tour of this house?"


    "Yes, my Lord. I can show you to the cksmith workshop, and you can ask me about any facilities you might need that I haven''t mentioned yet," Yara replied.


    Broken nodded slowly and checked his map on the system. "I can ess a map of the house from here, but I believe it would be more enjoyable to explore with someone else. So, I''d be happy if you could apany me as a guide."


    Yara smiled at his request. "It is my pleasure to serve you, my Lord."


    The two of them departed the room. Yara walked next to Broken and led him through the elevator. Yara stood in the corner, maintaining a respectful distance from Broken. It was clear she still felt uneasy being close to a person of authority. Perhaps the image of a ruler needing to be revered was deeply ingrained in their minds.


    They soon reached the ground floor and stepped out of the elevator into the main room. There, they found Melliandra sitting and rxing, apanied by Kingsley. Both of them looked up as Broken approached, especially Melliandra, who gave Broken a strange look before quickly averting her eyes.


    "Hi, Kingsley," Broken said, "have you managed to settle into your bedroom?"


    Kingsley replied calmly, "Yes, Broken. I am very pleased with the service provided. And I like


    the room too. I really like this ce, and the city is so beautiful."


    "Shut up, people pleaser!" Melliandra quipped at Kingsley.


    Broken then turned his attention to Melliandra. "What about you, Melliandra?"


    Melliandra''s response was short and curt. "Don''t talk to me!"


    Broken smiled warmly and added, "Please take your time. There''s something I need to take


    care of first," he said before following Yara out of the house.


    Yara guided Broken to the rear of the house, where rows of nts lined the area. Unfortunately, they didn''t appear very healthy. Despite Yara''s efforts, the harsh weather conditions had taken their toll on the nts and flowers.


    "Do you enjoy gardening, Yara?"


    "Yes, my Lord," she replied. "But I''m having trouble finding seeds, and the dry soil in this region makes it difficult for nts to survive."


    Broken nodded and smiled. "I''ll help you get the seeds you need, and hopefully, you can create a beautiful garden here."


    "My Lord, are you sure?" Yara asked, her face glowing with admiration.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Yes, I know you like gardening. Let me help you make this garden even more beautiful."


    "But I''ve never learned much about gardening-I''m afraid of disappointing you. But I will try my best to learn," she said anxiously.


    "Don''t worry. I can see that you have a natural talent for gardening and the interest to go along with it. Just do it!"


    "I would be more than happy to take care of these flowers and make this garden beautiful," Yara said enthusiastically.


    Broken was well aware of Yara''s interest in gardening, given that she had the ''Green Thumb'' talent, even if it was only rated a D. Nheless, it was clear that she had a genuine fondness


    for it.


    [Green Thumb: Tends to gardens and nts with exceptional care, ensuring vibrant and


    thriving green spaces.]


    They kept walking toward the back part of the property, where a small, old building stood with rough stone walls. Sooty ck marks and charred streaks covered it. The windows were cracked, and the door dangled loosely from its hinges.


    "My Lord, this is the cksmith workshop," Yara exined. "The previous Lord had a personal cksmith who fulfilled all his requests here. But, sorry, I will make sure to repair


    and tidy up everything."


    Broken smiled, feeling pleased. He had finally found a ce where he could spend a lot of time crafting things in private, alone, without anyone bothering him.

 Chapter 264: Chapter 264 - A Voyage Filled with Possibilities

    Chapter 264: - A Voyage Filled with Possibilities


    ?


    Broken stepped into the cksmith workshop. The room was small, just enough for two workstations and some supplies, along with a spot to store equipment and crafted items. There were three distinct rooms lined up side by side, each connected by open doorways, with each section having its own entrance. However, only the middle room had the cksmith tools.


    In one corner, he saw several sets of forging and cksmithing tools, just enough for one person. To the side, a pile of iron ore waited to be used. On the opposite end, broken equipment and weapons were scattered across the floor.


    Yara bowed deeply and spoke in a low voice, "My Lord, I''ll start tidying up this ce so you can use it right away."


    Broken nodded slowly. "Thank you, Yara. But no need to rush, I''m not going to use it


    immediately. Take your time. It would be nice to have it cleaned up, but don''t rush too much. You need to bnce working and resting, alright?"


    "Yes, My Lord. But, I don''t need much rest. This house has been empty for a long time, so I''ve had plenty of time to rx," Yara replied before quickly grabbing a broom and starting to clean the room. She worked swiftly and skillfully, getting rid of unused items and


    reorganizing the space.


    Just then, Broken received a private message from Freya.


    [Freya: "Goldrich and Jovina have arrived. He said he wants to have a conversation with you."]


    Broken immediately returned to the main building and stepped into the living room. There, Goldrich, Maylock, and Elincia were already waiting for him. He walked closer as they all stood up, looking eager.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Ha ha ha," Goldrich greeted him with a warm handshake. "Look who it is, the Lord of Slumdon Town."


    "I see you''re making yourself at home in this city," Broken said. "Have you spent enough money to get the economy going?"


    "Don''t worry," Goldrich replied. "I will flood this ce with my wealth, so much that even the Capital of Dissidia Kingdom will envy the progress of this city in your hands, with my help. You''d be shocked to know how rich I am." He winked. "I could even buy Dissidia Kingdom if I wanted, but I don''t like to boast."


    Broken just smiled, responding to Goldrich''s joke.


    Once everyone had settled into thefortable couches in the living room, Goldrich began to exin.


    "As I''ve been exploring the western region, I found dense forests stretching toward the sea," he began. "Additionally, in the eastern part to the south, there are high mountains, partially covered in snow, close to the border of Keseon Kingdom."


    Broken paid close attention to Goldrich''s exnation.


    "So," Goldrich continued, "I can conclude that many areas of the forests and mountain ranges remain unexplored due to the high-level monsters there. I even discovered Dungeons above level 200 and Trial Domains with simr levels."


    "It''s clear this city has immense potential," Maylock added.


    "Khi khi khi," Goldrichughed. "We can level up quickly and reap many benefits if we control all the monsters and dungeons in that area. While Jovina and I haven''t explored deeply yet, I''m confident we can find even higher-level dungeons-maybe even level 300."


    Maylock nodded slowly, absorbing Goldrich''s words. "I think we should explore the forest and map out all the resources and hunting grounds there."


    Goldrich smiled at Maylock''s enthusiasm. "I knew you''d get excited hearing about high-level monsters, huh?"


    Elincia chimed in, "But remember, our first focus is building and strengthening this city. We need a solid base for further development."


    Broken nodded slowly, appreciating the help Goldrich had provided even before he had done anything for the town. Their support clearly made things much easier for him.


    "Thanks for your exploration and effort, Goldrich," he replied with a friendly smile.


    "Khi khi khi... I''ve made sure to be at the forefront to receive news from you about when you''ll be discussing investing in this city," Goldrich said.


    He continued. "Have you considered it? You don''t need to worry about funds, Broken. As long as you have a vision and the determination to pursue it, and if you bring in many exciting adventures for us, I''ll be your number one funder. You see, this old man has so much money that even a lifetime of extravagance wouldn''t be enough to spend it all."


    Broken smiled at Goldrich''s assurance. "Tonight," he said. "Tonight, I''ll hold a meeting with all of you to discuss the development of the city."


    After discussing ns with Goldrich and the others, Broken moved on to other tasks that needed his attention that day. He then met up with Igor, Inggrid, and Anna, who were on guard in front of the house.


    "My Lord, is there anything I can help you with?" Igor asked.


    Broken nodded. "Since there aren''t any training facilities for you in this town, I''m assigning your shifts for guarding. One person at the main city gate, one here at the house, two for patrolling the city, and two more will join whichever party is hunting monsters near the town. Alright?"


    "Understood, My Lord," Igor replied.


    Anna also responded with an enthusiastic smile. "My Lord, can we also join you on the monster hunt?" she inquired.


    Broken smiled at her. "Anna, I have a lot of things to do, so I won''t be joining the monster hunt for now. But I have someone to apany you."


    "Polly?" he called, and a little white fox with four tails appeared, hiding behind Broken.


    He then turned to Polly. "Could you apany the Knights to hunt monsters in the nearby area, Polly?" he asked.


    Polly nodded slowly. "Yes, Master, I can- But-" She looked hesitant. "What should I do? Who will give me orders while I''m there, Master?"


    Broken reassured her. "Igor will give you instructions for now, Polly. Just follow his lead, and everything will be fine."


    He then turned to Igor and the others. "Igor, your main task is to ensure that no one gets seriously injured. Hunt monsters only in the area near the town."


    "Yes, Master," Igor replied.


    Broken nced down at Polly. "Are you okay with this?"


    "Ye-yes... Master..." Polly said, sounding hesitant. Spirits bonded with someone often lose their freedom, acting only whenmanded, which is why Polly never strayed far from


    Broken.


    "Your task is to hunt and gather as many resources as possible: monster cores, monster soul stones, everything. This way, the knights can level up and acquire new skills."


    "Yes, Master," Polly responded, still a bit unsure.


    Broken then delivered a final message to them. "Don''t push yourselves too hard. If any of you get hurt,e back quickly to recover your strength. Heal up and then head out for another hunt. I want you all to level up and be stronger, but don''t take on more than you can


    handle."


    "Yes, My Lord," they replied in unison.


    "Polly, let me carry you so you can move faster," Anna suggested, picking up Polly and


    cing her in her arms.


    With that, they set off, Polly joining them on their mission. As he watched them walk away, a thought crossed his mind. "I care for them like they are my own children, don''t I?"


    But it seemed the knights were still missing a couple of crucial roles to truly form a solid team: a support, a healer, and maybe a dedicated tank. Broken thought about recruiting a few more individuals who might have the right talents to be knights. He could start by selecting interested townspeople and training them intensively.


    For the town to progress and thrive, he knew he needed a lot of knights-a strong army. Only then could the town continue to function smoothly, even if he needed to leave on a mission. Take Dissidia Capital, for example. Their knights had capabilities on par with the king, and even the two Knight Grand Crosses guarding Princess Alora were far stronger than her. But he knew everything would take time to build. However, he would soon start by gathering all avable resources and support.


    As darkness began to nket the area, the moment many had eagerly awaited finally arrived. Broken called the meeting everyone had been anticipating.


    "I''d like to thank everyone for joining us here this evening," Broken dered, formally starting the meeting. "We will discuss the development ns for Slumdon Town."

 Chapter 265: Chapter 265 - Night Entertainment

    Chapter 265: - Night Entertainment


    ?


    The round table sat in the center of the room. Around the table, several people were chatting in small clusters, while others appeared in virtual squares, their faces filled with curiosity as they followed the meeting remotely. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as everyone waited for the ns to be revealed.


    In attendance were Broken, Freya, and Booba, along with Elincia, Maylock, Toberry, Goldrich, Jovina, Melliandra, and Kingsley from the Ass Guild. The rest of the Ass Guild members joined the meeting remotely.


    Broken began exining his proposal in detail, recalling the conversation he had with Freya earlier.


    "So," he started, continuing on, "we need to fill several roles, including Town nner, Master Builder, Security Captain, Market Master, Educational Director, Medic, Resource Manager, Inventor or Technologist, Diplomat, and Animal Keeper or Breeder."


    "Phew," Jovina quickly replied, "Animal Keeper is definitely something I''d be interested in. I''m the only beast tamer among us, and I''m used to handling animals, huh?" She nced over at Melliandra.


    Melliandra immediately retorted, "Why are you looking at me when you said animals?"


    "Melliandra, be a little cute, match your age, will you? Don''t be so fierce," Jovina said with a giggle.


    "Shut up, you two! Or get out of the room," Elincia cut in sharply. The two of them fell silent. "So, my proposal is to open up opportunities for anyone to join this project by contributing 500 gold coins," Broken continued. "By doing so, you''ll be eligible to hold an important role in the team, and your investment will be converted into share ownership in the future when the city''s valuation is assessed. Additionally, I''ll provide a specific plot ofnd in the city where you can build anything you want a house, an inn, a restaurant."


    "500 gold coins? That''s easy. I''ll even take several times that amount, hahaha," Booba responded with a chuckle.


    "Which idiot would ept such a foolish offer? 500 gold coins is nonsense," Skywarden interjected from the virtual screen.


    "Hey, Broken. You''ve got a second person epting the offer, and that''s me," Jovina said with augh. "Let that fool Skywarden cry all he wants. He''ll be left behind."


    Skywarden shot back, "This is so stupid. What future can anyone realistically expect from a ghost town like Slumdon? It''s really foolish!"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Melliandra added curtly, "500 gold coins is too much! I agree with the investment, but the n is still immature. You should learn more about investment."


    Elincia nodded and said, "How about this? I know we''re still in the early stages, and everything is not well-prepared yet, but we''re racing against time. How about we let Broken exin the potential that Slumdon Town can provide, then you all can reconsider his offer?" Broken nodded and began to exin everything, including all the data Goldrich had given him. He detailed the potential of the city in terms of future investments and economic growth, although it was clear that what he presented was still in the nning stage and not backed by solid data yet.


    Goldrich spoke up, "I''m sure the value of this city will soar in the future because this is the first city directly owned by a yer.


    "Broken may not have experience in city development or managing funds, but remember, he doesn''t have to do it all by himself. He doesn''t need to excel in everything. That''s why we''re all here, each of us with a different set of skills. We will support each other and cover for one another''s weaknesses.


    "And when ites to money, I''m confident I''m the best among us, khi khi khi. So yes, I''m in too. Even at ten times the amount, I would still join!"


    Maylock raised a hand and began to express his concerns, "I know the potential of Slumdon Town is very high, but we must also be aware of the risks it poses.


    "Given that this is the first city owned by a yer, many big guilds might be envious and could even attempt to attack us. Furthermore, the development of this city could negatively impact the Keseon Kingdom if it continues to draw traffic away from their cities. As such, we must prepare and build alliances to solidify our position."


    "What''s your conclusion, Maylock?" Jovina interjected.


    "I believe our situation is mutually beneficial," Maylock replied. "Broken and the Ass Guild are in a position to help each other, especially in the early stages of this city''s development. I hope you''ll recognize the opportunity Broken has given us.


    "Broken has the city, and we, the Ass Guild, can provide support both financially and in terms of strength. This is a mutually beneficial partnership. With the name of the Ass Guild supporting the city, we can eliminate most of the people who might intend to cause trouble here."


    "But the Ass Guild might attract even bigger enemies. That''s stupid," Booba argued.


    Maylock shook his head. "Larger enemies are easier to predict and counter than a multitude of smaller ones," he said confidently.


    Broken thought over Maylock''s points again and realized they were quite sensible. With the significant potential Broken possessed, it was clear many would seek to oppose him. While he was still in the process of building his strength, it was also crucial for him to forge alliances. And he couldn''t ask for better support than having the Ass Guild alongside him.


    The Ass Guild''s reputation in supporting this city would undoubtedly elevate the city''s standing. This, in turn, would attract more yers to spend their time here and contribute to the city''s development.


    Eventually, several people voiced their agreement with Broken''s proposal, including Starfall and Livelywood, who only nodded without muchment. The others, however, waited for Elincia''s final decision.


    Elincia then added, "Broken isn''t asking you to decide right away, so take your time. I understand the amount of money could be insignificant for some but substantial for others. So, this isn''t a demand; you can still contribute to the city''s development without joining the


    funding."


    "Ck, being poor is something I can''t rte to. Haha," Jovina remarked.


    "Me neither," Melliandra chimed in.


    Meanwhile, Kingsley, seated among them, gave a slow nod. "I could tell you all about being poor if you''re interested."


    "No, Kingsley, keep that to yourself," Jovina said with a giggle.


    After several rounds of support and objections, Broken stood up once more to address the


    group.


    "Thank you all for taking the time to listen to my proposal. I truly appreciate the alliances we''ve built; I can''t thank you enough," he said. "That''s why I''m presenting this to you. And as Elincia mentioned, I''ll wait for one week of Yunatea Time for anyone who needs to reconsider


    and decide."


    He paused briefly, allowing his words to settle in before continuing.


    "During this time, I''m opening up opportunities for anyone who wants to help me kickstart the city''s development. I hope that by the end of this, we can continue to rebuild our valuable


    cooperation."


    With that, the meeting finally concluded.


    Goldrich walked up to Broken and whispered to him as the others began to leave the room. "Broken, may I open a brothel and night entertainment in the city? Khi khi khi."


    Broken was taken aback and turned to him. "Uh..." he said, hesitating.


    "I''ll bring in beautiful women to create a major entertainment hub here. It will attract a lot of


    yers," Goldrich said, winking.


    "Let me think about it," Broken replied, confused.

 Chapter 266: Chapter 266 - The Night is So Beautiful

    Chapter 266: - The Night is So Beautiful


    ?


    Broken took some time to rx. His new favorite spot in the House of Slumdon was a balcony on the top floor. It offered an open space and a serene view of the night. In Slumdon, with its minimal town lighting, the night sky looked truly magnificent.


    He was there, sitting, enveloped by the night''s quiet. It was a much-needed calm to soothe the tension from the recent discussion about the city''s development. For an introvert like him, having to discuss in front of many people was incredibly draining. He had to listen to numerous inputs andints from everyone, all while maintaining his calm and responding without getting emotional or provoked by anyone. It wasn''t easy for him.


    As he sat there with his eyes closed, he heard footsteps approaching. Turning towards the house, he saw a woman walking towards the balcony, carrying a tray and a pitcher of drinks. It was Ivana.


    "Hi," she said, her face illuminated by the moonlight, "May I apany you?"


    "Yes, Ivana," Broken said quickly, adjusting the chair next to him so Ivana could sit.


    She took a seat and ced the tray down. The clinking of ss against ss filled the air as she poured water from the pitcher into the ss.


    "I got the ingredients from the nearby forest. It doesn''t have any special effects because I''m not that skilled with beverages, but it can warm you up," she said.


    "Thanks, Ivana," Broken said, taking the ss and enjoying a long sip of the drink.


    "How''s it going?" she asked. "The discussion."


    "It''s been tough, but we''re making progress," he replied.


    Ivana nodded, sipping from her own ss. They sat together infortable silence for a few moments.


    "So," Broken began, "you just came back from monster hunting with the knights?"


    "Yes," she said softly, a small smile ying on her lips. "They have high fighting spirits and are hard workers. I enjoy hunting with them. Anna is always cheerful, Igor is so cool in leading, and Damir is very pleasant and friendly. Inggrid is also very kind, as are Karl and Yann. They all are wonderful."


    Broken smiled, hearing her enthusiastic exnation. "You seem to see the positive in everyone."


    "No, they truly are that delightful," she said, giggling.


    "Who takes care of the town if everyone goes hunting?"


    Ivana shook her head. "The knights take turns. Polly and I stay with them until everyone has their turn."


    "You sure are hardworking."


    Ivana''s face lit up with a wide smile. "Yes, I love this town. It''s peaceful, and the people here are so friendly. They weed us warmly. They also enjoy the food I cook. Many children y happily here."


    "Anyone would be happy and joyful after tasting your food, Ivana," Broken replied, chuckling softly.


    Ivana nodded repeatedly. "Yes, and it makes me happy too."


    For some reason, after listening and talking with Ivana, and because of her friendliness and positive nature, Broken felt lighter. She had a unique way of bringing peace and a positive aura wherever she went.


    "About the knights," he continued.


    "Yes?" she replied.


    "Can you help them be as strong as you, Ivana? Like, tell them how to get a Unique- grade ss like yours."


    Ivana looked puzzled by Broken''s words. She tilted her head and thought for a moment before replying. "Uhm... How do I help them?"


    "Shouldn''t I be the one asking?" he replied, chuckling. "How did you be so strong in such a short time? If you could do it, they should be able to, right?"


    Ivana shook her head. "I''m not sure if I''m that strong," she said. "I''m a shielder, so I''m not great inbat. I can only take hits from my opponents. So I''m not sure how to teach them. I spend most of my time cooking, Broken. Please let me know if I can do something useful for them."


    Broken couldn''t help butugh softly.


    "But how did you go from being a chef to having a Unique-grade ss like Aegis Guardian?" he asked. "Maybe you need to teach them how to cook too? Who knows, maybe they''ll suddenly get upgraded to Imperial Knights."


    "Should I?" she said.


    "No, that''s a joke."


    Ivana smiled at him and took a slow breath. After a moment offortable silence between them, she continued.


    "After Gia died..." she began softly. "I was really determined to do something more. Like, to protect the people I care about. So, I asked Mr. Fokil for some armor and a weapon, and I started training. I joined two different parties of adventurers, and that''s how I acquired my ss. Do you think someone needs a strong will to be stronger?"


    Broken shook his head. "I''m not sure either. It''s the first time I''ve heard of an NPC chef turning into a special NPC with a Unique-grade ss just through the desire to do something bigger." He smiled at her.


    "I wish I could teach others how to do it, but I don''t know how."


    They both returned to enjoying the quiet night, gazing at the sky and the town visible in the distance. It was so peaceful here, and Broken felt like he could stay in this ce for a long time, especially with someone like Ivana by his side. He then turned to her.


    "Ivana."


    Ivana turned to him. "Yes?"


    He said softly, "Is there something in this world that you desire, something you want to achieve as your ultimate goal?"


    "Goal?" Ivana paused, seemingly pondering her response. After a few moments, she finally said, "What do I want in this world?"


    He rified, "Yes, like a goal that you are working toward. Do you have something like that?"


    She smiled and replied, "I want to find someone I love, marry them, and raise a family together with lots of love." She then let out a chuckle and covered her mouth with the back of


    her hand.


    Broken was silent, stunned by her response. It felt like a shock of electricity coursing through him, prompting him to dig deeper into her answer.


    "Have you found that person?" he asked.


    For some reason, asking that question made him feel a bit breathless. He realized he had


    some expectations tied to her answer.


    Ivana shook her head slowly. "Someone I love?"


    Broken stayed silent, waiting.


    "I want to always be with you and support your dreams. Is that what love is?"


    This time, Broken felt paralyzed, her words sending his heart into a rapid beat. This deration felt even more impactful than when Princess Alora had promised him the chance to marry her. Could this be affection? Or love?


    "Tell me, Broken, have you ever loved someone before?" Ivana asked.


    Broken shook his head and smiled. He could still feel the impact of Ivana''s words in his heart. His breathing quickened, and his heartbeat raced. He began to struggle with how to respond


    to her question.


    For Broken, someone who wasn''t used to expressing his thoughts and feelings with words, it was incredibly difficult to do so. It didn''te as easily to him as it seemed to for Ivana, who spoke her mind effortlessly.


    He paused for a moment and looked at her deeply. And then he found the words.


    "I want you to always be by my side. I want to protect you. And I don''t like it when anyone else tries to get close to you. Maybe that''s called love too?" he said, chuckling.


    Ivanaughed softly as well. "Then you should marry me someday, if you''re sure you also


    love me."


    They fell silent again, gazing into each other''s eyes. The cold, tranquil night seemed to meld


    their feelings into one.


    What kind of feeling was Broken experiencing? It felt so natural, effortless, his body moving


    on its own ord.


    Slowly, their faces drew closer. Inch by inch, they could feel the moment approaching. Until their lips were nearly touching.


    But just before they could kiss, Ivana gently held Broken''s face with both hands, stopping it


    from happening.


    "I was looking for you, and here you are," a voice suddenly broke the silence. They immediately recognized it as Freya.


    Both Broken and Ivana turned to her, instantly pulling apart and trying to find words to


    exin themselves.


    "Oh, the night is so beautiful," Freya said, casting her gaze to the sky. "Oh, I''m hungry. I want


    to eat." She then walked away, leaving the two of them alone again.


    After Freya left, Ivana and Broken looked at each other and burst intoughter.


    "You almost kissed me, and I''m so nervous," she said.


    "It would have been better if you didn''t mention it," he replied.


    Ivana giggled. "Do it again next time, when you''re sure about your feelings, okay?" she said,


    her eyes twinkling with amusement.


    Ivana then moved closer, took his right hand, and wrapped it around her, resting her head on


    his shoulder. They fell silent once more, enjoying the moment.


    "It''s so beautiful here," she said softly.


    "Yes."


    "And calming."


    "Yes."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

 Chapter 267: Chapter 267 - Slumdon’s People

    Chapter 267: - Slumdon¡¯s People


    ?


    The people of Slumdon Town were buzzing with excitement when they saw the Baron''s announcement stered on themunity billboard in the town''s za. This sparked a flurry of conversations, everyone intrigued and bewildered by the notice, especially since the offer seemed too good to be true.


    "This is a load of nonsense! I''m not buying into whatever sweet promises this ruler has," said one resident.


    "Agreed. It''s too good to be true. I''m sure they''re just trying to take advantage of us."


    "But the money they''re offering is quite high. Could it be a scam?"


    "There''s no harm in finding out, right? Maybe this is actually true."


    "Do you really want to put your life in the hands of those greedy, oppressive rulers?"


    "No way," the first person said firmly. "Let''s forget about these stupid job offers. We''re already struggling to make ends meet. We don''t need toplicate our lives with this nonsense."


    Despite the numerous doubts from the townspeople, the following day, a considerable number of people still gathered in the city center, close to the designated area. There, arge meadow could be seen, with more people gradually arriving and congregating. Most of them were curious about the intriguing offer and therge sry promised in the announcement. They wanted to find out the truth for themselves.


    "I''m just keen to hear what the Baron has to say," one of the onlookers remarked. "If it''s all nonsense, I''m leaving."


    "Yeah, I''m just curious," another agreed. "It can''t do any harm."


    "Of course, I intend to get the payment we were promised," chimed in another. "But I need to make sure he isn''t lying about the announcement he made."


    Several yers who were hanging out in the tavern at the time noticed a lot of townspeople heading in one direction, and they began to wonder what was happening.


    "Do those poor townspeople want to abandon this ce?" one yer said, chuckling.


    "I think this ce will turn into a ghost town after this," another added,ughing.


    "This town is owned by a yer, right?" asked a third yer.


    "Ah yes, the one who won thepetition in the capital city," another yer replied.


    "This is ridiculous. The King gave such a pathetic city to a yer as a reward. Only a fool would see this as a real prize. There''s nothing to gain from this town."


    "It seems like the King didn''t give these people much. The town is dry and deste, with very few resources. The food is terrible, and there are limited facilities."


    "Did you know that the new Baron promised huge sries to the townspeople who wanted to work for him?" another yer chimed in.


    "How much? And what kind of work?"


    "I don''t know. I heard he wants to rebuild the town and is offering 30 silver coins to 1 gold coin for those who help."


    "That''s ridiculous! Where did he get that much money? Is he rich?"


    "I don''t know, but from his appearance, he looks pretty poor,"ughed someone else.


    "I''m sure he''s just fooling those poor, miserable townspeople," another yer remarked. "Yeah, the NPCs here are quite naive, but treating them like this is still too much."


    "Why don''t we go as well," one of the five yers suggested. "Let''s see what that stupid Baron is up to."


    "What for?" asked another.


    "I don''t know," shrugged the first yer. "Maybe tough at his stupidity?"


    Without further discussion, the five yers left the tavern and joined the crowd, eager to find out what was going on.


    In the heart of a bustling town square, a modest stage had been erected, where two knights stood vigntly. Meanwhile, several members of the Ass Guild were scattered around the corners of the area, keeping a watchful eye. Arge crowd of townspeople had already gathered, eagerly awaiting the Baron''s announcement.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Sometimeter, Broken, dressed in a white outfit adorned with blue decorations and wearing his cape, approached the stage with two women by his side, Ivana and Freya. Both of them would help Broken by taking notes and selecting individuals who would line up and be inspected one by one by Broken. While Ivana was d in her battle armor, Freya opted for more casual attire.


    "I have to admit," remarked one yer observing the scene, "the Baron does have quite the regal presence, doesn''t he?"


    "I can''t say for sure," replied another, "but his guardian, Ivana, certainly looks the part. She''s a Special NPC, isn''t she? And so pretty, too."


    "Yeah, she sure is."


    Standing on the stage, Broken surveyed the Slumdon residents who had gathered that day. Then, he spoke up. "As promised in the announcement, today I will be selecting those who are interested in rebuilding this town with me. I will choose each person and assign them to the jobs that best suit their skills. I will pay everyone fairly for their work. But please note, the offer is not negotiable. You can trust that I will give a fair assessment to everyone. Moreover, today''s recruitment is only for the original residents of Slumdon."


    "How do we know you''re not lying to us?!" someone immediately shouted from the crowd.


    "How can we be sure you really mean it?" another voiced their concern.


    "What can we expect from a town abandoned by its former lord?" echoed another voice.


    "This ce is nothing but a wastnd of drought and famine!"


    After everyone voiced their disbelief and doubts, Broken raised his right hand and spoke again with firm resolve.


    "This is for anyone who wants to see this town thrive again. I''m offering you a great opportunity today. This is your chance. And I''ll let you see for yourselves how serious I am."


    He continued without giving the crowd time toin. "For those who remain interested in the project, you muste to me for a quick interview, and I will decide where you fit best in the city''s construction. Form a line and follow the order; I do not advise causing any disruptions because I can be both kind and strict."


    He added, "Those who are selected will be provided with afortable ce to live for themselves and their families, as long as they uphold the agreement."


    He ended his statement with a strong voice, leaving no room for further doubt among the townspeople.


    Once Broken had finished his opening speech, he gracefully stepped back and took a seat in one of the chairs that had been prepared on the stage. Freya followed suit and sat beside him. Ivana stood nearby, keeping a steady watch to make sure no one caused any trouble that day. "Well, here we go," Freya said. "So, my job is just to record all the potential candidates, right,


    Mr. Baron?"


    "Yes, Ms. Helper, please assist me," he replied.


    Everyone knew what they had to do; it was simply a matter of forming a line and walking up to the Baron for an interview. After the interview, they would be told what position would be


    suitable for them.


    However, despite the time that had passed, no one was brave enough to take the first step.


    "Look at him,"ughed several yers. "Hahaha, what a joke."


    "Yeah, he''s such a fool. Even his own people don''t seem to care about him," added another.


    "He''s definitely been given a lousy deal by the King!"


    But then, out of the corner of his eye, Broken noticed movement in the crowd. As he focused on the spot, he saw a teenage boy making his way toward them.


    Finally drawing near, the boy loudly dered, "My lord, please tell me what kind of job I can


    do for you!"


    Broken blinked in surprise as the boy came closer. There was something unusual about him¡ª he had animal ears.

 Chapter 268: Chapter 268 - Tunnel Rat

    Chapter 268: - Tunnel Rat


    ?


    A teenage boy appeared to be around 17 years old. His name was Danko, and one thing that caught Broken''s attention was his pair of animal ears. Were they like rat ears? He wore sleeveless clothes, revealing part of his arms, which also had a light covering of ck fur.


    "My Lord, what kind of job can I do for you?" Danko asked eagerly.


    "He is a Beastkin, if you didn''t know," Freya whispered to Broken, noticing his confused expression.


    Danko said with a grin. "I''m a Half-Rat species, which might exin why I like staying in caves. I''m very good at mining, My Lord, and I''m ready to do whatever you need me to!"


    [Name: Danko]


    [Mineral Detector (SS) - Hard Rock Breaker (B) - Tunnel Rat (B)]


    [Mineral Detector: Possesses an innate ability to detect rare and valuable minerals, making it easier to locate precious resources when mining.]


    [Hard Rock Breaker: Breaks through solid rock with exceptional strength and precision, expediting mining operations.]


    [Tunnel Rat: Navigates through intricate tunnel systems with ease, preventing getting lost underground.]


    "Hi, Danko," Broken said. "So, you''re a Miner? I really expected to find a talented Miner in a ce like this."


    Broken was genuinely impressed with the talent set of the Beastkin, especially the SS rating in Mineral Detection. Wasn''t that supposed to be extremely rare? Although his other talents were not particrly outstanding, having an SS rating in Mineral Detection was truly a jackpot.


    Judging from the Mineral Detector''s description, it was clear that Danko would be a highly valuable asset. He could find rare minerals, the kind that could be used to craft weapons or armor with extraordinary rarity or special features.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Even though Broken himself had a Miner ss, he wasn''t nning to spend his time wandering around looking for valuable minerals. He would only do that incidentally. Danko''s presence here would give him a significant advantage. It was a solid yes for him.


    "Is this the first time you''ve encountered a Beastkin, My Lord?" Danko asked.


    "Yes, this is the first time I have seen a Beastkin," Broken answered quietly.


    "Ahahaha," Danko replied, scratching the back of his head. "Yes, My Lord, there are rarely any Beastkin in Dissidia, but I can assure you that I was born here. And I''m a resident of Slumdon; I was born in this city and have never left this area."


    Broken nodded at his words. "So, what have you been doing all this time? Is there anything you''re particrly interested in?"


    "My Lord, I love mining. I spend almost every hour in the caves, even sleeping there. Mining is my life. I want to dedicate myself to finding mining resources and rare minerals for the rest of my days," Danko replied.


    "How much would you charge if I asked you to take this job more seriously for me?" Broken asked.


    Danko chuckled. "Mining is my life, My Lord. As long as I can do this for my entire life, a nice ce to stay and assurance that I won''t go hungry is enough for me. But if you could pay me enough to make me wealthy, well, that would make me even happier, haha!"


    Broken then stood up. "Danko, I will pay you one gold coin per month, and you will be my personal miner from now on." he said.


    Upon hearing the sry Broken had offered to Danko, outrage erupted among the crowd. "That''s ridiculous! One gold coin for a miner? For a beastkin? Who would believe that?" "This is just absurd. I''m outta here. I don''t ept this kind of nonsense!"


    "It looks like this Baron is aplete fool. He paid such a high amount to this silly kid just to fool the people around him."


    After finalizing the deal, Danko hurried down from the stage with a big smile. "Can you believe it? Our esteemed Baron wasn''t joking. I am now his employee, and he pays me one gold coin for my services!" he eximed loudly, followed by heartyughter from the crowd.


    "Shut up, you brat!" someone called out.


    "You stupid beastkin, all you do is scavenge for scraps!" another shouted.


    "I bet the Baron just paid you to put on a show for us, didn''t he?"


    "Do you really think a miner like you deserves such high pay?"


    "Hahaha, doubt all you want! The important thing is, I am now the Baron''s official private miner!" Danko didn''t care and ran around, leaping with joy.


    Freya leaned closer to Broken and whispered, "So, what''s his talent that makes you willing to pay him such a high sry? I mean, isn''t that even higher than your sry at the store a few months ago?"


    "SS Mineral Detector," he replied.


    Freya gasped in surprise. "Wow, that''s a really rare skill. I guess luck has overwhelmed you to the point of drowning you."


    The next person to take the stage was a young man in his twenties. He had a humble demeanor and bowed his head respectfully.


    "My Lord," he began, his voice trembling, "my name is Sandro, and I am a builder. I humbly offer my services to help construct the city if it pleases you."


    [Name: Sandro]


    [Crop Rotation Expert (S) - Crop Diversification (A) - Weather Whisperer (B)]


    [Crop Rotation Expert: Maximizes the efficiency of farnd.]


    [Crop Diversification: Specializes in growing a wide variety of crops, ensuring a bnced and diverse food supply.]


    [Weather Whisperer: Influences weather conditions within a limited range, creating rain, fog, or sunlight.]


    Once again, Broken was mesmerized by the person standing before him. Another individual with high-rated talents, this time a Crop Rotation Expert with an S rating!


    But why did he introduce himself as a builder when all his talents were rted to farming?


    And then there was the Weather Whisperer talent. From its name and description, it seemed quite extraordinary. Influence weather conditions? What kind of talent is this? Is it some sort of magic skill or something?


    The more Broken observed the diverse talents possessed by people, the more curious he became about the extent of potential that could be developed from this game, including the individuals themselves.


    He then said, "Sandro, do you have any experience with farming?"


    Sandro bowed slowly. "My parents are farmers, My Lord. I learned from them, but it''s hard to earn money by being a farmer in this city, so I had to work as a builder."


    "So, if I support you in this job and build a proper farming field, would you want to work as a farmer again?"


    Sandro bowed once more. "I would be very happy to help for the betterment of this city, My Lord, especially if it involves farming."


    Broken nodded and made the announcement. "A Farmer, one gold coin sry," he dered.


    Sandro was taken aback by Broken''s words, clearly surprised by the offer. "My Lord, are you sure about such a high sry? Will everyone who works for you receive the same amount?"


    "No, not everyone," Broken replied. "But I know you have extraordinary talents in this field, so it''s a fair price for you."


    The doubts among the crowd slowly began to fade. More and more people started to line up, and soon, they began to forget their previous skepticism. Eager anticipation reced their initial wariness as they waited impatiently for their individual assessments.

 Chapter 269: Chapter 269 - Unstoppable Growth

    Chapter 269: - Unstoppable Growth


    ?


    Elincia stood with Maylock, watching how Broken was conducting the recruitment. She couldn''t help butment.


    "I''m not saying I don''t trust him, but is he sure about the sry he''s offering them? Doesn''t it seem too high?" she asked.


    Maylock answered evenly. "Broken, as his name suggests, is anything but ordinary. Common sense doesn''t quite apply to him. If someone else were doing the same, I''d have harsher criticisms. But for him, I just surrender to his methods."


    "He pays them very high sries. Is he too kind, smart, or... does he not really understand how to pay someone?" Elincia said.


    "I''m sure he has strong reasons for what he did. You need to just calm down and trust him," Maylock replied calmly. "He said he can inspect their talents, right?"


    "Yes, but why do you trust him so much?" she asked.


    "Didn''t you ce great trust in him first, Elincia?" he countered. "Bymanding us to find him and forge an alliance with him, it all started with you."


    "Yes, but why do you trust Broken so much? I want a deeper reason from someone as analytical as you," she pressed.


    "He is simply special, extraordinary, and such things," Maylock said, appearing reluctant to borate.


    "Are you serious? Where did you get that idea from, Maylock?"


    Maylock replied, "I can definitely tell he is something special. I am fully convinced what Goldrich proimed is true-that Broken is one of the Divine Champions. I am so certain of it that I''d bet my life on the notion that he might be the Champion of Sloth."


    "You speak with such certainty and conviction, as if you know what you''re saying is true."


    "That''s how my brain works," Maylock replied. "I can infer things just by observing what''s going on around me and make a conclusion based on intuition. But don''t worry, my intuition and analytical brain have never been wrong."


    "Now, I need the reasons why you said Broken might be the Sloth Champion."


    Maylock took a deep breath and began. "After the global announcement about someone who met the Goddess of Sloth, Akidia, and even made physical contact with her, I want to bet that the yer in question is Broken."


    He continued, "Just from that, there''s a strong reason to believe that someone like him received many benefits. The achievement of meeting a God directly and making physical contact with them likely led to gaining the Blessing and bing the Sloth Champion. I''m sure all of that came with a set of skills, blessings, and advantages. It starts making sense when you see all the seemingly unbelievable things that surround Broken. And quite frankly, I''m toozy to exin everything point by point," he sighed.


    Elincia chuckled. "Broken does seem to be very lucky with women, doesn''t it? Even a goddess has bestowed many blessings upon him. Is he really that special?" she giggled.


    On the stage where Broken continued his selection process, it soon became apparent that no more recruits had been chosen, leading to disappointment among many hopefuls. However, the presence of Ivana kept theints at bay-her formidable appearance in armor left little room for dissent.


    Then, another person approached, this time a man in his fifties with a warm smile. He bowed slowly before Broken.


    "My Lord," he said reverently, "I sincerely hope you will ept me to work here. I have great passion in my field, and as long as I can express it, I''ll be more than content with earning just enough to meet my basic needs."


    The man continued, "My name is Ingolf, My Lord."


    Broken quickly inspected the man''s status and once again found himself stunned.


    "Don''t tell me you found another super talent?" Freya whispered to him.


    [Name: Ingolf]


    [Armor Smithing (S) - Metal Maniptor (A) - Master Forger (A)]


    [Armor Smithing: Focuses on crafting exceptional armor pieces that offer unparalleled protection.]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    [Metal Maniptor: Molds and shapes metal with exceptional skill, creating intricate designs and forms.]


    [Master Forger: Crafts weapons and armor of superior quality, renowned for their durability and effectiveness.]


    Broken rose to his feet. "If I may ask, what is your cksmith Rank?"


    Ingolf was astonished by the question. He hadn''t disclosed that he was a cksmith, yet Broken seemed to know.


    "My Lord," he replied, "I am an Expert Rank."


    Broken nodded slowly, a smile spreading across his face. He had found an Expert Rank cksmith in a ce like this? An Expert Rank that even the pce had difficulty finding? Another jackpot for him!


    With a cksmith like Ingolf here, Broken could entrust him with important tasks, including crafting something special for the knights. Plus, Ingolf could help other cksmiths grow by guiding them.


    "Your talents will be an invaluable addition to Slumdon town," Broken said.


    He offered Ingolf a suitable sry, which the cksmith epted without hesitation. Ingolf stepped down from the stage, once again leaving many people astonished.


    As Broken sat down again, Freya whispered to him, "Why doesn''t someone like him work in the pce? Wouldn''t he get better treatment and facilities there?"


    "How could I answer that?" Broken replied with a smirk. "But knowing someone with such talent, there''s no way I''d offer him to the pce. It''s better if I recruit him myself," he said,


    grinning.


    "You know you''re part of Dissidia Kingdom now, but you still think that way. You surely are greedy."


    "I invest money into this city, so the first thing on my mind is to break even. I think that''s


    fair."


    "So, how much of a sry have you promised those NPCs so far?" she asked jokingly.


    "I haven''t counted it exactly, but I think I still have enough money to afford it," he said. Freya chuckled. "You should have seen the looks of horror on the faces of the Ass Guild members when you suggested such high sries for those NPCs," shemented. Broken smiled. "I''m not too worried; I have you to help me find sponsors if they decide to back out of this high-risk gambling," he said.


    On the other side, Elincia and Maylock were still deep in discussion about Broken. Elincia started, "Broken doesn''t seemzy enough to be the Sloth Champion. I wonder what kind of skills he has as the Divine Champion. Tell me more. I know you''ve done a lot of analysis about him. I''m just curious to see when he''ll reveal it himself."


    Maylock paused and sighed, then began to exin. "First, Broken doesn''t seem to care at all about his level. While others are constantly trying to level up, not him."


    He paused for a moment, seeing Elincia''s interest. "I thought the same thing, and why is


    that?"


    Maylock continued, "Broken only kills monsters for the drop items-and he always seems to get double the amountpared to other yers. He can enter any domain without restriction, and there are numerous other things he can do as well. It''s almost like he''s been blessed with more than one special skill from God!


    "It''s as if he''s the only one with these extraordinary blessings. I think that''s what makes him super special, and if he continues to grow at this unstoppable rate, he might even break the game."


    Elincia was intrigued. "Care to exin in more detail, Mr. Holmes?" she asked.

 Chapter 270: Chapter 270 - Textile Artisan

    Chapter 270: - Textile Artisan


    ?


    Maylock and Elincia were still engrossed in their conversation about Broken''s unstoppable growth and limitless potential.


    "Booba once said that Broken made a contract with a spirit just before you caught him at Princess Alora''s camp," Maylock continued.


    Elincia giggled softly, recalling the incident.


    He went on, "Yet, in a short time, Broken was able to conquer a high-level Trial Domain by himself, and so on. Booba was sure that Broken was at a low level at that moment, around level 25. In this case, I believe what Booba said because, even though he looks stupid on the outside, he''s not actually that dumb."


    "Nope," Elincia replied firmly. "He''s absolutely dumb both inside and outside."


    Maylock continued, "I believe Broken has some kind of special abilities. For instance, he can make contracts with spirits without limitation. First, Polly, who I am certain is at least Unique-grade. And second, Gaia. Although Goldrich said Gaia was Mythic-grade, it seems she limits her power to match Broken''s level. My guess is Gaia is also in the Unique-grade."


    Elincia sighed. "Being able to contract with more than one high-grade spirit is already extraordinarily remarkable!"


    Maylock went on, "Broken can equip any weapon and armor he desires without limitation. He can take on any ss he wishes, enter any domain he desires, and he can get extra items from monsters."


    Elincia was stunned by this exnation. She then asked, "It''s almost too powerful for a single yer. What is the cost to him for these extraordinary privileges?"


    Maylock paused for a moment before answering. "From what I''ve observed and concluded, it seems the cost he has to pay is that he might be unable to level up, gain experience points from killing monsters, or perhaps he can only level up in a special way."


    "Are you that certain of your assumption?"


    "The fact that Broken''s level is an anomaly is supported by him hiding his profile from the friend list and his reluctance to join a party," Maylock exined.


    Elincia nodded thoughtfully. "I suppose that makes sense too."


    "And I''m sure Freya is the only one who understands this secret."


    "And why is that?" she asked, curious.


    Maylock paused before answering. "The Golden Agepany has a guidance program for elite yers, especially the Divine Champions. They send someone to act as their assistant, helping them to cover everything they might miss in preparation for their future surge in poprity."


    He paused again before continuing, "Considering the way they interact and speak, it''s clear that Freya is not just anyone. While Broken clearly started as a casual yer, as your brother imed. So it makes sense if their rtionship exists due to the Golden Agepany''s involvement."


    Maylock took a deep breath and sighed. "I believe Broken is hiding this because he isn''t ready yet. That''s why our role is to ensure he has the right support, so he can confidently open up to everyone."


    Elincia nodded. "I will try to be better."


    Maylock then said, "You can keep all my analyses to yourself, and confirm it when he decides to share more about himself with us, and when he trusts us enough."


    "Aren''t we already friends with him?" Elincia asked.


    "Not quite," Maylock replied thoughtfully. "Broken still sees us as allies who can offer mutual benefit. He hasn''te to trust us fully yet. He seems to find it difficult to trust others, likely because of some unpleasant experiences in his past. That''s why we need to show him that our intentions are genuine-that we are trustworthy partners, or even better, good friends."


    Elincia slowly shook her head. "It''s hard to believe he could be so distant with strangers, but I''m certain that as long as we remain loyal to him, he''ll be a trustworthy ally. That much I am sure of."


    [Name: E]


    [Textile Artisan (A) - Fabric Enchanter (A) - Precise Cutter (A)]


    [Textile Artisan: Crafts fabrics with unique textures and patterns, resulting in highly sought- after textiles.]


    [Fabric Enchanter: Infuses fabrics with magical properties, creating enchanted clothing.] [Precise Cutter: Cuts fabric with incredible precision, minimizing waste and maximizing material use.]


    Once again, Broken encountered someone with a set of talents thatplemented each other and had excellent ratings. Standing before him was a woman in her early twenties, who gave him a kind smile.


    "Are you a tailor?" he asked.


    "Yes, My Lord," she replied.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "I ept you. I will provide you with all the necessary facilities," he said.


    "Thank you, My Lord. I will do my best to satisfy your expectations," she responded gratefully.


    As more people became increasingly curious, a long queue formed seeking appraisals.


    A man in his thirties shouted in protest when he was not epted by Broken.


    "Are you sure?! I''ve been a skilled farmer for fourteen years now, and you still call me an amateur?!"


    "I evaluate everyone based on their potential," Broken responded calmly.


    "How can you judge a person''s capabilities without seeing them in action? Are you some kind of Divine Champion?"


    At this, Igor grabbed the man''s arm and pulled him away from the stage.


    "I believe this town is doomed. There''s no hope for it. This is a cursed town," the man spat angrily as he was dragged away.


    As the sun set, Broken hadn''t noticed the passage of time. He was pleased with the talents he had discovered, even though not many were extraordinary. Only a few stood above the standard, while the rest were merely average.


    Nheless, he was confident that he could harness their potential to its fullest.


    ***


    Leon stepped out of the capsule device and took a long, deep breath, exhausted from his busy game day. He had talked with a lot of people, and it had really worn him out.


    It was already evening, around 8 PM. He walked out of the room and threw himself onto the plush sofa in the living room.


    Lily walked in from the kitchen, holding a bowl of potato chips with a bright smile on her face. "Hi, brother," she said, sitting down next to him. "Why do you look so awful?"


    Leon sighed. "My social energy is drained."


    Lily giggled at him. "I bet it''s going to get even more intense in the future since you now have


    a more important role in the game, right? Being a city lord means dealing with a lot of


    people."


    "Yeah..." Leon replied quietly.


    For a while, he leaned back on the sofa, letting Lily feed him potato chips asionally as he chewed them listlessly. There was something on Leon''s mind that he had been wrestling with, but he wasn''t sure who to talk to about it. And it was about Alora and Ivana.


    "Lily," he said, opening his eyes and sitting up straight. "I want your opinion on something. I


    need to tell you something, but please don''t judge, okay?"


    "Yes, I won''t," Lily replied quickly. "What is it?"


    "About,"


    "Hazel? You''re not seriously thinking of dating her, are you? Oh no, that''s bad," she


    responded immediately.


    "I said don''t judge, but you''re already jumping to conclusions."


    "Then what? Laura? Are you thinking of getting back with your ex?"


    "That''s judging too," Leon replied, exasperated.


    Lilyughed at Leon''s response. "I just wanted to make sure whatever you want to talk about


    doesn''t involve those two people."


    Leon sighed again and leaned back into the sofa. "Thanks for the concern, sis."


    "Now, where''s the story? Come on, tell me," Lily said, shaking his shoulder yfully.


    "Let me sleep first, I''m tired."


    "No, tell me now."


    "No!"


    "You should."


    "No!"


    "Leon!"


    Leon quickly stood up and dashed to his bedroom, with Lily chasing after him. But the door


    was already shut by the time she reached it.


    "Is it Freya? Did he fall in love with Freya?" Lily mused and chuckled to herself.

 Chapter 271: Chapter 271 - Town Planner and Master Builder

    Chapter 271: - Town nner and Master Builder


    ?


    The recruitment of workers in Slumdon Town had beenpleted. Those chosen had talents that spanned from farming, building, mining, cksmithing, tailoring, and many others. For the initial phase, Broken focused heavily on hiring more builders than other types of workers.


    Meanwhile, the names of those who hadn''t been recruited yet, due to the recruitment capacity, were set aside for future consideration.


    The entire process was long, taking up the entire day and draining everyone''s energy. After finishing the recruitment, Broken immediately turned his attention to the first steps of construction. He gathered a few people from the Ass Guild who could help in these early stages before final task assignments were determined in theing days. These were the individualsmitted to offering their full support to Broken from the very beginning. Another meeting was held. Freya, Elincia, Maylock, Goldrich, Livelywood, and Charmelyn gathered in the same room to discuss the early phases of development. Skywarden and Charmelyn had already arrived in Slumdon Town, so Charmelyn was ready to join the initial building efforts.


    Goldrich chuckled as he leaned back in his chair. "You sure managed to recruit the best talents in this city, haven''t you?"


    Elincia smiled warmly. "Seems like a lot of people''s doubts vanished once you promised them a generous sry."


    Maylock shook her head in disbelief. "You were so confident promising those big sries, even though you haven''t officially secured the funding yet. For someone who always ns everything out, your confidence is enough to make my head spin, Broken."


    Goldrich added. "He acted without waiting for our input. If we had taken too long to respond, he might have turned to another guild for the funds to build the town."


    Broken replied. "Well, I''m confident you all will help support their wages, so I''m not too worried."


    This remark drew a round of lightughter from the group.


    Broken then continued, "Are there any updates from any of you?"


    Elincia nodded. "Most of the members of the Ass Guild have epted your proposal. Even though some, like Kingsley, can''t contribute financially, he still wants to help in other ways."


    Broken nodded slowly. "That''s good news."


    "We''ll hold our final meetingter on the specified day to finalize the list of those who''ve agreed and also to distribute the funds for building the city," Elincia continued. "As you''ve started the process of constructing this city, you''ll need resources to aid in the various roles. That''s why we''re gathered here today.


    "To support you, I''ve invited Livelywood and Charmelyn to provide their expertise during the early stages of town-building. Both of them are highly skilled in this field."


    Livelywood stood up with a cheerful expression. "Broken, I have a lot of experience in kingdom building games and rted fields. I''d like to apply for the position of Town nner. Today, I''ll present my n for the initial phases of development."


    Broken nodded. "I''m truly grateful for your assistance, Livelywood. It''s impossible to build this city on my own."


    Charmelyn then said, "I''m volunteering to help Livelywood as a Builder Supervisor, or Master Builder, if you will."


    Broken nodded again. "I''m grateful for both of your help. If everyone agrees with Livelywood and Charmelyn taking on these roles, I''ll assign them to these positions."


    [Town Name: Slumdon]


    [Mayor: Broken]


    [Overall Score: F - An incredibly poor condition, almost entirely destroyed and seemingly beyond salvation]


    [Deputy Mayor: Freya]


    [Town Councils: Elincia, Maylock, Goldrich]


    [Economic Advisor: Goldrich]


    [Town nner: Livelywood]


    [Master Builder: Charmelyn]


    [Security Captain: Maylock]


    [...]


    [Market Master: Elincia]


    [...]


    [Technologist: Goldrich]


    [Diplomat: Elincia]


    [Animal Keeper: Jovina]


    Some positions had finally been filled, though for now, a few roles were being handled by the same people. These arrangements would be reconsidered and adjusted as more individuals expressed interest in contributing.


    In this early phase, not all roles would operate at full capacity, so ongoing discussions and additional considerations were necessary.


    As per a special request from Freya, Broken appointed her as Deputy Mayor. She would act as his direct representative and could make immediate decisions on behalf of the Mayor.


    For the Council, there was no better choice than the three most influential members of the Ass Guild: Elincia, Maylock, and Goldrich. Their influence andpetence were crucial for providing continuous input on the city''s development.


    Broken revealed the initial lineup of roles to the team.


    Freya stood up to share her thoughts. "I''m really happy that Broken has given me this position, but I still want to hear from all of you. Does anyone have any objections to me taking on this role?"


    The room was silent, except for Maylock, who lightly quipped, "For someone who knows the most secrets about the Mayor, there''s no one more suitable than you, Freya."


    Elincia couldn''t help but stifle augh at Maylock''sment.


    Freya sighed and looked at Maylock. "You really don''t know how to filter your words, do


    you?"


    After the room settled down, Freya continued, "This role, Deputy Mayor, might look like the coolest one, but it''s definitely the most tedious. I''ll need to back up and handle all of your duties whenever you''re out hunting monsters and leveling up. Since I''m not grinding as hard as you all, I''m willing to take one for the team."


    Elincia replied with a chuckle, "You do realize we won''t always be around to help with this duty, don''t you, Freya?"


    After discussing everyone''s responsibilities, it was time for Livelywood to present what he


    had prepared.


    Livelywood began, "I''ll prioritize the most important projects first. The first thing we need to rebuild is the Town Hall. It was the administrative center of the town where decisions were made, policies set, and important information disseminated."


    Elincia chimed in, "But, we have a Town Hall already, right?"


    "Yes," Livelywood replied, "we just need to do some renovations to restore its function."


    Elincia then turned to Broken. "Do you have anyments, Broken?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Broken shook his head. "No, please proceed. Keep going, Livelywood." Livelywood nodded and continued. "The next priority is Residential Housing. I know Broken aims to build or restore two hundred residential units and has promised the workers a ce to stay. So, we should start working on this and the Town Hall simultaneously."


    He added, "Constructing 200 new residential units will be a lengthy process, so Charmelyn and I conducted a survey and concluded that renovating abandoned houses in certain areas of the city would be more cost- and time-effective."


    "That''s a great idea," Broken said. "There are many abandoned houses in this town that no longer have owners. Either they left, or there''s no one left from their lineage to continue


    living there. It''s quite sad, though."


    Livelywood paused for a moment before continuing. "Next, we need a Gathering Hut-a basic structure for resource gathering activities like collecting wood, stone, and other essential materials. We also need to repair the city wall to ensure our town is safer and provides better living conditions for everyone."


    He paused again, considering his next words. "I think these are the four main types of buildings we should focus on at the start."


    Livelywood then detailed his ns, and after some modifications and discussions, they


    eventually reached a consensus on the final n.


    "Excellent, this looks like a solid n," Brokenmented. "We''ll make adjustments if any


    issues arise."


    "Agree," Livelywood replied, smiling.


    Goldrich chuckled. "I believe it''s my turn next. You won''t regret pointing me as the Economic Advisor. As my name suggests-I''m Gold and Rich!"


    He continued. "As Economic Advisor, I''ve ensured we''ve secured the materials necessary to kick off the construction. After that, we can quickly assign workers to their respective tasks- mining, farming, hunting, and so on."


    Goldrich emphasized a point that had also been on Broken''s mind: sourcing the materials needed for the initial construction phase from outside the town. By purchasing from the nearest cities or suppliers, they could start the building process more quickly.


    Broken nodded approvingly. "That''s a great approach, Goldrich. We need to get our hands on those materials sooner rather thanter."


    Goldrich grinned. "Exactly. The faster we start, the faster we can make real progress."


    Once all the ns had been discussed, Broken quickly stood, signaling the end of the meeting.


    "Alright," he said, "I believe we have reached a solid agreement on many topics." With that, everyone got up and began to leave the room, ready to put their discussed ns


    into action.

 Chapter 272: Chapter 272 - A Surprise from Familiar Faces

    Chapter 272: - A Surprise from Familiar Faces


    ?


    That afternoon, dozens of carriages approached the gate of Slumdon Town, causing a stir among the city''s residents. They hadn''t seen traders or such arge group pass through in a long time. The sheer number of carriages was so overwhelming that some might have


    mistaken it for an army preparing for war.


    "What is that?" one resident asked.


    "Those are the materials the Lord ordered to start the city-building process," one of the workers replied.


    "Are you kidding me? Did the Baron really spend that much money to build this city?" another resident eximed.


    "This is unbelievable," another said. "I can''t believe this."


    "I thought he had some ulterior motive, like enving us or something, but he''s proven himself true to his word."


    "But we''ll have to see what he does next, right? At least the current Lord is really showing his efforts," another person replied, swallowing hard. "I regret not taking his offer seriously yesterday."


    "No, I still doubt him," the first person chimed in again. "This can''t be done without a bad motive, right? They want profits, and there must be some sort of sacrifice involved!"


    The carriages slowly made their way into town, eventually stopping in an open field that had been prepared to temporarily park them and offload the materials. From the mostvish carriage at the front, three figures emerged a man and two women, who appeared to be leading the group.


    The man, who seemed to be a melee fighter, wore an eager expression. "Hahahaha!" he eximed. "Finally, we will meet our supreme leader, Broken, the Legendary Broken yer!"


    "Shut up and act normal, RememberMe! You might embarrass Broken with your stupidity!" Forevined.


    Pussycat chuckled at their conversation. "This town is quite charming. I can''t wait to see what it will be in the future."


    "This is going to be a great city! I guarantee it! Hahaha!" RememberMeughed loudly, drawing the attention of many onlookers.


    "Hi, Slumdon people! I''m a BFF of your Mayor!" he shouted.


    Forev quickly smacked RememberMe on the head with her bow. "Shut up, stupid!" she hissed. Igor, the Knight, escorted RememberMe and the others to meet Broken. As soon as Broken stepped out of the House of Slumdon, he was immediately greeted by the three guests he had been eagerly anticipating that day.


    "Hahaha, Master. I missed you!" RememberMe quickened his pace towards Broken, attempting to give him a hug. But Broken was too quick, stepping aside and barely avoiding the embrace.


    "Oh, Master, don''t you know how much I miss you?" RememberMe said with a big smile. "It''s been such a long time since west met, but you''re so heartless to me."


    "Hello, Broken," PussyCat, the blonde-haired mage, greeted with a warm smile. "I''ve missed you too."


    Forev, the ck-haired archer with an Asian face, gave a wave. "Hi, Baron of Slumdon Town. It''s great to visit your city," she said.


    Broken smiled, weing them all. "I''m so happy you coulde. I want to hear everything you''ve been up to."


    PussyCat shook her head with a chuckle. "Nothing too exciting on our end. Just a few troubles, thanks to our problem-seeking friend over here."


    "That''s not trouble; it''s entertainment, hahaha," RememberMe retorted.


    Forev shot him a re. "This idiot nearly angered an entire vige. If he hadn''t paid them off with gold, those NPCs might have chased him into the real world and burned him for real."


    "Hahaha, that''s too memorable. I still recall that moment vividly," RememberMe responded. "But this game is a robbery! It''s taken so much of my money."


    "That''s because of your stupidity. Don''t me the game!" Forev snapped.


    PussyCat and Brokenughed at their conversation.


    "Luckily, I''m very wealthy, so that amount of money is no problem for me, haha,"


    RememberMe added.


    Brokenughed and said. "Well, no matter what chaos you bring, it''s good to see you all. Wee to Slumdon Town."


    They all entered the house and quickly took their seats in the room.


    "Woah, this ce is quite cool even though it''s barren and hot outside. Haha," RememberMemented, throwing himself onto the sofa.


    "You sure can''t keep your mouth shut, huh?" Forev remarked.


    "Anyone who sees this ce would say the same, right, Master?" RememberMe said to Broken.


    "Yes," Broken replied. "This ce is well-maintained by a maid."


    Just then, Yara entered the living room with a tray full of sses of various beverages. She smiled warmly at the guests before setting the tray down on the table in front of them. She then offered each guest their drink of choice before stepping back and leaving.


    "She is Yara, someone who has taken great care of this ce," Broken said. "Hi, Yara... are you getting paid well enough?" RememberMe then asked.


    "Uhm... Ehm..." Yara was taken aback by the sudden question.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll give you even more money for doing a good job," RememberMe said. "Come to me and tell me, has Master Broken been treating you well?"


    "I''m sorry," Yara said, her voice wavering. "But I''m just a maid, sir. If you want to buy me, you''ll need to ask Lord Broken first," she added hesitantly.


    "Damn, who wants to buy you," RememberMe muttered. "You''re not actually selling her, right, Master?"


    Forev then smacked RememberMe on the head with her bow. "Just shut up; you''re scaring her."


    Forev turned to Yara and said, "Go on with your work. That guy clearly left his brain behind." "Ye-yes." Yara said before quickly walking away.


    After Yara left, Pussycat turned to Broken. "Broken, why are there so many beautiful girls around you?"


    "I heard you also invited three girls to bathe with you, is that true, Broken?" Forev asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "What, really??? Master, you are so cool, hahaha!" RememberMe eximed with a heartyugh. "Just a short time apart, and you''ve already transformed into a Harem King!"


    "No, that''s not true," Broken said. "Who told you that?"


    "The girl with blonde twin-tails in front of the house warned us not to get too close to you," PussyCat added. "Melliandra."


    "That''s a misunderstanding!" Broken said defensively.


    "We wouldn''t mind if that were true, either," Pussycat replied with a smallugh. RememberMe thenughed heartily. "Master, how have you achieved such great heights in such a short span of time? You should have stayed humble and let us help you out more. Now you''ve be the Harem King with so many women around you."


    Forev clicked her tongue in frustration. "Can you stop acting corny like that, you idiot!"


    After a few minutes of chatting, Freya stepped out of the elevator and walked towards them.


    "Hi there! Finally, you made it here," she eximed.


    "Haha, Freya. If it weren''t for you, I probably would''ve been forgotten by my Master Broken already. He forgets me so easily. I want to devote my life to him forever," RememberMe said, his face showing regret as he kneeled down.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "You idiot, can you stop it already!" Forev yelled, her face twisted with anger as she kicked RememberMe''s knee. "You''ve taken your stupid role-ying too far. Shut up or I''ll kill you right here and now!"


    They settled into the cozy living room, chatting andughing while they sipped their drinks and nibbled on small tes of food. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with everyone enjoying each other''spany.


    After a while, when the casual conversation had run its course, RememberMe spoke up with confidence, "Let''s get straight to the point, Master. About the investments!"

 Chapter 273: Chapter 273 - The Foreseen Enemy

    Chapter 273: - The Foreseen Enemy


    ?


    "Investments?" Broken repeated RememberMe''s words and then turned to Freya.


    "Yes," Freya responded promptly. "I have exined the contract to you, right?"


    "Wait, you never told me that they are the ones who would be making the investments! Didn''t you say this had something to do with Northstar?" Broken continued.


    "Ah, I mentioned their names, but maybe you are not familiar with their real names," Freya giggled.


    Freya had previously discussed the interest of a major brand like Northstar in investing in Slumdon Town''s development. Although Broken had been amazed then, he hadn''t fully considered the sponsorship real until now. This new revtion-that it involved RememberMe and the others-left him even more stunned.


    "Yes, Master. That''s correct! I will sponsor the project with 2,000 gold coins. It''s a small amount for me. If you need more, you can always askter," RememberMe said enthusiastically.


    PussyCat then chimed in, "I also have 2,000 gold coins for you, but not as in-game currency. It''s in the form of goods. I hope you like it."


    Broken''s eyes widened in shock. "2,000 gold coins from each of you? I didn''t expect the deal to be this substantial," he said, turning to Freya. "And who owns Northstar?"


    Freya chuckled softly. "PussyCat''s father..."


    Before she could finish, Pussycat interjected. "Yes, that''s my father''spany, Northstar. We''re working on a new Capsule Device, thetest model. I''m willing to give you one of these devices and our brand new Electric Motorhome, the Northstar C-Zero. It''s a spacious bus valued at 2,000 gold coins. With it, you wouldn''t have to worry about long trips and could still explore the world of Yunatea."


    Broken''s eyes grew even wider. "Northstar? You own Northstar?"


    Pussycat chuckled. "No, that''s my father. I''m just helping him."


    "2,000 gold coins is equivalent to 2 million USD, and that''s not a small amount," Broken remarked, still trying toprehend the offer. "But I''m not sure if I need that much money for the city''s development. So, what''s the deal, Freya?"


    Freya responded, "The deal is simple. You just need to use the home bus, the Northstar C- Zero, provided by Northstar. Use it whenever you want, and the home bus will bepletely yours."


    Pussycat also nodded. "There''s no need for an official mention or sponsorship of our product. Just use it, drive it around the city, go on vacations, camping, whatever you like. If people learn that you, a Legendary yer in Immortal Legacy, are using our product, that will be valuable enough for us."


    "That really is unbelievable," Broken said, clearly impressed. "Such an amount of money, and it''s not for the city''s development?"


    "No," Freya replied, "I guess I forgot to mention that this is a sponsorship for you from Northstar."


    Broken was still processing the information-a home bus worth that much. He could already imagine how luxurious the home bus must be. Equipped with a capsule device and Northstar''s electric vehicle technology, it would be like a mobile home. He could sleep inside, and the home bus would drive itself to the chosen destination.


    He took a deep breath, still reeling from the surprise. Even after discussing it several times, The still couldn''t believe it was happening.


    "And the sponsorship from RememberMe?" Broken continued.


    "Hehehe... Master, all I ask is that you make a statue of yourself and also one of me, in the pose from our first duel when we met, with an inscription telling our story. ce it near the Town Hall and include a mention of my brand, Remember Car Shop," RememberMe said.


    "I think you''re asking for too much, RememberMe," Forev interjected. "A statue of yourself in this town? That''s pretty self-absorbed."


    "Oh,e on. When else will I have the chance to have my own statue in this city? This is a great opportunity to show how close I am to my Master," RememberMe chuckled in response. Broken couldn''t quite believe the amounts they were talking about and wondered how they had managed to get so much money for something like this. He didn''t fully grasp the immense value they would gain from this sponsorship. The cost of sponsoring a brand can indeed be substantial.


    PussyCat then asked, "So, Broken? Do you ept this offer, or is there something else you need to consider?"


    He finally responded, "How could I possibly refuse such a generous offer? I will do my best not to let you down, and I am honored that you have ced your trust in me."


    "It seems like we were meant to be together from the start, right?" Pussycat said with a chuckle.


    "It almost seems like fate has brought us together, Master," RememberMe added. "I''ve been eagerly waiting for you to form your own Guild. Please let me know if you need suggestions for the name of the guild."


    "No one will take your suggestion for naming!" Forev interjected. "What, you want to suggest Remember Us Guild?"


    "Hahaha, you can read my mind, Forev," RememberMeughed.


    A few minutester, Yara appeared in the living room and bowed slowly. "My Lord, the rooms


    have been prepared for your three guests," she said to Broken.


    Broken then turned to the trio. "How long do you intend to stay in this city?"


    "This city is going to be packed with visitors soon, so I n to stay for a very long time, hahaha," RememberMe said enthusiastically.


    "Having a hotel here would be great," Pussycat added softly with a chuckle. "Can I choose a plot ofnd to buy, Broken?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Freya chimed in, "You sure have inherited your parents'' business acumen, PussyCat?" PussyCatughed lightly. "Not really. I''ve always wanted to start a business in this game, but I''ve never had the chance. Sometimes I get tired of running businesses outside. I want to have some fun creating one in-game."


    ***


    In the grand throne room of the Keseon Kingdom, King Fergus was finishing up cleaning the grime from between his teeth. A man with a sizable pot belly, he crossed his legs leisurely andmanded, "Bring that stupid yer here immediately."


    A few minutester, a yer walked confidently into the throne room. Disrespectfully dressed in casual attire, he stood before the King without a hint of reverence.


    "Who is this person you refer to as a threat to the Keseon Kingdom?" King Fergus asked.


    "Your Majesty," began Constantine.


    He was a tall and muscr man, standing at an impressive 1.93 meters (6.34 feet). His blond hair reached his shoulders, framing his piercing blue eyes and strong jaw. He wore snug leather armor, and his posture was unwaveringly confident. Constantine was the Wrath


    Champion.


    "A yer by the name of Broken has taken over Slumdon Town, a deste city near the borders of the Keseon Kingdom. He has formed an alliance with yers who have deep pockets. It is likely that these individuals will not hesitate to spendrge sums of money to entertain themselves.


    "I would suggest that you take swift action and destroy them immediately, lest your kingdom be threatened should many of our visitors and sources of ie choose to remain in Slumdon Town rather than in our cities near the border."


    Constantine concluded his statement with a sinister smile spreading across his face.

 Chapter 274: Chapter 274 - The Baron is Very Stupid

    Chapter 274: - The Baron is Very Stupid


    ?


    Constantine was the Guild Master of one of the most influential guilds in the Keseon Kingdom, The Sword of Justice. His close rtionship with the King stemmed from his immense contributions to the kingdom. Despite this, he couldn''t conceal his discontent and softly muttered to himself.


    "That guy, Broken, what a jerk," he muttered under his breath. "Just because he managed to craft a Legendary Item in that sillypetition, the King of Dissidia went and gave him control over a whole town. Sure, it''s a deserted one, but still, that''s a big deal."


    "Meanwhile, this fool of a King I''m stuck dealing with can''t see the value in my contributions. I''ve put so much effort into this kingdom, and what do I get in return? Nothing! He''s the most aggravating person I''ve ever met!"


    "Fine, if this stupid King refuses to give me the reward I deserve, I''ll just create a bit of chaos. Starting a war between Keseon and Dissidia should liven things up. At least then, this boring game might get interesting."


    The King scoffed. "What can those people possibly do? Do they think they can rebuild a dead city that easily?"


    Constantine replied, "Your Majesty, when I said these people have immense wealth, I wasn''t exaggerating. One of them even has enough money to buy an entire kingdom. This is a genuine threat to us."


    The King''s face grew more troubled upon hearing this. "What benefit would I gain if I attacked Slumdon first?" King Fergus asked. "Do you think the Keseon Kingdom is so foolish as to provoke a war with the Dissidia Kingdom?"


    "Your Majesty," Constantine replied respectfully, "you don''t need to start a war. You just need to take advantage of the existing situation to gain the most significant benefit for the Keseon Kingdom."


    King Fergus narrowed his eyes, attempting toprehend what Constantine was suggesting. Not wanting to appear unintelligent in front of others, he remained silent, awaiting the exnation in greater detail.


    "Your Majesty," Constantine began, "we do not need to involve the entire Keseon and Dissidia Kingdoms in the chaos we are creating."


    He continued, "Vntar City, which is the city closest to the border, will be the first to be affected by the progress of Slumdon. Therefore, we should just let the chaos ur between Slumdon Town and Vntar City.


    "This way, the Keseon Kingdom can im this is not a kingdom-wide issue and let Slumdon Town and Vntar City resolve the matter themselves."


    He paused for a few moments before continuing. "The new Baron of Slumdon will not receive any support from the kingdom, as he is a new face within the ranks of the kingdom''s top officials and will be pushed aside by the others. If Slumdon Town indeed prospers, it will not only be us who feel threatened, but also the higher-ups of the Dissidia Kingdom, who will see their positions at risk."


    King Fergus was greatly intrigued by Constantine''s proposal, especially since it presented a way to address two of his most pressing issues.


    It all began with his brother, Duke Aiden. The King saw him as a real problem. With Vntar City under Duke Aiden''s control, its rising power was a direct challenge to the King''s rule. Recognizing that this confrontation could spell trouble for Duke Aiden, King Fergus was eager to hear Constantine''s n to shift all the me and responsibility onto Duke Aiden. The second problem King Fergus faced was his reluctance to have anyone interfere with his enjoyment. As soon as he heard that a yer had the potential to challenge his kingdom, King Fergus was driven to take immediate action to destroy them.


    King Fergus quietly remarked, "Vntar is a city directly ruled and maintained by Duke Aiden. I''m certain he''s the perfect individual to aplish this task, given that he would never want his beloved city endangered by the potential of Slumdon Town."


    "Indeed, Your Majesty," Constantine replied withposure.


    After a while, Constantine exited the throne room. As he walked out, two of his guild members approached him.


    "So, what is your real aim here, Constantine? Isn''t this too risky, especially with the Ass Guild involved?" one of them asked.


    Constantine shed a satisfied grin. "What else? My n is to weaken the Keseon Kingdom. By provoking the Dissidia Kingdom to attack and further destabilize them, we can seize control when the time is right."


    "That is an ambitious goal," his friend remarked. "I''m curious to see how far this will go." Constantine said. "I will be the first yer to be a king in Immortal Legacy. I''ll be the strongest yer and will rule Yunatea with the power I will buildter."


    "But what about the Ass Guild? Won''t they pose a threat to us?"


    "You don''t need to worry," Constantine assured with confidence. "The Ass Guild won''t interfere if anything happens to Slumdon Town. They don''t want to experience losses. Besides, Slumdon Town is merely a dead town with nothing to gain. We''ll profit immensely from the war between the Keseon Kingdom and the Dissidia Kingdom.


    "Additionally, the Dissidia Kingdom will soon face a great threat from the Demons vying for the throne. This is the perfect time for me to carry out my big n."


    Constantine felt this was the perfect moment to showcase his genius, to incite a grand war without ever revealing himself. He relished working behind the scenes, reaping the benefits in the end. He was certain he was the most brilliant yer in the game, even feeling that Maylock was but a childpared to his grand schemes.


    "I''ll destroy everyone-first Slumdon, then the Ass Guild. After that, I''ll take over the Keseon Kingdom and finally destroy the Dissidia Kingdom," he dered confidently.


    ***N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Leon stepped out of his capsule device, taking a deep breath of the real world. He moved out of the room and spotted Lily on thefortable sofa in the living room, her attention fixed


    on the TV.


    "Leon!" She waved her hand. "Come here, there''s news about Slumdon Town."


    He made his way over and settled down beside her. "Oh really?"


    On the television screen, it was clear that the streets of Slumdon were now more lively than usual. The reporter was walking around, marveling at the transformation taking ce.


    The reporter asked the viewers, "Have you seen how barren this city used to be? Many people even called it a ghost town due to its dire condition. But, as you can see, this city has started to be built up again. There are many NPCs employed with fantastic wages. Can you imagine that? It''s clear the new Lord has high hopes for this city. Of course, you must be curious about what Slumdon Town will be in the future, right?"


    Lilymented. "I can''t wait to see what the town will be like when it''s finished."


    "I''m sure people will view Slumdon''s progress positively, hehe," Leon said casually.


    They remained focused on what was happening on the television screen.


    The reporter turned to a yer standing next to her and said, "I have a yer here who is on a


    quest in this town. Let''s hear what they think about this town."


    The yer spoke in an arrogant tone, "I think the Baron is very stupid."


    Leon raised an eyebrow, surprised by the unexpected response.

 Chapter 275: Chapter 275 - Open Your Eyes, Leon

    Chapter 275: - Open Your Eyes, Leon


    ?


    The yer spoke in an arrogant tone, "I think the Baron is very stupid."


    "Oh really?" the reporter said, intrigued. "Can you tell us more?"


    "He''s paying those NPCs outrageous sries, even though this town has little potential. I''m sure he''ll go bankrupt soon. If I were him, I''d sell the city to wealthier yers and retire from the game to enjoy the rest of my life."


    Lily took a deep breath, visibly unsettled by the man''sment. "He doesn''t know the whole story, and his words were way too harsh. Some yers just love being mean!"


    Leon shrugged casually. "That''s just how it is in online games. It''s even worse in Immortal Legacy because yers can live out apletely different life in the game. So, they show their true colors more easily."


    "Still!" Lily responded with an exasperated sigh. "Hearing someone bad-mouth you like that really makes me angry."


    Leon pinched her cheek yfully. "Oh, my little sister cares so much about me."


    "Don''t tease me!" Lily pushed his hand away.


    The female reporter''s excitement grew on the television screen as she spotted a well-known yer nearby.


    "Oh, viewers," she eximed, "do you know who I just saw? I''m sure you all know this person very well. He''s a very important figure in the Ass Guild."


    The cameraman turned the camera toward the street, where an old mage was seen walking.


    "Let''s go talk to him," the reporter suggested.


    "But wait! I have morements about that stupid Baron," the arrogant yer interjected.


    Goldrich walked up to them and said, "I have something to say."


    The reporter leaned in. "As an honorary member of the Ass Guild, I''d love to hear your opinion about the development of this town, Mr. Goldrich. Everyone says that the Baron made a poor decision by paying the workers such high sries. They believe this town has no future and that their efforts will be wasted."


    Goldrich replied casually, "Baron Broken has a lot more potential than you realize. That''s why the Ass Guild formed an alliance with him, and we''ve also invested money in Slumdon.


    "The Ass Guild is made up of wealthy individuals, and the money we contributed to Baron Broken is just a small fraction of our total wealth.


    "There''s no need to make a big deal about the wages we pay the NPCS-I can afford to pay them for the next decade out of my own pocket. So maybe you should view us differently than you view yourselves. Thanks."


    With that, Goldrich walked away, leaving the reporter and the boastful yer speechless.


    Lilyughed with satisfaction as she watched the stunned faces of the reporter and the yer on television after hearing Goldrich''s words.


    "I''m sure they were devastated after underestimating you, Leon," she said. "Mr. Goldrich is truly savage. Hees across as a pervert, but he''s actually very wise. I''m bing a fan of his. Haha!"


    "This is the first time I''ve seen Goldrich unt his wealth so boldly in front of so many people," Leonmented.


    Lily turned to Leon, still giggling. "I think he did that because the yer just insulted you on the live broadcast."


    "Yes," Leon nodded. "That answer from Goldrich was quite satisfying," he smiled.


    He leaned back on the sofa and took a deep breath. "Although, I don''t really care what they say," he said, closing his eyes.


    Leon muttered under his breath, still keeping his eyes closed, "I heard Freya''s voice earlier, but where is she now? Has she already gone home?"


    Lily nced around, puzzled. "I haven''t seen her since you logged out. Maybe she''s still in her capsule?"


    At that moment, someone from behind covered Leon''s eyes with a cloth. Instinctively, Leon grabbed both of the person''s hands and felt the soft skin of a woman''s hands. It had to be Freya, right?


    "What are you doing, Freya? Are you nning to drug me and steal my money?"


    "Stop being arrogant. You''re not rich enough to make me want to rob you," she giggled.


    "Then what is this? My birthday is months away," he asked, puzzled.


    "Leon, could you please not hold my hand so tightly? You''re being too rough," she chided gently.


    "But your hands are soft, and I like them," he said, still teasing.


    Freya wriggled free with a forceful tug, making Leon release her hands.


    "Can you tell the difference between reality and the games? I can feel the pain from your grip," she scolded.


    "Then why are you covering my eyes?" he questioned.


    "We have a surprise for you, Leon," Lily said with a chuckle.


    She then walked in front of him and gently pulled him up from the sofa.


    "What''s the surprise?" Leon asked. "Is there something important happening today?"


    "Follow me out of the room," Lily invited, gesturing towards the door.


    "Okay," Leon said, beginning to stroll towards the door as if he could still see his


    surroundings.


    Freya and Lily, seeing this, quickly rushed to his side and sped his arms. "Hold on, Leon,


    you can''t peek. This is a surprise," Freya insisted.


    "How can I peek if my eyes are covered like this?" heined.


    Freya made sure Leon''s eyes were securely covered. "But how can you walk so casually if you


    can''t see?"


    "I''ve walked to the door hundreds of times. Of course, I''ve memorized where it is." "You''re so weird. Why would you memorize the path to the door?" Freya said with a smallugh.


    Freya and Lily each took one of Leon''s hands firmly in theirs as they guided him out of the room. Despite having a cloth tied around his eyes, Leon''s steps were steady and confident. The two girls walked beside him, ensuring he stayed on course even though he couldn''t see


    where he was going.


    After walking for a while, passing through the hallway, and taking the elevator, Leon, Freya, and Lily eventually found themselves standing in one spot.


    Leon had no clue where they were, but he tried to guess by the smell, the temperature, and the distant sounds of cars passing by.


    "Is this the basement parking lot?" he asked.


    "Stop guessing so much and let yourself be surprised, okay?" Freya giggled.


    "Now, you can open your eyes, Leon," Lily said.


    Leon then took off his blindfold and was pleasantly surprised to see a luxurious-looking bus


    standing before him.


    "A bus?" he thought.


    The bus was white with sleek blue stripes and the Northstar C-Zero logo proudly disyed on


    one side.


    "Surprise!" Lily and Freya said in unison.


    "Is this the home bus given by Northstar?" he asked.


    Leon was stunned by the sight before him. It was the home bus that Pussycat had promised a few days ago as part of a sponsorship. And now, it was really standing in front of him.


    Freya nodded slowly. "Yes, this home bus was just delivered here."


    Leon shook his head, his body tingling as if he were dreaming. He knew just how expensive


    this home bus was. He turned to Lily beside him. She quickly stepped closer, jumped up, andn/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    hugged him tightly.


    "Are you happy?" she asked, her eyes sparkling.


    "Yes," he said.


    Freya also smiled, seeing his reaction.

 Chapter 276: Chapter 276 - Lets Take a Short Vacation

    Chapter 276: - Let''s Take a Short Vacation


    ?


    Leon had previously watched reviews of simr home buses on YouTube. From those reviews alone, he already knew how luxurious and advanced this bus was. Thistest series even included a capsule device inside for ying the Immortal Legacy Game.


    "The home bus is so beautiful," he said, turning to Freya.


    "It''s really yours now, Leon," Freya said excitedly. "Now take this and check out the inside."


    She handed him a silver square box, the key remote, which was also equipped with a small screen and the Northstar logo.


    "The key is cool," he remarked.


    Leon slowly walked around the bus, marveling at its sleek body and vibrant colors. He savored the beauty of the bus, deliberately taking his time to appreciate every detail.


    The home bus looked truly impressive and beautiful from the outside. Its size alone conveyed a sense of grandeur. With its futuristic design and the Northstar logo adding to its appeal, it was a sight to behold.


    He shook his head slowly, a smile spreading across his face.


    After a moment, he approached the door. He pressed the key and the door opened, with stairs automatically extending and lowering to wee him inside.


    He climbed the small steps and was immediately greeted by cool air from the air conditioner and the fresh scent of leather and new furnishings. He entered, running his fingers over the bus''s fixtures, feeling the quality and craftsmanship.


    Inside, despite the limited space, the bus was equipped with all the necessary amenities. There was a mini kitchen, a living room with a sofa and a television screen. There was also a bedroom at the back. What he was most eager to inspect was the capsule device, which was cleverly integrated with the bed. The capsule device was situated below, with apact cement, and above it was a mattress for sleeping.


    Freya and Lily followed Leon inside.


    "Wow, this is more luxurious than I imagined," Lily said with a giggle. "I think staying here would be quite satisfying."


    Freya nodded. "Yes, there''s a mini kitchen, a cozy lounge area, a bathroom, and a bed that can fit two people. And at the back of the home bus, there''s a garage that can fit a car."


    She turned to Leon. "You can put your Northstar EV in it and bring it along on your travels, Leon."


    Leon nodded, still curious to check out all the facilities the home bus offered.


    Freya continued, "The sides of the home bus can also extend when it''s parked, creating more space. There''s an integrated canopy and tents, so we can cook and even camp outside the home bus if we want."


    Leon smiled broadly. "It really feels like the perfect setup for our adventures, both in-game and out."


    Lily added, "I can already imagine us on the road, exploring new ces while having all theforts of home."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Yes," Freya chimed in. "Alfred can help drive the home bus, and we can go on vacation, all while ying Immortal Legacy, Leon."


    Excited to explore his new bus, Leon continued to wander around, taking in all the details of the interior. He tried sitting on the sofa in the living area and found it incrediblyfortable. He realized he could easily sleep there if he wanted to.


    He checked out the stove and touched the high-quality surfaces of the interior. There was even a refrigerator. He opened the door to the mini bathroom, which had a shower. Though the space was tight, it was efficiently designed.


    He moved to the back and inspected the capsule device, which opened to the side. Then he jumped onto the bed, finding it quitefortable. He could feel the softness of the pillows and mattress, which were even more luxurious than those in the hotel. The furniture inside the home bus was designed to be minimalist yet still offered a high standard offort. He also checked the driver''s area. The digital screen panel blended beautifully with the dashboard, and the front seats looked incrediblyfortable, with almost all the controls being digital.


    He realized he needed to learn how to drive a bus very soon.


    After feeling satisfied with inspecting the interior, Leon stepped off the bus and walked to the back of it. He noticed an automatic door, which, when opened, revealed a small garage justrge enough to fit a car.


    "Put your Northstar EV here, and we are ready to go on a trip," Freya said.


    "This is so cool!" Leon eximed.


    With the modern facilities, the electric propulsion, and the capsule device, he was sure he was going to cherish every moment of his stay on the home bus.


    Curious, Leon quickly took his EV and tried parking it at the back of the bus. Surprisingly, the automated driving feature made loading the car onto the bus much easier. This was because both vehicles were made by the same brand.


    Excited to take the home bus for a spin, butcking a bus driving license, Leon left the driving to Alfred. The massive bus glided smoothly with a soft hum, its dashboard lights and screens giving off a futuristic glow.


    Even though the home bus had an autopilot system, someone with the appropriate driving license still needed to be on board. Knowing this, Leon felt an immediate urge to obtain a driving license for the home bus himself.


    Leon sat in the front seat while Freya and Lily stood behind him, watching as the home bus rolled out of the hotel grounds with Alfred skillfully handling the controls.


    With its impressive size and luxurious exterior, not to mention the Northstar branding, the home bus quickly drew the attention of passersby.


    Most people stopped in their tracks, marveling at the bus''s grandeur.


    "Who owns that home bus?"


    "Is that a Northstar home bus? How much does it cost?"


    "I''ve heard it''s over 2 million dors."


    "Wow, whoever bought this must have a lot of money to burn, hehe," theymented.


    "Rich people really love to throw money around, don''t they?" they said, sighing. "Ordinary folks like us can only dream about it."


    Leon then moved to sit in the middle area of the bus, followed by the others. He could truly rx, feeling not a single bump. The ride in this home bus was incredibly smooth andfortable. A long journey in this bus would definitely feel effortless with such amenities. "This home bus is designed specifically for long-distance travel, so its interior is crafted for maximumfort. Anyone using it can restfortably inside," Freya exined.


    "I can definitely feel that," Leon replied with a smile.


    Leon began to think about how to make the most of the home bus. It wouldn''t make sense to just park it and use the Northstar EV for trips. Since the home bus was equipped with a Capsule Device, he wouldn''t have to miss any login time for Immortal Legacy, even on long journeys.


    One thought that crossed his mind was going somewhere for a vacation. It didn''t matter where to go, as long as they could fully utilize the home bus. He quickly started nning to take advantage of the uing weekend.


    "So, where are we heading next, Leon?" Freya asked.

 Chapter 277: Chapter 277 - Efficient Laborer

    Chapter 277: - Efficient Laborer


    ?


    The NPCs that Broken hired wasted no time diving into their tasks once they got their job assignments. Meanwhile, Livelywood and Charmelyn took charge, overseeing everything. The workers were spread out over different duties, but it was clear that most of them were builders. This made sense since, at this stage, the main focus was on building new structures and fixing what was already there.


    But that day, something rather peculiar caught the builders'' eyes. A young builder named Mortar, who looked to be in his twenties, was behaving quite strangely. Mortar preferred working by himself and rarely chatted with the others. He seemed perpetually tired, constantly yawning, and generally out of sync with the rest of the crew.


    Now, this wouldn''t have been such a big deal if it weren''t for one thing: Mortar was earning the highest sry among all the workers! This little fact stirred up quite a fewints. It wasn''t his age or his endless yawning that bothered them-it was the pay disparity that really got under their skin.


    "Just look at him," one builder said. "The Baron pays him more than us, yet he works sozily and sleepily."


    Another builder added, "It really bothers me that he gets a gold coin while working like that. I can''t ept the Baron''s unfair treatment."


    Theints grew louder among the builders.


    "We should bring this up with the Baron and demand the same sry as that useless young man," one suggested.


    "Yeah, I agree," another chimed in.


    A few builders had started gathering together, each trying to stir up their peers, voicing theirints loudly.


    "We need to demand fair treatment! Ifzy workers get big sries, why shouldn''t we?" one builder insisted.


    "Yeah, totally," another chimed in.


    Livelywood, who was patrolling the area that afternoon, noticed the group of builders standing idle and needing to be fixed. He approached them with a warm smile and said, "Hi, everyone. Is there anything I can help you with?"


    The first builder stepped forward and replied, "Lord Livelywood, I think something needs to be fixed here. Look at that fellow, Mortar! Why does the Baron pay him so much when he spends all day working half-asleep?"


    Livelywood then turned to Mortar, who was the subject of manyints. Indeed, Broken paid Mortar the highest sry and allowed him the freedom to work in his own style. Mostints from the other builders focused on Mortar''s constant yawning throughout the day.


    "I don''t see anything wrong with Mortar yawning. He looks sleepy, but he''s not falling asleep. We''ve been working very efficiently. I believe the Baron''s decision was correct," Livelywood exined.


    "My Lord, how can you say that? That guy keeps yawning all the time, and it really annoys us. He works alone, while we all know working together is more efficient. His yawning is really distracting," one builder argued.


    Livelywood tried to exin and calm everyone down. "Please, everyone, let''s align our working styles. Anyone can work alone or in a team as long as the final result is good, right?"


    One of the builders continued toin, "We can''t work under such unfair conditions. We deserve the same pay as him."


    "Yeah, this is ridiculous," another added. "The Baron pays someone randomly without any thought. It''s clear he isn''t apetent leader."


    "We need an exnation. We can''t be treated unfairly like this."


    Livelywood took a moment, trying to figure out how to soothe the growing discontent. He knew Mortar was the quickest and most efficient worker on the team, but he didn''t have a clue why Broken decided to give him the highest sry. After taking a deep breath, he finally addressed the group.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Listen, everyone, I understand your concerns. Let''s see if we can find out more about why the Baron makes these decisions. In the meantime, let''s focus on doing our best work. Fairness and justice are important, and we will address this properly."


    Several yers standing nearby couldn''t help butugh at the chaos unfolding among the NPCs.


    "Look at that," one of them chuckled. "It only took a week for genius Broken''s big n to start falling apart, hahaha."


    "Yeah, it looks like Broken''s going to waste a lot of money on this foolish project," another yer chimed in.


    "Seems like he didn''t think this through. Turns out those NPCs aren''t just objects he can control however he wants," a third yer added.


    "Those NPCs areining about unfair wages, hahaha," another yer joined in.


    Just then, a female reporter covering the progress in Slumdon town arrived on the scene.


    "Oh, viewers, it seems like there''s some trouble brewing here," she said, her voice lively and engaging. "Let''s talk to Livelywood and see how he''s handling the situation. I bet you''re all curious to find out!"


    With a bright smile, she turned to Livelywood, microphone in hand, and asked, "Can you exin to us in detail what happened here, Livelywood?"


    Livelywood smiled. "Yes, some builders are questioning why Baron Broken pays one man, Mortar, more than the others. I''ve exined that Mortar''s work is more efficient, but it seems that exnation isn''t enough to satisfy their curiosity."


    The reporter pressed on, "But how will you solve this problem? Can Baron Broken''s judgment be justified?"


    In the background, the builders continued to voice theirints. "We can''t keep going like this. We won''t get fair treatment if we don''t stop working."


    "Yeah, that''s right. It''s pointless to continue in this situation. We should stop working."


    The builders then started gathering their tools, preparing to leave.


    "This is ridiculous! I don''t want to be part of this nonsense any longer!" another builder shouted.


    Seeing the situation escte, Livelywood''s face showed panic. He quickly ran after them, calling out, "Wait! Please, hear me out. I can exin!"


    The female reporter watched the scene unfold with great interest. "It appears this is a serious issue. Will the city be able to be saved? The builders are clearly upset about the Baron''s unfair treatment. It''s going to be fascinating to see how this all ys out."


    From afar, a figure in a white cape slowly made its way towards themotion.


    "That''s the Baron," one builder said.


    Broken quickly approached the group. "What happened?"


    Livelywood hurried to exin, "Broken, sorry to have caused rm. I promise I''ll clear this


    up. It''s just a misunderstanding on their part."


    Broken surveyed the builders, noting their expressions of frustration. "Do you have any


    comints?" he asked firmly.


    "My Lord, we doubt your decision regarding the wages given to the workers," someone spoke


    up.


    Another added, "Why are some getting more than others?"


    "I''ve already exined this, haven''t I?" Broken replied.


    "But how can we be sure your decision is fair when what we see tells a different story?" one of


    the builders countered.


    "Yes, someone is workingzily and yet gets the highest pay-one gold coin."


    "I will pay you more if you can prove my judgment wrong. And who exactly are you saying doesn''t work ording to their pay?" Broken asked again.


    "We demand equal pay with Mortar," one builder dered. "He''s always yawning and works


    lazily. There''s no way he deserves that big sry!"


    "Mortar?" Broken asked, the name somewhat unfamiliar. He then looked at the individual


    they were referring to and began to inspect his status.


    [Name: Mortar] [Efficient Laborer (SS) - Master Builder (A) - Irresistible Yawner (B)]


    "Yes, Mortar deserves that sry, perhaps even more," Broken stated firmly, which seemed


    to further test the workers'' patience.

 Chapter 278: Chapter 278 - Eternal Flame and Fae Beast

    Chapter 278: - Eternal me and Fae Beast


    ?


    [Name: Mortar]


    [Efficient Laborer (SS) - Master Builder (A) - Irresistible Yawner (B)]


    [Efficient Laborer: Completes tasks with remarkable speed and stamina, making them invaluable for rapid construction and resource gathering.]


    [Master Builder: Designs and constructs advanced buildings with unique attributes.]


    [Irresistible Yawner: Induces yawning in others when they yawn, causing contagious yawning among nearby residents.]


    After observing hundreds of townspeople, Broken often discovered rather rare and seemingly useless talents in those who otherwise appeared unremarkable, like Mortar. For some strange reason, Mortar had the peculiar talent of yawning continuously. It was a skill utterly useless on its own, and if it weren''t for his other exceptional abilities, Mortar would likely have been overlooked by everyone.


    However, Mortar possessed an Efficient Laborer talent with an SS rating-a rating so rare it could be counted on one hand among the hundreds of people Broken encountered that day. Additionally, he had a Master Builder talent with an A rating.


    Despite his constant yawning, Mortar was truly born to be a builder. Maybe "Legendary Yawning Builder" would be an apt nickname for him? But Broken had started tobel people with the word "Legendary" as well?


    The other builders whoined about Mortar to Broken didn''t hold a candle to Mortar''s worth. So yes, Mortar was indeed priceless and needed to be well taken care of.


    Seeing the frustration among the builders, Broken decided to share his thoughts.


    "If you think I''m not being fair, then until evening, whoever can work faster and better than him will receive three gold coins from me. Otherwise, I expect you to return to your tasks as assigned."


    "How can we be sure your im is justifiable?"


    "We want justice now."


    "Take the challenge, or you can leave," Broken replied casually. He then nced at Livelywood. "Thanks for your help, Livelywood. Let me know if anyone outperforms Mortar." With that, Broken walked away.


    The first builder stared after him. "Look at him. He just walked away without giving a real answer."


    "He''s an irresponsible Baron," another builder muttered.


    Just then, Livelywood stepped in to address the builders again.


    "Everyone, I hope you can ept the Baron''s challenge. I''ll watch until the evening, and if anyone can work more efficiently than Mortar, the Baron will reward you with three gold coins."


    One builder grumbled, "I''ll prove the Baron''s ipetence by outworking Mortar."


    Another nodded, saying, "Let''s show him that we are experienced workers."


    With that, the builders resumed their posts, determined to prove their worth.


    Broken had an important discussion nned with Maylock that day about a mission he had postponed for some time. Once he returned to The House of Slumdon, he found himself in the main room with three people: Elincia, Maylock, and Goldrich.


    "Broken,e over here," Goldrich said. "I heard you want to discuss something important. Let''s see how we can help you."


    Broken joined them without dy and got straight to the point. "Have you guys ever heard of the Eternal me Eye?"


    "Eternal me Eye?" Maylock repeated, exchanging confused looks with Elincia and Goldrich.


    "Is this rted to what Livelywood and Starfall have experienced?" Maylock asked, seeking confirmation from Elincia and Goldrich.


    Goldrich nodded slowly.


    "From your reactions, it seems you know something about this item," Broken continued.


    The Eternal me Eye was a material needed to craft the Unseen Universe Ne Blueprint. This blueprint was something Broken had received from Gia and required a Moonstone along with other gathered materials. The only missing piece was the Eternal me Eye. Despite searching the inte extensively, he found no information about it.


    [Unseen Universe Ne Blueprint]


    [Grade: Unique ~ Legendary]


    [.....]


    [You will need some Orichalcum, one Eternal me Eye, and a highly sought-after Moonstone to craft this exquisite ne.]


    [A hidden feature was discovered. You can add a Monster Soul Stone of a Fairy-type creature to the material in order to add an intelligent guardian to the pocket dimension.]


    Maylock nodded. "So, you''re finally opening up to us about such important matters, Broken?" he said with a smile.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "I''ve been trying to find out more about this item, but I haven''te across any useful information. And the name itself is so odd-an Eye from an Eternal me. What is this Eternal me anyway?" Broken replied.


    Elincia added with a giggle, "Where do you even find the need for such strange items, Broken? First, you have us battle the raid boss Vine Horror Treant, and now this Eternal me Eye." "Is the Eternal me Eye really so troublesome that you all seem so hesitant?" "The Eternal me is a creature found only in the Dissidia Kingdom, as far as I know," Goldrich exined. "Maybe other yers have discovered it but haven''t shared anything about it. It''s a strange creature, and we don''t really understand where ites from." Elincia chimed in, "I think Livelywood and Starfall might know more about it. But I''m sure you''vee to the right people to discuss the Eternal me, Broken."


    Broken smiled, realizing he had indeed found the right group who could finally give him some clues about the Eternal me or the item called the Eternal me Eye.


    Maylock continued, "So, are you just looking for information, or do you actually need the Eternal me Eye?"


    "I need it," Broken replied without hesitation. "Is it possible to acquire the item?" Maylock''s lips curled into a slight smile. "I''m not trying to underestimate you, Broken. But I know you''ll need help to get this item. Even if we''re willing to go with you to find it, I worry you might be dragging us into another suicide mission."


    Elincia giggled at Maylock''s words. "Broken, do you have a specific reason for wanting the Eternal me Eye? Can you share it with us?"


    Broken nodded slowly. "Yes, of course. I have no reason to hide this, especially since I''ll probably need your help too. I need that item to craft something important," he said


    carefully.


    "It''s a blueprint I got from a quest Ipleted. It''s of significant value, I believe, though I''m not exactly sure what kind of item it will yield. But I feel it''s a blueprint that needs to bepleted soon, as it has been sitting in my inventory for a while now."


    Elincia nodded at his exnation and then turned to Goldrich.


    "Eternal me Eye," Goldrich replied slowly. "Acquiring it will be challenging since it''s a rare item and not something you can just buy at an auction. The only way to get it is to hunt down the creature that possesses it and hope you obtain it."


    "What kind of creature is that?" Broken asked.


    "A Fae Beast," Maylock answered. "Have you ever heard of Fae Beasts, Broken?"


    "I know of fae, it''s faery, right? But I''ve never encountered creatures like that, especially not


    Fae Beasts."


    "Correct, a Fae Beast is a Faery Beast," Maylock exined. "And the Eternal me is one type of Fae Beast."


    From the blueprint in his possession, Broken had discovered a hidden feature: adding a Soul


    Stone from a Faery-type creature would grant a special effect to the final product. Given Maylock and the others'' answers, it made sense that the Eternal me would be associated with Faeries. So, he guessed that he could obtain both items by hunting the Eternal me creature, a being still shrouded in mystery for him.


    "Can you tell me more about this Eternal me Fae Beast?"

 Chapter 279: Chapter 279 - The New Expedition Awaits

    Chapter 279: - The New Expedition Awaits


    ?


    "The Faery is one of the seven major races in Yunatea, and they''ve even received the Blessing of Sins in the past-the Lust Blessing," Maylock exined. "However, they are bing increasingly rare, and it''s not easy to find them. Most of them live deep in the forests, far away from humans."


    "But you said that Faeries still exist in the Dissidia Kingdom area?" Broken inquired.


    "Not Faeries in general," Elincia rified. "But a Fae Beast. Although Fae Beasts fall under the Faery category, no one has actually encountered them directly."


    She paused for a moment. "However, if we were to specte, it''s possible that there are Faeries nearby wherever the Eternal me Fae Beast is found. But because Faeries are adept at hiding, they won''t be easy to find."


    Broken absorbed the information thoughtfully. "So, there''s a chance we might encounter both the Fae Beast and perhaps other Faeries as well?"


    "Yes," Elincia nodded. "But finding them will be the real challenge. The Eternal me Fae Beast will be our main focus, and any additional encounters with Faeries would be a bonus." "So, to obtain the Eye, I must hunt down the Eternal me Fae Beast, correct?" he repeated. Elincia nodded. "I think so. However, there''s a catch. The Eternal me that Livelywood and Starfall encountered had a level well over 200. Since they are Fae Beasts, they possess intelligence far above the average wild monsters. So, not only will finding them be a challenge, but defeating them will also be even harder. First, we need to locate them, then defeat them, and finally, hope they drop the item we need. If I had to predict, this expedition could take quite a while."


    Broken nodded again, fully understanding Elincia''s point. But regardless, he was determined. He would hunt the Eternal me and get their Eye.


    "So, when are we going to hunt the Eternal me? Khi khi khi," Goldrich responded.


    "Where can I find this Eternal me?" Broken inquired, directing his question to Maylock.


    Maylock paused for a moment before responding. "It will require a lot of resources," he said, then turned to Elincia. "What do you think?"


    Elincia seemed to understand Maylock''s concern. "It''s okay, we can rearrange the schedule and also see who might be able to join the expedition."


    Broken chimed in. "Please, I need to know where I can find the beast and how many people we might need. This doesn''t have to happen in the next few days, but I just want to make it my next big objective."


    Elincia nodded at his exnation. "You can find the Fae Beast in Wildwood, the same forest where youpleted the Trial Domain when you first met Melliandra," she exined. "But I''m sure the Fae Beast we''re talking about is much deeper within, where the monsters are at a higher level."


    "You''ll need a solid team to go there, Broken," Maylock added.


    "How many people?"


    Maylock then exined, "I think we need at least six to eight yers, all with levels above 200. That way, we can be confident in handling the monsters we''ll likely encounter and also deal with the Fae Beast more easily."


    Broken considered all the possibilities with the facts and information given to him. With all the summons he possessed, he might be able to force the journey alone. However, it would be challenging, especially since even Maylock emphasized the danger.


    Besides, he couldn''t ask some members of the Ass Guild to apany him because this was a personal matter. While Ivana might be able to join him, it would be risky if he had to log out and leave Ivana alone.


    Bringing more personnel, like his knights, was another option, but the knights didn''t have the necessary levels yet. He may need to push their levels harder, but that would take an uncertain amount of time.


    Goldrich then said, "If you need any assistance, just say it, Broken."


    Broken looked up.


    Goldrich continued, "We''ve been through a lot together. Do you still not consider us friends?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "No, that''s not what I mean," Broken replied.


    "You probably need help, and I''m ready to assist," Goldrich stressed.


    Elincia nodded in agreement. "If you truly need that item, Broken, I believe this is an expedition worth undertaking. The greater the risk, the greater the potential reward, right? So, let''s discuss the timing and who might join the expedition. We have enough people to split the tasks."


    Maylock chimed in. "Or do you have any concerns?"


    Broken slowly answered Maylock''s question, "I have nothing to offer in return for the help I may need."


    Elincia picked up on his hesitation. "So, that''s your concern?"


    She then suggested, "Why don''t you reward those who are willing to apany you by helping them craft a new item? Everyone would be excited about that and willing to pay a fair price for it." She smiled, adding, "Am I crossing the line?"


    Broken had been contemting taking onmissions from members of the Ass Guild, but he was still waiting for the right opportunity. However, he thought that he could prioritize those who were willing to join him on this expedition.


    "I think that''s an interesting proposal," he said enthusiastically. "If anyone is willing to apany me to hunt the Eternal me Fae Beast, I will craft an item for them upon request."


    Freya''s voice could be heard approaching them as she dered, "As the Deputy Mayor, I''ve prepared for this."


    Smiling, she walked over and sat down between them. "Don''t worry," she reassured them. "I''ll take care of the city. As long as we have strong people guarding it, I''m not worried about taking over some of your responsibilities." She chuckled slightly.


    Elincia smiled and replied, "You sure are the best assistant Broken could ask for, Freya."


    Maylock then added, "Right now, all we need to focus on is choosing who will go with you,


    Broken."


    Broken turned to Maylock and asked, "Do you have any ideas, Maylock?"


    Maylock nodded and continued, "I''lle with you since I''m an archer and can be useful in tracking and monitoring the surroundings. I can act as an rm in case of any approaching monster attacks. Because I''m going, Toberry will most likelye with me since we''re a package deal."


    "That''s a great idea," Broken replied quietly.


    Maylock then went on, "We need a mage, but Goldrich isn''t the right candidate. He needs to be avable to ward off any urgent matters that might arise in the city or the capital."


    Goldrich sighed, "I''ll have to pass on this one, as much as I want to participate." Elincia then said, "I can''te either, Broken. However, you can invite Starfall to join you since she is also a powerful mage, and she can heal, too. This means that Livelywood will have to participate as well, as the two of them are on the same team. But Livelywood needs to be responsible for the city''s development, too."


    "If Livelywood and Starfall join," Maylock added, "we''ll need to make sure there''s a n in ce to cover Livelywood''s responsibilities while they''re away. Perhaps some temporary measures to distribute his tasks?"


    Freya then added, "Don''t worry. I''ve learned a lot from him, and I''m sure I can handle all the work he''s started for a while, with help from Charmelyn too."


    Maylock mentioned a few names, "Me, Toberry, Starfall, Livelywood-" then paused for a


    moment.


    Freya added, "Invite Ivana to join you too, Broken. She''s a dependable tanker and incredibly


    strong."


    Broken nodded. "I''ll ask her toe with me."


    Maylock then offered another suggestion. "I heard one of your Knights has a Pathfinding


    talent. It''s a great opportunity for them to get hands-on experience in hunting. It would be a fantastic way for them to get stronger quickly."


    Broken nodded slowly. "They''re not high level yet, but it''s a great idea. Combat experience would help them gain levels quickly."


    The team that would apany Broken was shaping up: himself, Ivana, Maylock, Toberry, Starfall, Livelywood, and Yann, one of his Knights who had a Pathfinding talent. He was still considering inviting one or two more Knights, but he would make that decisionter. Once they hade to an agreement on the n, Broken finally made his announcement. "I believe we should be able to leave in a month or two, after we tackle some issues here first."

 Chapter 280: Chapter 280 - Legendary Yawning Builder

    Chapter 280: - Legendary Yawning Builder


    ?


    After discussing the Eternal me Eye with Maylock and the others, Broken realized there was something else he needed to take care of that day. It pertained to the golem he had acquired during the expedition with Elincia.


    He had been putting this off for quite some time, and knew now was the perfect moment to work on it, especially since he was already in Slumdon Town. The golem could be used to help protect the town. He thought it would be more effective, given hisck of knowledge on how to easily mobilize such arge golem.


    Having the golem in the town would give him more security, especially when he was away. It would effectively bolster the small number of knights he already had.


    Although he knew very little about golems, he had discussed the matter with Freya, who provided him with quite a bit of information. Nheless, he felt there was something he needed to address first. But what was it?


    After a moment of thought, he remembered. He had receivedints from the builders who felt unfairly treated because one of them was being paid more than the others.


    Alright, he thought, he''d tackle these issues one by one.


    ***n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The female reporter, who had been watching the builders with great excitement, approached Livelywood once more.


    "Livelywood," she began, "can you tell us if Broken was deliberately deceiving the NPCs, or if he was confident about the challenge he gave to the builders?"


    Livelywood, brimming with enthusiasm, replied, "Yes, I''m confident that Broken was aware of the implications of his decisions."


    "Why are you so sure of him when he couldn''t even provide the NPCs with concrete evidence?" the female reporter continued to probe.


    "It''s difficult to exin," Livelywood responded, "but I am hopeful that we will see the oue of his challenge. I believe you all will be content with the end result."


    The female reporter then faced the camera once more. "Alright, everyone, I''ll be back in a few hours to report on the final results of this challenge. Will Baron Broken suffer great losses because of his wager, or does he have legitimate reasons for his actions? Let''s find out together."


    The people who were watching the broadcast live immediately shared theirments about the event happening in Slumdon Town.


    "Can you believe how ridiculous this is? Why is there so much media coverage of that fool, Broken?"


    "Ugh, I can''t stand that guy! Just hearing his name makes me want to curse him out. He thinks he''s so cool talking to Princess Alora like that. Gross!"


    "I know, right? He''s been getting on my nervestely, too. Getting such a generous reward from the kingdom just makes me so envious!"


    "I''m so over him. I''d rather just watch the attractive and beautiful NPCs in the game."


    "At the end of the day, Broken is just an inexperienced young man who got lucky with a great reward."


    "The members of the Ass Guild must be regretting their decision to trust someone like him, who clearly isn''t up to the task."


    "Yeah, let''s just wait and see how quickly he fails and suffers a major defeat."


    "I''m positive about that. He is so foolish to offer the NPCs such a high price, even though there won''t be any advantage for him."


    "He is so stupid and useless."


    "I wish they would show more captivating news. I want to see my waifu, Princess Alora." "I want to see Ivana. I love her so much."


    As evening fell, a crowd had formed, buzzing with excitement over the Baron''s challenge. Of the three houses being built, the first two each had teams of five workers, while the third had just one man, Mortar, working on it alone.


    "Do you really think one guy can outbuild five people?" one spectator asked skeptically.


    "Well, the Baron promised three gold coins to everyone if their team finishes before Mortar," another chimed in.


    "Isn''t he known to be faster than anyone else?" someone else remarked.


    "Yeah, but why does he keep yawning? It''s driving me nuts!" a frustrated voice added. Meanwhile, a curious female reporter edged closer to Mortar, who was almost finishing his task. The camera focused clearly on him.


    "I think someone many doubted is actually doing an excellent job," she whispered to the camera.


    A few minutester, the moment they had been waiting for finally arrived. Mortar finished his task ahead of everyone else, causing disbelief among those watching.


    "Folks," the reporter said eagerly, "Mortar has finished his work. He really is quick at what he does!"


    Livelywood strolled over to inspect Mortar''s work, grinning when he saw the exceptional quality of the construction.


    "It seems Mortar has truly proven his worth. This shows the Baron''s assessment was spot on," he announced.


    The other builders, visibly annoyed and frustrated they couldn''t keep up with Mortar, rushed over to see his handiwork.


    "How does he manage to work so fast? I just don''t get it," one of them said in disbelief.


    "But how can he work so fast? Isn''t it impossible? We''ve been working just as hard as him." "Could it be that Baron Broken judged him fairly? If he works that quickly and efficiently, I think his sry might actually be justified."


    "And what''s up with all that yawning? It''s so irritating," another added.


    Hearing theints, Mortar shrugged and replied, "Sorry about the yawns. Ouahhh... It''s just a habit I was born with. Ouahhh... Can''t really help it. Ouahhh..."


    The female reporter found it amusing and added, "That''s oddly unique. Ouahhh..."


    She paused for a moment, yawning herself, and then smiled. "Looks like your yawning is really contagious, though."


    Just then, Broken appeared from a distance and approached the group. Seeing Broken arrive, the builders who had beenining incessantly fell silent and felt embarrassed about


    their grievances.


    The situation seemed unbelievable-how could a seemingly inexperienced builder aplish work that usually required two or three people and do it faster and just as well? It validated the Baron''s im that his assessment had been fair. They had to acknowledge the


    truth of it.


    Broken stepped closer and now stood before them all. "So, has the result been decided?" he asked, looking at Livelywood.


    Livelywood nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, Broken, your assessment has been proven urate. Mortar really does work faster and better than the others." He then noticed something odd. "Ouaah- why am I yawning too?"


    Broken then looked towards the builders, who were now bowing to him.


    "My Lord, please forgive us for doubting your-Ouahhh... judgment," one of them said.


    "Yes, My Lord, somehow you were right, and I think Mortar really does- Ouahhh... work better," another added.


    "Why is everyone yawning?" Broken wondered aloud, but then continued, "Good. I hope you all keep working diligently and practicing more. As your skills improve, I''ll also be increasing


    your pay."


    The builders returned to their positions while Broken noticed a reporter in the vicinity. He wasn''t particrly keen on talking to them, but he saw them approaching.


    The female reporter moved closer. "Mr. Broken, could I have a moment to talk with you? I''m


    sure many people would love to hear more-Ouahhh... about you."


    But Broken suddenly let out a deep, long yawn and stretched his arms above his head. "Ouahhh... I''m so tired," he said before logging out of the game and disappearing from


    everyone''s sight.

 Chapter 281: Chapter 281 - The High-Stakes of Golems

    Chapter 281: - The High-Stakes of Golems


    ?


    It was nighttime in Slumdon Town. Broken walked beside Freya, heading towards the city gate. As they got closer, they spotted two figures-Igor and Anna-standing guard at the entrance. The second Broken drew near, both guards straightened up and saluted sharply.


    "Good evening, My Lord," Igor greeted.


    "All quiet tonight?"


    "Yes, My Lord, all clear," Anna responded.


    "Is there anything important we need to do, My Lord?" Igor asked.


    "No, just make sure you get enough rest. For now, while waiting for the other knights to be ready to help with your duties," Broken instructed.


    Polly appeared, and Broken and Freya quickly mounted her, disappearing into the darkness of the night.


    Anna, still watching Broken as he receded into the distance, looked curious.


    "Focus on your work, Anna."


    Anna giggled. "Lord Broken is really something else, isn''t he? Admired by so many beautiful women."


    "That''s none of our business, Anna. Someone like Lord Broken deserves all the attention he gets. He is kind and talented. Even Her Highness, Princess Alora, acknowledges him and has invited him to join in the demon extermination. That''s something to be proud of," Igor exined firmly.


    "I still hope to have a chance to hunt alongside Lord Broken. I want to see how he is on the battlefield," she said,ughing softly.


    Freya, seated behind Broken, began discussing their ns for the night as they rode along. Broken patted Polly, and the fox came to a halt in an open sandy clearing. Thanks to the bright moonlight, their visibility wasn''t too bad. Both of them dismounted from Polly, and Broken ced several crystalmps on the sand.


    "But why are we so far from the city, Broken?" Freya asked, breaking the silence.


    "No particr reason," Broken exined. "I just want to construct the golem without drawing too much attention. So I thought this would be the best ce for it. Once it''s done, I can easily move the golem near the city gate."


    "This isn''t just an excuse to be alone with me, is it?" she teased,ughing softly.


    "Uhm..." Broken turned to Freya, a slight smile on his face. "Maybe it is, unconsciously. I''ve missed you. I''ve been so busytely."


    "You mean you''ve been going on a lot of dates?!"


    Broken chuckled and then drew out an item he had obtained from a dungeon expedition with Elincia a few weeks ago.


    [Golem Vessel Registration Ticket: This ticket authorizes the bearer to summon a Golem Body and register themselves as its official owner and controller. Note that the ticket does not include a Golem Core, which must be acquired separately.]


    "You''ve brought the materials I mentioned before, right?" Freya asked, looking at Broken. "Yes, I''ve got plenty¡ªtinum, iron, orichalcum, moonstones, monster cores, golem core, and more," Broken replied. "But is all that really necessary, Freya? I thought this ticket would just give me a golem body ready to use, and all I need to do is install a golem core into it?" "That''s the trick," Freya responded with a smile. "You can actually modify the golem you summon using the extra materials you have. Since this is like a gacha ticket, you might end up with something extraordinary if you''re lucky enough," she exined enthusiastically. "Okay, so where do we start?"


    "Do you want me to exin a few things about golems first?"


    "Yes, I want to know more about golems."


    Freya started exining, going into how golems are evaluated in two ways: by their Tier and Grade. She mentioned that the Grade system is the same as for other items-Common, Rare, Elite, and so forth. But golems also have Tiers, which range from Tier 1 to Tier 5.


    "The difference in Tiers is quite straightforward," Freya continued. "It limits the golem''s capabilities. For instance, a Tier 1 golem will have functional eyes, enabling it to detect and see its targets."


    Broken nodded thoughtfully as Freya continued her exnation.


    "Tier 2 golems have a specific offensive weapon," she borated. "This can vary depending on the golem''s form. Humanoid golems typically have weapons simr to adventurers- swords, bows, etc. Other golem types have a wider range of weaponry, too."


    "So, Tier 1 golems don''t have weapons? How do they fight?"


    "They use whatever is part of their form-fists, bodies, whatever works," Freya exined.


    She went on. "Tier 3 golems have better armor or protectiveponents."


    "Okay,"


    "Next, Tier 4 golems can fix themselves if they get damaged. They don''t need help from their creator," Freya exined.


    Broken nodded slowly, taking it all in. "So, Tier 4 golems can runpletely on their own and can survive with all their abilities intact?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Yes," Freya confirmed. "That''s why the higher the Tier, the more valuable and expensive the golem."


    She went on. "Tier 5 golemse with unique tools, like wings, multiple arms, or other special features depending on their design."


    "Interesting," Broken mused, nodding. "Golems can even fly?"


    Freya smiled. "You''d be even more surprised if you knew everything about golems."


    "So, to sum up everything.


    "Tier 1: Eyes.


    "Tier 2: Eyes, plus an offensive weapon.


    "Tier 3: Everything above, plus defensive armor.


    "Tier 4: Everything above, plus regeneration.


    "Tier 5: Everything above, plus a utility tool."


    "Okay." Broken continued, "what''s the influence between a golem''s Tier and its Grade?"


    "The higher the Grade, the better the golem''s stats and skills, much like weapons forged by cksmiths," she exined. "So, the higher the Grade and Tier of a golem, the more valuable


    it is."


    "But can golem creators sell their golems to others? Can they create unlimited golems?"


    "No," Freya replied. "Golem creators can only create and control a limited number of functioning golems. When they sell a golem to someone else, they''re giving up one of their slots. That''s why they can''t trade golems as freely as other production sses. It''s often more beneficial for them to use the golems they construct for themselves."


    Broken nodded in understanding. "That makes sense. It keeps the process bnced."


    Freya smiled. "Exactly. There''s so much more I want to tell you about golems, but let''s discuss it gradually as youplete the process."


    "Yes, Ma''am."


    "Now, let''s get started on that golem."


    Broken immediately tore the ticket, and a notification appeared before him.


    [Activating Golem Vessel Registration Ticket. The ticket will summon the default golem body prepared for you. Would you like to proceed? If you select ''No,'' you will need to provide your own materials to construct the new golem body.]


    [No/Yes]


    "There''s a confirmation choice: No or Yes," Broken muttered.


    Freya paused for a moment, thinking.


    "No, correct?" he prompted.


    Freya remained silent for a moment, then spoke. "Actually, there''s another consideration if you choose ''No,'' Broken. We don''t know how much material might be needed. You could end


    up using all the tinum bars you have to construct the golem."


    "Well, as long as the result is satisfying, why not?"


    Freya nodded slowly. "So, the consequence is you might spend a lot of materials, but you have a chance at getting a better golem. But again, it alles down to luck." "You said I have so much luck that it''s almost drowning me, right?" Broken joked.


    Freyaughed softly at his words. "I don''t know, but please think it over. I''m sure the materials you''re using could be used to craft a new item. And I don''t want to take the me if the results are disappointing."


    "No worries, I''ll take all the risks," he assured her. "And honestly, I won''t be satisfied just getting the default form of the golem."


    "You''re so greedy! You should really reconsider your blessings," Freya chided yfully.


    Broken pressed the ''No'' button, determined to make this golem something truly


    extraordinary.

 Chapter 282: Chapter 282 - Combining Elements for a Golem

    Chapter 282: - Combining Elements for a Golem


    ?


    [You have selected ''No.'' The golem will summon once you provide enough materials.]


    A hologram of a small humanoid golem materialized in front of Broken, floating in the air. Below the hologram was a progress bar indicating the percentage of materials fed into the golem. It showed 0%.


    "So, you finally chose ''No.'' Haha," Freya said, looking slightly concerned.


    "Okay, now, what materials should I provide?"


    "tinum and iron. I think thatbination is the best for the base material. tinum is durable and excellent for conducting magic, making it ideal for golems that need to channel magical energies or have magical defenses. Iron is strong and provides a solid structural framework."


    "What about theposition?" Broken asked.


    Freya paused before answering. "How are you with cksmithing?"


    "It depends on the blueprint, but theposition for cksmithing and golems could be different, right? Because golems have a structured body that enables them to move, while weapons or armor are solid forms."


    Freya nodded. "Let''s try with a 4 to 3 ratio. Four parts tinum and three parts iron. What do you think?"


    Broken nodded and quickly took out four tinum bars and three iron bars. He approached the golem''s interface with the bars.


    [Feed material cannot be retrieved once fed. Are you sure?]


    Broken pressed ''Yes,'' and the bars vanished, causing the progress bar to move up to 2 percent.


    "Damn, only 2 percent!" Broken eximed, a bit shocked.


    Freya sighed deeply. "Exactly what I said- we have no idea how much material will be needed."


    Broken took a moment to think and then pulled out all the tinum and iron he had in his inventory and put them on the ground.


    Fortunately, he had received a substantial amount of these materials as a reward from the kingdom after the recentpetition. Initially, Broken intended to use them to craft something for his knights, but now he wasmitted and couldn''t turn back. Using lower- quality materials would only ruin the potential of the golem he could create.


    "Do you have enough material to feed the golem, Broken?"


    "I''m not sure, let me try it first."


    Freya chuckled softly, though her face was visibly tense. "You really go all in when you do something, huh? You know those materials are worth a lot, right?"


    "Yes, but no worries, I got them as a reward," he said, trying to reassure himself.


    Broken slowly fed the items into the interface, continuing to chat with Freya. "What''s the risk if the materialbination is too varied?"


    "The higher the quality of the material, and the fewer variations used, the more focused the result will be," Freya exined. "While golem creators often use stones to cut costs because they need to make many golems, you''ve alreadymitted to using tinum and iron, so you don''t have much choice now."


    Broken nodded, understanding the implication. He watched the progress bar inch forward as he fed more tinum and iron into the golem, hoping his gamble would pay off.


    "The materials used for golems can also be influenced by the ss and skills of their creator," Freya continued.


    "What do you mean?"


    "Well, consider this: most golems have a solid form, made from stone or iron. But creators with higher sses or certain skill levels can even construct golems using liquid materials or gases."


    "Oh, really?" Broken turned to Freya, clearly intrigued. "I''ve never seen a golem like that." "The use of golems is actually pretty broad," she exined. "Solid-form golems, like this one, are moremon because they''re cheaper and more consistent. Golem creators who can work with liquid or gas materials are rare. They usually need to have a high-grade ss or an affinity with multiple elements."


    Broken absorbed this new information while continuing to feed more tinum and iron into the golem''s interface.


    "So, it''s not just about the materials, but also the creator''s abilities."


    "Exactly," Freya affirmed.


    After some time, the progress bar finally reached 63%, using up all the tinum and iron bars that he had. He turned to Freya with a sheepish grin. "What should I do now, Freya?"


    Freya sighed. "Well, how about we wait until you have more tinum and iron bars? You can purchase them if needed."


    Hearing this, Broken felt a strong urge to see the finished golem. He pulled out orichalcum and moonstones from his inventory.


    "You''re not nning to use those for the golem, are you?" Freya asked.


    "What do you think?"


    Freya paused for a moment. "Well, in weapon crafting, orichalcum and moonstones are used


    to give the item unique characteristics. So, they''d serve the same purpose here."


    "And what about monster cores? Can I use them as well?" Broken asked.


    "Yes, you can also use monster cores to imbue the golem with unique traits," Freya exined. "But you should carefully consider which monster cores to use. You could even use monster soul stones if you really want to go all out."


    Broken stood still for a moment, deep in thought. Finally, he made his decision and began feeding orichalcum to the golem. This time, he noticed the percentage bar increased significantly more than it had with tinum or iron.


    "The percentage increased a lot more," Broken observed.


    Freya nodded. "That''s likely because orichalcum is a more unique material and adds specific characteristics to the golem. That''s why the bar rose more. But you still need to maintain a


    bncedposition."


    Broken nodded and fed more orichalcum, especially green orichalcum, until the progress bar


    reached 70%.


    "Still 30% to go," he said.


    Freya smiled and shrugged as Broken looked at her.


    "Sorry, Broken, I''m not used to gambling. This is your specialty," she said softly.


    "I can use the moonstones. I can always find more if I need them," he replied enthusiastically. "The golem might end up with characteristics simr to your Moonvine Knuckles if you use the same materials. A golem with nt-type skills and a dimensional element-who


    knows?" she said.


    Nodding, Broken fed the golem with moonstones. The progress bar shot up faster than before. After feeding several moonstones, the progress bar now stood at 96%. Broken took a deep breath, seeing how far he hade. He really wanted the bar to reach 100%, but he was still weighing what material to use for the final touch. He considered his


    options carefully.


    He had a Rare - Sand Colossus Lv. 215 Monster Soul Stone, a Sun Beetle Lv. 205 Monster Soul Stone, and a Rare - Scorched Scorpion Lv. 212 Monster Soul Stone, all of which he acquired during a dungeon expedition with Elincia. But he was also interested in using one unique monster core: an Elite - Bloodfiend Demon Core he had obtained during the battle against the demon Ulrich and the two city guard demons.


    Broken took out the monster soul stones and demon cores, showing them to Freya.


    "What do you think?" he asked.


    "If you use a Monster Soul Stone, I think the influence will be too significant and might alter the default form of the golem. But I''m also hesitant about using a demon core. While moonstones are blessed items by the Goddess of the Moon, demon cores, you know,e from a different, rather dark source," Freya exined.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Broken nodded slowly, considering her words.


    "The green orichalcum has a wood element, and the moonstones have a dimensional element. If you add a Demon Core with a shadow element, who knows what kind of entity


    might emerge."


    "But can I use both the monster soul stone and the demon core, Freya?" he asked, turning to


    her.


    "In theory, yes," she replied, sighing heavily. "But it''s a gamble."


    Broken pondered what to do next. Feeding just one monster core didn''t seem like it would


    make the bar reach 100%, and he knew that a monster soul stone was a highly valuable item, especially when used for a golem.


    While crafting a weapon or armor, it was eptable to use both monster cores and monster soul stones together, even inrger quantities, as long as they came from the same type of monster. But here he was, with a scorpion monster core and a demon core.


    He reconsidered his decision onest time. After a few moments, Broken took a deep breath, nodding resolutely. He fed the final items into the golem: the Rare - Scorched Scorpion Lv. 212 Monster Soul Stone and the Elite - Bloodfiend Demon Core Lv. 218.


    The progress bar surged forward, finally hitting 100%.

 Chapter 283: Chapter 283 - Shadowbark Titan

    Chapter 283: - Shadowbark Titan


    ?


    Just like cksmiths using the auto-crafting feature to instantly craft items by providing the necessary materials, the concept of golem summoning operated in a simr manner. The key difference was that Broken was using a summoning ticket he had obtained, rather than possessing the ss or skill necessary to do it himself.


    [The progress bar is 100%. Sufficient materials have been fed. Would you like to summon the golem now?]


    He chose yes.


    [Analyzing the materials.]


    [Analyzing the idealbination.]


    [Analyzing the new golem form.]


    [Analyzing the ideal skills.]


    [The golem is ready to take form.]


    The golem hologram floating in front of him began to expand and then fell to the ground. He took several steps back to watch the transformation unfold.


    It was a golem of considerable size.


    [Shadowbark Titan Level 225 has been summoned.]


    [Quality Enhancement (Passive Skill) has been triggered, upgrading the Grade by two levels higher.]N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Before him stood not just a golem, but a monstrous golem! The titan loomed twice the height of him, with a humanoid form but a gori''s head. Its body wasposed of a sleek ck tinum that appeared to undte in shadowy patterns, intertwined with moss, vines, and darkly hued nts. In its massive right hand, the titan wielded an enormous great sword. What a magnificent form!


    He stared in awe, taking in the sight of the newly formed golem, the Shadowbark Titan. Freya''s eyes widened, clearly impressed by the imposing creature that now stood before them.


    She finally exhaled a sigh of relief as she looked at the colossal golem standing under the moonlight. "At least, the golem looks impressive, Broken."


    Broken also smiled, admiring the new golem now standing before him.


    "Now, let''s see its status," he said, walking closer. As he did, an interface appeared before him¡ªa console with various menus to control the golem. But first, he checked the golem''s status.


    [Name: ??? - Shadowbark Titan]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Tier: 5]


    [Level: 225]


    [Strength: 981 | Agility: 324 | Intelligence: 273 | Constitution: 746 | Stamina: 459]


    He stood there, stunned, staring at the information in front of him. The Tier and the Grade- was he seeing it correctly?


    "What happened, Broken? Tell me," Freya asked. "Show me the status!"


    Broken shared the status screen with Freya, and she gasped, covering her mouth with her hand in shock.


    "Damn, Broken! Damn, this is insane! Is this because of your Luck stat and the Quality Enhancement skill?" she eximed.


    Broken nodded slowly, agreeing. "The Quality Enhancement skill upgraded the Grade by two levels, so it should have been Epic. But here it is a Legendary-grade golem."


    "Damn! This is too much! You''ve really hit the jackpot! This is absolutely incredible," Freya continued, still in awe of what she was seeing.


    "And it has a Tier 5," he said quietly.


    "I believe the Tier 5 is rted to how youpleted the dungeon. You destroyed the golem core of the final boss in a rather unconventional way, didn''t you? I''m sure that influenced the golem''s high Tier. And look at its form-it has a gori shape," Freya noted.


    Broken nodded. "Yes, the golem resembles the final boss in the dungeon. But this golem has much cooler armor and weapons."


    Taking another deep breath, Broken gazed at the form of the Shadowbark Titan once more. He then focused on the golem console in front of him. It was a control panel for the golem, featuring options for attack, defense, and other settings.


    "I didn''t expect the golem''s control settings to be this detailed."


    Freya nodded. "Yes, you can use voicemands, but you also have the option to adjust everything manually."


    Broken scanned through the overall menu. There were variousmands like Attack Command with options for Aggressive Mode, Defensive Mode, and Target Focus.


    [Aggressive Mode: Instructs the golem to actively seek out and attack any hostile entities within a specified range.]


    [Defensive Stance: Prioritizes defending a designated area or protecting specific allies, engaging only when threats are detected.]


    [Target Focus: Allows selection of specific targets for the golem to prioritize, such as high- value enemies or objectives.]


    Freya added, "For a passive mode, you can set the Attack Command to Defensive Stance or move on to the nextmand, Patrol & Movement."


    [Patrol & Movement]


    [Patrol Route Setup: Set up waypoints or routes for the golem to follow, ensuring consistent monitoring of a specified area.]


    [Roving Patrol: Enables the golem to move randomly within a designated zone, covering more ground unpredictably.]


    [Area Guard: Assigns the golem to guard a particr area, remaining stationary or moving within a limited range to react to intruders.]


    Broken then read the details of the nextmand. There were still many types ofmands left, such as Area Coverage & Control, Special Abilities Management, Behavioral Settings, and more. Each one wasprehensive, allowing for deeper settings and fine-tuning.


    "What do you think?" Freya asked.


    "This is moreplex than I anticipated," he admitted.


    "But it also means you have a lot of control over how the golem operates. With the right settings, you can make it adapt to various situations," Freya pointed out.


    Broken continued to analyze and fine-tune the settings on the golem. He set the patrol area around Slumdon Town, using the map to designate the blocks that the golem would control. He also specified where the golem should be positioned and set the threat levels that would


    trigger its actions.


    "The control options on your golem are moreplex, probably because it''s a Legendary Grade!"


    "Yes," he nodded slowly. "Do NPCs have consoles this advanced for controlling golems?"


    "No, I think this kind of detailed control is only avable to yers," Freya exined. "Golem creators usually design temtes for their golems, so they don''t have to set each one manually. Or they simply issuemands using their voice, and the golem adjusts


    automatically."


    Broken nodded, satisfied with the settings he had made.


    "Now, you need to name it," Freya said.


    Broken smiled, taking onest look at the golem standing motionless before him.


    "I''m a bit worried about your naming choices, Broken. It''s a shame your summons rely on


    your taste for names," Freya teased.


    "Don''t worry, I''m good at naming," he responded confidently. "How about ''ckthorn''?


    What do you think?"


    Freya gave a hesitant smile. "Uhm... not bad."


    Nodding, Broken updated the name information in the console.


    "Oh, right. I almost forgot," Freya added. "You need to power the golem using a golem core.


    Do you have one, right?"


    "Yes," Broken confirmed with a nod.


    He took the golem core from his inventory and carefully inserted it into the console.


    [The golem core has been installed. The ckthorn - Shadowbark Titan is now ready for use.]


    Broken smiled as the golem before him started to move, shifting the massive greatsword from its side and embedding it into the ground. Then, as if almost in reverence, it returned to its original position, standing still and upright before him. Taking a deep breath, Broken couldn''t help but marvel at the incredible creation. "Wouldn''t it be fascinating if I could have an entire army of golems like this?" he mused


    aloud.


    "Yes, it would be," Freya responded. "But the cost for that would be astronomical, not to mention the maintenance. You''d need several golem cores to sustain them over time, and there''s no guarantee you''d end up with golems as impressive as this one."


    He nodded. "True. This single golem already drained almost everything from my inventory." He nced back at the console. "But that''s nothing to worry about. Now, let''s see what skills


    this golem has."

 Chapter 284: Chapter 284 - Symbiotic Armor

    Chapter 284: - Symbiotic Armor


    ?


    "The golem is Tier 5," Freya said. "This means it has the full set of functionalities. First, its primary weapon is the greatsword." She pointed towards the colossal de that nearly matched the height of the golem itself.


    Broken nodded, his eyes tracing the length of the greatsword, marveling at its impressive size and menacing presence.


    But there was still one thing that made Broken curious: was the weapon truly just a normal weapon, or could it be used by others?


    He approached the golem and reached out to touch the de.


    "What are you doing?" Freya asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "Checking the greatsword," he said simply.


    After checking, he confirmed that it was indeed a normal weapon, but with high physical attack stats, strength, and constitution values. It had no additional skills attached.


    "That greatsword is actually deconstructed from its overall body form," Freya exined. "It will reconstruct itself if it gets damaged. That''s the cool thing about it."


    "Understood," Broken replied, nodding thoughtfully.


    Freya then continued. "The golem also boasts superior armor. You can rely on it to withstand prolonged battles, as the armor adds significant sturdinesspared to other golems that only rely on their bare bodies."


    "Yes," Broken nodded. "The armor seems pretty cool too."


    Pausing for a moment, she then added, "But, considering this golem is Tier 5, it has the ability to reconstruct the damaged body parts. However, this isn''t without its downsides."


    "And what are those consequences?"


    "The golem core will be consumed continuously until it runs out of power," Freya exined. "Once depleted, you''ll need a fresh golem core to keep it operational."


    Broken nodded thoughtfully. He only had three golem cores in his possession.


    "If you n on using this golem frequently and intensively, you''ll need to figure out a way to acquire more golem cores quickly," Freya advised.


    "Can I buy them, Freya?"


    "I''m sure you can," she replied. "But considering the power level of this golem, it might be useless to purchase cores at an auction. Most of the ones avable there are of a lower tier and likely won''t provide adequate power for your golem. You''ll need to find a high-level golem creator or, as ast resort, make them yourself."


    Broken nodded again, contemting his options. He did have a ticket from King ndorr''s quest that could potentially earn him a golem ss, opening another avenue to create what he needed.


    But he hesitated to use the ticket just yet. He wanted to maximize everything he already possessed before considering any new acquisitions.


    Gaining a new ss would mean additional time and effort to master it, whereas his cksmith ss still held vast potential. He needed to forge a few more Legendary-grade items before he could upgrade his ss to a Legendary-grade cksmith. Until that goal was achieved, he decided to put off any ns to acquire new sses or significant changes.


    "Let''s hope ckthorn won''t have to work too hard for now," he mused. "I''ll rely on the knights to handle simpler tasks. This golem will only be deployed when a major threat looms."


    "Agreed," Freya responded casually.


    "What about its utility capabilities?"


    "I''m not entirely sure," she admitted. "You''ll need to check its skills to determine those."


    Broken smiled, feeling a renewed sense of anticipation. It was time to explore the skills of his new golem.


    [Name: ckthorn - Shadowbark Titan]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Tier: 5]N?v(el)B\\jnn


    [Level: 225]


    [Skills - 4]


    [Abyssal Cleave (Active Skill): Swings the massive greatsword, delivering a powerful blow that can cut through dimensions, creating a rift that damages anything in its path.] [Tendrils of the Abyss (Conditional Passive Skill): The golem''s presence causes dark, shadowy vines to sprout from the ground around it when enemies are nearby. These vines root and ensnare enemies, significantly reducing their movement speed and attacking them with the shadow vines.]


    [Abyssal Scorpion Tail (Conditional Active Skill): The golem transforms part of its body, growing a massive, articted scorpion tail infused with shadow energy. This deadly appendage can be used for powerful melee attacks and has the capability to inject a lethal poison that weakens and damages enemies over time.]


    [Symbiotic Armor (Conditional Active Skill): The golem''s body can open up to allow a person to step inside, effectively bing a living suit of armor. This symbiotic rtionship enhances both the golem''s and the person''s abilities,bining their strengths and skills for superiorbat performance.]


    The first skill, Abyssal Cleave, seemed incredibly focused on dealing massive damage. It harnessed the Dimensional Element of the Moonstone to create a devastatingly powerful attack. ording to the description, the golem could deliver a mighty blow that would carve a rift, ravaging anything caught in its path.


    Broken gulped as he read the details, then shared the skill information with Freya.


    "Damn, Broken, your golem is seriously overpowered. This is one of the most incredible skills I''ve ever seen. It uses the moonstones remarkably well."


    Broken chuckled at her reaction. "Imagine if the Moonvine Knuckles had a skill like this. It would be even more extraordinary."


    "But," Freya interjected, "the mana usage and cooldown aren''t clearly specified. I suspect it will consume a lot of stamina, so I suggest setting this skill to be used only when absolutely


    necessary."


    "Understood," Broken agreed, nodding thoughtfully.


    The next skill, Tendrils of the Abyss, reminded Broken of the shadow abilities used by uros. However, this skill appeared to be more passive, automatically targeting enemies in the vicinity, unlike uros''s skill, which seemed to be more controble by its user. Despite its passive nature, Tendrils of the Abyss provided the golem with a significant advantage on the battlefield. The golem could be sent intobat alone, easily handling numerous adversaries due to its substantial damage output and potential for area effect damage.


    "The second skill isn''t as extraordinary as the first," Broken muttered to himself, though he couldn''t deny the utility of having a golem that could defend itself against multiple opponents at once. Even so, its ability to ensnare and poison enemies made it a formidable


    ally in battle.


    The third skill, Abyssal Scorpion Tail, caught his attention. The golem could grow a scorpion tail and use it inbat, injecting a deadly poison.


    The scorpion tail was clearly connected to the Monster Soul Stone he had used from the Scorched Scorpion, manifesting in this powerful form. Quite satisfying, indeed.


    With this, the golem had a plethora of offensive options. It could fight with the greatsword while using the shadow tendrils to disrupt and ensnare nearby enemies. Additionally, it had


    the scorpion tail for quick, venomous strikes.


    It really was a deadly golem!


    And thest skill seemed to be the realization of its Tier 5 upgrade: the golem could allow someone to enter its body andbine their strength and skills. Essentially, the golem could be piloted like a giant robot, controlled from within. Broken was intrigued and eager to try it -out.


    "Now you can be Golem Man with this skill, Broken," Freya said with a chuckle. Brokenughed softly. "I think this golem is too perfect for my first one," he said, giggling.


    "You could always write aint letter and send it to your sugar mommy," she teased,


    chuckling.


    "Ah, Goddess Akidia. It''s been a while since I''ve gotten an email from her," he murmured


    quietly.


    He grinned andmanded the golem to activate its fourth skill. The chest of the golem opened up, revealing an interior space. Without hesitation, Broken leaped inside and positioned himself in what looked like the interior of a capsule device. Once he settled in, the


    armor closed around him.


    [Activating Symbiotic Armor. You can now move and utilize the full senses of the ckthorn - Shadowbark Titan.]


    As the notification appeared, Broken suddenly felt a significant shift in his perspective, towering above everything. From his new vantage point, Freya appeared tiny before him.


    "Hi, Freya," he rumbled. His voice, now deep and resonant, echoed like that of a colossal


    gori.


    Freya couldn''t help butugh. "This is so weird," she said, amused.


    Broken bent down, reaching out to pick up Freya''s small frame, which he could easily hold in


    one hand. Sheughed even harder, yfully pping at his massive hand. "What are you doing, Broken? Be more gentle, okay!"


    He gently ced Freya on the golem''s shoulder. "Let''s go. Free ride to Slumdon Town," he announced, starting to move with the giant golem''s body.

 Chapter 285: Chapter 285 - Do You Have any Friends?

    Chapter 285: - Do You Have any Friends?


    ?


    It was a Saturday morning, and Leon had ns to go on a trip using the new home bus he had received from Northstar. He stepped out of his room feeling quite refreshed after a good


    night''s sleep, thanks to his excitement over a remarkable new acquisition in his game-a


    magnificent golem he could control like a giant robot. The euphoria from this recent addition hadn''t worn off yet.


    He headed towards the kitchen where Lily was having breakfast. She waved him over.


    "Leon, there''s something interesting," she said.


    Leon quickly joined her at the dining table.


    "Look," she showed him her phone. "People are buzzing about a new statue in Slumdon Town. They''re posting pictures, and it''s making a lot of folks want to see it in person."


    Leon nced at the posts, seeing people posing with the golem statue he had ced near the city gate. He read through the onlinements, amused by their reactions.


    "Damn, the statue is so cool! Can it move?"


    "Since when did Slumdon Town have a statue like this?"


    "Maybe they''ve got a legendary sculptor there? That statue is awesome."


    "Could it be a golem thates to life to fend off troublemakers? Hahaha!"


    "But why is the Baron prioritizing statues over housing?"


    Leon chuckled at thements.


    "The statue looks amazing," Lily remarked, giggling. "Who made it? Why is something like that suddenly in Slumdon?"


    "It''s a golem," Leon responded casually.


    Lily dropped her spoon in surprise. "What? A golem? You mean it can move and attack people?"


    "Yes. It''s a golem with over level 200 and it''s Legendary-grade," he continued.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "What? Where did you get such a high-level, high-grade golem? You just got something cool and then you get something extraordinary again?" she said, chuckling.


    "That was a reward I received during a dungeon expedition with Elincia and the others."


    "And they just gave you the golem? What did they get out of it?"


    "No, it''s not like that. The golem has a high grade because of my skills, and I spent a lot-a real lot of resources on it," he said, letting out a heavy sigh.


    "From your response, it sounds like you spent a ton of money?"


    "A lot, but luckily I got everything from the game, so I don''t feel too bad about it."


    "You got a Legendary-grade as a result. I''d say that''s more than worth it," Lily noted. Leon simply nodded in agreement.


    They nned to spend the night camping with their new home bus, enjoying a weekend getaway. However, since Freya couldn''t join them, it ended up being just Leon, Lily, and Alfred.


    After finishing breakfast, they quickly changed clothes. Leon stepped out of his room to find Lily already ready with a suitcase by her side.


    "We need a suitcase?" he asked quietly.


    "Who knows what we might need, right? I bought some essentials and put them in the home bus. This is just a bit of extra clothes for you and me," she said.


    "Thanks. Let''s go."


    They headed to the hotel parking lot and entered the magnificent home bus. Alfred was already waiting and soon drove the home bus out of the hotel area.


    Leon chose to sit in the front next to Alfred, while Lily took a seat behind him, enjoying the morning scenery of the city. They could clearly see the amazed looks from onlookers, captivated by the luxurious and grand home bus.


    "You''re smiling," Lily observed.


    Leon didn''t respond, simply continuing to enjoy the moment.


    "Do you feel proud that people are noticing you?" Lily asked.


    Leon chuckled lightly. "They''re admiring the home bus, not the people inside it."


    "But it''s yours. You own itpletely," she insisted.


    Leon nodded slowly, still in awe of everything he now possessed. It all had happened so quickly. It was hard to believe that it had only been two months since everything began. Yes, just two months in the real world. In those two months, six months had passed in the game. It was a significant amount of time when experienced within the game, even though it felt brief in the real world.


    This was a unique experience only avable to those who yed Immortal Legacy. Did that mean a person would mature faster mentally if they continued ying this game? Maturity is supposed to develop with time, isn''t it?


    A 15-year-old who yed Immortal Legacy for two years would have essentially an extra four years of life experience within the game.


    The journey didn''t take long-about two hours-but it was an incrediblyfortable trip thanks to the exceptional home bus. Sitting inside, they didn''t feel a single bump; the ride was so smooth that anyone within the bus would naturally feel inclined to rest or even doze


    off.


    Their destination was a simple camping ground surrounded by small streams. They had reserved thergest spot, perfect for their needs. Despite it being early November, and snow beginning to gently fall, nothing could dampen their spirits or their excitement for the short getaway.


    Upon arrival, Leon and Lily stepped off the home bus, immediately taking in the serene surroundings. The crisp air, the soft murmur of the streams, and the nket of snow starting to cover the ground made for an enchanting scene. They wandered around, exploring and admiring the natural beauty.


    Every now and then, Lily would sidle up to Leon and take his hand.


    "What are you doing?" he asked.


    "Just being a little sister," she replied with a giggle.


    Their exploration eventually led them to a quaint caf¨¦ on the camping ground. They settled intofortable chairs, enjoying warm beverages and the peaceful atmosphere. Much of their time was spent inpanionable silence, each lost in their thoughts but sharing a mutual appreciation for the tranquility surrounding them.


    Lily took a deep breath of the fresh air and exhaled slowly. Then, she smiled and grinned. "This is really nice. Next time, we should invite Freya, or maybe Hazel too."


    Leon nodded slightly. "We can n another vacation next time."


    "You should invite your friends too. Do you have any friends?"


    Leon paused when he heard the word "friends."


    "Freya is my friend," he said after a moment.


    Lily giggled at his response. "Freya is a friend, but she''s also your colleague, right? I''m talking about friends from campus. Do you have any there?"


    Leon was silent for a moment, realizing that he didn''t really have anyone he could call a close friend. He knew some people from various activities and around the campus, but no one he


    was especially close to.


    "Laura?" he said quietly after some thought.


    "Yes, she''s your friend, right?" Lily replied, still giggling. "She''s your ex, but you said you


    would stay friends, didn''t you?"


    "Yes," Leon confirmed.


    "We should invite her to our ce, or maybe just hang out together. I''m sure Laura could use


    some friends since she just moved back to the city, right?"


    Leon shook his head slightly. "Laura is originally from this city, and she''s quite popr¡ªI''m


    sure she has plenty of friends."


    "But still, invite her. I''m sure she''d appreciate it," Lily insisted.


    Leon pondered her words for a moment, then nodded.

 Chapter 286: Chapter 286 - Slumdon’s Official Team

    Chapter 286: - Slumdon¡¯s Official Team


    ?


    It was the much-anticipated evening. Everyone had gathered again in the meeting room at the House of Slumdon. Tonight, they would decide on the official members involved in the development of Slumdon Town. Freya and Booba were already present, as were


    RememberMe, PussyCat, and Forev, along with members of the Ass Guild. Some hade in person, while others joined remotely.


    After a thorough discussion and registration process, the final results were in. Out of the thirteen members of the Ass Guild, ten had taken part in the financial contribution offered by Broken. Skywarden, Trison, and Kingsley had opted out.


    Skywarden''s reason for refusal was that he still couldn''t trust Broken. Trison was always too drunk to pay attention when asked, and Kingsley simply didn''t have the finances to join in.


    "Thank you, Broken, for understanding my situation," Kingsley said. "But I still want to contribute and have a role in this city to help you develop it," he added.


    "No, it''s alright. I am grateful for your eagerness to assist in building this city," Broken responded with a nod.


    [Town Name: Slumdon]


    [Mayor: Broken]


    [Overall Score: F - The town was in an incredibly poor condition; it seemed almost entirely destroyed and beyond salvation. However, there had been some progress madetely that had a positive effect on the town''s recovery.]


    [Deputy Mayor: Freya]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    [Town Councils: Elincia, Maylock, Goldrich]


    [Economic Advisor: Goldrich]


    [Town nner: Livelywood]


    [Master Builder: Charmelyn]


    [Security Captain: Maylock]


    [Agricultural Supervisor: Charmelyn]


    [Market Master: Elincia]


    [Educational Director: Melliandra]


    [Medic or Healer: Starfall]


    [Resource Manager: Toberry]


    [Technologist: Goldrich]


    [Diplomat: Elincia]


    [Animal Keeper: Jovina]


    After everyone hade to an agreement on the ns and how tasks would be divided among the team, Optimus from the Ass Guild, who had participated in the fund contribution, declined to take part in any of the team''s activities.


    "Sorry, but I''m not good at these kinds of things, Broken. But I''ll always be there if you need someone to call on in a battle or war, haha," he exined.


    Broken was amazed to find out that he had received a total of 7,500 Gold Coins. It was a substantial amount, with great value if converted into real currency. He never expected to hold such an impressive number of Gold Coins.


    "Broken," Booba said loudly. "Why don''t you give me any role? Do you think I''m useless?"


    "You certainly are useless!" Elincia interjected. "You better focus on your level so you don''t be a burden to us."


    Booba clicked his tongue. "Do you think I can''t level up because I''m busy building this city?" "Yes! Absolutely!" Elincia retorted.


    "Booba," Broken responded calmly. "I think Elincia''s opinion is right. I will assign you a role once you''re ready with your level."


    "All right, all right. I can''t argue with that, hahaha," Booba said, turning to all the Ass Guild members. "Don''t be surprised if, in the near future, I overtake all your levels, hahaha." "Dream on, asshole!" Melliandra shot back.


    "I''m still surprised that someone without a brain like you is among us, Booba," Jovina said with augh.


    They began joking and teasing each other. Once the room settled down, Broken continued, "Does anyone have any other concerns?"


    RememberMe raised his hand. "Master," he said, "why don''t you immediately formalize the new guild you n to create?"


    Broken turned to RememberMe, a bit surprised by the question, as it was something he hadn''t nned to address so soon.


    "I think everyone wants to hear the answer to that question too, Broken. Haha, how long do you n to stay guild-less? Just join us or create your own guild, haha," Jovina said loudly.


    "Join The Ass Guild! I think you''re not that useless to be a part of us," Melliandra responded, though she averted her gaze.


    "Do you think recruiting people into the guild is something that can be decided so easily?" Skywarden interjected.


    "Indeed," Elincia responded. "I think you are qualified enough to join our guild," she said. "But I understand there are many considerations to take into ount if you decide to do it. However, I want you to know that we''ve discussed this before, and we don''t mind if you want to join our guild, Broken."


    "Elincia, why do you sound like we''re begging him to join us? We''re not that desperate," Skywarden retorted.


    "Khi khi khi," Goldrich chuckled. "I''m sure we''ve discussed this before, Skywarden. Although not everyone agreed at the time."


    "We''re a guild with elite members!" Maylock chimed in. "At least, that''s our reputation. In reality, we''re a guild built on a shared agreement and vision formed a long time ago. You don''t need to be elite to join this guild; you just need the desire to progress and grow relentlessly."


    "Khi khi khi, I see you really want Broken to join us, don''t you, Maylock?" Goldrich added with a chuckle.


    "Yeah, hahaha," Jovina said, echoing the sentiment. "Look at that drunken fool Trison. He doesn''t have a single ''elite'' bone in his body. Or someone as dumb as Toberry. He''s not elite. And if you think every member of the guild is rich, just look at Kingsley-he''s broke, hahaha." "Watch your words, Jovina!" Melliandra eximed, clearly irritated. "That''s Kingsley you''re talking about!"


    "It''s okay, Melliandra," Kingsley interjected. "She''s only trying to make a point to Broken about our situation. And I am indeed not as wealthy as the others."


    "Ch, damn you, Jovina!" Melliandra spat.


    "I''m not the least bit interested in joining your guild, The Ass Guild," RememberMe said firmly. "Therefore, I support Master Broken in creating his own guild, and I''ll join him."


    "Who said we''re offering you to join our guild, dumbass!" Melliandra snorted. "We don''t even know who you are!"


    "It seems that RememberMe is as stupid as your brother, Elincia. Haha, I guess if webine the two of you, we''d get one normal person-stupid times stupid equals normal. Hahaha!" Jovina remarked,ughing.


    "Who said I''m stupid?" Booba eximed. "I''m a world champion, a great warrior. I could easily beat Livelywood if I were at the same level as him."


    Livelywood simply smiled at Booba''s words. "I will dly duel you, Booba, when the time


    comes."


    Broken observed the group, amazed by the atmosphere around him. Everyone was so


    encouraging. It was a stark contrast to what he was ustomed to. He really couldn''t even think about joining a guild or starting a new one. There were just too many things he had to do right now. Many tasks were pending, and other various matters were still awaiting his attention. He needed to finish everything one by one before he could even consider anything


    about the guild.


    "I''ll definitely think about it," Broken replied, drawing everyone''s attention back to him. "But I want to join a guild with Booba, RememberMe, PussyCat, Forev, and Freya. None of us have a guild yet. Asking them to join me in joining the Ass Guild wouldn''t be very polite. "Besides, I''m not ready to lead others. I''ve always been a lone wolf, and I don''t really know how to manage people. I haven''t even thought about starting my own guild just yet. Give me some time until I return from my expedition to the Wildwood."


    "Take your time, Broken." Goldrich said.


    Once everything had been discussed and agreed upon, Broken quickly shifted his thoughts back to his tasks. "Let''s get back to work!" he said, then promptly exited the room. "Isn''t there anything else in his head besides work?" Goldrich chuckled as Broken left the


    room.


    "He isn''t a yer, but an NPC designed to look like a yer by the system," Maylock


    commented.


    "Haha, don''t worry, I can confirm he''s a real person," RememberMe added with augh. "Freya knows him well; they even share a house and sleep in the same ce."


    "RememberMe!" Freya interrupted sharply. "Could you not say things that might cause


    misunderstandings?"


    "So he''s not only an expert with women in games but in real life too?" Elincia remarked with a


    smirk.


    "He is such a pervert! I knew it!" Melliandra eximed.


    "Khi khi khi. I underestimated that young man. Turns out he''s secretly a bit of a womanizer,"


    Goldrich responded.


    "It''s wonderful to be young," Maylock sighed. "If only I were still single, I might also take


    advantage of my youth by dating more women."


    "Maylock, you are so disgusting!" Melliandra shouted.

 Chapter 287: Chapter 287 - Incoming Orders

    Chapter 287: - Iing Orders


    ?


    Three weeks passed swiftly in Slumdon Town, and each day was brimming with hectic and strenuous activities. Broken found himself working closely with numerous people, particrly the NPCs, who often caused chaos due to theirck of work ethic. He quickly realized that even in this world, control couldn''t be maintained by money alone.


    He frequently stepped in to oversee the construction processes across various parts of the town. He also had to deal with city security issues, such as thefts and other criminal activities. Additionally, he asionally had to handle unruly yers who purposely caused disturbances in the town.


    The golem he had stationed within the city wall near the city gate now stood proudly on a tform, looking every bit like a grand statue-an icon of the town. Because of this impressive golem, yers traveling through the desert to reach Keseon Kingdom often detoured to Slumdon Town just to snap a photo with the now-famous town icon, which had gone viral on the inte.


    They had no idea it was an actual golem capable of movement andbat. The thought made Broken chuckle to himself.


    The construction of the renovated homes was showing visible progress, with many nearingpletion. New residential buildings were still being polished up. The city wall was also undergoing improvements, though it was still not sturdy enough and would require significant upgrades to effectively serve its purpose of protecting the town from potential monster attacks.


    asionally, Broken took the time to stroll through the now more vibrant streets of the town. This time, he was apanied by Yara, who kept pace with his long strides with quick steps of her own.


    "The town is really starting to attract more visitors, My Lord," Yara said.


    "Yes, I can see that. But the construction is far from finished, Yara. They''re mostly here to take pictures with the gori statue, and then they leave shortly after," he replied, a slight frown creasing his brow.


    "But at least it shows positive development, My Lord, and I love it. I truly do," she said.


    "Really?" Broken turned to her. "Thanks, Yara."


    "Uh," Yara''s face suddenly flushed with embarrassment. "No, My Lord, that''s not what I meant. I meant, uh, the city."


    "Oh, not me?" he teased.


    "My Lord, yes, you too. But, uh, no, that''s not what I meant," she stammered, trying to correct herself. "Yes I love it, no, you. no, I mean."


    Broken chuckled softly and gave a gentle pat on her back, urging her to keep up the pace. Despite her shorter stature, only reaching his shoulder, she did her best to match his stride. "Let''s go," he said with a smile.


    They made their way towards the golem, an impressive sight that had drawn a noticeable crowd of yers who were eagerly queuing for their turn to take photos. Anna, who was on duty, diligently tried to maintain order and ensure the line remained straight.


    Broken realized he urgently needed to recruit more knights to protect the town. This became a top priority for him, especially considering that their current numbers were insufficient. He had previously recruited a few, but the number was still too small, and they were all undergoing training under Maylock, who took the role as the Security Captain.


    He knew that he needed to conduct another selection process, giving the townspeople who missed the first opportunity a chance to participate. By doing so, he hoped to find more workers with quality talents.


    "Yara, I need you to inform Igor that I want another recruitment drive in two days, at the same ce asst time. This time, prioritize those with talent in guarding," he instructed. "Yes, My Lord," Yara nodded.


    "Meet me again in my studyter, okay?" he added.


    "Understood, My Lord."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Broken made his way back to the House of Slumdon, aware of the numerous priorities demanding his attention before their departure to Twisted Wood to hunt for the Eternal me.


    One particrly pressing matter was his need to meet with Marlene from the Shadow Wolves guild to discuss the demon egg he had acquired afterpleting the Trial Domain. He had recently added Subaru to his friend list and was nning to meet them outside the city in a few days.


    His schedule was relentless. Responsibilities andmitments consistently ovepped, creating an overwhelming workload. With so much on his te, the thought of hiring someone to manage his schedule and administrative tasks began to seem like a necessity rather than a luxury.


    His idle thoughts suggested he needed a personal secretary, someone dedicated to organizing his appointments and agenda-tasks Freya was already too upied with to take on herself. After arriving at the House of Slumdon, Broken quickly turned and walked towards the back area of the house, where the cksmith workshop was located. The building looked much better than before; the door had been repaired, and the damaged parts were now neatly fixed. Smoke billowed out of the small building''s window, indicating that Ingolf, the only cksmith he had hired, was hard at work inside.


    There were now two workstations set up in separate rooms. This arrangement allowed Ingolf to work without interruption, while Broken could also carry out his cksmith activities in the other room.


    He opened the door and stepped in. Ingolf immediately noticed him and paused his work.


    "No, please continue," Broken said.


    "Yes, My Lord," Ingolf replied, resuming his task.


    Broken had been postponing something for a long time-upgrading all of his equipment. Although the Enchantment Stones needed for upgrades could be easily purchased from the equipment store or auctions, he needed them inrge quantities. So he had asked Ingolf to assist him and handle the work.


    He nned to focus on upgrading the equipment to +6 or +9, aiming to y it safe, which would require a substantial amount of materials.


    In reality, equipment could be upgraded up to +18, which could increase the status value of the gear by 63%. That was a massive boost, especially for a Legendary-grade piece of equipment. However, the higher the grade, the more difficult the upgrade process became, with a higher chance of failure.


    They needed something called Enchantment Stones to upgrade the equipment from +1 to +9, and they needed Blessed Stones to upgrade from +10 to +18. The difference in their creationy mainly in the materials required. Enchantment Stones only needed iron, while Blessed Stones required both iron and steel.


    But before Broken had a chance to check how many Enchantment Stones Ingolf had


    completed, he received a private message from Freya.


    [Freya: The guest you''ve been waiting for has finally arrived.]


    [Broken: Guest? Who?]


    [Freya: A guest from the pce.]


    Pce? No way.


    [Broken: Princess Alora?]


    [Freya: Hahaha, I knew that''s what you''d think. No, it''s Knight Lionell. He brought your order. Blueprints, right? They are waiting inside the House of Slumdon.]


    [Broken: Wait, I''ll be there.]


    Blueprints! These were the blueprints he had asked Princess Alora to help him find. He was


    curious about what Knight Lionell had brought. Hearing this, he realized he might need to adjust his schedule, as he could end up locking himself in for several weeks or months to work on new projects. He sighed but couldn''t help smiling.

 Chapter 288: Chapter 288 - Cragstorm Sword

    Chapter 288: - Cragstorm Sword


    ?


    Broken entered the spacious sitting room, where a Knight Lionell satfortably on a plush sofa, waiting patiently. As soon as Lionell noticed Broken''s arrival, he stood up and saluted him warmly.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Please, Sir Lionell, I am deeply honored by your visit," he said with a genuine smile.


    Both men then took their seats again. In the same room stood a couple of other knights, their postures attentive and respectful.


    "I''ve noticed some very positive developments in this town," Lionell remarked.


    "That''s mymitment as the Baron, Sir Lionell," Broken responded humbly. "I''m merely doing my duty."


    With an expression that remainedposed and steady, Lionell retrieved a wooden chest brought by one of the apanying knights and ced it carefully on the table between them.


    "Her Highness, Princess Alora, has prepared several blueprints ording to your requests," Lionell exined. "Additionally, she has included others that she believes might prove useful to you as well."


    Broken''s face lit up with a smile. "I cannot express enough thanks to Her Highness," he said sincerely.


    "Her Highness has a newmission for her sword. But we''ve had trouble getting the materials for two swords to craft. So instead, she''s decided to give you the materials for a greatsword as your reward."


    "A greatsword?" Broken eximed.


    He had never discussed a greatsword with Alora, but she had given him this type of weapon. Nheless, the prospect of acquiring a new type of weapon always amused him. Not only would it diversify his arsenal, but mastering the greatsword could also bestow him with new skills.


    "Please, let me know if you need further assistance from me or from Her Highness," Lionell offered.


    "No, Sir Lionell, I''ve already received ample support," Broken replied. "Thank you."


    Lionell signaled to the other knights, who then moved forward, bringing the chest closer to Broken.


    "Inside this chest, you will find the materials for both the sword and the greatsword," Lionell exined.


    "Thank you."


    Lionell then stood up, and Broken followed. He saluted.


    "Baron Broken, it''s been a pleasure visiting Slumdon Town," Lionell said. "We''ll send envoys every two weeks to see if you need any help with themission or anything else. Please keep us updated on your progress. But Her Highness mentioned you should align the schedule with your own. Don''t overwork yourself."


    "Thank you, Sir Lionell."


    With that, Broken apanied Lionell and the other knights back to their carriage. They quickly departed from Slumdon Town. It was a very short visit. Even so, to deliver the blueprints, a Knight Grand Cross himself hade to see him.


    Just how valuable were these blueprints?


    Freya was waiting for Broken in the living room when he returned to the House of Slumdon.


    "Hi, Mr. Baron. Did the visit live up to your expectations?" she asked with a giggle.


    Broken grinned. "Come on, Freya. Do you want to see the blueprints I got from Princess Alora?"


    Freya quickly followed Broken as they took the elevator to his study.


    "The Knight Lionell himself came to deliver these items to you. I''m sure the other royals will dislike you even more if they find out," Freya remarked.


    Broken fell silent for a moment, contemting. The status of a Knight Grand Cross was indeed that high. Their power was something only the best could handle. Knights of that rank had a reputation so esteemed, they were on par with the kingdom''s top officials. They led great battles and were revered as heroes.


    Yet, someone like Knight Lionell, a Knight Grand Cross and the guardian of Princess Alora, hade to personally deliver his order. Just imagining it was wonderful enough, and now it had actually happened to him.


    Amazing, he thought, as the reality of the situation began to sink in.


    "I guess I''m important enough to merit this kind of treatment," he said, jokingly. "You''re growing more arrogant by the day, Mr. Sloth. Remember, you''re sloth, not pride."


    "At this rate, you''vebeled me with almost all the seven sins, Freya."


    "Yes, you''d even fit Mr. Lust for asking an underage girl to apany you in the bath."


    "That''s a misunderstanding, enough," Broken replied.


    Once they reached Broken''s study, he retrieved a chest from his Inventory and ced it on the desk.


    "This might be your chance to craft another Legendary-grade item, I think."


    "How certain are you that these blueprints are of such high grade?"


    Freya giggled again. "I''m pretty sure Princess Alora knows just how skilled you are as a cksmith. She''s not clueless, right? Even a Knight Grand Cross delivered this package, so it must be quite valuable."


    "I hope so. Or should I say, it sure is?"


    "Good enough, Mr. Pride," Freya teased.


    Broken pulled out the blueprints andid them on the table; there were seven in total.


    [Cragstorm Sword Blueprint]


    [Grade: Elite ~ Legendary]


    [Gravestone Greatsword Blueprint]


    [Grade: Elite Legendary]


    [Woond Ranger Helmet Blueprint]


    [Grade: Rare - Unique]


    [Woond Ranger Armor Blueprint]


    [Grade: Rare - Unique]


    [Woond Ranger Breeches Blueprint]


    [Grade: Rare Unique]


    [Woond Ranger Boots Blueprint]


    [Grade: Rare Unique]


    [Woond Ranger Gloves Blueprint]


    [Grade: Rare - Unique]


    "A sword, a greatsword, and an archer set," Freya said excitedly. "And just as I thought, both


    the weapons have a chance to be a Legendary-grade item. Plus, they even provided the


    materials for you."


    "Yes, but there''s something that puzzles me," Broken replied. "Both weapon blueprints require an Expert Rank cksmith. Princess Alora is really confident that I''m at Expert Rank? Even the Wavebreaker Spear only needed an Advanced Rank."


    "Like I said, she''s not that clueless," Freya said. "Especially after spending quite a bit of time together in the Trial Domain. Who knows, maybe you identally let it slip?"


    "No, I don''t remember mentioning my cksmith rank to her. But it''s fine. I don''t have a problem if she knows," he replied.


    "You sound so sure. I wonder what kind of things you two went through in the Trial Domain, Mr. yboy? Did you perhaps promise to marry her if you got her out safely?"


    "How do you know?" Broken asked, his face expressionless.


    "So it''s true?" Freyaughed.


    "That''s not your problem," he said, focusing again on the blueprints.


    "Tell me if it''s true, Broken," she insisted, shaking his shoulders yfully.


    But he didn''t answer.


    Two of the weapon blueprints Broken received had the potential to produce Legendary-grade items, and he truly hoped at least one would turn out that way. This would significantly advance his quest. He needed to craft three more Legendary-grade items to upgrade his cksmith ss to Legendary, and the prospect excited him.


    Moreover, if he seeded in forging a Legendary-grade sword, it would help Princess Alora defend herself even better. Despite having the Invincible Paragon armor, she would be even stronger with a fitting weapon.


    In case of an emergency, Broken still had an ace up his sleeve: the Item Grade Enhancer Ticket. This ticket could elevate the grade of an item, and he nned to use it on the bow he got from Freya. This was due to the enormous potential damage it could produce using his bow skills, particrly with his Explosive Arrow and Sniper''s Focus abilities.


    But wait, it turned out he had overlooked something. There was one more blueprint that he


    had missed.


    [Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe Blueprint]

 Chapter 289: Chapter 289 - The Art of Equipment Upgrade

    Chapter 289: - The Art of Equipment Upgrade


    ?


    [Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe Blueprint]


    [Grade: Elite - Legendary]


    [To craft this item, you will need Steel, Titanium, and a Monster Core from a desert-dwelling monster.]


    [A hidden feature has been discovered in this blueprint: adding an extra Monster Soul Stone from a desert-dwelling monster can provide a unique upgrade to the Pickaxe.]N?v(el)B\\jnn


    [Crafting this item requires the skill of an Expert cksmith.]


    It was a blueprint he had hoped to possess the blueprint for a battle pickaxe. And it truly exceeded his expectations, even containing a hidden feature.


    The pickaxe required a desert-dwelling monster core and a monster soul stone, which he happened to have from his dungeon expedition with Elincia. That expedition had brought back many incredible items for him.


    He showed the blueprint to Freya.


    She sighed. "How could you miss something this remarkable? Are you sure this is everything?"


    "Yes, I''m sure," he confirmed.


    "So it''s true, there are three blueprints of such value. It makes sense why Knight Lionell delivered them personally," Freya said.


    Broken nodded with a smile. "Yeah, and for some reason, I''m really happy about it. I didn''t expect to get the Unique-ss Rift Digger at all. It''s got some cool skills. I can''t help but wonder what new abilities I can unlock as I keep training with this ss."


    "Yes, a miner ss is truly something extraordinary, especially whenbined with your cksmith ss. Acquiring more rare minerals means more money as well. You need to work really hard to take full advantage of everything you have," she said.


    Broken quickly made his way back to the cksmith workshop to check on Ingolf''s progress with the enchantment stones.


    Enchantment Stones and Blessed Stones were categorized into three qualities: low, medium, and high. Each quality directly affected the sess rate of upgrades. The higher the quality of the stone used, the greater the chances of a sessful upgrade. This made high-quality stones especially valuable, as they significantly reduced the risk of failure during the enchantment process.


    The number of stones needed for each upgrade varied: 3 enchantment stones for +1 to +3, 6 stones for +4 to +6, and 9 stones for +7 to +9. However, it reset to 3 Blessed stones for +10 to +12, continuing with the same pattern.


    As the quality went up, so did the number of stones needed. But there were also some conveniences in upgrading equipment. Every three upgrades were considered safe upgrades. So, once the upgrade reached +3 or its multiples, the chance of the upgrade level dropping was very low, practically safe. Because of that, many yers aimed to stop at these milestone multiples of three.


    Consequently, Enchantment Stones and Blessed Stones were highly valuable items because almost every yer needed them. The upgrades provided significant percentage increases- up to 18% for +9, and up to 63% for +18. Naturally, the higher the upgrade level, the greater the benefits, but also the higher the cost and risk.


    Up to +3, the increase was 1% for each level. After that, it jumped to 2% for each level up to +6. Then, the increase went up by 1% every three levels. It eventually capped at a 6% increase from +16 to +18. With the overall increase from +1 to +18 adding up to 63%, it was truly a huge boost! This was especially amazing for higher-level and higher-grade equipment.


    But what if someone wants to change their gear, like their armor or weapon? Would they have to go through this process all over again? Not entirely, because upgrades can be transferred to gear of the same type. For instance, a sword''s upgrade can be moved to another sword, and chest armor upgrades can be transferred to another chest armor. However, there''s a chance the upgrade level might drop by up to three levels during the transfer. Even so, it''s still a good deal because they won''t have to start upgrading from scratch every time.


    But again, only those aiming for the highest levels of gamey really push their equipment upgrades all the way to +18. The cost of buying enchantment stones is enormous, especially as the level and grade of the equipment increase.


    Because of all these reasons, Broken needed help from Ingolf. Producing enchantment stones by himself resulted in a very small quantity of low-quality stones-nowhere near enough to upgrade all of his equipment. He focused on producing the medium-quality and high-quality stones, while Ingolf mainly worked on the low-quality and medium-quality ones.


    He quickly checked the number of enchantment stones Ingolf had produced over the past few weeks. His priority was to upgrade the Invincible Paragon armor to +9 and do the same for all his essential weapons. The higher the upgrade level, the more stones were needed, and the chances of failure-even resulting in a downgrade-increased.


    Broken carefullyid out his Invincible Paragon set on the table, aligning each piece meticulously. Ingolf paused his work, eyes narrowing with curiosity.


    "Are you certain we have enough enchantment stones, My Lord?" Ingolf questioned. "Typically, this number of stones is only enough for two or three pieces of armor, particrly when we''re dealing with a set as high grade as yours. This won''t be easy, I''m afraid," he added. "What''s more, enhancing a weapon is significantly trickier than upgrading armor, all the more so with your Legendary-grade weapons."


    Broken chuckled softly. "Don''t worry about it. We just need to give it a shot and make more enchantment stones if we have to," he said with a confident smile. "Besides, a friend of mine once told me I''m blessed by the gods, so my luck is exceptionally good."


    [Invincible Paragon Gloves]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Strength +50


    Attack Speed +70


    Defense +200]


    Broken took a note of the current stats forparison with the final results, aiming to upgrade at least to +9.


    The process was straightforward: all he had to do was ce the stone on the equipment, and the enchantment feature would activate and handle the upgrade automatically.


    [Spend 3 Enchantment Stones to Upgrade Invincible Paragon Gloves to +1?]


    He watched with bated breath as the numbers changed-+1.


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading Invincible Paragon Gloves to +1.]


    He continued with the process, watching intently. +2, then another attempt¡ªa failure-and


    it stayed at +2.


    He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. His hands were trembling; the fact that he had failed even at +2 was disheartening. Ingolf watched him intently.


    Broken resumed upgrading the gloves. +3, +4, failed, failed, +5, failed back to +4.


    He halted again, feeling his hands itch with frustration.


    "You should take a break, My Lord. Or the results might be worse," Ingolf suggested.


    But Broken ignored him and continued.


    He kept upgrading the shoes. +5, +6, +7, +8.


    Ingolf''s eyes widened in amazement as he watched the smooth process unfold. He swallowed


    hard, clearly taken aback. "I''ve never seen such seamless upgrading before," he muttered in


    disbelief.

 Chapter 290: Chapter 290 - Majestic Blue Aura

    Chapter 290: - Majestic Blue Aura


    ?


    Broken remained silent, still riding the adrenaline and joy from sessfully upgrading the gloves four times in a row. Now, they sat at +8. He turned to look at Ingolf. "What do you think, Ingolf?"


    Ingolf''s eyes widened with awe. "My Lord, this is the smoothest +8 upgrade I''ve ever seen in my entire career as a cksmith. If it were up to me, I''d stop at +8 for now and use the remaining resources on the other equipment."


    "But isn''t +9 the safe point?"


    Ingolf gave a hesitant smile. "Yes, My Lord."


    Broken responded with a confident smile and decided to continue with the upgrade. With a single attempt, he sessfully boosted the gloves to +9.


    Ingolf visibly exhaled a sigh of relief; this was the most intense yet rewarding upgrade he had ever witnessed.


    "I must say, your friend''s words about your overwhelming luck seem to be true, My Lord. But do you think you can achieve the same with the other armor pieces?"


    [+9 Invincible Paragon Gloves]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Strength +59


    Attack Speed +82


    Defense +236]


    Broken smiled and stored the gloves back into his inventory. "Let''s work on the other pieces now, Ingolf," he said.


    Broken decided to take a new approach with the remaining pieces of the Invincible Armor set. He focused on upgrading them all to +6 first before attempting to go any higher. He started with the helmet. +1, +2, +3, failed, failed, +4, failed back to +3.


    Broken paused for a moment. Upgrading was proving to be less smooth than he had hoped, even with his cksmith skills and good Luck status he had.


    "Still, the upgrades you''ve done are remarkable, My Lord," Ingolf said.


    Broken smiled, took a deep breath, and continued working on the helmet until he finally reached +6, though he had to use more enchantment stones than before.


    Next, he proceeded with the shoes, and after several attempts, he also managed to get them to +6. He repeated the process with the armor chest, encountering even more difficulty this time. He spent almost twice as many enchantment stonespared to the other pieces, likely due to its Unique-grade status.


    Pushing through, he used nearly all the remaining Medium-Quality enchantment stones, and after a tense effort, he finally upgraded every piece to +6. He sighed in relief and turned to Ingolf with a satisfied smile.


    "That was truly nerve-wracking, My Lord," Ingolf said with a chuckle.


    "Yes, but we nearly used up all the enchantment stones we had avable. Looks like you''ll need to work even harder, Ingolf," Broken said.


    "That''s my job, My Lord. I''m ready to put in the effort as long as you get the results you want," Ingolf replied.


    Broken contemted upgrading his weapons as well, but he knew the challenges of upgrading higher-grade equipment. He had two Legendary-grade weapons that would undoubtedly require even more enchantment stones.


    While he had plenty of options for offensive capabilities, he felt it was wiser to focus on his armor first, at least getting it to +9 across the board. Once that was done, he could then concentrate on upgrading his weapons one by one. His goal was to maximize the upgrades for both of his weapons, which would certainly require a significant amount of resources and money.


    He still had enough High-Quality enchantment stones, so he decided to focus on the helmet next.


    [+6 Invincible Paragon Helmet]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Health +545


    Mana +872]


    He attempted the upgrade: +7, failed, failed, back to +6. Broken paused for a moment and took a deep breath. He then continued: +7, +8, and after several failed attempts and downgrades, he finally managed to achieve +9 on the helmet.


    [+9 Invincible Paragon Helmet]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Health +590


    Mana +944]


    He breathed a sigh of relief, feeling his body go weak with exhaustion. His hands trembled as he recalled just how many resources he had used to reach +6.


    Upgrading Epic-grade items was indeed easier than Unique-grade ones, so he decided to aim for getting all his Epic-grade armor pieces to +9 before shifting focus to the higher-grade items.


    He moved on to the shoes. Failed, seeded, failed, and eventually, after using nearly twice the resources, he managed to reach +9. Not a bad oue, but he was left with only a few enchantment stones.


    Satisfied with the progress on the Epic-grade pieces, Broken knew he now needed to conserve and gather more resources for the uing challenging upgrades of his higher-grade gear.


    [+9 Invincible Paragon Shoes]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Movement Speed +177


    Defense +295]


    Ingolf smiled in relief as he looked at the final results. "Three pieces at +9 is the best oue anyone could hope for, My Lord. I think we''ve won big with such an achievement."


    "Indeed," Broken responded quietly. "I''ve heard that others might spend even twice as many stones to reach +9."


    "Twice the resources might still be too easy, My Lord. You may need to use up to three times the resources to achieve the same result"


    Feeling satisfied with the progress, he decided to restrain himself and postpone any further enchantments for another time. However, curiosity got the better of him since he still had a few Low-Quality enchantment stones left.


    He decided to use them on the Wavebreaker Spear and Moonvine Knuckles. After several attempts, he managed to get both weapons to +3,pletely depleting his stash of Low-


    Quality enchantment stones.


    "The upgrade to the stats is really impressive," he muttered.


    He then continued with the Medium-quality enchantment stones avable and sessfully upgraded the Wavebreaker Spear to +6.


    Ingolf''s jaw dropped at what he had just witnessed. He was utterly speechless.


    Broken smiled and turned to him. "Do you think I''m lucky?"


    "That''s more than just luck, My Lord. Upgrading a Legendary-grade Spear to +6 that easily- no one would believe it if they only heard about it," Ingolf replied, still in awe.


    [+6 Wavebreaker Spear]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Attack Power: 1182-1301


    Stamina +109


    Constitution +163


    Strength +109]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Broken was quite pleased with the new stats of the spear. He still felt an eagerness to see the spear upgraded to its maximum potential. +18 was his target. With a Legendary-grade Spear at +18, the power increase would be phenomenal. A 63% boost was no small number, though he knew he would have to wait and spend considerably more resources to achieve that goal. The upgrades to the equipment could give them a unique aura effect, with colors growing more intense as the upgrade level increased. From +1 to +9, the equipment would have a blue glow that became brighter with each level. From +10 to +18, the aura would shift to a golden hue, ranging from pale yellow to a rich gold at +18. Because of this, upgrading equipment became a status symbol and a point of pride for many yers.


    The WaveBreaker Spear, which originally had a ck color with ocean-blue patterns, now glowed with a brilliant blue aura, giving it a more striking visual effect.


    Broken spun the spear, watching the trail of light it left behind, even in the dim light of the cksmith workshop. He smiled, quite satisfied with the oue, though a part of him still thirsted to see the spear glowing with a majestic golden aura. Soon, he would chase that


    target.

 Chapter 291: Chapter 291 - Weather Whisperer

    Chapter 291: - Weather Whisperer


    ?


    It was another day in Slumdon Town, another inspection on Broken''s agenda. That morning, he intended to check on the progress of the farming fields managed by the farmers and


    overseen by Charmelyn.


    The farming field was located at the farthest edge of the town, facing the distant forest, although the area was still within the city walls.


    Charmelyn and several farmers were already hard at work. The farmers were busy with their tasks, while Charmelyn was also assisting them. She noticed Broken''s arrival, halted what she was doing, and walked over to greet him.


    "Good morning, Broken," she said softly.


    Charmelyn was dressed in a sleek and stylish ninja-like ensemble of purple and ck, the fitted clothing hugging her curves. Her jet-ck hair was pulled into a tight bun at the back of her head, with several strands escaping to frame her face. The morning sunlight illuminated her, making her ck hair shimmer almost dazzlingly.


    "Hi, Charmelyn. Good morning," he replied casually. "How''s the progress on the farm field?"


    "Umh..." Charmelyn hesitated.


    Broken then turned toward the farm field where the farmers were already hard at work, plowing thend to prepare it for cultivation.


    "They start so early in the morning," he remarked.


    Charmelyn nodded slowly. "Since what you did with the builders a few weeks ago, it seems to have made them even more enthusiastic about working."


    "That''s good," Broken replied. "If positive actions can influence each other."


    Broken continued. "What do you think about the potential of thisnd for agriculture?"


    Charmelyn replied, "Thend here is quite barren. But with enough care, we might be able to make it fertile enough for farming. The only problem is, the water wells in this area are limited, so it could take some time before we make it suitable for agriculture."


    "What about using magic to bring water?" he suggested. "I have an area-of-effect water magic skill; it would save us the trouble of gathering water manually."


    Charmelyn shook her head. "Unfortunately, water produced through magic can''t be used for farming. We''ll just have to hope for rainfall or work manually to bring water in."


    Broken nodded thoughtfully. "Alright, let''s prioritize improving the water supply. Maybe we can dig more wells or find other solutions to ensure we have enough water for the fields." "We''ll do our best to make it work."


    Broken nodded slowly, then an idea came to him. "Do we need to move the farming field closer to the forests?" However, he quickly shook his head. "I guess that''s not a good idea. The forest is too far away. It would be too dangerous to bring workers there because of the risk of monster attacks."


    Charmelyn nodded in agreement. "Yes, that''s true. The safety of the workers is crucial."


    They really needed to solve this water issue. Water was essential in such a dry, arid ce where rain was a rare urrence. But, as Broken thought about rain, he suddenly remembered something. One of the workers he had hired for a hefty sry had a unique talent.


    [Weather Whisperer: Influences weather conditions within a limited range, creating rain, fog, or sunlight.]


    And that person should be here - his name was Sandro. Could Sandro possibly help solve this rain issue?


    Broken walked over to the workers, with Charmelyn following behind him.


    "Good morning, My Lord," the farmers greeted him.


    "Good morning, everyone," he replied.


    Broken spotted the NPC he had in mind and waved him over.


    "Sandro, pleasee with me. I would like to speak with you."


    Sandro looked surprised but quickly set down his tools and hurried over. "Yes, My Lord."


    Broken led Sandro to a wooden bench nearby, situated in the shade.


    Once Broken and Sandro walked away, the farmers began to discuss their colleague.


    "He''s the one who''s paid the most by the Baron."


    "What''s so special about him? Can he summon rain? Hahaha."


    "I''m not sure. He works the same as the rest of us. He doesn''t seem to be faster or stronger."


    "Is it possible the Baron made a mistake?"


    "I''m not sure, but I think the Baron always has a reason when paying someone a higher wage."


    "Well, I want to know what''s special about Sandro. We won''t ept it if he''s the only one getting paid highly while we''re paid cheaply."


    The farmers nodded in agreement. They continued their work, but their eyes often wandered to where Broken and Sandro were conversing, wondering what task could justify Sandro''s


    high pay.


    "My Lord," Sandro said respectfully, "is there anything I can do for you? Please forgive me for not working at my best."


    "So, Sandro," Broken began, "have you ever heard or understood a way to alter the weather?" "Altering the weather?" Sandro looked a little hesitant. "My Lord, I''m sorry."


    "You can talk to me about anything. You don''t need to worry. I can guarantee your safety." Sandro paused for a moment before exining. "My Lord, my family has long passed down a tradition¡ªa ritual, a dance, and song to summon rain."


    "A ritual to summon rain? So something like that exists? Interesting," Broken said. "Can you still perform that ritual? Can you show me the dance and song? I want to see it."


    Sandro remained silent for a few seconds before hesitantly saying, "Yes My Lord, I can do it, but-"


    "Don''t worry, I just want to see the ritual you used to perform," Broken reassured him and led Sandro to a more open space.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Can you tell me about the dance?" he asked.


    "My Lord, my family has been the hereditary rain summoners for hundreds of years. Unfortunately, as time has passed, the rain-summoning ritual has lost its magic, and we have been unable to uphold the tradition."


    "Are you still practicing the ritual?"


    "Yes, My Lord. I am not very good at singing; my voice is terrible, and I can''t dance very well either. But I can still perform the rain summoning ritual with the help of several people who can dance and sing," Sandro admitted.


    Broken nodded slowly. He knew at least that Ivana could sing, and Yara could as well. There were also other residents with talents in dancing and ying musical instruments. So, if Sandro could teach the dance moves and the song, it seemed worth a try.


    "Sandro, do you think you can show the dance moves and teach the song to others? And, what else do we need to get it just right?"


    "I will do my best, My Lord," Sandro replied hesitantly. "The requirements are that the dancing and singing must be done in the middle of the night under the moonlight, with the dancers circling around arge bonfire apanied by drumming. I will lead the ceremony. However, I''m not sure this method will work."


    "We have to try," Broken said encouragingly. "Gathering people who can sing and dance shouldn''t be a problem. We can arrange everything needed for the ceremony. Even if it doesn''t work, at least we''ve tried every possible solution."


    Sandro nodded, still unsure but willing to give it a shot.


    This was something worth a try. After all, Sandro wouldn''t possess a talent without a purpose, especially one as unique as this. Being a weather whisperer was indeed a fascinating gift, one that begged for exploration. The requirements were simple enough-just dancing and singing at the stroke of midnight. It held the potential to be an intriguing spectacle, enticing people to watch and record the phenomenon. At the very least, it could serve as a captivating attraction for visitors, should it prove to be true.


    That day, Broken quickly enlisted Freya''s help to find people from the list who had high talent ratings but hadn''t been needed until now. Fortunately, they identified individuals with an A and B rating in dancing and an A rating for a drummer. That was enough to at least attempt the ritual. For some reason, Broken felt confident that this ritual could actually work and bring the needed rain.


    A few hourster, Ivana, Yara, and several dancers and drummers had gathered near the


    farming field.


    Jovina, curious about the exciting activity Broken was organizing, had also approached. When she heard he was going to attempt a rain-summoning ritual, she eagerly volunteered as a dancer, her confidentughter filling the air.


    A chime sounded softly in Broken''s ear, followed by a notification that appeared before his


    eyes.


    [You have received a new Rating A Quest.]


    His heart skipped a beat, and he found himself staring at the words in disbelief.


    "A Rating A Quest?!" he gasped.

 Chapter 292: Chapter 292 - The Rain Summoning Ritual

    Chapter 292: - The Rain Summoning Ritual


    ?


    [The Rain Summoning Ritual]


    [Rating: A]


    [The ancient and powerful Rain Summoning Ritual, once practiced by the enigmatic Goddess of the Moon, has been long forgotten over the ages. It''s said that this sacred ceremony can call forth rain during times of desperate need.


    Your task is to rediscover this lost knowledge and revive the legacy left by the Goddess of the Moon.


    By recovering the Rain Summoning Ritual, you can aid your people, bringing new life and prosperity to yournd.]


    [Clear Conditions: Revive the ancient Rain Summoning Ritual.]


    [Clear Rewards: Receive 50 Stat Points.


    Strengthen your affinity with the Goddess of the Moon.


    Gain the ability to summon rain by performing the Rain Summoning Ritual.]


    [Quest Failure: (Details not specified)]


    Broken paused for a moment when he received yet another quest, this time delivered directly from the Goddess of the Moon herself. Hearing the name "Goddess of the Moon" triggered memories of the Moonstones, which he knew were also tied to this very same deity. It turned out that this Goddess held a wider influence than he initially realized, even involving herself in matters as a rain summoning ritual.


    "What could the Moon Goddess possibly be doing with a rain summoning ritual?" He wondered. "Why rain, and why Slumdon Town? Does this mean the Goddess once descended to Yunatea, wandering itsnds, visiting this particr town, and teaching Sandro''s ancestors about this ritual?"


    Broken found himself increasingly intrigued by the Goddess of the Moon. The mysteries surrounding her beckoned him to uncover more. He considered discussing this with Freya and Lily, both well-versed in Yunatea''s history. Their insights could shed light on the puzzled pieces of this deity.


    However, besides the mystery, the quest itself promised extraordinary rewards. Compellingly so. "Fifty stat points," Broken mused, "that''s insane for a rating A quest!"


    Moreover, he stood to gain a strengthened affinity with the Goddess of the Moon, though whether this would be beneficial in the long run was unclear. What was certain, however, was that his actions had increasingly intertwined with the Goddess-first with the Moonstone, and now with this rain summoning ritual.


    As these thoughts swirled in his mind, Broken pondered whether there might be another way to gather information about the Goddess. Could he perhaps inquire directly with someone who might be familiar with her? Someone like... Goddess Akidia? He remembered that Akidia had once told him if he ever needed anything or wanted to speak with her, all he had to do was call her name and his prayers would be heard.


    "Could it really be that simple?" he wondered.


    With this possibility in mind, Broken decided to distance himself from the group for a moment, seeking a quiet spot to attempt this unconventional method ofmunication.


    Once he was far enough, he whispered softly, "Goddess Akidia, I''m sorry if I''m interrupting your busy schedule. I know you''re a hard worker and you need plenty of rest. But please, if you know anything about the Goddess of the Moon, could you share it with me?"


    He waited in anticipation, silence enveloping him. Minutes passed, yet he received no response. Doubt crept in. "Am I doing this incorrectly? Should I visit the temple of Goddess Akidia tomunicate with her?" he mused.


    Broken continued to wait, but the stillness offered no answers. Deciding he had tried enough for now, he resolved to seek other sources of information.


    "Well, I suppose I should ask Freya or the other members of the Ass Guild. They might have some insights into this Goddess of the Moon," he thought.


    While the others watched Broken, they couldn''t help but wonder what he was up to.


    "What the heck is Broken doing?" Jovina asked, turning to Ivana.


    "Uhm... oh..." Ivana stammered, confused. "I''ve never seen him talk to himself like that."


    "Do you think something''s messing with his mind, making him a bit crazy? Hahaha," Jovina joked.


    "Uhm... Broken has been working really hard these past few weeks. Maybe he just needs a break," Ivana replied thoughtfully.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "My Lord..." Yara chimed in, worry etched on her face. "He carries such a heavy burden for this town. He works so hard." She began to cry. "My Lord is such a good leader. He''s always so kind and warm to me. I can''t help but cry every time I think about his kindness."


    Ivana wrapped her arms around Yara to console her. "It''s okay. I''m sure he''ll be fine."


    "No," Jovina cut in. "Broken is not fine. Just look at him. He''s talking to someone who''s not even there. I''m sure he''s hallucinating."


    A few momentster, Broken approached them with a smile, surprised to see Yara crying.


    "Yara, what''s wrong?"


    "My Lord, you''ve been working too hard. You''re starting to lose it and hallucinate. You should rest and let us handle the ritual," Yara replied, still in tears.


    "Who told you that?"


    "Jovina," Ivana said, ncing at her.


    "What? Why?" he turned to Jovina.


    "Sorry, Broken. You wereughing and talking to yourself over there. What else was I supposed to think? Hahaha," Jovina exined,ughing.


    "I''m okay! I''m not losing my mind."


    Then he focused back on the task at hand. "Let''s go. We need to take this rain summoning ritual seriously. I''m certain we''ll discover something fascinating here, haha." His enthusiasm, however, only raised more questions among the others.


    He approached Sandro. "Sandro, show everyone the dance and the song."


    "Yes, My Lord," Sandro nodded and walked to the center, surrounded by the others.


    Sandro stood silently for a moment, then began walking in a circle, marking out the area with stones on the ground.


    "This is where we''ll have the big bonfire," he announced. "We will dance and sing around the bonfire."


    The other farmers followed his example,ying down several stones to mark the spot where the bonfire would go.


    "Now, I will demonstrate the dance choreography," Sandro said, somewhat hesitantly.


    Sandro stood up, raised both hands in the air, and eximed, "Alright, the dance is simple!


    Start with this move."


    He demonstrated by taking a few sideways steps, lowering and raising his hands simultaneously. "Do this three times," he continued.


    Then he spun around, jumping as he spoke, "Jump and p three times!"


    Sandro pped his hands and then kicked forward with his right foot, holding it in the air.


    Still bnced, he looped back twice with his right foot raised high.


    Afterward, he side-stepped several times, pping his palms against his mouth as if making


    some sort of sound.


    "Lu Lu Lu," he chanted. "Something like that."


    He continued, "I think the movement is that simple. All we need to do is repeat the dance


    until the rain arrives."


    Broken narrowed his eyes as he watched Sandro''s dance. "That''s... so weird."


    Jovina, however, seemed enthusiastic. She ran up to stand beside Sandro. "Let''s do it again,


    Sandro."


    Two women and three men joined them, positioning themselves behind Sandro. They all tried to replicate his moves, though Sandro would asionally slip and fall to the ground. "You''re so useless and stupid, Sandro," Jovinaughed. "I can dance better than you -


    hahaha!"


    After several rounds of dancing with everyone, Sandro turned back to the group and announced, "Now I will practice the dance along with the chanting."


    Broken muttered, "The song can''t possibly be just chanting weird words like ''Ulo Ulo La,''


    right?"


    Sandro smiled awkwardly and started again. He began his dance, uttering several chants that made it hard to understand what he was saying.


    "Uaaa Uaaa. Lu Lu Lu," he sang as he twisted, jumped, and pped his hands.


    "Lua Lua. Da Tang! Lua Tu Lua. Hu Jan! la."


    Broken sighed deeply as he listened.

 Chapter 293: Chapter 293 - Let the Celebration Begin

    Chapter 293: - Let the Celebration Begin


    ?


    Sandro started his dances again, uttering several chants that made it unclear what he was saying.


    "Uaaa Uaaa. Lu Lu Lu."


    "Lua Lua. Da Tang! Lua Tu Lua. Hu Jan! la."


    The others tried mimicking the song, but Sandro quickly stopped them. He turned to Yara. "Please, the chant must be perfect."


    He then repeated the words slowly, and Ivana and Yara struggled to follow.


    "Ua Ua lu lu," Yara attempted.


    "No, it''s Uaaa, with a longer ''a''," Sandro corrected.


    "Sorry, I''ll try again. Uaaa Uaaa. Lu Lu Lu," Yara said more carefully.


    "Good," Sandro grinned. "Now let''s move on to the second verse."


    They focused on memorizing the song and ensuring the pronunciation was correct.


    Meanwhile, Broken furrowed his brow, because to him, it just sounded like, "Ha hu ha hu lu lu lu."


    Ivana, standing beside Broken, continued watching before letting out a smallugh.


    "I can sing that song. For some reason, I''ve heard it before."


    "Really? How?" Broken asked, curious.


    "I don''t know, it just sounds familiar to me," Ivana said, then ran to join the others.


    Ivana and Yara stood closer and started imitating the song, with the others joining in and making the dance moves.


    After that, the drummers began ying the drums, following Sandro''s instructions and tempo. The movements and chants were repeated over and over, creating a rhythmic din that reached the ears of several townspeople passing by.


    The townspeople looked curiously towards themotion. The sound of drums and melodious singing, even with the peculiar chants, drew them closer. They came in small groups, some alone, some with excited eyes, others with skeptical expressions, all drawn by the music and the vibrant atmosphere.


    "What in the world are they doing in the middle of the day?" one onlooker muttered.


    "What does that Baron think he''s doing, making these people sing and dance at this hour?"


    "I guess he''s trying to put on a show. Doing that dance to attract tourists?" "That''s a terrible idea."


    "Ivana and Yara''s singing voices are quite beautiful, though. Even if their dancing looks a bit odd, their sweet voices bnce it out."


    "It''s a Rain Summoning ritual," someone chimed in, exining the situation.


    "Rain Summoning? Isn''t that some kind of forgotten ritual from the past?"


    "Do you really think the Baron believes this ritual will bring rain? I think he''s gone a bit delusional."


    "Yeah, this Baron does a lot of weird stuff. I think he''s even worse than the previous Baron."


    "But they seem to be having fun."


    "I want to join in the dance, can I?"


    "Yes, even if it''s pointless, at least it looks entertaining, haha."


    As Broken watched the people enjoying the dance and song, he felt a surge of inspiration. Yet, he was a bit reluctant, wondering if it was appropriate for a Baron to join in such activities. But then he realized he was just making excuses- a good leader sets an example, not justmands their followers. With this thought, he decided to join the dance.


    "Come on, Broken!" Jovina shouted, still dancing. "You can do it too."


    Encouraged by her words, Broken quickly tried to pick up the steps. He stumbled a few times, but Ivana reached out and grabbed his left hand, smiling at him.


    "Follow my lead," she said.


    Broken nodded, trying to mimic her movements. He was still a bit stiff at first, but soon he began to get the hang of it. The dance wasn''t too hard; he just needed to make his jumps quicker.


    "That''s good, Broken," Ivana said with a warm smile.


    "Yes, I think this isn''t too difficult."


    "Say that with more confidence, Broken," Jovina teased. "You''re dancing like an old man who''s had a stroke, haha."


    "Uaaa Uaaa. Lu Lu Lu," Broken then followed along with the chanting.


    Ivana and Yara seemed even more passionate about chanting the song, creating a festive atmosphere that afternoon, despite some skepticism from the crowd about the Baron''s ns. More and more people were joining the dance.


    Several yers passing by, intrigued by the excitement, stopped to see what was going on.


    "What is that fool doing?" one of them asked.


    "The dance is so strange but also quite fascinating to watch."


    "Yeah, but he''s still kind of stupid."


    "They say it''s a rain-summoning ritual."


    "Really? Interesting."


    "They said that he would perform the ritual tonight at this ce."


    "Hmm... I think it would be quite interesting to witness some party tonight; there seems to be something new going on here."


    "Yeah, even though the rain won''te, I''d love to attend a party in this dull ce," another concluded.


    "Let me record their silly dances and post them on social media. I wonder what the public will say when they see this," one of them said, taking out video to capture the scene.


    When the rehearsal was over and had received Sandro''s approval, Broken sought reassurance


    once more.


    "Sandro, no matter what happens, we will perform this ritual tonight, okay?"


    "Yes, my Lord," Sandro replied, this time with a face full of enthusiasm.


    "Good. Now, help the others to prepare everything. We''re going to have a celebration


    tonight."


    Broken then asked Yara and Ivana to prepare drinks and food for the evening. He wanted to invite more townspeople to celebrate, feeling a strong conviction that the ritual would be a


    sess.


    After all, this was a quest with an A rating! So, he felt quite confident about the result.


    They stacked wood to build arge bonfire that would be lit at night while clearing the area to amodate more people.


    Broken also tasked Igor with spreading the word to more townspeople, inviting anyone familiar with the ritual or simply curious, to join or stay upte to witness this special event. It surely was going to be a major event.


    And night fell swiftly. People began to gather early, curious and eager for the moment to arrive. Most came out of sheer curiosity, but some genuinely hoped that this ritual might


    indeed bring rain.


    Children yed, running around, while adults watched over them and helped prepare for the ritual. As midnight approached, therge bonfire was lit.


    The area was suddenly illuminated by the bonfire, burning brightly against the dark sky. The


    crackling of burning wood filled the air, and the moonlight cast a silvery glow across Slumdon Town. The firelight danced inpetition with the moonlight, creating a festive atmosphere that invited people to join in and celebrate.


    Many Slumdon residents had gathered around the bonfire, looking on with anticipation. Some murmured quietly to each other, while others chatted more animatedly.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Meanwhile, yers flooded in, their eyes wide with curiosity as they tried to catch glimpses


    of the ritual. All of them were excited about what the night had in store, especially after


    videos of the ritual dance had spread online.


    From the city gate, a shimmering carriage approached, and a girl stepped out with an


    enthusiastic face.


    "I can feel it," Max eximed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. She then turned to herpanion, the cameraman. "I know you must be curious about the rain summoning ritual, right? I will be broadcasting live tonight from Slumdon Town!"

 Chapter 294: Chapter 294 - Ill See You Soon

    Chapter 294: - I''ll See You Soon


    ?


    The night sky was illuminated by the bright full moon, its light casting a warm glow over Slumdon Town. Therge bonfire at the center sent sparks and embers dancing in the air. As more people gathered around, the air was filled with an excited buzz of anticipation.


    "It''s time!" Broken shouted. "Start the ritual, Sandro!"


    The sound of drum beats suddenly filled the air, a slow rhythm that instantly reignited everyone''s passion.


    "Uaaa Uaaa. Lu Lu Lu," Ivana sang as the music began.


    "Lua Lua. Da Tang! Lua Tu Lua. Hu Jan! la."


    Yara then picked up the next verse, her voice blending perfectly with Ivana''s, adding depth and harmony to the ritual song.


    Sandro moved with grace, executing spinning turns and precise steps. His arms swept through the air, his feet tapping out intricate rhythms. Jovina and the others followed suit, twirling and leaping in perfect unison. Their movements were mesmerizing, capturing the joyous spirit of the entire crowd.


    "Lua Lua. Da Tang! Lua Tu Lua. Hu Jan! la."


    Max, the live streamer, shouted out with enthusiasm as she faced the camera. "Can you believe this? They''ve started the ritual. It''s a truly unique and beautiful dance. And just look at the two lovely girls apanying the dance with their melodious singing voices. This is something extraordinary!"


    "Uaaa Uaaa. Lu Lu Lu," they chanted in unison.


    The moment the vibrant dancing and singing began, everyone was entranced. The light of the mes undted before them, casting an alluring glow across their faces.


    The warmth of the fire,bined with the cool night air, filled everyone with a passionate energy that swept them away. Before they knew it, their feet were tapping and stomping in perfect rhythm.


    Goldrich, his face lit up with a cheerfulugh, jumped clumsily from one foot to the other. His silliness drew nces and chuckles from the people around him.


    "Let''s join the party!" heughed.


    Elincia, too, smiled cheerfully and ran closer, joining in the rain-summoning ritual dance.


    Kingsley lightly patted Maylock''s shoulder. "Maylock, let''s join the dance too."


    Maylock, however, crossed his arms and refused. "No, this is out of my character!"


    Melliandra, standing next to Kingsley, ran with a cheerfulugh and began to follow the dance, moving nimbly and imitating the dance movements.


    Amidst theughter and music of the party, someone stumbled closer with an unsteady gait, a drink bottle in hand.


    "I love it! Let''s keep the party going until dawn," eximed Trison, the Drunken Healer. However, as Trison neared the line of dancers, Jovina quickly sprang into action. She delivered a swift kick to Trison''s head, sending him crashing to the ground.


    "Don''t you dare taint this sacred ceremony with your stupidity, you fool," she growled.


    Instead of being angry, Trison justughed. "Hahaha! I like it!" he said before pouring some water on his face.


    Moment by moment, more and more yers and residents of the city joined in, their enthusiasm radiating as they whirled around the huge bonfire.


    "Uaaa Uaaa. Lu Lu Lu," they sang as they twisted, jumped, and pped their hands.


    "Lua Lua. Da Tang! Lua Tu Lua. Hu Jan! la."


    The rain summoning ritual broadcast was quickly met with a flood of views on the inte. "This is ridiculous, yet so unique. I love it, hahaha,"menters noted, reposting the video. Many people even joined in from home, following the dance and capturing it on their mobile phones, which they then shared online.


    That night, the Slumdon Rain Summoning Dance suddenly became a viral sensation on the inte, captivating audiences far and wide with its blend of charm, tradition, and infectious


    joy.


    "Where did this stupid dancee from?" one person grumbled.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Why have so many silly things been going viraltely?"


    "You should check Max''s channel. She streamed some dances from Slumdon Town."


    "No, I''m not interested."


    "Hey, who is the one singing the song? Their voices are so angelic."


    "That''s Ivana... and the other girl is like a maid, a girl maid. I''m in love with her. She will be my new waifu."


    "What''s her name?"


    "Yara, she''s called Yara there."


    "She''s so cute!"


    "Kawaii..."


    "Lua Lua. Da Tang! Lua Tu Lua." the enchanted spectators chanted along,pletely captivated by the ritual and its performers.


    The chants of the ritual song, weird yet somehow captivating, were quickly picked up by the crowd. Its sound reverberated in their minds, leaving an indelible mark.


    "Damn, this annoying song is really lodged in my brain. I can''t stand it."


    Broken felt theughter and enthusiasm of the people in Slumdon Town that night, and he was swept away by the joy of the dancing and singing that enlivened the evening. However, something suddenly caught his attention.


    He saw a woman! She looked different from the others, and was dancing to her own rhythm. She was dancing alone among the crowd.


    She had long pink hair that flowed freely with her graceful and elegant movements. Her body was lithe and agile, and each twist and turn was executed with precision, making her seem as if she were floating across the ground. Her facial expression was calm yet captivating, and her eyes were fixed on something far away.


    She was wearing a dazzling white dress that perfectly entuated her slender frame, and her scarf seemed to float in the breeze, almost as if it were dancing with her.


    For some reason, the woman then turned toward Broken and winked. With a movement of her lips, it was as if she was saying, "I''ll see you soon."


    But, damn, no way!


    "Who is she? A yer? No, she''s an NPC," he thought, his movements slowing down and


    slightly hindering the others.


    "Are you tired already, young man?" Goldrich patted his shoulder.


    [Name: Selene]


    [Level: ???]


    [Strength: ??? | Agility: ??? | Intelligence: ??? | Constitution: ??? | Stamina: ???]


    Her name was disyed in a purple color, indicating that she was a special NPC. However, when he tried to observe her status, they were marked with a question mark. There was no additional information avable about this intriguing woman.


    "Who is she?" he wondered.


    A strong desire surged within Broken toe closer and talk to her, a feeling as though he had always missed her-though he knew that couldn''t be true; he had never met her before!


    It was as if he was familiar with her face, though he couldn''t find out where those thoughts and feelings came from.


    Her movements were graceful and precise. When her gaze met Broken''s, she gave him a gentle smile and mouthed the words, "Thank you," with a gesture on her lips. Then, she continued to dance among the others until her figure was lost in the crowd.


    Broken, feeling an urgent need to find her, tried to chase after her, weaving through the dancing people. But no matter how hard he searched, she seemed to vanish as quickly as she had appeared. His curiosity overwhelmed him. He ran through the crowd. "Broken, what are you doing?" someone called out, but he didn''t pay attention.


    Meanwhile, without Broken realizing it, doubts began to creep into the minds of the


    townspeople. They started to wonder if the rain summoning ritual would really work.


    "Where is the rain?" they began to shout in skepticism.

 Chapter 295: Chapter 295 - A Party Well Spent

    Chapter 295: - A Party Well Spent


    ?


    Comints began to be heard from the city residents as the rain still hadn''te, despite them performing the dance for several minutes.


    "It''s fun to dance and sing, but what we really need is rain!"


    "No one guaranteed us that the rain woulde."


    "The Baron never promised any such thing."


    "This is pointless, the rain won''te!"


    Max, who had also begun to dance and follow the movements, looked at the camera. "Do you think the rain wille? Do you believe this ritual will actually bring the rain?"


    "That''s ridiculous, but this is a game, so anything is possible," replied another viewer watching the live stream.


    When all hope seemed to be evaporating, the dance began to fizzle out, and the excitement of the night waned.


    A little girl, who had been gazing up at the starry sky with hope, saw a glint of reflected light. Suddenly, something fell onto her cheek-it was a drop of water!


    "The rain! The rain is here!" the little girl shouted, causing everyone to look her way.


    "No way, there is no rain!" a skeptical voice still echoed.


    But as the people looked up to the night sky, their eyes widened with amazement as the first drops of rain sshed upon their faces.


    The rain began to fall with increasing intensity, creating a soothing melody of sound that echoed through the air. As the rain gently touched their skin, the people''s faces lit up with smiles of joy and hope.


    "It''s raining!"


    "The rain has trulye."


    They embraced each other in jubtion as the long-awaited rain filled the air, bringing with it renewed life and hope.


    "The summoning ritual worked! It worked!" they shouted with happiness as the rain they had longed for finally drenched their bodies.


    Everyone cheered as they jumped with joy andughter, their voices rising up to the night sky. The sound of drums echoed into the night, creating raucous music that matched the sound of the ever-increasing rainfall.


    The bonfire fought valiantly against the rain, refusing to be extinguished immediately. Water washed over the mes, but the revelers remained undeterred, happily dancing and celebrating in the downpour.


    [Congrattions for reviving an old, extinct tradition, the Rain Summoning Ritual!]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    [Your awe-inspiring feat of bringing back a long-forgotten practice is worthy of great recognition.]


    [May you be showered with love and appreciation by everyone in the town! Cheers!]


    [Congrattions on your achievement! You have been rewarded with 50 stat points as a


    result.]


    [The Goddess of the Moon has graced you with her most sincere gratitude.]


    [Your affinity with the Goddess of the Moon has drastically increased to 15%.]


    [As a result of your efforts, you have been awarded the Conditional Passive Skill - Rain Summoning Ritual.]


    [Rain Summoning Ritual (Conditional Passive Skill)]


    [You can perform the rain summoning ritual, a magical ceremony that can bring down the rain from the heavens! Invite your friends and family to join in the fun as you dance and sing together in the hopes of coaxing the rain clouds to open up and bless yournd with gentle rain.]


    [However, be warned - this is a delicate and powerful process and must not be done too often. Perform the ritual too frequently, and the rain clouds may not respond to your calls!]


    The people rejoiced as the rain sparkled under the silvery glow of the moonlight. They twirled and sang, their feet moving in a steady rhythm as they pounded the earth with exuberance. Their faces lit up with joy, they pped hands and embraced one another, caught up in the bliss of the long-awaited downpour.


    Broken stepped away from the celebratory crowd, hoping to find the mysterious girl named Selene whom he had glimpsed earlier. Her presence had been almost ethereal, but now she was nowhere to be seen.


    "Did I just imagine her?" he pondered. "She was mesmerizing, dancing with such grace and divine beauty. Surely, she should have been the center of everyone''s attention."


    As he rejoined the crowd, the people surrounded him with grateful expressions, their voices filled with admiration.


    "Thank you, Lord Broken."


    "You have brought immense blessings to ournd," another chimed in.


    "We are certain that your presence will make Slumdon grow evenrger and stronger."


    "Your kindness will ensure continued prosperity for our town."


    Broken epted their thanks with humble nods, feeling a warm sense of fulfillment. As the rain continued to fall gently, mingling with the moonlight, the entire town seemed to glow with the promise of a brighter future.


    ***


    Leon opened his eyes, his face lighting up with a genuine smile-a rare and stark contrast to his usually stern expression. He had sessfullypleted the rain summoning ritual, and the satisfaction of his achievement filled him with joy.


    Stepping out of the room, he found Lily and Freya in the main room, caught up in the spontaneous celebration. They were performing the Rain Summoning dance, theirughter and voices ringing out as they sang the same melodic chant.


    "Lua Tu Lua. Lua Lua." they harmonized, their faces glowing with happiness.


    "This is so much fun, Leon!" Lily eximed.


    "Come on, Leon, join us!" Freya said.


    On the television, the looped footage of the rain summoning ritual continued to y-a live broadcast capturing every moment of the extraordinary event.


    Feeling the joy of the moment, Leon joined them in the dance, theirughter and shouts of tion blending together.


    After several minutes of jubnt dancing, Leon made his way toward the sofa and flopped down, his body sinking into the cushions. Lily and Freya soon followed, copsing beside him


    with contented sighs.


    "I didn''t expect the dance would be such a hit," Lily said, giggling.


    "Yes, initially many people mocked it, but after they started imitating the moves and sharing the video online, they began to like it," Freya replied.


    "You could perform the ritual every so often, Leon. I think it could be a signature event for Slumdon Town. The rain summoning ritual would be so fun," Lily said enthusiastically. "Yes, I''ve already nned for that. Plus, the geographical location of Slumdon Town in the middle of a desert really needs a lot of water supply," Leon answered.


    Lily responded with excitement. "In the future, Slumdon Town will be a lush, green


    city!"


    Theyy there for a moment, catching their breath, the night still humming with the energy of their celebration.


    "So, Mr. Baron," Freya said, "everything is ready. We''ll be leaving soon. Is there anything else you need to prepare?"


    It was a bright Saturday morning, and Leon had nned another trip with Lily and Freya. This time, they were going camping with more thorough preparations and a packed agenda. Unlike previous trips, which had been quieter with just him and Lily, this outing promised to be


    livelier with three people.


    "No. I''m ready," Leon replied. "Let''s go."


    The three of them stood up and promptly made their way out of the room.


    Over the past week, Leon had taken the time to earn his driving license. He had adapted quickly, needing only minor adjustments from his experience driving a car. Today, he would be the driver, the one steering them toward their holiday adventure.

 Chapter 296: Chapter 296 - Selene in Greek Mythology

    Chapter 296: - Selene in Greek Mythology


    ?


    "How did you manage to master various types of vehicles so quickly?" Freya asked as they began their journey, with Leon casually driving the home bus.


    Leon smiled and nced at her. "I learned how from YouTube. Then I tried it out and got my license. It''s as simple as that."


    "Are you kidding me, Leon?"


    "No, I''m serious," he replied. "Besides, this vehicle is equipped with an auto-drive system, so we don''t need to worry. If I suddenly forget how to drive, we can just rely on the auto-drive feature, right?"


    "If this wasn''t a Northstar, I probably wouldn''t have agreed to join this trip," Freya said, giggling.


    In just about two hours, they arrived at their destination-a sereneke located quite a distance from the bustling city. The area was expansive, offering plenty of space with designated spots for camp buses. The sight of theke greeted them, its blue and green waters glistening under the warm sunlight.


    Leon skillfully parked the Home Bus close to theke, in a spot that promised both a stunning view and easy ess to various pathways winding through the trees to other campsites. The area had clearly been well-maintained, making it a perfect spot for their camping adventure. They noticed t patches of grass ideal for pitching their tents, andrge rocks conveniently arranged to serve as natural fire pits. Stepping out of the bus, they felt an invigorating breeze, the air crisp and fresh.


    "Yeah! Finally, we arrived," Lily shouted cheerfully. "With this, we can truly have a vacation every weekend. Right, Leon?" she said, looking at him.


    "Yeah, I guess?" he replied, somewhat uncertain.


    Lily giggled. "Come on, Freya." She pulled Freya away from the bus.


    Leon walked to the side of the bus. He pressed a button on his phone, and a section of the bus expanded and unfolded. In no time, it revealed a kitchen and an open canopy.


    In a short amount of time, it had transformed into a rxing area withfortable seating, tables, and a bar. The sun shone brightly on the newly formed space, illuminating it in a warm golden light.


    Leon was no stranger to experiencing the beauty of nature-forests, beaches,kes, and mountains-through the Immortal Legacy game. But there was something about the fresh air that made it feel different from the game.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "I''m sure it would be fun to spend the night here every once in a while," Leon said, sitting down in a lounge chair and taking a sip from his drink bottle.


    Freya and Lily then joined him, bringing snacks to share. They all sat facing theke as the sun slowly descended, painting it with a golden hue.


    They leisurely chatted while admiring the setting sun. Suddenly, a thought struck Leon.


    "Did anyone record the Rain Summoning Ritual in full?"


    "Yes!" Lily nodded quickly. "Max did. Do you want to see it? Maybe you want to see yourself dancing?"


    "Is there a woman with long pink hair among them?" he asked.


    "I''m not sure. I didn''t pay attention that closely," Lily replied.


    Freya looked curious about Leon''s question. "Who are you referring to? A woman with pink hair?"


    Leon then grabbed Lily''s cell phone and yed the video from start to finish.


    "Look, she should be here, dancing around this spot," he said, pointing to a spot on the


    screen.


    "I don''t see anyone," Freya said, looking puzzled.


    "I''m absolutely sure I saw a woman, a special NPC. I think she''s rted to the Moon Goddess, or she might even be the Moon Goddess herself," he replied.


    Freya and Lily peered at the same cell phone screen but couldn''t spot the figure Leon had mentioned.


    "I don''t see anyone with pink hair there," Lily said.


    "But I''m certain I saw her. I don''t know if I was imagining it or not," he replied. "But no, that''s not possible."


    "What''s her name?" Freya asked.


    "Selene."


    "Selene?" She repeated, appearing thoughtful after hearing the name.


    "Selene is an ancient figure from Greek mythology," she then said.


    "Does that have any connection?" Leon asked.


    "Selene is the name of the goddess of the moon in Greek mythology, also known as Mene."


    "So, Selene, the mysterious woman I saw during the ritual night, was really the Goddess of the Moon? Because her name is the same as the goddess in Greek mythology?"


    "No," Freya shook her head. "I''m referring to Selene from real-world mythology, which may not necessarily be the same as the one in the game. While the game does draw a lot of inspiration from the real world, I can''t assure you that the Selene you saw is actually the Goddess of the Moon herself."


    Leon continued. "So, did you evere across anything about the Goddess of the Moon in the game? Any idea who she is? I''m still not sure how many gods are there in Immortal Legacy."


    Freya nodded slowly, considering Leon''s question.


    Lily, on the other hand, seemed excited, her eyes flicking back and forth between them.


    The sky shifted from a bright, warm orange to a deep, dark purple as the sun set, turning the trees and leaves into dark silhouettes against theke. As the darkness grew, theke sparkled with reflections from the lights of the Home Bus and other sources. The air was filled with the gentle chorus of crickets and cicadas, giving the scene a peaceful, serene feeling.


    "Okay, I''ll try to exin what I know about the Goddess of the Moon." Freya began, a thoughtful look on her face.


    She went on, "Across the South Continent, there are countless tales and myths about the Goddess of the Moon. People believe she often aids those who face troubles and difficulties. Many stories from the past mention her presence.


    "As far as I know, no one has ever mentioned her identity or name directly. It seems no one has ever met the Goddess in person or even knows her name. But the tales describe her as a very kind and beautiful goddess who always appears during major misfortunes to help those in need," Freya exined in detail.


    Leon tried to take in everything she had told him.


    "Is the Goddess here really a deity or just a nickname?" he asked, but then he reconsidered his own words. "No, I''m sure she''s a real Deity; the quest called her the Goddess."


    His voice became more urgent. "Then, was Selene, the girl I saw that time, really the Goddess of the Moon? Why was I the only one who could see her?"


    Freya said. "I''ve never heard of something like this before either. When only one yer can see something, it''s like you''re seeing a ghost while everyone else can''t see it," she said,


    giggling.


    Leon shook his head slowly. "A ghost wouldn''t be that beautiful, right?" he said, chuckling. "From her appearance, I could see the perfection that exists in a goddess."


    He turned to Freya. "I''ve also met Goddess Akidia. Even though she always looks sleepy and falls asleep easily, she''s incredibly beautiful and perfect."


    "Uhm..." Lily suddenly spoke up.


    Freya and Leon both turned to look at her as she softly continued, "I''m studying history in Yunatea, and I''m quite interested in the origins of the Sword of Dissidia. I think it might be


    connected to the Goddess of the Moon."


    Leon was intrigued. "Tell me more, Lily."

 Chapter 297: Chapter 297 - Banished to the Mortal World

    Chapter 297: - Banished to the Mortal World


    ?


    "Tell me more about that sword, Lily. What kind of sword is the Sword of Dissidia?" Leon asked.


    Lily nodded slowly. "The Sword of Dissidia, also known as the God yer sword, was once the legendary weapon of King ndorr, the former King of Dissidia. Over generations, it has been passed down to each ruler of the Dissidia Kingdom and is now held by King Alorik, the current King."


    "So, does this sword have anything to do with the Goddess of the Moon?" Leon asked.


    Lily nodded again. "Actually, the answers to all the riddles lie within. I have some theories and reasons behind what I''m going to share. I''ll exin them one by one," she continued, her voice growing more serious.


    "First, the Blessing of the Sins was originally given to seven major races in Yunatea: Humans with Sloth, Elves with Pride, Dragons with Greed, Demons with Gluttony, Dwarves with Envy, Fairies with Lust, and Giants with Wrath. This Blessing caused a great war in the past, devastating many races and most of the ins of Yunatea."


    She paused for a moment before continuing, "Secondly, King ndorr received a mission from an unknown source to y the Gods, iming that the Gods had brought destruction upon the people of Yunatea. For some reason, I''m convinced that this mission could be linked to the Blessing of the Sins bestowed by the god of the sins, and to the first point I mentioned."


    Lily nced at Leon and Freya''s faces to gauge their reactions. Freya nodded, indicating her agreement. "Please continue, Lily. I want to hear more from you."


    Lily nodded and continued, "Thirdly, of all the Deities in Yunatea, the Goddess of the Moon appears to be the only one who has never been explicitly named or acknowledged. Neither in stories about her as a deity in Heaven nor even just mentioning her name. It''s almost as if she''s lost her divine power or her position as a Goddess." She paused for a moment before adding, "It''s strange that her name has nevere up in history, right?"


    Freya nodded. "Yes, I agree with you. Her story always ends with thebel ''the Goddess of the Moon,'' but never with an actual name that people can easily recognize. In fact, she isn''t as well-known by people as the other deities are."


    Lily then continued, "And fourth," she began, "I read some interesting information on online forums posted by the Pride Champion about a certain deity that had been banished from heaven to Yunatea. The reason was because this deity was seen as a threat to the other gods. But it didn''t specify who she was. For some reason, I suspect that the story is referring to the same figure, the Goddess of the Moon."


    Leon nodded slowly, absorbing her exnation. "That''s a really interesting observation, Lily," he said. "I had no idea you had learned this much about Yunatea."


    Freya smiled at Lily and then asked, "So, what is the connection between the four points you made earlier, Lily?"


    Lily smiled again before continuing, "It''s just my wild theory, but I''m sure the Sword of Dissidia was given by a Deity-rank creature. I''m certain it wasn''t the Gods of the Sins who gave the sword since they are the target of the God-ying mission. For some reason, I think the Goddess of the Moon may be the reason why King ndorr has the Sword of Dissidia." She paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to control her enthusiasm. "I know my theory is pretty wild," she continued, "but it makes sense. The Goddess of the Moon is often mentioned in South-continent tales and stories, and nearly 70% of those stories are set in the Dissidia Kingdom area. That''s why I associated her with the Sword of Dissidia." She chuckled, ending her theory.


    "So," Freya began, as she carefully assembled the pieces of the puzzle. "If Ibine all the elements of your theory, the scenario that unfolded goes something like this:


    "The Goddess of the Moon, for reasons still shrouded in mystery, was banished from Heaven, perhaps because the other gods found her too dangerous.


    "Upon her descent to Yunatea, she bestowed a magnificent sword upon King ndorr and tasked him with the monumental duty of ying the gods.


    "Following this event, it is believed that the Moon Goddess took residence in the South Continent, specifically in the region of the Dissidia Kingdom. There, she dedicated herself to aiding the inhabitants with their troubles."


    Lily nodded. "Exactly, that''s the scenario I''m imagining. It''s just a theory, but it could exin a lot of the mysteries we''ve been trying to solve. However, I intend to look for more evidence, since there are still many mysteries left to uncover about this great enigma."


    Initially, it was just Leon who was curious about the Goddess of the Moon. However, they all ended up listening to Lily''s theory, which aligned perfectly with the facts and information she had gathered. He felt relieved knowing that his sister had delved into areas he hadn''t had the time to explore.


    "I guess I''m pretty lucky you''re this diligent, Lily," he said,ughing softly.


    "She is quite impressive, isn''t she?" Freya chimed in.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Leon then continued, "So, even though we can''t confirm your theory yet, Lily, your exnations and information are quite convincing. But for some reason, I hope I''ll get another chance to talk to the remnants of King ndorr or even speak with the Goddess of the Moon herself. That way, I can validate your theory directly," he said with a grin.


    "You sure are confident that you''ll meet the Goddess of the Moon, huh, Leon?" Freya responded with a chuckle.


    "Yeah, at least I''ve already built some affinity with her. Who knows what the future holds?" he said, then took a deep breath. "After all, the quest to obtain the Sword of Dissidia is still in my system, and maybe by getting the sword, I''ll get closer to uncovering the truth about all this," he concluded.


    The three of them were gathered around the campfire, the smell of roasting meat blending with the freshness of theke breeze. The stars twinkled in the night sky, providing a peaceful backdrop that was further enhanced by the soothing sound of waterpping against the


    shoreline.


    There was a sense of contentment as they chatted and enjoyed their meal, savoring every moment of theirpany and the tranquility of theke.


    Once it waste enough, Leon slowly rose to his feet and bid farewell. "Alright, there''s something I need to do in Yunatea, so you two should rest soon. I''ll be back tomorrow," he said with a broad grin. "Have fun!"


    ***


    As soon as Broken stepped back into Slumdon, he found himself in his personal bedroom in the House of Slumdon. He walked out and descended the stairs into the main room, where he


    saw Toberry.


    Toberry, wearing his trademark white robes as an alchemist, noticed Broken and waved his hand with enthusiasm. "Broken, I have something that I believe you will find quite interesting," he said excitedly.


    "I''m always up for interesting things," Broken replied. "What is it?"


    Toberry''s excitement didn''t wane. "Danko, the Beastkin Rat-Man Miner you recruited and paid handsomely, has stumbled upon something extraordinary in the depths of the cave. Would you like to join me and have a look?"


    "Sure," Broken agreed without hesitation. "Let''s go."

 Chapter 298: Chapter 298 - Caving with Rat Boy

    Chapter 298: - Caving with Rat Boy


    ?


    Broken and Toberry stepped out of the city gate and trudged through the desert, feeling tiny gusts of wind blowing bits of sand into their faces. The sun was just starting to rise, painting the horizon with beautiful red-orange hues that warmed their skin.


    "The cave''s not too far from here," Toberry said. "Danko, that rat boy, must really love working in caves. He even chooses to sleep there instead ofing back to the town. I wonder if it''s because he''s a rat beastkin or if he just really loves his job."


    Broken gave a slight nod. "Maybe they''re just different from humans?"


    Toberry chuckled. "All the Beastkin I know live pretty much like regr humans, just with different forms. Sure, they have some unique talents and physiques, but their lives are pretty normal."


    "Okay, this is new for me."


    Toberry continued, "There are plenty of caves in this area that might contain lots of resources we can mine. We could even sell what we collect to other cities or kingdoms. That would be a good way to make more money."


    Broken nodded. "We will do that, but we need to fully explore any cave wee across. We''ll need to find out what''s inside each one."


    Broken recalled his previous encounter in a cave filled with demons, and the memory stirred a flicker of anxiety. What if something simr awaited him here, in these nearby caves?


    "Some caves conceal profound mysteries," he mused aloud. "I don''t think it''s wise to let the miners venture into them alone."


    Toberry agreed. "I think I need to set up an exploration team focused on checking out these caves. It will be an exciting mission, though exploring caves really takes time and preparation."


    "Agree," Broken replied.


    Toberry continued. "Some caves aren''t very human-friendly. There are water-filled tunnels, monsters, and sometimes even monster dungeons inside."


    "I''d be happy to join the exploration, Toberry," Broken offered. But he knew he had other tasks toplete, especially crafting new armor and weapons.


    "No, Broken, let me handle this. I know you''re already quite busy," Toberry replied kindly.


    As they approached the massive sand dune from a distance, they moved closer, noticing how lofty and intimidating it seemed from afar. However, upon getting nearer, they saw that the entrance to the cave was much lower, descending into the ground. The cave''s borders were rugged and rocky, draped in a thinyer of sand.


    "That''s the Lord," a voice echoed from within the cave. Emerging from the darkness, a young man with rat ears appeared.


    "Hey, My Lord," Danko eximed as he raced out of the cave''s mouth.


    "I heard you found something interesting in this cave?" Broken asked.


    Danko nodded energetically. "Yes, something extraordinary, and I''m sure it''s very valuable," he said excitedly. "I found a Trial Domain!"


    "Trial Domain?" Broken''s interest piqued immediately. The allure of the Trial Domain always roused his greed and desire to conquer it.


    "But, My Lord," Danko cautioned, "getting there is no easy task. It will take about two hours. The cave passage is steep and dark, and there are sections where we need to swim through water tunnels to proceed."


    Toberry was taken aback by Danko''s words. "You actually went all the way into the cave, Danko? You sure love challenges, don''t you?"


    "Kha ha ha," Danko burst into a loudugh, his eyes closed and mouth wide open. "I just follow my instincts. When I feel like going, I go."


    "But you managed to survive the water tunnels and stay underwater for so long?" Toberry continued.


    "That was because of the potion you provided, Lord Toberry. It helped me stay underwater longer," Danko answered enthusiastically.


    "But I don''t have any spares right now. Do we need to wait until I make a new potion for Broken too?"


    "No, Lord Toberry, I still have enough for two people," Danko reassured.


    "For two people on a one-way trip? How are you nning to get back?"


    Broken listened intently to Danko and Toberry''s conversation, concerned about how they would reach the Trial Domain through the water tunnels. While two people could make the trip with the existing potions, they needed to figure out a way to return once they reached the end of the tunnel.


    "Let me go with Danko," Broken said. "I just want to see what''s inside the cave, find any potential resources we can mine, and check the situation near the Trial Domain. If possible, I''ll explore it myself."


    "But are you sure, Broken?"


    "No worries, I won''t put anyone in danger."


    "Okay, then," Toberry agreed.


    Broken continued, "Alright, take me to that ce, Danko."


    "Alright, My Lord, I''m so happy to explore the cave with you," Danko responded


    enthusiastically with a hearty chuckle, "Kha ha ha."


    He then started walking further into the cave, whose entrance inclined slightly inward.


    "Youing, Toberry?" Broken turned to him inquiringly.


    "Um, two hours might be too long," Toberry replied. "A round trip would take four hours, and I have other things to take care of. But please let me know if you need help, and I cane


    later with the others."


    "Okay," Broken responded casually.


    Following that, Broken and Danko took a few more steps into the cave. The surface was made of stone, smoothed out by the dry sand covering it. Inside, the sounds of people chatting and hammering away with their pickaxes echoed, indicating that several miners were present.


    Danko grabbed a crystalmp. He held it up, and it immediately emitted a warm light, brightening the atmosphere in the cave.


    "Let''s go, my Lord," Danko said.


    The two ventured deeper into the cave, passing by other miners who were hard at work.


    "That''s the Baron," they whispered.


    "Good morning, My Lord," they greeted.


    "We are so grateful to be working here."


    "Thank you for providing us with a steady sry,"


    "My Lord, are you going to the ce that rat boy mentioned? It''s too dangerous and far away.


    I don''t rmend following him."


    "Yes, My Lord, there''s no point in venturing further into the cave. It''s truly dangerous and full


    of risks."


    Broken gave the miners a reassuring smile. "Don''t worry, I won''t go too far, so nothing bad


    will happen to me."


    He continued to follow Danko as they ventured deeper into the cave.


    "Danko," Broken said once they were out of earshot of the miners.


    "Yes, My Lord?"


    "Did you find anything else besides the Trial Domain? Maybe monsters or somethingn/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    unusual?"


    "Not yet, My Lord," Danko replied enthusiastically.


    "What do you mean by ''not yet''?"


    "There are many tunnels in the cave, and I''ve only explored a few. But I n to explore more


    later, and I''ll inform you if I find any monsters."


    Broken chuckled at his words. "Are you sure you could escape if you came across any


    monsters? Especially if they''re stronger than you?"


    "Kha ha ha... I can run pretty fast, My Lord."


    Broken then pulled out The Iron Solemn Pickaxe from his inventory to activate the passive


    skill of [Treasure Sense (Conditional Passive Skill)]. This way, he could also keep an eye out for anything interesting that Danko hadn''t found yet.


    "My Lord, are you a miner too?" Danko asked excitedly. "But you said you wanted to see the


    Trial Domain. Are you nning to mine as well?"


    "No, I do want to see the Trial Domain. Don''t question why I''m holding this pickaxe while


    exploring the cave, okay?" Broken asserted.


    "But, My Lord, you need a sword to fight monsters, right?"


    Broken felt a bit annoyed by the continuous questions.


    "I just really love this pickaxe and want to hold onto it," he replied, giving a rather suspicious


    answer.

 Chapter 299: Chapter 299 - Underwater Stamina

    Chapter 299: - Underwater Stamina


    ?


    As Broken and Danko trekked deeper into the cave''s winding tunnels, the only sounds were the faint trickling of sand from the ceiling, asionally brushing against their skin and hair. The air was thick and still, saturated with the suffocating darkness around them, and the distant murmur of water echoed faintly. Silence held sway, broken intermittently by the clink of their pickaxes striking the cave walls.


    "My Lord," Danko''s voice reverberated around them, "why are you personally taking on a job like this? Venturing into a cave alongside a beast-kin, you could have sent someone else. After all, you are the lord, the Baron."


    "Are youughing at me, Danko? Do I look foolish?" Broken replied, a hint of teasing in his


    tone.


    "Kha ha ha, you have me cornered, My Lord," Dankoughed heartily. "It''s not that, it''s just rare to see someone of your stature down here. I mean, I could easily lead you into danger, right?"


    "You mentioned something about a trial domain, didn''t you?" Broken interjected. "That piqued my interest. I wanted to discover it myself, and ensure I could conquer it too."


    "That''s quite ambitious, My Lord," Danko observed. "But still, you could have ordered anyone else to do this. Although, I can''t deny the journey is quite an adventure. We''re deep in the Earth''s bowels now! If a river suddenly flooded, we''d end up as drowning rats out of breath," he joked.


    Broken smiled, appreciating just how calmly Danko could carry himself, even joking around with a City Lord like him.


    [Mineral Detector: Possesses an innate ability to detect rare and valuable minerals, making it easier to locate precious resources when mining.]


    Danko possessed an SS-rating talent for mineral detection, a rare and extraordinary ability. Broken was confident that with the right time and opportunities, Danko could achieve incredible things. This was why he had been so curious when Toberry mentioned that Danko had found something noteworthy in the cave.


    Broken nced at his map feature, observing how the cave plunged into the depths with multiple branching pathways. However, he could only see a short distance from his current position; the map''s rity faded the deeper it went. Even so, he asionally spotted markers indicating mineral sources ripe for mining. It was clear that this cave had scarcely been explored or utilized so far.


    "How on earth do you remember all the paths in this cave, Danko?"


    "Kha ha ha ha... I''ve been exploring this cave for the past two years, my Lord," Danko replied. "City life gets pretty dull after a while, so I''ve been seeking out some excitement down here in these tunnels."


    They twisted and turned through thebyrinthine pathways of the expansive cave. Broken took the initiative to send Toberry a message, documenting Danko''s choices so they could be navigated again in the future if needed.


    Eventually, they stepped into a cavernous chamber, softly lit by the faint glimmer of light emanating from the crystal stones embedded in the walls. In the centery a deep pool of water, its surface unnervingly still and dark. The cave walls glistened with dampness, small droplets trickling down like tears. An oppressive silence filled the space, rendering it as if time itself hade to a standstill.


    "How long have we been walking, Danko?"


    "It shouldn''t be much longer, My Lord," Danko replied confidently. "We just need to swim across thisrge pool tunnel. In about 10 minutes, we''ll reach another chamber on the other side."


    "Swim in this deep, dark pool for 10 minutes? How am I supposed to stay underwater that long?"


    The yers in the game had to contend with limited swim times, depending on their stamina, usually only ranging from one to five minutes. Only those with special skills or tools could extend their underwater endurance. Broken, unfortunately, had no means of surviving in water for ten minutes.


    Dankoughed. "Don''t worry, My Lord. I have a solution. The potions Lord Toberry provided for me will do the trick."


    "Ah, yes," Broken replied. "I had almost forgotten about those."


    Danko pulled out two tiny vials from his trouser pocket. They were filled with a deep purple liquid. He handed one of them to Broken.


    "My Lord, this is an underwater stamina potion. Ites from Mr. Toberry. It should work quite well."


    Broken epted the small vial and examined it closely, reading the description of the item engraved on its surface.


    [Underwater Stamina Potion]


    [Extend and maximize your usage of underwater stamina up to 100%, allowing you to stay in the water for longer periods of time.


    Duration: 10 Minutes]


    "This potion only increases underwater stamina by a hundred percent," he noted thoughtfully. "Which means if it takes about ten minutes to reach the end of this pool, someone would need to be able to stay underwater for five minutes normally to survive."


    He turned to Danko with a curious expression. "Did you really use this potion to dive into the pool and explore, knowing you risked running out of breath and dying?"


    "I guess so, my Lord. But I''m grateful for the gamble; I discovered many amazing things


    down there."


    "Are there any monsters in the water?"


    "No, my Lord," Danko assured him.


    "I''m not afraid to follow you into this pool," Broken said, "but if I can''t hold my breath and end up dying, I can revive. You, on the other hand, don''t have that luxury. Your life isn''t


    limitless like mine. I don''t think it''s worth risking your life."


    "But, my Lord, I''ve already done it, and I seeded," Danko replied. "So, you don''t need to worry about me. I''m used to diving through these watery halls."


    Broken stepped closer to the deep, dark water, hesitantly testing it with his right foot.


    [Because of your high affinity with the Water Element, you receive a 50% boost to your underwater stamina. You can stay submerged longer.]


    "Not bad," Broken smiled. "This should make things a bit easier, right?"


    ***


    After Broken and Danko delved deep into the cave, the miners began to murmur among themselves about the Baron''s faith in the Beastkin.


    "What do you think the Baron sees in that ridiculous rat-boy?"


    "Honestly, I have no clue. Maybe the Baron has lost his marbles!"


    "A lot of odd things have happened since he took over," a third miner chimed in. "Remember


    that rain summoning ritual that finally worked after years of failure?"


    "Pure coincidence," someone dismissed with a wave.


    "There''s no rhyme or reason to the Baron''s actions."


    "Plus, a few people have ventured deep into that cave and nevere back. It''s incredibly


    deep, and no one truly knows what lies within."


    "Yes, no one knows what''s in there, but it''s profoundly deep and far-reaching."


    "We really should have forced the Baron to abandon his n of following that rat boy."


    "So, if the Baron dies there, does that mean we won''t get paid?" one miner asked, worried.


    "Damn! Should''ve thought about this sooner. We shouldn''t have let Danko b about what he found in the cave."


    "You''re all being idiots. The Baron is a yer. If he dies, he''ll juste back to life. They''re cursed like that."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Well, at least that rat boy won''te back. I can''t stand how he does whatever he pleases and cks off on the mining," the first miner grumbled.

 Chapter 300: Chapter 300 - A Woman in a Graceful Dress

    Chapter 300: - A Woman in a Graceful Dress


    ?


    "Exin the n, Danko," Broken said. "How do we reach the chamber at the end of the tunnel?"


    Danko nodded briskly before squatting down and grabbing a stone to sketch out something in the soilyer covering the cave floor.


    "My Lord," he started, "thisrge pool leads to a long underwater tunnel. At the end, there''s a vast chamber. It seems like it was used for something significant in the past, though I''m not certain what. However, within it lies a Trial Domain, and I believe it''s tied to a secret in that chamber at the end of this pool."


    Broken cross-referenced this exnation with what he saw on his map, confirming that Danko''s description was urate.


    "Alright, so we just need to dive and make it to that chamber," Broken said.


    Danko set down his crystalmp on the ground.


    "My Lord, the current in this pool is quite strong, making it difficult to carry themp through the water. We will have to dive without any light," he exined, pointing to the dark, foreboding pool. "But there''s no need to worry. A little light from the crystals in this cave still filters into the water, giving us some visibility."


    "You really are a suicidal maniac, aren''t you?"


    "But how can the currents in a pool be so strong?" he asked, noticing how calm the surface appeared.


    "Inside, it''spletely different, My Lord. It''s like there''s a whirlpool constantly refilling and draining the water in this pool."


    Broken shook his head. "This is not a good idea," he said. "Let me hold themp."


    Grabbing themp, he positioned himself close to the edge of the pool. "I''ll jump after you." Danko nodded. "Alright, My Lord." He reached into his trouser pocket, took out a small vial, and drank its contents. With a nod of confidence, he then leapt into the water.


    Without hesitation, Broken gulped down the underwater stamina potion and followed suit, plunging into the pool''s dark depths.


    He held the crystalmp tightly, its light shimmering in the water and casting eerie glows around them. As he descended, he could see Danko''s graceful movements leading the way. The realism of this virtual world struck him once again. The sensation of swimming felt incredibly lifelike, as though he was truly navigating through an underwater domain. The game developers had indeed outdone themselves; yers could learn to swim virtually while gaining practical skills applicable to the real world.


    "This game is truly amazing," he thought, marveling at the authenticity of his surroundings. He adjusted his movements, striving for efficiency, and kept his eyes on Danko, following his lead deeper into the underwater corridor.


    For a few moments, Broken felt a wave of panic wash over him, but he tried to calm himself. Swimming in such utter darkness, without any guarantee of safety, was more daunting than he had expected. Even though he wouldn''t truly die if he ran out of breath, his nerves were far from steeled against the challenge.


    It was so dark around them, as though he was swimming aimlessly, despite seeing his position on the map steadily moving towards his goal. In contrast, Danko swam with agility and confidence, as if he was perfectly at home in the water, almost as if he was swimming straight into danger without a care.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Why was Danko so confident about diving into these depths without any additional potion for the return trip? Broken had neglected to confirm this crucial detail with him. Was Danko truly that reckless and unaware of the risks?


    Damn, this Beastkin really has some serious guts, he thought. Or could Danko actually withstand swimming for this long? Was it because he was a rat-man?


    "Do rats really have the ability to swim? I don''t know," he mumbled to himself, realizing he had never looked into the swimming capabilities of rats.


    Danko swam with incredible agility, gracefully diving and pausing near the bottom of the pool as if to draw attention to something.


    Broken brought hismp closer, revealing an astonishing sight. The floor of the pool was rich with iron ore, more than his map had indicated. Seeing it in person was far more striking than any usual mining expedition.


    This underwater cave was truly a treasure trove of natural resources. But how could they mine it if the pool was filled with water? Could they possibly drain the water and transport the ore to the city?


    Danko gave a thumbs-up and nodded before resuming his swim. Taking the cue, Broken hastened his pace, determined to keep up.


    After a few minutes, the murkiness of the water began to give way to a bright light entering from above. Without hesitation, they swam upward towards the surface.


    As Broken surfaced, he was immediately struck with a sense of awe at the sight before him.


    It was arge, stone chamber illuminated by the glow of several crystals embedded in the walls. Despite the age of the chamber, with dust and moss scattered about, the crystalmps seemed to automatically light up as they entered.


    The atmosphere felt ancient, and some carvings could be seen in a far corner of the room, intricately engraved into the stone wall. It looked almost like a series of paintings etched into the chamber''s rock surface.


    "What is this ce?"


    "Follow me, My Lord."


    Broken climbed out of the pool and onto the rocky floor.


    "This ce looks like someone once lived here."


    "Yes, My Lord," Danko replied.


    Broken continued. "And it seems this ce harbors a secret. Why else would it be located so deep within a cave, hidden behind an almost unreachable pool of water?"


    As Broken stepped onto the stone floor in the center of the room, he lifted the crystalmp to illuminate the ground beneath him. Softly muttering to himself, he said, "I don''t know how long this ce has been abandoned."


    In the middle of the room stood a square-shaped dimensional portal. Turning to Danko, Broken asked, "Is that the Trial Domain you mentioned, Danko?"


    "Yes, my Lord," Danko confirmed with a nod.


    "You did a very good job," Brokenmended him.


    Broken approached the stone wall, carefully removing the vines and moss that were obscuring the engravings. The intricate pictures and text began toe into focus, though some rity


    was still needed.


    "Danko, help me clear these vines and moss," he requested.


    "Yes, my Lord," Danko replied, quickly joining him.


    They spent several moments cleaning the wall, driven by curiosity about the message left


    behind by whoever had upied this ce long ago.


    Upon closer inspection, several stone engravings appeared to narrate a story. The first painting showed a woman in a graceful dress, handing a sword to a man kneeling in front of her. The second painting depicted the man, now wielding the sword, fending off several


    attackers.


    Broken studied the paintings intently, trying to decipher the words beneath each scene. He pieced together the fragmented phrases, attempting to understand the story as a whole.


    "No way." he muttered.


    For some reason, he was suddenly reminded of something he, Lily, and Freya had been discussing recently. Could this be rted to the Goddess of the Moon and King ndorr?

 Chapter 301: Chapter 301 - Elemental Labyrinths

    Chapter 301: - Elemental Labyrinths


    ?


    There were inscriptions engraved on the stone wall, exining the imagery that adorned the same section of the wall. Broken read them one by one, deciphering their meaning.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Moon Goddess, cast out, her journey''s end."


    "Heaven''s wrath had severed her celestial ties."


    "In Yunatea''s embrace, her purpose swayed." "To bring justice in the moon''s soft shade." "A reason found, a darkness deep inside."


    "y the gods, end suffering''s cruel ride."


    "To the Champion of Sloth, a mission vast."


    "Moon Goddess, fierce, her battle gs unfurled."


    Broken''s pulse quickened as he absorbed the gravity of the verses. This was more than just an old story; it hinted at something profound and significant.


    "These engravings tell of the Moon Goddess''s journey and her mission. It matches the lore we''ve been discussing-her exile, her quest for justice, and her resolve to challenge the gods."


    "Precisely the theory that Lily had mentioned earlier, right? This fits perfectly with what she suggested," he continued, his thoughts racing. "So, the one who gave the Sword of Dissidia to King ndorr and assigned this mission was the Goddess of the Moon."


    "She did this because she was banished from heaven? No, it''s exined here that the purpose was to end suffering."


    Broken tried to digest the revtion, but it was a lot to take in. He then took photos of the engravings, intending to discuss them further with Freya and Lily.


    "This is a story about the Goddess of the Moon," Broken told Danko.


    "Yes, my Lord," Danko replied. "But I can''t make sense of this writing, kha ha ha."


    "Have you ever heard about her?"


    "Yes, My Lord. My family worships her. It''s said she helps the beast-kin live morefortably in Dissidia."


    "So that''s it."


    "Is there anything important being said here, My Lord?"


    Before Broken could respond, a notification appeared.


    [Congrattions! For your incredible achievement in uncovering an important part of the history of the Goddess of the Moon!]


    [You have revealed her journey to protect the people of Yunatea, her mission to bring peace to all, and her mission to deliver punishment to the gods who had neglected their duties.]


    [For this extraordinary aplishment, you shall now be known as the ''Moon Revealer''! Your Affinity with the Goddess of The Moon has increased to 23%.]


    [You are also rewarded with 20 stat points.]


    Broken''s eyes widened as he read the messages. The achievement confirmed everything he had deciphered about the Goddess of the Moon''s mission in Yunatea.


    The painting of the Goddess of the Moon on the stone wall appeared to shimmer and distort, as if being pulled inward. The chamber began to tremble, debris slowly falling from above. Broken quickly nced at Danko, trying to assess his condition. The intricate engravings and text on the stone wall started to fade, bing less and less visible.


    Danko, a bit flustered,y down on the ground for a moment. When the violent shaking finally subsided, he got back on his feet.


    "The paintings have all vanished, My Lord," Danko observed.


    "It seems as if someone wanted to convey a message through this ce," Broken spected, gazing thoughtfully at the now-empty wall.


    He then turned to Danko. "But why did the paintings vanish only after I arrived? Tell me, what happened when you first came here, Danko?"


    Danko broke into a wide grin. "Nothing of this sort, my Lord. I was so upied examining the stone walls that I didn''t notice anything unusual. The paintings didn''t react to my presence."


    Broken remained silent for a moment, digesting the information. The idea of a chosen moment for the visions and their apparent awaiting of his arrival made sense to him.


    "Maybe someone needs to understand or at least read the entire text before the event is triggered," he tried to conclude.


    After gaining another 20 stat points and boosting his affinity with the Goddess of the Moon to 23%, his next mission became unmistakable: challenge the Trial Domain. With a surge of determination, he felt an eagerness to dive into this domain without dy. Waiting was no longer an option.


    He thrived on challenges, but more than that, he cherished the rewards that Trial Domains often offered. These rewards were typically far superior to those from standard monster


    dungeons.


    Trudging to the center of the room where the portal stood, he felt a surge of excitement and anticipation. As he drew nearer, he could make out the writing that had appeared on the portal.


    [Elemental Labyrinths Trial Domain Lv. 200]


    Danko quietly muttered, "It''s a level 200 trial domain, my Lord. Do you intend to try this domain?"


    "Yes, of course," Broken replied, pausing for a moment to think. He then turned to the beastkin. "Danko, if something happens to me, can you get back out of the cave alone?" he


    inquired.


    "My Lord, I spend more time in the cave than in the outside world. You don''t need to worry about me," he said confidently.


    "I''ve already informed Toberry to follow up, so you can return safely using the underwater potion."


    "I will wait here, my Lord. It''s alright; I can sleep and wait. It''s very peaceful here, and I like it," Danko assured him.


    "Fine, if that''s what you want. See you," Broken said, stepping into the portal.


    As he did, he heard a voice calling out to him.


    [Do you really want to try your luck with these elements? You must be aware of the risks: You might drown in the depths of water, be burned by fire, be crushed by the earth, or be swept


    away by a gust of wind.]


    [This is no challenge for the faint of heart, and only those with true courage and a desire to reach higher levels in life should consider it. I advise you to leave immediately and retreat


    while you still can.]


    "Sure!" Broken replied forcefully. "I''m not interested in withdrawing; I have nothing to lose. A Trial Domain level 200? Please, bring it on," he said as his body faded into the portal door.


    After being engulfed by the powerful energy, Broken found himself standing in a grand chamber with walls made of dull gray stone. The air was still and silent, almost as if it was holding its breath in anticipation of what was about to happen. Only a crystalmp affixed to the walls illuminated the dimly lit room.


    "Alright. Here we are," Broken muttered to himself.


    In the center of the room stood four doors, each radiating a distinct light. The blue door emitted a tranquil, soothing glow, while a cozy, earthy warmth radiated from the brown door. The red door pulsated with intense heat, and the green door shimmered with a gust of wind.


    "This is my second trial domain, no, it''s my third. And once again, I''m confronted with these doors," he noted, walking closer to the four doors. Floating writing appeared in front of each


    door:


    Challenge of Water.


    Challenge of Earth.


    Challenge of Fire.


    Challenge of Wind.


    Each door clearly indicated the elemental challenge it represented.


    "As the name of this Trial Domain suggests, this is indeed a challenge of elements," he mused. "Let me check: Is it possible to challenge all the doors, or is only one challenge avable per person?"

 Chapter 302: Chapter 302 - Water Elemental Avatar

    Chapter 302: - Water Elemental Avatar


    ?


    Broken approached the four elemental doors, and a notification appeared in front of him, outlining the rules of the trial.


    [The Elemental Labyrinths: Each individual has the opportunity to attempt the Trial only once a month. If they fail, they must wait 30 days for the cooldown period to end before trying again.]


    [Anyone can attempt a challenge from any door, and once they seed, they will no longer be able to do the challenge from another door. The grade of the reward they obtain will depend on their performance in the trial. However, if they fail the challenge three times, then all doors will be closed to them permanently.]


    [It is rmended to carry out a trial that matches your elemental affinity to increase the chance of sess.]


    Broken nodded slowly as he absorbed the rules of the challenge.


    "It seems that this Trial Domain has more lenient rules than the Fate Domain I encountered before," he murmured to himself. "I hope I don''t have to meet someone like King ndorr again inside," he added, almost a whisper.


    He had a high affinity with the basic elements of Earth and Water, and a low affinity with thebination element of Wood. Following the system''s advice, the best choices for him were Earth or Water. However, since he had no inkling of what awaited him inside either, he could only choose randomly based on what he thought might be easier.


    Drowning in water or being crushed by earth? he pondered. I suppose the former still seems more humane.


    After a moment''s hesitation, he made up his mind. "Yes, I''ll simply choose Water. I''m not as analytical as Maylock."


    With a determined stride, Broken stepped towards the water gate, ready to confront whatever trials awaited him.


    Upon entering, his vision filled with the sight of a grand, sprawling chamber with towering stone walls. The light, it seemed, was provided by numerous streams of water running down the walls, casting a beautiful, shimmering glow over the entire room.


    Broken inhaled the clear, crisp scent of water and listened to the gentle rippling sounds echoing through the space. The light reflected off the glistening water droplets, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. The air was thick with moisture, and he could feel it settling on his skin with each breath.


    "And what kind of trial have they prepared for me now? Fighting monsters or puzzles?" he wondered aloud. A grin spread across his face as he remembered the skill he had that could solve puzzles with ease.


    "I guess if it''s a puzzle, this will be a walk in the park," he said, grinning.


    His gaze traveled across the wet and mossy rocky floor, which seemed to stretch out endlessly. The floor consisted of several interconnected square tiles, damp and slippery with patches of green moss growing between them.


    He paused for a moment, contemting his next move. For some reason, he felt there was something odd about this ce. Deciding to be cautious, he opted to check histest status first.


    [Name: Broken]


    [Level: 120]


    [ss: Unique - Super Novice | Unique - Royal cksmith | Unique - Rift Digger]


    [Health: 12,435 | Mana: 5,132]


    [Strength: 704 | Agility: 334 | Intelligence: 359 | Constitution: 258 | Stamina: 522]


    [Charisma: 150 | Luck: 35 | Dexterity: 50 | Survival: 30 | Perception: 20]


    [Avable Stat Points: 140]


    [Weight: 4,334/4,224]


    Broken observed his overall stats, knowing he had enough stat points to spend on Strength, ensuring he wouldn''t experience a reduction in movement speed due to the weight of his equipment. He carefully considered how to allocate his stat points to maximize his performance in the trial.


    He needed a lot of Strength, so he would invest the bulk of his points there. However, he also knew that his Constitution was somewhatcking, so he needed to bnce his spending between the two. Additionally, he realized the importance of Intelligence since he dealt elemental damage with his spears. Thus, he also needed to allocate some points to Intelligence as well.


    Before finalizing his decision, Broken took out his Wavebreaker Spear and realized just how heavy it was-1580 weight units! Damn! This was truly burdensome.


    Forced by the situation, he decided to invest every stat point he had into Strength. He only hoped that after this, he would be able to focus more on growing his other stats rather than just Strength.


    [Name: Broken]


    [Level: 120]


    [ss: Unique - Super Novice | Unique - Royal cksmith | Unique - Rift Digger]


    [Health: 12,435 | Mana: 5,132]


    [Strength: 953 | Agility: 324 | Intelligence: 349 | Constitution: 421 | Stamina: 631]


    [Charisma: 100 | Luck: 35 | Dexterity: 50 | Survival: 30 | Perception: 20]


    [Avable Stat Points: 0]


    [Weight: 5,577/5,718]


    Broken was quite astonished as he looked at his Strength stat, which had now soared to an impressive 953! The Strength stat was by far the highest, while his other statsgged behind. This remarkable boost was also thanks to his +6 Wavebreaker Spear, which significantly contributed to his overall Strength, Constitution, and Stamina.


    [+6 Wavebreaker Spear]


    [Attack Power: 1182-1301


    Stamina +109 Constitution +163


    Strength +109]


    [...]


    He was now ready to fight, prepared to face any challenge awaiting him. But as he looked at the tiles stretching out before him, he felt a twinge of doubt and suspicion. Something about the floor seemed off.


    To address his concerns, he decided to conduct a little test. Raising his Wavebreaker Spear into the air, he muttered, "Boar''s Flood!"


    [Boar''s Flood (Active Skill)]


    As the wild energy vortex began to coil around the spear''s tip, its intensity surged until it coalesced. A wave of power, like a waterfall, cascaded to the floor, spreading across the cavern in a mesmerizing, undting dance.


    Abruptly, from that water, a boar took shape, towering nearly twice as high as him. This formidable beast was crafted from shimmering, swirling water, and its roar reverberated


    throughout the chamber.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    All at once, a series of alerts shed in Broken''s vision.


    [You have triggered the trap, and a water avatar has been summoned!]


    [You have triggered the trap, and a water avatar has been summoned!]


    [...]


    The instant the Boar''s hoof touched the ground, a whirlpool erupted, morphing into a mermaid-like figure made entirely of water, each holding a trident. As they moved forward, more of these aqueous phantoms manifested in a steady stream.


    [Water Elemental Avatar - Siren Lv. 211]


    [Water Elemental Avatar - Tidal Naiad Lv. 220]


    [Water Elemental Avatar - Wave Nymph Lv. 195]


    [...]


    "Just as I thought, this ce is riddled with traps!"


    Dozens of aquatic monsters, each wielding a trident, charged swiftly across the chamber. They transformed the space into a chaotic torrent of surging and swirling water. Surrounded by an aura of raw power and strength, the Water Boar filled the cave with an explosive intensity, the energy of water pulsating throughout. The monsters moved with rming speed and agility, creating a tempestuous whirl of water that enveloped them in


    chaos.


    Closing his eyes momentarily to shield them from the deluge, he watched through the torrent as the Water Wild Boar was quickly swallowed by the horde of aquatic creatures.


    Then, their attention snapped to him.


    "How dare youe to this ce?" one of the aquatic horrors boomed, fixing its eerie gaze


    on Broken.


    "Damn! Do I have to fight all of them?"

 Chapter 303: Chapter 303 - Chaotic Motions of the Whirlpool

    Chapter 303: - Chaotic Motions of the Whirlpool


    ?


    Broken now found himself face-to-face with an overwhelming array of aquatic creatures. Their eyes bore into him, each with a piercing intensity, as though they were silently passing judgment on him.


    "This isn''t going to be easy," he muttered under his breath, steeling himself for the


    impending sh. He was prepared to deploy every resource he had, ready for whatever mighte his way.


    "You will never leave this ce alive," they announced.


    Broken spun his spear, muscles tensed in preparation for the battle. But then, somethingpletely unexpected happened.


    One by one, the aquatic creatures began to dissolve, turning into sshes of water. They spilled onto the ground and swiftly sank back into the floor, leaving no trace behind.


    "Why-?"


    Broken furrowed his brow in confusion as the creatures vanished. They were gone? They hadn''t attacked him? Hadn''t he triggered the trap by summoning the wild boar? So why had they dispersed back into water? Was it because he hadn''t stepped on those specific tiles?


    Determined to test his theory, he decided to conduct another experiment. This time, he took out his bow from his inventory. He selected an arrow, set it on the bowstring, and, taking a deep breath, released the arrow with precision. It flew across the room and struck one of the tiled floors, bouncing off and leaving a sparkle behind.


    But, nothing happened.


    "I''m sure the boar was stepping on that tile before," he muttered to himself. "So why wasn''t the trap triggered this time?"


    He then grabbed his spear once more, lifting it into the air. "Sea of Storms!" he murmured softly.


    [Sea of Storms (Active Skill)]


    Brilliant magic circles formed on the ceiling, shimmering with blue and silver hues. Spear- like projections shot out from each magic circle, crashing onto the ground with a thunderous roar as water spread outwards. The walls reverberated with the force of the explosion.


    But again, nothing happened.


    It won''t be triggered by any skill, physical or magical damage. That was his current conclusion. But a summon would do the job. With a summon, the trap would activate. He was acutely aware of the danger posed by the high-level monsters congregating inrge numbers. He couldn''t afford to fail this trial.


    "Polly," he whispered.


    Polly materialized beside him. Her four tails waved gracefully as she shifted into her battle form, instantly increasing her size severalfold.


    "Hi, Master," she whispered softly.


    "Polly," Broken repeated, his mind racing with a potential solution to handle the trap. "Yes, Master," she replied.


    "Do you experience any pain when your clones are targeted by an attack?"


    "No, Master," she answered slowly. "They are just my clones. Even though they can take damage, I don''t feel any pain from the damage inflicted on them."


    Broken nodded slowly, feeling more confident than ever. Somehow, he felt smarter this time. "Okay, hear me out," he continued, then exined the situation with the trap floors.


    "I will map every tile that contains traps and those that don''t, with the help of your illusion abilities. All you need to do is send one clone at a time to step on any tiles in front of us. If the clone is killed by a trap, you send another one. Can you do it?"


    "Yes, Master, I can do it. I will help you navigate through this trap," she said with enthusiasm.


    Polly then activated her skills and summoned her clones, following Broken''s instructions to the letter. She sent one clone to jump onto each tile on the floor, while Broken marked the safe ones. Polly''s clone continued to hop from tile to tile, meticulously triggering traps.


    When a clone stepped on a trap, dozens of arrows flew out from all directions, striking it and making it vanish instantly. Broken took a deep breath, imagining the damage those arrows would cause if they hit him.


    Unfazed, Polly promptly moved another clone, directing it to a different tile. Once again, the clone set off a trap, prompting numerous aquatic creatures to emerge and attack it. "Shadow Clone Technique" was one of Polly''s skills with an impressively long duration of around 30 seconds, and a cooldown period of just 45 seconds. This meant they only had to wait 15 seconds for the skill to be avable again. The hitch with this skill, however, was its hefty Mana cost. She could only perform it four times before needing to wait for her Mana to regenerate.


    But with nothing to lose, they simply waited, rxing and repeating the process as needed. Again and again, they went through this routine, with Broken and the real Polly sitting patiently during the cooldown period of her skill. After several rounds of waiting and watching carefully, Broken finally seeded in mapping out all the safe tiles.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He now knew exactly where to step to reach the other side. This was a smart way to conquer the trap floor. Beingzy was different from being a genius, and today, he was definitely the


    latter.


    "We did it, Polly. None of this would have been possible without you," he said, gently stroking the small fox''s head.


    Broken then stood up and stretched, letting out a yawn. He truly appreciated the perks of being a Sloth Champion. It seemed essential to find more ways to automate tasks, so he could rx even more. Isn''t that the very essence of a sloth Champion?


    With a gentle wave, Polly vanished until he needed her help again.


    Stepping carefully onto the floor tiles, just as he had mapped out, nothing happened. He hopped to another tile, walking leisurely from one to the next. Not a single trap was triggered. His n had worked perfectly, and he felt a swell of pride.


    Grinning, he imagined the frustrated faces of those aquatic creatures as he navigated through the trap without having to deal with them. Yet, a question lingered in his mind: Would this trap arrangement remain the same for anyone else entering this trial domain? If so, he could share this valuable information with his friends. It would certainly help them if they decided to challenge the water door.


    After a while, he reached the end of the trap-riddled floor. Standing before him was another tunnel, its entrance beckoning him onward. It led to another chamber, perhaps his next challengey there, waiting at the end of the tunnel.


    Broken immediately ventured into the tunnel, walking for some time before finally reaching its end, where, as he had predicted, anotherrge chamber awaited him.


    In front of himy a massive pool with dark, churning water. The pool stretched out as far as he could see. Although he couldn''t gauge its depth, it was clear that the surface was far from calm. Wild currents swirled and circted, forming several whirlpools that seemed ready to drag anyone caught in them into the depths.


    However, one thing caught his eye: a series of stone pirs rising from the center of the pool, their tops piercing the turbulent water for reasons yet unknown.


    "Surely, the challenge isn''t just to cross this pool with its menacing whirlpools, right? Where monsters will definitely emerge from the water?" he wondered aloud.


    He seemed a little thoughtful as he walked closer to the edge of the pool. There were no


    visible patterns of traps like the floor tiles he had previously encountered.


    "I strongly believe that anyone who swims into this pool will have to face some kind of creature emerging from the water," he mused. For a moment, the thought of it made his task


    seem even more daunting.


    Polly reappeared and padded over to his feet. "Master, let me test the pool."


    Polly summoned her clones, and without hesitation, one of them immediately dove into the pool. It quickly became evident that Polly''s movement speed had considerably slowed down. The pool was not exceedingly deep, only submerging her body.


    But then, the real challenge became apparent.


    Out of the wild and chaotic motions of the whirlpool, an aquatic beast suddenly manifested,


    wielding a trident with a firm grip. Itunched an onught on Polly with tremendous speed, and in an instant, the clone was obliterated.


    Broken swallowed hard, realizing that the creature was clearly stronger and moved more


    easily in the water. It was evident that this environment gave the beast a significant


    advantage.


    "What should I do?" he muttered to himself.

 Chapter 304: Chapter 304 - Hanging by a Vine

    Chapter 304: - Hanging by a Vine


    ?


    The initial test with Polly''s clone was a colossal failure. It became painfully clear that anything entering the water would be attacked by those aquatic monsters. And these


    monsters were no pushovers.


    It was obvious that jumping into the pool wasn''t the right move. Those aquatic creatures were far stronger and more agile in the water. This challenge was crafted to test one''s capacity to battle in an aquatic environment-a skill Broken had yet to master. Hecked the techniques and abilities required to either survive or fight effectively in such conditions.


    How could he defeat these monsters? While his area-of-effect skill came from his Legendary Spear, which included water element damage, it would be ineffective against these creatures. Broken took a deep gulp, his mind spinning with ideas. "Does this mean that if we don''t enter the water, we''ll be safe from attack?" A thought suddenly sparked in his mind.


    Could someone cross the entire pool by staying airborne? Would that avoid drawing the attention of these aquatic monsters?


    "If only I had flying skill," he pondered for a moment.


    He scanned the area, searching for a way to cross without entering the water. The tall pirs scattered throughout the pool, stretching from the bottom to the surface above, caught his attention. What was their purpose? Could he use them to his advantage?


    His eyes narrowed as he formted a n. Those pirs might just be the key to getting across without triggering the monsters. With some agility and careful movement, he could potentially hop from one to the next, bypassing the water entirely. However, he needed to figure out how to grip onto those pirs, as theirrge diameter made it impossible to wrap his arms around them.


    "I need to try this," he murmured to himself.


    Broken pulled the Moonvine Knuckles from his inventory and equipped them. A bold idea had suddenly struck him, one he hadn''t tested before, but somehow he felt oddly confident about. After all, if it failed, he''d end up plunging into the water and facing the monsters lurking below. But it was worth a shot.


    "Polly, there''s a superhero in my world who''s admired by many," he said suddenly.


    "Yes, Master?" Polly replied, looking puzzled. "Is it you?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Broken chuckled at her question. "No, not me, but I''m going to try copying his style." He adjusted the knuckles, which were already upgraded to +3. Although there was still a long way to go for further upgrades, there was one skill from the Moonvine Knuckles that he believed could help him cross this long pool.


    [+3 The Moonvine Knuckles - Guardian Treant Lv. 200]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Attack Power: 552-606


    Attack power +20% Under the Moon


    Agility +226]


    [.....]


    [Nature Warp Strike: This skill allows you to summon a long, sharp vine from your knuckles that can tear through space, creating a miniature portal. You can direct this portal to any nearby area, providing you with a significant tactical advantage in battle.]


    He took a deep breath, centering his mind. The Moonvine Knuckles had a special ability he hoped would provide the momentum and grip needed to leap from one pir to the next.


    "Meet me at the end of the pool, Polly."


    Nature Warp Strike was a versatile skill, allowing him to cast alternately from either hand. The vine could bind and wrap around a target or be released or retracted at will. When used skillfully, it had numerous potential functions inbat.


    Broken had used the Moonvine Knuckles in several battles, leveraging this skill effectively. However, what he was attempting now was something entirely new.


    He stepped to the pool''s edge, raising his right hand. A vine materialized and shot out from his knuckles, snaking toward the ceiling. Suddenly, it vanished and reappeared, wrapping itself around a pir.


    His body was swiftly pulled upward, swinging him above the pool''s surface. Just as he had hoped, no monsters emerged from the water. With a swift motion, he extended his left hand, and another vine shot out, allowing him to swing to his left while the vine on his right hand released its grip.


    He was swinging through the air on vines, like some kind of makeshift superhero. Damn, he hadn''t expected it to work so well.


    Once he had built up enough momentum, he released both vines, letting them wrap around a pir. He clung to it, the vines securely holding him there. Yet, his journey was far from over. He took a deep breath, keeping his adrenaline in check as he skimmed over the water''s surface. He knew his movements weren''t perfect yet, and he had to stay focused to make it to the end of the pool. But his initial attempt was already a huge sess.


    With his first attempt seeding, his confidence soared. He quickly jumped, flinging both hands into the air, and the vines shot out,tching onto the pir on the opposite side. Broken swung swiftly, feeling his body maneuver expertly above the water. He began to get a feel for the momentum, seamlessly positioning each movement with precision. Continuing this newfound rhythm, he began to enjoy it so much that he yelled excitedly, "Yoo-hoo! I really did it!"


    The monsters didn''t appear; who knows what they were doing. Surely, they should have noticed Broken speeding over the water above their heads.


    If they were really in the water, they could have just surfaced and attacked him, right? But they didn''t.


    This challenge clearly had a rule that the monsters could only attack those who touched the water. He discovered this through a simple experiment, thanks to Polly''s clone. Someone else might have struggled to get through without an ability to avoid swimming. Maybe someone like Elincia, who could fly, could have breezed through, but unfortunately, she isn''t a water element user, is she?


    His confidence soared as he continued swinging with the vines, now managing to do it without pausing at the pirs. Even though he knew this was draining his stamina significantly, he was certain he could make it to the end with just a bit more effort. He remained focused, and the final swing truly brought him to the edge of the pool.


    He executed a somersault in the air while the vines retracted back into his knuckles. When hended gracefully, arms outstretched as if performing a delicate dance, he knew he had done it. Without having to fight the monsters, this was the easiest Trial Domain he could imagine tackling. And yet, this was a level 200 Trial Domain. The grin on his face said it all.


    He took a moment to rest, allowing his Stamina to recover as he sat on the floor. Suddenly, Polly reappeared, running to him and hopping into hisp.


    How long had he been inside the Trial Domain? Surely, the challenges couldn''t have taken that long, right? He spent a few minutes recuperating, and once he felt his Stamina was sufficiently restored, he stood up again.


    yers can''t clearly see their Stamina usage; it is only indicated by colors-green for full and super red for dangerously low. Stamina is a crucial stat because without it, no one can fight or


    use their skills.


    Now that Broken was ready, he needed to figure out what the next challenge would be. Typically, a ce like this would have three challenges, no more. So, the next one ought to be the final test.

 Chapter 305: Chapter 305 - Aquatic Conqueror

    Chapter 305: - Aquatic Conqueror


    ?


    Broken walked through the tunnel, Polly following close behind. The tunnel was longer than the previous ones, but he could clearly hear the sound of the swirling water echoing from behind, from the pool he had just skipped. Ahead, a light began to appear, suggesting that the uing challenge might be quite different from thest.


    Once he reached the end of the tunnel, he found himself in a spacious, square-shaped chamber. It reminded him of the arena of the abyss where he had previously fought alongside Princess Alora.


    "Is this going to be another battle against waves of monsters?" he wondered.


    The room was massive, with towering walls at each of the four corners. What caught his eye, however, was the unique feature in the center of the room: a stone altar surrounded by three treasure chests, all encased within a shimmering prismatic shield.


    "What is that?" another question popped into his mind.


    Instinctively, Broken descended into the arena, expecting some sort of notification or guidance to pop up and inform him about how to tackle the challenge.


    A loud thud echoed, and when he looked back, the tunnel from which he had entered was now sealed. He was trapped within the chamber, uncertain about whaty ahead.


    He inspected the altar at the center. It seemed to be protected by a transparent force field emitting a faint blue light. Within the shield stood an altar, atop which floated a golden key, and beside ity three wooden boxes, probably the rewards from the trial domain.


    However, before he could make another move, the chamber began to tremble, and debris started falling from various areas. Polly quickly transformed into her battle form,


    summoning her clones to shield Broken from all directions.


    Simultaneously, Broken readied his spear, preparing for whatever was toe.


    "It seems like our challenge is about to start, Polly," he murmured.


    "Yes, Master... I''ll fight with everything I''ve got!" Polly responded firmly.


    Just then, circr portals began to form all around, characteristic of arenas where waves of monsters emerge. The same aquatic creatures from before started pouring out. But this time, they were walking on the floor rather than swimming. Wouldn''t it have been more advantageous for them if the arena were filled with water?


    [Water Elemental Avatar - Siren Lv. 221]


    [Water Elemental Avatar - Tidal Naiad Lv. 214]


    [Water Elemental Avatar - Wave Nymph Lv. 197]


    [Water Elemental Avatar - Siren Lv. 212]


    Their levels were clearly above 200, fitting for a level 200 trial domain. But their numbers- there were so many of them, and they just kepting!


    "Damn, this trial domain really doesn''t know how to give me a break," he muttered. The number of monsters before him was significantly greater than any single wave he''d faced in the previous trial domain. Even though there was supposed to be just one wave here, being swarmed by so many monsters at once was far from enjoyable.


    A notification shed before him.


    [The final challenge has begun. Every aquatic creature from the previous challenge that wasn''t killed has been transferred to the final challenge.]


    [Kill them all, and you will be deemed worthy to im the final reward.]


    [You will receive more rewards if you manage toplete this trial in one attempt, plus you will be the first person to challenge this Trial andplete it if you seed.]


    "All the monsters from the pool earlier brought here too? The trial domain must be joking," Broken muttered, feeling a surge of frustration.


    "What was the point of hovering over that pool if the monsters were simply going to be brought here anyway? This trial domain is cruel. It certainly makespleting it a lot harder."


    He quickly assessed the sheer number of monsters now in the chamber. How many were there -10? No, more than that! Maybe 20, 30, or even 50! Each creature slithered with fishtail-like lower bodies, their movements eerily synchronized.


    The aquatic creatures began to speak in voices that echoed throughout the chamber.


    "The intruder has arrived."


    "Attack him, kill him."


    "You can''t acquire the treasure from that chest unless you defeat us all first."


    "We will make sure you are destroyed instantly."


    "A weak human like him has no ce here."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "I''ll cut off his head."


    "I will drown him in water and make him suffocate," another one dered.


    Polly looked as though she was ready to pounce-every muscle in her body was tense. "Master, I''ll fight with everything I have to protect you."


    "No, Polly," his voice was firm. "Go back to your world now."


    "Master, please, I can''t just leave you like this. I have to fight by your side," Polly''s voice quivered. Her defiance was clear as she struggled to follow her Master''s order. "Master, forgive me for disobeying you."


    Spirits were bound by their contracts and couldn''t easily rebel against their Master''smands. It took immense bravery to challenge such instructions. Even so, Polly decided to obey this time. She shrunk back to her mini form and gradually vanished from sight.


    "I''m sorry, Master. I promise I''ll be stronger," she whispered into the void.


    The aquatic creatures burst intoughter, their gills fluttering with amusement as they watched Broken dismiss his only ally.


    "I never thought someone foolish enough to venture here would give up so quickly," one of


    them sneered.


    "Let''s kill him now!" another shouted.


    "Yes, let''s torture him!" a third monster hissed.


    In unison, the horde of aquatic monsters, bristling with long ws and razor-sharp teeth, lunged forward. The water roiled with their movement, spraying droplets and foam into the air. Their sleek bodies shimmered ominously under the dim light, a lethal reminder of what Broken faced.


    Yet, Broken stood there, unusually calm, a faint smile ying on his lips.


    "I don''t think this is the right time for a fight," he remarked casually. "It''ste at night in my world, and I''m camping, so I don''t have much time for you guys. Bye."


    With nimble movements, he effortlessly leaped backward, slipping through the blue energy barrier that encased the treasure chests inside.


    The monsters halted abruptly, eyes widening in shock.


    "How did he get through the barrier?!" one of them cried out.


    "This is impossible!" another eximed.


    "We are the guardians of this ce. No one can breach the barrier unless they defeat us all!"


    Broken chuckled. "Your understanding of reality doesn''t concern me," he said with augh. "Now, I don''t need to fight you all, do I? My reward awaits."


    Broken remarked as he reached and grabbed the gleaming golden key atop the stone altar.


    However, the monsters still looked furious and began sprinting faster towards him. Broken, on the other hand, merely yawned as they closed in. As if in slow motion, their bodies began to disperse back into water, exploding sequentially until sshes upon sshes of water


    filled the chamber.


    Simultaneously, a set of notifications appeared before Broken, indicating that he had sessfullypleted the Trial Domain.


    "Oh, so this really was the final challenge," he said, grinning widely as he realized it. [Congrattions to Broken for bing the Master of the Water Labyrinth!]


    [You have proven to be a real champion, conquering the water element challenge with ease


    and speed.]


    [Your score was absolutely remarkable; you earned an S rating - a true demonstration of excellence! Therefore, we are proud to bestow upon you the title of ''Aquatic Conqueror''!]

 Chapter 306: Chapter 306 - Initial Attempt Ultimate Success

    Chapter 306: - Initial Attempt Ultimate Sess


    ?


    Marco, the CEO of Golden Age Company, was deeply engrossed in his work in his office room. He was sifting through an array of progress reports on the Immortal Legacy game. The standout yer was consistently the Sloth Champion, who seemed to be acquiring a


    remarkable assortment of achievements that should have been impossible to attain so quickly by any other yers.


    Most recently, the Sloth Champion had obtained the Demon Egg from the Named Demon''s Trial Domain. Marco sighed, contemting the implications if Broken actually managed to hatch the egg. Although Marco felt confident that it wouldn''t be an easy task for him, especially because ess to the Demon''s World shouldn''t be achievable anytime soon.


    However, there was a distinct possibility that Broken''s recent interactions with the Shadow Wolves could pave the way. If that were the case, Broken would gain even more assets in his arsenal, steadily transforming himself into a genuine game-breaker.


    Additionally, the Unique-grade ss, currently the highest grade in the game, was another point of concern. Broken had, once again, obtained a Unique-grade ss, and this particr one was astoundingly powerful! It possessed a skill that could instantly solve puzzles within the game or even unlock any door, which would indeed be quite troublesome.


    Out of the six Unique-grade sses released to yers, Broken owned half of them. Marco sighed heavily at that realization. If Broken were to participate inpetitions involving puzzles, he would easily outss everyone else.


    Marco continued to review the progress reports from various top yers in the game. While Broken was undeniably a standout, there were a few other yers who had been in the game longer and achieved extraordinary feats.


    Some of them were also Unique-ss holders, and there were several divine champions who, through sheer hard work, had reached incredible heights. They hadpleted high-level towers, conquered super rare Trial Domains, and even defeated high-ranking Named


    Demons.


    It appeared that in the uingpetitions, these yers with remarkable potential would truly start to emerge. This was an opportunity to introduce the world to those who had intentionally kept a low profile, avoiding the leaderboards and rankings.


    Of course, those who were visible on the ranking dashboards were certainly not to be underestimated. The grandpetition, known as the Eternal Challenge, was gearing up to be so monumental that it would be remembered until the next grand event rolled around each year.


    Marco thought about this with great confidence, envisioning the scale and impact of what was toe.


    Suddenly, an rm beeped from the small device near his monitor, jolting Marco from his thoughts.


    [Someone has achieved an extraordinary feat in the game.]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The notification popped up in the upper right-hand corner of his monitor. Marco had set notifications for the night to alert him only for things that surpassed a specific threshold- especially since it was already 2 a.m. But what could have triggered his notification center at this hour?


    Curious but cautious, he decided to hold off on checking immediately and instead opted to join his employees in the main control room. He quickly grabbed his jacket and stepped out of his room.


    As he entered the control room, the big screen lit up with a video recording of a yer currently navigating a high-level Trial Domain.


    "What''s happening at this hour?" Marco asked.


    "Can you guess who it is, Mr. Marco?" one of his employees replied. "Someone has pulled off yet another significant feat."


    "And what is it now?" Marco muttered, ncing at the yer''s identity on the screen. "Another extraordinary feat by him?" he said, shaking his head in disbelief.


    His employee continued, "The Elemental Labyrinth is supposed to be an incredibly difficult trial domain, yet he managed toplete it in just 42 minutes! Not even a full day!"


    The employee went on, "This is the fastest record someone''s ever set forpleting a Trial Domain, and he did it on his first attempt. I think the set of skills and whatever else this Sloth Champion possesses are truly breaking the game."


    Marco took a deep breath. "At this point," he began, "I believe we can no longer ignore his progress. We need to provide him with more supervision, both within the game and outside of it. He is an anomaly. His aplishments have been so consecutive and extraordinary that they''re well beyond what we consider ''normal.'' Many people might assume he''s cheating." "His progress is extraordinarily good," the employee remarked. "Don''t you think this is too excessive, Mr. Marco? What if he bes too powerful and uncontroble? It''s only been seven months Yunatea Time since he was crowned Champion of Sloth, yet he''s already reached a levelparable to yers who have spent much more time in the game."


    Marco paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. "All of the sess Broken has achieved is abination of good fortune, hard work, and the blessings he has received. However-" He trailed off, falling silent again.


    His employee then asked, "Does this have anything to do with the Eternal Challenge, the grandpetition happening in a few months, Mr. Marco?"


    The employee continued, "But is it really possible that his progress won''t be halted?"


    Marco shook his head slowly. "There''s so much to explore in Yunatea, countless levels and greater powers to discover. Even with this kind of progress, it could still take him years, possibly decades, to get through it all. But humans aren''t robots; they can''t keep advancing endlessly without getting tired or bored, right?"


    Despite his words, Marco sounded a bit uncertain.


    "This Broken yer doesn''t seem like he''s going to stop working hard anytime soon, Mr. Marco," the employee insisted.


    "I guess so," Marco replied with a slight nod.


    Marco nodded slowly. "If Broken continues to achieve such remarkable aplishments from here on out, I fear there will beints from all over the globe about him."


    He continued, "I n to meet with Freya to gain a better understanding of the situation. It''s crucial to ensure she''s ready to offer the necessary support if his incredible feats end up putting him in any potential danger."


    ***


    [Congrattions to a specific yer of Immortal Legacy for their astounding aplishment! Not only did theyplete Trial Domain Level 200 for the first time on their initial attempt, but they did so in an incredible record time of 42 minutes and 28


    seconds!]


    [That''s simply incredible! Who would''ve thought that someone could achieve so much in such a short amount of time? It''s almost superhuman! Bravo!]


    A global notification, something rarely seen, shed across the visions of all Immortal Legacy yers. It was an announcement of an extraordinary achievement, yet it didn''t reveal the yer''s name. This anonymity sparked a wave of heated debates and discussions among the


    yers.


    "What? Forty-two minutes for a trial domain?" someone eximed in disbelief. "Has this game be easier to y?"


    "Level 200 Trial Domain is not something that can bepleted so easily, let alone in just 42


    minutes."


    "That''s impressive. But what kind of person couldplete a trial domain that quickly? Do


    you think they might have used a cheat?"


    "It''s hard to believe they could finish a trial domain that fast, isn''t it?"


    "Of all yers, only less than 1% have reached level 200 and above. So, of course, this is an


    exceptionally extraordinary achievement."


    "But who? Who could pull off such a feat?"


    "I think it must be someone among the Divine Champions. They have powers that seem to


    defy the rules of the game!"


    "Damn, I wish I could be a divine champion too."


    "The game truly needs rebncing. Completing a Level 200 Trial Domain in such a short time


    and on the first try is just absurd!"


    "Could it be that the game is starting to get hacked?"


    Maylock, Goldrich, and Toberry, all apanied by Ivana on their journey to the cave, had


    begun discussing the same topic.


    Noticing the global notification, Maylock muttered with a sigh, "Broken? The only one


    capable of such an extraordinary feat has to be him."


    "Khi khi khi." Goldrichughed, "You really do admire him too much."


    "This is a form of recognition, and yeah, I bet the yer mentioned in the global announcement is Broken. After all, he''s currently tackling the Trial Domain, isn''t he? I''m sure


    he''s already finished it. If I''m wrong, I''ll run naked through the city, shouting ''Goldrich is the


    coolest guy in Yunatea,''" he added with a smirk.


    "I''ll take you up on that challenge. Khi khi khi."

 Chapter 307: Chapter 307 - Flowing Tide Cape

    Chapter 307: - Flowing Tide Cape


    ?


    A series of notifications materialized before Broken, following the global announcement that shed across his vision about his big achievement topleting a Trial Domain with a


    magnificent speed.


    [You havepleted the Elemental Labyrinth Trial Domain of Water Labyrinth with an extraordinary score.]


    [Congrattions! You have achieved an incredible feat; as a reward, you receive 20 stat points!]


    [As a result, you have earned a high affinity with the basic element of water!]


    "Oh! But isn''t my affinity with the water element already high?"


    [Your affinity with the water element was already high, so the reward will be substituted with something of simr value.]


    [Analyzing to determine the best suitable reward...]


    [You will gain a water elemental skill.]


    [You have now acquired the Conditional Passive Skill: Underwater Breath.]


    [Underwater Breath (Conditional Passive Skill) Lv. 1]


    [This magical power allows you to explore the ocean depths like never before! But be cautious - when your natural Stamina is depleted, you won''t be able to keep up with the fish and could end up stuck in the silt.]


    [Level 1: When your stamina drops below 30%, your swimming speed will dramatically


    decrease by up to 70%. So, if you''re nning an underwater adventure, make sure to stock up on snacks!]


    "Wow!" Broken eximed, awe-struck by the reward he had just received.


    An Underwater Breath? Now he could swim underwater without worrying about running out of stamina and dying! Damn, this is an incredible skill.


    With this newfound ability, he immediately began to contemte the myriad of things he could do with underwater exploration. He knew Yunatea was vast and realized there could be an evenrger world beneath the ocean''s surface.


    But, getting such an amazing skill from a short Trial Domain was absolutely astonishing.


    He quickly set aside his amazement and focused on the other rewards he could obtain. There were three treasure chests before him, and he only had one key.


    He attempted to lift the treasure chests, but it was futile. He chuckled at his own effort. Now, he had to decide which chest to use the key on: the first, second, or third.


    Could there be a chance the reward would be a dud? No way. This was a Trial Domain, and these were rewards for him. Surely, the chests couldn''t be empty, right? But why were there three chests? Why not just one, so he could easily take the reward and go?


    He sighed and finally chose the middle chest. Inserting the key, he unlocked it, and the key vanished. As the lid opened, a bright blue light immediately spilled out, causing him to squint as the dazzling light pierced the dim room.


    It was a fold of fabric, with a beautiful blue pattern that shimmered like sunlight reflecting off the water''s surface. He reached out and touched the soft material, feeling the gentle flow of water imbued in it. He carefully took the fabric and, as it unfolded, he realized it was a cape.


    And what left him even more astonished was reading the description on the cape.


    [Flowing Tide Cape]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Strength +35


    Agility +35


    Intelligence +35


    Constitution +35


    Stamina +35]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 270]


    [A cape with an impressive blue hue and a dynamic design, resembling a fierce tide crashing onto the shore. It''s the perfect essory for anyone aiming to feel one with the sea!


    With this cape, its owner can control the flow of water with a mere wave of their hand- imagine having your own personal ocean at yourmand! Whether you wish to conjure a raging tsunami or a gentle ripple, the Flowing Tide Cape makes it all possible.


    So, strap on your cape and get ready to make a ssh!]


    [Skills:]


    [Water Domain: The user can create a dome-shaped water domain, adjustable in size. This domain will slow down anyone within it to a snail''s pace, reducing their movement speed by 30%. Not to worry, though-the user retains full control over the water elements within the domain, allowing them to manipte the water as if it were their personal yground.


    Duration: Unlimited with 2 seconds cooldown.


    Stamina Usage: This ability consumes a significant amount of stamina.]


    [User Restriction: The Aquatic Conqueror]


    Broken held his breath, awestruck by the stats and skills of the cape. It was undeniably a Legendary-grade item. The stats alone were mind-blowing, adding 35 points to all basic attributes¡ªa boost equivalent to gaining 17 levels under normal circumstances. The sheer improvement was almost beyond belief.


    If he could enchant the cape and upgrade it to its highest potential, the value of these stats would increase even more.


    The skills it offered were just as impressive. It was the Water Domain. Anyone trapped in this domain would suffer a movement speed reduction of up to 30%, making him the undisputed executor within his domain, easily able to take down his enemies as they struggled to move. Moreover, the skill granted him control over any water elements within the domain. He imagined various scenarios where he could use this ability to his advantage.


    On top of that, Water Domain''s cooldown was just 2 seconds and the duration was unlimited! Although the skill consumed a considerable amount of stamina, which means he couldn''t maintain it indefinitely, the brief cooldown meant he could toggle the skill on and off during battles to control the momentum against his opponents.


    Truly, this was a terrifyingly powerful ability!


    Broken swiftly donned the cape, feeling an instant boost in his stats from the +35 to all basic attributes that it brought. For now, he had no other cape options suitable for battle. The only other one he owned was the Slumdon cape, which wasn''t designed forbat. So, he decided to use this one as his primary battle cape.


    The fabric clung to his body, flowing down his back like a stream of water. It seemed to be woven from liquid itself, truly remarkable. Broken felt the cool, supple texture of the material. He walked around, noting how the ocean-blue color of the cape perfectlyplemented his Invincible Paragon armor.


    Curious about the Water Domain skill, his gaze shifted to the puddles left by the sshing water from the Aquatic Creatures that had tried to ambush him. He needed to test the skill


    immediately.


    [Water Domain (Conditional Active Skill)]


    The ends of the cape rippled like water cascading to the floor, quickly forming a dome-shaped barrier that enclosed him.


    Broken studied the new skill with interest; this was his first Domain Skill. He realized he could control the domain''s shape with his thoughts. Experimenting, he expanded it to see its maximum size, discovering it could span the area of roughly half a basketball court.


    Too small? No, it was perfect, especially for dealing with close-range fighters. Now, he needed to test his control over the water elements. He felt like an avatar wielding water power. Closing his eyes, he focused, letting his imagination guide him as he envisioned manipting the water on the floor. With a flick of his hands, the water around him began to swirl and surge, forming two towering walls of liquid.


    He gestured again, and the walls of water crashed into each other with a tremendous force. The collision sent a shower of glimmering droplets into the air, sparkling like twinkling diamonds in the light.


    "It seems I need more practice to fully master this Water Domain skill," he mused aloud.


    His attention then shifted to the other treasure chests in the room. A sly smile appeared on his


    lips as he pulled out his pickaxe.


    "Time to loot," he said, grinning.N?v(el)B\\jnn

 Chapter 308: Chapter 308 - Abyssal Naga

    Chapter 308: - Abyssal Naga


    ?


    Broken took out his pickaxe and approached the remaining two treasure chests. Without hesitation, he struck the keyhole with the pickaxe.


    [Puzzle Smacker has been activated.]


    [Attempt failed, failure percentage increased to 20%. Be cautious, as this could damage the target puzzle.]


    He smiled, knowing that the Puzzle Smacker skill was indeed capable of opening treasure chests. This also meant he could potentially unlock any locked door with it, which was an incredible advantage.


    However, this time it wasn''t as smooth as the first attempt when he had unlocked the gate with a single smash. Now, his first attempt had failed.


    He tried again.


    [Attempt failed, failure percentage increased to 30%. Be cautious, as this could damage the target puzzle.]


    He paused for a moment. The chance of damaging the treasure chest and rendering it permanently locked had risen to 30%, while his sess rate was only at 10%. Well, he thought, he had nothing to lose; it was just a bonus.


    [Failure percentage increased to 40%...]


    Failed again. Broken grinned wryly, knowing that the chances of unlocking the treasure chest were dwindling. He decided to force it one more time.


    And then-


    [The puzzle has been struck and solved. The chest is now unlocked.]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The chest opened, emitting a blue glow from within. He checked the contents and squinted his eyes in surprise at what he found. Inside was an egg-blue with dark green scales.


    "Another egg?" he muttered to himself.


    He had only recently acquired an egg that he had no idea how to hatch, and now he had another one. He quickly looked at the description.


    [Legendary-grade Abyssal Naga Egg]


    He took a deep breath, reading the description. It was another Legendary-grade egg! He couldn''t be happier; getting two Legendary-grade items so close together was incredible. But this egg bore the name of a creature that was slightly worrisome.


    The Abyssal Naga?


    He knew what Naga were: creatures with a humanoid upper body and a snake-like lower half. Their skin was dark and often covered with bioluminescent patterns. At least, that''s what he knew from the monster database of Immortal Legacy.


    He attempted to infuse his mana into the egg, trying the theory Freya had exined to him. But when he held the egg, nothing happened.


    "Damn, then how do I hatch this egg?"


    The word ''Abyssal'' on the egg made him suspect that he might need to be underwater, or perhaps even in the ocean, to hatch it.


    Curiosity piqued, Broken took the egg a short distance away and summoned the Water Domain once more. He tried to control the water, encasing the egg in a swirling, watery bubble in his hand. Attempting again to infuse his Mana into the egg, he found that once more, nothing happened.


    He pondered over this mystery, eager to find a way to hatch at least one of the eggs in his possession-the demon egg and now the Naga egg. Adding yet another task to his growing list, he decided a trip to the ocean might be necessary to hatch the egg in the sea. A seaside excursion sounded like an intriguing endeavor.


    Still, he hoped it wouldn''t require him to submerge the egg deep underwater. Worse yet, the term "Abyssal" suggested that hatching it might necessitate venturing to terrifying oceanic depths.


    With a smile, he stored the egg back in his inventory.


    Having more summons or familiars would undoubtedly be an advantage. He could build his own army of extraordinary creatures, couldn''t he?


    One more treasure chest remained, and his excitement couldn''t be higher. He hurriedly smacked the keyhole with his Pickaxe, but the first attempt failed. Without hesitation, he tried again, but it failed once more.


    He tried again, but, still failing.


    "Damn, why is this one so much harder?" he muttered, frustration creeping in.


    He gave it another go, yet again failing, the chance of failure now rising to 50%. Standing still for a moment, he thought about his next move. With a 50% failure rate, he could easily lose the treasure inside the chest, something he definitely did not want to happen.


    What should he do?


    If only he had a way to increase his chances of sess. After all, the contents of these treasure chests had been invaluable so far, each holding Legendary-grade items.


    Determined, he went for it once more, this time with a more deliberate motion. There was a resounding smack, but it ended in failure again, raising the odds of a mishap to 60%, with the sess chance still stuck at 10%.


    The probability of failure now outweighed the chance of sess by arge margin. On his next attempt, he might very well lose the potential reward hidden within the treasure chest. Anxiety wed at him, the fear of losing such a significant prize loomingrge in his mind.


    Broken paused for a moment before trying again.


    [Puzzle Smacker has been activated.]


    And then, the dreaded result appeared.


    [Attempt failed. The treasure chest has been severely damaged. There is no way to open it anymore.]


    He stood there, frozen and in shock. He had ruined the treasure chest and lost the potential reward from thest chest. He cursed inwardly, frustrated by this oue. However, he couldn''t dwell on it too much; he had already gotten a Legendary-grade egg from the previous chest, which was a significant bonus.


    While he knew that the Puzzle Smacker skill didn''t guarantee a 100% sess rate, he had to brace himself for such oues. Trying to console himself despite the disappointment, he reminded himself of the extraordinary reward he had already secured.


    Was it possible that anyone whopleted this Trial Domain would earn such exceptional rewards? Just imagine-a Trial Domain with Legendary-grade items as prizes-this was


    beyond incredible.


    Hispanions needed to try this as well; who knew what extraordinary items they might find in this Trial Domain?


    With a heavy heart, Broken stepped away from the damaged chest and made his way to the exit portal, leaving the Trial Domain behind.


    It was still a big win!


    As Broken stepped out from the exit portal, he immediately saw Danko, who had been lying on the floor, jump up in surprise.


    "My Lord!" Danko eximed, quickly standing up with a startled expression.


    Danko hadn''t expected Broken to exit the Trial Domain so soon, especially with a look of displeasure on his face. Was it possible that Lord Broken had failed the Trial? That was the


    thought running through his mind.


    "My Lord, you can still attempt the Trial again, right?"


    "No," Broken replied curtly.


    "But, My Lord, don''t worry. I will explore this cave further. I''m sure I can find another Trial


    Domain for you," Danko said enthusiastically.


    "Thanks, Danko."


    "My Lord, Trial Domains are not easy toplete, especially at level 200. It''s only natural


    that it wouldn''t be simple."


    "What?" Broken chuckled lightly. "You think I failed the Trial?"


    "Uh?" Danko looked puzzled. "Didn''t you?"


    "No, I seeded, Danko."


    "But, didn''t you just go in for a moment? Is a level 200 Trial Domain that easy, or is your level


    much higher than that?"


    "No, it''s just that I was fortunate inpleting the Trial. It wasn''t as hard as it could''ve


    been," he said.


    Danko''s face showed a mix of amazement and confusion.


    "Now, we need to leave this ce, Danko," Broken said.


    He began to think about how to get out of the cave, realizing he also needed to ensure Danko


    could safely exit with him.

 Chapter 309: Chapter 309 - Hidden Treasures in the Pools Depths

    Chapter 309: - Hidden Treasures in the Pool''s Depths


    ?


    With his Underwater Breath skill, Broken could easily escape from the secret chamber; diving wouldn''t drain his stamina, simplifying the task. However, the challengey in getting Danko out as well.


    He thought of a few possible solutions and decided to test the extent to which he could control the water with his Water Domain skill.


    "My Lord, I can swim back out on my own. I''ll give it a try," Danko offered.


    "Just because you''ll try doesn''t mean you can do it, does it?" Broken replied.


    He then approached the pool. "Wait a moment, Danko. I''m going to try something."


    [Water Domain (Conditional Active Skill)]


    The domain activated, forming a water shield dome around Broken. As he walked, the domain followed, with him at its center.


    He stepped into the water, and his body immediately submerged. The domain remained intact around him. Broken positioned himself and began to control the water within the domain.


    The water quickly flowed out of the domain, reced by air entering from the top, which stayed above the water''s surface. He was amazed by his discovery-if he could do this, it meant he could bring other people with him into the water using the domain.


    "Danko, step inside the domain," Broken instructed.


    With hesitation, Danko moved closer and entered the water dome.


    "Stay close to me. We''re going out together," Broken said.


    Broken kept a portion of the water domain filled with water, using the air only for them to breathe. They swamfortably, with their heads in the air like they were inside a floating bubble of breathable space.


    "Woah... is this a skill you got from the Trial Domain, My Lord?"


    "Yes."


    He then instructed Danko to swim downward until they reached the bottomyer of the pool. Once there, they could walk along the pool floor with ease.


    "Can you maintain this skill for a long time, My Lord? This is incredible! We could explore so much more of the cave with this ability, hahaha," Danko said enthusiastically.


    They quickly reached the pool''s initial end.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "I need to check something. You go up first," Broken said.


    Danko exited the domain and swam to the surface, while Broken, intrigued by something he had noticed earlier, lingered behind. He spotted some engravings and strange patterns on the pool floor, piquing his curiosity.


    With a crystalmp in hand, he walked around the pool''s bottom, kicking aside aquatic nts and rocks. Eventually, he discovered a circr pattern engraved on the pool''s base. The intricate design seemed like it could be moved, perhaps aplex lock that needed to be solved.


    His fingers traced the grooves and lines of the pattern, trying to understand how it might work. He knew this discovery could lead to something significant, and he was determined to solve this thing.


    He quickly took out his pickaxe and began to strike the circr engraving. Failed, failed. Then, sess.


    "Haha," Brokenughed, pleased with how easily he could solve a puzzle using his skill.


    He generally disliked dealing with puzzles and was thrilled when he could resolve such issues effortlessly.


    ncing around to check for any changes, he deactivated the water domain. He could feel the water''s current moving more swiftly, although he didn''t visually notice much difference yet.


    He swam upwards, making his way to where Danko was waiting. The distance was the same as when he first swam into the pool, but with his new skill, he felt much more rxed, no longer fearing the depletion of his stamina due to the effort.


    Broken sensed the current moving more quickly. Once he reached the surface, Danko waved at him eagerly.


    "My Lord, the water is starting to recede. Is that because of you?" Danko asked.


    Broken turned to see the waterline gradually lowering. It appeared that the puzzle he''d solved was designed to drain the pool. Satisfied with this discovery, he climbed out of the water and watched as it continued to recede, likely needing a few more minutes to fully drain.


    "We can mine the ore once the water haspletely receded, My Lord. Kha ha ha," Danko said loudly.


    "The journey to reach this spot was long," said Broken, "but given the rich resources we''ve discovered here, I believe it''s worth it."


    "Absolutely, My Lord. I''m sure there are even more amazing ces around Slumdon, just waiting to be explored," Danko said eagerly.


    Broken nodded but couldn''t shake off his concerns. "What worries me, Danko, are the countless cave tunnels. Theirplexity could easily lead our miners astray. We have no idea what''s at the end of those other tunnels."


    "I''ll explore every tunnel myself, My Lord. Meanwhile, we can mark paths to make sure the miners don''t get lost," Danko replied with confidence.


    Once more, Broken nodded. "Let''s investigate the cave togetherter. We can use my spirit beast to move faster."


    "Whoa... ha ha ha... Are you talking about the fox?" Dankoughed.


    After waiting for a while, the water in the pool finally started to empty. Broken and Danko jumped right in to reassess what was left, and indeed, the pool was quite expansive.


    The bottom was now covered with a slick of moss and a few remaining droplets, while the walls trembled gently from the force that had drained them. They scoured the pool''s contents, noting several small tunnels in various ces. Clearly, they could extract a lot of valuable resources from this site.


    "It''s full of iron ore, My Lord," Danko reported.


    "Yes, indeed."


    Broken sensed it was time to head back. He had already shared the path details to this location with Toberry, and they mentioned they were on their way.


    Just as Broken and Danko were about to climb up, Goldrich and the others arrived, their faces lighting up with curiosity.


    "Khi khi khi, is it true this ce used to be filled with water?" Goldrich was the first to speak, followed by Maylock, Toberry, and Ivana trailing behind him.


    Ivana nced up at Broken and walked closer to him. "Are you alright, Broken?"


    "Yes, I''m alright. Nothing serious happened."


    Broken then turned to the others. "Yes, it was a water-filled pool with a secret chamber at the end of the tunnel and a level 200 Trial Domain, just as Danko informed us." Maylock jumped in, "Did the structure of this ce change because youpleted the Trial


    Domain?"


    Broken chuckled softly. "You might be jumping to conclusions, Maylock. But I have to admit that the water vanished shortly after Ipleted the Trial Domain. Actually, there was a puzzle, something like a key to drain the water. I solved that too, and this is the result." Maylock then turned to Goldrich. "See? What I said earlier has been proven correct, hasn''t it?"


    "Almost ran naked in public, huh? Khi khi khi."


    Toberry couldn''t help butugh, scratching the back of his head. "What kind of trick did you use to aplish such a feat, Broken? Completing a level 200 Trial Domain that fast. I''m sure you''ve once again stirred up every yer in Immortal Legacy. Ha ha ha."


    "Let''s check out what the room upstairs looks like," Goldrich suggested. "I''m curious to see what the secret chamber holds," he said.

 Chapter 310: Chapter 310 - Claiming the Trial Domain

    Chapter 310: - iming the Trial Domain


    ?


    When Broken and the others arrived in the secret stone chamber where the Trial Domain was located, Maylock read the description aloud.


    "Level 200 Elemental Labyrinth Trial Domain. We need to take full advantage of this Trial Domain before anyone else discovers it."


    "Don''t worry," Broken reassured them. "We can keep this Trial Domain under wraps, at least until everyone in our alliance has had their turn. This is my privatend, after all, so we have the authoritative control."


    "Khi khi khi." Goldrich chuckled. "You''ve really been flexing your authoritytely, haven''t you?"


    Broken smiled at Goldrich''s remark. "But if you''re asking me for tips on how to solve the Trial Domain, I apologize. Unfortunately, I can''t provide you with that information because-"


    Broken knew he couldn''t possibly reveal the numerous cheat skills he possessed, nor how he conquered the final challenge or obtained such substantial rewards.


    "Don''t worry," Maylock said reassuringly. "I know you have a lot of secrets. Plus, with all the gear you''ve got, you''re clearly more powerful than most. But yeah, if you don''t mind, I''d like to try the trial domain soon. I want to assess how tough this Trial Domain really is and maybe figure out the tricks you used to finish it."


    Maylock then eyed the cape Broken was wearing. "That''s a fine water cape, Broken," he remarked.


    "Khi khi khi," Goldrich chuckled. "You''re not thinking of attempting the water challenge, are you, Maylock? Especially since you have an affinity with the Wind element."


    Maylock smiled. "Of course, I want to try the Water Challenge too. I''m very curious to see how our champion solved it so quickly."


    Broken nodded, though he had a slight concern. What if the rewards within the Trial Domain, specifically the three treasure chests, were only meant for the first challenger who imed them? If so, Maylock might end up with nothing, even if hepleted the water challenge.


    This was especially concerning because Broken had already taken the rewards from two treasure chests and had destroyed one. But more than that, he wasn''t entirely sure how it worked and decided to let Maylock find out for himself.


    "There are three challenges," he exined. "First, there''s a floor with traps. Second, a pool filled with lots of monsters. And finally, a monster battle with even more creatures. Good luck."


    "Thanks."


    Broken then turned to Toberry. "I''m certain this ce is teeming with valuable minerals," he suggested. "Why don''t you bring some miners to start extraction?"


    "Yeah, yeah!" Toberry replied cheerfully. "I''m sure we can gain quite a bit from that. It''s a great idea!"


    "Okay then," Broken said with a smile.


    He then shifted his attention to Ivana. "Are you nning to stay here?"


    "Oh," Ivana answered. "I had originally intended to apany the others to catch up with you, but it looks like you don''t need our help." She chuckled softly. "So, I guess I''ll just head back outside with the others after this."


    "What abouting back with me?" Broken suggested.


    "Yes... I would love that," she said with a smile.


    Before Broken could leave, Maylock interrupted. "Broken! I have some interesting information about your six knights. I''m confident you''ll find it worthwhile. Let''s meet up tomorrow so we can discuss it more."


    Broken nodded slowly. "We can do it after we recruit more knights, maybe?"


    "That sounds like a good idea," Maylock agreed.


    Broken waved his hand in a farewell gesture. "Alright, I must be off," he said as he summoned Polly, who materialized and transformed into her battle form.


    Broken swiftly mounted Polly, along with Ivana. Together, they galloped their way down the dark, winding cave, disappearing into the shadows.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Despite the dim light of the cave, Polly moved with remarkable agility and speed. Ivanafortably wrapped her arms around Broken''s waist as they rode.


    "How did you manage to tackle such a high-level Trial Domain so quickly?" she asked. "Everyone was shocked by it; they truly admire you."


    "Really?" Broken replied softly. "I think they''re giving me too much credit."


    Ivanaughed quietly at his words. "I think you need to open your heart a bit more to them."


    "Is that so?"


    "Yes. They''re all good people, and I feel at ease around them."


    "That''s because you often share free food, Ivana, and you always see the positive in everyone."


    "You do too, right?"


    Broken fell silent, pondering her question. "I don''t know," he finally answered softly.


    After a few moments of silence, Ivana continued. "What kind of adventurous thing are you nning next, Broken?"


    "Going to the Demons'' world," he said.


    Ivana was visibly taken aback by his words. "In the near future? Do you know how? I''lle with you."


    Broken shook his head gently. "I''ll tell you more about it once I meet with the Shadow Wolves."


    "Aren''t they on the opposing side, Broken?"


    Broken had actually discussed this with Elincia, and they had confirmed that what he nned wouldn''t be seen as a betrayal. He was nning a private business deal with a specific person from the Shadow Wolves-Marlene, the Demon Beast Master.


    "I''ve confirmed everything with Elincia. I think it will be alright," he reassured her.


    A few minutester, Polly slowed her pace as they passed by the miners, who were still hard at


    work.


    "My Lord," they greeted him warmly, "we''re d to see you safe."


    "Did you find anything extraordinary in the cave?"


    "Where did that rat-boy go, My Lord?"


    Broken nodded slowly. "We discovered a spot filled with valuable minerals. Soon, you''ll all be helping to mine that area. Danko is safe; he''s with the others. Thank you for your hard work."


    With that, he promptly left the miners to resume their tasks.


    The miners eximed in awe, "Wait, you mean a ce with a lot of valuable minerals?"


    "Why hasn''t anyone ever found that ce before?" one of them asked.


    "I don''t know," another replied thoughtfully. "But it seems that the rat-boy is quite an unusual character; he prefers to live in caves and apparently uncovered something the Baron


    was searching for."


    "I think we might have said too much to that rat-boy."


    "Should we apologize to him then?"


    ***


    Leon stepped out of his capsule device and immediately felt a level offort that was unlike anything he''d ever experienced before. The Northstar brand capsule device he used seemed to replenish his physical energy and stamina; plus, it featured controls for the user''s physical condition and even provided a light form of therapy that made a noticeable difference over


    time.


    This capsule device is definitely morefortable for long sessions, he thought to himself. "I think I could survive an entire month in this capsule!"


    Leon then stepped off the bus and noticed two pairs of eyes fixed on him.


    "Do you have any interesting stories to tell us, Leon?" Freya asked.


    "Yes! It''s about the Moon Goddess," he replied with a smile, joining them and sitting down.


    "It seems like every time you log on, you''re off doing something extraordinary," Freya responded, clearly excited.


    "You mentioned the Moon Goddess, right?!" Lily chimed in with enthusiasm. "Do you have any new information about her? I want to know more."


    Leon then began to recount all of his adventures during his brief login on Immortal Legacy, his audience hanging on his every word.

 Chapter 311: Chapter 311 - Heavy Armor, Light Armor, Robes

    Chapter 311: - Heavy Armor, Light Armor, Robes


    ?


    Another day dawned in Slumdon Town, specifically at The House of Slumdon. Broken made it a point to check on the city''s development progress from his study. Everything appeared to be thriving remarkably well, with everyone diligently fulfilling their respective responsibilities. He sometimes wondered whether leading the city was genuinely this smooth, or if it was happening because everyone involved were professionals in their fields. At times, he felt as if he was just fortunate to have acquired the ownership of Slumdon Town, while everyone else worked coboratively to develop it.


    Things were unquestionably easier because Freya devoted an immense amount of her time to managing everything. Her level hadn''t increased significantly in the past few weeks, remaining at 137, whereas Booba had surged to level 175, leveling up at an impressive pace. While the city''s construction and facilities were progressing excellently, there was one area where Broken felt more effort was needed: the development of the army, particrly the knights and the regr troops. Consequently, he nned to conduct another selection and recruitment that day, perhaps aiming toplete his knight contingent to around 30. Was that too ambitious?


    From his discussions with Maylock, Maylock envisioned a future where Slumdon was so well- developed it could handle any conceivable war. ording to him, they might eventually need to build a force of 1,000 knights. Broken was truly astonished by the scope of such a visionary and long-term n.


    Are they really certain that Slumdon Town would need that many knights?


    Maylock''s vision seemed to imply that Broken should either take over the kingdom or wage war against neighboring cities.


    Forparison, the Dissidia Kingdom boasted two Imperial Knights whose strength was almost on par with that of the king. These knights were formidable figures, capable of stepping in tomand the entire army during times of great war or whenever immense power was required.


    Additionally, there were 5 Knight Grand Crosses, two of whom served as Princess Alora''s personal guards. The exactposition of knights below that rank was uncertain, but it was likely that the Dissidia Kingdom had a total of around 10,000 knights overall.


    Besides specialized knights, the kingdom had a more general type of army too: infantry, archers, cavalry, siege engineers, naval forces, and so on. The differences between knights and regr military forcesy mostly in their social status, the type of training they received, and their responsibilities. Of course, having more knights would also significantly increase a kingdom''s operational costs.


    Broken contemted the challenge ahead: reaching 1,000 knights and figuring out how many regr troops he''d need to build as well. It was clear that this task would take considerable time. He would have to build everything gradually.


    Every resource and investment he made in anything under his control would eventually bear fruit. For now, his focus was on developing his main knights like Igor and the other five, while also searching for more potential knights and the regr troops he might need.


    A knock on the door pulled Broken from his thoughts. "Yes,e in, Yara," he said.


    The door opened, revealing Yara with her shoulder-length orange hair, her maid dress, and a cheerful expression. She closed the door behind her and bowed to Broken.


    "My Lord, good morning. I''ve alreadypleted all the household chores since early this morning. I''m ready to take on any other tasks you have for me. Anything at all," Yara said eagerly. "Uh... because the house''s automation system is running at full efficiency now, there isn''t much work left. That''s... um..." she continued, her voice starting to tremble slightly with a hint of panic.


    "My Lord, should I uhm... help the builders with the house construction? Or, do you need me to perform another rain summoning ritual?" she asked, visibly anxious.


    Broken chuckled softly. "Are you worried I''ll fire you because you don''t have enough work?" he asked.


    "My Lord... I wouldn''t mind if you reduced my sry," she responded.


    "Come," Broken said, gesturing to the chair across from his desk. "I want to talk with you."


    "Oh," she said, clearly surprised. She hurried over but hesitated to sit. "My Lord, I''ll just stand."


    "Okay," he said.


    After a few moments, once Yara had started to calm down, Broken continued.


    "So, Yara, I''ve decided to bring in someone else to help you with the work around the house," he began.


    Yara''s eyes widened in surprise.


    "That''s not because I''m dissatisfied with your work. No, you''ve been doing an excellent job, and I appreciate it," he said, reassuringly.


    A smile formed on Yara''s face. "Thank you, My Lord."


    "So," Broken continued, "from my observation, you have a talent for singing as well as for Spell Mastery."


    [Spell Mastery: Reduces the casting time or mana cost of spells.]


    "I want to know if you''re interested in spending about a third of your time learning magic with Damir and the other knights," he suggested.


    Yara looked puzzled by his words. "Magic? Uhm..."


    "Yes, magic. I''m simply asking if you''re interested, because you have a knack for it. Coupled with your singing skills, who knows? You might develop a unique skill or ss. What do you think?"


    "I..." Yara hesitated. "I have a dream of bing a knight, to fight monsters and defend this town. Do you think that''s possible, My Lord?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.


    "If you''re willing and dedicated, I will give you the opportunity to learn magic. I''m not asking you to be a knight, but there''s no harm in developing a skill that could be useful for


    you."


    "I will try, My Lord. I will," she responded, her confidence growing.


    "Good. You can step away at any time if you feel it''s not working out."


    "No," Yara said firmly. "I won''t waste the trust you''ve ced in me, My Lord," she added.


    "Good, now follow me to meet with E."


    Yara nodded and followed Broken out of the room.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    E, a tailor whom Broken had recruited during the initial round of hiring, awaited them. She possessed three talents, each rated A: Textile Artisan (A), Fabric Enchanter (A), and Precise Cutter (A). These skills were exceptionally well-suited to her profession, making her


    indispensable.


    Broken''s need was for crafting a new set of Ranger Armor-something beyond the capabilities of any cksmith working alone. That''s why he needed someone with the expertise of an Advanced Rank tailor smith. And that someone was E, the person he


    required.


    In Immortal Legacy, there are three types of armor or clothing used by adventurers: Heavy Armor, Light Armor, and Robes. Each type requires different production skills to create. Heavy Armor relies entirely on a cksmith''s craftsmanship, Robes can be crafted by a tailor, while Light Armor requires the contributions of both.


    Heavy Armor focuses on defense and is predominantlyposed of metal. It is ideal for swordsmen or heavy melee fighters who prioritize Strength and Constitution stats.


    Light Armor, abination of metal and fabric, is suitable for fighters who rely on Agility stats, such as assassins or archers. These fighters emphasize speed and a bnced damage


    output.


    Robes, on the other hand, are best suited for adventurers who don''t need much defense but rely heavily on magic, such as mages. This type of clothing typically benefits more from magical shields for protection, thus minimizing the need for Constitution stats.


    For this reason, Broken needed E, the best tailor he could find in Slumdon Town, to work with him in crafting the finest Ranger Suit.

 Chapter 312: Chapter 312 - He Won’t Get any Reward from the Dungeon

    Chapter 312: - He Won¡¯t Get any Reward from the Dungeon


    ?


    Two men and three women had been recruited by Broken to serve as tailors. In the early phase, there was a significant amount of work that required the assistance of skilled tailors, including crafting uniforms for the workers and official costumes for the officials of Slumdon Town. They were stationed in a tailor workshop set up near The House of Slumdon.


    "What does the Baron want from you, E?" one of the female tailors asked.


    E, a woman in her early twenties with long, straight ck hair, was busy with her work. She looked up, her face questioning. "Sir Igor said that the Baron needs my help with something." "What''s so special about you? Why does he only need you? Then why did he hire five people if he just needs you?"


    "We each have different tasks, don''t we?" E exined.


    "Oh, I bet that''s just an excuse from the Baron. He probably just wants to buy you, E. He''s paying you a big sry because he wants your body!" the first woman sneered. "But why you? Aren''t I prettier than you?"


    "You sure think highly of yourself, don''t you?" the second woman said. "I suppose the Baron prefers younger girls. Even the maid at The House of Slumdon is still in her teens."


    The first woman, now irritated, retorted, "Let me take your ce, E. I''m sure I''m better at pleasing the Baron. Besides, you don''t n on selling your body, do you?"


    "I don''t think the Baron is someone like that..." E muttered softly.


    Suddenly, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the room, drawing everyone''s attention to the door. A knight entered-It was Igor.


    All the tailors stood to greet him. "Sir Igor, are you here to fetch E?" the first woman asked. "Lord Baron needs E''s help to craft a ranger set he will be wearing. Starting today and for the next few weeks, E will be working at the House of Slumdon," Igor announced.


    "But Sir Igor," the first woman began to protest.


    "I overheard your conversation. I''ll ensure the Lord doesn''t hear about it, but this type of talk ends now," Igor said sternly, causing the tailors to fall silent.


    E bowed slightly, gathered her tools, and followed Igor out of the room.


    The other tailors held their breath until Igor waspletely gone.


    "What''s so special about E?" the first woman grumbled.


    One of the men in the room spoke up, "The Baron has a knack for picking the right people. He''s proven that time and again. I think we just haven''t had the chance to see E''s talents yet."


    The first woman retorted defiantly, "I''m convinced there''s nothing special about her!"


    The man responded with a smirk, "Sorry to say, but E is still prettier than you." He said it with a smallugh.


    "Shut up!" the first woman snapped, kicking the man''s chair. "I''m better in bed, and I''m sure I could satisfy the Baron!"


    ***


    Broken had asked Yara to prepare a special room within the House of Slumdon for E to do her work. Meanwhile, a dedicated production area was being set up by the builders and Livelywood.


    There would be arge cksmith workshop to amodate numerous cksmiths, as well as workshops for alchemists, tailors, and other production sses, all situated in the same


    area.


    Broken nned to fully utilize all the resources he could gather from the surroundings and then focus on creating finished products. This way, he could also serve the needs of adventurers who would eventually reside in Slumdon Town. He was quite ambitious about this vision.


    Broken and Yara were inspecting the newly prepared room when Igor and E entered through the main door. They walked over to Broken.


    "My Lord, I have brought E, the tailor you mentioned," Igor announced.


    E bowed to Broken. "My Lord, Sir Igor said you needed my help with something."


    "Yes," Broken replied. "Come in. I want to show you something."


    E followed Broken and Yara into the room, where a fully equipped tailor workshop awaited. It featured various high-quality materials stored in shelves and a transparent ss window offering a view outside.


    "So, E, please take a look at these," Broken said,ying out a set of blueprints that required both Advanced cksmith and Advanced Tailor skills to craft.


    E looked stunned. "My Lord, these are high-tier blueprints."


    "Yes, and I need you to handle the tailor part. I will work on the te and armor sections. Once that''s done, I''ll need your help tobine everything and take care of the other tasks. I''ll manage the final process, especially anything involving the monster core, myself."


    E nodded slowly, still unsure about the enormous responsibility being handed to her. "But, My Lord..." she hesitated, worried she might not be capable enough toplete the task.


    Broken gently patted her shoulder, "Don''t worry. Just do your part, and I''ll handle the finishing touches, okay?"


    E nodded. "I''ll do my best, My Lord."


    "Yara has prepared a room for you in the house if you wish to stay here. Feel free to tell her about anything you need, and she will assist you," Broken continued.


    Yara responded enthusiastically, "I''ll make sure E gets everything she needs so we can create the best ranger set for you, My Lord."


    Broken nodded, feeling a sense of aplishment with one task alreadypleted. "I''ll head out now," he said.


    With Igor trailing behind him, Broken made his way outside, ready to meet the candidates he intended to select as knights and troops.


    He also needed to divide his time between continuing his work with the sword, the greatsword, and the pickaxe. He had an overwhelming amount of tasks to manage.


    Arriving in the living room, Broken spotted Freya and Ivana already there.


    "Hey," Freya greeted him, and Ivana followed suit, approaching him as well.


    "Have you heard any news from Maylock?" he asked.


    Maylock had entered the Trial Domain two days ago and hadn''t emerged since.


    Freya chuckled lightly as they stepped outside. "I think Maylock might be having a tough time. He mentioned he''s about to face the final challenge."


    "Ah, I hope he pulls through soon," he replied, curious about Maylock''s fate if he managed to finish the Trial Domain. Broken couldn''t help but wonder about the damaged treasure chest, and if perhaps Maylock might end up without any reward because of it.


    ***


    The past two days had been utterly exhausting. Maylock was beyond frustrated, having to meticulously manage his timing and resources while battling a seemingly endless horde of


    monsters.


    "Damn it," he cursed under his breath. Finally, though, hepleted the final challenge.


    He sighed as he stepped into the center of the arena, where the protective shield had lowered to reveal three treasure chests. He took out the silver key, eyeing the chests before him. One of the chests was already open. That must have been Broken''s doing.


    But the second chest had clearly been forced open.


    "Damn!" he muttered. "What kind of cheat skill did he use to pull this off? He''s a real game


    breaker!"


    Then, Maylock crouched down to inspect the third chest, only to find it damaged.


    He tried to insert the key, but it wouldn''t fit. "Don''t tell me I won''t get any reward from this


    dungeon?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He fell silent, slumping to the ground in dejection.


    "Damn, I''ve wasted my time on somethingpletely useless," he groaned, feeling utterly


    defeated.


    "F#ck!!"

 Chapter 313: Chapter 313 - Screw you, Broken!

    Chapter 313: - Screw you, Broken!


    ?


    The selection event for the Knights and Regr Troops had begun. Broken sat on the stage, apanied by Freya and Ivana, while arger crowd than ever before gathered to witness the proceedings.


    "I thought I specified that this was just a selection for guards," Broken remarked.


    "They seem intrigued by the positive progress you''ve made, Broken," Freya replied. "And they''re starting to realize that you actually keep your promises, especially when ites to the pay."


    Just then, Igor ascended the stage and bowed to Broken. "My Lord, are we ready to begin?" he asked.


    "Igor, make sure only those who haven''t participated in previous selections and those genuinely interested in bing knights or troops step forward first," Broken instructed.


    Igor returned to the lineup, though it was obvious that Broken''smand stirred a storm of grumbling among the onlookers.


    "I want to be a farmer! I''m talented and Baron won''t regret it!" someone shouted.


    "Follow the rules, or I''ll have you all escorted out!" Igor dered firmly, his authoritative stance prompting the crowd to settle down andply.


    The first person stepped up onto the stage.


    "My Lord, I have talent in sword fighting, and I''m confident you can rely on me for this job. I believe I have the potential to be an Imperial Knight in the future," said the man, appearing to be in his forties with a bald head.


    Broken checked the man''s status and found it disappointingly familiar. The man had no useful talents.


    [Rumor Weaver (B) - Silver Tongue (B)]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Broken sighed. "I seem to recall saying that this selection is only for those who haven''t participated before, and I distinctly remember you from a previous round."


    "But, My Lord," the man persisted, "I believe you should evaluate me more thoroughly." "No," Broken replied firmly.


    "My Lord!" the man eximed, trying to argue further, but Igor had already grabbed his arm and was pulling him away.


    "My Lord, please reconsider! I can be a talented knight you can rely on," the man''s voice trailed off as Igor dragged him away.


    Freyaughed at the scene. "Good luck with the day, Mr. Baron."


    "I''m ready for it," Broken said, steeling himself for dealing with such bothersome situations repeatedly throughout the day.


    Broken continued to encounter peculiar situations throughout the selection process. One man insisted on bing a knight even though his talents clearly marked him as a skilled farmer. Broken tried to offer him a farming job, but the man was adamant about following his heart and passion. Ultimately, Broken had no choice but to deny his request.


    "My Lord, if you cannot respect my passion, then I believe you-" the man began, but he was -cut short as Igor dragged him away.


    Amidst the chaos, Broken did discover some valuable talents, like a man with the rating of A for Seasonal Sage.


    [Seasonal Sage: Knows the optimal nting and harvesting times for various crops, maximizing yield.]


    "My Lord, I''m driven to be a knight because it''s my life''s calling," dered the young man. "I will chase this dream as if my life depends on it!"


    "What about a farmer?"


    "Okay, My Lord, that would be fine too."


    Good. Broken had secured another uniquely talented farmer.


    Freya then leaned in and whispered to him, "Broken, aren''t you looking for knights? Why are you adding more farmers, builders, and other workers when you''ve already recruited so many of them?"


    Broken paused for a moment before nodding slowly. "Don''t worry, Goldrich challenged me to spend the money optimally."


    "But you need to do it efficiently too, right?" she said with a chuckle.


    "But they have good talents. I know these will be useful," he replied, then continued with the selection.


    The selection continued, with some candidates proving useful while others were truly... trash.


    This time, a muscr man in his thirties, tall and robust, stepped up but was promptly rejected by Broken.


    "This is an insult!" the tall man bellowed. "Can''t you see my muscles, My Lord?"


    He flexed his impressive physique. "I could be your new Knight Commander, and you won''t find a more talented knight than me! I have enormous potential."


    However, Broken had his reasons for the rejection. Despite the man''s impressive build and age, his level was low, his stats poorly distributed, and his real talentsy in dancing and drinking. What kind of knight fits such a profile?


    "Just having muscles isn''t enough. You need talent and well-distributed stats. Perhaps you should rethink your career choices," Broken advised. "Maybe a pole dancer, perhaps?"


    "What?! That''s really an insult to someone as strong as me!" the man eximed, his voice booming. "I''ll prove my strength! I''ll defeat one of your knights, and if I seed, you must recruit me."


    With his towering frame and thunderous voice, he indeed looked strong to the onlookers. "Choose one of those six knights and fight. If you win, I''ll ept you," Broken responded. "Hahaha!" the manughed, turning towards Igor and the other guards. "I''ll take on any of you!"


    Anna stepped forward with a cheerful expression. "My Lord, let me fight him," she said eagerly.


    The man burst intoughter at the sight of Anna, a petite girl in her teens, daring to challenge


    him.


    "Are you serious, sweet girl? Are you ready to suffer for underestimating me? I will crush


    you!"


    "Yes, please, show me your strength," Anna replied calmly.


    Whispers began to spread through the crowd as they anticipated the unexpected duel. The spectacle of a towering, brawny man facing off against one of the Baron''s knights-a young girl with a small frame-had everyone buzzing.


    "Why, Broken?" Freya whispered to him.


    "I need a break. Let them fight for a bit," Broken replied, closing his eyes and leaning back.


    However, just as he was about to rx, a sudden shout jolted everyone awake. The burly man was sent flying backward, propelled several feet by a single punch to the stomach from Anna. The crowd gasped in astonishment, and Broken''s rest was abruptly cut short.


    "Ah damn, I should have had Damir handle the hand-to-handbat with that man. It would have taken longer," Broken sighed, knowing he had to continue with the selection process.


    The selection process proceeded with... less than ideal smoothness. However, by the time evening rolled around, Broken had managed to recruit a satisfactory number of personnel. Out of roughly 40 candidates, a small portion showed potential to be Knights, while the rest were better suited for regr troops.


    This oue pleased him enough, though he was beginning to realize that expecting to continually uncover hidden gems in a ce like this was overly ambitious. He was already fortunate to have found talents like Danko, Ingolf, Mortar, Anna, and Yara-they were


    exceptional.


    Broken stood before the newly selected knights and troops, but his attention was soon drawn to a figure approaching from a distance. It was Maylock, looking exhausted as he removed his


    sunsses.


    "What''s up? Did you manage toplete the Trial Domain?" Broken asked.


    Maylock, with a weary face, simply nodded in response. "Yes."


    "What''s with the sour face, Maylock?" Freya asked, chuckling. "Shouldn''t you be happy? It was the Trial Domain level 200, you must have gotten a big reward."


    "I''m just exhausted. I feel like quitting the game," he replied quietly. "I wasted two days in that dungeon, but..." He sighed deeply. "Screw you, Broken." With that, he vanished from


    their sight as he logged out.


    "What happened to him?" Freya asked, turning to Broken.


    "I don''t know," Broken replied, showing no signs of feeling guilty.

 Chapter 314: Chapter 314 - Impassioned and Ambitious Discussion

    Chapter 314: - Impassioned and Ambitious Discussion


    ?


    After the Trial Domain incident with Maylock, he disappeared from Slumdon Town for four days of Yunatea Time. It wasn''t just that he vanished; he didn''t log in at all. This absence made Broken feel a twinge of guilt, leading him to ask the others if they knew what was going


    on.


    Elincia and Goldrich visited him in his study that day.


    "He tends to do that when he''s having a mental breakdown," Elincia answered with a knowing smile. "Didn''t you say hepleted the Trial Domain?"


    Broken nodded slowly.


    "Khi khi khi..." Goldrich chuckled. "I wonder what could have made Maylock so desperate." "Will hee back?" Broken asked.


    "Sure, don''t worry about it. He doesn''t give up that easily; sometimes he just needs time alone to think," Elincia reassured him.


    "And to brood over his failures. Khi khi khi," Goldrich added with apparent glee.


    Their rxed responses indicated that they were familiar with this side of Maylock. It turned out that the person who often seemed like a genius and a deep thinker could also shut himself away when suffering from a mental breakdown.


    However, after a brief hiatus, Maylock returned to the game and immediately resumed his activities¡ªleveling up and training the knights, especially the newly recruited ones. He didn''t reach out to Broken, so Broken decided not to approach him either. He deliberately waited for a few days, hoping Maylock would eventually forget about the incident.


    In the meantime, Broken refocused on his crafting, tirelessly working on the new sword, greatsword, and pickaxe. He spent several days in the cksmith workshop, undisturbed by anyone.


    Two weekster, Maylock finally invited Broken to the training ground. He mentioned that he needed to show something regarding the progress of the knights.


    Early in the morning, in Slumdon Town, Broken and Maylock walked through the city streets, heading to the outskirts to observe the knights'' training. Broken didn''t bring up the Trial Domain, and it seemed both had either truly forgotten about it or were pretending to have moved past it.


    "So, over the past several days, I''ve chosen 12 individuals from the ones you suggested. These are the ones who truly have the potential to be knights," Maylock said with excitement. "And it''s all thanks to your excellent selection of candidates, Broken!"


    "Okay, I think 12 is a pretty satisfactory number," Broken replied.


    As they walked down Main Street, Broken noticed that the residents were already setting up for market day, filling the cobblestone road with stands and barrels of goods.


    When they arrived at the training ground, Broken asked, "So, how is their progress so far?"


    Maylock smiled faintly and began to exin with great enthusiasm. "It won''t be an easy feat; it takes a lot of time and effort to train them into skilled knights. But I''m certain that we can make it happen!


    "One day, you''ll have a strong army of knights, your personal force to protect your realm, ready to fight inrge-scale wars. And then, we will make history!" His voice was full of passion and energy.


    "Oh, that sounds very ambitious," Broken remarked.


    "You should be ambitious. We should be," Maylock said with enthusiasm.


    Maylock gestured towards the bustling training grounds. "See!" he dered proudly, "Igor is a fiercely talented Knight Commander. He truly has the makings of a fine leader. We can definitely rely on him to lead these knights and keep the town safe while we''re on missions outside."


    Broken nodded slowly. Though he was excited about the uing expeditions, he couldn''t help feeling a bit anxious about leaving the safety of the city walls for an extended period. Maylock chuckled, "You don''t need to worry!" he eximed. "We''ll work together to protect this town. Most members of the Ass Guild also invest their money here, so everyone''s aligned to achieve the same mission."


    "You sure have far-reaching vision, huh, Maylock?"


    "Why not?" Maylock replied. "You''re going to attract a lot of trouble and opponents in the future, so you have to be prepared to strengthen your defenses. You do know you''re a ma for trouble, right?" he added with a half-joking tone.


    "That stings a bit."


    "It''s your fate, tied to you. Even your friends can be a little disappointed with you sometimes. Heck, I''m disappointed too," Maylock said, half-serious.


    "The Trial Domain..." Broken began.


    "I''ve already forgotten about it," Maylock said, diverting the conversation.


    Broken''s lips curved into a faint smile. "Then I guess we need to quickly build our strength, right?"


    "You''re right," Maylock agreed. "You need to start taking the necessary steps to form your own guild. Now is the perfect moment for you to do this. Your allies andpanions deserve an opportunity to have a greater say in their own destiny."


    Broken nodded slowly. "What do you think Elincia and everyone from the Ass Guild will do if I create my own guild?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "They are driven by ambition and seek challenges that will allow them to push themselves to their limits." Maylock said.


    He continued, "If you can provide them with such opportunities, I''m sure they would be happy to join forces with you to create something amazing-something beyond anyone''s wildest dreams."


    "You give me too much credit."


    "You don''t need to worry," Maylock reassured him. "Leave the task of building the best army -the most elite army-to me. I will make you proud. You can focus on other things- besides, I do enjoy challenges like this."


    Broken nodded gently, fully aware he couldn''t handle everything on his own. "You''re really itching for a fight, aren''t you?"


    Maylock responded with a confident smirk. "Oh, absolutely. Why else would I be ying this game? I''ve always been ready for an epic sh. Bring it on-I''ll use every chance to showcase my best tactics and strategies.


    "If you offer me the opportunity to dive into a massive war, I''m all in! There''s no way I''d pass up on that kind of action.


    "So yes, I know you''re going to stir up a lot of trouble in the future. Whether it''s war, something entirely new, demons, or a colossal battle, I''m eagerly looking forward to it." Maylock''s voice took on a deeper, moremanding tone. "You and I, we have grand ambitions. If I''m right, you dream of ruling the Dissidia Kingdom-maybe even more than


    that, huh?


    "If I may be so bold, I''ll support your endeavor wholeheartedly! With the right dedication and preparation, such a conquest is within reach. Dream bigger, strive for greatness!


    "We should always brace ourselves for the worst, but let''s not overlook the possibility of our victories either."


    Broken remained silent for a few seconds, then slowly lifted his chin in agreement. "The journey ahead is going to be arduous, but I''m determined to make the most of it."


    "Count me in," Maylock dered firmly. "But I won''t ever enter the same Trial Domain with


    you again." With that, the two fell into a silence.


    After an impassioned and ambitious discussion with Maylock, Broken quickly readied himself for another engagement that day. He found himself outside the city walls, preparing to


    venture a bit further from Slumdon Town.


    That day, he had arranged a meeting with Marlene, the demon beast master from the Shadow Wolves. His goal was to discuss the techniques for hatching a Demon Egg.

 Chapter 315: Chapter 315 - Let’s Talk Inside, Shall We?

    Chapter 315: - Let¡¯s Talk Inside, Shall We?


    ?


    Broken had already discussed the uing meeting with Marlene with Elincia, Goldrich, and Maylock. He had also revealed to them his possession of a demon egg, obtained after


    completing the Trial Domain alongside Princess Alora.


    "I agree with Freya; you should try incubating the egg in the Demon''s world," Maylock remarked thoughtfully.


    He continued, "Regarding Marlene, she mentioned she''d take you there for a demon beast, but I think you should focus on the demon egg instead. It''s the only chance you''ve got, Broken."


    Broken nodded slowly, letting everyone share their thoughts on the matter.


    "What about Marlene herself, Maylock?" Elincia expressed her concern.


    Maylock shook his head. "I''m convinced that Marlene has too much pride to willingly lower herself to anyone. Instead, she''ll do whatever it takes to keep people worshiping her and following her whims."


    "That girl needs a little scolding, khi khi khi," Goldrich chuckled.


    Maylock continued, "In my opinion, if Marlene is willing to offer her friendship to you, Broken, and even take you to Hell-apletely new world for someone who could potentially be her rival in the future-it''s clear that Marlene sees significant value in your potential. She understands that befriending you is the best strategic move she can make." He paused for a moment, reflecting on his words. "I must admit, she''s quite clever in this regard."


    "So?" Elincia prompted.


    "Yes, I''d say you can trust her, Broken," Maylock concluded. "She''s no fool. She clearly knows what she''s doing. The more she contributes to you, the more confident she''ll feel about securing her ce in your orbit."


    "That''s exactly what you did with Broken, right?" Goldrich teased, needling Maylock.


    "Indeed," Maylock replied with a slight grin. "I did my best to support Broken so I could secure my spot on his radar when his future bes even greater."


    "You''re certainly giving me a lot of credit," Broken said, offering a slight smile.


    Goldrich responded, "Up to this point, Maylock''s already kissed your ass, Broken. He''ll be ready to be yourp dog whenever you need him."


    "Ch," Maylock retorted. "I''m still upset I didn''t get my reward from the Trial Domain."


    Broken grinned, amused by their exchange.


    "Now, let''s talk about Hell-the alternate world ruled by the king of all demons, King Bael!" Maylock continued.


    "Among the seven major races in Yunatea, the demons, under King Bael, received the Blessing of Gluttony. This power allows him not only to create a domain but an entirely new world! We call this world the alternate world of Yunatea, or Hell," he exined. "Unfortunately, the restrictions they received make it difficult for demons to easily leave Hell, especially those of higher ranking. They can only be summoned through a special ritual."


    "That''s quite an overpowered ability, huh?" Broken remarked.


    Maylock sighed. "Actually, every native holder of the Sin Blessing is overpowered. Take King ndorr, for example; he''s said to be blessed by the Self Transcendence Blessing. This power allows him to transcend almost everything." He paused.


    Goldrich took over. "King ndorr is the epitome of someone with a cheat skill. He can master everything-every ss, every weapon, every race''s abilities. He possesses unlimited power and stamina. He could even fight a god at his peak."


    Broken nodded slowly, recalling the tale of King ndorr, who was tasked by the Goddess of The Moon to y the gods.


    Maylock continued, "King Bael''s power is so immense that he constructed his own world. In Hell, demons live like normal creatures in Yunatea. They cultivate, build their homes, and exist just like us. Those with immense power hold ranks among the 72 demons and lead their respective areas. Some major kingdoms also exist in Hell, each with its own king. However, the number one ranked demon remains King Bael."


    Broken absorbed the information shared by the others, finding it more impactful in this detailed conversation. Even though he''d heard about this kind of world before, the specifics engraved themselves deeper into his mind.


    "Any other concerns? I''m not sure what else to say, Broken," Maylock offered. "You can ask me anything."


    "No, I think I''ve got enough information," Broken replied.


    Elincia then chimed in, "What about his preparation, Maylock? He''s going into Hell with just Marlene."


    Maylock shook his head. "What preparation? He''s capable of causing a ruckus in Hell on his own; I''m not worried. But Marlene will likely take a safer approach to bring him there. Being a non-demon entering Hell will definitely stir up some issues. But yeah, Marlene isn''t stupid." "You really admire that woman, don''t you? Khi khi khi," Goldrich teased.


    "Not exactly, I''m still smarter. But yeah, she isn''t as foolish as Paul, their guild leader," Maylock retorted.


    Everyone fell silent, trying to think of anything else that might have been overlooked before Broken set off to meet Marlene.


    "What else do you need, Broken?" Elincia reiterated. "Have you upgraded your weapon and armor sufficiently? I bet you''ll need a lot of resources to upgrade that Legendary-grade weapon to at least +12."


    "No, not yet. I haven''t taken it that far. But I''ll handle it another time," Broken answered.


    After confirming that everything was in order, Broken donned his full Invincible Paragon armor, with its durability fully restored and enchanted. In addition, he wore the Obsidian Shroud and the Visage headgear, concealing his identity with the cloak and mask. Thus disguised, he slipped out of the city unnoticed, using a carriage for his departure.


    Once the carriage was a fair distance from the city, he disembarked and moved away before switching to ride Polly. The meeting point was not so far from Slumdon Town. As expected, Marlene had put in extra effort to fulfill her promise, just as Maylock had suggested.


    From a distance, Broken spotted the tree line leading to the forest, and as he got closer, he saw several tents set up near the edge. Approaching further, he recognized the mage he''d met earlier, Subaru.


    "Ha ha hah. Broken, I''ve been waiting for you. Wee!" the mage greeted with his usual enthusiastic expression.


    Broken got off Polly and walked closer, as the mage patted his back and guided him to the central area of the tents.


    Broken could see about six members of the Shadow Wolves sitting around a campfire, eating. It seemed they were either hunting nearby or engaged in some other activity, clearly separated from theirrger group.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    For the Ass Guild, six members were a significant number, given that their total membership was only thirteen. But for a guild like the Shadow Wolves, six people amounted to just one hunting party. Their guild likely boasted dozens, perhaps even over a hundred members. This stark contrast highlighted how impressively confident the Ass Guild was in their small numbers, managing to remain among the top guilds in Immortal Legacy despite their size. "Woah, I can''t wait for the expedition we''re about to embark on, hahaha," Subaru said. "See? Marlene''s been waiting for you in that tent." He pointed to thergest tent among the setup.


    So, the expedition wasn''t just going to be him and Marlene? It appeared she had also invited other members from the Shadow Wolves. They sure were putting a lot of effort into this,


    weren''t they?


    The tent ps opened, and a woman in tight ck leather, with striking red hair, stepped out.


    "Hi, it''s nice to see you," she greeted.


    "Hi." "Let''s talk inside, shall we?" she suggested.


    Broken nodded and followed her into the tent.

 Chapter 316: Chapter 316 - Building Trust Through Genuine Intentions

    Chapter 316: - Building Trust Through Genuine Intentions


    ?


    "That guy is driving me nuts!" one of the seven individuals sitting by the campfire eximed. He was an archer, visibly frustrated.


    There were eight members of the Shadow Wolves in the camp, including both Subaru and Marlene. The groupprised three women and five men.


    "You better not be looking for trouble, right? The boss told us to follow Marlene''s orders," another member, a swordsman, responded.


    "What''s so special about him?" the archer continued. "He''s just a cksmith who happened to craft a Legendary-grade item, and now we have to escort him to Hell? This is absurd."


    Subaru replied awkwardly, "I think we all agreed on this, didn''t we? Otherwise, Marlene wouldn''t have set up this party. Plus, it''s a chance for us to level up. There are plenty of resources there that we can''t find in Yunatea, hehe."


    "Yes, but there''s a higher chance of dying too," the archer retorted. "Do you think traveling to Hell is easy? We''ll be surrounded by real demons down there! And I''m not talking about someone like our boss."


    A woman with short brown hair and sses, a healer, then chimed in. "I''m scared too," she said hesitantly to the others. "But I think this is our opportunity to set foot in Hell, isn''t it? It''s my first time."


    "We will be okay. Marlene has been to Hell many times before. Besides, we have two Gluttony Champions in our guild-we are part demons ourselves," another member reassured them.


    The swordsman then spoke up. "But I still want to know just how worthwhile that cksmith is to warrant this kind of treatment."


    "A ha ha ha," Subaru interjected again. "No need to worry, everyone. I''m confident that Paul''s decision is the right one. We just need to follow Marlene''s orders, and I believe this


    expedition will go smoothly."


    "Shut up!" the archer snapped. "I feel like killing that stupid cksmith!"


    Inside the tent, Broken sat in a chair across from Marlene. She crossed her legs, and her fiery red coat almost seemed to glow in the room''s dim light.


    "So, you said you had something important to share," she began.


    "Yes, I need your help."


    Marlene smiled at his words. "That''s exactly what I was hoping to hear. You needing my help means you need me more, right?" She leaned back in her chair. "Tell me. I''m all ears."


    "I need your help to hatch a demon egg."


    Marlene remained silent, nodding slowly as if she had anticipated his request. It was clear she was already aware or had suspected this. After all, she knew a lot about demons and the Trial Domain, which had nearly endangered Princess Alora. Surely, there was a connection.


    "You don''t seem surprised." Broken noted.


    Marlene gave a faint smile and shook her head. "No, why should I be? I''m quite familiar with demons, demon beasts, named demons, and even a demon egg. Sure, it''s doable, but we''ll need to change our n significantly because of this."


    "Please, tell me what we need to do," Broken implored.


    Marlene began to exin in detail how to incubate and hatch a demon egg. "If we''re talking about a level 200 demon egg, yes, you can supply your mana to the egg, but it has to be done in Hell. Furthermore, it can''t be done just anywhere; it must be in a ce teeming with monsters of a simr level."


    She paused for a moment before continuing. "The real issue is that this process won''t bepleted in just a day or two."


    Broken furrowed his brow, realizing that the expedition would indeed take a considerable amount of time.


    Marlene stood up and slowly walked behind Broken, lightly gripping the back of his chair before leaning against it.


    "Incubating the egg will take quite a bit of time," she said. "I''m unsure, it could be about a month, depending on various factors-the grade of the egg, the creature inside it, and the quality of the mana from the person supplying it."


    "A month?" Broken echoed, surprised.


    "Yes, that''s the best-case scenario," Marlene replied. She walked to the corner of the room, picking up a ss and a bottle of drink.


    Marlene turned back, holding the ss out to him. She sat back down, crossing her legs.


    "Yes, are you interested?" she asked with a sly smile.


    "I don''t know. I''ve never been there before. I need to try it first before I can say whether I''ll be interested in doing that," he admitted.


    Marlene tapped her fingers on her own ss thoughtfully before taking a sip.


    A month? Broken pondered. While he didn''t mind dedicating a month of his in-game time, it would still be worth it given the potential rewards he could gain. What would he need to prepare for such an extended stay in Hell? Would he also require Marlene''s assistance for the entire duration?


    It was clear that she was organizing the entire party for this expedition, which implied that more manpower was necessary. Was the journey potentially more dangerous than he had anticipated? If the request was this substantial, did it also mean he couldn''t count on outside help for this endeavor?


    Certainly, Broken needed to offerpensation in return. He would require their support for an extended period-a month or perhaps even longer-which meant significant resources


    would be expended.


    "Can I go to Hell by myself?" he inquired.


    "Yes, you can," she replied, "but you''d have to find the way there on your own."


    She smiled again. "See, I told you it''s interesting, but it will drastically alter our ns. However, I''m optimistic that it can be done."


    "I need this, so I''m willing to pay for this service," Broken offered.


    "No," Marlene answered, taking another sip from her ss. "I''m certain this isn''t something that can be exchanged for money. It might take you an extraordinarily long time to find your own way to Hell. Your best bet is through me, and I can grant you that wish."


    This situation hadpletely shifted the dynamic between them. Initially, Marlene had been the one offering Broken to make a contract with a demon beast, but now it was him who turned out to be in need of her help to visit Hell.


    The real intention behind her offer was still unclear, despite everything that Maylock had exined. Even if Broken and Marlene could forge a friendship, whatever she had in mind remained ambiguous. Nheless, they had different end goals. While Broken and his allies fought to protect Princess Alora, the Shadow Wolves stood on the opposing side.


    "Listen to me, Broken," Marlene broke the silence once more.


    She continued, "I told you that I genuinely wanted to be friends, didn''t I? And I meant


    it."


    "I don''t see what benefits you could gain from being friends with me," Broken responded. "But I can see them."


    "So, you want to be friends with me because you see some positive benefit you can gain?"


    Marleneughed softly before regaining her calm demeanor. "You really have a knack for putting others on the spot with your opinions, don''t you?"


    "We are on different sides," he responded. "While I don''t fully grasp your broader vision behind all this, persuading me to join the Shadow Wolves isn''t going to be easy."


    "Yes, I knew it," she admitted. "That''s why I said I want to show you that my intentions are


    genuine."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The silence hung between them again for a moment.


    "Alright," Marlene finally said, breaking the quiet. "I need to prepare a few things, and I


    know you do too. We''re departing next week, Yunatea Time. Prepare for an expeditionsting


    a minimum of one month. We''ll be leaving with a party of nine, including you."


    "Can I invite someone from my side?" Broken asked.


    "NPCs are a definite no. It wouldplicate our schedule to protect them," Marlene replied. "And as for yers, also no. This isn''t an offer I extend lightly to just anyone."


    The decision was made: a month-long expedition to Hell, set to begin in a week. This gave Broken enough time to finish his work on crafting. Bringing his new armor and weapons on the expedition would be a significant advantage for him.


    "Alright then," Broken nodded, mentally preparing himself for the task ahead. As daunting as it seemed, he knew that this journey could unlock new possibilities and strengthen his


    resolve.

 Chapter 317: Chapter 317 - The Ball Arched Through the Air

    Chapter 317: - The Ball Arched Through the Air


    ?


    A soft hiss filled the air as the capsule device''s cover slid open to the side-unlike his usual device that opened upwards. Leon stepped out and found himself inside his Northstar Home Bus.


    It was morning, just as he had predicted. The bus was empty; he found himself alone in that makeshift mobile home. He had a ss that morning, and he couldn''t afford to skip it again, as he had done far too often. That''s why he was there, on a parked bus in the campus area, determined to make it to ss this time.


    To bnce his time between ying Immortal Legacy and fulfilling his real-life


    responsibilities, he made extensive use of the home bus. This mobile home had proven to be an invaluable asset in situations like these.


    Whenever he needed to reach campus by 9 AM, he would log into his capsule device inside the home bus the night before. The bus would then automatically depart and park at the designated spot in the campus parking lot. When he woke up, he would find himself already parked and ready to start his day.


    Isn''t this incredibly convenient? The auto-drive feature and the AI installed in the home bus were top-notch, allowing him to stay inside without any worries. The security system would detect any external threats, effectively preventing any criminal activities that might be attempted against him.


    The home bus was connected to a server capable of summoning police officers if anything suspicious urred. This mobile home truly served as an exceptional guardian for its owner. Leon walked to the middle of the bus, sshing water on his face at the small sink and feeling the refreshing coolness on his skin. He then moved to the other side of the home bus and opened a small window cover, letting the bright morning sunlight flood in. It waste November, and snow had already begun to fall in various regions.


    He grabbed some bread and jam, filling his stomach with whatever he could find. Despite its advanced features, he found it a shame that he couldn''t fully utilize its capabilities, especially for cooking.


    Do I need to seriously learn to cook? he wondered.


    He had cooked often enough, but never seriously-just enough to fill their stomachs. In the past, they didn''t have the luxury of experimenting with good ingredients. Cooking had been a rare luxury for him back then. Not today, though, right?


    Leon changed his shirt and double-checked his appearance in the mirror, making sure his face looked fresh. He smiled, chasing away any lingering stiffness. Yeps, now he was ready to take on the day!


    Let''s go! He thought with a newfound determination.


    He opened the door and stepped out, only to be startled by the sight of a crowd-mostly students-standing around the bus, examining it closely. Leon froze for a moment, taken aback by the unexpected attention, and noticed the students looking a bit embarrassed for standing so close.


    "Hey bro, nice bus," someone said.


    "I bet you sleepfortably in there, huh?" another chimed in.


    Leon nodded slowly. "Thanks. Yes."


    "This is the model with the capsule device, right?"


    "I know you, you''re Broken, aren''t you?" another voice chimed in.


    "Uh, yes," Leon confirmed, feeling increasingly uneasy.


    "Man, I''ve been to Slumdon, and it seems like you''re doing well there."


    "Tell me, are any members of the Ass Guild inside? Maybe Elincia? Or Melliandra?"


    Stop it, shut up, he thought to himself, exasperated. Do they think I''m a yboy and a pedophile?!


    How did so many people recognize him? He didn''t recall ever deliberately showing his face in public. Ugh, are these people stalkers? He felt a wave of insecurity wash over him.


    Do I need to hire bodyguards?


    As he made his way past the line of gawking spectators, they showed no signs of moving aside. He couldn''t me them; if the Home Bus weren''t his, he would likely stand and admire it with the same wonder, dreaming of owning one himself. But hey, the Northstar Home Bus was indeed his!


    Driving the Northstar EV alone had already drawn a lot of attention, but parking a luxurious home bus on campus was guaranteed to attract even more. Everyone knew how expensive the home bus was a symbol of excessive wealth, typically purchased by those who had so much money they didn''t know what else to do with it.


    Leon quickened his pace, trying to evade the curious gazes of the people around him. This is so weird, he thought.


    "Leon!" someone called out.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He stopped and turned to see Laura, dressed in a bright yellow outfit and wearing stockings due to the onset of winter, running towards him.


    "Hi, Laura." he greeted her.


    Laura smiled and walked beside him. "I saw a lot of people admiring that ride you brought along. Did you do it on purpose to attract attention?" she asked with a lightugh.


    "Uhm..." Leon pondered for a moment. "Did I?"


    He added. "I actually think the opposite, Laura. Initially, I held off using the home bus frequently because I felt like I didn''t deserve it," he confessed with a small chuckle.


    "So now you feel you deserve it?"


    "Not really, how do I say it? More like..." he trailed off.


    They continued chatting as they walked to ss, the strange morning growing more familiar with every step.


    In ss, as usual, Laura sat next to Leon, a habit that had led some ssmates to specte about a special rtionship between them. Though many guys tried to get close to Laura, she never showed the slightest interest in anyone-not even a hint! But now, sitting near Leon, she always disyed an enthusiastic smile andughter with everything he said, as if whatever came out of his mouth was pure entertainment for her.


    "Are they dating?"


    "No, I don''t think so. Laura doesn''t seem interested in anyone, especially someone like


    Leon."


    "But, the current Leon isn''t the same as before."


    "Damn, he''s so lucky. I''m so jealous I want to punch his face."


    Some of the male students would asionally pass by Leon''s seat, often stopping. This particr group was known for causing trouble for him and included a few he had faced off


    against in one-on-one basketball games recently.


    "Come to the basketball court this afternoon, Leon. Let''s y a game," Viktor said, someone quite popr in ss due to his tall physique and his basketball skills.


    Viktor stopping to speak to Leon casually caught the attention of many students that


    morning.


    Leon looked up, as did Laura, who seemed tense, fearing another confrontation might unfold


    between them.


    "What do you want?" Leon responded.


    "Just a friendly game. See you there?" Viktor said, surprisingly gentle and friendly, unlike the mocking tone he usually reserved for other students he considered beneath him.


    "I''ll think about it," Leon replied.


    Viktor patted Leon on the shoulder. "Have a nice day," he said before heading to the back


    rows.


    Laura visibly exhaled in relief once it was over. Her face still showed traces of tension as Leon


    turned to her.


    "What''s up with you?" Leon asked, puzzled.


    Laura smiled and chuckled softly. "No, I''m just relieved. Something really different is


    happening."


    And surprisingly, Leon epted the invitation for the basketball game that day. Apanied


    by Laura, he made his way to the basketball court where the other guys were already ying.


    "Hi, Leon," they greeted him, tossing a basketball his way. Leon caught it swiftly.


    "Come on, Leon," they encouraged.


    Leon dropped his bag, and Laura immediately took it from him. "Have fun, Leon," she said


    with a smile, then took a seat in the stands.


    Leon quickly ran and positioned himself on the court, naturally blending in as the ball


    bounced and dribbled past him.


    "You really know how to y the game, Leon?!" Viktor said with a grin.


    Viktor dribbled the ball, trying to get past Leon, but Leon deftly swatted the ball away,


    stealing it cleanly.


    "You can judge for yourself," Leon responded, dribbling the ball away.


    Leon executed a smooth crossover and then took a shot from the three-point line. All eyes were on the ball as it arched through the air toward the basket-everyone wondering if it would go in smoothly or just be a random throw.


    And then... the ball swished perfectly through the hoop. The crowd erupted into cheers.

 Chapter 318: Chapter 318 - Freya Reminded Lily of Someone

    Chapter 318: - Freya Reminded Lily of Someone


    ?


    As snow began to thicken on the city streets, running became an entirely different experience for Leon. Determined to maintain the routine he had started and kept up consistently for the past three months, he donned warmer, more covered clothing.


    Running in this colder season was far more challenging. He found himself running out of breath more quickly, especially as the biting air pierced through his lungs.


    Discipline was no easy feat-it required hard work and perseverance. It felt like he had nothing else to do in his life except train and manage his game activities. Running, martial arts training, attending university, fulfilling social needs with his sister, and friends, and keeping up his in-game schedule. Damn, his time waspletely upied.


    Whenever he felt the urge to ck off, he reminded himself of the immense privilege he currently had, forcing himself to push through. He wanted to quit countless times. Why was he pushing so hard with this physical training? He had so many other responsibilities- cutting back to running just two or three times a week would be easier.


    But then, he realized one crucial thing: the hardest challenge in the world was consistency and discipline.


    Panting heavily, Leon stopped in front of a park bench where two girls sat-Lily and Freya.


    "Leon... please give up,e on, just give up," Freya teased,ughing softly.


    Lily, also seated there, handed him a bottle of water. "Had enough?"


    Leon sat down between them, still gasping for air. His sweat seemed to freeze instantly in the cold.


    "Not quite," he panted, managing a grin. "But I needed a break."


    They sat there in the park as children not far from them began to y, and families enjoyed the chilly yet sunny afternoon with their little ones. The three of them, however, relished the calmness of the serene day.


    "You''re not going to drop dead from exhaustion with all your crazy activities, are you, Leon?" Freya teased, nudging his shoulder andughing softly.


    Leon turned to his left and shook his head. "Please take me to a good hospital if I ever copse from overexertion, okay?" he responded with a smile.


    "He is surely the irony of being a sloth Champion, right?" Lily remarked,ughing along.


    They then delved into more random topics while Lily and Freya exchanged jokes, with Leon caught in the middle of their banter.


    Unlike the other two, whose light-hearted chatter filled the air, Leon''s mind wandered as he sat rtively still. He couldn''t help but think about everything he needed to aplish, his thoughts swirling with the tasks ahead. He worked to keep his mental to-do list organized.


    What''s missing? he wondered, striving to ensure he wouldn''t overlook any important responsibilities.


    First, he considered his real-life responsibilities. Leon admitted that he hadn''t been able to keep up with all his campus activities as well as he would have liked. This was perhaps his biggest sacrifice. Still, he managed to attend at least half of his sses, just enough to not fall too far behind and to pass exams without failing.


    But he received significant help from Laura in this matter. She often made detailed notes and sent them to him, ensuring he didn''t miss out on anything important. Her contributions were substantial and greatly appreciated.


    He needed to repay her in some way. What could he do for her?


    Next was his training schedule. He was disciplined about his running, taking just one rest day


    a week. He also spent time at the gym, even if only for an hour, lifting weights sufficiently and then capping it off with a swim.


    Then came his martial arts training, including his Kenjutsu and practice with other types of weapons. Despite the heavy and exhausting nature of his regimen, he managed to fit everything into his schedule.


    His body often felt on the verge of breaking down from the intensity.


    But as his belief affirmed, when he struggled with something, it wasn''t because he couldn''t do it¡ªit was just that he needed more time to adapt. And he proved himself right. Through perseverance and consistency, he gradually became ustomed to the rigors of his demanding schedule.


    His in-game agenda was just as demanding. Monitoring the city-building efforts in Slumdon Town kept him busy, though he was fortunate to have help from Livelywood, Charmelyn, and Freya. Thanks to their efforts, many things were already neatly organized, and his role was primarily to oversee and ensure everything ran smoothly.


    The next big expedition he had nned was the journey to the Wildwood to hunt the Eternal me Fae Beast. Although this had to be slightly postponed, it was still very much within the overall n.


    His crafting projects were almostplete. Soon, he would have a new Greatsword, a new Battle Pickaxe, and a new Ranger suit. He aimed to have these ready before his expedition with Marlene to Hell.


    What else? Everything else seemed to be on the right track, right? He might not havepleted everything precisely on time, but he was making good progress.


    "Lily, listen," Freya said excitedly. "Do you know what I saw today at Leon''s campus?"


    "Yes, what is it? Tell me, Freya," Lily responded with curiosity.


    "Guess," Freya teased. "Something really sweet and, oh... very youthful."


    "Uhm... wait, does it have something to do with the letter L?"


    "Wait, how did you guess so easily?"


    "So, really? It''s Laura? What''s going on? Tell me."


    "Leon was walking with his ex, like, I don''t know. What do you think, Lily? Do you think there might still be something between them?"


    "Hmm, it''s possible. But we''d need to see more to be sure. Rtionships can beplicated,


    you know?"


    Leon quickly silenced Freya by holding her chin with his left hand.


    "Can you please... shut... up."


    "Leon, you know, that''s rude to a girl," Lily chimed in.


    "Yes, he''s so rude because he thinks he''s getting close to a lot of girls."


    Freya then jumped up and stood in front of Leon, who looked at her, puzzled.


    She kicked a pebble on the ground, hitting his foot. "Just because you''re bing more popr doesn''t mean you can treat me any way you like, you know."


    "You kicked a pebble at me."


    "So what? Are you going to retaliate?"


    "I can run fast," he replied.


    "So, do you think you can catch me while you''re out of breath and exhausted? Catch me if you


    can," Freya taunted.


    "You asked for it," Leon said, preparing to give chase.


    Leon quickly stood up as Freya took off running. He chased after her, but Freya weaved between the trees,ughing as she tried to evade him. They both seemed to be genuinely enjoying the yful chase,ughter ringing out between them-something rarely seen from


    Leon.


    Lily remained seated on the park bench, observing them in silence. She tilted her head, feeling


    a familiar sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. It reminded her of a time when she felt her brother gave more attention to someone else. She would watch her only brother y and joke happily with


    someone. A girl.


    Is it true? Did that really happen? It felt like it had been ages ago, right?


    For some reason, Freya reminded Lily of someone from their past. Theughter, the


    interaction, the feeling-it all came rushing back to her.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Fre...da? Lily thought to herself.

 Chapter 319: Chapter 319 - The City has Shown Significant Improvement

    Chapter 319: - The City has Shown Significant Improvement


    ?


    Yara knocked on the door to E''s room, where the tailor was hard at work, before entering with a tray of drinks.


    "Hi, E! The ranger suit is almost done, right? I can''t wait to see the final piece," she said, giggling as she stepped inside.


    "Hi, Yara. Uhm... yes... I hope lord Broken won''t be disappointed with my work," E replied, sighing deeply.


    "Come on, you need to be more confident in yourself! Lord Broken has given you this task because he truly acknowledges your skill," Yara said, giggling again as she set down the tray of drinks.


    "Lord Broken mentioned that he''ll be here in a few hours to see the final result and to do the finishing touches himself."


    "What?!" E eximed in shock. She stopped working immediately, burying her face in her hands. "What should I do... I''m scared. Yara... please help me..."


    "What are you so afraid of, huh?" Yara asked, sitting down beside her, looking genuinely puzzled.


    E lifted her face, revealing a deep blush on her cheeks.


    "What''s up with your face? Have you been staying up toote?" Yara asked, concerned.


    "No..." E replied, her breath noticeably uneven. "I don''t know why, but every time Lord Brokenes into this room, my body goes rigid and I can''t work. It''s like my hands forget how to do their job."


    "What? Why?" Yara said with a giggle. "Are you nervous because Lord Broken is around? Maybe you''re just too enamored with him and get anxious when he''s watching you."


    "No, Yara..." E protested, diverting her eyes. "What should I do... I have to finish this quickly, but the lord will be here any moment... I''m so scared."


    "Should I tell Lord Broken to postpone it? Maybe until tomorrow? That way, you''ll have more time toplete it," Yara suggested.


    "No, no, no," E panicked, grabbing Yara''s hands. "Don''t let the Baron know. I''ll work faster, I can finish it on time."


    "Yes... I believe you can," Yara replied, standing up. "Take your time."


    E took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, shaking her head as if to clear it. She refocused on her work. "I have to finish this before the Baron arrives," she resolved.


    That morning, Broken rode through Slumdon Town atop Polly, the graceful four-tailed Fox spirit. As he glided along the city streets, all eyes turned to him. The Baron, d in his white- and-gold patterned noble outfit and cape, exuded an undeniable charisma that captivated the townspeople.


    The residents'' attitudes towards him had noticeably shifted. Having witnessed the tangible improvements he had brought to Slumdon, they now viewed him in a much more positive light. The progress was indeed remarkable.


    The main roads of the city were getting better, making it easier for carriages and other forms of transportation to navigate. Traveling through Slumdon Town was bing morefortable, and the city itself seemed to be slowly reviving. The significant progress had lifted the spirits and hopes of the townspeople.


    He toured the inner parts of the city, paying particr attention to the city wall. He noticed several sections were still un-repaired and covered in cracks. Nevertheless, he knew that progress would continue, and over time, everything would improve.


    "The city wall needs to be upgraded," he said, sighing deeply.


    His primary concern was focused on the city''s defenses, aiming to prevent unexpected monster attacks. The number of guards was still too few to cover the entire town, making the reinforcement of the city wall a necessity. At first nce, this might seem like wasting resources, as the marketce development needed significant attention.


    However, he nned to bnce the progress between improving the facilities and upgrading the city wall.


    This was crucial, especially since he and most of the members of the Ass Guild wouldn''t always be in town. If he couldn''t strengthen the city''s defenses, it would be a greater liability for him.


    Yes, he had a massive and powerful golem, but there was only one golem, whereas the town- yes, a town with a sprawling area-needed moreprehensive protection.


    He didn''t want any disruptions during this critical period of construction, as that would significantly hinder the progress.


    The housing for the residents was nearingpletion, and the homes were looking much better. Some were already upied, while others were in the final stages of finishing work.


    The farming fields had started functioning well again after the rains returned. While this Rain Summoning Ritual was scheduled to take ce only once a month for now, he felt it was a reasonable interval since the ritual couldn''t be performed too frequently.


    The miners had resumed working efficiently, extracting ore from the cave that Broken and Danko had discovered some time ago.


    In addition, the progress on the production ss workshop was being expedited. Oncepleted, it would provide enough resources to craft finished products from the raw materials avable around Slumdon Town.


    The marketce was a facility receiving special attention for rapid development so that the townspeople could actively start trading again and better serve the needs of adventurers. Meanwhile, Pussycat had alreadymenced the construction of an inn. She had taken that casual conversation seriously and was now building an inn in Slumdon Town. This venture held great potential as it could amodate more visitors in the town.


    At the same time, RememberMe had started constructing several restaurants, as promised, toplement Pussycat''s inn. Both of them clearly had business acumen running in their veins. There was still a lot of work to be done, but the progress so far had been encouraging. He also felt a sense of pride as the overall score of the town had now improved to an E!


    [Overall Score: E - The city has shown significant improvement. The morale of the residents is beginning to rise, and the economy is gradually starting to recover.]


    Feeling that he had gathered enough updates on the town''s progress, Broken decided to head back to the House of Slumdon. Today, he would finalize everything rted to the equipment crafting. First on his list was finishing the crafting of the Woond Ranger gear, a coboration between him and E.


    The Woond Ranger set had taken less time toplete since the bulk of the worky with E, allowing him to meet his crafting targets more efficiently. He also nned to finish other items¡ªthe greatsword, sword, and pickaxe-within the day.


    He was eager to see the final results. Damn, he was absolutely pumped!


    The timing couldn''t be better since tomorrow he would meet Marlene and the others to


    launch their expedition into the Demon''s World, the Hell!


    As Broken reached the House of Slumdon, he strode purposefully towards the room where


    E was working. Suddenly, Yara came running after him.


    "My Lord," she called out. Broken turned around and waited for her to catch up.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Yes, Yara. Has E finished her part?"


    "Uhm... E..." Yara hesitated, looking unsure. "She doesn''t seem to be doing well."


    "What? Why?"


    "She said she''s feeling stiff and can''t work properly. Something''s wrong with her."


    "Has anything bad happened to her? Is she sick?"


    "Let me see," Broken said decisively as he quickened his pace towards E''s workspace.


    Yara followed closely as Broken opened the door, revealing E standing right in front of it


    with a surprised look on her face.


    "E, are you okay?" he asked with concern.


    "My Lord," E eximed, startled, causing the ranger suit to slip from her hands and fall to


    the floor.


    "My Lord, sorry," E hurriedly bent down to pick up the suit, just as Broken also reached for


    it.


    Their heads identally bumped into each other.


    "My Lord, sorry," she repeated, her voice flustered.


    E tried to retrieve the ranger suit again, but Broken gently held her shoulder. "Let me," he


    said, picking up the ranger suit from the floor.


    "Take it easy," he continued, observing E''s flushed face. "Yara said you were feeling


    unwell. Are you okay?"


    E''s face turned an even deeper shade of red. She backed away slowly and sank into a chair,


    looking parched and breathless.


    "E, are you okay?" Yara said.


    At that moment, Freya entered the room, taking in the scene. "Why can''t you ever let the


    women here work in peace, Broken? Look at E, her face is bright red."


    "I didn''t do anything!" Broken protested at Freya''s teasing.


    Despite themotion, it seemed E had managed to finish her work on time. He knew he


    had to finalize everything immediately.

 Chapter 320: Chapter 320 - He Appeared More Agile and Sleek

    Chapter 320: - He Appeared More Agile and Sleek


    ?


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Broken took the five pieces of the Ranger suit that E had worked on and put them into his inventory. He would work on them in his cksmith Workshop. He intended to do the finishing touches on all of them that day, along with two other weapons. Additionally, he nned to upgrade everything, aiming to get them to at least +9, and if possible, push his two Legendary-grade weapons to +12.


    As he walked down to the living room, followed by Freya, Yara, and E, he suddenly saw several people waiting there: Elincia, Maylock, Goldrich, Melliandra, and Kingsley.


    He approached them. "What are you guys doing here?"


    "Looking for some entertainment, what else?" Maylock responded.


    "We want to see the finishing process of your crafting, Broken," Elincia answered enthusiastically.


    Broken raised an eyebrow but continued walking outside, with everyone following him. Outside, he even spotted Booba, RememberMe, PussyCat, and Forev running towards him. "What are you guys doing here?" he repeated.


    "We want to see your legendary crafting skills, Master... hahaha, I knew this would be very interesting!" RememberMe eximed.


    Booba added with a grin. "Broken, I''ll be giving you my support to ensure you achieve another Legendary-grade item. Isn''t that amazing? Hahaha."


    "But..." Broken hesitated, realizing the cksmith workshop wasn''trge enough to amodate everyone. Despite this, he decided to press on and continued walking, the group trailing behind him.


    He opened the door to the cksmith workshop, catching Ingolf by surprise. The cksmith immediately halted his work, looking curiously at the sudden influx of people.


    Broken swiftly moved to his workstation and sat down, taking a moment to observe as everyone slowly filed in, one by one. Maylock, Elincia, and Melliandra stood at the front, while Kingsley, with hisrge frame, struggled to fit through the door that was too low for his height.


    "Let''s go, do it, Master," RememberMe urged.


    "But, I''m sure you''re going to fail spectacrly this time, Broken," Maylock said, drawing everyone''s attention.


    "What?" Everyone asked.


    "We need someone to y this role," Maylock exined in a t tone. "Someone to belittle him, so he can do the opposite and astonish everyone."


    "Ah, that makes sense. Khi khi khi..." Goldrich chuckled. "Broken, I''m sure all your crafting will end up at Rare-grade today."


    "He is clearly overrated!" Melliandra chimed in. "I only came to watch him fail miserably and regret his pathetic life," she said


    Everyone turned to look at her.


    "Good acting, Melliandra," Elinciamented.


    "No, I think she genuinely means what she''s saying," Maylock replied.


    "Yes, I confirm it," Kingsley added with a nod.


    Broken took a deep breath and smiled. "Alright, let''s get started," he said.


    He quickly arranged the pieces of the Ranger suit in a line so he could apply the finishing touches to each one in sequence: Helmet, Gloves, Chest-armor, Pants-Armor, and Boots.


    He started with the helmet, though it was more like a hood that connected to the body part of the suit. As Broken ran his fingers over the meticulous stitching, he could feel the dedication and skill that E had poured into crafting every piece of the armor.


    Broken retrieved the shaped monster core, installing it into the hood and making precise adjustments for the final process. He wanted nothing less than the best oue, as the grade range for this Ranger suit spanned from Rare to Unique. He hoped for at least an Epic grade, though naturally, Unique was his ultimate goal.


    Everyone held their breath as a green aura emanated from the hood, their eyes widening in astonishment at what they witnessed. The room filled with a sense of awe.


    [Woond Ranger Helmet]


    [Grade: Unique]


    Broken smiled in satisfaction at the result and looked up, curious to see everyone''s reactions.


    "You surely are so broken," Maylockmented. "While others work hard and can only


    dream of getting Unique-grade, you achieve it effortlessly."


    "Khi khi khi, we''ve been amazed far too quickly, I think. Let''s hope the rest doesn''t turn out badly," Goldrich said with a smirk.


    "Your luck is over, Broken," Melliandra added bitterly.


    Broken decided to hold off on checking the detailed stats for each piece, at least until he had finished the entire Ranger suit. He then moved on to the gloves.


    Please, let it be another Unique-grade, he wished quietly. However, the aura that emerged was a dark green. Was it a Unique-grade? He hoped, but it seemed he would have to be content for now.


    [Woond Ranger Gloves]


    [Grade: Epic]


    "Epic, right?" Maylock said.


    "Yes," Broken replied softly.


    "See, the grades will continue to drop until they reach Rare-grade! Haha," Melliandra added.


    Ignoring everyone, Broken steeled himself for the next piece.


    [Woond Ranger Armor]


    [Grade: Epic]


    "Getting consecutive Epic-grades is still an outstanding result," Goldrichmented.


    "Yes, anyone would be more than satisfied with an Epic-grade," Maylock added.


    "You surely are overwhelmed with fortune, right?" Elincia remarked.


    "Not only with his cksmith skills, but with women too," Freya said, giggling.


    E, standing among them, appeared tense and nervous as she watched the progress of the Ranger suit''s finishing.


    Broken paused for a moment, trying to calm himself. Although one Unique-grade piece was already an incredible achievement, the Epic-grade pieces still held significant value for him. However he couldn''t afford to get anything lower than Epic-grade-that was his minimum


    standard.


    He had every right to have high expectations. With his skills and supporting stats, he was confident in his abilities. So, he continued with the next two pieces, which fortunately ended


    up with the same Epic-grade.


    [Woond Ranger Breeches]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Woond Ranger Boots]


    [Grade: Epic]


    "Well, 1 Unique-grade and 4 Epic-grade items," Maylock said, grinning awkwardly. "I suddenly want that Ranger set, Broken. Maybe you''re nning to sell it?" he asked.


    "I think you need to curb your desires, Maylock," Elincia replied with a chuckle. Broken smiled and then stood, eager to try on the outfit. He finally had aplete set of Ranger light armor. Now, he could fight with more versatility. Heavy armor was already secured, and now he had light armor as well.


    He donned the full outfit, reveling in the Woond Ranger ensemble''s feel and appearance. It included a green hood and an earthy tunic with additional wooden chest, shoulder, and arm tes carved with intricate leaf patterns. The arms and legs were heavily armored with wooden tes and bracers, while the lower body featured dark green trousers, a leather belt, and reinforced wooden greaves over leather boots.


    Yara then slipped out from the corner of the room, carrying a tall mirror, which she ced in front of Broken.


    "My Lord, I figured you might be looking for this," she said enthusiastically.


    Broken examined his new outfit in the mirror. It genuinely gave him a fresh lookpared to his usual heavy armor. In this light armor, he appeared more agile and sleek. The overall colors of the armor-abination of green and wood tones-were perfect for camouge. The hood was also equipped with a bark-like half-face mask, which was a significant advantage. This meant he could use it to conceal his Gamer Name as well. ording to the mechanic of Immortal Legacy, when one''s face is covered, their Gamer Name hovering above


    their head could be hidden.


    "Show us the stats and the skills, Broken," Maylock said.


    "Yes, we want to know just how cool that Ranger outfit is," Elincia added.


    "Sure," he replied, nodding.

 Chapter 321: Chapter 321 - Woodland Ranger Set

    Chapter 321: - Woond Ranger Set


    ?


    Broken quickly removed the Woond Ranger set and shared the status details with everyone.


    [Woond Ranger Helmet]


    [Grade: Unique]


    [Intelligence +35


    Stamina +35


    uracy +55]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 169]


    [Skills:]


    [Forest''s Blessing: Heals the ranger for 5% of their maximum health every 10 seconds when standing still in a forested area.]


    [Quick Reflexes: Reduces the cooldown of all bow skills by 15%, enabling faster use of abilities.]


    [User Restriction: Level 200 and higher.


    700 Agility.


    Advanced Bow Expertise.]


    He started examining the helmet, the only Unique-grade piece in the set. The added stats were significant, and the boost in uracy was also noticeable.


    The helmet came with two skills: Forest''s Blessing, which provided the user with health regeneration at a rate of 5% every 10 seconds-a considerable amount. The second skill, Quick Reflexes, reduced the cooldown for all bow skills by 15%.


    Just from a quick nce, these two skills already seemed quite impactful.


    "A regeneration skill for a ranger?" Elinciamented, turning to Maylock. "What do you think, Maylock?"


    "Regeneration skills certainly provide a great benefit. With this, the user can operate solo and passively recover their health, needing about three minutes to fully restore themselves. But "he paused for a moment. "I''m not sure, since I''m not ustomed to such skills. Typically, a ranger needs to position themselves carefully to minimize damage. Still, this is an exceptional skill."


    "It sure shows the value of a Unique-grade, doesn''t it?" Goldrich chimed in.


    "And also," Maylock continued, "the 15% cooldown reduction is significant, especially considering you have bow skills with immense damage, right?"


    Broken nodded slowly.


    "Your rating, Maylock?" Elincia prompted.


    "Ten out of ten. I would dly buy this piece, especially with the uracy stat included," he said with a chuckle.


    [Woond Ranger Gloves]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Agility +50


    Hit +30


    Attack Speed +70]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 183]


    [Skills:]N?v(el)B\\jnn


    [Precision Aim: Increases the ranger''s bow damage by 15% and reduces the time required to draw and release arrows by 10%.]


    [Nature''s Snare: Adds a 15% chance for bow attacks to entangle targets in thorny vines, reducing their movement speed by 30% for 3 seconds.]


    [User Restriction: Level 200 and higher.


    700 Agility.


    Advanced Bow Expertise.]


    The gloves also boasted two skills that clearly enhanced damage output. The first was a passive skill that increased damage by 15%-a significant boost. Additionally, they shortened the charge time for bow skills by 10%, meaning Broken could charge his bow skills more swiftly. Another skill reduced the opponent''s movement speed by 30%, though this only had a 15% chance of activating.


    "These gloves are incredible too, especially paired with your Explosive Arrow skill. A 15% damage increase is massive," Maylock observed.


    "Absolutely," Goldrich agreed.


    "But once again," Maylock sighed, "this requires 700 Agility stat points. Do you even have that high of an Agility to equip these, Broken?"


    Freya interjected with a chuckle. "Oh, is Mr. Maylock poking into Broken''s business again? I thought we were just here to see the results of his ranger outfit."


    Elinciaughed at the yful banter. "I wouldn''t be surprised if he already had a theory on how Broken will meet the 700 Agility requirement."


    "Broken is surely a Divine Champion," came an unexpectedment from the back of the room. It was Kingsley, peeking in from just outside the door.


    "Oh, absolutely! Master must be a Sloth Champion, blessed with a ton of skills and blessings from Goddess Akidia," RememberMe added with a grin. "I bet the goddess was just toozy to choose a proper champion, so she ended up giving him everything. Hahaha!"


    Forev smacked RememberMe on the head. "Shut up, you big mouth!"


    Maylock sighed and responded, "It sounds like a joke, but it actually makes sense."


    Broken continues to share the next piece of item.


    [Woond Ranger Armor]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Health +200


    Defense +250]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 256]


    [Skills:]


    [Stealth Mode: Activates invisibility for 5 seconds, allowing the ranger to reposition or escape


    from dangerous situations.


    Cooldown: 20 seconds.]


    [Thorn Shield: Reflects 15% of melee damage back to attackers and slows their movement


    speed by 10%.


    Duration: 3 seconds.


    Cooldown: 10 seconds.]


    [User Restriction: Level 200 and higher.


    700 Agility.


    Advanced Bow Expertise.]


    The body armor of the Ranger outfit granted a Stealth skill, reminiscent of the Verdant Whisperte he had acquired from defeating the Horror Vine Treant raid boss, but with a much shorter cooldown. Additionally, it featured a Thorn Shield skill that was invaluable for escaping melee attackers. This skill reflected 15% of the damage taken and also slowed the


    assants'' movement speed.


    [Woond Ranger Breeches]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Health +250


    Defense +200


    Agility +50]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 234]


    [Skills:]


    [Barkskin: Provides a natural armor that absorbs up to 20% of iing physical damage and


    reduces elemental damage by 10%.


    Cooldown: 20 seconds.]


    [Acrobat''s Grace: Reduces fall damage by 50% and allows the ranger to perform a quick roll


    uponnding, avoiding stun effects.]


    [User Restriction: Level 200 and higher.


    700 Agility.


    Advanced Bow Expertise.]


    The next item was the pants. The first skill, Barkskin, provided a kind of shield, absorbing


    20% of physical damage and reducing elemental damage by 10%. The values weren''t particrly high, but the cooldown was fairly short at 20 seconds. This was still very useful, considering the ranger outfit wasn''t designed to focus on defense.


    The second skill reduced fall damage, making it perfect for a ranger who frequently maneuvered and positioned themselves at high altitudes or among trees to evade melee


    attackers.


    While the pants weren''t exceptionally remarkable, they still did offer some decent skills.


    [Woond Ranger Boots]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Agility +35


    Movement Speed +200


    Evasion +50]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 212]


    [Skills:]


    [Silent Footsteps: Reduces noise generated by movement by 70%, making it harder for


    enemies to detect the ranger''s presence.]


    [Forest''s Leap: Increases jump height and distance by 45%, allowing the ranger to reach


    higher ground or avoid obstacles.]


    [User Restriction: Level 200 and higher.


    700 Agility. Advanced Bow Expertise.]


    And finally, thest item, the boots. They came with the skill Silent Footsteps, which was


    ideal for sneak attacks or scouting, reducing noise from movement by 70%. While he wished the effect could be as high as 100%, he recognized it was already significant for an Epic-grade


    item.


    The second skill, Forest''s Leap, enhanced jump height, making it perfect for a ranger who relied on strategic positioning and fighting from advantageous spots. This skill perfectlyplemented the Acrobat''s Grace skill from the pants.


    While he might have hoped for even more from the boots, they were actually quite impressive and well-suited for a ranger.


    Everyone''s faces lit up with satisfaction as they read the overall description of the items.


    Broken felt the same sense of contentment, although he was keeping one thing under wraps: the cksmith''s appraisal. When everyone seemed satisfied with the general status of the


    set, Broken began the appraisal process piece by piece.


    [cksmith''s Appraisal (Active Skill)]


    As he checked each piece, a new effect emerged when he got to the helmet.


    [A hidden feature was discovered for Woond Ranger Helmet]


    [A new skill had been discovered from the item.]


    It was a pleasant surprise that the Unique-grade helmet turned out to have one more hidden


    feature. However, there was still one more thing he hadn''t checked yet: the skill that came from wearing theplete Woond Ranger set.

 Chapter 322: Chapter 322 - Gravestone Greatsword

    Chapter 322: - Gravestone Greatsword


    ?


    [The third skill of the Woond Ranger Helmet has been unlocked.]


    [Camouge Aura: Grants the ranger the ability to blend seamlessly with their surroundings, reducing visibility by 50% while stationary.]


    To his delight, the helmet revealed a hidden feature, adding a new skill to Broken''s arsenal. It was Camouge Aura, which enhanced his camouge to the surroundings by 50%. The Woond Ranger set was clearly designed for a solo ranger, equipped with all the stealth abilities needed to carry out missions discreetly. It also boasted impressive survivability, thanks to its regeneration skills.


    The others had stopped discussing the individual skills of the Woond Ranger outfit, but Broken hadn''t yet checked for the additional skill granted by wearing the full set. He examined theplete set, curious about the potential bonus. As he did, a new skill revealed itself.


    [Grove''s Wrath (Active Skill)]


    [Summons a powerful storm of nature''s fury thatsts for 10 seconds, dealing 15% of the ranger''s maximum health as nature damage to all enemies within a 10-meter radius every 2 seconds. The storm also increases the ranger''s damage by 20% while it''s active.


    Mana Cost: 400


    Cooldown: 45 seconds


    Duration: 10 seconds]


    He paused for a moment, analyzing the newly discovered skill. To his surprise, it focused on area damage, seemingly designed for situations where the user was surrounded and under duress.


    The skill dealt significant damage, scaling with maximum health. But why maximum health? Shouldn''t it be based on Agility?


    Normally, a ranger''s health would be low since they typically allocate their stat points to Agility. However, he sighed, reflecting on his unique situation. He wasn''t a typical ranger; his Constitution stat was unusually high. This was because he needed to bnce everything to optimize the use of all the weapon types in his arsenal.


    The Woond Ranger set indeed boasted a unique and versatilebination of skills, from the helmet down to the boots. While he was confident that he would find even better gear in the future, this set already provided a suitable alternative to his Invincible Paragon armor.


    His next task? Crafting a new bow of a higher level and grade. The Bow of Artemis that Freya had gifted him was level 120 and of Epic grade. To truly optimize his bow skills'' damage, he needed to upgrade to a more powerful bow. This upgrade would not only enhance his offensive abilities but alsoplement the skill synergy of his current ranger set.


    After feeling satisfied with the ranger set, Broken stored everything into his Inventory. He looked up and noticed the eager faces of hispanions, who were still patiently waiting for him to tackle the next items.


    "Still have three more items, right?" Elincia said with a giggle.


    "Yes, there''s a greatsword, a pickaxe, and a sword. But I think I''ll hold off on finishing the sword today. Maybe after I get back from Hell," Broken replied.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The messenger from the pce wasn''t expected to arrive anytime soon, and with Broken preparing for an expedition, he decided it would be best to deliver the sword personally to Princess Alora at the pceter. This way, he could ensure it was ced directly into her hands, adding a personal touch to the important delivery.


    "Cool, let''s continue. I want to see that disappointed look on your face when your weapon turns out to be Common-grade," Maylock said.


    "The grade range is from Elite to Legendary, so it''ll definitely end up as Elite-grade!" Melliandra countered.


    Everyone turned to look at Melliandra, and Elincia couldn''t help but ask, "Are you sure you''re not just acting, Melliandra?"


    "No!" Melliandra responded firmly. "I still hate this foolish man!"


    Some of the group couldn''t help butugh at her response.


    Broken gave a slow nod and began to retrieve the nearly finished greatsword. It was a massive, two-handed stone weapon, almost as long as the user wielding it. He couldn''t quite fathom what Princess Alora was thinking when she handed him the blueprint for such a colossal weapon, but even unfinished, the greatsword looked incredibly impressive.


    "The greatsword looks amazing," Elincia remarked.


    "Yeah, I wonder what kind of weapons he''ll be using next," Maylock added.


    Broken smiled at their reactions. "Not really, it might take some time for me to get used to wielding this type of weapon," he admitted.


    "Surely other yers focus on mastering just one type of weapon, and even then, they struggle," Goldrich said. "But you...how many now? Bow, sword, knuckles, spear, and now a greatsword?"


    "Don''t forget his hammer; that can be used for fighting too," Maylock added.


    "And also, the pickaxe he''ll finish after this," Freya chimed in, giggling.


    Broken merely smiled at theirments.


    The Greatsword, Gravestone Greatsword, was no ordinary weapon. It required an Expert cksmith to craft and was created using materials specially provided by Princess Alora. Among these materials was also a Monster Soul Stone, making it a weapon of immense value. He hoped it would at least end up as Unique-grade, though he dared to dream it might be a Legendary-grade. Even if it didn''t achieve Legendary status, he nned to continually repair the weapon whenever its durability dropped, hoping to eventually maximize its grade. Focusing intently, Broken devoted himself to the task at hand. He had already poured in countless hours and immense concentration into crafting the greatsword. No matter what grade it turned out to be, he was eager to wield it in battle.


    With steady hands, he performed the final touches, installing the monster core and the Monster Soul Stone. His hands trembled as he awaited the result.


    "Please be gold!" he silently wished.


    A brilliant green aura radiated from the greatsword, causing Broken to shut his eyes briefly, trying to temper his expectations.


    [Gravestone Greatsword]


    [Grade: Unique]


    It was a Unique-grade greatsword, and everyone in the room was visibly rxed, relieved. While it was clear that Broken had hoped for a Legendary-grade result, Unique-grade was still an incredible achievement.


    Opening his eyes, Broken smiled as he held the greatsword, feeling its substantial weight. At 3430, it was the heaviest item he had crafted so far. He wondered if he would need to allocate more Strength to wield the greatsword effectively.


    The massive, two-handed stone greatsword was adorned with glowing runes, a wrapped leather hilt, and a twisted root crossguard. It looked as though it was made from fragile stone, but that was likely just a design element influenced by the weapon''s skills. The greatsword seemed to glow with an ethereal light, with a white, ghostly aura floating around


    it.


    The skill from his Royal Hammer that could add visual attributes to his crafting was clearly evident in this greatsword. The floating white mist that enveloped the greatsword gave it a truly unique appearance, perfectly matching the gravestone theme. It was an item that looked incredibly beautiful just at first nce. If only it had been Legendary-grade.


    "You''re not expecting anything better than this, right?" Elincia said with a grin. "Unique-


    grade is still amazing."


    "Yes, this is so cool," Broken replied.


    The greatsword was undeniably massive, and wielding such a weapon would be apletely new experience for him. He was eager to inspect the detailed stats and skills of the greatsword, but there was still one more item to finish-the Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe.


    He didn''t have high expectations for the pickaxe to end up as a Legendary-grade item, although he certainly wouldn''tin if it did. Still, a pickaxe wasn''t the ideal weapon for battles, but due to a previous fortunate acquisition of the Unique-ss Rift Digger, he had gained a new skill that allowed him to utilize a pickaxe inbat.


    Ready to see the final results, Broken retrieved the nearly finished pickaxe. He steadied himself and focused on the task at hand, preparing for whatever oue awaited him.

 Chapter 323: Chapter 323 - Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe

    Chapter 323: - Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe


    ?


    Another item with the chance of bing Legendary-grade was now in his hands: the pickaxe.


    Broken never imagined he would need a pickaxe forbat, until the Self Transcendence Blessing unexpectedly granted him the Unique-grade ss of Rift Digger.


    He was still baffled by why he received a miner ss. If the blessing had activated while he was working on the golem, wouldn''t it have been cooler to have the ss Golem Creator? He could have built an army of golems to protect the city.


    But here he was, ready to perform the finishing touch on the pickaxe. From its appearance alone, it was already vastly different from any normal pickaxe used for mining. This one was crafted from expensive materials, including a Monster Soul Stone from a level 200 monster, Rare - Sand Colossus Lv. 215 Monster Soul Stone.


    Who would think to use such luxurious materials to craft a pickaxe?


    But his pickaxe ss had proven to be incredibly effective, with the skill Puzzle Smacker being extraordinarily useful. It had solved numerous challenges for him, including helping him obtain a Legendary-grade egg from a Trial Domain and even saving Princess Alora. This ss, as unexpected as it was, had turned out to be a game-changer in ways he couldn''t have anticipated.


    Everyone watched intently as he began the final touches. No one questioned the absurdity of anything he did anymore; everything around him seemed extraordinary. At this point, anomalies had be the norm when it came to Broken, the game breaker.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Broken held his breath as he approached the final steps of the crafting process. The tension in the room was so tense, with every eye fixed on him in eager anticipation of thest item he would unveil.


    Even if the result was a Unique-grade pickaxe, it would still be remarkable. After all, pickaxes were meant for mining, notbat, right?


    As hepleted the final process, a flicker of aura began to emerge from the pickaxe. He felt a tremor of doubt, but then a yellow aura started to shine. No, it wasn''t just yellow-it was gold. The radiant light from the pickaxe filled the room, and everyone stared in disbelief at what they were witnessing.


    "Damn! No way!" Maylock eximed.


    "Is this a blessing or a joke? Khi khi khi," Goldrich chuckled.


    "That''s Legendary-grade, right, Broken? Please confirm it," Elincia urged.


    Broken still held his breath, stunned by the oue. A Legendary-grade greatsword would be impressive enough, but a pickaxe?


    What could he possibly achieve with a pickaxe of this caliber? He had requested this blueprint from Princess Alora on a whim, hoping to rece the pickaxe he got from Gia with something more durable. He had never expected this oue. But here it was¡ªa Legendary-grade pickaxe.


    [Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    His hands trembled as he reached out to touch the pickaxe. It was rugged, with a dark metal head embedded with glowing, inscribed crystals. The handle was made of reinforced, weathered wood, wrapped in leather straps.


    He took a deep breath and steadied himself. "It''s Legendary-grade," he finally confirmed. Everyone in the room sighed in relief, mixed with disbelief and amazement at the oue. "As I said, he truly is the Legendary Broken yer,," RememberMe remarked.


    "Damn, I want a legendary weapon too, haha," Booba added.


    "Phew, I was holding my breath through the whole process. It was so intense," Forev said.


    "If this had been streamed live, I bet it would get tons of viewers and make a lot of money," PussyCatmented.


    "Yes, Broken, you could just focus on cksmithing and get rich easily," Maylock suggested. "Khi khi khi, wealth may be the end result, but the process must be enjoyed optimally as well, especially if he can achieve even greater feats than this, right?" Goldrich chipped in.


    Broken felt a deep sense of satisfaction with the oues he had achieved: a Legendary- grade pickaxe and a Unique-grade greatsword. Even though he was tempted toplete the finishing touches on Princess Alora''s sword, he decided to postpone that task.


    "Congrats, Broken," Elincia said warmly.


    E, who had been standing still in the room, stepped out apanied by Yara. Her face had been pale throughout the process.


    "I guess the results are good?" she asked Yara.


    Yara nodded enthusiastically, "Yes, the results are incredible."


    "I hope Lord Broken isn''t disappointed; he should have gotten Unique-grade for the entire ranger set," E said.


    "That''s truly remarkable, but I''m sure Lord Broken will get a full set of Legendary in the future," Yara said confidently.


    Broken quickly stored the pickaxe in his inventory, taking just a brief look at the skills and deciding to study themter since they seemed a bit moreplex than usual. He informed the others about the spectacr status of the weapons, leaving the detailed skills for himself to analyzeter.


    The show was over, and one by one, people began to leave the room. Broken also intended to test the weapons directly inbat. For this, he knew exactly who he needed to assist him.


    Shortly after, Broken headed out of the city gate to the hunting grounds where the Knights often hunted. He knew Ivana would likely be there.


    He took a quick nce at the skill descriptions again and realized he might need some extra hands to thoroughly test the weapons. He contacted Elincia, knowing she could move swiftly, and arranged to meet at a specific spot suitable for testing.


    After a few minutes, Broken arrived at the hunting grounds; it was in the middle of a desert. As expected, he found Anna, Damir, and Yann hunting alongside Ivana.


    Dismounting from Polly, Broken was soon approached by the Knights and Ivana, who hurried towards him.


    "Broken?" Ivana queried with a hint of surprise.


    "My Lord, is there something we can assist you with?" one of the Knights asked.


    "No, actually, I need Ivana''s assistance," Broken replied.


    "Me?"


    "Yes," Broken confirmed, then turned to the other knights. "You all may head back to the city. I''ll be taking Ivana with me for a while. Please continue your training with the others in the


    city."


    "Yes, My Lord," the knights responded in unison before heading back towards the city.


    After the knights had moved away, Broken and Ivana stood facing each other, Ivana smiling warmly at him. "How''s the crafting? Are the results meeting your expectations?" she asked.


    "I had high expectations."


    Ivana giggled at his response. "Alright, let me rephrase that. What were the results?"


    "Legendary-grade."


    "Really? The greatsword?"


    "No," he said, shaking his head slightly, "The pickaxe."


    "Pickaxe?" Ivana burst into lightughter, momentarily bending over to cover her mouth. She


    then straightened up. "You must be so happy, right?"


    Broken nodded, and smiled.


    "Do you need me to taunt monsters so you can test the new greatsword and pickaxe?"


    "Yes."


    "Sure, I''m happy to help."


    Broken reached for Ivana''s hand and gently took it. "Come," he said. Ivana nodded and


    followed.


    But as they moved toward Polly, someone suddenlynded gracefully in front of them. It was


    a mage girl dressed in a blue outfit-Elincia.


    She sighed. "I knew it. Every time I find you, you''re always cozying up with a girl. If you want


    to indulge in romance, don''t bother inviting me. You know how pathetic it is for me, forever single," she said, putting on a mock sad face.


    "What do you mean?"


    Elincia nced at their sped hands. Broken followed her gaze and quickly released Ivana''s


    hand.


    "No, uhm... yes..." he stammered, unsure of what to say.


    "Broken has gone further than this, Elincia, so don''t be surprised," Ivana teased.


    "No, don''t tell me!"


    "Don''t misunderstand, nothing weird happened!" Broken insisted.

 Chapter 324: Chapter 324 - Upgrading the Gravestone

    Chapter 324: - Upgrading the Gravestone


    ?


    Broken, Elincia and Ivana had reached a monster-hunting spot teeming with aggressive creatures, a deste section of the desert not far from Slumdon Town. Given the monsters'' high levels, over 230, only Ass Guild members typically ventured here, while most other yers preferred safer spots with monsters below level 200.


    Broken took out his brand-new greatsword and drove it into the sand, instantly catching Elincia and Ivana''s attention.


    "That''s quite the impressive weapon, Broken. The visual is really good. So, did the blueprint include the aura around the greatsword?" Elincia asked.


    "I think it''s mainly because of the Royal Hammer I used during the crafting process," he exined simply. "The hammer has a skill that can slightly alter the final appearance, adding effects like this."


    "Is that also why your armor and Princess Alora''s have different colors, even though they''re based on the same blueprint?" Elincia pondered.


    "Yep," he confirmed.


    "Interesting."


    The greatsword indeed carried significant weight. He sighed, checked his overall stats, and saw he had 60 avable points. Without hesitation, he funneled all of them into Strength.


    [Name: Broken]


    [Level: 126]


    [ss: Unique - Super Novice | Unique - Royal cksmith | Unique - Rift Digger]


    [Health: 12,435 | Mana: 5,132]


    [Strength: 1,124 | Agility: 324 | Intelligence: 349 | Constitution: 258 | Stamina: 522]


    [Charisma: 100 | Luck: 35 | Dexterity: 50 | Survival: 30 | Perception: 20]


    [Avable Stat Points: 0]


    [Weight: 7,427/6,744]


    However, even with all those points, his overall weight capacity still fell short.


    "What''s up?" Elincia asked, noticing Broken deep in thought.


    "This greatsword weighs 3430, but my overall weight capacity isn''t enough to carry itfortably," he admitted.


    "What? Really? 3430?" Elincia giggled. "If I tried to hold that thing, I''d definitely topple over from its weight."


    "3430 is like half of my total weight capacity," Broken exined.


    "And the Heavy Armor you''re wearing is also heavier than other armor at the same level, right?"


    "Yes," he confirmed.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Broken started thinking about how he could wield the greatsword morefortably. He then decided to check the stats on the greatsword.


    [Gravestone Greatsword]


    [Grade: Unique]


    [Attack Power: 1370~1587


    Strength +200]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 3430]


    [.....]


    The greatsword boasted an impressive Strength stat of 200 points, equivalent to about 20 levels.


    "How much more Strength do you need to meet the weight requirement, Broken?" Elincia inquired.


    Each point in Strength added 6 points to his Weight Capacity. With Broken currently 683 points short, he needed approximately 114 more Strength points.


    "114 Strength points."


    "That''s a lot about 12 levels'' worth," Elincia remarked.


    "I can upgrade the greatsword and get bonus Strength from that," he suggested.


    "How much Strength does the greatsword provide?" Elincia asked, intrigued.


    Broken shared the weapon''s stats to her.


    "Wow, 200 Strength?" she eximed, giggling. "I''m not great at math, but if you upgrade the greatsword to +18, how much additional Strength could you gain?"


    "200 multiplied by 68% is roughly 136," Broken estimated quickly.


    "That''s the answer," Elincia said excitedly. "Upgrade the greatsword until you gain a total of 114 Strength stat. So, how many upgrades do you need?"


    Broken sighed and opened his console to simte the upgrades for the greatsword. If he upgraded the greatsword to +16, he''d still need a bit more Strength. He then checked his +9 Invincible Paragon Gloves, which also had Strength stats on it. If he upgraded the gloves to +15 and the greatsword to +15 and removed some items... But wait, he noticed the weight of Queen Gaia''s Fate Ring was quite substantial at 390.


    He removed the ring and tried the simtion again. With just the greatsword upgraded to +12, he would meet the Weight Capacity requirements. Gaia could only be summoned once an hour for five minutes anyway, so using the ring only when necessary wouldn''t be a problem. "+12, yes, I only need to upgrade the greatsword to +12 to meet the requirements, Elincia." "Then, upgrade the greatsword to +12," she said, giggling again. "That''s simple, right? +12 isn''t too hard as long as you have the enchantment stones and blessed stones." Broken nodded slowly. He''d asked Ingolf to craft as many Enchantment Stones and Blessed Stones as possible for him. Although he initially nned to test the skills of the greatsword and the pickaxe first, he decided it was best to proceed with the upgrade immediately. He then took out some enchantment stones and started the process of upgrading the greatsword. Elincia and Ivana moved closer, curious about what he was doing. "You have a lot of luck; this should be easy, right?" Ivana said, smiling.


    "If you can use materials 20% more efficiently than the average person, that''s already incredibly lucky, Broken. Do you have enough blessed stones, too?" Elincia asked.


    "Yes, it''s okay. I have enough to get it to +12," he replied confidently.


    "You''re quite confident, aren''t you?" Elincia remarked with a raised eyebrow.


    Broken immediately began the upgrade process.


    [Spend 3 Enchantment Stones to upgrade Gravestone Greatsword to +1?]


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading Gravestone Greatsword to +1.]


    The upgrade to +1 was guaranteed to seed, so it wasn''t anything special. He continued,


    hitting sess after sess, and soon reached the safe point at +3.


    "Good, that was a smooth upgrade," Elincia said. "Since it''s a weapon and also a Unique- grade, the difficulty for upgrading will be high, so be prepared for failures and even


    downgrades."


    "Yes," Broken nodded and continued the process.


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading Gravestone Greatsword to +4.]


    The upgrade to +4 worked. He held his breath, trying to steady his excitement-there was


    still a long road ahead.


    Failed. It remained at +4.


    Elincia and Ivana both watched with bated breath, their eyes locked on the process.


    Sess. Failure. Failure. Sess. Sess. Sess. +6.


    Broken let out a small sigh of relief-he''d made it to the second safe point. When he looked up, he saw Ivana beaming at him, her smile full of encouragement.


    "You''ve got this, Broken," Ivana said.


    "You''re already ahead of most people," Elincia chimed in, her tone warm and reassuring.


    But now, the real challenge began. Each upgrade from here on out demanded more resources and an even greater stroke of luck. The materials had grown more costly too, now needing High-Quality Enchantment Stones.


    Broken took a deep breath, bracing himself, and dove back in.


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading Gravestone Greatsword to +7.]


    That upgrade went very smoothly. His hands trembled with excitement, but he pressed on.


    [You''ve failed, the Gravestone Greatsword upgrade level has decreased to +6.]


    He took a deep breath, steadying himself. Though the setback stung, he knew he couldn''t


    afford to get discouraged now.


    Both Elincia and Ivana could only watch in silence, fully aware of the heavy toll and disappointment that came with a failed upgrade, especially one that caused a level decrease. The sheer amount of resources and cost involved was significant.


    Broken pressed on, determined.


    Failure. Failure. Failure.


    His hands trembled, and he stood there, frozen. He had failed three times in a row to upgrade


    to +7! "That''s quite normal... Broken," Elincia murmured softly, trying tofort him. "Can I just push through and keep trying until it seeds?" he asked, ncing over at Elincia.


    "Normally, if you fail too many times in a row, it''s better to take a break," she advised.


    "Let me try a few more times," he insisted.


    Sess. Sess. +8.


    Broken''s eyes widened in surprise, and he paused for a moment. Everyone knew he was still


    not at a safe point yet.


    Elincia and Ivana held their breath, just as anxious as he was.


    Broken fed more enchantment stones to the greatsword, knowing he was just one upgrade


    away from the next safe point.


    [Spend 9 High-Quality Enchantment Stones to upgrade Gravestone Greatsword to +9?]


    Yes!

 Chapter 325: Chapter 325 - Elemental Rune Cataclysm

    Chapter 325: - Elemental Rune Cataclysm


    ?


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading Gravestone Greatsword to +9.]


    "Broken, did you just go from +6 to +9 with three consecutive sesses?" Elincia asked in amazement. "This is the first time I''ve seen something like this happen."


    "Really?"


    "Yes. Just how high is your Luck stat?"


    "Not that high," he replied simply.


    With the greatsword now at +9, Broken only needed three more sessful upgrades to reach +12, ensuring he could wield itfortably. However, beyond +9, different upgrade stones were required-Blessed Stones, which he had also prepared.


    "I''m going to continue," he said determinedly.


    "Blessed Stones are insanely expensive, and most people are too afraid to use them for upgrades," Elincia remarked. "But from this point on, the boost to the stats bes way more substantial."


    "How many times have you done something simr, Elincia?" he asked.


    "Trust me, you''re not ready to hear my answer," she said with a giggle.


    Broken proceeded with the next upgrades.


    Failure. Failure. Failure. Failure. He failed four times just trying to upgrade to +10.


    A sharp headache set in from the sheer frustration and the significant loss of resources with each attempt. He looked up at Elincia, who nodded and smiled reassuringly.


    "I''m sure you can do it even better," she encouraged.


    Taking a deep breath, Broken steeled himself for another attempt.


    Sess. Failure. Sess. Failure. Failure. Sess. Sess. +11.


    Broken held his breath, feeling his heart race with the tension of the upgrading process. Even though he wasn''t pushing for +15 or +18 yet, the amount of resources he had burned through was staggering.


    He checked his Weight Capacity one more time.


    [Weight: 7,037/7,056]


    At +11, he had reached the threshold to avoid movement speed penalties. But +11 still wasn''t truly safe. He needed to push for +12 before he could start eyeing the higher tiers.


    He paused, weighing his options. At +11, he could handle the greatsword just fine, but the desire to push further tugged at him, relentless.


    Elincia studied him. "What''s on your mind?"


    Broken shook his head, the decision already forming. He was going to take the risk.


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading Gravestone Greatsword to +12.]


    He let out a deep breath, relief flooding through him. The satisfaction was overwhelming¡ª greater even than when he''d scored a Legendary-grade item. The odds had been abysmal, but he had beaten them.


    "Congrattions, Broken," Elincia said warmly, and Ivana grinned widely at him.


    "Thanks."


    "I think you saved almost 30% of the resources that a normal person would have used," Elincia remarked.


    "Really?"


    "Yes, I believe so. Some people never manage to reach +12."


    [Name: Broken]


    [Level: 126]


    [ss: Unique - Super Novice | Unique - Royal cksmith | Unique - Rift Digger]


    [Health: 12,435 | Mana: 5,132]


    [Strength: 1,184 | Agility: 324 | Intelligence: 349 | Constitution: 258 | Stamina: 522]


    [Charisma: 100 | Luck: 35 | Dexterity: 50 | Survival: 30 | Perception: 20]


    [Avable Stat Points: 0]


    [Weight: 7,037/7,104]


    Broken checked his overall stats again, and now his Strength stat had soared far above the others, reaching a staggering 1184 points! Meanwhile, his Constitutiongged significantly behind. However, at least he could be confident that he wouldn''t have to worry about Weight Capacity issues anytime soon. The greatsword would likely be the heaviest item he''d use for the foreseeable future. This meant he could now focus on boosting the other attributes.


    He then reviewed the full description of the Gravestone Greatsword. The details were extensive and impressive.


    He shared the information with Elincia and Ivana.


    "Take a look at this," he said.


    [+12 Gravestone Greatsword]


    [Grade: Unique]


    [Attack Power: 1,781-2,063


    Strength +260]


    [Durability: 100/100]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Weight: 3,430]


    [The Gravestone Greatsword is a massive, stone behemoth with an extra-long de covered in glowing runes. It''s got a rugged edge and a crossguard that looks like tangled roots. The leather-wrapped hilt is easy to grip, and the whole sword has a spooky, magical aura that screams, "I''m here to crush and dazzle!"]


    [Skills:]


    [Elemental Rune Cataclysm: Releases the power of up to 12 runes in a massive elemental explosion.


    Each activated rune deals 500% base physical damage as elemental damage to all nearby enemies.


    Elemental Overload: If 4 or more runes of the same element are activated, deals an additional 500% elemental damage over time.


    Mana Cost: 350


    Cooldown: 60 seconds.


    Rune Charging: Runes are collected when the greatsword blocks attacks with certain


    threshold damage.


    Rune Reset: All runes are reset after use.]


    [Sacrificial Edge:


    Sacrifices 5% of the greatsword''s durability to increase the next attack''s damage by 1000%. However, the durability cannot drop below 20%. The greatsword''s durability willst longer


    once it''s below 20%.


    Mana Cost: 580


    Cooldown: 45 seconds.]


    [Durability Drainer: When the greatsword directly shes with an opponent''s weapon (e.g., during blocks or parries), it reduces the opponent''s weapon durability and simultaneously, the greatsword absorbs a percentage of the durability drained, restoring its own durability.]


    [User Restriction: Level 200 and higher.


    900 Strength.


    Advanced Greatsword Expertise.]


    The greatsword certainly boasted impressive Attack Power, especially after Broken upgraded it to +12. Additionally, the weapon came with three skills, each with descriptions and mechanics that seemed a bit moreplex than those he was ustomed to.


    "What do you think, Elincia?" he asked.


    "Yes," Elincia replied with a nod. "I don''t think it''s tooplicatedpared to Mage spells. I''m confident we can test each skill thoroughly with Ivana''s and my help."


    Broken nodded slowly, considering her words.


    The first skill was Elemental Rune Cataclysm. The core of this skill involved gathering elemental runes by blocking or parrying specific skills or attacks that dealt a certain amount of damage. The skill could be activated, releasing all the elemental runes into the surrounding area with significant damage, corresponding to the elemental energy gathered. Broken said, contemting the skill''s potential. "The skill can be used anytime, but for optimal damage, it requires all 12 elemental runes to be fully charged."


    Elincia nodded, pondering the strategy. "That makes sense. So, you need to focus on gathering the maximum runes before using the skill to unleash its full power."


    She borated further, "If you receive the same elemental rune four times, you''ll get a bonus


    to elemental damage. So, the more simr elemental damage your enemies provide, the greater the reversed damage you''ll unleash."


    Before diving intobat to test the first skill, they decided to read through the second skill:


    Sacrificial Edge.


    This skill simply used 5% of the greatsword''s durability to deal 10 times the damage on the next attack! Given Broken''s immense Strength stat, the potential damage was staggering. Especially if this skill wasbined with an attack skill. Wasn''t this incredibly overpowered? "This skill is terrifying, Broken," Elincia said. "It''s like you''re amplifying your attack skill by ten times when you cast the skill using this greatsword." Broken nodded. "Yes, I canbine the first skill and the second skill together."


    "The damage would be absolutely insane!" Elincia eximed. "I bet Maylock would curse loudly if he knew about this skill," she added, giggling. "Although, keep in mind you''ll be losing durability on the greatsword, which means you''ll need expensive maintenance to keep


    using this skill."


    Broken smiled, understanding the trade-off. But that concern could be mitigated by the third skill: Durability Drainer. This skill was lethal because it could absorb the durability from an opponent''s weapon when performing a block or parry.


    Considering the greatsword was well-suited for blocking, this made it a weapon that could sustain itself by draining durability from enemies'' weapons.


    "I think people will think twice about facing you once they know you have a skill like this on


    your greatsword," Elinciamented.


    "Come, I need help to test the skill," Broken then said.

 Chapter 326: Chapter 326 - Sacrificial Edge

    Chapter 326: - Sacrificial Edge


    ?


    Broken was eager to fully explore the mechanics of the Gravestone Greatsword''s first skill, Elemental Rune Cataclysm. Unlike the usual cast-and-forget abilities, this one had a more intricate system to master.


    [Rune Charging: Runes are collected when the greatsword blocks attacks that exceed a certain damage threshold.]


    To test the Rune Charging, Elinciaunched a magic skill, and Broken braced himself to block the attack. She started with a single magic missile, which didn''t pose much of a threat. It was fast, but Broken, now fully ustomed to the greatsword''s weight, easily blocked it.


    The impact was negligible, and he took no damage. However, no rune appeared from blocking the missile.


    They guessed the damage might have been too low to trigger it. So, Elincia fired off multiple magic missiles at once. After blocking them all in rapid session, a single rune finally began to charge.


    "The rune color is white. Is that because the magic missile I cast doesn''t contain any elemental magic?" Elincia wondered aloud.


    "Let''s test with elemental magic damage," Broken suggested.


    Elincia moved on to casting higher-damage spells with elemental properties. It quickly became clear that the runes charged rtive to the amount of magic damage absorbed. When the damage came from regr magic, the rune glowed white. But when the damage was elemental, the rune took on a vibrant hue matching the element''s color.


    They also discovered that the number of runes charged depended on the magnitude of the damage from the skill. If the skill dealt very high damage, sometimes two or even three runes charged simultaneously.


    Broken then asked Ivana to attack him with a melee attack. To avoid damaging her own weapon, he lent her the Thorned Vindicator Sword.


    "What skill do you want me to use, Broken?" she asked.


    "Any skill. Start with the lowest damage one without any elemental properties. Then try one with elemental ones," Broken instructed.


    Ivana nodded and got ready. After Broken had also prepared himself, Ivanaunched at him with surprising speed. It was the first time he had seen her inbat, and her movements were incredibly sharp. She executed a crescent arc sh with the sword, releasing a powerful energy wave that collided with him. Broken blocked the attack with the t side of his de, but the force pushed him back a few steps.


    Two white runes charged from that single strike.


    "I said the attack with the lowest damage, right?" he said, slightly taken aback.


    "That is the lowest damage skill I have," she replied softly.


    Elincia giggled at Ivana''s response. "Looks like all the women close to you are monsters, Broken."


    "That''s quite harsh, calling me a monster, right?" Ivana giggled along with Elincia.


    "You said you''re a shielder but have attack skills with damage like that. No one would believe it," Elincia remarked.


    After numerous trials, Broken concluded that his block could absorb both magic and physical damage, but the runes charged more efficiently when the damage stemmed from skills rather than regr attacks.


    Now, with all 12 runes fully charged in his greatsword, he resisted the urge to unleash them for area damage. He first wanted to test the third skill: Durability Drainer.


    Durability Drainer worked effectively only when the greatsword made direct contact with melee damage. This skill was a nightmare for any melee opponent. It didn''t matter whether the sh was a parry, block, or even just two weapons colliding-any contact triggered the Durability Drain.


    Though the percentage of durability drained wasn''t overwhelming at first, it spiked sharply if the sh happened during an enemy''s attack skill, making this ability a true menace to melee fighters.


    The worst-case scenario? An opponent''s weapon could breakpletely if they weren''t monitoring its durability closely. Typically, durability decreases slowly during regrbat, and yers check and maintain their gear before or after battles. But if durability plummeted mid-fight and the opponent failed to notice, they risked losing their prized weapon-and all the upgrades attached to it-in the heat of battle.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Gravestone Greatsword had indeed proven effective against both magic and physical damage. However, Broken noted that the greatswordcked offensive skills. He hoped that by unlocking another set of skills designed for greatswords from his Super Novice ss, he could optimize its usage even further. The more opponents he faced simultaneously, the greater the potential of the greatsword would be apparent.


    Once confident with the skills he had analyzed, Broken asked Ivana to use her taunt skill.


    "But can you make sure the number of monsters isn''t as overwhelming asst time, Ivana?" he requested.


    "Uhm..." Ivana thought for a moment, looking around before pointing in a direction a little further away. "Let''s do it over there," she said.


    They moved to the spot Ivana indicated. She then cast her taunt skill. The vibrations from her shield spread outward, causing the sandy ground to tremble and swirl, summoning monsters with an average level above 230.


    [Sand Serpent Lv. 231]


    [Burrowing Beast Lv. 235]


    [Sand Serpent Lv. 241]


    [Inferno Scorpion Lv. 229]


    [ss Serpent Lv. 221]


    [Inferno Scorpion Lv. 211]


    "Let us know if you need help, Broken," Elincia joked.


    Broken grinned, stepping forward with the greatsword ready. "I''ll be fine. Let''s see how the Elemental Rune Cataclysm handles this."


    Monsters began surfacing from the sandy desert at varying distances.


    Gripping the greatsword with both hands, Broken prepared himself. The feel of the weapon was entirely different from that of a normal sword or spear. He knew he''d need to adapt hisbat style even further to master it. While his Kenjutsu training had honed his skill with a katana in both hands, the greatsword''s broad de brought unique advantages-and challenges that the katana never did.


    [Dash (Active Skill)]


    He surged forward, activating his dash skill. Several scorpions rushed at him, their tails raised, ready to strike.


    With a sweeping crescent motion, Broken parried a scorpion''s stinger attack. In one fluid motion, he leaped and brought the greatsword crashing down on the creature''s body. The impact was devastating, amplified by the Gravestone Greatsword''s physical attack bonus. Within moments, he found himself surrounded by six more monsters. Staying on the move, Broken maneuvered himself, quickly positioning for his next strike.


    He tightened his grip on the greatsword, readying himself for the onught as the monsters closed in, each one fixated on tearing him apart.


    [Sacrificial Edge (Conditional Active Skill)]


    Broken triggered the skill, and almost instantly, visible cracks spread across the surface of the Gravestone Greatsword. Although the cracks were merely superficial, they gave the de a dangerously fragile look. The ghostly aura surrounding the weapon red to life, swirling violently as though the greatsword was straining to contain its power.


    [Elemental Rune Cataclysm (Conditional Active Skill)]


    Taking a deep breath, Broken activated Elemental Rune Cataclysm. The runes etched into his greatsword lit up with vibrant energy, each glowing fiercely as they absorbed the gathered elemental power. In a swift motion, he unleashed the charged runes, sending a massive burst of multi-elemental energy exploding outward in all directions. Scorpions and beasts crumbled under the pressure, their numbers rapidly thinning as Broken''s attack left destruction in its wake. The catastrophic explosion of energy obliterated everything in close proximity, leaving nothing but charred remains and shattered earth where


    the monsters had once stood.


    [You have sessfully in the Inferno Scorpion Lv. 211]


    [You have sessfully in the ss Serpent Lv. 221]


    [...]


    It was almost unbelievable that a single attack could decimate multiple high-level monsters


    so effectively, but that demonstrated just how powerful thebination of the two skills


    truly was.


    Elincia and Ivana stood in awe of the disy, as did Broken, who still couldn''t fully believe the devastation he had caused. The Gravestone Greatsword was truly broken in its power. Imagining the havoc it could wreak if it was a Legendary-grade weapon was almost too much. However, as time passed, more monsters began to emerge, their numbers increasing steadily. Broken realized that he might not be able to handle them all alone.


    He switched his weapon to the Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe. Unlike the Gravestone Greatsword, the pickaxe''s skills were lessplex, which made it a good opportunity to test it out as well.


    "Elincia, Ivana, want to level up?" he asked with a grin.


    Elincia smiled back and ascended into the air, electricity crackling around her. Ivana, equally


    ready forbat, raised her shield.


    "Let''s clear this battlefield together," Elincia said.


    "I''m ready," Ivana added.

 Chapter 327: Chapter 327 - Summon Desert Worm

    Chapter 327: - Summon Desert Worm


    ?


    [Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Attack Power: 1061-1347


    Strength +100


    Agility +100


    Constitution +100


    Stamina +100]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 873]


    [A mining tool forged from dark metal and adorned with glowing crystals, this pickaxe''s rugged design and immense power can shatter the toughest stones and unleash earth- shaking catastrophes. Wrapped in weathered leather, it is as formidable in battle as it is in mining.]


    [Skills:]


    [..]


    [User Restriction: Level 200 and higher.


    600 Strength.


    Mining Technique Level 5.]


    The Legendary-grade Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe, though merely a pickaxe, boasted extraordinary stats. It added 100 points each to Strength, Agility, Constitution, and Stamina. This made it an excellent choice for both mining with its Stamina boost andbat with its other stat bonuses.


    Though its attack power bonus wasn''t as high as the Gravestone Greatsword, the pickaxe still packed a punch. Its lighter weight and added Agility gave it a faster attack speed. Thepact size and short handle made it highly maneuverable; the chisel edge could be used for shing like a sword, while the sharp pick end was perfect for piercing strikes. It was a versatile weapon-if you could master its unique handling.


    Broken moved swiftly, employing his Dash skill, and shed the pickaxe at the monsters charging toward him.


    [Terra Fury: Unleashes the full power of the earth, dealing 2,000% physical damage to a single target and causing a series of aftershocks that deal 1,000% physical damage to all nearby enemies.


    Mana Cost: 850


    Cooldown: 45 seconds.]


    The Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe came equipped with four skills, the first of which was Terra Fury. A straightforward yet powerful ability, it dealt massive single-target damage while also packing a serious area effect.


    As three monsters rushed toward him, Broken swung the pickaxe in a sweeping crescent arc. [Terra Fury (Active Skill)]


    A shockwave erupted from the pickaxe, sending a powerful st rippling through the air. The massive sand worm was thrown backward, while the other monsters caught in the st were flung aside as well. The damage was devastating, leaving the enemies stunned and struggling to recover from the brutal impact.


    [Rockfall Barrage: Summons a light shower of boulders around 200 from above, dealing massive damage to enemies in arge area. Each boulder deals 200% physical damage and has a 20% chance to stun enemies for 1.5 seconds.


    Mana Cost: 790


    Cooldown: 60 seconds.]


    The second skill, Rockfall Barrage, was nothing short of astonishing. Comparable to the Wavebreaker Spear''s Sea of Storms, which summoned 100 water spears from the sky, this skill took it to another level-calling down 200 boulders instead.


    Each one packed a chance to stun enemies, delivering jaw-dropping damage. With each boulder inflicting damage equal to 200% of the user''s physical attack, it was far more terrifying than Sea of Storms. The only drawback was the 60-second cooldown.


    [Rockfall Barrage (Active Skill)]


    Broken raised the pickaxe high and swiftly activated the skill. Dozens of magical circles appeared in the sky, multiplying rapidly until there were hundreds, stretching wide enough to blot out the sunlight.


    Elincia, hovering above the battlefield, paused her assault and nced skyward. "Now that''s what you call a Legendary-grade item, Broken!" she shouted.


    One by one, massive boulders began descending from the sky, spinning violently as they plummeted. Each impact was thunderous, mming into the ground with devastating force. Monsters were crushed and flung aside by the sheer weight and velocity of the boulders. Those who survived the initial strikes were left reeling-another hit would surely finish them off.


    In just one use of the skill, Broken had severely drained the enemies'' Health, the battlefield now littered with debris and wounded creatures. Rockfall Barrage was a formidable area-of- effect attack. If he could time it right andbine it with the Wavebreaker Spear''s area skills, he could potentially obliterate entire hordes of monsters with just a few well-ced attacks. Broken dashed forward, taking down the remaining monsters with ease, while Elincia soared around him, hovering nearby. "Hey, you''re totally overpowered! The game should have banned your ount by now," she said, giggling.


    "That''s so harsh, you know," he replied with a smirk.


    [Quarry Master: Creates a temporary quarry area, significantly increasing mining speed and improving the quality of extracted ores. Allows mining to affect nearby ore, gathering more than one ore in a single attempt.


    Mining Speed Increase: 50%


    Quality Improvement Chance: 30%


    Cooldown: 45 seconds


    Duration: 20 seconds]


    The third skill is a game-changer, particrly for mining. It makes sense that a pickaxe would have a mining-focused skill, but this one is truly extraordinary. The skill summons an area that boosts mining speed by 50%-a massive increase. Not only that, but it also raises the chance of improving the quality of the gathered resources by 30%. With this kind of boost, Broken could get rich fast.


    What''s more, once activated, the skill enables him to mine at multiple points simultaneously, essentially creating an area-of-effect mining capability. It''s like being able to clear out an entire section of a mine in one gopletely insane!


    The Quarry Master skill truly earns its Legendary-grade status. Just look at the percentages: a 50% increase in mining speed means gathering resources faster than anyone else. And with the 30% quality improvement,bined with his high Luck stat and other skills, Broken could strip any mining site of its most valuable resources. The area-of-effect mining is equally astonishing; with just one use, a single miner could clear out a whole cave faster than a team of miners working together.


    However, the requirements for using this skill-level 200, 600 Strength, and a level 5 Mining Technique-make it exclusive. Danko, for instance, won''t be able to wield this pickaxe unless he grinds his way to level 200, which will take quite some time.


    [Summon Desert Worm: Summons a massive rock-element desert worm to emerge from the ground and deal massive area damage. The worm causes a tremor on arrival, dealing 6000% physical damage to all enemies within arge radius and reducing their movement speed by


    40% for 5 seconds.


    Mana Cost: 400n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Cooldown: 60 seconds.]


    The fourth skill, Summon Desert Worm, left Broken stunned as he absorbed the incredible damage potential-6000% of his physical damage?! "Damn," he muttered, realizing that none of his other skills or equipment came anywhere close to delivering such overwhelming


    power.


    But what truly had him curious was the skill''s area of effect. The damage stats alone were terrifying, but if the range of this Legendary-grade skill was as vast as he suspected, it could


    be devastating.


    Eager to test its limits, Broken decided to activate the skill in a densely popted area


    swarming with monsters. The preview appeared, and the targeted zone was farrger than he''d anticipated¡ªmassive enough to engulf a significant portion of the battlefield. The potential carnage from such an attack was brutal beyond belief.


    [Summon Desert Worm (Active Skill)]


    The ground began to tremble violently as a swirling mass of sand enveloped the area around


    Broken, covering a space nearly half the size of a football field. From the center of the vortex emerged a colossal maw, the gaping mouth of a titanic sandworm. It surged upward with terrifying speed, its immense body following, devouring everything in its path with ease. The sight of the worm alone was enough to inspire awe-and pure dread.


    With just a single activation of the skill, countless monsters were obliterated, their lives snuffed out in an instant as the worm swallowed them whole. Once its monstrous feeding frenzy wasplete, the sandworm descended back into the swirling sands, vanishing as quickly as it had appeared. An eerie calm settled over the battlefield, the sheer devastation left in its wake undeniable. Everything within its reach had been utterly annihted, the damage vast and immediate.


    Minutester, the monsters had beenpletely wiped out. Elincia descended gracefully to join Broken, while Ivana came sprinting over, wide-eyed at the destruction the skill had


    wrought.


    "What was that?" Elincia eximed, clearly astonished. "That''s the most epic skill effect I''ve


    ever seen!"


    "Me too," Broken replied casually.


    Ivana giggled at their exchange. "With skills like that, there''s no way you''re just going to stay cooped up in the cksmith workshop crafting weapons, right?"


    Broken smiled, giving a nod. "I hope this will be enough for my journey through Hellter


    on."


    He still had a few things to take care of before tomorrow-specifically using the remaining Enchantment Stones and Blessed Stones to upgrade the rest of his gear and weapons.


    "Let''s head back to Slumdon," he said.

 Chapter 328: Chapter 328 - Crossforge Harness

    Chapter 328: - Crossforge Harness


    ?


    Broken quickly returned to his study at the House of Slumdon, determined to upgrade all of his equipment to +9. The Invincible Paragon set, the Woond Ranger set, the Wavebreaker Spear, the Moonvine Knuckles, the Bow of Artemis, and the Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe.


    Was this too ambitious? He should have enough Enchantment Stones to pull it off. The Invincible Paragon was already halfway there, with just a few pieces left to reach +9.


    He began with his weapons. Laying them all out in neat rows on the floor since the table couldn''t hold them all, he nned to upgrade them to +6 first.


    He went all out, spending every Enchantment Stone he had. It wasn''t easy-failures were many-but eventually, all the weapons reached +6. "Damn," he muttered, realizing that his initial expectations were indeed exaggerated.


    Next, he turned his attention to the Woond Ranger set. By the end of the process, he had depleted all his low-quality and medium-quality Enchantment Stones, but the entire Woond Ranger set had also reached +6.


    "Wow," he thought, looking over the shiny new upgrades. It had cost him hundreds of gold, a massive expenditure. He couldn''t help but think of the many things he could have bought with that money.


    The Bow of Artemis, a gift from Freya, was already at +9, so there was no need to upgrade it. Broken turned his focus to his other weapons: the Moonvine Knuckles, the Wavebreaker Spear, and the Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe. He needed to get all of them to +9.


    He started with the Wavebreaker Spear. Failure, failure, failure, sess, failure, sess, failure.


    The numerous failures made Broken clench his fists, his hands trembling as he feared he wouldn''t have enough Enchantment Stones. After several more attempts, he finally seeded in bringing it to +9.


    Next, he moved on to the Moonvine Knuckles. This time, the failures were even more frequent, nearly double the amount. But, with persistence, he managed to get the Knuckles to +9 as well. However, this exhausted all his High-quality Enchantment Stones.


    This meant that the Woond Ranger set had to remain at +6 for now, as he didn''t have the resources to push it further. The same fate befell the Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe, which also had to temporarily stay at +6.


    [+6 Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Attack Power: 1156-1468


    Strength +109


    Agility +109


    Constitution +109


    Stamina +109]


    [...]


    So, he had two Legendary Weapons at +9 ready for an upgrade using Blessed Stones to elevate them to an even higher tier. Broken took a deep breath and set aside the other items into his inventory.


    Both Legendary-grade items were crucial for him: while he often battled with the Wavebreaker Spear, the Moonvine Knuckles were also invaluable when used by Dendros. The weapons had different focuses one excelled in single-targetbat, and the other in area damage.


    He decided to start with the Moonvine Knuckles.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Failure, failure, failure, sess. After several attempts and failures, he managed to get it to


    +11.


    He inhaled deeply, feeling a migraine creeping in. He was worried he might not have enough Low-quality Blessed Stones for the Wavebreaker Spear''s upgrade.


    Next, he moved on to the Wavebreaker Spear.


    Failure, failure, sess, sess. The failures were numerous, but he eventually seeded, bringing it to +12!


    "Damn," Broken thought, amazed at his achievement. Now, he had two weapons at +12. Determined to push further, he returned to the Moonvine Knuckles.


    Sess once more-he reached +12!


    "Woah," Broken whispered, holding his breath and feeling the rush of adrenaline. This experience was both incredibly stressful and utterly addictive.


    Now, both of his Legendary-grade weapons had reached +12, emitting a faint golden aura that added ayer of visual awesomeness to the already impressive weapons. The stats had also received a significant upgrade, making them even more formidable.


    [+12 The Moonvine Knuckles - Guardian Treant Lv. 200]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Attack Power: 696-765


    Attack power +26% Under the Moon


    Agility +286]


    [...]


    [+12 Wavebreaker Spear]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Attack Power: 1410~1552


    Stamina +130


    Constitution +195


    Strength +130]


    [...]


    He still had some Medium-quality and High-quality Blessed Stones left, so he decided to push the upgrades further. After all, both weapons were now at a safe point.


    Which one should he focus on first? The Wavebreaker Spear, he decided.


    He spent everything on it. There were many failures, but finally, he managed to bring it to +14. Broken held his breath, feeling dizzy and his heart pounding hard. He had nearly depleted his Medium-quality Blessed Stones. There might not be enough left to upgrade the Knuckles


    as well.


    Should he continue or switch to the Moonvine Knuckles?


    Driven by curiosity, he decided to push further with the Wavebreaker Spear.


    And, it seeded, ending up at +15! This was his first +15 weapon!


    [+15 Wavebreaker Spear]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Attack Power: 1573-1731


    Stamina +145


    Constitution +217


    Strength +145]


    [Congrattions on sessfully upgrading your Legendary-grade weapon to a remarkable


    +15!]


    [Broken, you have truly shown both your determination and skill in enhancing your weapon.]


    [As a token of our appreciation, the system proudly bestows upon you the new title of ''Unyielding Legendary Weapon Upgrader.''


    [For this extraordinary achievement, you have also received 20 stat points.]


    [May your weapon continue to strike fear into the hearts of your enemies and bring great


    glory to your name.


    Not bad! Not only did he manage to upgrade the weapon to +15, he also gained a new title


    along with +20 stat points. He felt quite satisfied with that. Taking the spear, he spun it around, admiring the golden aura now surrounding it¡ªa perfect blend of the spear''s ck base with blue patterns and the new golden radiance.


    He stored everything back into his inventory.


    Just then, there was a knock on the door.


    "Yara?"


    "My Lord, excuse me, it''s E."


    "E?" He paused for a moment. "Come in, E."


    The door swung open to reveal a young woman, likely in her early twenties, with long,


    straight ck hair. She stepped in, clutching a cloth bag in her hands.


    "My Lord, forgive me for disturbing you, but... um..." she began hesitantly.


    "Yes?"


    "I made something that I thought might be useful for you," she said hesitantly.


    "Sure, show it to me," Broken replied, stepping closer. E, however, took a small step back, her eyes lowered, clearly nervous about the interaction.


    "When you mentioned needing to carry the pickaxe consistently on your expedition, I thought


    of this essory," she exined softly. "The grade isn''t very high, My Lord, but-"


    "Show it to me," he repeated.


    With a deep breath, E handed him a small cloth bag. Broken epted it and peeked inside, finding something that resembled a harness. Intrigued, he began reading the item''s


    description.


    [Crossforge Harness]


    [Grade: Elite]


    [Stamina +20]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 211]


    [A durable and intricately crafted essory designed to securely carry both a hammer and a pickaxe in an X formation on the back. Made from reinforced leather and ented with sturdy metal sps, this harness allows for quick and easy ess to tools, making it an essential gear for adventurers and miners alike.]


    "Wow, this is exactly what I needed," Broken thought, quickly equipping the essory in his Cape slot. He nced at his reflection in the mirror and admired the setup.


    He then took out the Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe and the Royal Hammer, securing them in an X- shape across his back. At a nce, the look was quite striking.


    Now I won''t have to fumble with the pickaxe every time I need to trigger the passive skill


    from my Super Novice ss, he mused, feeling a wave of relief at the added convenience. "Thanks, E. This is really helpful," he said warmly. "I appreciate your initiative." E hesitated for a moment, then lifted her face and saw Broken smiling at her. "Thank you, My Lord. I want to help you even more, so please let me know if there''s anything


    else I can do."


    "Will do. For now, just stick to your usual tasks. And if youe up with any other cool ideas, either tell me or pass them on to Yara."


    "Yes, My Lord." E bowed deeply before excusing herself from the room.


    "Cool," Broken muttered to himself as he examined the new setup. He felt more prepared for


    the expedition¡ªat least, he hoped he was. Just as he was about to log out, there was another knock at the door.


    "Yes? Who''s there?" he called out.

 Chapter 329: Chapter 329 - Who was the Extra Person?

    Chapter 329: - Who was the Extra Person?


    ?


    The door to Broken''s study creaked open, and the first thing that came into view was a multi- level food trolley. It was Ivana who pushed it in, dressed in a white dress and smiling as she stepped inside.


    "Ivana?"


    "Hi, I''m d you haven''t left yet, Broken," she said, stopping the trolley.


    Ivana picked up a package from the trolley and showed it to him. "Here, I brought some bread. You can keep it for a few weeks." Then she grabbed another package. "This is another option if you get tired of what''s already here."


    "Uhm..." She pointed to something on the bottom tray. "This one boosts strength. It''ll be good to eat before, uhm... monster hunting."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    She stood up straight again, still smiling. "I made sure there''s enough food for four weeks, maybe more. But if it''s not enough, I''ll bring more for you tomorrow morning."


    She took a breath and smiled warmly. "Is there anything you''d like me to cook?"


    Broken chuckled softly at her words. "You prepared all of this? I might have to take out my greatsword from my inventory just to make space for all this food."


    "Really? Is it not enough? Your inventory is pretty big, isn''t it?"


    Broken carefully stored the food away, piece by piece, into his inventory. Once everything was tucked away, he turned back to face Ivana. "Luckily, there''s still enough space."


    Ivana giggled and smiled again. They stood there for a moment, facing each other, their eyes meeting in a quiet pause.


    "You said you would... to take me... on every adventure you''re going to do,. right?" she asked softly, their eyes still locked on each other.


    "Yes," Broken replied quietly, though Marlene''s concerns resurfaced in his mind-why they couldn''t bring NPCs along on this journey.


    "I''m not the one leading the expedition, and they''ve forbidden anyone but me from going." He paused. "I''m sorry... but I''ll bring you along for our next expedition."


    Silence settled between them.


    "I''ll be heading to Hell for the first time," he said softly. "I don''t know what I''ll be facing." He fell silent again. "I just don''t want something-"


    "To happen to me?" Ivana finished his sentence.


    Broken nodded.


    "Aren''t all the expeditions you''ll be doing in the future going to be firsts?" she said with a small smile.


    Broken couldn''t deny it; he nodded again.


    "I''ve done everything so I can be useful..." she continued. "I can be useful to you. I have shielding skills, I can boost defense-" Her voice trailed off as Broken reached out, gently taking hold of her left arm.


    "Ivana. I don''t doubt you. You''re strong. And I will take you on more expeditions-next time. Just not this one." He hesitated, then added, "I promise."


    Ivana nodded slowly. Without either of them realizing, they had drifted closer together. Ivana took another step forward, wrapping her arms around him, resting her head gently on his shoulder.


    Broken frozen for a moment, taken aback by the unexpected embrace. Somehow, it triggered something in him-something he hadn''t felt before. The tension, the pressure, the overwhelming thoughts and worries that had been swirling in his mind all day-they all seemed to melt away in that moment, within her arms. His heartbeat, which had been racing, began to slow, and an unfamiliar calmness washed over him.


    They held each other for a while, and without realizing it, Broken tightened his grip, pulling her closer.


    "They say that if a yer dies in Hell, they won''t revive in Yunatea. They''ll be trapped there unless they leave through the same door they entered," Ivana whispered.


    Maylock had already confirmed this with him. Yunatea and Hell were twopletely separate realms. If a yer failed to leave through the correct portal, they would be trapped there for eternity. Killing themselves wouldn''t provide a shortcut back to Yunatea or the Temple of Resurrection.


    As for Marlene, given her position on the opposing side, she was potentially a threat to Broken. But Maylock had assured him with certainty that, at least in this case, he could trust her intentions.


    Was Broken putting too much trust in Maylock? He hade to a point where everything Maylock said seemed perfectly reasonable, his logic syncing effortlessly with the conclusions Broken had drawn.


    Still, the crux of the matter was that Broken would be safe-at least, if Marlene''s promise held true. And beyond that, this was the only path to hatching the demon egg, which could potentially add a powerful weapon to his arsenal.


    "I''ll be fine," he finally said, his voice steady as he tried to reassure her.


    They lingered in silence for a moment, still locked in their embrace.


    Afterward, Broken decided to log out, carefully managing his ytime to ensure he could n the expedition perfectly for the following day.


    ***


    The next morning, as the sun timidly broke over the horizon, Broken dismounted from Polly, spotting Marlene and the others gathered at the forest''s edge, waiting for him.


    He strode toward them, his eyes locking on the red-haired woman standing at the front. As he drew closer, he couldn''t help but notice the stares of several party members-some filled with that all-too-familiar disdain he hade to know so well.


    "Hi, you''re right on time," Marlene said.


    "Are we leaving now?"


    "Yes," she replied, ncing over her shoulder. "We''ll be at the same party for the next 30 days."


    Her voice, though always calm and even, carried a weight that made the rest of the group straighten their posture.


    "We have two shielders, two melee fighters, one ranged fighter, a magic user, support, and a healer," she continued, turning to Broken.


    "I can y melee or ranged," he said.


    He nced at the unfriendly stares from the others. Should he be concerned about this... or


    not?


    "I''ve seen how you fight. I''m confident you''ll handle your role well," Marlene added.


    They moved swiftly into the forest, following the lead of the red-haired girl, while Broken walked beside her, eager to hear more details about the expedition.


    "Once the portal opens, only nine people can enter before it closes," Marlene exined. The rest of the group followed in silence, hanging on to her every word.


    "The portal will reopen in 30 days. So, congrattions-we''re in for a month-long vacation


    in Hell."


    She smirked before continuing. "If you die, you''ll revive at the same spot a few hourster. It''s not exactly an escape route from Hell, so we might as well make the most of this little ''vacation.'' There are treasures there you won''t find in Yunatea. This journey is worth it." After a while, they arrived at a clearing where the trees began to thin. "Once we''re inside, we''ll have only each other to rely on," Marlene said, her tone serious.


    She pulled something from her inventory-a headgear essory adorned with horns that seemed designed to fit snugly on the head. Handing it to Broken, she said, "Demons aren''t too fond of outsiders, so we use this to blend in, posing as one of them."


    [Infernal Mask of Deception]


    [Grade: Elite]


    [Durability: 87/100]


    [Weight: 221]


    [This mask, adorned with dark, twisted horns, allows the wearer to take on the guise of a demon,plete with glowing eyes, sharp fangs, and a swirling aura of malevolent energy.]


    It was a mask that upied the helmet slot, which meant if they used this item, they wouldn''t be able to wear aplete set of armor. But that was still preferable to having more enemies


    to contend with inside.


    Everyone then donned their disguise items. Broken, who was currently wearing the Obsidian Shroud-Clothes to cover his armor, now sported a pair of horns on his head and his eyes glowed a deep red. His vision tinged slightly crimson, almost like wearing colored contact


    lenses. It was quite a unique item.


    Marlene tossed something onto the ground, and a swirling energy portal materialized. Understanding the n, the group began entering one by one-first the lead tanker, then the melee fighters, and the others in order. Soon, only Marlene, Broken, and the remaining tanker


    were left.


    Marlene motioned for Broken to go next. He stepped into the portal, with Marlene following close behind. They emerged in what looked like the same forest, and Marlene appeared beside him. But suddenly, the portal began shrinking rapidly as thest tanker tried to pass through. "What the hell!" Marlene shouted in rm. "Someone unauthorized got in!" she eximed. The portal snapped shut before the tanker could enter, signaling the group had reached full capacity. Yet, there were only eight of them standing there. So who was the mysterious ninth?

 Chapter 330: Chapter 330 - Blade Phantom?

    Chapter 330: - de Phantom?


    ?


    "He must have cheated us!" one of the party members, the archer, used, pointing directly at Broken.


    "That usation is baseless," Broken shot back.


    "So, who else should we me? You''re the only outsider here. Are you saying we should use one of our own?" the archer pressed.


    "I came here alone, in secret. You all saw that, didn''t you?" Broken reasoned, trying to keep his voice calm.


    "Enough!" Marlene barked, cutting off the argument. Her gaze snapped to Broken, frustration clear in her eyes. "Broken, are you absolutely sure no one followed you?"


    "You saw it yourself," he replied firmly.


    Broken''s mind raced. Could this really be his fault? No. He had used his stealth skills to slip out of the city unnoticed, keeping his identity hidden. Polly had moved too fast for anyone to have tailed him without being detected. Though he couldn''t prove anything with certainty, he knew deep down he had no part in this intruder''s arrival.


    "Damn!" Marlene swore, scanning the area. She knew full well someone had slipped into their ranks, snatching up one of the valuable portal slots.


    "Marlene, are you just going to let this go?" the archer demanded. "He''s been an outsider from the start-he''s from the opposition. It''s obvious he betrayed us."


    Subaru awkwardlyughed, trying to ease the tension. "Hey, everyone, haha, let''s take a breath. I''m sure we can figure this out."


    "This is ridiculous," the archer snapped. "We''ve been betrayed right under our noses, and we''re just standing here doing nothing."


    A woman with short brown hair and sses, a healer, spoke up with a trembling voice. "What should I do? My healing skills won''t cover everyone if we''re short one tanker. I''m afraid of messing everything up. I''m so sorry..." she said, visibly shaking.


    "We can still manage if we position ourselves correctly; we''ll be safe," reassured the tanker, a man in his forties.


    "We''ve lost a key yer. This isn''t going to go well," another member muttered anxiously. Subaru chimed in again, trying to stay upbeat. "Come on, everyone. We''ll stay cautious. We''ll be alright. And remember, we''ve got Broken with us-his skills are pretty versatile."


    "I''m not trusting my life to some stranger," one of them shot back.


    "Especially if he''s the reason we''re stuck in this mess," another added, stoking the growing distrust.


    Broken remained silent, not bothering to respond to the usations. He had his own objective, and their opinions didn''t really matter to him. Clearly, they had their own agendas in this ce, which exined their growing concern. He turned to Marlene.


    "Do you have a specific mission that needs a full party, Marlene?" he asked.


    "Yes," she replied without hesitation. "We''re nning a raid boss hunt, which is why this kind of issue seriously throws off our ns."


    Broken nodded. He understood now-they had bigger objectives than just helping him hatch the demon egg. But their mission wasn''t his problem. After all, their initial agreement hadn''t involved him assisting Marlene with her raid.


    "We will talk about thister," Marlene said decisively. "Let''s head to the nearest town to gather some information and gather resources." She then took the lead, and the others followed closely behind her.


    "We need to stick to the n," she dered as they walked through the forest. Although the trees were of a different kind, they were still in a forest just like the one they had left.


    "This is the alternate world of Yunatea," she exined. "Only demon species live here. From those with humanoid forms and some intelligence to monstrous demons, demon beasts, and even Named demons inhabit this world."


    Broken nodded slowly, intrigued by what they might encounter in this very forest or in the town Marlene had mentioned earlier.


    The group continued their trek through the forest. There were no signs of monsters, suggesting that this particr area might be rtively safe.


    "The intruder must have used a stealth skill," one of them said.


    "I will find that person," Marlene added. "I''m certain they''ll be close when we return to Yunatea. I n to kill them and avenge this deceit," she said with steely determination. "They were foolish to try and pull this off right under my nose."


    "They must be an assassin ss," another added.


    "Someone with a stealth skill should have been detected by me," Marlene said, without borating on how she could do that. "They must have used a high-tier stealth skill," she continued in a t tone.


    "There''s only one person I can think of who could pull off something like that," another member chimed in.


    Who? Broken wondered, though he kept his question to himself. The only assassin he knew was Charmelyn. Could she have infiltrated this ce? He decided to reach out to Freya to be


    certain.


    He quickly sent her a message: "Freya, is everyone from the team at their respective posts? Maylock, Elincia, and the others?"


    "de Phantom," someone said aloud. "He''s the only assassin with the skill to pull off something like this."


    de Phantom? Broken pondered.


    "No way. You''ve got to be kidding. He''s a contract killer, hired by the rich to take out targets. No one knows who he really is, and he alwayspletes his jobs without leaving a trace."


    "Are you suggesting that de Phantom is here to take out one of us?"


    Their attention shifted back to Broken, suspicion lingering in the air. It was clear they believed someone had hired de Phantom to infiltrate their group, possibly to eliminate a specific target. That must be this damn cksmith, some of them thought, their distrust of


    Broken growing deeper.


    "Everyone... hahaha..." Subaru interrupted the tense conversation, distributing something to each member of the party. "This is the type of currency used here, and it has a value simr to what we use in Yunatea, just with a different appearance."


    Subaru then nudged Broken and handed him several coins-silver and gold, but in darker hues with unfamiliar symbols.


    "You can use this money to buy whatever you need. Consider it your initial payment for this expedition. Use it wisely, as we''ll need it to survive here for the entire month," Subaru


    continued.


    "Subaru," Broken called out to the mage.


    "Yes?"


    "How much do I owe in Yunatea currency for these?"


    "Ah, hahaha, no need to worry, Broken. You can keep it, hahaha," Subaru replied with augh.


    Broken turned to Marlene.


    "That''s a small amount, don''t stress about it."


    Broken studied the 10 silver coins and 2 gold coins in his hand. If their value matched that of Yunatea''s currency, this was a significant sum-real money. These wealthy yers were clearly invested, pouring serious resources into the game to secure their sess.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As they walked, the trees began to thin, allowing more light to filter through. Thendscape ahead shifted into a dry in, reminiscent of the terrain around Slumdon Town. After some time, they passed through the final line of trees and stepped into a vast, barren expanse dotted with dry shrubs. The ground wasn''t like the desert they''d seen before; it was cracked and parched, with dark smoke asionally rising from deep fissures.


    "We''ll need to walk a bit further from here to reach the nearest town," Marlene announced.


    But in the distance, they noticed several humanoid figures moving as a group-heading straight toward them.

 Chapter 331: Chapter 331 - Demon Miners

    Chapter 331: - Demon Miners


    ?


    "Dimensional storage or inventory isn''t something low-ss demons in small towns like this usually have," Marlene exined, while the others began pulling weapons and bags from their inventories and slinging them over their shoulders.


    "Isn''t it easy to tell yers and NPCs apart?" Broken asked, voicing his curiosity. After all, names hovered above their heads, distinctly marked by different colors.


    "Demons just don''t know much about us yers," Marlene responded. "So they don''t really pay attention to things like that," she added, mentioning the floating names above their heads.


    They had to pose as regr travelers, lugging their belongings the old-fashioned way without the convenience of dimensional storage. Broken strapped on a harness and secured a pickaxe to his back. It was just a normal pickaxe, the same one Gia had given him. Showing off a legendary-grade pickaxe in front of others wasn''t something he wanted to risk-it would only draw unwanted attention.


    He then pulled out the cloth bag E had given him and slung it over his shoulder.


    Even Marlene and the shadow wolves, which Broken assumed had close ties to the demons, had to put in the extra effort to avoid any unnecessary trouble. Still, the fact that they could move in and out of Hell so freely gave them a huge advantage.


    If the resources and monsters in this alternate world could be harvested while so few yers had ess, he thought, it would be an absolute goldmine for people like them.


    Broken nced at the others, taking in their high-level armor and weapons. "Wouldn''t this still draw unwanted attention?" he asked.


    "The demons are pretty dumb," Marlene replied, almost dismissively. "At least, most of them. They don''t really care what we''re wearing. They only get suspicious if they see someone who isn''t a demon."


    "So, as long as you''ve got horns on your head, they''ll just ignore you?" Broken asked, still a bit skeptical.


    "It''s ironic, but yeah, that''s basically how it works," Marlene confirmed with a shrug.


    Broken frowned. Are demons really that oblivious? he wondered. Or maybe this only applied to the low-ss ones, as Marlene had suggested.


    Still, he knew he had to be cautious; this was his first time stepping into a world entirely unknown to him. But despite his caution, curiosity tugged at him. There are Named Demons here with incredible power, right? Even uros, a Named Demon ranked in the 60s, had been absurdly strong. What would it be like to face one ranked even higher?


    The humanoid creatures they had seen in the distance were now drawing closer, around a dozen in total. They were dressed in ragged clothes, stained with dark, oily splotches. One thing stood out about them-the pickaxes they carried and the heavy carts they dragged behind them. These were demon miners.


    Their appearances were strikingly diverse. Some had blue or red skin, while others sported a single eye. Almost all of them had horns-some with a single horn in the center of their forehead, others with two intact, and a few with broken stubs where horns once had been.


    These were the low-level, low-intelligence demons Marlene had warned them about. When the demons reached them, Marlene halted, as did the rest of the group-and Broken followed suit.


    "Look what we have here, ke-ke-ke," one of the demons cackled as they drew closer.


    "Travelers passing through? What do you want here, huh? Ha ha ha," one of the demons sneered.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "They look rich. How about sharing some of that gold with us?" another chimed in.


    "Yes... I''m so poor. I had to rob someone I randomly ran into yesterday, haha!" one demon boasted,ughing cruelly.


    "Wait, you robbed someone? Damn it, why didn''t you share the loot with us?" another demon growled, smacking hispanion on the head.


    "Hey, you know how hard it is for me to survive, right? I used the money to gamble," one of the demonsined.


    "You win?" his friend asked.


    "Nope, which is why I need more money."


    They continued their crude banter while Broken subtly inspected their status. Most of them only disyed a single stat value, like Strength at 200. It was clear they were all low-level demons.


    One of the miners wandered over and stopped in front of Marlene, eyeing her suspiciously. "Hey, look at this one. What''s with that weird skin color?" he said, pointing at her. "And what''s up with her chest? Looks strange, doesn''t it?"


    Another miner joined in. "Yeah, this woman''s pretty odd."


    "Where did you alle from?" another demanded. "Give me money."


    Subaru, standing at Marlene''s right, leaned in and whispered quietly, "Marlene?"


    Before anything else could escte, two glowing magic circles suddenly materialized on the ground behind the miners. Within moments, two massive ck wolves emerged from the circles-Marlene''s Demon Beasts.


    The miners barely had a second to realize what was happening. One of them turned just as a low growl rumbled through the air, but it was toote. The wolves lunged forward with terrifying speed, teeth bared, and ws outstretched.


    The first miner let out a guttural cry of agony as one wolf sank its fangs into his shoulder, tearing flesh and bone effortlessly.


    "No-!" he choked out, his voice swallowed by the ferocious snarling as blood sttered across the ground.


    Another miner tried to run, only to be knocked down by the second wolf, its jaws closing around his throat with a sickening crunch. He gurgled a desperate scream, but the sound was cut short as life drained from his body.


    The other miners barely had time to react. Panic flickered in their eyes as they scrambled for their pickaxes, but the wolves were relentless. Each pounced on its target with deadly precision, silencing its prey before it could even raise a weapon.


    The demons'' cries of pain echoed briefly through the destendscape before being drowned out by the brutal sounds of flesh being ripped apart.


    Within seconds, it was over.


    She killed them? Broken wondered as he watched the pickaxes, carts, and various loots hit the


    ground.


    "Secure the items," Marlene ordered, and a few members quickly gathered the loot and


    stored it in their inventories.


    They continued their journey.


    "Why did you kill them?" Broken asked, unable to shake his curiosity. "Weren''t we supposed


    to avoid drawing attention?"


    "That''s how you do it," Marlene replied coolly. "Take care of them quickly, and you avoid a


    bigger problem."


    Really? he thought, still unsure about her reasoning.


    After some time walking, they finally spotted what Marlene had referred to as a small town.


    Its wall, though simr to the fortifications of a typical city in Yunatea, was far less impressive¡ªjust a row of wooden stakes driven into the ground, offering only minimal


    protection.


    As the group neared the gate, they saw two demons standing guard. d in armor and gripping spears, they resembled knights or something close to it, their posture suggesting they took their role seriously despite the town''s crude defenses.


    Broken quickly checked their statuses. Their strength stats were impressive-likely indicating their levels were around 180 or possibly even higher.


    One of the demons had dark skin and was missing an eye, a deep scar running jagged across his face. The other had bright red skin and his long, w-like nails. Both of them snapped to


    attention as Marlene and the group approached.


    "Identity?" one of them demanded.


    Marlene wordlessly shed a metal badge in her hand, adorned with a strange symbol.


    Without further questions, the two demon guards nodded in acknowledgment.


    "Form a line and tell us your profile," one of the guards ordered.


    Subaru quickly fell in behind Marlene, with Broken right behind him, and the others followed.


    Marlene passed through easily, but the guards stopped Subaru.


    "Magic caster," he stammered, and after a brief pause, they allowed him to pass.


    Broken stepped forward next, making sure to emphasize the pickaxe slung across his back.


    "I''m a miner with this group," he stated.


    The two guards scrutinized him from head to toe, lingering on the pickaxe. After what felt like


    a tense moment, they moved their spears aside and let him through. "Was disguising myself as a miner a mistake?" Broken wondered. "But I am a miner!"


    After all, he held the Unique-grade miner ss.


    After all the members passed the inspection, the guards signaled to theirrades inside the gate. Momentster, the gate creaked open. For the first time, Broken was about to see what a


    city popted entirely by demons looked like.


    ***


    Author''s Note (this doesn''t increase the chapter price)


    I''ve always wanted to publish four chapters per day!


    But, I spend a lot of time even writing one chapter. Trust me, from the moment I wake up to


    when I go to bed, I dedicate myself to this work. If I''m not writing, I''m thinking about the


    plot, preparing documents, etc.


    I''m not a native speaker, and considering howplex the system, stats, skills, and everything else are, I put in a real effort.


    Backaches, and sometimes even fevers from exhaustion, but I keep pushing myself because I


    love this work!


    Sometimes I can only manage to release two chapters, but you should know that I truly enjoy


    creating this.


    But yeah, thanks for the support!

 Chapter 332: Chapter 332 - Fresh Captured from Yunatea

    Chapter 332: - Fresh Captured from Yunatea


    ?


    Broken and the Shadow Wolves stepped into the small town, a city inhabited by demons, and to his surprise, it was incredibly crowded-far more than he had expected. The narrow streets were packed with beings, making the ce feel less like a town and more like a horde of people gathering for a massive event, like a concert.


    Some creatures had the lower bodies of goats paired with human torsos, while others resemble skeletal figures with thin, stretched skin barely covering their bones and eyes that sunk deep into their sockets. There were alsorge, bloated demons, their bellies smeared with blood.


    This town felt like something out of a nightmare, the demons resembling Halloween party goers in the most bizarre costumes imaginable.


    The buildings were no better-more like structures from a slum, hastily thrown together with wood and stones stacked randomly. The streets were filthy, littered with garbage, and scattered with human skulls.


    Wait, human skulls?


    Aren''t monsters supposed to turn into pixels when they die? But these bones... they''re real. Could these actually be human skulls? he wondered. Isn''t this supposed to be a demon town? Why are there human remains here?


    Marlene and the group pressed on, weaving through the mass of demons that crowded the streets. Broken kept pace, though he couldn''t avoid every brush with the unsettling creatures. At one point, a humanoid figure with a long neck, much like a giraffe''s, bumped into him. Drool dripped from its mouth, nearly sttering on him, who quickly sidestepped out of the way. Yikes!


    After wandering through the crowded streets for a while, they finally stopped in front of a ce that looked like an inn.


    Marlene turned to address the group. "We''ll be staying at this inn for the next few weeks. Subaru will handle the room arrangements, but everyone has tasks toplete first. We''ll meet back in the room Subaru reserves in four hours."


    Without a word, the party members seemed to understand their assignments and split into three groups. Subaru and Broken were paired together, while the others scattered, heading off to take care of their individual duties.


    After everyone dispersed, leaving only Broken and Subaru, the mage nudged Broken''s


    shoulder. "So, what''s your first impression, haha?"


    "How do I even describe it?"


    "Fun, right?"


    "Yes, perfectly fitting for a ce called Hell."


    Subaru chuckled at that. "Well, Broken, the surface level is just the lowestyer of this alternate world. Stronger demons live in theyers below the ground."


    "Oh?" Broken was surprised. "That''s new information for me. Have you been down there?"


    Subaru nced in the direction Marlene had gone, seeming hesitant. "I can''t tell you," he said.


    With that, Subaru walked into the inn, and Broken followed. But the mage suddenly stopped as tworge, muscr demons with red skin emerged from the doorway. Subaru quickly stepped aside to let them pass, and Broken followed suit, making room for the imposing figures.


    Once inside, they were greeted by a mostly empty room with a lone reception desk at the far end. Behind it stood a young woman with blue skin, short ck hair, and the trademark horns of her kind.


    "Hi, I need arge room that can fit eight people or more," Subaru requested.


    The receptionist did something behind the counter, and after Subaru ced several gold coins down, they received the key.


    They climbed the stairs of the inn, which was mostly made of stacked stones and dark- colored wood. A few crystalmps were ced sporadically along the walls, casting an eerie glow. After reaching the third floor, they walked down a long corridor.


    Subaru stopped at a door and used the key to unlock it. The room inside was basic, with about ten individual beds lined up in two rows of five. There were also round tables and ten chairs scattered throughout the room.


    Both of them entered, and Subaru immediately flopped down onto one of the beds, stretching outzily. Broken chose the bed at the far end, right beside Subaru''s, and sat down quietly.


    They sat there in silence for a few moments. Broken''s mind raced with questions about the true motives of the Shadow Wolves. Judging by the way they had split up the team, it was clear that at least three of them-Marlene, Subaru, and the lone tanker-had been to this ce before. Marlene especially seemed well-versed in navigating the city, given how easily she had gained entry with that badge.


    But a bigger mystery gnawed at his thoughts. What were they really nning to do here? Marlene had mentioned that Broken needed to find a high-level monster area to hatch the demon egg, so it seemed unlikely this bustling town was their ultimate destination.


    Broken wanted to check on the demon egg, to see if he could supply it with Mana in this ce. But he knew better than to reveal it with Subaru still around. He''d have to wait until he was alone before delving into that investigation.


    After a while, Subaru sat up, stretching with a groan. "Ah ha ha ha... I''m so tired," he said, then turned to Broken with an enthusiastic grin. "Broken, what do you think about exploring the city? I''m sure you''ll find plenty of interesting things here."


    "Sure," Broken replied.


    He was indeed curious to learn more about this world. With a full month ahead of him in this ce, he wanted to figure out how to secure his own way of returning here whenever he wanted. Exploring a mostly uncharted territory like this seemed ripe with opportunities. There had to be hidden treasures, rare loot, or even powerful demons that hadn''t been encountered by many yers yet. Plus, Broken was intrigued by the thought of what rewards mighte from hunting demons.


    That idea struck him suddenly-ughtering demons for loot.


    Isn''t that exactly what the Demons might be thinking when they try to invade Yunatea? he mused.


    Surely the Named Demon that would be summoned to Dissidia Kingdom was looking to take over the kingdom, right? The Named Demons likely had the same ambitions as any invader- seizing something that couldn''t be found in their own world.


    The two of them left the inn, once again navigating the chaotic streets filled with bizarre creatures that walked in unpredictable, staggering patterns, bumping into others as if that


    was just how they lived.


    Along the roadside, merchants were hawking their goods, most notably food. Wait, are they mixing saliva into their meals? Broken thought with disgust.


    Damn, he mused. This ce is definitely not kid-friendly. He hoped the game would have age restrictions if ess to this world became easier for yers in the future.


    "Do you want to try the food?" Subaru asked, eyeing one of the stands.


    "Have you?" Broken replied, raising an eyebrow.


    "Aha ha ha!" Subaruughed at the question. "I was skeptical at first, but after trying it, it''s


    not as bad as you''d think."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "No thanks," Broken said quickly.


    They kept walking until they reached a crowd gathered around a noisy merchant who was shouting out his wares. The two of them moved closer to see what was for sale.


    And then Broken saw it.


    Two women. They were dressed in tattered clothing, caged and lying on the ground. One of them was an elf, and another seemed to be a beast-kin.


    "These two are fresh, just captured from Yunatea! Who dares to pay for these women ves?" the merchant bellowed. He was a grotesque figure-frog-headed with a bloated body- gleefully advertising the captured women ves as if they were meremodities.

 Chapter 333: Chapter 333 - Don’t Tell Them my Level

    Chapter 333: - Don¡¯t Tell Them my Level


    ?


    n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The two women in the cage appeared young, likely in their early twenties by human standards. The elf, with her pale skin, might have been much older, given her race''s extended lifespan. The other girl was a beast-kin, with long white ears-a bunny-girl? Broken thought, frowning at the increasingly strange and varied beings he''d encountered throughout the day. The two women had their hands and necks bound in heavy shackles, with strange devices fastened around their throats-likely the source of their envement. It wasn''t clear how the demons had managed to capture them, but it was obvious they had been taken from Yunatea. "Yo, I know you all fancy these two treasures, don''t you? Kekeke," the merchant sneered, his frog-like grin widening. "This one here is an elf, famous for her beauty. Look at her pale skin, just what people in Yunatea love. And this one," he continued, grabbing the bunny-girl''s long ears, "is a beast-kin, a real bunny girl. You can own her too, and if you want to eat her- kekeke-that''s an option. I''m sure she''ll taste delicious."


    "I want to taste them!" a few demons yelled from the crowd.


    "Let me lick them to make sure they''re worth it."


    "Yes, that elf looks yummy. I want her too."


    Eat? Broken''s stomach churned at the realization. They''re selling them as food? A wave of revulsion washed over him.


    "No, no, no," the merchant barked. "You can''t touch them yet. You can take them home for 100 gold each, or for a special promo, take both for 180 gold coins!"


    "I''ll take them for 50 gold coins."


    "What kind of food costs that much? Are you out of your mind?" another demon scoffed. "Let me lick them and decide if they''re worth it."


    "I want the elf girl. They say elves are good with magic, but this one looks fragile."


    Curious about the two women, Broken decided to inspect their status. He checked the bunny- girl first.


    [Name: Mira]


    [Level: 175]


    [Strength: ??? | Agility: 650 | Intelligence: 320 | Constitution: ??? | Stamina: ???]


    Wait... Broken froze as he read her stats. Level 175? That was unexpectedly high, especiallypared to the merchant, who was only level 120.


    He then shifted his focus to the elf girl, and his surprise grew.


    [Name: Elowen]


    [Level: ???]


    [Strength: ??? | Agility: 577 | Intelligence: 657 | Constitution: ??? | Stamina: 325]


    Though her level wasn''t visible, her agility, intelligence, and stamina were incredibly high- indicating she was likely more powerful than the bunny-girl.


    How could they have been captured by a merchant with such a lower level? It made little


    sense. Perhaps that exined why they were priced so cheaply? But then again, was 100 gold coins really that cheap?


    "Broken..." Subaru whispered from the side.


    Broken turned to him, raising a questioning eyebrow.


    "Do you want to buy them?"


    "Huh?" Broken didn''t know how to respond to such a strange question, so he remained silent.


    He looked back at the two ves. To his surprise, the elf was staring directly at him.


    Is she really looking at me? he wondered.


    He nced to the side, then back at her, and there was no doubt-she was focused on him.


    -If you tell them my level, I''ll kill you.


    What? Broken thought, startled by the voice he suddenly heard in his head. He quickly looked around, checking Subaru, who seemed engrossed in the ve auction, paying no attention to him.


    It couldn''t have been him...


    -Yes, I''m the elf. If you tell them my level, I''ll kill you.


    Eh? Broken''s mind raced as he nced back at the elf. How could she know he had inspected her status? And more importantly, how was shemunicating with him?


    -What are you doing here? You''re human. If you reveal my level, I''ll scream and expose your disguise.


    Broken locked eyes with the elf again, her gaze sharp and threatening.


    She knows!


    "Broken..." Subaru whispered again. "If you want to buy them, I can lend you the money. You can pay me back in dorster-interesting offer, right?"


    "For what?" Broken replied, puzzled.


    "You know you can do those things with your ves, right?" Subaru said, smirking.


    Broken shot him a confused look, unsure of what Subaru was getting at.


    "Yes, have fun and do those things. Normally, you''d only be able to do that with NPCs who have a ''married'' status with you," Subaru borated with a sly grin, "but you can also do it with ves. And look at them-an elf and a bunny-girl. Doesn''t that catch your interest?" Broken felt a wave of unease. He hadn''t expected Subaru''s offer to take this turn, and it only deepened his difort, especially knowing the elf was aware of their true identities. Could thise back to haunt them, creating bigger problems down the line?


    "But we can''t take them out of here, right?"


    "Ah, I see your point. True enough. But still, 200 gold coins for ves like that? I''d say it''s worth it," Subaru giggled.


    "Why don''t you buy them, then?"


    "Ah!" Subaru stammered, suddenly flustered. "Uh, no... haha... I mean... no..." He couldn''t seem toe up with a proper response, and Broken could sense his awkwardness.


    "What is the elf girl doing here?" Broken wondered, his mind racing with questions. "And are she and the bunny-girl somehow connected?"


    So far, the elf had only threatened him about exposing her level. As long as he kept his distance and didn''t get involved with them, there wouldn''t be any problems, right?


    -I need your help


    Her voice echoed again in his mind.


    Help?


    -I can''t hear your response, but I need your help. Please...


    Broken watched as the two enved women were roughly secured by the merchant''sckeys. The demons in the crowd were growing more eager, their hunger for the girls obvious. The ves were shoved into a cage atop a carriage, a cloth thrown over them to hide them from


    view.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, I''ll return tomorrow for more potential buyers. But if no one ims them within the week, I''ll ce them in an auction," the merchant with the frog head


    announced.


    With that, the merchant''s party moved out, pushing the carriage forward, the demon beast


    resembling a horse pulling it along.


    Just then, Broken received a message from Freya.


    "Broken, is there anything concerning you? Everyone''s at their posts-Elincia, Maylock,


    Livelywood."


    "And Charmelyn?"


    "Missing her already?"


    "Freya..."


    "Haha, okay, okay. Charmelyn''s also sitting near the farming fields."


    With that thought, Broken felt a sense of relief. At least he could be certain that the infiltrator who had managed to slip into Hell wasn''t from the Ass Guild, including Charmelyn-the only one he knew capable of pulling off such a move.


    The demons that had gathered earlier, drawn in by the sight of the two ves, began to lose interest and slowly dispersed. Subaru nudged Broken again.


    "Broken, Marlene''s back at the inn. She said she wants to talk to you."


    "Okay, let''s go."


    Despite the situation, Broken couldn''t shake the thoughts about the two women ves,


    especially the elf girl who had somehowmunicated telepathically with him. Both of their levels were no joke-around 180-while most of the demons in this small town barely crossed


    the 100 mark.


    Maybe they had been captured by someone far stronger and deliberately sold in this ce, he reasoned. But a bigger question gnawed at him: "Why did the elf girl threaten me not to


    reveal her level?"


    "And had she begged for help? To free her from very?" The thoughts churned in his mind as they made their way back to the inn.

 Chapter 334: Chapter 334 - Vampiric Duchess Demon

    Chapter 334: - Vampiric Duchess Demon


    ?


    It was an imposing building with twin towers nking either side, a structure that seemed long abandoned from the outside. The walls were made of dark, weathered stone, their ckened surface giving the entire ce an ominous feel. The ground surrounding the building was barren, with gravestones scattered randomly across thendscape-some tilted and broken, others freshly etched, as if marking recent tragedies.


    In the highest room of the building, a grand, hollow chamber held a throne at its far end. Seated upon it was a woman of breathtaking beauty, her skin pale and smooth, her crimson eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. Her long, dark hair cascaded in silky waves, framing her face and flowing down over her shoulders.


    She wore flowing dark robes, intricately designed with silver embroidery that had ckened with age. A tarnished silver crown sat upon her brow, and her lips parted slightly to reveal sharp fangs. Her hands, tipped with long, lethal ws, rested on the armrests of her throne. Beside her sat a demonic camel-like creature, its skin cracked and dark, its eyes glowing red. Its mouth was lined with jagged, uneven teeth. The creature served as her loyal, otherworldly steed.


    "yers?" the woman said, her voice a soft yet sinister echo that filled the room. "Did you say yers?"


    She addressed the two servants who stood bowing before her.


    "Yes, My Lady," one of them replied. "We spotted around eight yers wandering in the nearby town. Some of them seemed familiar, but a few were unknown. There was even one among them who appeared especially weak-just a miner."


    Her crimson eyes narrowed with interest as she listened.


    [Duke Gremory - Vampiric Duchess Demon Lv. 258]


    [Named Demon - Ranking 56]


    Gremory''s curiosity piqued as she snapped her fingers, summoning a circr magical formation in front of her. From within, an image materialized-a vision of the city, as if seen from a hovering drone scanning the area. The screen eventually zoomed in on two figures disguised as demons.


    A sly smile spread across her lips. "A yer with a level of 126?," she chuckled softly. "No one can escape my ability to see through disguises," she added confidently. "And this yer... with only level 126, dares to roam the Demon World?"


    She watched intently through the magical screen, her eyes narrowing as she analyzed the


    scene.


    "yers can''t die for good," she murmured to herself. "They''ll just keeping back if killed." She licked her lips with a slow, deliberate motion.


    "This means," she continued, "this one yer could satisfy my desires endlessly. I could drain his blood until he''s nothing but a dried husk, and then... he''ll revive, only for me to indulge again."


    Her gaze grew sharper, more predatory.


    "My Lady," one of her servants interrupted. "They are part of a group of yers carrying a token from a higher-ranking entity."


    Gremory''s grin widened into a smirk. "That means nothing if their level is that low. What could a level 126 yer possibly do?" she sneered.


    "More likely," Gremory continued with a smirk, "this one is just a miner. He''s useless to others, a burden. Even if we do nothing, he''ll meet a pitiful death. It''s a shame to let him die so meaninglessly."


    She paused for a moment, her gaze sharpening as a low growl rumbled from the demonic camel beside her throne.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "I want that one," she dered with a twisted gleam in her eyes. "It won''t cause any trouble. A level 126 miner is worthless. I want him."


    A sinisterugh escaped her lips. "It''s been so long since I''ve felt this thrill... I truly desire him, to drain his blood until he''s dry!"


    ***


    Broken returned to the inn and found the Shadow Wolves members lounging on their respective beds, clearly worn out from their day. Seeing everyone gathered in the same room, he figured they were either about to discuss their ns or perhaps even log out together to synchronize their timing.


    He made his way over to Marlene, who nced up at him.


    "So, I''ve secured the right ce for you to take care of your n," she said.


    Interesting, Broken thought. From the way Marlene worded it, she wasn''t giving away any specifics about his task. Was she deliberately keeping the details from the others? What exactly had she told them about his purpose here?


    "Yes. Thanks," Broken replied.


    "We''ll head out early tomorrow morning," Marlene continued. "We''ll log out together after this and time it right so we can make the most of our schedule."


    "Understood," Broken responded casually.


    They sat in silence for a moment before Marlene broke the tension with a question.


    "Is there something you''d like to discuss?"


    "Not really," Broken responded.


    "Are you sure?"


    Should he bring up the elf ve? Would it be an issue for the group if he doesn''t mention


    it?


    The elf girl had clearly threatened him not to reveal her level to anyone, even though he had no intention of doing so. But the fact that she knew he was a human yer-and possibly knew there were other yers besides him and Subaru-was concerning.


    "Actually, yes," Broken finally said.


    "Go on," Marlene replied.


    Broken recounted what had happened during his walk with Subaru-how they hade across the merchant selling the enved women, and how the elf girl hadmunicated with him telepathically, recognizing him as a yer. He was careful to leave out certain details, particrly those involving his Perception skill.


    "An elf ve?" she repeated. "Elves have a strong affinity for magic, so it''s not surprising that some of them have telepathic abilities or skills that can see through disguises. But why did she reach out to you?"


    She shot a nce at Subaru, who looked just as puzzled, confirming that he had no prior knowledge of this.


    "Is this something we should be concerned about?" Broken asked.


    Marlene frowned slightly. "I don''t want to dismiss this outright, but I think it''s more than something we can ignore."


    "We should find that elf and kill her," the archer, sitting on the other side of the room, chimed in. "If someone knows about our disguises, it''ll make things difficult for us."


    "We''re not entirely free from scrutiny; you should all be aware of that," Marlene added.


    She then continued. "There are parties who know we''re here. We''re concealing our identities mainly to avoid unnecessary trouble with the lesser demons. Otherwise, we could easily go on a rampage and ughter everyone in this town. Though, I doubt that would be much fun, considering the Named Demons in the area would likely retaliate," she exined calmly. "Ck!" The archer clicked his tongue in frustration, clearly displeased. Marlene then turned to one of the members, an assassin. "Track down those ves and keep a close eye on that elf," she ordered, sighing before standing up. "An elf with such abilities isn''t likely to be of low level, or easily captured by mere ve traders. I''m certain she isn''t just some random elf; she has a purpose here. We need to ensure she doesn''t interfere with our


    ns," she said firmly.


    Just as Maylock had mentioned, Marlene wasn''t one to act rashly. She was methodical and analytical, ensuring every move was calcted.

 Chapter 335: Chapter 335 - He is Heartless

    Chapter 335: - He is Heartless


    ?


    Leon stepped out of his game room and found Freya sitting in the living room, her attention fixed on a TV show. It was Friday evening, and Lily still hadn''te home from school.


    He dropped onto the couch beside her, letting himself rx for a moment. Freya, sensing his need for a bit of quiet, didn''t say anything at first.


    His mind wandered back to his first experience exploring the demon world-it had been a mix of awe and strangeness that still lingered with him.


    "You looked like you were having fun," Freya teased with a yful giggle.


    "You''re great at sarcasm, you know that?"


    Leaning back and closing his eyes, Leon began to recount everything that had happened. His voice was rxed as hezily highlighted the key moments.


    "There was someone who suddenly appeared stealthily and took one slot of the portal," he said, pausing briefly. "And then there was a ve market... Two women-a bunny-girl and an elf. The elf caught me checking her status and spoke to me telepathically. She threatened me... told me not to reveal her level."


    He trailed off, giving Freya fragmented pieces of the story, hoping she''d piece it together without him needing to exin too much.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Freya remained calm, listening intently as Leon shared his experience in a disjointed manner. She then showed something on his phone. Leon nced at it-it was a series of photos she had taken inside the game. The images showed members of the Ass Guild in Slumdon Town: Maylock training the knights, Goldrich patrolling the town and flirting with women, Elincia returning from a mission, Livelywood, a few others, and Charmelyn sitting near a farming field, observing the workers.


    "But why do you think members of the Ass Guild might have snuck into the portal to Hell?" Freya asked, her brows furrowed.


    "I''m not sure," Leon admitted, leaning forward slightly. "They were just the first ones that came to mind-people who would be bold enough to pull something like that off, following me and slipping into the portal without being noticed." He hesitated before adding, "And they mentioned something about... de... Ghost?"


    "de Phantom," she confirmed with a giggle.


    "Who is he or she?"


    "No one really knows their true identity. Some people even say there''s more than one of them. But de Phantom is a mercenary usually hired by the wealthy."


    "It couldn''t be them, could it? I''ve never had dealings with someone like that."


    "Who knows?" Freya giggled at the question.


    "You should give me a final answer. You''re my super assistant, right?"


    "Yes, but I''m not a vending machine that dispenses all the answers, Mr. Sloth," she teased. While the intruder could be connected to Leon, it might also have something to do with the Shadow Wolves themselves. Some people would surely want to seize the opportunity to enter Hell, knowing when the Shadow Wolves nned to do so, and sneak in. But there were so many unknowns and mysteries that Leon found himself too perplexed to figure it all out. "Throw the problem to Maylock; maybe he can provide some clues?" Freya suggested. "It''s no fun if you need him to solve every mystery, right?" he replied with augh. "So, an elf with telepathic abilities hiding her true strength?" Freya mused, leaning back. "Sounds like you''ve stumbled onto someone important... or dangerous. Did she give any clue why she didn''t want her level known? That''s not something people usually worry about." She paused for a moment, then added with a teasing grin, "And why were you so fixated on checking the status of an elf ve, anyway? Are you interested in her? nning to buy her, maybe? I know you''ve got plenty of money now-starting to think along those lines?"


    "I was just using my perception skill, not for any particr reason," Leon replied firmly. "Especially after encountering demons during the expedition with Princess Alora. I just wanted to stay aware of who''s around me especially suspicious NPCs. And it didn''t even cross my mind to think what you''re implying."


    Freya nodded slowly. "Just a day in that world, and you''ve already got two major issues haunting you, huh?"


    Leon sighed, leaning back. "It''s probably more than two... I just haven''t realized everything yet."


    "What will you do about those two ves? Save them just because they''re beautiful women?" Freya asked, a teasing edge to her voice.


    "Not really... I don''t go around rescuing every person who needs help," Leon replied, his tone neutral.


    "But isn''t that what you did for Ivana and Princess Alora?" she countered with a smirk. "Really?" Leon asked, pausing as he thought about it. His mind wandered back to Ivana and how she ended up joining him on his journey. It had all started with Gia and how Ivana had supported him while working on his armor at Fokil''s ce.


    And Alora? Why had he supported her? He fell silent, reflecting on the situation.


    "Princess Alora didn''t need help and wasn''t begging for it," Leon finally said. "It was more that the chaos around her-the trouble caused by the people involved-made me itch to get involved in the conflict."


    Freya nodded. "But what if the Shadow Wolves end up killing those two ves? Wouldn''t you be responsible for their deaths, too? If you hadn''t shared that information with Marlene,


    maybe she wouldn''t have acted the way she did."


    Leon shook his head firmly. "Whatever happens, I''m aligned with the Shadow Wolves now. We''re in a situation where we need each other, and it benefits both sides. I''ve got the only chance to hatch the demon egg, and they might need my help with their mission, especially after losing people in that unexpected incident. If I risk everything by prioritizing strangers I barely know, that''s not a smart move. I can''t afford to let their fate affect ours."


    "You really are heartless," Freya said with a small giggle.


    "Am I?" Leon replied, raising an eyebrow.


    "Yeah... Those ve women were clearly from Yunatea. And that forest elf-wasn''t she from the same race as Princess Alora?"


    "You expect me to buy every ve in Yunatea or what, Freya?"


    Sheughed softly. "But you''re the one who said NPCs have their own lives, and you respect


    that, right?"


    Leon sighed. "Yes, I did say that. But like I mentioned, I''m not going around helping everyone


    who needs it."


    Freya giggled again. "That''s not very main-character behavior."


    Leon shrugged. "I don''t think I am one."


    Leon stood up and stretched his muscles. "Time for my daily self-torture-running, gym,


    and training," he said with a grin, then nced over at Freya. "Wanna join?"


    "Nope, I''ll pass."


    "How about after that? We can hang out at the rooftop caf¨¦," he offered casually.


    Freya smirked. "Are you asking me out?"


    "Yes, consider it a reward for all the hard work you''ve done helping me," he said yfully.


    "And I think that reward isn''t enough!"


    "You said you don''t need money, right?" he chuckled.


    Leon changed into his workout clothes, and together, they walked out of the room. As they made their way to the elevator, they joked and chatted all the way down to the lobby.

 Chapter 336: Chapter 336 - Annoying Confrontation

    Chapter 336: - Annoying Confrontation


    ?


    Broken logged back into Immortal Legacy, but not Yunatea like usual¡ªthis time, it was Hell! He found himself back in the same inn room as before. As he scanned the room, he noticed someone else had logged in before him. It was a girl-a healer wearing sses. She looked startled, quickly averting her gaze when he nced in her direction.


    What should I do while waiting for the others to gather? He wondered.


    There were still two hours before their scheduled meet-up. Marlene had given the team some leeway, allowing them to either handle things in the real world or spend some time exploring the town.


    For some reason, he couldn''t shake the urge to venture deeper into this small, eerie town. After his first encounter with the demon society yesterday, he felt more prepared-more ustomed to their strange, unsettling forms. So he decided a quick walk around wouldn''t hurt.


    But Marlene had set a strict rule: no one could leave the inn alone. They had to pair up. It was a precaution to prevent troublesome incidents; with two people, they could look out for each other.


    Broken nced back at the healer girl, who was now also looking at him. She gave a small bow and hesitantly waved. "Hi," she said.


    "Hi," he replied, unsure of what else to say.


    They both stood there in awkward silence.


    "My name is Calista," she finally offered.


    "Broken," he responded with a nod.


    Calista nodded back before shifting her gaze down again. "I saw you during thepetition in the Dissidia Kingdom."


    "Really? I remember seeing a few of the Shadow Wolves there, but I didn''t really pay attention to everyone," Broken admitted.


    Calista nodded, though she hesitated before lifting her head. For some reason, she always seemed anxious, even around her own teammates.


    "Anyway," Broken continued, "I want to explore this town a bit more. If you''re up for it, maybe you could join me?"


    Calista looked up but didn''t respond immediately.


    "No pressure, really," he added quickly. "It''s just that I''m curious about this little demon town."


    She remained quiet for a moment longer before giving a small nod. "But... I''m not that useful. All I can do is heal... If something happens, you might be in trouble."


    "Don''t worry," Broken reassured her with a slight smile. "I think as long as we don''t stir up any trouble, nothing bad should happen, right?"


    Calista nodded again, then moved toward him. Broken stood up as well, and together, they left the room, stepping out of the inn. A few other guests noticed them as they passed by, their curious gazes following the pair-who, in contrast to the typical demons, stood out.


    Both of them wore clean, polished gear-Broken in his well-kept clothes and Calista in a pristine robe. The demons around them, on the other hand, were generally grimy, their clothing dark and ragged.


    But Marlene had made it clear that as long as they didn''t draw too much attention to the fact that they weren''t actually demons, this kind of thing shouldn''t be an issue, right?


    "I''m afraid they''ll figure out we''re not demons," Calista murmured, walking with her head down.


    "We''re doing what Marlene suggested," Broken replied. "I think that''s our best option."


    They continued down the busy streets of the town. Calista struggled to keep up, frequently bumping into demons as they passed by, nearly falling with each collision. Broken nced back, waiting for her, but she kept trailing behind him. Then, a pale, hairless demon dressed in nothing but a cloth around his waist bumped into her.


    "Sorry... sorry..." she whispered, her voice trembling.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The demon stopped and stared at her, his face nk with confusion. Calista looked terrified and quickly lowered her head. The demon reached out as if to touch her face, but Broken intervened, grabbing her hand and pulling her away.


    "Come on, stay close to me," he said firmly.


    She didn''t reply but hurried to match his pace. He kept hold of her wrist, making sure she didn''t fall behind again.


    "Broken..." she said softly.


    "Yeah?"


    "Are you looking for something? Or do you need to buy anything?"


    "No, not really. I don''t know this ce well, and there''s nothing I need. What about you?"


    She hesitated before saying, "I need to buy something."


    "Do you know where to find it?"


    She shook her head. "But a merchant around here should sell it."


    "Alright," he said, nodding. "Let''s look for it together. We''ll go through the streets until we find what you need."


    They spent some time wandering through the town, and Broken was slowly getting used to the strange and varied forms of the demons. It still felt like walking through an endless Halloween party, but with costumes that were impressively high-budget.


    As they continued, they passed by the same spot where, the day before, a merchant had been selling ves. This time, the scene was different, but something else caught their attention. A demon was dragging three people in cages-humanspletely naked.


    Calista saw it, too, and let out a small gasp before quickly covering her mouth. They both tried not to stare, forcing themselves to keep walking as if nothing unusual had happened. Calista was visibly nervous, her eyes darting around as she did everything she could to avoid making eye contact with the demons passing by.


    "Those were humans, right?" she whispered, her voice barely audible, but Broken heard her.


    "Yes... ves," he replied quietly.


    It seemed that the trade of ves from Yunatea into Hell was moremon than he had anticipated. This was the second time he had seen such a scene. What would happen to those unfortunate souls forced into this ce?


    very wasn''t amon practice in the Dissidia Kingdom, though in other regions or continents across Yunatea, it was more epted. Yes, this was a fantasy world, far removed from reality, where what was considered normal here might seem strange to outsiders. Practices like very, for instance, were amon urrence in this world.


    But when demons enved the people of Yunatea, were they treated with any decency? Although, perhaps the very notion of very and decency didn''t quite mix. What did the demons need humans for, anyway? He had overheard talk of them wanting to eat humans just the day before. Did they really eat them?


    After some time, Calista finally found the merchant she was looking for. Broken helped her purchase what she needed since she was clearly too nervous to speak or interact with the


    demons. It turned out she was buying ingredients for alchemy.


    "You''re an alchemist?" Broken asked as they walked away.


    "Yes, I have a second ss-alchemist. But it''s just to support my healing ss," she exined. After a brief pause, she added, "You''re a cksmith, right? As your second ss?"


    "Yes."


    As the time to gather drew near, they decided to head back to the inn. Once inside, Broken noticed that nearly half of the group had already assembled, though Marlene was still


    nowhere to be seen.


    "So, the outsider tried cozying up to one of our teammates again?" the archer sneered. His in-game name was Archer.


    Calista looked visibly shaken. She lowered her head and quickly moved to her seat, trying to make herself as small as possible. Broken, on the other hand, calmly returned to his bed and sat down, choosing to ignore Archer''s provocation.


    But that didn''t stop Archer. Seeing no reaction, he stood up and walked over to Broken, now looming over him. With neither Marlene nor Subaru present, Broken realized this could turn into an annoying confrontation.

 Chapter 337: Chapter 337 - I’ll Finish Him Off Quickly

    Chapter 337: - I¡¯ll Finish Him Off Quickly


    ?


    "What exactly have you contributed to the Shadow Wolves that makes you feel entitled to this treatment?" The archer, Archer, stood before Broken with a confrontational stance.


    "I''m sure I haven''t contributed anything to your guild," Broken replied quietly, rising to meet his gaze.


    "You''re not seriously nning to fight here, are you?" someone interrupted, trying to calm things down.


    "I just want to teach this kid a lesson he won''t forget," Archer said.


    Most of the others seemed unfazed, as if this kind of confrontation was routine. But Calista, looking nervous and guilty, spoke up. "This is my fault... I asked Broken to help me find materials."


    "This isn''t about you, Calista. Stay out of it," Archer snapped, cutting her off.


    Just then, the door swung open, and Marlene entered, followed closely by Subaru and the other members of the team. She paused briefly, surveying the tension in the room.


    "You''d better postpone things like this until the appropriate time," she said coolly before moving to her seat, the others following suit.


    Archer shot a sarcastic smile, as if to say, This isn''t over, before returning to his seat as well. "Don''t waste our time; we need to maximize our efforts here," Marlene said.


    No one responded to her statement, so she continued, "We will explore the forest, starting today and continuing for the next three days. We''ll set up camp in the middle of the woods and return to town afterward." She scanned the team.


    "The raid boss we''re targeting will appear one week from today, so be prepared for everything. Don''t die or waste resources due to foolish actions. Don''t squander your potential. A single mistake could trap you here for a long time, and I''m sure that''s not something anyone wants."


    Someone else in the group added, "What about our formation, Marlene? We''re short a tank."


    "I''m aware of the issue," she said, then turned to Broken. "Broken, how confident are you in meleebat and tanking?"


    "I''m not a dedicated tank, but I''m quite durable inbat. I can survive without much healing or support from others," Broken exined.


    "Ck!" Archer scoffed. "What can we expect from a Miner? What''s with that pickaxe? Are you pulling a joke?"


    "Hahaha, Broken is actually a versatile yer," Subaru interjected.


    "Versatile yer? Like hell! Where did that ideae from? Do you think stat points are handed out randomly to yers? They need to focus on one thing. There''s no such thing as versatile yers in this game!" Archer asserted.


    All eyes turned to Broken, as he was the least known among them. He was primarily known as the yer who won thepetition in the Dissidia Kingdom and subsequently earned his own town. Beyond that, they only knew he was a cksmith. A few were aware of his participation in a raid boss fight with the Ass Guild, but no one knew the full extent of his abilities.


    "Marlene," one of them spoke up. "We need to know more about him. We can''t expect to carry out this expedition well if he''s not even part of our party."


    Subaru then chimed in. "Everyone, Broken is an extra member of this expedition. He isn''t responsible for the entire team''s sess, so I think we should be grateful and ask for his help. Ultimately, we''re depending on him to bolster our numbers."


    "So, he''s just a burden then, right? Joining us means he should contribute more to the team, especially since he''s an outsider," another teammate remarked skeptically.


    Marlene remained silent, observing the escting debate, while Broken appearedpletely unfazed.


    Archer stood up again. "At least we need to know what he''s capable of," he said, pointing at Broken. "Duel me right now so we can see if you can actually fight. Show us your real abilities, not that bullshit pickaxe," he demanded.


    Subaru also stood up, attempting to calm the situation. "Ah, everyone, please, we need to hear Marlene''s opinion on this duel."


    Marlene then spoke, "It''s only a duel. I believe it''s fair, as long as Broken epts," she said, turning to face him.


    But Broken knew he couldn''t ept the challenge. Activating the duel system would reveal both participants'' levels, which would expose his low level to everyone else-something he was notfortable with.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Without rising from his seat, Broken replied, "I''m not interested in a duel. How about a real battle? I''ll face you with my pickaxe," he said, tapping the pickaxe on his back. "I think that''s enough; no need to use my Legendary-grade spear."


    His words instantly triggered a reaction from some of the team. It was clear that Broken was belittling Archer, and he had even deliberately mentioned his Legendary-grade spear, something not everyone was aware of.


    Archer was clearly triggered, anger shing in his eyes as he drew his bow and nocked an arrow. "Shut your mouth and stand up right now. I''ll kill you here and now and shut that big mouth of yours for good."


    It wasn''t unusual for them to look down on or iste Broken. He was an outsider-an outlier in more ways than one. From their perspective, he was little more than a burden, especially since he had never fully demonstrated his abilities in front of them.


    A brutal fight like this would probably turn even more people against him. But at least it gave Broken a chance to showcase a bit of what he was capable of. Regardless of the oue, their opinions didn''t matter to him¡ªhis focus was on hatching the demon egg. That was the only thing that truly mattered.


    Calmly, Broken stood up and removed his costume skin, revealing the Invincible Armor Set he was wearing beneath. He reached over his shoulder, took out the pickaxe from his back, and let the Legendary-Grade Flowing Tide Cape drape behind him. The moment he equipped his gear, a cool blue aura radiated from the upgrades, catching everyone''s attention.


    The room fell silent. Even though they couldn''t directly see the grade or description of the gear, the sheer quality of the armor and cape was unmistakable. Their eyes widened in shock as they took in the sight of his gear. The cape, flowing like water down his back, gleamed with an ethereal beauty that left them speechless. It was clear now that the materials and grade of his armor were of the highest caliber.


    Everyone in the room began to stand, sensing the uing sh. They quickly moved their chairs aside, creating space for the unavoidable fight. The tension was thick as they stepped back, giving Archer and Broken enough room for their confrontation. Among them, only Subaru still seemed to be trying to de-escte the situation.


    "Well, Archer, Broken. How about we take this outside? Near the forest. I think it''s better to handle this without drawing too much attention. I''m not sure fighting inside the inn is the


    best idea."


    Archer scoffed. "I''ll finish him off quickly. No need to worry about causing a scene."


    Broken smirked. "That should be my line."


    Marlene remained seated, her legs crossed, watching the tension unfold with a calm, almost amused expression. Her rxed demeanor stood in stark contrast to the growing unease of the others. Many began to wonder why she was allowing the confrontation to escte-what was she really after?


    Subaru, standing between Broken and Archer, hesitated for a moment, clearly unsure of how to proceed. Realizing there was no stopping it, he sighed and reluctantly stepped back, leaving them to face off.


    Archer leaped back, readying his bow. "I''ll kill you and make you suffer," he sneered.


    "Let me know when you''re ready," Broken said.


    "I''m always ready!" Archer snapped, drawing his arrow and preparing to strike.


    [Water Domain (Conditional Active Skill)]


    In an instant, the ends of Broken''s cape unleashed a torrent of water, flooding the room in a powerful surge. The entire space was soon enveloped in a shimmering Water Domain. Everyone inside felt the weight of the water, and their movements slowed as they adjusted to the sudden shift in their surroundings. The room had be his battleground. "Do you really think this weak domain makes you powerful?" Archer sneered, his arrogance showing. But before he could even register what was happening, Broken was already upon him. In the blink of an eye, Broken had closed the distance, his pickaxe raised high, ready to deliver a devastating strike.


    Archer could only gape, frozen in disbelief, as he realized he was about to take a direct hit.

 Chapter 338: Chapter 338 - That’s Even Less Believable!

    Chapter 338: - That¡¯s Even Less Believable!


    ?


    Broken smirked, seeing the shock etched on Archer''s face. He was just about tond the blow, a strike that would certainly deal heavy damage to an archer caught off guard in close range, especially without any support to protect him.


    "Enough!" amanding voice rang out from across the room. It was Marlene.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    But Broken showed no intention of stopping his attack. Just as he was about to strike, a swift shadow, the wolf, darted across the room, engulfing Archer and dragging him into the floor. The archer vanished in an instant, leaving Broken with his pickaxe halted mid-swing.


    "The fight is over," Marlene dered, her voice cutting through the tension.


    Broken quickly deactivated the Water Domain, the torrents of water retracting in a swift, fluid motion back into his cape. The room returned to normal, but everyone was still in shock, stunned by how quickly everything had unfolded.


    From the other side of the room, a magic circle appeared on the floor. Momentster, a massive Demon Beast wolf emerged, depositing Archer back onto the ground. The archer knelt there, trembling, his face pale with fear and disbelief.


    The room remained silent for a few tense moments as everyone waited to see what would happen next. Broken walked slowly toward Archer, who was still kneeling on the floor, his face pale.


    "Marlene interrupted our fight," Broken said coldly, standing over Archer. "Are you still not satisfied with the result?"


    Archer looked up at him, his face twisted in a mix of anger and fear. "Damn you... fuck you!" he spat, his voice shaking as he scooted backward on the ground, trembling with frustration.


    Subaru stepped forward, trying to break the tense atmosphere with an awkwardugh. "Hey, guys, maybe it''s time we head out, huh?" he said, ncing between Broken and Archer. "We''ve got a schedule to stick to, right?"


    Everyone seemed to get the message. Slowly, they began moving, some helping Archer to his feet. The group quickly filed out of the room, leaving the inn behind. The sudden battle had shaken them, and now, after witnessing Broken''s capabilities, some of theints about him had noticeably quieted down.


    Broken took his ce at the back of the formation, acting as a semi-tanker to guard the rear, while Subaru walked beside him.


    The group made their way through the city in silence. No one spoke, their minds still reying the events from earlier. Archer, in particr, looked shaken as he stumbled along, asionally bumping into demons on the street. A few of them shoved him aside roughly. "Get out of my way, asshole!" one demon snarled, pushing Archer down.


    Eventually, they left the bustling town behind and found themselves on the dry, dusty road leading to the forest. The pace picked up as the path became clearer, free from the congestion of the demon-filled city.


    "Hahaha, Broken... I''m really curious about how many cool items you''ve got," Subaru said with a grin, loud enough for everyone to hear.


    "Not as many as you''d think," Broken replied quietly.


    "Really? But that cape you were wearing earlier was amazing!" Subaru continued, referencing the Flowing Tide Cape, which was no longer visible since Broken had reverted to his normal appearance.


    "Thanks."


    "No, seriously. But I have to ask-your Water Domain, damn, that was incredible! Everyone inside it struggled to move. I''m curious about what else you can do with it. Hahaha," Subaru rambled on with his usual enthusiasm. "Tell me, can you control water like an avatar or something? Hahaha... How big is the domain, exactly? I really want to know more. I''m a mage, you know, so this kind of stuff really interests me."


    "You''re prying on purpose, aren''t you?" Broken responded, giving him a side nce.


    "Oh, really? No, no! Hahaha, I''m just genuinely impressed," Subaruughed.


    They entered the forest in a well-prepared formation, with Marlene positioned at the center to ensure she could issuemands whenever needed. The team picked up the pace as monsters began to emerge from all directions.


    They swiftly dealt with each iing threat. The tanker cast buffs to strengthen the team, while the support roles enhanced their stats and abilities. The fighters eagerly charged forward to meet the monsters head-on.


    Meanwhile, Broken held the rear with his trusty Iron Solemn Pickaxe. When a group of monsters approached from behind, he activated his skill.


    [Quake Strike (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    He mmed the pickaxe into the ground, sending shockwaves through the earth. The force of the quakeunched several monsters backward, disorienting them. Without hesitation, Broken darted forward, finishing them off with quick, precise strikes. Despite the pickaxe being primarily a mining tool, he wielded it with remarkable ease. The monsters, with levels in the 180s, fell quickly under his efficient blows.


    As the team continued their journey, some of the members couldn''t help but notice Broken''s performance. He had barely shown a fraction of his potential, yet he was effortlessly fighting with a pickaxe. Was he joking, or was there something more to this strange choice of weapon? "Broken..." Subaru continued. "Are you really nning to keep fighting with that pickaxe? You have a spear, right?"


    Broken checked the durability of the pickaxe. It wasn''t too bad yet, but he knew the durability would drop significantly if he kept using it against monsters. "You''re right, I can''t keep using this for too long," he admitted, storing the pickaxe in his inventory.


    "Now, I''m sure you''ll switch to something more... proper, right? Haha." Subaru grinned, expecting a spear to appear.


    But instead, another pickaxe materialized in Broken''s hand. This one was stunning-an artifact with glittering gems embedded in the handle, its aura glowing with a faint blue light. "Wait, when I said a proper weapon, I meant a spear," Subaru said, blinking in surprise. "For now, I''m morefortable using this pickaxe," Broken replied calmly, offering no further exnation as he secured it on his back.


    Subaru still looked skeptical. "Broken-what kind of pickaxe is that? I didn''t even know pickaxes could look like that... What material is it made from? Why is it so beautiful? Are you really sure about fighting with a pickaxe?"


    "Yes," Broken replied calmly.


    Just then, another wave of monsters attacked from all sides. This time, everyone''s attention was fixed on Broken, and they were curious to see what that remarkable pickaxe could do.


    Five monsters charged at him simultaneously. Broken didn''t flinch. Instead, he prepared to cast one of his less shy but deadly skills.


    [Terra Fury (Active Skill)]


    The air around the Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe seemed to crack as Broken mmed it into the first monster. The impact was devastating, tearing through the creature and leaving it nearly obliterated. A powerful shockwave rippled outward from the strike, hitting the other monsters with brutal force, sending them flying backward as if they''d been caught in an


    explosion.


    Without hesitation, Broken leaped again, bringing the pickaxe down with another crushing


    blow.


    [Quake Strike (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    The ground shattered under his strike,unching the monsters into the air and stunning them. Broken moved swiftly, picking them off one by one with precise hits from his pickaxe. In mere seconds, all five monsters disintegrated into pixels, obliterated before the others had even


    managed to kill a single one.


    The rest of the team stood in disbelief, their mouths agape. One thought echoed in their minds: What kind of pickaxe deals that kind of damage?


    Once the monsters were dealt with, they resumed their journey. Subaru, unable to contain his excitement, became even more curious. "Broken, please tell me the grade... hahaha, I''m dying


    to know."


    Hearing this, everyone subtly focused their attention, eager to hear his answer.


    "If I told you it''s Legendary-grade, would you believe me?"


    "No way! Who would go through the trouble of crafting a Legendary-grade pickaxe?" Subaru


    laughed awkwardly.


    "Alright, then, it''s Common-grade."


    "That''s even less believable!" Subaru retorted, and the others silently agreed.


    Their journey through the forest grew increasingly troublesome as the monsters appearing were progressively higher in level. The group began to run low on stamina. Their energy drained faster than expected. By the time the sun reached its peak, they decided to rest for a


    while.


    During the break, Marlene approached Broken and mentioned that they were getting close to their destination. "We''re nearly there," she said. "The cave ahead should be the perfect ce for you to hatch the egg."

 Chapter 339: Chapter 339 - Demonwood Sentinel Soul Stone

    Chapter 339: - Demonwood Sentinel Soul Stone


    ?


    The Hell expedition team paused beneath the dense, shadowy trees of the forest, taking a moment to catch their breath and recharge. They ate in silence, their energy and stamina slowly returning after the grueling battles they''d faced.


    Broken, on the other hand, sat off to the side, deliberately keeping his distance. It wasn''t just that he had no desire to talk to anyone-he genuinely couldn''t be bothered to try. Socializing had never been his strong suit, and deep down, he believed he needed no one, as long as he could achieve his own ends.


    Still, there were a few things nagging at him that he wanted to sort out. Craving some solitude, he found a nearby tree and settled against its sturdy trunk. He pulled out some food Ivana had prepared for him and ate quietly, lost in his own thoughts.


    "Polly, can youe out?" he whispered.


    He had tried this before, once or twice since entering Hell, yet each time, there had been no response. Polly, who would usually appear with little effort, even without being called, remained absent. This time was no different.


    "Gaia," Broken whispered, calling upon another name.


    "Yes, Master," came the soft, echoing voice in his mind. "Are you wondering why the fox hasn''t responded to your call?"


    "Yes," Broken replied. "Please tell me if you know the reason."


    "Most likely, it is because this is a different world. Unlike me, who stays within the ring, the fox resides in the Spirit World. Crossing into this realm is much more difficult than crossing into Yunatea."


    "Will she never be able toe to me here?"


    "She will, if you force her a bit."


    At the mention of forcing her, Broken shook his head slowly. "No, it''s okay."


    Polly had always been a great asset to Broken, enhancing his mobility with her incredible speed, agility, and ability to run along vertical surfaces. In battle, she could deal devastating damage with her clones, and she had helped him countless times, especially during the Trial Domain. But ifing to Hell could harm her in any way, Broken wasn''t willing to risk it.


    For now, he decided to hold back his desire to summon the four-tailed fox, knowing it wasn''t worth the potential cost.


    Broken still held onto the habit of saving Monster Cores and Monster Soul Stones for Polly and Gaia. Most of the time, he handed them Monster Cores, but when it came to the Monster Soul Stones, the spirits often turned them down-either because the stones didn''t resonate with the type of monster they came from, or because Broken needed them for something else. But today, he hade across something different-an Elite Monster Soul Stone with nature elements, something Gaia had previously mentioned she preferred.


    He discreetly shifted his body to shield the item from view as he pulled it from his inventory, not wanting to draw attention from the others.


    [Elite - Demonwood Sentinel Monster Soul Stone Lvl. 212]


    "Tell me, Gaia, are you interested in this Monster Soul Stone? It has both Nature and Demon elements. I''m not sure if something like this would be useful to you."


    "That''s certainly an odd one, Master, but I can sense a strong energy from the soul stone. It''s making me... drool just looking at it."


    Drool? Broken raised an eyebrow, uncertain whether Gaia was joking or if she genuinely found the stone that enticing. Either way, it seemed to have caught her interest.


    "You can take it if you want, and if you feel it''ll be fine for you to consume."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "With pleasure, Master," Gaia responded.


    Broken smiled faintly at her enthusiastic reply. "You''re always so honest with your answers, huh?"


    "Well, it''s my right to get the best nourishment I can, isn''t it? Although, I was hoping you''d offer something like this a bit sooner."


    "You know Monster Soul Stones aren''t like flowers you can just pick off the side of the road, right?"


    "Yes, Master, I know that," Gaia replied.


    Broken pressed the Soul Stone to the ring, and it was swiftly absorbed into its depths. Spirits could grow stronger by absorbing energy from Monster Cores and Monster Soul Stones. While Monster Cores acted like a meal to regenerate their stamina, Monster Soul Stones were far more powerful-they could boost their progress, sometimes unlocking new skills or even evolving them into new forms. Though usually, more than one was required for such transformations.


    Broken had done the same for Polly in the past, and as a result, she had grown another tail and revamped her skill set, bing more powerful and aggressive. He knew Gaia was already incredibly powerful in her current state, providing him with amazing support and abilities. But if he could supply her with enoughpatible Monster Soul Stones, there was no doubt she could unlock something even greater.


    The ultimate goal was for Gaia to recover her full potential as a Mythic-grade Spirit- something Broken was determined to help her achieve.


    "How does a demon soul taste?" Broken asked with a yful smirk.


    "It''s a bit tough, slightly burnt-well done," Gaia responded with a teasing tone. "But the energy''s strong. And I think I''m close to getting a new upgrade."


    "You don''t have to use human food terms to describe it," Broken chuckled.


    "I meant it literally, Master."


    "But an upgrade?" His interest piqued at the word. Something stirred within him- a small spark of hope. It would be incredibly helpful if Gaia could receive an upgrade, especially with how much he relied on her abilities in critical moments.


    His ultimate wish had always been to summon Gaia whenever he wanted, for as long as he needed. Yet that goal felt distant, almost impossible, as Gaia always limited her time in the physical realm to conserve her strength.


    Still, when summoned, she was a force of nature-capable of extensive healing, wielding massive vine arms inbat, andmanding up to twelve Nature Beasts, each with unique forms, skills, and roles in battle. If her powers truly upgraded, it could change everything, especially here in the depths of Hell.


    [Queen Gaia - Nature Goddess Spirit has received a significant boost and is currently


    developing an upgrade.]


    "Eh?" Broken furrowed his brow as the notification appeared before him. "So the upgrade is really happening now?!" he said, his excitement building.


    [Upgrade in progress-this process will take some time.]


    Bright green streaks of energy began to radiate from Queen Gaia''s Fate Ring, the light so


    intense it could be seen from far away. Broken quickly shifted his body, trying to shield the glow, but it was no use-it was far too strong.


    Realizing he couldn''t hide it, he stood up and moved even farther away from the group, hoping to keep the dazzling spectacle out of their sight as Gaia underwent her upgrade.


    A few members of the Shadow Wolves noticed Broken walking off and started questioning it.


    "Where''s he going?" one of them asked.


    "I don''t know, maybe he''s sulking because no one cares about him, hahaha."


    "You guys are being a bit harsh," someone else chimed in.


    "Ch, he''s an outsider. He should be grateful to us. We''re the ones he needs," one of them


    scoffed.


    "I''ve seen people like him before-introverts who always stay by themselves but secretly want someone to invite them to join in."


    Calista, overhearing the conversation, tilted her head thoughtfully. "I feel like that


    sometimes."


    "Really, Calista? Then go talk to that fool. Maybe he''ll cry and thank you for finally noticing


    him," one teased.


    Calista hesitated, thement lingering in her mind. Should I? she wondered.

 Chapter 340: Chapter 340 - Natures Herald

    Chapter 340: - Nature''s Herald


    ?


    Broken waited patiently as the swirling energy danced around Gaia''s Fate Ring. He couldn''t help but wonder what kind of upgrade she was about to receive.


    When Polly had received her first upgrade, her form changed from three tails to four. Though the visual difference was subtle, the boost to her skills was immense-everything felt


    revamped and supercharged.


    As for Gaia, even her current abilities were extraordinary, despite being limited to just 10 minutes of use. Broken wouldn''tin if the upgrade simply reduced the cooldown from an hour to 30 minutes. After all, he had the right to be a bit greedy.


    Minutes ticked by, and finally, the notifications he''d been waiting for appeared before him. [Congrattions, Broken! Gaia has sessfully received an upgrade.]


    [As a reward for this great achievement, you have been granted 20 stat points!]


    He remained silent for a moment, absorbing the notifications, his excitement building. Reward stat points were always a personal favorite of his, but what mattered most right now was-what exactly was the upgrade?


    "Gaia?" he called out.


    "Yes, Master."


    "Are you okay?"


    "Yes, now check the ring. There''s been an upgrade," Gaia responded calmly.


    Broken quickly examined the ring, eager to see what new enhancements she had received.


    [Queen Gaia''s Fate Ring]


    [Grade: Unique]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 420]


    [.....]


    [Skills:]


    [Awaken the Nature Goddess: Allows the wearer to ess Queen Gaia''s incredible powers and tap into her magical abilities to aid them in their endeavors.


    Cooldown: 60 Minutes


    Duration: 5 Minutes]


    [Nature''s Herald: Connected to Nature Conjuring, this skill lets the summoner call forth a single powerful creature from the same group of beasts, summoning them one at a time instead of all at once. Summoning a new creature will cancel the previous one.


    Mana Cost: 200


    Cooldown: 10 seconds


    Duration: 5 minutes]


    [User Restriction: Have an established contract with Queen Gaia.]


    Broken nodded slowly after reading the details of the upgrade on Queen Gaia''s Fate Ring. Everything seemed the same, except for one new skill added to the ring. Since Gaia had only mentioned the ring, his curiosity piqued. He checked her list of abilities, but nothing had changed there.


    So, the upgrade only affected the ring, he thought.


    Nature''s Herald? Broken smiled as he read the description. The new skill allowed him to summon one of Gaia''s twelve nature creatures from her beast arsenal individually.


    These 12 Nature Beasts usually could only be summoned together when Gaia was called forth, and even then, her presencested for just 10 minutes. But now, with this new skill, he could summon them one by one, adjusting his strategy based on their abilities and roles in battle.


    ording to the skill''s details, the summoned creature wouldst for 5 minutes with a cooldown of just 10 seconds, and the Mana cost was surprisingly low. This meant that as long as he could manage his Mana, the summon could essentially remain active indefinitely. The short cooldown also gave him the flexibility to adjust his strategy on the fly, summoning the right creature at the perfect moment. It was a valuable addition to his toolkit, offering him a new level of control in battle.


    [Nature''s Herald has been activated. You''ve summoned Fern Rabbit.]


    A small rabbit, with fur resembling soft, green ferns, materialized before Broken. It was the size of a normal rabbit, but its body, made of leaves and small branches, allowed it to blend seamlessly with nature. The rabbit sniffed the air curiously before approaching him.


    "Can you talk to them, or listen to what they say, Gaia?" Broken asked.


    "Master, while they can followmands, they don''t have much awareness for two-way conversations just yet," Gaia replied. "You can issue orders, but you''ll need to wait for them to evolve further to develop moreplex interactions."


    "That''s good to hear," Broken said, satisfied with the potential for growth.


    The Fern Rabbit was truly a top-tier Nature Beast, excelling in support abilities. It could heal targets and grant them temporary stealth, a powerful advantage in battle. Additionally, its other skill allowed it to boost attack, defense, and movement speed, making it a versatile ally for any situation.


    [Healing Herbs: Heals a targeted ally over time and grants them temporary stealth.]


    [Verdant Blessing: Temporarily boosts the stats (attack, defense, and movement speed) of all nearby allies.]


    But he knew the team needed something more specialized to handle their current problem: theck of a tank. He considered summoning a tank from the twelve beasts to better support the team''s needs.


    His thoughts drifted to the Thorn Ox, a Nature Beast specialized in tanking damage. Though it didn''t offer support abilities, its true strength was in absorbing and reflecting a portion of the damage it took, making it a formidable defensive choice to protect the group.


    Still, he knew the key to victoryy in adapting. Broken needed to utilize each Nature Beast''s abilities based on the team''s needs, reading the battlefield and summoning the right creature


    at the right moment.


    "That''s so cute..."


    Broken suddenly heard a voice and, turning his head, saw Calista walking towards him.


    "Sorry," she stopped in her tracks, looking slightly embarrassed. "Uhm... I just wanted to see


    if you... need anything, and..."


    "No, thanks, I''m fine," he replied.


    "That?" she pointed at the rabbit.


    "It''s my summon," Broken exined. "It has support skills, like you."


    "Really?" Calista''s curiosity got the better of her as she walked closer and sat down to get an/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    better look at the rabbit.


    "What does it eat?"


    "Eat?" Broken hadn''t really thought about that before. Since the Fern Rabbit was summoned from Gaia, it likely drew its energy from the Monster Core Gaia consumed.


    "Monster Core?" he answered, though his tone was uncertain.


    "Can it fight too? Why didn''t you summon it earlier?"


    "Yes," Broken nodded. "I just didn''t think I needed it until now."


    He kept the truth to himself¡ªthat this was his first time summoning the creatures


    individually like this.


    The journey continued, and this time, the small creature following Broken-his Fern Rabbit -drew some attention. The tiny summon often vanished into the tall grass and shrubs, its


    small size making it easy to miss. Some of the team even found it amusing.


    "Broken, that''s adorable, haha," Subaru said with a grin.


    "Thanks," Broken replied simply.


    "But seriously, what does this rabbit even do?" Subaru pressed, still chuckling.


    "Drawughter?" he said in his usual t tone.


    "Ahahaha, that''s so funny," Subaru burst out,ughing uncontrobly.


    Broken kept walking, silently thinking to himself, "Is this idiotughing at my joke, or is he


    laughing at me?"


    Before long, another battle erupted as monsters appeared from several directions. While the Fern Rabbit wandered seemingly unnoticed, some of the team began to feel something


    strange during the fight.


    "What is this?"


    "Is this from the rabbit?"


    "Wait, this buff is actually powerful!"


    They quickly realized that the tiny, unassuming rabbit was far more than just a cute pet-it


    was providing substantial buffs to the group.


    After the battle ended, a few team members were left with injuries, and Calista was struggling


    to heal them all. Then, to everyone''s surprise, the Fern Rabbit approached one of the injured


    men.


    "Wait, get it away from me!" the man said.


    Before he could move, Marlene cracked her whip against the ground, silencing him with a


    sharp look. The rabbit began licking the man''s wound, and to everyone''s astonishment, the


    injury started to heal.


    "The rabbit can heal too?" one of the team members eximed.


    When another battle broke out and the team began to struggle, Broken quickly summoned another creature-Thorn Ox. With its skill, Thorny Defense, the ox increased its defense and reflected a portion of damage back to the attackers.


    Charging into the fray, the Thorn Ox tore through the monsters, disrupting their formation and causing chaos. The monsters lost momentum, scattered by the ox''s brutal assault. This gave the rest of the team a much-needed breather to recover andunch their own attacks from a distance. The Thorn Ox acted as an effective tank, something the team had been sorelycking, and it made a noticeable impact on their battle tactics.


    As the fight concluded, the team''s attitude toward Broken shifted. The looks they gave him were calmer now, more respectful. They remembered how they had marginalized him not long ago, but after seeing his summons in action, they couldn''t help but acknowledge his


    value.


    "That''s impressive, Broken," Subaru said with augh. "How many summons do you have?" "If I told you more than 12, would you believe me?"


    "Really? That''s more than Marlene has! Hahaha. I''d like to see all of them," Subaru teased.


    "Maybe next time, when the moment''s right."


    After some time, Marlene, who had kept her distance and hadn''t spoken to Broken much,


    approached him. "We''ve arrived at our destination," she said.


    ***


    Author''s Note (this doesn''t increase the chapter price)


    I wrote this chapter on my 6-year-old son''s birthday. To celebrate, my wife, our two kids, and


    I headed to the waterpark and had an absolute st!


    However, it looks like the fun took a toll on me, too-haha. I was so exhausted while writing this chapter that I almost fell asleep, but I powered through and got it done! Enjoy!

 Chapter 341: Chapter 341 - The Hatching is in Progress

    Chapter 341: - The Hatching is in Progress


    ?


    The ce Marlene pointed out as their destination was a cave entrance, only about half the height of a normal person, but long and narrow.


    "We''ll use this cave as our shelter while we hunt in this area," she said to the rest of the team.


    "Wait, Marlene, are you sure there aren''t any monsters inside?" someone responded.


    "Rx, it''s safe. I got information about this ce by trading something valuable," she replied, moving toward the low cave entrance.


    Something valuable? So one of the reasons Marlene went to the little town was to gather information about this ce. She really had put in a lot of effort for this expedition.


    Everyone fell silent, seemingly waiting for Marlene to go in first. The men exchanged knowing nces, none of them making a move.


    Marlene nced back at them and pulled out her whip from her inventory. Without needing to say much, they all understood her meaning. Subaru was the first to crawl into the cave, followed by Broken. The first thing they noticed inside was the dampness from the moss covering the walls.


    The room inside the cave wasn''t as low as the entrance. It had a decent height and a tunnel stretching further in. Broken checked his map to see how deep the cave went, but it wasn''t enough to reveal much more.


    Could a cave like this hold valuable resources he could mine?


    Broken joined in, making his way to the most secluded corner of the cave to set up his own tent. Just as he was about to start, he felt a gentle tap on his shoulder as he crouched down; it was Marlene standing behind him.


    "Follow me," she said.


    Broken paused, abandoning his n to set up the tent, and followed Marlene deeper into the cave. As they ventured further inside and out of sight, a few of the team members couldn''t help but voice their curiosity.


    "I wonder what they''re really up to, sneaking off together in the cave?"


    No sooner had those words been spoken than the sharp sound of a whip cracked, echoing from the depths of the cave. That sound made them immediately realize what a mistake had been made.


    "This is a cave, you idiot! Your voice echoes, even if you''re whispering," someone scolded.


    Subaru just snickered, then burst into silentughter, rolling on the ground and clutching his stomach.


    "Shut up, Subaru, or I''ll kill you too," someone else snapped at him.


    Broken kept scanning the cave with his Treasure Sense skill, hoping to find something useful. Gradually, a few spots showed up-ces where he could mine iron ore. But he wondered, is the iron ore in Hell the same as in Yunatea? Although this surface world didn''t seem too different from Yunatea, he was still curious about what might lie deeper underground.


    Subaru had mentioned that stronger demons lived below the surface. While the world up top was already vast, did they really have another entire world beneath it?


    Then again, considering how massive Yunatea was, it wasn''t far-fetched to think something simr could exist there. Maybe he just hadn''t explored enough yet. Damn, this game world really was unbelievably huge!


    And what about the gods? There were a lot of them, and surely they had their own realms too, right? Otherwise, how would they live out their immortal lives? There must be some kind ofnd of the immortals or a realm of the gods that yers had yet to fully uncover.


    And again-the Spirit World? What could possibly be waiting there?


    Marlene came to a stop as they entered arger chamber within the cave, much wider than the narrow tunnel they had just passed through. Broken snapped out of his wandering thoughts, suddenly aware of his surroundings again.


    "Broken, I''m certain you can hatch the egg here," Marlene said.


    Broken took another look at the room inside the cave. He still didn''t quite understand why they had to be inside a cave, or perhaps the egg needed to be left in an open space like this for some time to hatch. He hesitated to pull out the demon egg, and Marlene seemed to notice his reluctance.


    "So," she continued, "usually, you need to leave the egg in an open area like this for a while. You can supply your Mana to the egg, but make sure it''s from natural regeneration, not from a Mana Potion." She paused briefly. "And since this will also drain your Stamina, be sure you''re in full recovery before you start."


    Broken nodded slowly.


    "You can ce the egg here, and maybe set up some guards around it. Meanwhile, I and the team will be out hunting monsters to level up until we head back to the city in the next few days."


    "Got it," Broken replied.


    With her usual stoic expression, Marlene turned and walked away, leaving Broken alone in the chamber.


    He quickly arranged some stones in the center of the room and set up crystalmps to light the cave at various points. Once satisfied with his setup, he took out the egg.


    [Legendary-grade Felhorn Egg]


    He had gone through a lot of trouble just to hatch this egg, and he really hoped the oue would be worth it. But considering it was a Legendary-grade demon egg, the effort was certainly justified. Not every yer would have ess to something like this.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Broken ced the egg carefully in the center of the chamber, using stones to stabilize it. He pulled out some cloth from his inventory to cushion the egg underneath, even though he doubted it was fragile enough to simply crack by rolling onto the floor. Still, he couldn''t help being cautious.


    As he brought his hands closer to the egg, its surface slowly began to emit a faint glow, as if it was breathing light in soft, subtle pulses.


    So, the egg was finally reacting.


    [Hatching progress: 1%]


    [Supply Mana to engrave attributes onto the egg. Ensure the Manaes from the rightful owner, as it will affect the egg''s development.]


    [By supplying Mana to the egg, it will also help increase affinity with the embryo and make the infant more bonded to you.]


    Remembering Marlene''s advice and knowing that his Mana and Stamina weren''t fully restored yet, he set up a temporary resting spot in the chamber. He sat down, taking the time to eat and drink. He needed a while longer to properly recover his Stamina.


    What were the others doing, he wondered. He wasn''t exactly sure of their schedules, but Marlene seemed to be managing everyone''s time and needs pretty well. She really was a huge help when it came to coordinating in situations like this, especially with so many people


    involved.


    After some time, his Stamina had sufficiently improved, he walked back toward the egg. The hatching progress was still at 1%, with no visible change.


    He reached out his hand, and a notification appeared.


    [Do you want to supply the egg with your Mana?]


    Broken nodded, and a soft, bluish-white energy flowed from his hand. He watched as the


    Mana bar in his system visibly decreased.


    The faint light around the egg began to pulse more rapidly for a moment before slowing down again. He smiled, satisfied with the small progress.


    How long would he need to do this until the process wasplete? ording to Marlene''s prediction, it could take a full month in Yunatea time. He''d better get used to the cave''s


    environment.

 Chapter 342: Chapter 342 - The Embryo Likes the Mana

    Chapter 342: - The Embryo Likes the Mana


    ?


    [The Embryo of the Legendary-grade Felhorn likes your Mana. It shows good progress.] [Hatching progress: 2%]


    Broken nodded quietly, allowing his Mana to be drawn into the egg until it waspletely depleted.


    [The embryo likes the Mana, it wants more.]


    Even as an embryo, it''s already got quite the appetite, he thought.


    He rested again, waiting for his Mana to regenerate before supplying it to the egg once more.


    [The embryo feels full. It doesn''t want Mana right now. It needs to be left alone-don''te closer.]


    Broken furrowed his brow, then walked away from the egg. How long had he been there? Three or four hours? It felt like such a waste of time. Damn, he couldn''t help but think he could be using his time more efficiently if only he had a cksmith workstation set up here. He sighed in frustration.


    What could he do while waiting? He pondered. He wanted to explore the cave further, but that would mean leaving the egg unguarded, and he was worried about monsters or other dangers that could appear unexpectedly. He needed someone to watch over it if he wanted to do anything else.


    Summon? No, none of his summons were reliable enough to guard the egg for an extended period. If only Polly were here, that would be helpful.


    He could justze around, eat, and let his Mana and Stamina recover while leveling up in the process. That was one of the perks of being a Sloth Champion, after all. But the idea of doing nothing for an entire month was already stressing him out.


    Sure, in one month he''d get something incredible. A month in the game-yet still, it was a whole month!


    He was already feeling the pressure, and he hadn''t even been in the cave for half a day yet. [Nature''s Herald (Active Skill)]


    He summoned a Poison Ivy Rat, a small creature covered in vines of poisonous ivy. Its dark green fur had patterns like leaves, and its glowing toxic green eyes gleamed. The rat was only slightly smaller than a normal cat, but its small size made it agile and quick on its feet.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Broken sent the rat into the cave to explore.


    "Gaia, can you tell if something kills the rat, or maybe let me know if it finds something?" he asked.


    "Master, I will know if the summon is killed by something, but no, I don''t have vision through its eyes¡ªat least not yet," Gaia responded.


    "Okay, so you need more upgrades to do that," he nodded in understanding.


    He continued, "Please have the rat return to me if it finds anything-especially monsters." Broken kept repeating the same routine-sending the Poison Ivy Rat deeper into the cave, pushing it as far as possible before the summon duration ran out. The goal was to randomly search for anything lurking within. After countless attempts, mostly out of boredom, he began to conclude that there were no monsters inside after all.


    Marlene had already confirmed that earlier, right before they entered the cave. But again, Broken found it hard to fully trust something he hadn''t seen with his own eyes.


    "Ouahhh..." he yawned, feeling the weight of the monotony.


    Maybe he should learn a new skill while waiting? Like dancing? Wait! He could practice battle moves with different types of weapons! Yes, that would be a much better use of his time. Even though training in the game wouldn''t build his real muscles, it could still sharpen his senses and improve his proficiency with various weapons while he waited.


    He started with the spear, smiling as he finally found something productive to do to fend off the boredom.


    One day passed just like that.


    Damn! Only one day had passed? Motherf***.


    Broken decided to head back to the outer part of the cave, trying to figure out what else he could do. Was this a sign that he actually needed another human around to kill his boredom? Did this mean he wasn''t as antisocial as he thought? No, he could easily survive 2-3 months alone if he had cksmithing work to keep him busy. But doing nothing? That was different. That drove him crazy.


    From a distance, Broken could hear loud voices-members of the Shadow Wolves shouting in frustration, some angry, others sounding disappointed.


    What happened to them? The sounds grew closer, and soon the figures of the Shadow Wolves came into view.


    "Damn, I almost got wiped out by that monster," one of them muttered.


    "Sorry, my Stamina''s depleted, I couldn''t heal in time," Calista replied, her voiceced with fear.


    "Haha, it''s fine, Calista. We''re lucky we made it out. Let''s just wait until things calm down," someone reassured her.


    As Broken approached, the group noticed him, though most were too wrapped up in theirints to say much. Subaru, however, spoke up awkwardly.


    "Hi, Broken. Hey, how are you holding up there, man? Having fun yet? Haha," Subaru said with a forcedugh.


    Broken nced at them and noticed a few were badly injured-one had a deep gash on their thigh, clearly from a fight.


    Without a word, Broken summoned his Fern Rabbit. The small creature hopped around his feet before bounding toward the injured members, as if knowing exactly what to do. The rabbit approached them, and momentster, they watched in awe as it began to heal their wounds.


    An awkward silence settled over the group as the Fern Rabbit healed them one by one. The swordsman, who had suffered the worst injury, was now fully healed. He stood up and approached Broken.


    "You helped me. I feel so ashamed for how we treated you at the start," he admitted awkwardly.


    "Hahaha, see? I told you, Broken is really something special!" Subaru chimed in with augh. Another person stood up, the tanker. "Thanks, Broken. You''ve helped us a lot," he said softly. One of the others, Archer, an archer who had also been healed by the Fern Rabbit, remained silent, clenching his fists in frustration. "Damn!" he muttered, then walked over to Broken. "I don''t know how to make up for my mistakes. I''m sorry if I ever spoke badly about you. And... thanks," he said, his voice stiff.


    Broken nodded slowly, and a faint smile appeared naturally on his face. For some reason, the warmth of their gratitude touched him. Having grown up mostly hearing insults and harsh words, hearing a simple "thank you" always stirred something strange yetforting within


    him.


    "Come on, Broken, join us. Have you eaten yet? Haha," Subaru said, pulling him over to the


    campfire.


    Broken let himself be led, sitting down near the fire as the rest of the group gathered around. Only Marlene remained off to the side, sitting on a chair with her legs crossed, a ss and bottle of drink in hand, watching the scene unfold with her usual calm demeanor.


    "Come on, Broken, I''ll share my food with you! Hahaha, it''s the best of the bunch-only for


    you," Subaru said with augh.


    "No, it''s okay, I brought my own," Broken replied.


    He then pulled out a roasted meat from his inventory, its mouthwatering aroma instantly


    filling the air and gently tickling everyone''s noses.


    "Woah, why does that smell so good? Damn, did you head into the cave just to enjoy that all


    by yourself? Hahaha," Subaru teased.


    The others joined in,ughing along with the banter.

 Chapter 343: Chapter 343 - The Weirdest Marketing Scheme

    Chapter 343: - The Weirdest Marketing Scheme


    ?


    It waste at night in Slumdon Town. A yer crouched behind some trees, a mischievous grin stretched across his face. The gamer tag hovering above his character read [Gaara], a prank content creator notorious for his in-game antics, which he frequently shared on his YouTube channel.


    He nced at the floating camera hovering in front of him.


    "See, guys, I''ve been watching this area for the past few days, and I know exactly when the gori statue is unguarded! Hahaha. Look at that."


    The camera panned toward the iconic gori statue-an armored figure, standing proud and imposing, with nts growing across its body. It was a well-known symbol of Slumdon Town, often talked about by both locals and yers who frequently visited the town just to take photos with it.


    "Alright, here''s the challenge! Hahaha," Gaara said with excitement. "I''m going to pee on that statue and record it! This is going to be my most daring challenge yet, and I''ll make sure no one notices until the video drops tomorrow morning."


    Gaara watched as the knights switched shifts, then snuck closer to the gori statue with a quietugh. He set the floating camera to film from behind him, ncing back over his shoulder.


    "This is it, time to mark this dumb icon with my personal touch."


    Humming a tune to himself, he prepared to carry out his prank. But-!


    Suddenly, the camera went ck, and Gaara was instantly killed on the spot.


    The next day, Gaara uploaded the video to his YouTube channel, but he spun a different narrative than he had initially nned.


    "You''ve gotta believe me! The gori statue is alive! It''s not just a statue; it''s a golem! Its gigantic hand came down on me and killed me instantly. Unfortunately, I didn''t capture the best angle, but look at this."


    He pointed to the video, showing a slight movement from the statue just before it attacked Gaara from behind. The footage wasn''t clear, but there was a definite, subtle shift in the statue''s legs.


    "I''m not lying! The gori statue in Slumdon Town is a golem!"


    However, thements on the video were far from supportive, with viewers using him of creating false hype.


    "Bro ran out of ideas and now he''s making stuff up."


    "This gotta be the weirdest marketing scheme I''ve seen, Gaara."


    "Bro tried to prank the statue and got pranked himself, hahaha."


    "Next up: ''Gori Statue 2: The Revenge'' lmao."


    "We all know you''re just covering up for a bad prank gone wrong, bro."


    "Gaara''s plot twist wasn''t strong enough for that insta-death []."


    "Plot twist: the gori statue subscribes to Gaara''s channel just to keep messing with him []."


    ***


    Finally, it was time for Broken and the others to head back to the city. Initially, Marlene had suggested that Broken stay behind in the cave if he preferred, since there were still things the others needed to handle. However, she reassured him that he had plenty of time left to hatch the egg, and since he needed to log out soon anyway, he decided to join them on the journey back.


    The trip was faster this time, as they retraced their previous route, now less popted with monsters. This was also helped by Broken''s summons, which provided extra support whenever they encountered packs of enemies.


    One noticeable difference on this trip was that it wasn''t just Subaru chatting with Broken anymore. Some of the others started talking to him as well, and even patted him on the shoulder after they finished battling groups of monsters.


    Broken''s inventory was nearly full by now, and he was eager to offload some items once they reached the city. It would be a great opportunity to earn some extra cash, especially since Hell coins held a different value than Yunatea coins.


    By the time they arrived in the city, it was already nearing nightfall. This time, they were allowed into the city with ease. They quickly headed to the inn they had rented and logged out together for the night.


    ***


    Leon stepped out of his gaming room and suddenly remembered it was Saturday night. He had promised to spend some time with Lily today, but when he checked the living room, she wasn''t there. He walked over to her room and knocked on the door.


    Lily opened it, looking excited. "Leon,e here! I want to show you something," she said, grabbing his hand.


    She led him to herputer and pulled up a YouTube video. As it yed, Leon realized it was talking about Slumdon Town.


    "What is this guy doing?" he asked.


    "Watch," Lily replied, continuing the video until the end, before bursting intoughter.


    "Damn, do people actually believe that gori statue is really a golem?"


    "I saw lots ofments saying they don''t believe it," Lily said with a grin. "But the video was posted yesterday, and Freya told me that Slumdon Town has actually been swarmed by more yers because of it. All because of this video."


    "Well, I guess that''s good news," Leon mused.


    "But what if they start demanding proof that the statue is actually a golem?" Lily asked with a smirk.


    "Hmm..." Leon thought for a moment. "I don''t really have a reason to keep it a secret. But honestly, I think it would be way cooler if the golem was revealed in some epic, suspenseful moment. You know, when everyone least expects it. That would just add to the


    awesomeness."


    Lily giggled at his response.


    After chatting for a bit, Lily, who was already dressed up and ready, grabbed her bag.


    "I''m heading out," she said.


    "Wait, by yourself?"


    "Yes."


    "But didn''t I say I''d take you out to y?" Leon asked, looking a bit puzzled.


    "Today is Hazel''s birthday, and she invited me and a few friends to dinner," Lily exined.


    "Oh really? She didn''t invite me too?"


    Lily smirked. "Why should she? Well, actually, she did invite you, but I told her you were busy, remember?" She giggled. "You''re too busy with that sexy woman from the Shadow


    Wolves."


    With that teasing remark, Lily left the room.


    "Lily, who are you going with?" Leon called after her.


    "Alfred!" she shouted back from outside.


    Broken stayed in Lily''s room for a while, lying down and thinking about what to do with his


    evening. Feeling a bit yful, he sat up and opened Lily''sptop again, revisiting the YouTube video she had shown him earlier. Using Lily''s ount, he left a cheekyment


    under the video.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Hi, yes, I confirm that it''s a golem. I saw the golem walking outside the town once."


    He chuckled to himself, hoping that thisment would stir up even more curiosity and draw more people to Slumdon Town.


    After that, Broken started browsing the inte, looking for things to keep him entertained while hatching the demon eggter. Reading books? Maybe. Watching anime? Ah yes, he


    could definitely catch up on thetest series.


    What else? ying a game? Damn! Why would he y a game inside a game?


    Once he had a few activities lined up for his downtime in the game, Broken got up and prepared himself for another torturous training routine he had nned for the night.

 Chapter 344: Chapter 344 - Send Your Miracles, Save Us!

    Chapter 344: - Send Your Miracles, Save Us!


    ?


    There wasn''t much for Broken to do in the demon city, so they quickly returned to the forest to continue their routine. Just like the previous days, he focused entirely on the hatching process while the others kept busy leveling up and handling their own tasks, which he didn''t know much about.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    During the waiting period, Broken discovered new ways to keep himself entertained, like binge-watching Netflix series. He got hooked on a Korean drama starring Heejin, the person behind the character Starfall, the mage from the Ass Guild. Freya had practically forced him to watch it!


    Yes, he initially watched the Korean drama series because Freya insisted. But then he decided to watch another series, anticipating what Freya would likely push him to watch next. He''s nothing if not strategic.


    The demon egg''s hatching progress was going well. After six days of repeating the same monotonous process, the egg had finally reached 35%pletion. Broken felt a sense of relief and excitement-things were moving faster than he had anticipated.


    Could it possibly be finished in three weeks? If so, he could finally start doing other things in Hell besides waiting for the egg to hatch. At this point, he truly felt like a mother bird patiently waiting for her egg to hatch.


    As time passed, Broken also started getting to know the other team members better. They began pulling him into their conversations, and a few even rotated shifts with each other, ensuring that Broken didn''t have to spend his time alone in the cave.


    There were no monsters in the cave-at least, no signs of them after the days they had spent there. Because of this, Broken feltfortable enough to ease up on guarding the egg. Even so, he still sent his summons every so often to make sure there were no issues with the egg.


    Their second expedition to the forest went smoothly, and they returned to the city without any issues.


    In just two days, the team was supposed to take on the raid boss, something Marlene had mentioned at the very beginning of their expedition. But up until now, she hadn''t brought it up again, at least not when Broken was around.


    Was this a raid he wasn''t supposed to know about? Weren''t they short on a tanker in the team? The role of a tanker was crucial-without someone to hold the front line and absorb the monster''s damage, the team''s bnce could easily copse. It was exactly like their first monster hunt, where they had returned to the cave with severe injuries, narrowly escaping disaster.


    They hadn''t mentioned anything about the raid boss hunt to Broken-at least not until the day finally arrived. Marlene came to him and exined that the team would be heading out to face the raid boss. She told him he had the freedom to do whatever he wanted over the next day or two. Subaru suggested that Broken log out and take a break outside of the game rather than being left alone, but ultimately, they left the decision up to him.


    So, on the eighth day, Broken found himself alone in his inn room with plenty of time on his hands. What should he do? It was a rare chance to take a break from ying mother bird to the demon egg. He could explore the city, maybe shop for crafting materials, or he could offer to run errands for his friends outside of Hell, picking up items they needed in exchange for a fee.


    Broken decided to wander through the city again, this time venturing further into its outskirts to see what he could discover. Most of the merchants he passed were selling food or mining equipment, which made sense considering many demons in the area seemed to work as miners. It exined why he had encountered a group of them before.


    They lived a normal life, in their own version of it.


    He hadn''te across any ve merchants yet, but something else caught his eye: a fairlyrge auction house, surprising for such a small town. There was also a fight club-more like a tower-where participants could win prizes by advancing through levels. The twist? Each fight was a barehanded brawl, matched to the opponent''s level and category.


    "Matched by level?" Broken thought to himself. Wouldn''t that give him an advantage since his level was rtively low but his stat points were significantly higher? The idea intrigued him, and he felt a sudden pull to try it out.


    But what truly captured his interest was the uing auction scheduled for the following week. Who knew what kind of rare items might be sold there? If Broken wanted to participate, he''d need to gather plenty of Hell Coins in the meantime so he could have a shot at buying something useful.


    This could be the first auction he ever joined if he decided to take part.


    And for some reason, Broken felt a sudden urge to raid the mining spots around here. With his mining skill and Legendary-grade pickaxe, he could clear out a cave rtively quickly. But then again, time wasn''t on his side. What should he prioritize?


    Just as he was weighing his options, something he''d been curious about finally came into view. In the middle of the road, a group of about a dozen humans were being dragged along in cages attached to carts.


    Humans. Yes, unmistakably humans, ranging from the middle-aged to the young, even children. They were being pulled along like animals, treated as nothing more than livestock. From the demons'' perspective, perhaps this was just how they handled their food supply?


    It was clear now-the demons had a method of obtaining a steady stream of humans and other races from Yunatea. There had to be some kind of interworld trade going on, where powerful figures facilitated the exchange of ves and resources.


    One person he knew for sure could manage such feats was Marlene, with her mysterious means of opening portals to Hell.


    Seeing the humans dragged like beasts disturbed him more than he expected.


    What should he do?


    He decided to discreetly follow the carriage, pretending to ignore the ves for now, curious to see where they were being taken. But the cries of the humans rang in his ears, sharp and


    desperate.


    "Oh goddess of the moon, please, send your miracles, save us!"


    The mention of the goddess of the moon caught his attention immediately.


    Goddess of the moon?


    His mind drifted to everything he knew about the goddess. She was a deity banished from heaven, descending to Yunatea. She was the one who granted the Sword of Dissidia to King ndorr, the Sloth Champion. She had blessed the moonstone, and she was also the one who taught Sandro and his ancestors the ritual to summon rain.


    The goddess of the moon was well-known in the Dissidia Kingdom, which made him wonder -could these humans be from the Dissidia Kingdom?


    Suspicion filled his thoughts as he continued to tail the carriage dragging the ves. How could he confirm that these people were indeed from the Dissidia Kingdom?


    No, there wasn''t a direct way for him to verify that right now. But he could do something else. Something that irritated him even as the thought crossed his mind.


    It was a skill from The Cape of Slumdon.


    [Slumdon Insight - Allows the user to detect the three most prominent talents of the people


    of Slumdon.]


    Damn, could any of them possibly be from Slumdon Town?


    Broken was still cloaked in his Obsidian Shroud-clothes that hid the armor he wore beneath. He was equipped with the Woond Ranger set, which came with a useful skill allowing him to enter Stealth Mode for five seconds.


    [Stealth Mode (Active Skill)]


    He activated the skill, and his body vanished from sight. A scrawny demon, unaware of his presence, walked right into him and stumbled to the ground, bewildered by the invisible


    obstruction.


    Without wasting any time, Broken quickly donned The Cape of Slumdon. Its colors and emblem were far too recognizable, so he had no intention of letting the demons see him wearing it. Once covered, he activated the Slumdon Insight skill, directing it toward the human ves.


    His heart raced as he cast the skill on the human ves one by one, hoping to gain some insight into who they were and whether any of them had ties to Slumdon Town or not!

 Chapter 345: Chapter 345 - Inspiring Stories

    Chapter 345: - Inspiring Stories


    ?


    1, 2, 3, Broken checked the status of each human ve, his anger mingling with the fear of what he would find. And there, a fifteen-year-old boy was stumbling while trying to keep pace with the rapidly moving carriage.


    [Name: Nash]


    [Inspiring Stories (A) - Survivalist (B) - Problem Solver (B)]N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Yes, he could see his talents! He is from Slumdon!


    Broken clenched his fists tightly, not realizing his Stealth had run out.


    "Hey, do you even have eyes?!" A demon who collided with Broken shouted angrily, pushing him, but instead, the demon was pushed back.


    Broken stashed his Slumdon Cape into his Inventory, his mind more chaotic than ever. He had done his best to push thoughts of the ves aside, but now he had reached his limit.


    Among the captives, he recognized someone from Slumdon Town-no, not just one, but two people. One of them was a woman, barely in her twenties. This realization hit him hard, stirring emotions he had tried so desperately to bury.


    He followed the carriage from the side of the road, trying to move as quickly and agilely as possible to avoid the demons who stumbled upon him. Some were clearly angry and roared at him, but he didn''t care.


    What should he do? He needed to save them, no question about it! He couldn''t simply ignore this matter anymore. There were residents of Slumdon among those ves.


    Who the hell did this to them? They took them from Slumdon? Damn it!


    In his fury, he sent a message to Freya.


    "Freya, please ask Maylock and the others to tighten security in Slumdon, especially for residents leaving the town."


    A few momentster, she replied. "Hey, it seems like you''re not in a good situation right now? Don''t worry, I''ll handle everything. Please let me know if you''re in trouble."


    Even though he could save the ves, how was he supposed to get them out of here? Surely, if they had been brought here, there must be a way to take them out. He just needed to make sure they were safe first.


    Marlene, she must know how to get the ves back to Yunatea.


    Broken quickly put on his Eclipsed Visage - Headgear, a mask costume he had received as a gift item from Golden Age Company. He then donned his Invincible Paragon Armor under his Obsidian Shroud. Now, he didn''t look like he had horns anymore; instead, he wore a mask that covered the upper half of his face.


    This clearly attracted the attention of a few demons he passed, but his focus was on the carriage entering the high-fenced area leading to arge castle at the edge of the city. The gate closed, and the carriage had already gone inside.


    "A castle?" Broken muttered to himself. "Who lives there? The lord of this town?"


    Broken stood still, weighing his options. Going on a rampage in a ce like this wouldn''t end well; this wasn''t Yunatea. He was painfully aware that greater forces were at work here-the Named Demons. While the people in Yunatea feared them from a distance, here he was, stepping directly into their domain, in Hell itself.


    Surely, there was a better way to handle this situation than causing a massive chaos, right? Was he confident enough in his abilities already? No, he still knew so little about Hell.


    Would he back down from this challenge? No, he fought to control his anger, trying to approach this in a different way.


    The castle looked rundown with its moss-covered walls and unkempt appearance, but it was clear that someone powerful ruled there.


    He quickly slipped away to the edge of the area and changed his appearance back. Using his Stealth skill repeatedly, he moved away from the ce. At least now he knew where the ves were taken.


    But what if he was toote and the ves were already killed? Damn, he felt so helpless in situations like this. The only thought in his mind was to rage and force his way in to save them. Damn, he needed to use his brain more to handle this situation!


    After that, Broken spent his time getting to know more about the small town. The area was fairlyrge for him to explore on his own. There was a lot he had to learn, and doing it all by himself was somewhat challenging. However, he made sure to take notes on the key locations and to jot down a few things he might need, ensuring he knew exactly where to find them when necessary.


    He also tried to find a ce where he could get more information about the town. There were a few information brokers he approached, and he ended up paying a hefty price-he probably got scammed. The man mentioned a few things, including something about a ranked Demon near the small town.


    When Broken asked where the ves in the area wereing from, the informant gave him a vague, evasive answer. It was clear now-he had definitely been scammed!


    After logging out and re-entering the game, on the day when the raid boss hunt with the Shadow Wolves was supposed to bepleted, Subaru sent him a private message. Subaru informed him that they couldn''t make it back to the town because the raid had been aplete failure, and some party members had been killed. They had to wait for their revival timers to end before they could return to the town as nned.


    Broken felt there was something they needed to discuss, so he asked where they were waiting. Subaru sent him a location marker, and Broken decided to head out and meet up with them.


    The Shadow Wolvespletely failed their raid boss hunt. They really should have asked him to join the team. It would''ve been better than missing a tank. Maybe they had their reasons- perhaps the raid boss had a high rarity, or it was one they didn''t want to share with others.


    When he arrived at the outskirts of the town, he summoned one of Gaia''s Nature Beasts-the Petal Charger. It was a swift horse with petals for a mane and a sleek dark green coat.


    The horse''s appearance was indeed striking, with a blooming flower on its left shoulder and petals adorning each hoof. Broken couldn''t help but feel it wasn''t the coolest mount for him to ride.


    But he had no other choice if he wanted to get there quickly. His beloved steed was currently unavable for summoning, so the Petal Charger would have to do.


    The horse bolted across the dry ins, heading toward the treeline of the forest. Summons had a limited duration, but when Broken was close to them, he could easily extend their time by spending the necessary Mana.


    The Petal Charger wasn''t as agile or fast as Polly, his favorite steed. He couldn''t help butpare, knowing this horse was just one of twelve summons granted by Gaia, while Polly was a Unique-grade Spirit Beast of her own. Still, at least he could save time and stamina by


    riding it.


    He continued his journey through the forest, but several times Broken had to dismount from the horse to conserve both Mana and Stamina. Eventually, he reached an area that seemed...


    burned?


    Yes, he had arrived at a wide-open field where the ground and trees were engulfed in mes. "Subaru and the others should be around here... but what is this ce?"


    As if in answer to his question, a loud boom shook the ground. From one direction, magma shot up from the earth, then again from another, and yet another.


    "Damn, a monster?"

 Chapter 346: Chapter 346 - The Scorched Tyrant Infernak

    Chapter 346: - The Scorched Tyrant Infernak


    ?


    The ground beneath Broken began to crack open in multiple ces, and suddenly, columns ofva erupted into the air. His instincts red-there had to be a powerful monster close by. Should he run?


    But before he could decide, another violent eruption split the earth. From the rising surge ofva emerged the creature he dreaded. A towering demon, fearsome and menacing, stood before him, cloaked in swirling mes. Its dark, cracked obsidian skin oozed moltenva through its fissures, casting a sinister, hellish glow. Massive, jagged horns jutted from its head, while its wings were living fire, flickering with chaotic life. Its ws and teeth, forged from molten rock, dripped fiery liquid that sizzled upon hitting the ground.


    The demon''s voice boomed with amusement. "Ha ha ha! You dare step into my domain? Now, I will burn you to ashes!"


    [Epic - The Scorched Tyrant Infernak Lvl. 220]


    Epic Monster level 220? Its level was daunting, and the grade was Epic. But for some reason, Broken felt an irresistible urge to take this creature down. It was the first time he had encountered a monster of this caliber-both in level and grade in Hell. Wasn''t this a rare opportunity?


    He decided to test the demon''s strength. He equipped his Invincible Paragon set, draped the Flowing Tide Cape over his shoulders, and pulled out his Wavebreaker Spear. The spear had a water element which was effective against the demon that was cloaked by fire.


    With quick reflexes, he dashed repeatedly, using his skill to avoid the explosions and theva spurting from the ground. The demon stood at the center of the chaos, raising its right hand, and each time it clenched the air, an explosion erupted around Broken.


    "Ha ha ha! You came here alone? Now,e to me, and I will burn you to ashes!" the demon taunted once again.


    "Don''t you have any cooler lines, idiot? You''ve already said that," Broken yelled back, provoking the creature.


    "You dare challenge me?" the demon growled.


    The demon pped his zing wings and shot forward with terrifying speed, leaving only a fiery blur in his wake. He swung his massive ws at Broken,va trailing behind them in an


    arc.


    Broken quickly switched to his Gravestone Greatsword and braced for impact, blocking the strike. The runes on the sword instantly absorbed the hit, filling three slots at once-it was a massive amount of damage! However, the sheer force of the attack sent Broken flying through the air, tumbling across the ground. He immediately scrambled back to his feet, adjusting his stance and readying himself for the next move.


    Damn, the monster is tough. Is it time for Broken to go all out and use everything he''s got to take it down? But wouldn''t that be overkill? Besides, this is the only monster around that seems stronger than the others, and it''s an Epic grade. He can''t waste this opportunity, right? Broken kept dodging the monster''s attacks, asionally blocking with the Gravestone, hoping to fully charge the runes so he could strike back.


    Subaru and the others were waiting, and they might need help. He had to finish this thing off quickly. With that decision made, Broken finally chose to summon Everything.


    [Summon the Guardian (Active Skill)]


    Dendros, the nt warrior, emerged instantly, his Moonvine Knuckles glowing as he stepped into the fray.


    [Awaken the Nature Goddess (Active Skill)]


    Gaia''s figure appeared behind Broken.


    [Nature Conjuring (Active Skill)]


    Twelve Nature Beasts were summoned next, filling the battlefield in a wild rush of life.


    Without hesitation, Broken began casting every water elemental skill he had.


    [Ocean''s Wrath (Active Skill)]


    [Sea of Storms (Active Skill)]


    [Boar''s Flood (Active Skill)]


    He also activated the Flowing Tide Cape, triggering his Water Domain skill.


    [Water Domain (Conditional Active Skill)]


    A massive wave surged across the ground, swallowing up the fiery terrain before him. Hundreds of water spears rained down from the sky.


    Broken charged forward within a dome-shaped water barrier, now face-to-face with the demon. The water slowed the demon''s movements, reducing its speed considerably.


    As the hundred water spears entered his Water Domain, Broken swiftly took control of them, directing every spear to strike the demon. The powerful impacts mmed into the demon''s ming body, forcing the mes to extinguish. It was pure devastation-a massacre.


    Ten massive vines mmed into Infernak''s body repeatedly. The demon was also bombarded by poison from the Poison Ivy Rat, rammed by the Thorn Ox, and sted with fire from the Chili Pepper Rooster.


    However, the rooster''s mes didn''t seem to do much, so Broken ordered it to retreat.


    High above, the Elder Dragon Tree unleashed a massive burst of magical energy, creating a powerful explosion that dealt heavy damage to the demon.


    Meanwhile, Broken spun his spear,unching attacks from all angles. It was almost effortless for him, given theyers of protection he had. Gaia provided him with unlimited regeneration, and the Invincible Paragon set shielded him with thick defenses. The demon, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of attacks, was left confused about where to strike back.


    [Berserker Rage (Active Skill)]


    Broken activated the Armor Set skill from Invincible, converting 80% of his Constitution into Strength. Though the boost wasn''t massive due to his already high Strength stat, it still allowed him to deliver even more devastating damage.


    He and all of his summons kept attacking relentlessly. His Water Domain significantly weakened the demon, as it appeared to have a vulnerability to water elements. This gave him a clear advantage, especially since his Wavebreaker Spear delivered water element damage with every strike.


    But the fight dragged on longer than he had expected. What he thought would be overkill was turning into a prolonged battle. Why wouldn''t this monster die already? Still, he pressed on, knowing that Gaia''s summon had time left. He was determined to keep attacking until Gaia''s duration ran out-and if the demon still wasn''t defeated by then, he''d consider retreating. "Damn," he thought, "Epic-grade monsters in hell are really this tough." Infernak shifted its strategy, now wielding a zing sword. Unable to move freely under the relentless assault from all sides, the sword gave it a way to strike back in all directions. With a single sh, the demon sent the Thorn Ox flying, while the other summons were hit as well. Seeing this, Broken adjusted his own strategy. He switched to the Gravestone Greatsword, hoping to block the demon''s strikes and gradually wear down the sword''s durability. But this proved to be a challenge-each of Infernak''s powerful attacks sent Broken flying backward, the sheer force overwhelming him.


    The demon momentarily escaped the Water Domain but quickly charged back toward Broken, recklessly throwing itself back into the watery barrier.


    The battle showed no clear signs of ending anytime soon. Despite the immense damage Infernak had taken from the twelve Nature Beasts, each at level 200, and the barrage of Legendary skills Broken had unleashed, the monster still fought on, defiant and resilient.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He knew the duration of Gaia''s summons was running out, but he couldn''t afford to waste this opportunity. He had already invested so much into this battle-there was no way he could let the monster escape, nor could he face the shame of retreating after failing to kill it.


    What should he do?

 Chapter 347: Chapter 347 - Had the Demon Been Defeated?

    Chapter 347: - Had the Demon Been Defeated?


    ?


    Broken struggled to hold his ground. The demon''s movements were quick and precise, effortlessly dodging the numerous strikes aimed at it from all directions.


    Every few moments, Infernak spat fire from its mouth, forcing Broken to use his dash skill to narrowly avoid the scorching mes. His protective abilities from the Invincible Paragon set had been pushed to their limits and were rapidly depleting, leaving him more exposed with every passing second.


    "You can''t escape me!" the demon roared with a boomingugh.


    Despite knowing that the demon had taken a tremendous amount of damage, Broken couldn''t help but notice that Infernak still showed no signs of being close to defeat-its Health was exceptionally high. This clearly wasn''t just any monster.


    Could this be a Raid Boss? Was it the same Raid Boss that Subaru and the others had been fighting earlier? No ordinary creature could possess this kind of overwhelming power.


    The demon pped its wings and surged toward Broken, allowing more damage to hit its body while it let out a thunderous scream.


    "Life Link Reversal!" the demon bellowed.


    What the hell is that?


    Suddenly, a chain of energy shot out from the demon''s chest, snaking through the air andtching onto Broken.


    "Hahaha! Now you will suffer from your own attacks!" the demon taunted, as continuous damage rained down on it.


    [You are affected by Life Link Reversal. All damage and health received in the past 5 seconds will be shared evenly. For the next 5 seconds, any health or damage received will be reversed and transferred between both parties.]


    Damn, that''s why the demon was allowing so much damage to hit it!


    Broken watched in horror as his health began to plummet rapidly.


    "Hahaha, feel the pain of your own damage!" the demon bellowed with a boomingugh. [You are taking massive damage over time!]


    [Ethereal Form has been activated. This will protect you from physical attacks and increase the damage you receive from magic for five seconds. Your Health will also be fully restored to 100%.]


    Broken shifted into his Ethereal Form, his body cloaked in shimmering silver energy. He lifted his head defiantly. "No, you''re wrong," he said calmly.


    He activated his dash, quickly putting distance between himself and the demon. His Health surged up and down rapidly, stabilizing for brief moments as he received double regeneration from Nature Healing and Ethereal Form.


    The demon roared in fury as its body began to crumble, falling apart in sections. Explosions erupted from within its body-first its wings, then its arms-each detonation more violent than thest.


    "No... ARGHHHH!" the demon screamed as its body tore itself apart, detonating in a series of fiery sts.


    Broken maintained his distance, keeping safe until the final explosion ripped through the air. [You have defeated The Scorched Tyrant Infernak Lvl. 220]


    Broken exhaled deeply in relief as the mes continued to flicker in the spot where Infernak once stood.


    "Finally, you''re dead!" he muttered. "Now, gimme my loot."


    But something felt off-there should''ve been more notifications than just the demon''s death message. This time, however, nothing appeared. A strange unease gripped Broken, and he couldn''t shake the feeling that something wasn''t right about Infernak''s demise. It was as if the battle had ended, but the true threat still lingered, just beyond his awareness.


    "Master, the demon revived," Gaia''s voice came from behind him.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "What?"


    Before he could react, another explosion erupted, sending him flying backward from the sheer force of the impact. Even with the rapid regeneration from Gaia''s Nature Healing, he could still feel the immense power from the st.


    [Infernak has been revived!]


    Standing in the same ce as before, Infernak appeared again-only this time, its mes burned even fiercer than before.


    "Miss me already?" the demon taunted.


    Damn it. His health was still regenerating, but Gaia''s cooldown had only one minute left. If he couldn''t defeat the demon within that time, he''d be in serious trouble.


    Without hesitation, he reactivated his Water Domain. The demon shot toward him once more, zing with rage. Dendros desperately tried to bind the demon with vines, but Infernak tore through them effortlessly, hurling Dendros high into the air.


    The demon continued its relentless charge, with all of Broken''s summons throwing themselves in its path, trying to stop it. But the demon''s fiery breath melted the Moss Goat to ash, and one by one, Gaia''s summoned beasts began to fall apart.


    Infernak had clearly gained a power boost after reviving, dishing out even more devastating damage. Yet Broken noticed that the demon''s body was still cracked and broken in ces-its revival hadn''t restored its full health, maybe only a small percentage. That meant Infernak was just as desperate to end this fight quickly as Broken was.


    The demon was now right in front of him, poised to strike. Broken gripped the Gravestone Greatsword tightly, bracing himself. The demon unleashed a powerful sh of zing magma, and the force was too much. Despite his best attempt to block, the impact sent him flying backward. The damage was too overwhelming for him to fully absorb, and the heat seared through his defenses.


    The demon charged again with terrifying speed, but this time, Broken lost the momentum needed to block the attack. He was about to take a devastating hit-there wasn''t enough time to raise the greatsword. The sword swung toward him from the side, and he braced for impact.


    No way! Was he about to lose here?


    But then, in an instant, a figure bathed in white light appeared, apanied by an explosion of white and green energy. Momentster, another form materialized-a fox with four tails. It was Polly. She immediately summoned her clones, whichunched a flurry of attacks on the demon, alternating their strikes. The real Polly grabbed Broken and whisked him away to


    safety.


    "Polly, I''m so happy to see you," he said, adjusting his position as he regained his bearings. "Master, I''m sorry I wasn''t more useful."


    "No, you came just in time, Polly."


    Broken knew he needed to switch to a long-range attack. Once they were at a safe distance, he leaped off Polly''s back and drew the Bow of Artemis.


    The demon was being held back by Dendros and the remaining summons, theirbined efforts buying Broken a critical moment. With this brief window of opportunity, he quickly prepared his next devastating attack.


    He loaded an Epic-grade Iron Piercer Arrow onto his bow, his hands steady as he readied the shot. Switching to his Woond Ranger gear, Broken locked his focus on the demon, which was still struggling against the restraints. He had just enough time to line up the perfect shot.


    Now was his chance.


    [Sniper''s Focus (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    The skill had a charge time of two seconds but delivered 1500% physical damage to a single target while reducing their defense by 30% for ten seconds.


    [Precision Aim (Passive Skill)]


    A passive boost from the Woond Ranger Gloves. It increased his bow damage by 15% and reduced the time required to draw and release arrows by 10%.


    The charge time waspleted. Broken released the arrow, which shot forward with a burst of energy, streaking through the air like a bolt of lightning. It struck the demon square in the chest, tearing through its fiery body and leaving a gaping hole in its wake. The impact was devastating, causing the demon''s defenses to drop by 30%, making it more vulnerable than


    ever.


    The demon, still restrained by Dendros and the others, writhed in pain, unable to close the


    distance.


    No, this wasn''t over yet. Broken knew he needed another devastating hit to finish the demon


    off.


    [Explosive Arrow (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    A skill from his Super Novice ss. With a five-second charge time, it unleashed a colossal st, delivering a staggering 3,000% physical destruction within a wide radius.


    [Projectile''s Kiss (Active Skill)]


    A skill from the Kiss of Fortune Ring, doubling the damage of his next attack. The five seconds felt agonizingly long, each moment dragging out as he charged the arrow.


    Massive vines mmed into the demon, holding it in ce as Dendros braced his body against it. The other summons did their best to maintain pressure from a distance, giving


    Broken the precious time he needed.


    Finally, the charge waspleted. The moment hade.


    He released the arrow!


    The arrow shot through the air with such force that Broken was momentarily thrown


    backward by the recoil. It felt as if the atmosphere itself was being sucked into the projectile,


    amplifying its speed and power.


    The arrow streaked toward the demon, and when it struck-BADABOOM-a massive explosion erupted, shaking the battlefield. Debris, chunks of earth, and waves of energy sted outward in every direction, engulfing everything nearby.


    Broken instinctively raised his arm to shield his eyes as the explosion rocked the battlefield,


    the raw power of the detonation reverberating around him. At that same moment, Gaia''s summon duration expired, and she vanished from his side.


    Polly vanished as well, leaving him standing alone amidst the fading dust and embers. As the


    debris settled around him, Broken slowly lowered his hand, his heart racing.


    Had he finally done it?


    Had the demon been defeated?

 Chapter 348: Chapter 348 - Mask of Scorched Fury

    Chapter 348: - Mask of Scorched Fury


    ?


    [You have defeated Epic - The Scorched Tyrant Infernak Lvl. 220] [You have obtained 3 piece of Low-Quality Infernal Core Ore]


    [You have obtained 2 piece of Medium-Quality Infernal Core Ore]


    [You have obtained 2 piece of High-Quality Infernal Core Ore]


    [You have obtained 1 piece of Medium-Quality Scorched Bone Fragment]


    [You have obtained 4 piece of Low-Quality Dimensional Ember Shard]


    [You have obtained 2 piece of Medium-Quality Dimensional Ember Shard]


    [You have obtained Mask of Scorched Fury - Helmet (Legendary)]


    [You have defeated the Scorched Tyrant, rising victorious from the zing depths of hell. Your power and resolve have snuffed out the demon''s mes, earning you a ce among the most legendary warriors of the underworld.]


    [New Title Unlocked: Hellfire Reaper]


    [You gain +10% movement speed while in hell.]


    "Huh," Broken muttered, furrowing his brow in surprise as he watched the numerous items he''d earned from the monster floating toward him before phasing directly into his inventory. The spoils of his intense battle were impressive, to say the least-among them, a new helmet, and it was a Legendary grade!


    A new title had been unlocked as well, granting him a 10% increase in movement speed while in Hell. This was an incredible reward, especially since movement speed could be a game- changer in battle. For a melee fighter like him, who had lower Agility stats, this boost was invaluable. And for sses that heavily relied on Agility, the impact would be even greater.


    It was clear now that the demon he had just defeated wasn''t an ordinary monster. It had to be some kind of Boss monster for this area. The rewards spoke volumes-this fight had been worth every second.


    As he continued to sort through his spoils, he came across several rare items that caught his eye.


    [Infernal Core Ore: This molten ore pulsed with the dying embers of Infernak''s wrath. It was said to be born from the deepest magma veins of Hell, containing the essence of both fire and stone. Its fiery glow never dimmed, even when submerged in water or darkness.]


    The first item, a rare Infernal Core Ore. He wasn''t entirely sure what it could be used for yet, but the potential was clear-if he could get his hands on the right blueprint, he might be able to craft something truly extraordinary with this ore. But where could he find such a blueprint? He mused over the possibilities. There was no way something this rare would be sold by a regr merchant in the city. The auction houses could be his best shot at tracking down what he needed.


    [Scorched Bone Fragment: The ckened bones of Infernak, still infused with demonic energy, held immense power. When used as a craftingponent, they granted bonuses to fire-elemental summons and enhanced the potency of healing potions when mixed with other rare ingredients.]


    Once again, he found himself confronting the same problem-powerful materials at his disposal, but no clear way to put them to use. Did this mean he needed to venture even deeper into Hell?


    [Dimensional Ember Shard: A shard of pure dimensional energy, crackling with fiery and spatial magic. This shard had the unique ability to create portals between realms, particrly attuned to opening gateways to Hell.]


    The final material, the Dimensional Ember Shard, immediately caught his attention. Its description spoke of dimensional elements and the ability to open portals between realms, especially to Hell. This was exactly the kind of material he had been hoping to find!


    With this shard, it seemed possible to craft an item capable of creating a portal to Hell-a powerful and dangerous tool.


    He couldn''t help but think that this material was exactly what groups like the Shadow Wolves would be after, or even what might be used by those trafficking ves between Yunatea and Hell.


    But that raised a terrifying thought-if materials like the Dimensional Ember Shard existed, shouldn''t there be more demons escaping into Yunatea? Or worse, the Named Demons themselves? Perhaps these shards were rare, or tightly controlled by powerful forces. Still, it was a chilling reminder of the thin barrier between worlds, and just how fragile the bnce could be.


    After checking all the materials he''d earned, his focus shifted to thest and most exciting one-the Legendary-grade Helmet. He retrieved it from his inventory, and a grin spread across his face as he noticed its resemnce to the demon''s own head.


    The helmet was imposing, withrge, curved horns jutting out menacingly. Its eyes glowed a deep, fiery red, and sharp fangs were etched into the front. mes flickered from cracks in the dark metal surface, while intricate demonic symbols spiraled across it.


    Without dy, he inspected the helmet''s description, eager to see what kind of extraordinary abilities it granted. After all, it wasn''t just any helmet-it was Legendary-grade.


    [Mask of Scorched Fury]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Medium Affinity with Fire Elemental Magic


    Attack Power +20% when in Hell


    Strength +100


    Constitution +100] [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 670]


    [This fearsome mask transforms the wearer into a terrifying demon, radiating an intense,n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    fiery aura that strikes fear into the hearts of enemies. Crafted with demonic power, the mask''s zing eyes and snarling visage make the wearer appear as if they''ve emerged from the depths of hell itself.]


    [Skills:]


    [...]


    [User Restriction: Hellfire Reaper]


    This helmet was nothing short of extraordinary. Simply wearing it granted the user Medium Affinity to the Fire Element, boosting the potency of any fire-based abilities. It also harmonized seamlessly with the four embedded skills, each one infused with Fire attributes. What truly set the Infernal Tyrant''s Helm apart, though, was the incredible stat boost it provided. A 20% increase in attack power while in Hell-could that be real? On top of that, the helmet added an extra 100 Strength and 100 Constitution, making the wearer not only more powerful but significantly tougher in battle.


    [Fiery Rebirth


    Effect: Upon death, the mask triggers a massive explosion of mes, dealing 500% Fire Damage to all enemies within a 15-meter radius. After a brief dy of 3 seconds, the wearer is resurrected with 50% HP, surrounded by mes that boost their Fire Damage by 25% and


    increase Movement Speed by 20% for 10 seconds.


    Mana Cost: None (passive)


    Cooldown: 24 hours (triggered upon death)


    Duration: Fire booststs 10 seconds after resurrection.]


    He then examined the first skill: Fiery Rebirth. This ability granted him a remarkable chance


    to revive once every 24 hours, right on the battlefield! It was exactly what the demon had done when Broken had killed it-reviving after a few seconds, stronger than before, though with


    reduced health.


    Though he already had the Ethereal Form skill, with this helmet, he could secure a greater advantage in battle. Having an extra life in a fight was no small matter.


    The only catch was the helmet''s rather... unique design. It looked like a demon''s head,pletely covering the wearer''s face. While it would be great for hiding his identity, it was definitely not something he could wear casually in public. Its true value would shine if he saved it for just the right moment-when his enemy would least expect it.


    There were still three more skills attached to the helmet, which was truly remarkable-an item with four skills packed inside!


    The next skill was-wait, he wanted to try the helmet out first before diving into the rest of


    the skills.

 Chapter 349: Chapter 349 - Ember Breath

    Chapter 349: - Ember Breath


    ?


    The remaining three skills from the Mask of Scorched Fury were all offensive types. So, Broken decided to put them to the test by hunting some nearby monsters.


    He quickly donned the helmet, and the moment he put it on, it was as if he was seeing the world through the mes that flickered within it. He touched the mouth and eye areas and found he could move them.


    "Hi, I''m Ghost Rider," he said, testing it out.


    Even his voice had changed, bing deeper and more demonic-though not quite as echoey as the monster''s had been. After putting his Obsidian Shroud back on, he strolled around for a bit. There was no denying it-he felt pretty badass wearing that helmet.


    Broken opened his console to check his virtual appearance, and sure enough, he looked incredible. Thebination of his ck outfit and the demon-headed helmet made for a striking figure.


    He wondered if he could get away with wearing it around the demon town-or was it too shy? Would it attract unwanted attention from other demons?


    So far, he hadn''t seen any demons wandering the city with a fiery head like his. It definitely looked more like something out of a raid boss''s arsenal. Could the monster he had in earlier have been the raid boss that Marlene and the others were hunting?


    No, that monster had been too easy to defeat. It couldn''t have been a raid boss.


    Broken downed a Mana Potion, feeling his energy quickly replenish. He then summoned Petal Charger, since Polly had vanished after he''d in the demon.


    As he mounted the horse, he couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off. The contrast between his demonic head and the petal-covered horse just didn''t quite fit. Itcked the intimidating presence he was aiming for.


    What he really needed was a pet with a more fearsome, demonic look-something like Marlene''s demon beast wolf. Now that would be cool.


    Or better yet, if he could somehow get a skeletal, fiery horse, he could truly embrace the Ghost Rider vibe. The thought made him chuckle to himself.


    [Ember Breath


    Effect: The wearer exhales a 5-meter-wide cone of molten embers for 4 seconds, dealing 150% Fire Damage per second to all enemies within the area. Targets hit are ignited, taking 50% Fire Damage over 5 seconds.


    Cooldown: 25 seconds


    Mana Cost: 120 Mana


    Duration: Breathsts 4 seconds, burn effectsts 5 seconds.]


    The second skill he unlocked from the helmet was Ember Breath. It allowed him to shoot fire from his mouth¡ªa truly impressive skill, like having a built-in methrower. While its overall damage wasn''t particrly high, the skill required very little Mana, had a short cooldown, andsted for a full five seconds.


    Unfortunately, the skill dealt elemental fire damage, which was tied to magic damage scaling, meaning it relied on the Intelligence stat.


    But here''s where the helmet puzzled him. It boosted Strength and Constitution, yet the skill required Magic Damage. It seemed like a mismatch. However, since the helmet also provided Affinity to the Fire element and a 20% damage boost while in Hell, the skill still got some boost from it.


    He tested the Ember Breath skill when some monsters approached. Though the mes engulfed them, the damage wasn''t quite enough to cause any serious burning or suffering.


    The real strength of the skill, however, was its cool factor. The visual effect was impressive, and he figured it could be a powerful tool for intimidation. That, at least, might give it a far more valuable edge.


    [me Tornado


    Effect: Summon a massive swirling tornado of fire that pulls in enemies within a 10-meter radius. The tornado deals 200% Fire Damage per second for 6 seconds, with a 25% chance to fling enemies outward at the end of the duration, causing additional 50% Fire Damage upon impact.


    Cooldown: 20 seconds


    Mana Cost: 200 Mana


    Duration: Tornadosts 6 seconds.]


    The third skill was me Tornado, the very same ability the demon had used against him. This skill created a vortex of fire that pulled in nearby enemies, making it a great tool for crowd control. It also dealt significantly higher fire damage than Ember Breath.


    One major advantage of this helmet''s skills was the impressively short cooldown time. Considering me Tornado was a magic-based ability with minimal Mana cost, a magic user could spam it without much strain on their Mana pool.


    Unfortunately, Broken''s Intelligence stat wasn''t particrly strong, limiting the full potential of the skill. Even though the percentage-based damage was decent, the fact that it scaled with Intelligence made it feel less impactful than it could be at least for now.


    Still, thanks to its fire elemental attribute and crowd control effect, the skill had impressive utility. Especially against fire-weak enemies, me Tornado gave Broken a solid way to exploit those vulnerabilities.


    It was bing clearer to him that he would need to invest in his Intelligence stat in the future to truly maximize items like this helmet. While he hadmitted to Strength and Agility for his Bow skills, he now realized he''d also have to bnce that with Intelligence.


    This shift was pushing him into the role of a versatile fighter, skilled in both physical and magic damage. Whether this would be a strength or a hindrance was yet to be seen, as it prevented him from focusing solely on a few key stats.


    But then again, he could always weigh his optionster and adjust his strategy as needed.


    [Ashen Phantasm


    Effect: The wearer bes a ghostly, untargetable form for 5 seconds, increasing Movement Speed by 50%. They leave a burning ash trail that deals 100% Fire Damage per second to enemies in its path.


    When the effect ends, the wearer reappears with a fiery explosion, dealing 250% Fire Damage and knocking back enemies within 5 meters.


    Mana Cost: 220


    Cooldown: 60 seconds


    Duration: 5 seconds]


    The fourth and final skill was Ashen Phantasm, and it was pretty straightforward. It transformed him into a ghostly form, making him untargetable for 5 seconds while also


    boosting his movement speed by 50%.


    Damn, just the first effect alone was incredible. Being untargetable for 5 seconds was no joke. Imagine triggering this during a critical moment!


    This skill was insane! Paired with all the defensive abilities from the Invincible Paragon set, Broken could practically dance across the battlefield, shielded from almost everything.


    But then, reality set in-untargetable didn''t mean he was immune to area damage or skills that didn''t require a target. Even so, Ashen Phantasm would allow him to quickly reposition himself in the chaos of battle, and the aura damage followed by an explosion at the end of the duration added an extrayer of coolness to an already impressive ability.


    Alright, he was done inspecting the skills and testing them out on monsters. Each piece of equipment had its own strengths and utility, and he knew he''d need to adapt depending on the situation.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But then again, this was a Legendary-grade item. He couldn''t help but wonder-if he kept killing the same demon repeatedly, could he eventually gather the full armor set? Maybe even those fiery wings the demon had used? Now that would be something. He chuckled at the


    thought.


    For now, it was time to meet up with Subaru and the others. He decided to store the helmet away, saving it for just the right moment.

 Chapter 350: Chapter 350 - We’re Responsible for that Human Slaving

    Chapter 350: - We¡¯re Responsible for that Human ving


    ?


    The spot Subaru had mentioned to Broken wasn''t far from where he''d faced off against the demon. It only took a few minutes to get there, and maybe they hadn''t even realized Broken had just been in an intense fight with a monster.


    When he arrived, he found them resting among the trees in a rtively open clearing. Their group had shrunk since hest saw them-about three people were missing, including Calista, the healer.


    "Hey, Broken!" Subaru called out the moment he spotted him, jogging over with a grin. He fell in step beside Broken, giving him a friendly pat on the back.


    "Hey, you didn''t run into any trouble getting here, did you?" Subaru asked.


    Well, facing that demon was definitely a bit of trouble. But Broken had managed to kill it and walk away with some incredible rewards, so-


    "No, there was a fire-element monster earlier, but it wasn''t a big deal. I beat it in less than five minutes."


    "Oh, a monster that couldst five minutes against you? That''s pretty impressive, isn''t it?" "Me?"


    "No, the monster! Hahaha." Subaruughed awkwardly at his own joke.


    As they passed by the others, a few waved at Broken in greeting. But there was something he needed to confirm-something he wanted to talk about with Marlene. With Subaru by his side, he made his way over to where the red-haired girl sat, a little apart from the group.


    "Come," Marlene said casually as Broken settled onto arge root protruding from the ground. Subaru lingered nearby, watching them with curiosity.


    "Is there something you want to discuss?"


    "Yes," Broken replied straightforwardly.


    Subaru, sensing he might be intruding, chuckled awkwardly. "Maybe I should go?"


    "No, it''s okay, Subaru," Broken reassured him.


    It was about the human ves he had encountered, and to his surprise, there were people from Slumdon among them. He knew exactly who to turn to for information about something like this. After a brief pause, he got straight to the point.


    "I need to know if you have more information about human trafficking from Yunatea to Hell."


    Marlene nodded slowly at the question, while Subaru, visibly ufortable, remained silent, unsure of how to respond.


    "You didn''t seem too fazed when you encountered the elf and the beast-kin. But now... I''m starting to think it''s not just because this involves humans, right?"


    "That''s not really the answer was hoping for."


    "I understand," Marlene replied, shifting her legs and crossing them in the opposite direction.


    She paused briefly before continuing. "I think this isn''t a question I can answer directly. It depends more on which specific aspect of the topic you want to discuss."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Marlene went on, "The answer could be both yes and no-it''s vague, I know. That''s why I said it depends on the details you''re after."


    "I assume you know what I''m getting at?"


    "Yes," Marlene replied without hesitation.


    Then she added, "Let me know if you need help with this or anything else."


    Broken didn''t hold back. "You were involved in the massacre of yers and NPCs in Dissidia Kingdom, weren''t you?"


    Marlene paused, a faint smile ying on her lips. "I can''t deny that."


    The tension between them was unease. Though their conversation was minimal, the silence between their words heldyers of unspoken questions and unresolved conflict. It was clear they needed to confront the real issue head-on.


    "If you''re worried we did something to the people in Slumdon," Marlene began, her face calm and expressionless, "I can assure you, we haven''t done anything to them-yet."


    "Yet?" Broken pressed, narrowing his eyes.


    Marlene nodded slowly. "Yes, Broken... I''m not the guild master of the Shadow Wolves. But if I speak for my guild, I can say we haven''t touched the people of Slumdon. Why?"


    She continued, "Because I made it clear to Paul that we don''t need to go down that path." Broken''s voice was steady. "So, all of this is just a way to lure me to your side with these benefits? Taking me to Hell and hoping I''ll switch sides?"


    Marlene met his gaze. "I thought I made it clear to you," she replied calmly. "I did this to build a friendship with you."


    Subaru hesitantly spoke up. "Uh... I don''t think I''m needed here?"


    Neither Marlene nor Broken acknowledged his words, their focus locked solely on each other. Marlene continued, "You could say I''m a bit of a pushover, sure." She paused briefly. "But I know how important this is, especially after learning more about you during our time here." "Everything still seems unclear from my perspective," Broken replied.


    "You''re quick to judge people, aren''t you?" she said, her tone calm but sharp. "Even after all my efforts, you still put me in this position."


    "You''re really good at talking," Broken shot back firmly.


    Subaru, sensing the tension in the air, began to slowly back away, waiting to see if either Marlene or Broken would stop him. Every step he took seemed to stretch the moment longer than it needed to be.


    "You can stay, Subaru," Marlene said, breaking the silence.


    "Ah, yes!" Subaru replied quickly, freezing in ce and falling silent.


    "I''ll have to jump to a conclusion then," Marlene continued. "Because it seems you''re not willing to say it outright."


    "I want to know what you''re thinking," Broken said.


    "Did you find human ves from Slumdon town?"


    "Huh!" Subaru gasped, startled by the question, drawing a brief nce from Marlene. Broken responded calmly. "I have to admit, you''re clever enough to guess that." "Thanks for thepliment," she replied, her eyes steady on him. When Broken remained silent, she pressed further. "If I told you we were responsible for that, what would you do?" "Marlene!" Subaru eximed. "Broken, no!" he added, more forcefully this time.


    "I know," Broken said, his focus snapping back to Marlene.


    Marlene had an uncanny knack for steering conversations, fearlessly pushing the boundaries, even if it risked escting tensions. Broken, on the other hand, was keenly aware that the anger boiling within him from seeing the people of Slumdon enved still fueled his every


    thought.


    "I won''t hesitate to go on a rampage," Broken said coldly. "I''ll kill everyone here, find my own way back to Yunatea, and then ughter every member of Shadow ves."


    Subaru''s face went pale with shock. "Eh, Broken... we didn''t-"


    "It''s okay, Subaru," Marlene cut him off..


    She leaned back slightly. "Now, what if I told you that neither I nor Shadow ves were responsible for that, and I''m willing to help you resolve this issue with all the power I have?" Subaru quickly realized what Marlene was doing-expertly steering the conversation away from confrontation and into a more neutral, rational space. The realization sent a shiver down his spine; her ability to control the situation was as impressive as it was dangerous.


    Heughed awkwardly, trying to ease the tension. "Yeah, Broken, we''ll help you out. You''re my friend, after all... hehe."


    Marlene, unfazed, spoke again in her usual calm, even tone. "Yes, we''ll help you solve the


    issues."


    Subaru chimed in again, forcing anotherugh in an attempt to lighten the mood. "Yeah, Broken, we''ve got plenty of time here, hehe."


    But Broken couldn''t help but wonder-did he have any reason to trust them?


    They both offered help, but their involvement, along with whatever they were keeping hidden, left him questioning whether he could trust them or not!

 Chapter 351: Chapter 351 - Someone Killed the Demon

    Chapter 351: - Someone Killed the Demon


    ?


    "We''ll help you find out more about these Slumdon people," Marlene reaffirmed her earlier offer.


    Broken gave a slow nod. "Is there a chance they''ll be killed if we''rete in rescuing them?"


    Marlene paused for a moment, considering the question. "ves taken from Yunatea... most of them are forced intobor, like the oppressed ves we all know.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "However, some of them, those with unique traits-like rare beast-kin hybrids or members of one of Yunatea''s major races, like elves-are often sold off at auctions. If they manage to capture High-Elves, for example, they''re usually put on disy at these auctions. So, if you''re asking whether they''ll be killed... I can say with some confidence that they''ll likely still be... alive," she exined.


    Broken tried to takefort in her words, at least for now, while also considering his own options for dealing with the situation. Marlene''s offer would serve as a backup n. And if there was a good chance that the captives wouldn''t be killed right away, it would give him more time to split his focus-between hatching the demon egg and dealing with the ve situation.


    He still had other questions, like whether it would even be possible to return them to Yunatea if he managed to free them. But Broken didn''t want to appear too reliant on Marlene and the Shadow Wolves, so he decided to approach this problem more cautiously, gathering as much information as he could on his own.


    Subaru watched the agreement between Marlene and Broken, feeling a bit more at ease and finally able to breathe easier. "Hehe," heughed awkwardly.


    "What about the raid?" Broken asked, shifting the topic of their conversation.


    "A little bad," Marlene said.


    "Really bad," Subaru added at almost the same time.


    Marlene then went on, "We lost three people, and I think missing that one key member for the raid strategy hit us pretty hard in terms of what we had nned."


    Broken nodded slowly. "I''ve been part of a raid boss hunt before, so I know how tough this can be."


    "It''s a demon with a fire element, Broken. Hehe," Subaru said with a nervousugh. Broken turned to him.


    Subaru continued, "Yeah, our missing tanker has a water element affinity, and his skill set was crucial for dealing with a fire element monster. That''s why we''ve been struggling so much-without him, we couldn''t exploit the demon''s weakness, which is water element


    skills."


    From Subaru''s exnation, it was clear that they hadn''t just lost a tanker; they had lost the key to their entire strategy for defeating the raid boss. Yet, despite the setback, they kept pushing forward, even though the odds were stacked against them.


    "This was a raid boss hunt we nned so carefully... ugh..." Subaru trailed off, disappointment evident on his face.


    "I wonder..." he added, sounding hesitant as he nced toward Marlene.


    "I can help if you''re okay with it. I''ve got some water element skills," Broken chimed in quickly.


    But Subaru, still uncertain, kept looking at Marlene, as if silently asking her to exin further.


    "Broken," Marlene finally spoke. "If I were to ask for your help, would you prefer payment in gold, or would you want some of the equipment drops from the raid boss? I mean, there''s something very important we need from this boss, so we can''t really split everything evenly." "Monster Cores, Monster Soul Stones, equipment drops-those always carry great value," Broken replied. "I''m pretty versatile, so I can make good use of different items, and if not, I can always sell them."


    Marlene seemed to be considering his offer.


    "Marlene..." Subaru added. "We really need Broken''s help here."


    "I understand," Marlene nodded. "I think we can give this another shot, if Broken is okay with the arrangement. And if the drops aren''t enough for you, I''llpensate with gold equal to their worth."


    "You''ve already helped me a lot," Broken responded. "So I feel like it''s only fair that I return the favor. Besides, you''ve already lost so much in this battle."


    After the agreement was made, Marlene exined that the raid boss hunt would be attempted again in one week, as several members of the team needed time to recover from the previous defeat. Their levels had been affected by the deaths, so they needed time to restore themselves.


    Since Marlene and the others still had things to do-mainly waiting for the revival of their fallenrades from thest raid-they decided to stay in the area for a while. Broken, on the other hand, chose to return to the cave ahead of them after assuring them that he could handle it on his own.


    ***


    Marlene, Subaru, and the rest of the team made their way back to the location where the raid boss hunt had taken ce, preparing to secure their threerades who were set to revive soon in the vicinity of the boss. The situation was going to be challenging partly because the three would revive at slightly different times, and they needed to get them to safety as quickly as possible before another disaster struck.


    Leading the group, Subaru went over their strategy once more to ensure everything went smoothly.


    "Alright, everyone, here''s the n," Subaru said. "Our tank will bait the boss, while the rest of us provide cover from a distance. The moment each of our teammates revives, we grab them and pull back as fast as we can. We can''t afford any major mistakes, okay? Heh." He gave a small, nervousugh at the end, trying to lighten the mood.


    "This damn demon is sneaky as hell!" one of them cursed. "It''s such a pain-its damage


    output is insane. We really need to teach this thing a serious lesson."


    They continued on their journey until they reached their destination. But what they found was nothing like what they had prepared for.


    "Where''s Infernak?" one of them asked, confused.


    "Could it have wandered off? That would make things easier for us! Ha ha ha."


    "Marlene, is it possible that Infernak wandered off from his spot?" Subaru asked, turning to


    her for an exnation.


    "Someone killed the demon," Marlene replied tly. "I think someone''s been following us, waiting for the right moment while we were off guard."


    "What? They took down Infernak? Who could''ve done that? People from the city? Other


    demons?"


    "Could it be someone who snuck into this expedition?"


    "Damn, how strong would someone have to be to take down Infernak solo?"


    "We need to settle this. After all the effort we put into weakening that demon, someone else


    swoops in and takes it from us. Damn!"


    They all voiced their frustration, anger boiling over.


    "Even though Infernak was weakened, killing that demon alone isn''t an easy feat, right? Especially if it was an assassin who did it?"


    "Ugh, seriously...," Subaru groaned in frustration. "This is so annoying! Now we have to wait for that demon to respawn? This whole expedition is really screwing us over!" he shouted


    angrily.


    "Yeah, and bringing Broken along for this raid only made things worse. Now we''re going to miss out on a chance to grab a piece of armor or a weapon that might''ve dropped from that


    stupid demon."


    "I feel like we''re losing big time here," another teammate chimed in.


    Marlene let out a quiet sigh. "Just make sure everything''s taken care of... I''m exhausted," she


    said, her tone resigned.

 Chapter 352: Chapter 352 - Youve Summoned Bark Hound

    Chapter 352: - You''ve Summoned Bark Hound


    ?


    Broken had returned to the cave. As before, he gently set the egg back in its ce and settled in, allowing his Mana and Stamina time to replenish. To pass the time and keep himself from feelingpletely alone, he summoned another of Gaia''s beasts to keep himpany.


    [Nature''s Herald (Active Skill)]


    [Nature''s Herald has been activated. You''ve summoned Bark Hound.]


    A canine emerged, its body d in rough tree bark, with roots and vines twisted around its frame. Its eyes glowed a sharp, vibrant green-adorably dog-like, despite its rugged appearance.


    Yes, it was unmistakably a dog!


    The Bark Hound wagged its tail just like any ordinary dog, even letting its tongue loll out a bit. Yet it stood tall and proud, the perfect embodiment of a hunter''spanion.


    Broken gave the Bark Hound a gentle pat on the head, and it responded with the same warm, loyal affection as any dog would.


    He didn''t have a pet in the real world, so having summons like this in the game gave him a unique sense ofpanionship. But then, a thought crossed his mind-could he feed this summon separately, the way he personally fed Monster Cores to Gaia, which seemed to benefit all twelve summons?


    "You can actually develop them, Master," Gaia''s voice suddenly echoed in his mind.


    But how did she respond when he had only been thinking about it? Did the game monitor every thought the yers had?


    "Can you hear everything I''m thinking?" he asked.


    "That would be quite unpleasant for me, Master," Gaia replied in her usual t tone. "But don''t worry, I only hear the questions you direct at me."


    "So, tell me, how do I develop them?"


    "Simply feed them a Monster Soul Stone," Gaia replied. "They will either gain new skills or enhance their existing ones."


    "Interesting."


    Obtaining Monster Soul Stones was no easy feat. Right now, the only one he had left in his inventory was a Sun Beetle Lv. 205 Monster Soul Stone, which he''d picked up during that dungeon expedition with Elincia and the team.


    But here was the problem-if he spent too much time hunting, his level progression would inevitably slow down. Yet, he needed to hunt to gather the materials he required. It left him in a tough spot. Should he prioritize leveling up or focus on collecting resources?


    Then a thought crossed his mind: what if his summons could handle the hunting for him? Could that be the key to keeping his level progression steady while still gathering the materials he needed?


    But then again, his summons could only stay active for a short time. Dendros, the creature brought forth by the Moonvine Knuckles, could remain for just 15 minutes. The Nature Beasts summoned by Gaia had even less duration-theysted only 5 minutes.


    There was no way he could send them out to hunt while he waited in the cave. His only real option seemed to be the Spirit Beasts, like Polly.


    Yet, there was a problem: Polly knew that all Spirit Beastscked the autonomy to make their own decisions. Sending them out alone wouldn''t achieve much. Plus, Polly seemed reluctant to even show herself in this world, much less assist with something so demanding.


    His other option was the golem!


    Damn, yes¡ªa golem was the perfect solution if he wanted to rx while still getting things done outside. He already had a golem stationed in Slumdon Town, but unfortunately, he couldn''t just summon it here. Golems were physical beings, tied to their location-they couldn''t be called from a distance. Maybe that ability would unlockter, but for now, he had to deal with their limitations.


    The ckthorn, his golem, was a beast-highly powerful, with a formidable level and incredible offensive abilities. It could even hold its own against yers around level 200. The only drawback was its massive size-it wasn''t exactly something he could carry around with ease.


    Broken had even toyed with the idea of picking up a golem ss for himself. But that path would demand a huge amount of time-something he simply didn''t have right now. His focus was on crafting five Legendary-grade items, and he still needed two more to reach that milestone. Once hepleted them, he would ascend to the Legendary-grade cksmith ss. That would make him the first yer in Immortal Legacy to achieve a Legendary-grade ss, and just thinking about it filled him with anticipation.


    Broken gently stroked the dog''s muzzle, a smile tugging at his lips. Surprisingly, it was aforting feeling. He wondered what it would be like to have a pet in the real world, too. But then he quickly realized he didn''t have the time to care for anything else. He sighed.


    "Roam the cave. Come back if you find anything suspicious," he instructed.


    The dog darted into the depths of the cave, its legs moving swiftly. He couldn''t help but wonder-could this dog have a sharp sense of smell like real dogs?


    "Don''t expect too much, Master," Gaia chimed in. "They''re still low-ss creatures. Wait until you have more Monster Soul Stones to feed them."


    Thanks, Gaia.


    After defeating the demon, Broken had received a flood of notifications-several of his skills had leveled up. Finally! Though he hadn''t taken the time to review them all yet, the excitement buzzed within him.


    That battle had been intense, and he relished every moment of it. The demon had fought smartly, knowing when to push forward and when to pull back, but in the end, it had made one fatal mistake: it underestimated him.


    Now, with a grin tugging at his lips, he opened up his interface to check which of his skills had leveled up.


    Blessing of Health and Healing Touch had both reached level 4. This was the second time these skills had leveled up, the first being during that raid boss hunt with the Ass Guild, thanks to the Self-Transcendence Blessing. Damn, that felt like a lifetime ago.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Meanwhile, his sword skills, Charged Attack and Quick Strike, hadn''t budged. Probably because he hadn''t used his sword during the demon battle.


    Broken knew he needed a new, stronger sword. If he wanted to keep his skills progressing, he had to put them to use, and that meant wielding a weapon worthy of pushing his abilities to the next level. A powerful sword would unlock new potential, driving his growth even further.


    [Blessing of Health (Active Skill) Lv. 4]


    [Boost your overall health by 30%...


    Mana Cost: 5% of Total Mana


    Cooldown: 20 Minutes


    Duration: 10 Minutes]


    Blessing of Health still granted a 30% health boost, just as before, with 5% Mana usage and a 20-minute cooldown. However, the duration had now increased to 10 minutes-a massive advantage during battle. This level-up was a real game-changer, offering him an invaluable


    edge in drawn-out fights.


    [Healing Touch (Active Skill) Lv. 4]


    [You can heal anything with just a touch of your hand, restoring the target''s Health by up to


    50% of your magic attack.


    Mana Cost: 500


    Cooldown: 10 Seconds]


    Healing Touch stayed the same in terms of effect, restoring 50% based on his magic attack, with the cooldown unchanged. But the Mana cost had shifted from a percentage to a t 500 Mana. This was a fantastic upgrade! Though his Mana pool was still rtively small, the more he invested in his Intelligence stat, the more potent this skill would grow over time. There were still five more skills that had leveled up, he quickly dove into the details, ready to see how the next two skills had evolved.

 Chapter 353: Chapter 353 - Sun Beetle Lv. 205

    Chapter 353: - Sun Beetle Lv. 205


    ?


    The next two skills that leveled up were from his bow set. His Super Novice ss was really beginning to show its potential, especially with these two particr skills. They had


    incredible synergy whenbined-one lowered the enemy''s defense, while the other unleashed devastating area damage. It was a powerfulbo, and the upgrades had made it even more effective.


    [Explosive Arrow (Active Skill) Lv. 2]


    [Unleashed an explosive st that caused an incredible 4,500% physical destruction within a radius of 10 meters (32 feet).


    Mana Cost: 1,200


    Cooldown: 60 Secondsn/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Charge Time: 5 Seconds]


    The total damage output had skyrocketed by 50%, jumping from 3,000% to an impressive 4,500%. And with Precision Aim skill from his Woond Ranger gloves reducing the charge time by 10%, the original 5-second charge now felt shorter. This made Explosive Arrow an insanely powerful skill, capable of delivering massive destruction and bing a key weapon in his arsenal.


    [Sniper''s Focus (Active Skill) Lv. 2]


    [Deals 1,750% physical damage to a single target and reduces their defense by 35% for 10 seconds.


    Mana Cost: 800


    Cooldown: 45 Seconds


    Charge Time: 2 Seconds]


    The next skill was the perfect setup for Explosive Arrow. It now reduced enemy defense from 30% to a staggering 35%. That level of defense reduction was absolutely insane! With a 10- second duration, even the toughest tanks would struggle once hit by this skill. The only downside was the 2-second charge time, meaning he couldn''t cast the skill recklessly- enemies could potentially dodge or counter before he finished charging.


    The Mana cost had risen slightly, from 700 to 800, and the initial damage had also increased from 1,500% to 1,750%. But the real standout remained the massive defense debuff. That 35% reduction could significantly boost his team''s overall damage output, especially during critical raid boss battles. The next upgrade he received was also from the Super Novice ss, this time involving spear-type weapon skills.


    The next upgrade he received was also from the Super Novice ss, this time affecting his spear-type weapon skills.


    [Spiral Pierce (Conditional Passive Skill) Lv. 2]


    [Spins the spear rapidly before striking, causing massive damage and staggering the enemy.]


    [250% physical damage and causes a mini stun (0.5 seconds).


    Cooldown: 12 Seconds]


    Spiral Pierce now had its cooldown reduced to 12 seconds, a significant boost to its effectiveness. With the cooldown shortened from 18 seconds, he could use the skill much more frequently, enhancing his overall damage output and making him far more effective with a spear inbat.


    [Spear Guard (Conditional Passive Skill) Lv. 2]


    [Adopts a defensive stance with the spear, deflecting an iing attack and swiftly countering.]


    [Reduces the damage of the iing attack by 65% and instantly counters with 300% physical damage.


    Cooldown: 15 Seconds]


    Spear Guard got a significant upgrade as well, boosting its damage reduction from 50% to 65% and its counter damage from 200% to 300%. Although the cooldown stayed the same, this was still impressive for a skill at just level 2. Who knows how powerful it could be as he continued leveling it up?


    [Groundbreaker (Active Skill) Lv. 2]


    [ms the spear into the ground, causing a powerful shockwave that deals high damage to enemies in a line.


    Effect: 450% physical damage in a line.


    Mana Cost: 450


    Cooldown: 30 Seconds]


    Groundbreaker was a line-area skill with immense potential for cumtive damage, especially when multiple enemies were caught in its path. The damage boost from 300% to 450% was significant, considering it hit every opponent within the line of impact. This increase made the skill even more devastating, spreading its enhanced damage across all enemies in its direct path, multiplying its effectiveness in group battles.


    Alright, five skill levels gained after all this time. He had to admit, he''d grown a bit spoiled by the Self Transcendence Blessing, half-expecting all his skills to effortlessly reach max level. Lol. Buttely, his skill progression had slowed because he wasn''t often on the front lines himself¡ªmost of the fighting was handled by his summons.


    Additionally, skills tied to specific weapons and armor didn''t level up just by fighting monsters. Their potential could only be enhanced through upgrades, which he had done already, though it had drained a fortune in both resources and money.


    However, one question still nagged at him-why hadn''t he unlocked any skills for the knuckle-type weapons yet? Could it be because he rarely used the Moonvine Knuckles himself, preferring to let Dendros handle them instead?


    Looking at his Super Novice skills overall, he had Blessing of Health and Healing Touch for support; Charged Attack, Quick Strike, and de Dance for swords; Explosive Arrow and Sniper''s Focus for bows; and Spiral Pierce, Spear Guard, and Groundbreaker for spears. But so far, no knuckle-type skills had appeared.


    Broken found himself craving more progress he wanted to upgrade everything, level up everything, and gain everything. Damn, he was starting to get seriously greedy. But wasn''t that what every yer in Immortal Legacy was after? They all poured ridiculous amounts of resources and money into getting stronger. So, yeah, he was no different-just one of many chasing power.


    There was still one skill from his Royal cksmith ss that he hadn''t tapped into yet- cksmith''s Soul Engrave. It was an incredible ability, allowing him to engrave a Monster Soul Stone into a weapon or armor, imbuing it with unique skills or even the soul of the monster itself. But the cost to use it was outrageous!


    He needed Monster Soul Stones for so many things-especially to feed the two spirits contracted with him. That constant demand was driving him to figure out how to hunt for these stones in bulk. He was determined to make it happen, but there was always that pesky issue-limited time.


    He sighed, feeling the pressure of racing against the clock. Even though time in the game flowed three times faster than in the real world, it still didn''t feel like enough to keep up with


    everything.


    Yet, despite that, he couldn''t ignore the progress he''d made. He was advancing faster than most yers in Immortal Legacy, positioning himselffortably among veterans who had been grinding since the game''s release. And he had achieved all this in a fraction of the time. But then, Broken reconsidered cksmith''s Soul Engrave. Why not just give the skill a try? What was the harm in testing it out?


    He recalled something Fokil had once told him-using Soul Engrave required caution. The Monster Soul used for engraving had to be carefully matched with the item in terms of element, skill type, material, and even the monster''s behavior. If thebination wasn''t right, the engraving could fail entirely, leading to a huge waste of resources.


    Still, Broken only had one Monster Soul Stone left-the Sun Beetle Lv. 205. It came from an insect-like creature native to the desert. He wondered what kind of item would be ideal for engraving a soul like this. And what if the result didn''t live up to his expectations?


    He thought back to the abilities the Sun Beetle had wielded in battle. To be sure, he opened his system''s library and scrolled through the monster section, reviewing the various Sun Beetles he had fought before. Each one had its own unique set of skills, and he needed to be certain this was the right move. After all, this could either enhance his gear to impressive new heights¡ªor leave him regretting the wasted opportunity.


    Some skills stood out to him:


    [Heatwave Aura: The Sun Beetle emits intense heat waves from its body. Enemies within close proximity receive continuous fire damage over time and may be dehydrated, reducing


    their Stamina.]


    [Sunstone Armor: The beetle''s shell hardens, significantly increasing its defense. Physical


    attacks against the beetle may cause the attacker to receive fire damage due to the heat


    radiating from the armor.]


    [Burrow Strike: The Sun Beetle digs into the sand, bing invisible for a short time. It then emerges beneath an enemy, striking from below and catching them off guard.] Broken kept scrolling, searching for skills that piqued his interest, knowing that the oue


    would be random. Despite the uncertainty, he was curious about the potential rewards. He wanted to see just how far he could push this skill and what kinds of powerful abilities he


    might unlock through Soul Engrave.


    Should he go through with the experiment? It was risky, but the curiosity was there, tugging at him. If it worked, it could give him a serious advantage.

 Chapter 354: Chapter 354 - New skill unlocked: Sandstorm Cloak

    Chapter 354: - New skill unlocked: Sandstorm Cloak


    ?


    Alright, Broken had made up his mind-he would use the Monster Soul Stone to test the Soul Engrave skill. After all, neither Polly nor Gaia had any interest in the insect-based Monster Soul Stone, and even if he sold it, he knew the value would be high. But, he hadn''t fully tapped into his current wealth yet, so why not take the chance? This was as good a time as any to experiment and see what Soul Engrave could really do.


    The real question was: What item should he engrave the Monster Soul Stone into?


    The Sun Beetle had both earth and fire-based skills-some revolved around heat and fire attacks, while others tapped into sand maniption. Broken''s affinity with the earth element made him lean towards earth-based synergy, but he also had an option for fire when using the Mask of Scorched Fury from Infernak. That was why, using the helmet for the engraving didn''t feel right.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    His mind kept returning to the Invincible Paragon set, specifically one of its armor pieces, excluding the helmet. He was drawn to the idea of enhancing one of these powerful pieces with the Sun Beetle''s abilities. It seemed like a natural fit, especially given his connection to the earth element.


    He wasn''t ready to risk this on a Unique-grade item just yet, so that left two options, the gloves or shoes.


    Both pieces could benefit from an elemental boost, and either could be a key piece in the future of his build. The shoes, with their connection to mobility, seemed like they could pair well with something like the Burrow Strike or sand-rted abilities.


    What would it be?


    Ultimately, this would be his first experience with the Soul Engrave skill, so the stakes were high. But there was no turning back now.


    Taking a deep breath, Broken pulled out the Invincible Paragon Shoes and the Sun Beetle Monster Soul Stone. With steady hands, he prepared for the experiment, knowing the result could either be a huge breakthrough or a costly mistake. Either way, he was about to find out. [Using cksmith''s Soul Engrave on Invincible Paragon Shoes]


    [Sun Beetle Lv. 205 Monster Soul Stone will be consumed for this process]


    [Do you wish to proceed?]


    Broken nodded immediately, and the process began. The energy from the Monster Soul Stone slowly flowed out and was absorbed into the shoes, until the stone in his handpletely vanished.


    [Integrating the monster soul, the elements from both objects, andpatible skills.]


    [Congrattions, you have sessfully upgraded Invincible Paragon Shoes to Invincible Paragon Shoes - Sun Beetle Lv. 205 (Growth Type)]


    [The stats have been upgraded.]


    [New skill unlocked: Sandstorm Cloak (Active Skill)]


    [+9 Invincible Paragon Shoes - Sun Beetle Lv. 205 (Growth Type)]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Movement Speed +177


    Defense +295


    Constitution +118]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 235]


    [Skills:]


    [Dash: Boosts your movement speed by 150% for 2 seconds.


    Cooldown: 10 seconds.]


    [You can''t be slowed down by any debuffs.]


    [Sandstorm Cloak: Creates a swirling vortex of sand around the user, reducing visibility and making it harder for enemies to hit. Increases Evasion by 30% for 15 seconds.


    Mana Cost: 450


    Cooldown: 40 seconds


    Duration: 15 seconds]


    [User Restriction: Level 200 or higher.]


    Woah...


    Broken grinned with excitement at the result. It was more than he had expected. The shoes had transformed into a Growth Type item, sessfully engraving the Sun Beetle''s soul into them. They now had an added 100 Constitution, boosted thanks to the item being at +9. While the two original skills remained, the new skill Sandstorm Cloak was now part of the package. Without hesitation, he equipped the shoes and tested them out. The skill cost 450 Mana, and while the effect wasn''t game-changing, it was still valuable. Sandstorm Cloak increased Evasion, which didn''t fully sync with his heavy armor build-since he didn''t rely on Agility or Evasion-but it had its perks.


    [Sandstorm Cloak (Active Skill)]


    Once he cast Sandstorm Cloak, thin swirls of sand emerged from beneath his feet, quickly enveloping him and spreading outward. While he could still see his surroundings clearly, he wasn''t sure how his enemies would perceive him. The swirling sand was definitely visible, and it seemed like this skill might be even more effective in a desert environment, like the one the Sun Beetle came from.


    The swirling vortex of sand reduced visibility around him, making it harder for enemies to see and target him. This could prove useful inrge battles, where chaos reigned, and the confusion created by the sandstorm might just give him the edge he needed.


    Still, the fact that the shoes had be a growth-type item meant they would maintain their durability, level up, and potentially evolve in grade over time. All in all, this was a solid oue-not bad at all.


    Well, two weeks had finally passed, and the progress on the egg had been quite satisfying-it was now at 63%. If he kept up the same routine and avoided any disruptions, the egg should hatch before they returned from Hell to Yunatea.


    During this hatching process, the embryo had started to ept Mana refills from Mana Potions, a promising sign that it was developing and preparing for its eventual hatching. As a result, the progress had begun to elerate.


    However, it had be clear that this wasn''t an easy task. Broken had to make peace with the fact that he was spending a lot of time holed up in the cave, time that felt like it was being wasted. But with more than half of the process behind him, he just needed to hold on a few


    more days!


    Broken had just summoned another one of Gaia''s Nature Beasts-a Vine Serpent. It was a long, slithering creature covered in lush green vines and flowers, its scales blending into the earth with a mix of green and brown, giving it perfect camouge in natural settings.


    He had been summoning different beasts repeatedly, trying to better understand what each one could do. This time, he sent the serpent slithering into the cave for no particr reason other than his tendency to mess around with his summons asionally.


    The sound of footsteps echoed through the tunnel, steadily growing louder. From the familiar click of heels, Broken knew it was Marlene. A momentter, the red-haired girl emerged, her expression as cold and indifferent as always.


    She approached silently, standing near Broken as her eyes locked onto the egg resting in the center of the room. She had seen the egg before-Broken had shown it to her during an earlier visit but he had been careful not to reveal too much about it. She knew it was a demon egg, but the finer details remained a mystery to her, and he had kept it that way deliberately. "Another week has passed. When are you scheduled to continue the raid boss hunting?" Broken asked, breaking the silence first.


    "Something unexpected came up. We need to postpone it," Marlene replied tly.


    "I see," Broken nodded.


    She nced at the egg. "So, how''s the progress?"


    "63%. What do you think?"


    Marlene considered for a moment. "I think at this stage, you could try taking the egg out of


    the cave, maybe even to the city. You could continue the progress in your inn room."


    Broken felt a sudden surge of excitement at her suggestion-a chance to escape the monotony that had consumed him over the past two weeks.


    He quickly stood up. "You''re serious?"


    "You can try it," she said calmly. "But if it doesn''t work, you may need to wait until the


    progress advances further."


    Without a second thought, Broken reached for the egg and stored it in his Inventory, eager to


    act on her advice.

 Chapter 355: Chapter 355 - Void Reaper

    Chapter 355: - Void Reaper


    ?


    Broken and the rest of the Shadow Wolves were once again traveling toward the city. This time, however, Brokengged behind the others, deliberately walking farther back because he was carrying the demon egg, secured in a backpack strapped to his back. Unusually, Marlene walked beside him, while the rest of the team kept some distance ahead.


    Trailing behind Broken was one of Gaia''s Nature Beasts, a summon, Tiger Lily. It was a fierce tiger with vibrant colors, its face framed by petals like a mane. Despite its almost cute floral appearance, this tiger was a serious threat, even for yers at level 200.


    [Tiger''s Roar: Emits a roar that stuns nearby enemies for a short duration.]


    [w Strike: A powerful w attack that deals significant damage to a single target.]


    The tiger''s skill set was lethal-abination of an area stun and a devastating single-target attack. Tiger Lily was the perfect hunter, both dangerous and troublesome for its enemies, embodying a mix of beauty and deadly prowess.


    Following closely behind Broken and Marlene were her two demon beasts-massive ck wolves that asionally melted into the shadows, only to reappear when monsters ventured too close. Thebination of Tiger Lily''s thunderous roar, which caused iing monsters to falter, and the swift, merciless strikes of the shadowy wolves, ensured any threat was swiftly neutralized.


    Broken and Marlene continued walking, seemingly unbothered by the dangers around them, as if the world itself posed no threat.


    Broken asionally checked the demon egg inside his backpack, ensuring it was still pulsing with life. He could see a faint light flicker across the shell, a sign that everything was still stable. Even as they entered an area where the monsters'' levels began to drop, there were no visible changes in the egg.


    "Is the egg still normal?" Marlene asked.


    "Yes, it seems fine."


    She remained silent for a moment before continuing. "I think you can continue hatching it in the city, just make sure no one else sees it."


    Broken nodded.


    "You can rent a private room just for yourself."


    "I will."


    Even though Broken walked side by side with Marlene for most of the journey, they barely spoke a word to each other. It felt strange, even for Broken, who wasn''t exactly talkative himself.


    He was used to silence, but when walking alongside Subaru, there was always endless chatter. Subaru would talk non-stop, to the point where Broken eventually just let his words flow past him, tuning out whatever Subaru was rambling on about.


    But surely Marlene wasn''t an introvert like him, right? She was sharp and assertive, always choosing her words carefully. When she did speak, people around her seemed to immediately fall in line, almost as if they were afraid to defy her. Was she really that powerful,


    commanding such deep respect from everyone?


    After all, Marlene was a Divine Champion-a Gluttony Champion with the ability to make contracts with demon beasts. Although Broken had only seen her summon two demon beasts so far, who knew what other creatures she had hidden up her sleeve?


    After arriving in the city, the group headed straight to the inn to rest and mark their logout time. As nned, Broken rented a room for himself, adjacent to the other Shadow Wolves. It was a single-person room, butrger than most, giving him much-needed space after being confined to the cave for the past two weeks.


    Broken carefully ced the demon egg in the center of the room and watched the faint pulse of light emanating from the shell.


    Suddenly, a notification appeared.


    [The Fetus senses many low-ss demons nearby. It feels ufortable.]


    Broken furrowed his brow at the message. The demon egg had now advanced from the embryonic stage to the fetal stage, meaning the creature inside was beginning to take shape. However, the fetus didn''t like the presence of low-ss demons around it. Was this a mistake on his part? Should he bring the egg back to the forest?


    If the problem in the inn was the presence of too many low-ss demons, perhaps a quieter location would work better. He could either find a secluded ce or maybe upgrade to a premium, more spacious room on the top floor, where fewer disturbances might ur.


    Broken stepped out of his room and asked the innkeeper for the most secluded, spacious room avable¡ªone that would block out any outside disturbances.


    He was quickly shown to a room that was clearly more luxurious than the others. Therge bed could easily amodate multiple people, the bathroom was expansive, and a dining table with several chairs filled the space. It was obvious why this room was pricier-nearly four times the cost of the one Broken had originally rented.


    He peeked into his backpack, waiting for the egg''s response.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [The Fetus smells a low-ss demon. It wants that trash gone.]


    The notification had changed. Earlier, it had mentioned ''too many'' demons, but now it only referred to a single demon. Broken realized it must be talking about the servant-a hunched, male demon who had followed them to the room.


    "I''ll take this room for the next week," Broken said.


    "Yes, esteemed guest. Please allow me to handle the payment," the servant responded. Broken sighed, realizing he''d have to pay extra just to amodate this troublesome egg. Even before it hatched, it was already causing him more hassle than he expected. At the very least, he hoped it would be as powerful as uron, or even stronger, so that all this effort wouldn''t be in vain.


    After supplying some Mana to the egg, Broken still had a few hours before logging out. He decided to use the time to explore the city and take care of a few tasks. First on his list was repairing his equipment and then searching for a merchant who sold blueprints that could be useful for his crafting.


    He wandered through the city, and his first stop was an essories shop. He browsed for some clothes, bracelets with gear-like designs, and a ne. There was something he had been curious about for a while, and that''s why he was intentionally trying to change his


    appearance.


    Broken wanted to participate in the Tower of the Infernal Duelists, a ce he had spotted before. The tower offered a challenge where one could ascend its floors by engaging in bare- handed duels. For some reason, he found himself intrigued by the idea of fighting with nothing but his fists and testing his strength in this unique way.


    After picking up enough essories to alter his appearance, Broken headed to the cksmith workshop. To his surprise, they rented private rooms for demon travelers in need of a cksmith workstation. He quickly repaired all his equipment to full durability and then continued on his way.


    With a decent amount of Hell Gold collected from his recent hunts, Broken had more than enough to cover his usual expenses, including his stay at the inn. He had also exchanged some of his Yunatea currency for Hell currency through Subaru, ensuring he was well-prepared for


    his time in the city.


    Once his errands were done, he put on the cloak and mask he had purchased. The mask covered his entire face, and the tattered ck cloak concealed his form. He adornedrge chain bracelets on his wrists and a matching chain ne, giving him a darker, more mysterious


    look.


    Now, with his identity hidden and his name obscured, he pondered what to call himself in this new appearance. After a moment, a name came to mind-something that sounded powerful


    and ominous.


    He decided to call himself "Void Reaper."

 Chapter 356: Chapter 356 - I Accept the Deathmatch!

    Chapter 356: - I ept the Deathmatch!


    ?


    Let''s call this ce the Fight Club Tower for simplicity. The building itself is cylindrical, standing tall, with around 10 to 12 floors. The first floor serves as a gathering spot for spectators, where peoplee to check the day''s fight schedule and ce their bets on uing matches.


    The rules of the Fight Club are straightforward:batants must fight without armor, without weapons, and without any detectable use of Mana. They can only rely on what their bodies naturally possess, which gives a distinct advantage to demons with built-in weapons like ws or massive horns. Victory is determined by knocking out your opponent, forcing them to submit, ousting them until they give up, or, if ites to it, killing them.


    As you ascend the tower, the challenges be more intense. Each floor presents a unique and increasingly difficult arena: slick surfaces that make it hard to keep your bnce, low gravity that allows for higher jumps but throws off movement, and fierce winds that demand precise positioning. And that''s just the beginning.


    The goal is to win every battle on each floor, climbing the ranks until your score is high enough to challenge someone from the top floor to move upward. Every victory earns you a significant sum of money for advancing to the next floor, but there''s a catch-you have to pay an entry fee for every match you take on.


    The money fighters earn in the Fight Club Tower is entirely based on their performance- victory brings rewards, but losing can lead to heavy losses. The stakes are high, and the risks are real.


    Spectators flood the tower to ce their bets, and the excitement grows when famous fighters enter the arena, driving up the pot. This is the ce where everyone eagerly gambles their money, hoping to strike it rich-or lose it all.


    Some fighters even get a small share of the betting pool from their matches, meaning they can earn even more if they win. It''s a ce where those who live forbat can fight with brutal intensity, free of restrictions. But while the rewards can be great, there''s always the risk of crumbling into ruin.


    Broken stood at the registration counter, where an old demon in a sharp suit waited patiently. Without hesitation, he signed up for ten battles that day, registering under the identity "Void Reaper."


    After that, he also underwent a level measurement using a crystal sphere on the counter, which revealed his current level to be 129.


    This ced Broken in the first-floor category, which ranged from level 120 to 129, with each floor spanning ten levels. However, starting on the first floor didn''t mean he couldn''t move up to the second-this was just his starting point.


    No worries, though¡ªthis meant Broken could easily rack up more money from victories on the first floor, where he was confident the fights would be a breeze.


    His first battle was about to begin. Broken stood in the hallway, waiting for the door in front of him to open. Outside, he could already hear the roars and cheers of the crowd-this was going to be an exciting distraction from the monotony of incubating the demon egg.


    But his true purpose for being here went deeper: he wanted to sharpen his martial arts skills, techniques he had already mastered in the real world. Applying those fighting skills in a no- holds-barred battle like this would be far more exhrating than the usual sparring he was ustomed to in the real world.


    The door creaked open, and the noise from the arena became louder.


    "The challenger is a neer, with a level of 129-Void Reaper!" the host announced.


    Broken stepped into the arena. The crowd wasn''t asrge as he had expected, but their reaction was immediate. From above, the spectators burst intoughter, mocking him as he entered.


    "Hey, look at the new guy in that weird costume!"


    "Why do you think he''s hiding his name?"


    "So he can kill himself after losing and no one will know it was him! Ahahaha!"


    Broken sized up his opponent. The man before him had the lower body of a goat, with thick, ck fur covering his legs. He wore pants that covered his groin, but his chest was bare, revealing bulging muscles.


    "I''m going to crush that tiny body of yours!" the demon sneered,ughing loudly.


    He was level 125. Broken sighed, slightly disappointed¡ªhe wanted a real challenge, but it seemed he would have to end this fight quickly.


    The demon flexed his massive muscles, roaring and hissing as he threatened, "I''ll kill you and break every bone in your body!"


    The crowd roared in response. "Kill him! Kill him!"


    Some even hurled cups and stones into the arena, aiming at Broken but missing.


    Then, the bell rang, signaling the start of the battle.


    The demon charged at Broken with brutal speed, aiming to grab and crush him. But Broken calmly ducked beneath the attack,nding a solid punch to the demon''s jaw. In one fluid motion, he followed up with a powerful sweeping kick, knocking the demon''s sturdy legs out from under him. The creature crashed to the floor with surprising ease.


    The entire arena fell silent, shocked at how quickly it had all unfolded. As the demony on the ground, Broken prepared to deliver a finishing blow to his face, but the demon raised his hands in desperation, pleading.


    "No, please! Spare my life! I surrender! I surrender!"


    Broken hesitated, holding back his strike. But the bell hadn''t rung yet. Shouldn''t the fight be over by now? He nced around, realizing that perhaps the rules of this ce truly did encourage fights to the death?


    He waited, and the demon continued to beg for surrender, his voice trembling. Yet, the bell remained silent for a few more tense moments. Finally, it rang.


    "The match is over! Void Reaper wins!" the host announced, breaking the tension in the air.


    The crowd''s disappointment was palpable.


    "That was ridiculous! How did the neer win so easily?"


    "This is frustrating-I want that Void Sweeper to die in the next match!"


    "Who''s going up against him next?" someone asked.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "A veteran," another replied, smirking. "Someone who''s killed plenty of neers."


    "Haha, he better make up for my lost money!" someone else shouted, their frustration clear.


    After each battle, Broken made sure to supply Mana to the demon egg while waiting for his next turn in the arena. He was careful to keep his movements discreet, ensuring that no one noticed himing or going from the tower. That day, he fought his way through nine consecutive battles without issue, defeating every opponent with ease.


    Each victory was smooth, his skill and strength far beyond what his challengers had expected.


    As Broken prepared for his final match of the day, he faced an imposing demon with deep red skin,rge horns, and a massive, muscr frame. When Broken checked the demon''s level, he was stunned to see it was level 153. How could that be?


    It seemed this demon had deliberately stayed on the first floor, refusing to advance for some


    unknown reason.


    "I''m sure that weird guy''s run ends here," a spectator muttered.


    "I''ve bet everything I''ve got this is my payday."


    "Kill that weird guy!"


    "Void Sweeper, your life ends here," someone jeered from the stands.


    The demon across from Broken let out a deep, rumblingugh that echoed throughout the arena. "Ha ha ha! I''m going to end your winning streak now-in just two seconds," he


    boasted with smug confidence.


    "Deathmatch! Deathmatch! Deathmatch!" the crowd chanted in unison, their bloodlust rising as they eagerly demanded a fight to the death. It was clear they wanted this battle to end with one of the fighters lying dead on the floor.


    "I challenge you for a deathmatch!" the demon bellowed, his booming voice echoing through the arena as he red at Broken.


    The host, almost hysterical with excitement, shouted to the crowd, "Oh, everyone! Could this be our first deathmatch of the day? Are you ready? Will the challenger, Void Sweeper, ept


    this challenge?"


    Even the host had gotten his name wrong. Broken clenched his fist tightly, then raised his right hand into the air. "I ept the Deathmatch!" he dered.


    The crowd erupted intoughter and cheers, thrilled at the prospect of finally seeing the day''s main antagonist as they saw him meet his end in this final showdown.

 Chapter 357: Chapter 357 - The Main Antagonist Won Big

    Chapter 357: - The Main Antagonist Won Big


    ?


    [Name: Broken]


    [Level: 129]


    [ss: Unique - Super Novice | Unique - Royal cksmith | Unique - Rift Digger]


    [Health: 2,580 | Mana: 4,188]


    [Strength: 865 | Agility: 324 | Intelligence: 349 | Constitution: 258 | Stamina: 250]


    [Charisma: 100 | Luck: 35 | Dexterity: 50 | Survival: 30 | Perception: 20]


    [Avable Stat Points: 70]


    [Weight: 553/5190]


    Broken took a moment to check his overall stats, knowing that a death match required careful consideration. He still had 70 unspent stat points, and he knew exactly where they needed to go. Without any armor or weapons equipped-only wearing his rings-it was clear that Constitution and Stamina weregging behind the rest of his stats.


    Deciding quickly, he allocated 35 points into Constitution and 35 into Stamina. It was a smart move-those stats had been falling behind, and now they were finally catching up.


    Without his extraordinary armor and weapons, his stats appeared fairly ordinary, though still impressive for his level. In fact, his total stats wereparable to a level 180 yer, thanks to the extra stat points he had gained from achievements, not just by leveling up.


    [Strength: 865 | Agility: 324 | Intelligence: 349 | Constitution: 293 | Stamina: 285]


    With his Constitution and Stamina boosted, Broken''s stats now appeared more bnced. He wasn''t too worried about being killed easily; after all, he had Ethereal Form, which would trigger automatically if he was on the verge of death, and it required no Mana to activate. Still, he had no intention of revealing that trump card in front of the crowd.


    The bell rang, signaling the start of the match.


    The demon charged at him confidently, aiming a punch straight at him. For the opening move, Broken deflected the hit with the outer part of his arm to measure the demon''s strength, though he was pushed back slightly.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Not bad. It could provide him with a little fun for a real challenge in a battle.


    The demon quickly followed up with punches from both the left and right. Broken dodged with precise movements, slipping to the sides and ducking under each attack before putting some distance between them. He smiled, realizing this demon had betterbat skills than his previous opponents.


    While some fighters relied solely on brute force, this one knew how to use proper footing to maximize their attack power. But Broken was far better in this aspect.


    In battle, raw stats alone weren''t enough to guarantee victory. Mastery of technique and strategy yed a crucial role in determining the oue. It was clear that this demon wasn''t a novice inbat.


    But if he was this skilled, why was he still lingering on the 1st floor? Wouldn''t he find more challenging and enjoyable foes at his own level? Broken couldn''t quite understand the reasoning, but it didn''t matter now.


    The crowd roared with excitement, finally seeing their so-called "main antagonist" struggling. In their eyes, the Void Sweeper was facing real trouble this time-and they were convinced he would die today.


    "It seems Void Sweeper has finally met a tough opponent this time! Does he regret epting the death match challenge?" the host''s voice boomed across the arena.


    "Oh, how unfortunate! Our rising star''s streak of nine consecutive victories might end here today. Who would''ve thought it could alle crashing down so soon? Come on, everyone, show your support for your idol!"


    The crowd''s cheers intensified, feeding off the sight of Void Sweeper struggling to dodge the demon''s relentless attacks, without yetnding a counterstrike.


    "Kill him! Kill that bastard!" they shouted, bloodthirsty.


    "Take off his mask! I want to see the face of that fool! Hahaha!" they jeered, eager to see him fall.


    But what was actually on Broken''s mind was quite different. As he continued dodging the demon''s punches, he noted the power behind each strike. It was almost enjoyable, testing his reflexes against such a straightforward and physical opponent. He could feel his body and instincts syncing more naturally with each movement. After all, he was ustomed to battling high-level monsters withplex skills, so this hand-to-handbat felt almost leisurely byparison.


    He continued to evade, even flipping backward, and as time passed, the demon began to grow frustrated. His movements became less precise, his punches less sharp.


    "Fight me! Stop running, you coward!" the demon roared in anger.


    The demon startedshing out more wildly, swinging his arms with brute force, but Broken easily dodged, hopping backward with perfect foot positioning. The fight had lost its thrill for him-he was growing bored.


    With a swift movement, Broken nted his feet, spotting an opening. He ducked under a punch and delivered a hard uppercut to the demon''s chin, catching him off guard and causing him to stumble back. Not letting up, Broken followed with a series of rapid punches to the demon''s stomach, driving him further back as he struggled to defend himself.


    His fists flew in a relentless rhythm-punching the demon''s stomach, chest, and chin over and over again. He kicked hard from the right, his foot connecting with the demon''s jaw, then quickly followed up with a side punch to keep the demon from copsing. Blow after blow, Broken drove the demon back until he was cornered against the wall.


    The crowd, wide-eyed and in shock, watched in disbelief. Their hero was being utterly dismantled. Anger boiled over, and they began hurling objects into the arena, furious that their champion was losing.


    Then, suddenly, the bell rang. But wasn''t this supposed to be a deathmatch?


    "What happened?"


    "No way!"


    Broken ignored the sound, his focus locked on his opponent. His fists continued to rain down, blood covering the demon''s face as Broken pounded him into the ground. Even as the demon copsed, Broken didn''t stop-punch after punch, driving deeper into the demon''s skull.


    With one final kick to the head, the demon''s body disappeared from the arena, vanishing as he died.


    The arena fell into a stunned silence, so quiet that even the sound of a dropped drink echoed across the space. No one spoke, not even the host, as the longtime champion of the 1st floor had just been brutally defeated by a neer.


    Broken, his faceless mask concealing any emotion, turned his gaze toward the host. "Make sure to mention my name correctly."


    The host, snapping out of his shock, took a deep breath and announced with a booming voice, "Void Reaper wins!"


    The crowd sat frozen in disbelief as the name echoed through the arena.


    After that brutal victory, the name "Void Reaper" quickly spread throughout the Fight Club Tower, gaining recognition from everyone who had witnessed the match. For days, his reputation grew, whispered in every corner of the tower.


    The very next day, Broken wasted no time and ascended to the second floor. It was still an easy challenge for him. Hepleted all his fights in a single day with a clean sweep. Each match left the crowd more stunned than thest, and now the bets had started to shift in his favor.


    More people were putting their money on him.


    By the third day, Broken had already advanced to the third floor. Here, the fighters were stronger, mostly at level 140 and above, and it was clear that the battles were bing more serious and intense. The real challenge had finally begun.


    On the third floor, the arenas began to get more unpredictable-like fire jets shooting from the walls every few seconds. Fighters could use these hazards to force their opponents into the mes, resulting in a gruesome, fiery death. The environment was brutal, designed to pushbatants to their limits.


    But beyond the carnage, Broken had been raking in money at an astonishing rate. In just three days, he had amassed around 100 hell gold coins.


    He couldn''t help but wonder why earning money in this game seemed so easy. It hadn''t even been two days in the real world, and he''d already amassed a considerable amount of cash. Wasn''t this incredible? It was the kind of money that would require some serious thought just to figure out how to spend it all. Yeah, he wasn''t used to livingvishly yet.


    Of course, this sess wasrgely due to his stats being well above the average for his level, and he had even bet on his own matches a few times. Thisbination had led him to walk away with far more money than he ever expected.


    As Broken returned to the inn, he found Subaru waiting outside his room. "Broken, I have


    urgent news for you," Subaru said without hesitation.


    Broken raised an eyebrow. "What is it?" he asked.

 Chapter 358: Chapter 358 - They Couldn’t Know It Was Him

    Chapter 358: - They Couldn¡¯t Know It Was Him


    ?


    Broken, Subaru, and Marlene gathered in Broken''s inn room as Subaru delivered the news he had mentioned earlier.


    "So, Broken, about the ves you asked aboutst time. We''ve finally gotten some information on them," Subaru began, his tone serious.


    "Four days from now, there will be an auction, and the ves will be sold there," he continued. "Specifically, the elves and the beast-kin, the ones we encountered before, will be up for sale. However, the human ves you met will be bundled in as a bonus, meaning they''ll be auctioned off as a single package along with the others."


    Broken nodded, absorbing the information. It was clear now that both the elf and the bunny- girl ves, as well as the human ves, had been captured and traded by the same group.


    "Uhm..." Subaru hesitated, clearly uneasy. "So, actually..." he trailed off, unsure how to proceed.


    Marlene stepped in, finishing his thought. "At the auction, there''s a chance we mighte across something valuable. So, if you want to secure anything that catches your eye, it might be worth preparing some funds-just in case."


    "Are you suggesting I bid for the ves?" Broken asked, cutting to the point.


    "Surely, you''re not nning to spend money on them, right, Broken?" Subaru continued. "I mean, human ves aren''t particrly useful to demons. But the elves and beast-kin... now they''ll definitely attract attention. The bidding will skyrocket for them."


    Broken fell silent for a moment, deep in thought. Even if he knew the ves were going to be auctioned, what could he realistically do? Bid on them? Win them? That would undoubtedly require a huge sum of money. Just the elf alone had been offered for 100 gold coins as a starting bid, and Marlene had mentioned that this was only a teaser to stir up interest. The real bidding would likely go much higher.


    The issue of very in Yunatea wouldn''t be solved by rescuing a handful of people. He needed to dig deeper, find the source of the problem, and take down at least one major yer behind it. That was the only way to make asting impact.


    "Are you thinking about causing chaos and fighting everyone at the auction?" Marlene asked. "You''re definitely reading my mind," Broken replied with a faint smile.


    "No, Broken... I don''t think that''s a good idea," Subaru interjected. "I mean... I''m worried about what might happen if you try something like that. We''ll help, but who knows who else might be there."


    Marlene chimed in again. "If you want, Broken, we could target whoever wins the ves and take them out once they leave the city. It''s a cleaner option."


    "But, Marlene," Subaru added quickly, "isn''t that exactly what they''d be expecting? Robbing auction winners has bemon practice, so they''ll be prepared for that."


    "It''s still better," Marlene countered, "than trying to fight in the middle of the city." She then nced at Broken to see his decision.


    "I think we can go with that n," he agreed.


    After their discussion, they each went their separate ways. Marlene and her team left the city for some unknown hunt or mission, while Broken remained focused on incubating the demon egg, which had started making increasingly odd demands-like wanting to be taken outside the city because of the crowds or asionally requesting to be soaked in hot water.


    In the meantime, Broken continued his ascent through the ranks at the Fight Club Tower, reaching the 4th floor. Here, the opponents were demons level 150 and above. The battles were still fought without armor or weapons, but the difficulty had noticeably increased. Many of these demons possessed natural weapons-massive hands, razor-sharp ws, orrge horns perfect for charging attacks-all of which werepletely legal in these fights. Though Broken kept winning, the victories were no longer easy. Each fight now took longer, and there were times when he found himself cornered, forced to push harder and dig deep toe out on top.


    What stood out most over the past few days, however, was the shift in the crowd. The spectators had begun chanting Broken''s alias with enthusiasm.


    "Void Reaper! Void Reaper!" they shouted, their voices rising in excitement whenever Brokennded a precise punch or delivered a swift, powerful kick. Slowly but surely, he was gaining a following of fans.


    "Void Reaper will definitely win! Haha, I''ve bet a lot on him!"


    "No way, Void Reaper''s going to lose this time! His opponent isn''t just anyone."


    "Come on, Void Reaper only started on the 1st floor a few days ago, his level is only 130! Are you all stupid?"


    "But he''s never lost a match! He''s going to win big!"


    "No chance. His opponent this time hasn''t lost in 13 fights. This is the end of that weird guy''s lucky streak!"


    But reality proved different. Broken once again emerged victorious, defeating histest opponent a massive minotaur demon towering over him by nearly one and a half times his height. The demony crumpled on the ground, blood spilling from his mouth, one leg nearly broken from the relentless, brutal kicks Broken hadnded.


    "Damn, that Void Reaper has some serious kicking power. I wonder what kind of species he is?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Yeah, his legs are incredibly strong. One kick seems like it could snap his opponent''s bones. He''s terrifying," another agreed.


    It had been hectic days for Broken, bncing his time between incubating the demon egg and his new involvement in the Fight Club Tower. Yet, it was undeniably enjoyable. Not only was he having fun applying his Muay Thai skills-something he had mastered in the real world- but he also found these duels a perfect outlet to sharpen them further.


    Beyond the enjoyment, Broken had also discovered a new way to make money from his victories. He now had enough funds set aside for the uing auction, where he hoped to secure something valuable¡ªwhether it be a rare blueprint or an artifact that could help reduce his heavy Mana consumption. Despite being primarily a Strength user, his reliance on Mana had grown significantly, making items that could help manage it even more essential. Today, Broken was preparing to challenge a fighter on the 5th floor, where all thebatants were level 160 and above. He was determined to keep climbing the floors and making the most of the days he had left in the city.


    The host''s voice echoed through the arena as Broken waited in the hallway, listening to the announcement with half an ear while preparing for the uing fight.


    "Void Reaper, a neer who has taken only six days to ascend from the 1st floor, now stands ready to challenge the 5th floor! Many of you have begun to idolize this fighter, but today we''ll see if a mere level 130 fighter can truly hold his own against those at level 160 and beyond. Today, we''ll find out!"


    The doors opened, and Broken stepped into the arena, greeted by a chorus of cheers chanting his name. His rise to fame had been swift, and the crowd was clearly behind him.


    As Broken scanned the arena, looking for his opponent, his eyes locked onto something unexpected in the crowd. There, among the spectators, were familiar faces-Marlene,


    Subaru, and the rest of the team.


    They were here, watching the fight!


    Wait, why were they here?


    They couldn''t know it was him. The host had already announced his level as 130, and that would surely raise questions. He needed to keep his identity hidden at all costs.

 Chapter 359: Chapter 359 - A Skilled Fighter in the Real World

    Chapter 359: - A Skilled Fighter in the Real World


    ?


    Marlene, Subaru, and the rest of the team sat in the audience, eagerly anticipating the uing fight. They were there to enjoy the matches,pletely unaware that Broken was about to enter the ring under his alias, Void Reaper.


    His opponent emerged-a Bloodfiend, the same species of demon Broken had battled in the cave with Princess Alora. This one was level 169. Bloodfiends were notorious for their agility and speed, armed with long, deadly ws designed to tear apart their enemies. He knew he would need to counter its speed with his own raw Strength.


    But there was another problem. What if Marlene and the others recognized him? His identity had to remain hidden, yet he couldn''t afford to hold back. The stakes were high, and any hesitation could cost him the match-or worse.


    "I hope you''ve ced your bets! Because the fight starts now!" the host shouted.


    The crowd erupted in cheers as the bell rang. The Bloodfiend, thin and hunched over with a single horn on the left side of its head, immediately took a predatory stance, ready to strike. "I''ll tear your body apart and drink your blood!" the Bloodfiend hissed.


    Broken, draped in his ck cloak and wearing his chain bracelets, stood calm and unshaken as always. His usual, collected posture gave nothing away to his opponent or the roaring crowd.


    "Void Reaper! You can win!" The audience chanted his name.


    "Void Reaper! Void Reaper!" Their voices rose in excitement.


    The Bloodfiend darted forward like a predator, its speed nearly blinding. With an Agility stat of 798, this demon was not going to be easy to handle. Its rapid movements meant it could evade, attack, and reposition with terrifying swiftness. This fight was going to be a brutal contest between raw power and sheer speed.


    The Bloodfiend lunged, swiping with both ws at lightning speed. Broken managed to block with his arms, deflecting the strikes. The demon attacked again, but Broken held his ground, blocking and parrying each deadly w.


    But it was clear-his own attack speed couldn''t match the Bloodfiend''s rapid strikes. If he wanted to win, he couldn''t afford to remain passive. He needed to switch to offense, to strike aggressively and overpower the demon before it overwhelmed him with speed.


    Broken dashed forward, positioning himself for a punch, but the Bloodfiend spun mid-air, narrowly dodging the strike. It twisted its body repeatedly beforending in a crouched position, poised to strike again.


    The issue was, Broken found himself in a tough spot. He was holding back, avoiding showcasing his Muay Thai techniques too tantly, while still trying to find an opening to counterattack. However, the dy in his response left him vulnerable. The Bloodfiend''s ws raked across his arm, tearing through his cloak and exposing his left arm.


    "What''s going on with Void Reaper?"


    "He seems off today."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Is he losing?"


    "Damn it! He''s toying with us-he''s throwing the fight to cash in on bets!" "This bastard!"


    "No way, he''s not as strong as we thought! He''s going to lose to that Bloodfiend, hahaha!"


    The crowd''s mood shifted, with some panicking over their bets while othersughed, enjoying the sight of Void Reaper appearing cornered. Broken could feel the pressure mounting as the demon''s relentless speed kept him on the defensive, and he knew he had to act soon or risk losing control of the fight entirely.


    What''s the worst problem he would face if Shadow Wolves realized he was a yer? Or what if they found out it was him?


    He pondered the weight of the situation. He was on Princess Alora''s side, standing opposed to the Shadow Wolves, and there were so many secrets he had carefully concealed. Exposing his level would risk unraveling everything-especially his true identity as a Divine Champion. That was something he had kept hidden for good reason.


    Was it really a problem if they discovered he was a Divine Champion? He asked himself again, feeling the doubt creep in. Would it change things?


    Some Divine Champions had already revealed their identities to the public, openly embracing their status. So why hadn''t he done the same?


    Broken simply wanted to avoid the disadvantages that came with too many people knowing he was the Sloth Champion-at least for now.


    He needed to build his power base first: alliances, perhaps even a guild, until he felt confident enough to handle the consequences of his identity being exposed.


    Revealing his status would draw the attention of not just the Shadow Wolves, but also countless other factions and powerful individuals. The Divine Champion title held immense weight in the world. People might see him as a threat, or worse, as a tool to be controlled. Thest thing he needed was to be caught in a political and power struggle that could pull him away from his own path.


    Besides, being underestimated had its own advantages. When others looked down on him, they became careless, believing they had the upper hand. Broken could exploit that arrogance, turning it against them when they least expected it. In the end, arrogance was a de that often cut both ways, and Broken was more than willing to let it work in his favor.


    Broken continued to fend off the Bloodfiend''s relentless attacks, carefully avoiding the use of too much of his Muay Thai techniques, still searching for a way to win the fight without revealing too much of hisbat style.


    Unbeknownst to him, Marlene and the others were watching the fight with intense focus.


    "Is this the fighter you said was on the rise, Subaru? This guy doesn''t match the hype at all." Subaru replied. "Oh really...? I heard he''s been undefeated since he started on the 1st floor. I mean, that''s what people are saying. Ha ha ha."


    "But he looks like crap. He''s just dodging and looks foolish getting hit by that stupid


    Bloodfiend."


    "Still, why do his movements seem so familiar to me...? Like... something I''ve seen before," another membermented, narrowing their eyes.


    "What do you mean? Like Muay Thai moves?" someone else asked.


    "Could he be a yer? Maybe that''s why he''s hiding his identity?"


    Hearing this question, everyone began to discuss it more seriously.


    "This asshole only started participating in this tower about a week ago, right? And he''s been winning big, even with such a low level."


    "Yeah, he must be a professional fighter. Probably in the real world. That''s the most logical exnation for how he''s winning against these dumb demons despite his low level," another


    agreed.


    "Wait," someone else interjected, "could he be the one who infiltrated our expedition?"


    "But no way, a level 130 yer? Wouldn''t it be an insult to us if someone that low-level really infiltrated without us noticing?"


    "Still, damn, he''s clearly holding back. I''m starting to think it''s because he''s noticed we''re here," someone else mused.


    Subaru chuckled. "Hahaha,e on, guys. Aren''t you being a bit dramatic? I doubt the assassin we''ve been talking about would be so careless as to expose his identity in public like


    this."


    "If it''s true, though," another muttered, "then this guy is the one who stole Infernak from us.


    He owes us big."


    "What do you think, Marlene?" one of them asked, turning to her.


    Marlene simply smiled as she watched the fight. "Let''s see," she said. "Will he lose, or will he reveal who he really is?"

 Chapter 360: Chapter 360 - Kill that Void Reaper!

    Chapter 360: - Kill that Void Reaper!


    ?


    The crowd began to grow disappointed with Void Reaper''s performance as he appeared cornered by his opponent. Some of his supporters shouted angrily at him from the stands, their frustration boiling over.


    "That asshole tricked us! Kill that Void Reaper!"


    "Fuck, he''s so stupid! Like some dumb rookie fighter!"


    "He doesn''t deserve to be in this fight! Send him back to the 1st floor, or just kill him!"


    The disappointment spread, and many spectators started throwing objects into the arena. The Main Protagonist, who they had hoped would deliver yet another incredible match, had utterly let them down this time. He looked on the verge of defeat-by none other than a mere Bloodfiend.


    While, In the arena, Broken finally made his decision. He couldn''t let himself stay in this situation any longer. If his health dropped too low, his Ethereal Form would activate, exposing his true identity as Him! He had to fight back.


    Broken sprinted across the field, circling around as the Bloodfiend chased him. He mmed his foot into the ground, preparing to execute his attack sequence. There was no other choice.


    The Bloodfiend darted toward him with blinding speed. Broken clenched his fists, dropped into a defensive stance, and ducked just in time tond a powerful uppercut to the demon''s chin. The creature had underestimated Broken, and the punchnded perfectly.


    The demon staggered back, losing its bnce, but Broken pressed forward. He unleashed a flurry of rapid, precise punches, each strike hitting its mark.


    Broken mixed in a few quick kicks, driving the demon backward with brutal force until it mmed into the wall. Without missing a beat, Broken dashed forward, relentlessly pounding the demon, giving it no chance to recover or fight back.


    The demon struggled to defend itself, raising both hands in a desperate attempt to block the onught, but Broken kept hammering away, each punch breaking down its defenses. An Agility-type fighter like this Bloodfiend didn''t have much Constitution or Stamina, making direct confrontations like this a ring weakness.


    At the same time, the crowd of Void Reaper''s supporters sprang to their feet, their excitement surging as their hero began to show his true capabilities once again.


    They started cheering wildly.


    "Void Reaper! You can do it!"


    "Kill that bastard! You got this!"


    "Void Reaper! Void Reaper!" they chanted his name in unison.


    "He''s going to win!"


    "He''s still the Void Reaper we know and admire, hahaha!"


    "We were wrong to doubt him!"


    In the row where the Shadow Wolves were seated, many of them looked genuinely shocked.


    "This sucker! He''s actually using Muay Thai! That move! I''ve never seen a Native Yunatean or even a damn demon fight like that."


    "Are you sure it''s Muay Thai?"


    "Yes, I''m positive. I''ve studied that martial art myself."


    "Fuck!" another cursed. "We have to hunt this yer down and avenge our losses."


    "He''s definitely the one who infiltrated our expedition and killed Infernak. We''ll confirm it soon enough."


    All eyes then turned to Marlene, who had remained calm throughout the entire fight. "This match is almost over," she said coolly. "Imand every one of you to hunt down this bastard."


    Without hesitation, the entire group rose from their seats and left.


    In the arena, Void Reaper had clearly established his dominance over the Bloodfiend, whose low Constitution left it no chance. The demony crumpled on the ground, pleading for


    mercy.


    "Enough! I surrender! I surrender! Please, enough!" the demon screamed hysterically, trying to fend off Void Reaper''s relentless blows with its trembling hands.


    The bell rang out loudly, signaling the end of the fight, as the crowd erupted in cheers for their beloved champion.


    "Void Reaper wins!" the host shouted. "Though at first, he appeared cornered, he once again proved why he''s the undefeated champion. He truly deserves this victory, with his perfect record still intact."


    The entire arena buzzed with celebration, yet Void Reaper showed no interest in basking in the glory. Instead, he began to walk away from the arena, leaving everyone in confusion.


    "He should give a speech after this victory."


    "We want to hear from him!"


    "Let''s chase him down and congratte him in person!" Some of the more fanatical demons leaped from the stands, trying to pursue Broken as he exited the arena, determined to catchn/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    up with him.


    The demons rushed forward, trampling over the fallen Bloodfiend in their frenzy to catch up with Broken and congratte him in person.


    "That Void Reaper is so mysterious. I''m sure he doesn''t want to reveal his identity."


    "Yes, but I just want to congratte him. I adore him. He''s so cool."


    "Void Reaper, please wait!"


    More and more demons joined in, pouring down from the stands and heading toward the door


    that led to the hallway where Void Reaper had disappeared.


    "I''m sure he''s not far! Let''s catch up to him, just to say congrats."


    "Void Reaper, I love you!"


    Broken sprinted down the hallway, his mind racing. He had to find a safe spot to hide and log out before things got worse. While fighting earlier, he''d caught a glimpse of the Shadow Wolves descending from the stands-there was no doubt they wereing for him.


    Just then, a demon dressed in a suit was waiting for him, smiling warmly. "Mr. Void Reaper, congrattions on your victory. I''ll escort you to im your reward."


    But Broken simply patted the man''s shoulder. "Don''t tell anyone where I went," he said before dashing off again.


    The demon stood frozen in ce, as if struck by lightning. After a few moments, he suddenly started jumping up and down hysterically, before copsing to the floor in a daze. "The Void Reaper patted my shoulder... He spoke to me... He spoke to me... I''m losing it. That voice-it was so warm. I admire him so much."


    From a distance, a few figures approached quickly.


    "They must be after the Void Reaper. I have to hold them off," the demon thought as he stood


    his ground.


    A red-haired woman and a mage were rushing toward him.


    "Void Reaper isn''t here. He went that way," the demon said, pointing in the opposite


    direction.


    But the red-haired woman snapped her whip in an instant, and with a single strike, she decapitated the demon. His head rolled to the floor as she sneered.


    "Shut up, your breath stinks," Marlene said coldly, then continued running, followed closely


    by Subaru.


    They continued running until they finally exited the tower, still inmunication with the rest of their group. After a while, Marlene abruptly stopped, frustration tightening her


    expression.


    "Marlene, did we lose him?" Subaru asked.


    "He really thinks he can escape from me," she muttered.


    "What do you think?"


    "He definitely logged out somewhere in this area. We just need to wait until he logs back in."


    At that moment, a massive shadow began to swirl on the ground around them, farrger than the two wolves Marlene usuallymanded. The shadow coiled and expanded, moving erratically, but with purpose-almost like it was hunting.


    "Search this entire area thoroughly," shemanded, and the shadow immediately dispersed, slithering away to scout.


    "Marlene, are you sure about using this demon to help us?" Subaru asked hesitantly.


    "I''ll use anything necessary to make that bastard regret ever crossing me," she snapped.


    ***


    Author''s Note (this doesn''t add to the chapter''s price)


    *I will be mass releasing 10 chapters on September 1, 2024


    Seven sins, seven major races, six continents, the gods, the internationalpetition, the 72 demons, the countless sses, the Moon Goddess, the true fate of the MC''s parents, and so much more. I''m sure you all understand that Broken has only just scratched the surface of it


    all. His journey is far from over.


    Thank you for your support. Every little thing you do-power stones, golden tickets,ments, and reviews-helps keep me going.


    We''re now three months into this series, and we''ve hit 370 chapters. I want to see this novel


    continue to grow, and I hope you do too. So please stick with Broken and give him all the


    support he needs.


    Thanks, and I hope to see you again in the uing chapters!

 Chapter 361: Chapter 361 - They Might be in Broken’s Side

    Chapter 361: - They Might be in Broken¡¯s Side


    ?


    Freya was making her usual rounds in Slumdon Town, busy overseeing the city''s progress. With several members of the Ass Guild always tied up with various tasks, and Broken currently absent, her workload had increased significantly.


    Unlike most yers who were focused on leveling up as quickly as possible, Freya wasn''t interested in being on the front lines of battles or participating inbatpetitions. For her, simply witnessing the many new developments in Yunatea was satisfying enough.


    Her primary focus, however, was on the rapid development of Slumdon Town. She was determined to see the city grow and thrive, bing bustling and strong, both economically and in terms of security.


    Maylock yed a crucial role in this effort, overseeing the training of the knights and general troops. Even the elite knights that Broken had received as a reward from the kingdom had made remarkable progress under his guidance.


    The town''s development was progressing steadily. The city wall had been fully repaired, and while it hadn''t yet been upgraded to something more formidable, it was sturdy enough to keep monsters from breaching the town. The streets had been improved, and the marketce was beginning to take shape, with many merchants already setting up shop.


    The farming fields, in particr, were seeing significant progress, thanksrgely to Charmelyn''s efforts. Although she was an Assassin and often disappeared for a day or two on mysterious missions, her focus on agriculture was paying off. Despite her stealthyings and goings, her contributions were vital to the town''s growth.


    Freya walked toward the farming fields in Slumdon Town early in the morning, as she often did. As usual, she spotted Charmelyn sitting quietly, gazing out over the fields. Charmelyn often sat in that same spot for long periods. Freya approached her and noticed that she seemed unnaturally still.


    "Hi, Charmelyn, hi..." Freya said, waving her hand in front of the woman''s face. But there was no response-Charmelyn remained motionless.


    "Is she asleep?" Freya wondered aloud as she began to turn away. Just then, a voice called out to her.


    "Freya."


    She turned back to see that Charmelyn was now standing. "Sorry, I was just... uh, daydreaming," Charmelyn said softly.


    "No, it''s okay. I was just patrolling and thought I''d check in. Do you need help with anything?"


    "Uhm... no, thanks. I''ll have the report ready soon."


    "Sure. Don''t push yourself too hard, okay? You need to level up too, right? You can leave the monitoring to me if you need a break."


    "Thanks."


    Satisfied that everything was under control, Freya headed off to continue her patrol.


    Later that day, Freya received an invitation from Elincia, along with the other leaders of the Ass Guild-Maylock and Goldrich. She wasn''t sure what they wanted to discuss, but Elincia had mentioned that it wasn''t directly rted to the town''s development. Still, Freya couldn''t help but wonder why they had invited her.


    By midday, Freya, Elincia, Maylock, and Goldrich had gathered in the meeting room at the House of Slumdon. Once everyone had arrived, the conversation quickly began.


    "So, why involve me if this isn''t directly rted to the town''s development?" Freya started.


    Elincia responded, "We invited you to represent Broken, Freya. As you know, he''s on an important expedition right now."


    "Broken?" Freya looked puzzled.


    Maylock chimed in, "By the way, how''s his progress there?"


    "Ah," Freya replied. "Everything seems to be going smoothly, at least that''s what he''s told me. There were a few minor issues, but the progress with the egg is good."


    "Minor issues that will likely be major ones," Maylock muttered quietly.


    "Khi khi khi..." Goldrich chuckled. "You''re so pessimistic about my boy Broken, huh?"


    Elincia added, "Maylock always believes that anything happening around Broken is bound to escte into something big."


    "Yes, can''t help it-he is the main character in this grand story," Maylock said casually. After some light-hearted banter, they shifted focus to the main topic of the day.


    Maylock began, "So, this happened a few weeks ago. Although the news hasn''t spread widely yet, it''s been confirmed that the status of Divine Champion can be either taken or transferred to someone else."


    Freya was visibly shocked by this revtion, as it was the first time she had heard of such a possibility.


    He continued, "It happened to someone-an Envy Champion. He got caught up in a conflict that resulted in his Divine Champion Blessing being taken by someone else."


    "Envy Champion?" Freya murmured softly.


    The Envy Champion was originally a blessing held by the Dwarves. While the Dwarf King still retains the original Blessing, yers have since acquired simr, though slightly less powerful, versions of it. These yer champions possess abilities that mirror those of the original Envy Champion.


    Maylock continued, "This Envy champion has the ability to duplicate himself." He paused for a moment.


    Freya picked up where he left off. "Is he someone who can transfer his consciousness between those duplicates, letting him be in two ces at once, even if he has to control each body


    alternately?"


    "Correct," Maylock confirmed.


    The Dwarf King possesses the blessing of Envy, which allows him to create an avatar that can perfectly replicate another''s profile. This makes him incredibly powerful, as he can even duplicate another Divine Champion. However, some believe there are limitations to this ability.


    Envy Champions among yers also have skills focused on simr powers-creating avatars of various kinds. The specific Envy Champion they''re discussing now has the ability to create a duplicate of himself, send it to a different location, and transfer his consciousness between the two. When the original and the duplicate are in close proximity, the user can control both simultaneously, effectively doubling his strength.


    "Okay," Freya continued. "So, what''s the concern for us? And why should I- I mean, Broken - be aware of this too?"


    Maylock nodded and continued, "No, I can''t confirm everything just yet."


    Elincia chimed in, "I know you''ve already got a conclusion. Just say it."


    "No, I''m not that confident," he replied.


    "You''re trying to be humble but failing, especially when you usually jump to conclusions."


    "I need more data. That''s why I need Broken''s help," he said, turning to Freya.


    "What can Broken do?"


    "He needs to confirm the identity of someone who''s infiltrated their expedition."


    "de Phantom?" Freya asked.


    "I can''t confirm anything yet, which is why he needs to verify it himself and send me the footage. Only then can I reach a proper conclusion."


    "Alright, I''ll pass this on to Broken. Still, I''m a bit confused about all this, Maylock," Freya


    said with a smallugh.


    "He does love being mysterious, Freya," Elincia added with a giggle.


    Freya nodded and said. "Does this mean our hero is in danger?"


    "I''m not really sure," Maylock replied.


    "Just say it, Maylock," Elincia pressed. "You know we can''t do anything while Broken is out


    there, right?"


    Maylock sighed and nodded. "Seventy percent, no. I think this will actually benefit Broken."


    "So, you''re saying the person who infiltrated their expedition might be on Broken''s side?"


    "Most likely," Maylock confirmed.


    "It''s not like him to be uncertain," Elincia observed.


    "Khi khi khi..." Goldrich chuckled. "He always hesitates when he''s concerned about the


    oue. It just means he cares about Broken."


    "Yes, I do care about him," Maylock admitted, "which is why I''m a bit uncertain about this


    conclusion."


    Freya nodded again. "Okay, then. I think I need to log out now-I just got a message from our


    hero saying he''s dealing with a little problem."


    "A little problem that will probably turn into a big one," Maylock joked.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    With that, they dispersed, and Freya logged out of the game.

 Chapter 362: Chapter 362 - We’ve Found the Blade Phantom

    Chapter 362: - We¡¯ve Found the de Phantom


    ?


    n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Leon was lounging at the rooftop caf¨¦ of a hotel that night, with Freya sitting across from him. It just so happened to be a Saturday night. While Lily was out with her friends, here he was, apanied by the super assistant, Freya.


    For the most part, they spent the evening in silence-Leon sipping his drink, nibbling on food, and lost in thought as the background music yed. It was clear that his recent in-game activities, particrly the Hell expedition, had drained him, making a rxing evening like this much needed.


    "So... do you think Marlene might start hunting you down after all this?" Freya finally broke the silence, cutting a piece of cake with her fork and taking a bite.


    "Yes," Leon sighed. "What do you think I should do, Freya?"


    "Running was the right call," she replied. "In your current state, without your gear, I don''t think you''d stand a chance against her. And I agree with your decision to keep this under wraps for now. If too many people find out you''ve received more blessings than others, they''lle after you, and that could be very bad news."


    "Yes, I think so too," he replied. "If they knew my current level, it would definitely raise a lot of questions. Especially since not all members of the Shadow Wolves trust me."


    Freya giggled at his words. "Can''t me them. In their eyes, you''re still an enemy, you know? The fact that they even let you join this expedition is already something."


    Broken nodded and then continued, "So, what about that important thing you mentioned from the Ass Guild?"


    Freya nodded back and then began recounting in detail her conversation with Elincia and the others.


    After hearing the details from Freya about the Envy Champion and the possibility of the Divine Champion status could be transferred to anyone else, Broken started to contemte how such a thing could be possible.


    "I''m going to try to figure out how the status of a Divine Champion could be transferred," he said. "Though it seems foolish for anyone to willingly give that up. The value of such a status is immense."


    Freya responded, "That happened to you, as someone who''s been showered with too many blessings. For some people, without enough support, holding the status of Divine Champion can be a burden. That''s why strong backing from alliance, or guild is crucial-so that a Divine Champion isn''t easily overwhelmed by pressure from others."


    "I mean, if the status of Divine Champion really can be transferred, wouldn''t people like Goldrich benefit from that, given his money?" Broken mused. "He could just bribe specific Divine Champions with the abilities he needs and have them hand those powers over to him." Freya giggled. "I think after hearing this news, Elincia and the others are likely already plotting how to hunt for the Divine Champion status from other yers. This transfer of the Envy Champion status will only make Divine Champions feel even more cornered. That''s why I think you''re absolutely right to keep all of this hidden for now."


    The realization that the status of Divine Champion could be transferred to someone else, coupled with the possibility that the infiltrator in the Hell expedition might be on his side, along with other pressing matters, made Leon feel the need to address everything one step at a time. His first priority was to ensure that Marlene wouldn''t pursue him. So, after taking the necessary time to prepare, he logged back into Immortal Legacy.


    He found himself logging back in to his inn room. Yes, he had managed to escape the Fight Club Tower quickly, using every movement ability at his disposal andbining them with his stealth skills. He had made it back to his room and logged out from there. As he scanned the room, he saw no signs that anyone had entered. Cautiously, he approached the door and opened it slowly-no one was there.


    It seemed Marlene and Subaru hadn''t been able to track him here or figure out that Void Reaper was, in fact, him. He let out a sigh of relief. Then, he checked his list of private messages, finding several from Subaru.


    "Broken, it looks like we''ve found someone who might be the infiltrator in our expedition. Marlene and the others are hunting them down. Please let us know when you''re back online." Broken nodded to himself as he saw that the message had been sent just a few minutes ago, which meant they were likely still searching. Or was this all just a trap? Whatever the case, he knew he had to be as cautious as possible.


    "Let me know if you find them-I''ll be there right away," he replied to the message.


    But why would de Phantom likely be on his side? Broken didn''t know anything about this person. It was the first time he''d even heard of them while in Hell, and he had no idea who they were or what they were like.


    The people he knew were limited to Booba, RememberMe and their team, and Elincia and the Guild. If de Phantom was indeed an assassin ss, the only one he was familiar with was Charmelyn, and Freya had already confirmed she was in Slumdon.


    Shaking his head, Broken decided to spend some time supplying the demon egg with his Mana while waiting for an update from Subaru.


    Considering that Marlene was already suspicious of Void Reaper, it seemed like continuing his adventures in the Fight Club Tower would be off the table for now. He sighed, disappointed that just as he was gaining fans and starting to build a reputation, he might have toy low. But then he chuckled to himself, thinking that having a good reputation in Hell could be a bonus for him, after all.


    Maybe he could still climb the tower, staying on high alert in case Marlene showed up again. He had to find a way to continue. Reaching the 10th floor would at least be satisfying for him.


    Or perhaps he could return here in the future to explore more of Hell. But to do that, he needed to figure out an easier way toe back.


    Just then, a notification from the egg came out.


    [The Fetus, bored with the same Mana over and over. It needs Mana from higher creatures, a royal, something slightly above lesser creatures.]


    Broken furrowed his brow. A royal and higher creature? What does that even mean?


    He tried supplying his Mana again, but the egg rejected it. The progress was still stuck at 78%, and with the limited time he had left in this ce, he worried that he wouldn''t be able to


    fulfill the progress in time.


    Higher-status creatures? What does that even mean? A royal family member? Like a king or something? His mind raced with questions.


    Damn, how was he supposed to find something like that in a ce like this? And on top of that, convince them to supply Mana to a freaking egg?!


    "Hey little friend, I''m a Divine Champion, my Mana has a nice vor. You should drink it all up, okay? I promise it won''t do you any harm," he said, trying to coax the egg as he attempted to supply his Mana again-only to be rejected.


    Damn it! Where could he possibly find higher creatures or some kind of royalty in Hell?


    Anyway,ter tonight, he and the others were going to attend the auction. Could it be possible to find what he needed there? But getting someone or something-to supply Mana? That seemed like a stretch.


    Just then, another private message came through-it was from Subaru.


    "Broken,e here, we''ve found the de Phantom," the message read.

 Chapter 363: Chapter 363 - At Least Broken is Not Alone

    Chapter 363: - At Least Broken is Not Alone


    ?


    Broken rushed out of the inn as soon as he got the message from Subaru. He took the quieter streets to move quickly, slipping out of the city before hopping onto his Petal Charger. The battle between the Shadow Wolves and the de Phantom was taking ce outside the city, so he needed to cover ground fast.


    When he finally arrived, he saw the members of the Shadow Wolves standing in a circle around someone-clearly their target.


    As Broken approached, he noticed a few of the members nce in his direction. But what caught his attention most was the figure at the center of the group. The person was wearing a ck cloak strikingly simr to Void Reaper''s. Was this just a coincidence?


    The figure was shrouded in a shadowy aura, making it difficult to discern their true form. Yet, despite being surrounded, they seemed calm, almost unfazed by the situation.


    Subaru sent another message to Broken.


    "Broken, I think this is going to be a tough fight, but you should only join us if you''re absolutely sure," the message read.


    But instead of diving into the battle, Broken did exactly what Maylock had asked of him-he activated the recording feature on his system. It would capture everything through his eyes. Maylock had suggested that the de Phantom might be on his side, but why? Sometimes, the things Maylock said only made sense when the time was right. But now, the person surrounded by Marlene and the others seemed to be deliberately presenting themselves as Void Reaper, possibly to divert Marlene''s attention and help Broken escape?


    "You won''t get away from us. I''ll make sure you die over and over again until you''re sick of living," Marlene''s voice rang out.


    But the de Phantom, whose identity and even gender were obscured, simply readied their twin daggers, preparing for battle without uttering a word.


    The inevitable battle finally erupted. Every member of the Shadow Wolves cast their buffs, and the melee fighters charged in first. But the de Phantom moved with incredible speed, flipping through the air and darting away from their attacks. In a sh, they aimed to strike at the support yers, knowing their importance in the fight. However, Marlene''s wolf quickly intercepted,unching a swift attack.


    The de Phantom vanished, only to reappear in a new location, now targeting Calista, the healer. But another melee fighter was already there, countering the attack with precision- their teamwork was seamless.


    The fight was a testament to the coordination of the Shadow Wolves. They skillfully protected their support yers while the melee fighters maintained relentless pressure on their target. Yet, what stood out most was the de Phantom''s ability to hold their ground, deftly evading and countering attacks from so many opponents at once.


    Despite being outnumbered, the de Phantom prevented the battle from bing a one- sided affair, disying exceptional skill and agility throughout the encounter.


    It was truly incredible-an assassin able to hold their own against so many opponents was extraordinary. It was clear that this person was highly trained inbat. Every movement the de Phantom made was precise and efficient, expertly countering enemy attacks and using the momentum to propel themselves toward a new target. It was as if the de Phantom was dancing through the battlefield, seamlessly weaving between threats.


    However, the fight didn''tst long. Despite their skill, the de Phantom was gradually cornered. Realizing this, they decided to make a break for it. The assassin''s body blurred and shifted through shadows, rapidly changing locations as they distanced themselves from the fight. In the end, the de Phantom vanishedpletely, slipping away so swiftly that even Marlene''s two wolves couldn''t keep up with the pursuit.


    Broken was still in awe after witnessing the fight. The de Phantom had been incredibly difficult to pin down! He shut off the recording and approached the others, overhearing theirints.


    "Damn, that asshole! I should''ve gone for his neck," one of them grumbled.


    "Now that we know exactly who''s infiltrated our expedition, we''ll keep hunting this guy down!"


    Marlene''s face remained expressionless, as usual, not saying a word.


    "Ehehehe, everyone..." Subaru spoke up, breaking the tension. "How about we head back to the inn to discuss our next move? We''ve got the auction to attend tonight."


    With that, the team regrouped and started making their way back to the city.


    As they traveled back to the town, Broken found himself imagining what it would be like if he could acquire a Costume Skin that would allow him to conceal his identity while still wearing his full gear underneath.


    The Obsidian Shroud wasn''t a good option, as he had already used it frequently in front of the Shadow Wolves. He needed something different. The Void Reaper costume he had worn earlier was just a set of normal clothes that reced his Sloth Armor, meaning he couldn''t fight at his full potential while wearing them.


    What he really needed was a costume that could ovey his existing gear, letting him maintain his fullbat abilities while still disguising who he was. Such a skin would be invaluable, especially in situations like this where his identity needed to remain hidden. In the game system, there was actually a gacha feature for costumes, but the results werepletely random. The designs weren''t particrly special, and they weremonly used by many yers. He wasn''t really interested in that, and besides, none of the avable costume skins truly met his needs. So, he''d have to wait until another option presented itself.


    For now, he''d bide his time and keep an eye out for something more suited to his requirements¡ªsomething unique that could both conceal his identity and allow him to fight at full strength.


    After returning to the inn, Broken sent the video recording from earlier to Maylock, waiting to see what his response would be. Meanwhile, the group was busy preparing for the auctionter that night. It promised to be an exciting evening-who knew what interesting things he might find there?


    ***


    Maylock, Elincia, and Goldrich immediately began analyzing the video Broken had sent. It was clear that each of them had drawn their own conclusions from the footage.


    "I don''t think I can keep my suspicions hidden any longer," Elincia said.


    "Khi khi khi..." Goldrich chuckled. "Isn''t this good news, Elincia? We''ve been wanting a Divine Champion among us for quite some time."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    They hesitated to reveal everything, still somewhat uncertain, before all eyes turned to


    Maylock.


    "What do you think?" Elincia asked.


    Maylock sighed. "I''ve actually been analyzing this for the past few days, and my confidence has been growing. Although I needed footage like this to confirm it... Yes, we can confirm it."


    Elincia said, "That the new Envy Champion is truly part of the Ass Guild?"


    "Yes." Maylock nodded. "I can confirm that the person in the video is Charmelyn."


    They fell silent for a moment after hearing the confirmation, pondering why Charmelyn hadn''t revealed this information to the others yet, especially since it was such a significant


    revtion.


    "Maybe she needed more time before opening up about it?" Elincia suggested. "But why would she go to such lengths to follow Broken into Hell?"


    Maylock sighed before answering. "It seems Charmelyn knows Broken from outside the game, though Broken hasn''t realized it yet."


    "What? Really?" Elincia looked surprised.


    "Yes, maybe she''s someone he knew before, perhaps from his past or even a friend from university. What''s clear is that Charmelyn has shown an interest in Broken. More likely, it''s love. You can see it in how her behavior has changed since Broken appeared. She might even


    be his ex from the past; I''m not sure."


    "Damn, are you sure about that, Maylock?" Elincia asked.


    "Thirty percent for the overall situation," he replied. "But seventy percent sure that Charmelyn has feelings for Broken, or at least some kind of connection to him." "Khi khi khi..." Goldrich chuckled. "You''re quite skilled at reading people, huh? But I wonder why you''ve chosen to be a loner when you could have plenty of friends if you wanted?" "I''m good at reading people, even manipting them to do what I want, but I''m just toozy to bother. And I don''t like being surrounded by people who aren''t important to my life. I prefer not to get close to those who don''t serve a purpose," Maylock responded calmly. Elincia then stood up. "Alright, everything''s clear. At least we know Broken has someone he can rely on in Hell. At least he''s not alone."

 Chapter 364: Chapter 364 - Royal Dragon Heart

    Chapter 364: - Royal Dragon Heart


    ?


    The auction took ce in a spacious room, where tiered rows of seats faced a stage at the far end. The room was filled with people cloaked from head to toe, their identities concealed except for the numbers disyed on their chests, indicating their status as representatives.


    Marlene, Broken, and Subaru were the only three from their group attending the auction, with the number 63 on Marlene''s chest signifying that she was the bidder for their team. As more attendees arrived, they began to take their seats.


    Given that many of the participants were demons, their sizes varied greatly. Some were the size of ordinary humans, while others were clearly massive creatures. One particrlyrge demon, despite being cloaked, couldn''t fully hide its size-its enormous red arms still protruded visibly from beneath the fabric.


    That night, Broken deliberately brought a bag, cing it in front of his feet. Inside the bag, he put the demon egg, curious to see if it would react to any of the items being auctioned. Even though he wasn''t sure if he''d be able to bid sessfully-since auction prices often soared- he wanted to be prepared just in case.


    He had money, plenty from his earnings in Hell, but he was determined to be cautious. His n was to hold back and only bid on something he could truly afford and genuinely needed. Maybe a blueprint or an artifact he wasn''t sure yet. But if the egg reacted to something, he might have to rethink his strategy.


    As more guests began to arrive, Broken felt a strong urge to use his Perception skill on them, just to gauge their levels or statuses. But he quickly reminded himself that he had no idea who these people were some of them might even be able to detect if he was probing them. Thest thing he wanted was to cause a scene in front of such a crowd, especially since the attendees were likely influential individuals with wealth far beyond the average.


    After all, anyone participating in the auction would certainly have deep pockets, right? Even just to enter, there was a mandatory deposit of gold coins as a guarantee, something Marlene had already taken care of for their group.


    The auction began, and the host¡ªa demon dressed in a sharp suit with the head of a frog- greeted the guests with the typical enthusiasm of an auctioneer. Soon, the attendants brought out the first item from behind the curtain. It was something encased in a ss box, and inside, it looked like a stone or perhaps a heart, still beating, and nearly the size of a human head.


    "A dragon-though they''ve nearly vanished from the surface of Yunatea, everyone knows that some dragons hold incredible power even after death. And here, I present to you, a Royal dragon heart," the host announced.


    A wave of awe and gasps rippled through the audience at the sight of the item.


    Meanwhile, Broken and the others continued their conversation via chat group to keep their discussions private.


    [Broken: "What''s the difference between this and something like a soul stone?"]


    [Marlene: "Simr, but with some differences. Most likely, it''s a crafting material or an ingredient for a powerful potion. Its value will definitely be high."]


    The host continued, "This is the heart of a dragon that lived for over 3,000 years before its death, having cultivated immense magic power within it. Now, ce your bids."


    The bidding began, with the starting price set at 600 gold coins-a hefty sum. The bids quickly escted, climbing steadily until they reached 900 gold coins, and finally, the hammer fell at 1,380 gold coins.


    But, damn! That price? Broken couldn''t wrap his head around what this item could be used for ¡ªmaybe crafting a Legendary-grade item? But if he didn''t know exactly what it was for, it would be a waste to spend so much on it. Still, despite the high final bid, it seemed fairly typical for an auction like this.


    Actually, the price was rtively normal, considering Broken had crafted a Unique-grade armor piece for Princess Alora, and the kingdom had valued it at 360 gold coins. But still, he was curious about an item like this, especially since it came from a dragon. He had expected the price to be even higher.


    The next item was brought out, a crystal glowing with a vibrant blue energy that illuminated even therge room.


    "This is a Faery Soul Stone," the host announced.


    Faery Soul Stone?!


    Broken immediately focused on the item being offered. It was exactly what he needed to craft the Unseen Universe Ne. Although it wasn''t a requiredponent, it was part of a hidden feature in the blueprint he had. This was a rare opportunity for him to acquire it.


    [Marlene: "Do you want it?"]


    Broken nced at Marlene and gave a slight nod.


    But seeing how high the bids had gone so far, he knew he''d have to spend a lot to win this one. The auctions here were truly intense. While Soul Stones were already hard toe by, here he was, staring at the exact one he needed.


    The bidding started at 200 gold coins, and people quickly began raising their offers. Broken hesitated, seeing how much interest the Faery Soul Stone was generating. He had the money, but he couldn''t justify spending all of it on a single item.


    [Subaru: "Broken, the price is skyrocketing-it''s driving me crazy too. But I''m sure this soul stone is incredible, especially if you have a blueprint that fits it."]


    The final bid came from a woman''s voice, ending at 750 gold coins. No one else bid higher after that.


    Damn, Broken wanted it badly, but there was no way he could outbid that. He nced over at the woman who had won the auction, sitting several rows above him. For a moment, he felt as if she was looking back at him from beneath her cloak. He quickly shifted his attention back to the host on the stage.


    Broken had initially considered using his Perception skill to check her status, but something inside him warned against it. He''d had enough of getting caught after the incident with the elf who had noticed him snooping on her status before. He wasn''t eager to repeat that


    mistake.


    The auction continued with more items that, while tempting, were far too expensive for Broken to seriously consider. He couldn''t help but feel that, despite all the money he''d managed to umte, he still wasn''t on the same level as the people bidding here.


    At one point, Marlene won an item-a Legendary-grade cape imbued with shadow elements. It was surprising to see her willing to bid on something so expensive. But then again, it made sense. As a Gluttony Champion and a key figure in the Shadow Wolves guild, she likely had considerable wealth. Beyond that, she could probably generate even more ie through her in-game profile, possibly through sponsorships, endorsements, or simr opportunities. The next item was brought out a small vial containing a red liquid that looked almost like blood. The host''s excitement was evident as he prepared to reveal the identity of the item. Broken''s attention was suddenly drawn to something else¡ªthe bag at his feet shifted. The demon egg inside it stirred the moment the vial appeared.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Could it be that the demon egg was reacting to that vial? Did it want whatever was inside? But what exactly was that liquid? Blood?

 Chapter 365: Chapter 365 - Steal the Sword from the Buyer

    Chapter 365: - Steal the Sword from the Buyer


    ?


    "This is the purest blood from a Royal Vampire Family," the host announced. "This is the blood of a direct descendant of the Vampire King. It''s a highly sought-after item, known for its ability to enhance strength and dramatically improve regeneration."


    A wave of gasps and murmurs of admiration rippled through the audience.


    "The bidding starts at 100 gold coins," the host dered.


    So, it was blood from a royal vampire family. No wonder the demon egg reacted so strongly- it must sense the potent power within the blood. Broken''s curiosity deepened as he watched the bidders prepare to ce their offers.


    But should he join the bidding? How much was he willing to spend to acquire this item? If he considered the 390 gold coins he had earned in Hell, he might be able to use it all in this auction. It could be worth it, especially if it could advance the egg''s progress, which had been stalled for a while. He needed toplete it before the Hell expedition ended-otherwise, all his efforts so far would be wasted.


    Weighing his options, Broken knew that if this blood could help the egg develop, it might be worth the risk. The question now was how high the bidding would go and whether he was willing to match it.


    The bidding quickly jumped to 240 gold coins.


    [Broken: "I might go for it, but only up to 300 gold coins."]


    He said in the chat group.


    Marlene raised her hand and bid 250 gold coins, but the bidding continued. The woman who had won the Faery Soul Stone earlier then bid 300 gold coins.


    [Subaru: "Broken, it''s already past 300 gold. Are you sure you want to keep going? This price is insane!"]


    No one else dared to bid after that, but Broken hesitated. Then, with a nod to Marlene, she ced another bid at 310 gold coins. Surprisingly, no one offered a higher bid.


    "The blood goes to guest number 63," the host announced.


    Broken let out a heavy sigh. Damn! That was a crazy price! I hope you can help me find plenty of soul stones in the future, little demon!


    Broken could still feel his heart pounding after making his first-ever purchase at such an exorbitant price. He had never imagined he would reach a point like this in his life. It felt utterly surreal, and he was still struggling to believe it had actually happened.


    The next item offered was something Broken and the others had been eagerly awaiting. Several attendants pushed in iron cages, and inside, they clearly saw the elf woman, a beast- kin, and several humans, all imprisoned and disyed on the stage.


    Seeing this, Broken clenched his fists tightly. This was the primary reason he hade to this auction-to uncover who was behind the ve trade or at least identify the buyers who might purchase them.


    "Oh, I''m sure you all know how enchanting forest elves are, and this one here is no exception. Just look at the smoothness of her skin," the host announced with enthusiasm. "And that''s not all-we''ve paired her with this lovely bunny-girl. You can have both."


    The host then gestured to the humans in the other cages. "And, as you can see, these humans are included as well. I''m sure you know exactly how to put them to use."


    He continued, "Bid for these two ves here, and these humans will be yours as a bonus."


    The guests quickly began bidding for the ves, with several bidders driving the price up to 800 gold coins.


    [Subaru: "Damn, no wonder they''re so sought after-their price can skyrocket here."] [Marlene: "Thinking of bing a ve trader, Subaru?"]N?v(el)B\\jnn


    [Subaru: "No... don''t say that in front of Broken, he might get the wrong idea, hahaha."]


    [Broken: "I wouldn''t be surprised if you did something like this too, considering you''re used to doing simr things, aren''t you?"]


    [Marlene: "You still see us as the viins, huh?"]


    [Broken: "Can''t help it, Marlene. That image sticks with you guys."]


    [Subaru: "Oh damn, I never thought someone actually saw us as the bad guys, hahaha. Have I really gone down the wrong path?"]


    The bidding continued until it finally stopped at 1,200 gold coins, with the winning bid going to guest number 75.


    As nned, this guest was now their target for a raid once the auction ended.


    [Marlene: "Alright, we''ve got our target. We''re going to have a massacre tonight."]


    [Subaru: "Jeez, Marlene, no wonder Broken thinks we''re the bad guys. Your choice of words is seriously terrible."]


    [Marlene: "No worries, Broken''s joining us for this massacre, so he''s a bad guy too, this time."]


    [Broken: "Don''t lump me in with you. I''m doing this for the people of Slumdon."]


    [Marlene: "Okay, that''s a fair excuse."]


    [Subaru: "Guys, enough... You''re talking so casually, but you''re really just pushing each other''s buttons. Hahaha."]


    Afterward, Marlene quickly ryed the information to the rest of the team, instructing them to prepare. They easily uncovered the identity of guest number 75 and learned that this person was from out of town, which made things even simpler. They could intercept the buyer outside the city and carry out their n there, where it would be easier to handle without drawing too much attention.


    By doing this, they might even be able to save more people at the buyer''s destination. While this approach wouldn''t necessarily reveal who was bringing the ves into Hell, taking down a major buyer would significantly reduce the demand, making it harder for such operations to continue. It was a step in the right direction, even if it didn''t solve the entire problem. With their n in ce, they just needed to wait for the auction to end before executing it. However, another item caught Broken''s attention that night-a Legendary-grade sword with a fire element was being offered. He had been looking for a new sword, and acquiring this one would be incredibly useful, especially since its fire element would pair perfectly with the Mask of Scorched Fury he had obtained from Infernak.


    [Subaru: "Just steal it from the buyer if you want it, Broken."]


    Subaru sent the message with a small giggle that Broken could almost hear.


    [Broken: "You really don''t mind embracing the bad guy image, do you, Subaru?"]


    [Subaru: "No way! I mean, you already spent a lot of money on the blood, right? And I''m sure


    that sword would be perfect for you."]


    The bids for the sword kept climbing, eventually surpassing 1,400 gold coins. Broken knew that Legendary-grade items were valuable, but seeing the price soar even further-up to 2,100 gold coins-was staggering.


    [Marlene: "You realize that the Legendary-grade weapons you own could fetch simr prices,


    right?"]


    Broken had never really thought about the value of his Legendary-grade items, but considering how hard they were to obtain and the immense power they offered, it made sense


    that they could be worth so much.


    The sword finally sold for an astonishing 2,700 gold coins. Broken gasped in shock at the final price he couldn''t help but imagine that if he auctioned off all his Legendary-grade items, he could probably retirefortably.


    But then a thought crossed his mind. What if he followed Subaru''s suggestion?

 Chapter 366: Chapter 366 - They Knew They Were Being Followed

    Chapter 366: - They Knew They Were Being Followed


    ?


    Broken finally decided to use his Perception skill on the guest who had won the Legendary- grade sword. He only took a quick nce, but what he saw was enough to shock him.


    [Name: ???]


    [Level: 212]


    [Strength: 790 | Agility: ??? | Intelligence: ??? | Constitution: ??? | Stamina: ???]


    Wow, level 212 with Strength at 790? It became clear to him that the people attending this auction were far from ordinary. This was the first time he had encountered a demon of such a high level since entering Hell. Actually, he hade across some powerful demon monsters in the forest, but what surprised him was seeing a normal demon at this level in a setting like this auction.


    If this individual was at such a high level, it was likely that their bodyguards orpanions were also simrly strong.


    Broken sighed, realizing that attempting to rob them would be like starting a massive battle against potentially multiple opponents, each at or above level 200. The risk was far too great, even for him. Being tempted by the sword was one thing, but willingly walking into a fight he wasn''t prepared for was something else entirely.


    The auction concluded, and Broken quickly secured the Vampire Blood he had won. Afterward, he confirmed with Marlene that her team was still keeping an eye on their target the guest who had purchased the ves. Most likely, the buyer would stay in the city overnight, as they typically wouldn''t leave immediately, instead waiting for the right moment to slip away quietly.


    This gave them enough time to prepare. Meanwhile, Broken couldn''t help but feel eager to feed the demon egg with the Vampire Blood he had purchased for a staggering price-money that could have bought him a house in the real world. He took a deep breath, still grappling with the enormity of the purchase.


    Broken decided to part ways with the others for a while and head back to the inn, while they also had their own matters to attend to, though he wasn''t sure what those were. His mind, however, was focused on the egg and whether this costly investment would pay off.


    He quickly entered his room at the inn and ced the demon egg in the center of the room. He pulled out the vial containing the vampire blood and brought it close to the egg. The egg began to tremble as he did so, clearly reacting with excitement.


    [The Fetus is hungry... it wants its meal immediately.]


    Broken smiled, then uncorked the vial, observing the thick, dark blood as it moved slowly within the vial. He wondered what other uses this blood might have, but he knew he couldn''t afford to waste it.


    He carefully let a single drop fall onto the egg. The moment the blood touched the shell, the egg quivered, and the faint light around it intensified.


    [The Fetus has received an incredible boost. It wants more.]


    "You''re not nning to consume all of this at once, are you?" Broken muttered.


    He checked the egg''s progress-now it was at 83%! Wow, wasn''t it just 78%st time? That''s quite a jump! The vampire blood clearly had a powerful effect, and though he was tempted to save some, it was hard to argue with the results.


    But based on his experience, this egg had a tendency to get bored easily with whatever it desired, so he held back from giving it more and decided to save the rest.


    [The Fetus is angry, it wants its food.]


    Broken lightly patted the egg''s shell. "Be a good egg, and I''ll give you more bloodter, okay?"


    The egg trembled more violently, and the faint light around it intensified, but Broken just smiled and let it be.


    A baby needs discipline, even when it''s still inside the shell, he thought.


    Suddenly, he heard loud noisesing from outside his room-shouts from other guests, something like angry voices arguing.


    "What is that?" he wondered.


    He moved closer to the door and cracked it open slightly, peering into the hallway. He saw several people walking briskly down the corridor, their footsteps echoing. One voice, louder and more distinct than the others, caught his attention-it sounded oddly familiar.


    "Where have I heard that voice before?"


    Feeling a surge of curiosity, Broken saved the egg inside his Inventory and quickly donned his disguise the helmet with horns that Marlene had given him. He then quietly followed the group of demons from a distance as they descended the stairs.


    When Broken used his Perception skill on the lead demon, he recognized something immediately¡ªit was the same set of stats as the demon who had won the Legendary-grade sword at the auction. That''s why the voice had seemed so familiar-this demon had been shouting loudly with every bid.


    Wait, are they leaving the inn already?


    As Broken continued to follow from afar, it became clear that the group was indeed preparing to depart. They readied a carriage and seemed intent on leaving the inn as soon as possible.


    "A little nighttime stroll wouldn''t hurt, right?" He thought, preparing himself to tail them as they made their way out of the inn.


    Greed was taking hold of him. He couldn''t stop thinking about that Legendary-grade sword with the fire element-it would pair perfectly with his Demon Helmet. If he could just find a few more pieces of armor with fire elements, he''d have aplete set, like a Ghost Rider. Heughed at the thought, imagining himself fully decked out in such gear.


    As he watched the carriage being loaded, his excitement was tempered by the realization of what he was up against. The lead demon entered the carriage while the other guards, numbering over a dozen, surrounded it. As he used his Perception skill to check each one, he was stunned-every single one of them was over level 200. Twenty demons, all with levels above 200?


    He swallowed hard, considering the daunting odds.


    The demon entourage soon exited the city gates, and Broken followed not long after. He kept his distance, mindful of their overwhelming strength. Despite the carriage''s steady pace, he was able to keep up with his own running speed. The group wasn''t in a hurry, likely due to the guards who walked alongside the carriage, ensuring its protection as it moved through then/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    night.


    Facing over twenty demons, all above level 200, was a terrifying prospect. Broken had no idea what abilities these demons possessed. He might stand a chance if he invited Marlene and her team to join him. But no, if he was going to fight them, he''d have to unleash everything he had, pouring out a barrage of powerful attacks to take them down quickly before they could overwhelm him. He still had a chance to win-maybe.


    "What should I do?" he muttered, even though he already knew the answer-he had to move forward. There was no turning back now; his mind was made up.


    Broken continued to observe from a distance, hiding among the trees and trying to stay out of sight as he trailed the group. They eventually decided to stop, though it wasn''t clear why.


    The moonlight cast a faint glow over the scene, but it was still dark enough that Broken had hoped to remain unseen. Then, almost all the guards suddenly turned, their eyes locking onto his hiding spot among the trees, pointing directly at him.


    The carriage door swung open, and the high-level demon who had won the Legendary-grade


    sword stepped out, his gaze locked on Broken''s position.


    They knew they were being followed!

 Chapter 367: Chapter 367 - Let’s Go Hunt this Cockroach!

    Chapter 367: - Let¡¯s Go Hunt this Cockroach!


    ?


    The demons knew Broken was tailing them? Damn! It looks like next time, he''ll have to think twice before following so recklessly. He wasn''t an Assassin ss with high-level stealth skills - he was a warrior! No wonder they had such an easy time tracking him.


    The demons were clearly heading straight for him, led by their highest-level member, a demon d in gleaming silver armor. It was obvious they were targeting him directly.


    He realized he had no choice but to face them head-on. If Broken went all out with every summon he had, he might still have a shot at victory. Sure, they had the numbers, but with Gaia summoned, he felt invincible. He could fight freely, unafraid of running out of health, as his regeneration would be lightning-fast. He was confident they wouldn''t see thating.


    And then there was the... demon helmet. Damn, the name was always a pain to remember; he had to check his inventory every time just to get it right. It was the Legendary-grade Mask of Scorched Fury!


    Broken quickly equipped the demon helmet, donned the Obsidian Shroud, andpleted his gear with the Invincible Paragon set-except for the helmet, of course. He was ready to take on those demons. Yeah, they were far from the city, so he could go all out in this fight. As long as he wrapped it up quickly, he wouldn''t risk attracting unwanted attention from afar.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Broken braced himself as the demons drew closer.


    "I know you''re following us. Come out now, or I''ll make you," the demon said.


    Broken immediately activated his skill.


    [Ashen Phantasm (Active Skill)]


    He triggered the skill from his helmet, and his body was instantly engulfed in mes. With a burst of speed, he shot out from behind the trees, mes trailing behind him. The demons looked startled, quickly readying their swords, while their leader held them back, clearly intending to let Broken make the first move.


    Broken skidded to a stop, mes erupting around him as he did. He''d done it purely for the dramatic entrance-this was the first time he''d used the helmet, and he was pretty proud of it. Especially since his voice now sounded deeper, and his head was wreathed in fire. That was so damn cool.


    "I want the sword," he growled in his new, menacing voice.


    He was ready to summon everything he had the moment one of those demons dared to make a move.


    But the demons just stood there, watching Broken more closely. Then, the leader spoke.


    "Infernak''s helmet," the demon said. "The young master said he wanted to hunt Infernak for this helmet."


    So, they recognized it?


    "Young Master, is that you?"


    "What the fuck are you talking about?" Broken was confused by the demon''s words.


    "Yes, I know it''s you. You couldn''t fool us without changing the way you speak, Young Master. Ha-ha. So, you''ve obtained Infernak''s helmet on your own, Young Master?" the demon said awkwardly.


    Young Master? What the hell?


    The demons quickly sheathed their swords and bowed toward Broken.


    "Forgive us, Young Master. We didn''t realize it was you."


    The demon leader smiled, stepped closer, and bowed again. "Young Master, the great lord was deeply worried when you announced you''d hunt down Infernak alone just toplete the armor set. That''s why he sent us to secure Infernak''s Legendary-grade sword for you."


    Oh! They mistook Broken for their Young Master? Well, this just got easier. All he had to do was keep up the act, and he was confident in his ability to pull it off.


    "Shut up and hand over the sword, or I''ll kill you all!" Broken snapped, channeling the tone of an over-the-top, spoiled young master.


    The demons immediately looked terrified. "But, Young Master..." one of them hesitated.


    "I don''t want to repeat myself," Broken said firmly.


    The leader then ordered one of them to retrieve the sword. One of the demons entered the carriage, retrieved something, and returned carrying a long iron box, which they handed to the leader.


    But seriously, the Legendary-grade sword was actually a drop from Infernak?! What a crazy coincidence. It seems like this demon had been hunted down multiple times by other demons too. Damn, they''re even hunting each other for gear like armor sets and weapons. During the auction, the host barely had time to exin the sword''s significance because this demon immediately ced a high bid. A few other guests tried to outbid them, but it was clear they were determined to get that sword. So, it was meant as a gift for their young master? No wonder. But now, their fake young master was standing right in front of them, ready to rob them of that priceless item.


    The demon leader bowed and handed the long box to Broken. "Young Master, the great lord wished to give this to you personally, but it seems you were too eager to wait."


    "I need this sword to hunt Infernak again and get even more items," Broken said arrogantly.


    "But, Young Master," the demon leader hesitated, "did you truly defeat Infernak on your own?"


    "How dare you doubt me?!"


    "No, forgive me, that wasn''t my intention."


    "No, forgive me, that wasn''t my intention."


    "Get out of my sight before I lose my patience with you!"


    "Yes, Young Master, but are you certain you don''t need our assistance?"


    "No, leave now."


    Broken quickly grabbed the box and opened it, and yes! Yes! Yes! It was the Legendary-grade sword that had been up for auction. And now it was in his hands, all without spending a single


    coin.


    Without wasting any time, Broken turned and activated his dash, followed by Ashen Phantasm, and then his Stealth skill, slipping away from the demons.


    He was itching to check out the Legendary-grade sword, but he needed to put as much distance between himself and those demons as possible before they realized their mistake and figured out they''d handed the sword over to the wrong guy.


    But damn, those demons were seriously idiots!


    The demons, especially their leader, smiled with pride, clearly pleased to see their young master transforming from a spoiled brat into someone they could be proud of.


    "I''m so happy to see the young master''s progress. He even seems more decisive now," the leader said proudly.


    "But, Commander, are you sure that was our young master? I mean..." one of the guards


    hesitated.


    "What did you say?!" the leader snapped angrily. "You dare doubt the young master''s strength? He was clearly as bold andmanding as our young master-there''s no question


    about it, hahaha."


    They then continued on their journey.


    Some timeter, after the journey had taken them quite a distance, several carriages escorted by guards in simrly designed armor began to approach. Both groups of demons came to a


    halt.


    Peering out from inside his carriage, the demon leader squinted. "Isn''t that the young master''s entourage? Why are they here?" he wondered, then it dawned on him. "Ah... they must havee to assist the young master, thinking he might fail. Hahaha."


    The demon stepped out of his carriage and approached the group ahead.


    From one of the other carriages emerged a demon with a lizard-like head, two horns on its


    skull, and also wearing a ck robe that concealed its body.


    "Wait, why is the young master here?" the demon leader said in shock.


    The real young master strode forward with an irritated expression. "Hey, lowly servant, give


    me the sword. Don''t waste my time, or I''ll kill you all!"


    "Bu-but..." The demon leader stammered, confused, then nced back. The other guards looked equally shocked, trembling with fear.


    "But-but didn''t the young master already take the sword earlier?"


    "Why are you shaking, you fool? You''re not telling me you failed to get the sword, are you?!"


    Terrified, the demon leader copsed to the ground, kneeling. He couldn''t bring himself to


    answer.


    "Don''t tell me... that person earlier wasn''t the real young master?" the demon leader said, his


    voice trembling.


    The other guards quickly followed suit, rushing over and dropping to their knees.


    The demon leader finally managed to speak. "Someone... impersonated you and took the


    sword-"


    "You really know how to joke around, don''t you?" the young master said.


    "Young master, forgive me, I''ll make this right-"


    But he didn''t finish the sentence; his head was severed from his body before he could.


    "Someone dared to mess with me? Let''s go hunt this cockroach!"

 Chapter 368: Chapter 368 - The Scorchslayer

    Chapter 368: - The Scorchyer


    ?


    Broken didn''t head straight into town; instead, he dashed into the nearby forest, eager to test out the new Legendary-grade sword he had... received as a gift. He quickly pulled the sword from his inventory, anticipation surging through him.


    It was a magnificent weapon! Even a faint me still flickered along the de. The sword had a long, curved ck de adorned with several shark-fin-like protrusions. The glossy finish of the de was entuated with fiery crimson highlights. The crossguard was simple yet elegant, made of dark steel and curved slightly. The hilt was wrapped in ck leather with iron bands, and the entire sword radiated a zing fire aura.


    He swung the sword, watching as a trail of fire followed the sh, cutting through the darkness of the night under the moonlight, amidst the trees of the forest.


    The sword''s design was a perfect match for the helmet, which also featured ming ents around the demon mask. Thebination was both powerful and visually striking.


    [The Scorchyer]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Attack Power: 805~886


    Strength +150


    Agility +100


    Stamina +150]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 1237]


    [A legendary sword forged in the fiery depths of the infernal realms, its origins tied to ancient battles between demons. With a long, curved de of obsidian-ck metal, it radiates intense heat and leaves a trail of embers with every swing. This weapon, both fearsome and powerful, channels devastating fire and physical attacks, making it a true bane of all who dare to face it.]


    [Skills:]


    [...]


    [User Restriction: Hellfire Reaper]


    It was truly deserving of the title Legendary-grade sword, with stats equivalent to 40 levels! That was absolutely incredible. Even better, the sword boosted Strength and Agility¡ª essential attributes for a sword user as well as Stamina, which was a stat Broken desperately needed more of.


    Finally, he had a sword-a Legendary-grade sword-that he could wieldfortably! Although he reminded himself that he nned to pair this sword with the Mask of Scorched Fury, for now, he intended to keep that identity hidden, perhaps for some future purpose. At the very least, the thought of it excited him.


    The sword came equipped with four skills, all of which were surprisingly offensive! It made perfect sense, given that this weapon was clearly designed to focus on offensive capability.


    Unlike the helmet, the sword''s skills were abination of physical damage and fire elemental damage, which also served as a reminder that Broken would need to maintain his Intelligence stat in the future to fully utilize the sword''s potential.


    [Scorching Fury


    Effect: Activates when the wielder''s health drops below 35%. The sword engulfs the wielder in mes, increasing attack speed by 60% and adding 250% Physical Attack and 250% Fire Element Magic Damage to each strike. Reflects 30% of iing damage as Fire Damage.


    Trigger Condition: Health drops below 35%


    Cooldown: 90 seconds


    Duration: 20 seconds]


    The first skill, Scorching Fury, was surprisingly a conditional passive skill. It didn''t require Mana to activate, but it would automatically trigger whenever his Health dropped to 35%. Hmmm... he thought for a moment. This skill would be incredibly useful when facing tough opponents, where he''d need to carefully manage his Health. After all, with his Invincible Paragon Set and the Regeneration skill from Gaia, he could usually keep his Health at a high level.


    But in situations where his Health dipped low against a formidable foe, this skill would be a game-changer. It would boost his attack speed by an insane 60%! That was crazy-60% attack speed, plus a massive 250% increase in both physical and fire elemental damage. Wait, it also reflected 30% of iing damage as fire damage? No way! And even more impressive, this conditionsted for 20 seconds! Damn!


    Just reading the first skill alone showed that this sword was super overpowered! It was the most incredible and broken skill he''d ever encountered, and with such a high attack speed, the damage output from this skill would be absolutely devastating!


    Broken was eager to test out the skill, but how could he lower his Health to 35%? He nced around, realizing that at the edge of the forest, there wouldn''t be any monsters nearby. Knowing this, he quickly summoned Petal Charger, intending to hunt for monsters to use as targets for experimenting with his new Legendary-grade skill.


    As he set off, he continued to inspect the next skill.


    [Wrath of the Infernal King


    Effect: Unleashes abo of six rapid strikes, each dealing 350% Physical Attack and 350% Fire Element Magic Damage. The final strike explodes, dealing 700% Physical Attack and 700% Fire Element Magic Damage to all enemies within 10 meters and stuns them for 2 seconds. If the final strike kills an enemy, the wielder gains a 60% increase in Fire Element Magic Damage for 30 seconds.


    Mana Cost: 700


    Cooldown: 110 seconds]


    Broken took a deep breath after reading the second skill. Damn! He felt like cursing out loud. Every skill from this Legendary-grade sword was absolutely incredible, and this one was no


    exception.


    The total damage output from this skill was massive! And the stun effect-itsted for 2 seconds and was area-wide! Damn!


    But that''s not all. After casting the skill, if he managed to kill any enemies, he''d also get a 60% increase in Fire element damage for 30 seconds!


    This skill not only delivered huge damage but also provided crowd control and an impressive


    damage buff.


    [ze Novan/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Effect: Releases a burst of fire, creating a nova that deals 600% Physical Attack and 600% Fire Element Magic Damage to all enemies within 10 meters, knocking them back. Leaves a ring of fire for 10 seconds, dealing 200% Physical Attack and 200% Fire Element Magic Damage per


    second to enemies inside it.


    Mana Cost: 600


    Cooldown: 60 seconds]


    The third skill, ze Nova, was a powerful ability that could knock back any enemies around him and deal significant damage. Afterward, it summoned an area effect that inflicted damage over time at the point where the skill was cast. This seemed to be one of the sword''s defensive skills.


    If used strategically, Broken could leverage this skill to take a quick break, recharge Mana, or buy time for his cooldowns. Plus, the Mana usage wasn''t too heavy, making it a versatile tool


    in his arsenal.


    [Doomfire sh


    Effect: A single, powerful sh that deals 800% Physical Attack and 800% Fire Element Magic Damage to one target. The strike creates a burning scar on the ground that erupts after 2 seconds, dealing 500% Physical Attack and 500% Fire Element Magic Damage to all enemies within 15 meters. The primary target is marked with Doomfire, reducing healing received by 60% and increasing damage taken by 15% for 10 seconds.


    Mana Cost: 800


    Cooldown: 75 seconds]


    And finally, the fourth skill, Doomfire sh. This skill was more focused on a single target but


    also had the capability to deal area damage. But yeah, considering how amazing all the skills were, Broken wasn''t surprised anymore after reading the fourth one.


    That''s enough. Broken was satisfied with the sword. He decided to hold off on testing it, as his curiosity about the ve chase they had nned for that night took priority.


    He quickly headed back and contacted Subaru to check if the next raid was ready to go.


    But then he thought, what if he could get a Soul Stone from Infernak and engrave it into the


    sword?

 Chapter 369: Chapter 369 - Take them for Everything They’ve Got

    Chapter 369: - Take them for Everything They¡¯ve Got


    ?


    Broken rode his Petal Charger out of the forest and onto the dry, tnd leading toward the demon town. In the distance, he noticed a caravan of carriages guarded by several demons, all heading in the same direction-toward the town.


    But wait... Broken pulled out The Bow of Artemis from his Inventory, and the Hawk''s Eye passive skill automatically activated. With this skill, he could see farther and more clearly. He recognized the demons-they were the same ones who had willingly given him the Legendary-grade sword. But this time, their numbers had increased.


    In the caravan, at the rear, there was one particrly grand carriage pulled by a skeletal horse engulfed in mes. Damn! Why does that beast look so cool? Broken suddenly felt a strong urge to ride a horse like that.


    Suddenly, Petal Charger stopped abruptly and reared up. What just happened? Then, without any warning, it started running again.


    Oh, hey, could this Nature Beast be jealous because I was eyeing a new mount? Hahaha. Broken patted the horse''s head. "You see, we need options for mounts, especially when I''m in my demon disguise. A fiery steed would match the armor I''m wearing perfectly."


    But then again, isn''t that what they call a Demon Beast? If he could secure a beast like that as a contract, it would make for an impressive new mount. Although he already had options- there was Polly, who not only served as a capable mount but was also formidable inbat. Still, the idea of riding a skeletal fire horse was intriguing.


    Broken focused on the figure in the rear carriage and frowned slightly. The demon seemed to be the most important among the group, with a lizard-like head, but wearing a robe identical to his own. Could this demon be the real young master? And were they heading back to town to hunt him down after realizing they''d been duped? Lol.


    Broken was still wearing the Obsidian Shroud, just as he had when hest encountered them, but now he also had the Eclipsed Visage to cover his face instead of the Mask of Scorched Fury he''d worn before. They might recognize his outfit, but without proof, there wasn''t much they could do.


    Petal Charger picked up speed, racing toward the caravan of carriages. As they drew closer, he nced over at the young master demon''s carriage as they passed by.


    Petal Charger surged forward, leaving the caravan of carriages behind.


    At the same time, the young master demon nced out the window at Broken, who was riding that peculiar horse.


    "What kind of foolish steed is that guy using? Ha ha!" he scoffed, then turned back to chat with another demon leader seated beside him in the carriage.


    But suddenly, the person on that strange horse sped past their caravan at an impressive speed.


    "What''s he doing, overtaking us like that? Is he trying to show off?" the young master sneered.


    "Young Master, should we teach that arrogant fool a lesson?" the demon leader suggested.


    "Yes, stop him and make him suffer. He''s really starting to irritate me," the young master ordered.


    The demon leader then opened the carriage door and ryed themand to the guards following behind.


    The demon guards quickly drew their bows, aiming skyward, and unleashed a barrage of arrows in rapid session, all targeting Broken.


    The arrows arced through the night sky, barely visible against the darkness, before raining down upon him. The attack came suddenly, catching Broken off guard. But his instincts kicked in just in time. Sensing the danger, he immediately activated every protective skill embedded within his Invincible Paragon Set.


    Despite his swift reactions, the sheer force and number of arrows caused him to lose his bnce, and he tumbled off Petal Charger. The steed vanished instantly, disappearing into thin air as the deadly rain of arrows continued to pour down.


    "Damn!" Broken cursed under his breath. What the hell are they doing?


    Quickly regaining hisposure, he stood up and activated his healing skills to restore his health. As thest of the arrows hit the ground around him, his eyes narrowed at the sight of the caravan, nowing to a halt as it drew closer to him.


    So, they really want to y this game, huh? Broken thought as he prepared himself for the confrontation ahead.


    From the direction of the demon caravan, a figure emerged, d in armor identical to that of the previous demon leader, but this was a different demon-clearly the leader of this group. But where had the earlier demon leader gone?


    "I think you''ve picked a fight with the wrong person!" Broken snapped, anger surging through him.


    "Oh, look at this! A little insect dares to raise its voice in our presence?!" the demon leader mocked, sneering.


    "Shut up and tell me what your problem is with me!" Broken demanded, his expression unreadable as he pulled the Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe from his Inventory.


    "You overtook our caravan, and our young master didn''t appreciate it," the demon leader continued coldly.


    Broken nodded slightly, a thin smile ying on his lips. So they''ve reallye here to find him and reim the Legendary-grade sword. But little did they know, the person they were searching for was standing right in front of them.


    But he figured they wouldn''t need to search any longer because Broken was now furious over their unprovoked attack on him.


    "Now what?" Broken asked.


    "Our young master wants to see you tortured to death," the demon leader dered coldly.


    "Oh, you think that''s easy? Then why don''t you try?" Broken shot back.


    The demon leader raised his hand, signaling the guards to proceed with the execution. Weapons drawn, the guards moved in to finish what they had started.


    The demon leader''s eyes fell on the pickaxe in Broken''s grip. He sneered. "I wonder where a mere miner gets the courage to challenge us, huh? This isn''t even worth our time. But for our young master''s sake, I''ll teach you how to show respect to those above you."


    "That should be my line!" Broken retorted, gripping the pickaxe tighter.


    Broken raised the pickaxe high above his head. Five demons charged toward him, swords gleaming. A sly smile crossed his face as he watched them close in.


    [Rockfall Barrage (Active Skill)]


    He activated the skill, and before the demons could react, dozens of magic circles materialized in the sky above. From these circles, massive boulders began to form, hurtling down toward the demons below.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    [Summon Desert Worm (Active Skill)]


    The ground rumbled violently, causing the charging demons to halt in their tracks. Panic shed across their faces as they felt the tremors beneath them.


    "What kind of ridiculous skill are you trying to pull?" the demon leader scoffed, unaware of


    the impending doom.


    The demons looked up, their eyes widening in terror as they saw the massive boulders


    plummeting toward them.


    "Watch out!" they shouted, panic taking over as they scrambled to escape.


    But their horror had only just begun. The ground beneath them suddenly split open, and a massive sand worm, with thousands of razor-sharp teeth, erupted from the earth. Its gaping maw loomed over them, ready to devour everything in its path.


    Broken lifted his arm to shield his eyes as the massive boulders crashed down, raining destruction upon the demons. Thebination of the falling boulders and the monstrous sand worm''s gaping maw tearing through the ground created utter chaos, leaving the demon forces inplete disarray.


    He knew none of them had died from the attack, but the two massive attack skills had undoubtedly drained a significant portion of their health. Without wasting any time, he swapped out his gear, equipping the Flowing Tide Cape and summoning the Wavebreaker Spear. He was ready to unleash another barrage of skills, and this time, he''d call forth every summon in his arsenal.


    After all, who knows what valuable items the young master might be carrying? Might as well rob them blind while he''s at it!

 Chapter 370: Chapter 370 - Emberclaw Scaldrax

    Chapter 370: - Emberw Scaldrax


    ?


    Broken knew he was facing more enemies than before, and he also knew he had to end this quickly. Among them, two stood out with the highest levels: the new leader at level 210 and the young master at level 215. Yet, even they didn''t seem particrly threatening to him. The rest of the guards were scattered between levels 200 and 210.


    [Summon the Guardian (Active Skill)]


    Broken tossed the Moonvine Knuckles into the air. Immediately, vines and branches spiraled and expanded, intertwining and crashing down to the ground, forming the figure of a Dendro warrior. The warrior now wielded the knuckles, each hand equipped with formidable des.


    [Awaken the Nature Goddess (Active Skill)]


    A burst of green energy surged from the Queen Gaia''s Fate Ring, swiftly coalescing into the ethereal, glowing form of Gaia, the Nature Goddess, her presence illuminating the night. [Nature Conjuring (Active Skill)]


    Broken didn''t stop there. He summoned every Gaia beast he could to the battlefield, filling the area with his powerful allies.


    Any summons left? He switched to the Wavebreaker Spear and prepared to unleash every area-of-effect skill in his arsenal.


    [Ocean''s Wrath (Active Skill)]


    [Sea of Storms (Active Skill)]


    [Boar''s Flood (Active Skill)]


    Even as the battlefield was still shrouded in dust and debris from the previous attacks, Broken unleashed a new wave of destruction with his skills.


    [Water Domain (Conditional Active Skill)]


    He activated his Domain skill, instantly creating a massive water dome around him.


    Through the swirling dust and flying debris, the young master emerged, sword in hand, charging straight at him, ready to face the main antagonist of this chaotic night.


    "You''ve really made me furious!" the young master shouted.


    "That should be my line!" Broken countered, spinning the spear and meeting the young master''s attack head-on.


    The demon charged into the Water Domain, only to feel his movements slow drastically. Shocked, he quickly raised his sword to block as Broken''s spear came crashing down toward him.


    [Spiral Pierce (Conditional Passive Skill) Lv. 2]


    "Damn, you think slowing my movement speed will give you the upper hand?" the demon snarled.


    Broken responded with only a faint smile. Their weapons shed with a resounding impact, the demon shing forward with a swift strike. Broken effortlessly blocked the attack, using the force of the sh to send the demon skidding backward.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Spear Guard (Conditional Passive Skill) Lv. 2]


    The demon regained his footing and immediately lunged forward, attacking with rapid, precise strikes. Broken met each swing with either a calcted block or a quick counter strike. The demon''s swordsmanship was impressive-despite the slowed movement, he maintained a strong stance, his footing solid and his de moving with deadly precision.


    "I never thought I''d meet someone who could actually get my blood pumping in a fight like this," the demon said.


    "Don''t worry," Broken replied, "I''ll make this quick."


    "No," the demon sneered, "it''ll be my de that puts an end to you."


    The fight was intense, a blur of shing swords and thrusting spears. The demon''s technique was sharp, each strike aimed with deadly intent, but Broken''s spear danced in response, parrying blows with uracy.


    When the demon aimed a powerful overhead sh, Broken blocked it with the shaft of his spear, deflecting the attack to the side, then quickly spun and delivered a retaliatory strike aimed at the demon''s midsection.


    The demon, despite his slowed movement, stood his ground, pivoting skillfully to avoid the full impact of Broken''s thrusts. His sword cut through the water-logged air with impressive speed, narrowly missing Broken as he ducked and sidestepped the flurry of attacks.


    Yet, the domain''s effects were taking their toll on the demon. Each movement, each step, required more effort and more energy. Broken could see the strain beginning to show, the slight hesitation in the demon''s attacks, the subtle weakening of his defense.


    While Broken knew his summons were upied dealing with the other demons, he realized he had to end this quickly before they were overrun and needed his help. At least the demon leader had a higher level than the others, with abat potential far greater than the normal guards.


    Without hesitation, he activated his Dash skill, propelling himself to the demon''s side, aiming to thrust his spear directly at the demon''s neck. But as Broken moved in for the kill, the demon''s lips curled into a thin, mocking smile.


    "Not yet," he said.


    In an instant, a fiery explosion erupted around the demon, the force of the st pushing Broken back.


    He skidded across the ground, his eyes widening in shock as a pair of zing wings emerged from the demon''s back.


    What is that? Broken thought, his mind racing as the fiery wings red to life, their intense heat distorting the air around them. The wings beat rapidly, and before he could react, the demonunched himself into the air, moving with unnatural speed. In a sh, the demon was behind him, descending with terrifying precision.


    The demon''s sword ignited into a massive ze, and with a powerful swing, he unleashed a devastating sh. The fiery de cut through the air, its sheer force sending Broken flying across the battlefield. He crashed hard into the ground, the impact creating a deep crater as mes licked at his armor.


    But his health quickly regenerated, and Broken stood up, undeterred. This time, he switched his helmet and weapon, equipping the Mask of Scorched Fury and The Scorchyer. mes erupted around his head and sword, burning fiercely in the midst of the battle.


    The demon''s smirk widened as he watched the transformation, then erupted intoughter. "Ha ha ha! When I deliberately set out to find you, I never thought you''d hand yourself over so easily. This just makes my job that much simpler!"


    "I invite you to witness the true power of the sword your own people gave me," Broken taunted. "It''s incredible, and I''ll show you just how powerful it is-when it slices your head


    clean off."


    "You''ve really messed with the wrong person. I''ll show you just how fatal your mistake is!"


    "No, this isn''t a mistake-it''s an opportunity. I''m going to take everything you have, including those awesome fiery wings of yours."


    The demon beat his fiery wings, propelling himself toward Broken with incredible speed. But Broken was ready, eager to test his new Legendary-grade sword.


    As the demon closed in, prepared to strike, Broken''s lips curled into a knowing smile.


    [ze Nova (Active Skill)]


    Suddenly, a burst of fire exploded from his sword, radiating in all directions. The fiery shockwave mmed into the demon, sending him flying backward. In the aftermath, a massive ring of fire ignited around Broken, crackling with intense heat. Not wasting a second,


    Broken seized the momentum.


    [Wrath of the Infernal King (Active Skill)]


    With swift precision, Broken shed his sword through the air six times, each stroke sending


    a crescent wave of zing fire hurtling toward the airborne demon. The fiery crescents tore through the air, crashing into the demon repeatedly, each impact pushing him further back and leaving scorch marks across his armor as he struggled to regain control.


    The demon, battered and bleeding, dashed through the air once more. As he charged toward Broken again, it only made it easier for Broken to strike back. What a foolish move!


    [Charged Attack (Active Skill) Lv. 3]


    Broken darted forward, closing the distance between them in an instant. As he reached the demon, his sword crackled with energy, charging up for a powerful strike.


    [Doomfire sh (Active Skill)]


    With a burst of speed, Broken unleashed a devastating sh with his sword, the de leaving


    a trail of fire in its wake. The fiery arc cleaved through the demon''s body, splitting him with a force so intense it seemed to tear the very air around him.


    [de Dance (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    [Quick Strike (Active Skill) Lv. 3]


    Without hesitation, Broken followed up with a rapid, precise sh aimed directly at the


    demon''s neck. The speed of the attack was blinding, and before the demon could react, his head was severed cleanly from his body.


    The entire sequence of attacks happened so fast that the demon had no time to counter. As his


    lifeless body crumpled to the ground, his head rolled away, the mes around him flickering out. Broken stood victorious, the Scorchyer still zing in his hand, the battle over in a


    sh.


    [You have sessfully in Epic - Emberw Scaldrax Lv. 215]


    [You have obtained...]

 Chapter 371: Chapter 371 - Unique-grade Charfire Equine

    Chapter 371: - Unique-grade Charfire Equine


    ?


    Broken stood amidst the aftermath of the battle, surveying the scene. His summons had wiped out the remaining demons, while he had sessfully taken down the pitiful young master. The battlefield was littered with the wreckage of carriages, scattered pieces of armor, swords, and other weapons. His Inventory was full, so the itemsy abandoned on the ground. With a wave of his hand, Broken unsummoned Gaia and the rest of his summons, plunging the once chaotic, fiery night back into darkness. He took a deep breath, still feeling the adrenaline coursing through him from the intense fight.


    He began scanning the area, checking each item one by one-a tedious task, but necessary. Sorting through the debris, he discarded the items he didn''t need and collected a set of armor and weapons with decent quality. Swords, spears, bows, and armor sets, mostly Epic-grade- nothing particrly special, but solid enough to serve as backups or for other purposester on.


    He also found several Demon Cores, and, of course... The Epic - Emberw Soul Stone Lv. 215! Brokenughed as he held the stone in his hand. The once arrogant young master was now nothing more than a dark green Soul Stone, securely in his possession. What could a Soul Stone like this be best used for?


    He quickly stored it in his Inventory, deciding to ponder thatter. Finally, he had another Soul Stone-and this one was a demon''s.


    There was still one more item-the chest armor that the young master had worn. To his surprise, it was part of the same set as the helmet he had already obtained: the Legendary- grade Molten Bulwark. It was a heavy chestte crafted from thick, dark metal with glowing, magma-like veins running through it.


    And yes! It was a Legendary-grade item! Wow! Three pieces from Infernak so far, and Broken couldn''t help but wonder if he might soonplete the entire set. The chest armor had a sleek, impressive design, and it would feel iplete without the matching leg guards, boots, and gloves.


    He also wondered if Infernak could drop other weapons besides the sword. It would be exciting to collect various types of weapons from this demon.


    But of course, not every drop from this demon would be Legendary-grade, right? He was already lucky to have gotten the Legendary-grade helmet. Even the Legendary-grade sword had been auctioned off at a high price. The young master had only managed to obtain the chest armor, which suggested just how rare these items were. Maybe finding the demon Infernak was truly difficult? Yet, he had stumbled upon it by chance while traveling through the forest.


    Broken decided not to linger too long in that ce. He quickly stored the chest armor in his Inventory, postponing any further inspection. He needed to get out of there fast-there was no telling if more demons might be on their way, drawn by the spectacle of the battle. And with Gaia on cooldown, he wasn''t ready for another fight just yet.


    But there was something that still nagged at him-the fire horse he had seen earlier. If he remembered correctly, a few of those horses had bolted right after he had cast two skills from the Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe. Could it be possible to capture one of those horses somehow? He wasn''t sure.


    Just as he was pondering this, he noticed a fiery blur moving in the distance, racing toward him. As it drew closer, the figure began to slow down. He could clearly hear the rhythmic pounding of hooves, and yes, it was the same horse he had seen earlier with the demons.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The horse approached, and it was just as he remembered-its skeletal frame partially exposed, with patches of ckened flesh. The creature was engulfed in roaring mes, with fire zing around its mane, hooves, and tail.


    Broken stood still, curious as to why the horse had returned to him. The creature walked slowly toward him, its head moving slightly as if studying him. Then, to his surprise, it lowered its head in a gesture of submission.


    [Unique Charfire Equine Lv. 223]


    This was the same horse that had pulled the young master''s carriage. And yes, it turned out to be a Demon Beast of a fairly high tier, Unique-grade!


    [The Charfire Equine has lost its master due to yourplete victory. It no longer has a master and wishes to submit to you. Your affinity with the Charfire Equine has increased to 47%.]


    Oh... so the horse submitted to him because he had defeated its master? He paused for a moment, then slowly approached the horse. He reached out and touched the creature''s head, which was nothing more than a skeletal horse skull. mes flickered and danced around the skull as he gently stroked it. The fire didn''t burn him; instead, it felt strangely warm and alive under his touch.


    Why did this horse run away during the battle earlier? It didn''t help in the fight-was it because its master hadmanded it to flee? This was a high-grade Demon Beast, clearly a valuable asset for those demons. If word got out that he now possessed this horse, they would undoubtedly realize he was the one who ughtered their young master.


    One thing that troubled him, though, was that despite building affinity with the horse, he couldn''t form a contract with a Demon Beast. Yes, more likely, he simply didn''t know how to do it.


    However, Marlene had once promised to help him form a contract with a Demon Beast, and he was tempted to take advantage of that offer for this very situation.


    But again, if he brought this horse to Marlene, she would know that he had wiped out the demon caravan. Broken didn''t want that knowledge to spread-he preferred to keep the items he had acquired a secret, to use them when no one expected it.


    He leaned in and said to the horse. "Hey, can you understand my words?"


    The horse responded with a deep, guttural neigh, nodding its head slightly.


    "You''re a Unique-grade beast with a level of 223. You''re strong, but can you survive in the forest on your own?"


    The horse responded again, lowering its head even further in acknowledgment.


    "Listen carefully, I can''t take you with me just yet. Give me some time, and I''lle back for you."


    The horse made the same gesture, as if understanding.


    "Now, go into the forest, keep yourself safe. Level up and avoid any dangers or anyone with a higher level than yours."


    The horse stood still, seemingly listening and taking in his words.


    Broken then pointed toward the forest. "I''ll return in a few days and look for you there."


    The horse shifted its body, stomping its hooves as if in agreement.


    "Now, go, and look after your fellow horses too, okay?"


    With a final stomp of its hooves, the horse turned and galloped away, disappearing into the depths of the forest.


    Broken quickly distanced himself from the aftermath of the battle and started making his way toward the demon town, ready to tackle his next mission-freeing the ves he had been


    nning to rescue.


    Now, he was loaded with several new Legendary-grade items and some hefty bonuses, all from what had started as just a casual stroll. Who would have thought robbing demons could


    be this much fun?


    As he walked, a private message notification popped up from Subaru. Could it be time


    already?


    Curious, Broken opened the message.

 Chapter 372: Chapter 372 - Grant Me One Request

    Chapter 372: - Grant Me One Request


    ?


    Broken quickly returned to the town and headed straight to the inn where the Shadow Wolves were staying. Inside, several people were already waiting, including Marlene, Subaru, and a few others. He approached them and joined the group, ready to hear the n Subaru had hinted at in his private message.


    "Okay, uhm..." Subaru began with a grin. "So, based on our observations, it seems our target isn''t nning to leave the town just yet. We probably have another day or two, maybe even more."


    "That long?" Broken asked, surprised.


    "Yes, but... I think we should split the team up to take turns watching and monitoring while others log out to optimize our online time," Subaru exined, turning to Broken. "That way, when an emergency hits, everyone can be called and must be ready to log back in for whatever battle mighte our way."


    Broken nodded, understanding the n. "I''ll share my phone number so we can stay in touch outside the game."


    "Yeah, that thing," Subaru said, looking slightly hesitant as he brought up the idea.


    Sharing contact information outside the game wasn''t something that was done lightly. It usually only happened when yers truly trusted each other, as it meant they''d bemunicating both in and out of the game. After exchanging contact details, some members logged out while others stayed behind to begin their monitoring duties.


    Since Marlene was the first to keep watch, and Broken had something specific he wanted to discuss with her, he decided to stay until everyone else had left.


    Now, it was just the two of them in the room.


    "Is there something you want to talk about, Broken?" Marlene asked.


    "Yes," he said as he sat down near her chair.


    He continued, "I have a few questions about beast taming, specifically demon beasts."


    "Interesting," Marlene replied with a slight smile. "I thought you''d lost interest in that after getting your new toy."


    Broken nodded slightly. "Yes, I thought so too, but I figured, while we''re here..."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Go ahead," she encouraged, ready to listen.


    "So, what''s the difference between building affinity with a demon beast and forming a contract with them? Can''t beast tamers easily tame multiple beasts at once?"


    Marlene leaned back, rxing a bit before answering. "That''s actuallymon knowledge in beast taming. While forming a contract with a spirit requires building affinity, the same goes for beasts. However, we Beast Tamers have a more efficient method for doing so."


    "You mean you can build affinity with beasts more easily?" Broken asked.


    "Yes," she confirmed. "It would take too much time if we had to build affinity the standard way, like non-beast tamers do."


    She paused for a moment before continuing. "Here''s how it works: anyone can build affinity with certain beasts, you included. When you build affinity with them, you can create a sort of bond,mand them, or interact in other ways, but it''s limited to just that.


    "On the other hand, when a Beast Tamer forms a contract with these beasts, they gain ess to much more-like storing them inside their private dimensional storage, healing them, buffing them, and so on."


    "Understood," Broken nodded.


    She continued, "And to answer your question about making contracts with more than one beast, the answer is yes. That''s why you''ve seen me with those two shadow wolves."


    "You definitely have more than that, right?" Broken asked.


    Marlene smiled faintly. "Are you curious about my demon beasts, Broken?"


    "No, not really," he replied.


    Marlene chuckled softly before falling silent for a moment. Then she continued, "I''ll add some information you might find useful."


    "I''m interested to hear it," Broken said.


    "Beast Tamers have limitations on how many beasts they can tame or contract with at the same time, based on various factors-their ss, their mana, and other things.


    "But for me..." Marlene went on, "Yes, I have quite a few slots, and I can share those slots with others."


    "I''m guessing that''s what you offered me back then, right?" Broken asked.


    "Yes," she confirmed.


    "So, if you share a slot with someone else, does that mean you lose ess to it permanently?" Broken asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "No... of course, there are some limitations," Marlene exined. "For instance, if the beast dies, the slot returns to me. But yes, with this slot, they can have a special pet storage to keep their beast and summon it when needed. However, they also need to maintain the beast, like providing monster cores and healing it if it gets injured in battle-just like taking care of a pet in the real world."


    Broken nodded slowly, absorbing everything Marlene had exined about Beast Taming. "And what about the beast that wille out of the egg?" he continued.


    Marlene responded, "That''s a unique case because a beast hatched from an egg you hatch yourself will usually have specific and unique features tied to its rightful owner. Normally, the affinity between you and the beast will already be stronger, so using beast tamer skills on those hatched creatures can be a bit redundant."


    "Okay," he nodded. "So, you''re saying I won''t need that kind of slot for the creature that hatches from the egg?"


    "Yes, kind of, but it really varies. It depends on many factors like rarity, affinity, the quality of Mana, and everything else. So, that''s about as much as I can tell you for now," she exined.


    Broken tried to conclude that he wouldn''t need the slot for the demon egg, but he would definitely need it if he wanted to form a contract with that skeleton fire horse. And honestly, he was pretty interested in bringing that horse back to Yunatea. The reason? Because the horse was just damn cool!


    "So..." Marlene continued, "are you interested in making a trade with me?"


    "Please tell me the deal," Broken replied.


    Marlene smiled and nodded. "Initially, I offered you a slot for beast taming, but since you chose something else-more time to spend here, which, as I''m sure you realize, is incredibly valuable¡ªI''m willing to trade differently. You understand how precious time in this ce is,


    right?"


    "That''s for our friendship, right?" he asked with a slight smile.


    "Yes... I value our friendship that highly," Marlene confirmed.


    Broken nodded in acknowledgment.


    She continued, "But you should also know that a beast slot for a Beast Tamer is extremely


    valuable."


    "I understand that," Broken replied. "If those slots are limited, sharing one with someone else would greatly reduce your own potential."


    Marlene smiled and nodded. "Do you know who the highest-ranking Beast Tamer in


    Immortal Legacy is, Broken?"


    Broken didn''t keep track of the leaderboard often, so he quickly checked the leaderboard, specifically the Beast Tamer category, and saw the name Jovina on the first ranking. Jovina was an Enchanter and Beast Tamer from the Ass Guild, who also teamed up with Goldrich. "That''s a bit frustrating," Marlene said, "when a Divine Champion has to settle for second ce while someone with an Epic-grade ss takes first."


    "You''repeting with Jovina over this?"


    "Yes, of course. I need to be number one."


    Broken had been part of a raid boss hunt with Jovina before, and he remembered how she had summoned several massive beasts that were incredibly versatile, covering many roles within the team. He hadn''t realized she was ranked first among Beast Tamers, which only reinforced how extraordinary the members of the Ass Guild were especially if an Epic-grade ss user could rival a Gluttony Champion.


    "But..." Marlene continued, "I''m still interested in offering this slot to you."


    "It seems like I might have to pay a price I can''t afford for something that valuable, right?"


    Marlene chuckled softly. "Not really. The fact that I''m offering it means you have something


    worth trading."


    "What do you want in exchange for this?" Broken asked, then quickly added, "But please remember, I won''t join your side because of this, or break any decisions I''ve already made." Marlene chuckled again, her expression unreadable. "You''re still suspicious of me, huh? Even after all the goodwill I''ve shown you? Do you really see me that badly, Broken?" "Can''t help it, I guess, considering what you and your group have done-going against thews of the Dissidia Kingdom with your human hunting and everything." Marlene nodded slowly. "So... all I want is for you to grant me one request."


    "And what would that be?" Broken asked cautiously.

 Chapter 373: Chapter 373 - Youre Lucky Someone Stepped In

    Chapter 373: - You''re Lucky Someone Stepped In


    ?


    Marlene suggested that Broken grant her one request in exchange for the beast slot, though she didn''t specify what that request would be.


    "So... all I want is for you to grant me one request. But I''m not sure what it is yet, not now, maybeter."


    "If you don''t exin what the request is, how can I be sure I''ll be able to fulfill it?" Broken asked.


    "That''s the nature of the trade," Marlene replied. "Even though I don''t know what I''ll want yet, I''m confident it won''t be anything too difficult for you. So, please consider this offer."


    She quickly added, "But don''t worry, it won''t involve switching sides, helping us seize the throne, or anything like that."


    "Can''t you just state it clearly, Marlene?" Broken pressed, still not entirely convinced.


    "Can''t," she responded firmly. "Because I don''t know exactly what I''ll want yet, or maybe that desire hasn''te to me yet."


    Broken paused, contemting her words. But this was his chance-finally, he could bring the fire skeleton horse out of Hell and into Yunatea! Still, he felt he needed some time to think this through.


    He then answered, "Let me think about it for a while. I''ll give you my answer after I log out."


    "Sure..." Marlene replied calmly, a slight smile on her face. "I''ll be waiting for your answer."


    ***


    Leon stepped out of his gaming room and made his way to the balcony. It was Sunday morning, and as he took in the fresh air, he noticed his body felt a bit stiff. He had pushed himself too hard duringst night''s workout and ended up with a slight injury in his leg. Deciding it was best to rest for a day or two to recover, he resolved to take it easy for a while.


    But the problem was, he didn''t have much to do besides training. In fact, because he''d been so focused on his regimen, he hadn''t made time for anything else¡ªhis hobbies, for instance. Yet, didn''t he enjoy the time he spent in the game? Couldn''t that count as a hobby too?


    As he pondered how to spend his day, something fun came to mind. There was something he''d been wanting to do for a few weeks now, but he had been putting it off. It was a bit of a silly desire, but he couldn''t resist the urge anymore. He wanted to go shopping-just to buy something new, anything, really.


    Yes, he wanted to spend some money! After all, he had more than enough saved up for a little splurge and some carefree fun.


    Lily had already gone out earlier that morning, mentioning that she was heading out for some exercise. She had recently taken up tennis and was getting really into it, which meant Leon would be spending today''s outing on his own.


    With no other options, he figured he might as well take his Home Bus to the nearest shopping center or mall. After all, he needed the Capsule Device in case Marlene or the others suddenly called on him, requiring him to log back into Immortal Legacy.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    After deciding on his n for the day, he headed to the bathroom. He spent a while soaking in the tub, letting his mind drift and unwind from everything he had been dealing withtely. It was a mix of stress and excitement-after all, obtaining several Legendary-grade items at once was nothing short of extraordinary.


    "I need to earn more money," the thought crossed his mind.


    Yes, he needed more money, because he was starting to think about having his own ce-a home where he could spend his time gaming without interruptions, and where he could easily ess public facilities and amenities. The ideal spot would be in the heart of the city, but in a residential area that was peaceful enough.


    To make that a reality, he needed more funds. But for now, he set the thought aside and focused on enjoying the rxing soak on that quiet morning.


    His reverie was interrupted by the sound of his phone buzzing. He nced over and saw Hazel''s name on the screen.


    "Hazel?"


    He tapped the ept button, and her voice immediately filled the bathroom.


    "Leon... Hellooo..." she said enthusiastically.


    "Hello, Hazel,"


    "Hey... are you busy today? You must have some free time, right?" she asked, her tone lively.


    "Yes, I''m taking a break from my training."


    "That''s great... In that case, let''s hang out... I have amercial shoot at the mall near you. How about we meet up and spend some time there?"


    Well, what a coincidence since Leon also nned to go to the same ce.


    "Actually, I was nning to go there too."


    "Perfect! I''ll wait for you... I''ll be here until noon, so just call me when you arrive... Bye..."


    "Bye..."


    The call ended.


    Leon took a deep breath, then slowly let it out. The thought crossed his mind that having someone to walk around with wouldn''t be so bad. Plus, he could ask Hazel to help him pick out a few things. She had a keen eye for style and a talent for spotting expensive items. In fact, she often helped Lily pick out hertest outfits.


    But it puzzled him-why wasn''t Lilying along with Hazel this time?


    A few minutester, the luxurious Northstar Home Bus glided into the mall''s parking area, immediately drawing the attention of everyone around. The bus''s sleek, exclusive appearance, coupled with the recognizable Northstar brand logo on its side, made it impossible to miss.


    Leon parked in the lot and quickly stepped out, still aware that people were trying to figure out who could be driving such an expensive vehicle to the mall. To their surprise, it was just a young man, probably in his early twenties.


    He walked towards the mall, checking his phone to find out where Hazel was. She mentioned she was doing amercial shoot? Wow, she''s really in demand. It must be because of her profile in the game. But why hadn''t he known about Hazel''s identity in the game until now? Maybe it''s because he never watches TV ormercials, or if he does, he doesn''t pay much attention to them.


    Leon then wandered through the mall, floor by floor. He deliberately took the esctor, wanting to kill some time since Hazel had mentioned that the shoot would still take a few more minutes. Eventually, he reached the floor with an open area where several crew members with cameras and other equipment were gathered. It looked like the shoot was in progress.


    As Leon walked closer, he spotted Hazel, who appeared to be acting alongside a male actor, likely around the same age as Leon-a guy with slicked blond hair. Leon approached quietly, noticing the bright, cheerful expression on her face, just as lively as her usual demeanor.


    Not long after, the scene wrapped up, and the crew began packing up. Leon waited as some of the crew chatted and touched up Hazel''s makeup. At that moment, she nced his way, smiled, and waved. She then gestured for him toe over.


    Leon started walking toward her, but suddenly, someone bumped into him from the side. Ironically, the impact sent the other person stumbling back instead.


    "What the fuck! Watch where you''re going, idiot!" the guy snapped.


    Leon turned to find the same man who had just been acting with Hazel in front of the camera.


    "Are you blind?" the man insisted, his tone sharp.


    Leon clenched his fists. This jerk had run into him, and now he was acting like it was Leon''s


    fault?


    "No, clearly you''re the one who''s blind," Leon shot back.


    The man''s face twisted with anger as he reached out to grab Leon''s cor, but Leon swiftly


    caught his wrist.


    "You''re looking for trouble, huh?! Who do you think you are?" the man snarled.


    "And you?" Leon shot back.


    "Alex, stop!"


    A woman''s voice rang out, cutting through the tension. Hazel came running over. Leon released the man''s hand, who looked like he was about to retaliate, but Hazel quickly stepped


    between them, her back to Leon.


    All eyes turned toward them as the tension escted.


    "This asshole bumped into me and almost made me fall," the man spat.


    "No, I clearly saw you bump into him."


    "What? You didn''t see what happened, Hazel!" Alex snapped back. "And he''s not even part of


    the crew."


    "He''s my friend!" Hazel retorted.


    "I don''t care if he''s your friend. Get him out of here, now," the man demanded.


    Hazel grabbed Leon''s hand and pulled him away. "Come on, Leon, let''s go."


    As Leon walked away with Hazel, he nced back at the guy, his expression clearly saying,


    You''re lucky someone stepped in.


    "Ch!" the man responded with a sneer.


    He then turned to someone nearby and asked, "Who is that jerk? Why is he close to Hazel?"


    "I''m not sure what their rtionship is, but he''s the guy who just won his own town in Dissidia Kingdom. Yeah, I''m sure of it-his gamer name is Broken."


    "What? Who? I''ve never heard of him!"


    ***


    Author''s Note: I''ve packed a lot of word count into these real-life chapters to wrap up the scenes more quickly. I hope you enjoy the slice-of-life moments from Leon''s life outside the


    game.

 Chapter 374: Chapter 374 - I’m 18 and legal

    Chapter 374: - I¡¯m 18 and legal


    ?


    Hazel pulled Leon away from the crowd, and as they hurried off, the attention of bystanders began to fade. Sensing Hazel''s urgency, Leon quickened his pace to match hers. Once they were far enough from everyone''s gaze, she slowed down, turning back to him with a giggle.


    "You sure like confrontation, huh?" she teased.


    "He clearly started it," Leon replied casually.


    "Yes, but you didn''t hesitate to give it right back to him, did you?"


    "I don''t care, even if that guy is famous. If you hadn''t stepped in, I would''ve taken him on."


    "I''m sure there''lle a time when you and he face off again-more intensely, and legally." "What do you mean?"


    Hazel chuckled again, her face bright with amusement. "You know? That guy is a Gluttony Champion."


    "Gluttony Champion?!" Leon was a bit startled by the revtion. The only two Gluttony Champions he knew were Marlene and Paul, the guild leader of Shadow Wolves.


    "Oh... surely he''s not Paul, is he?"


    "No... he''s not in Dissidia. Actually, he''s not even in the South Continent; he''s from the South East Continent," Hazel said, grinning widely.


    The South East Continent was to the right of the South Continent on the map. Given that Dissidia Kingdom was on the far western edge, it was quite a distance from the eastern part of the South Continent, let alone the South East Continent itself.


    "And why is that so important?"


    Hazel chuckled softly. "Surely, the Gluttony Champions will band together to fight against Princess Alora''s faction, which includes The Ass Guild-and you, right? I''m sure there''lle a time when you face off directly with Alex."


    "And I''ll kill him brutally when that timees," Leon replied with a grin at her.


    "I can''t tell if that''s just in-game bravado or if you''re genuinely pissed at Alex," she said, raising an eyebrow.


    Leon simply smiled in response. Hazel''s hand was still holding his as they walked.


    "Oh, by the way, Hazel, happy birthday. Sorry, it''ste."


    Hazel turned to him with a sweet smile. "Don''t tell me you didn''t bring me a gift."


    Well, the truth was, Leon hadn''t thought that far ahead. He only just remembered that it had been her birthday recently, but exactly when? Maybe it was a few days ago, or perhapsst week? He couldn''t quite recall.


    It was because he kept jumping in and out of the game so often that he started losing track of time. While it felt like he''d experienced so much inside the game, when he logged out, he''d find that not even a full day had passed. He was still getting used to this strange disconnect between the game world and reality.


    "Now, keep mepany and hang out with me as a recement gift, okay?" she said, her tone yful.


    "Well, I can''t stay too long, Hazel. That''s why I brought my Home Bus here."


    "In that case, can I join you on the Home Bus?"


    "Yes, as long as you don''t mind being left alone while I log into Immortal Legacy."


    She nodded enthusiastically.


    Hazel suddenly stopped and held onto Leon''s hand, then quickly let go and walked ahead of him, lifting both her arms slightly. "Now, tell me your opinion about my outfit, Leon."


    Outfit? She was wearing a sleeveless dress, the top in a deep pink and the bottom in white, paired with brown boots.


    Uh... what was he supposed to say? How was he supposed to know about women''s fashion? "It''s good..."


    Hazel chuckled. "You should''ve said I''m cute! That sounds much better, you know." "Well, okay, it''s cute."


    "Toote!" she teased, then grabbed his right hand again and started pulling him along.


    "Well..." she continued as they walked. "Now let''s go for a stroll. You wanted to buy something here, right?"


    "Yes, actually, I''m looking to buy some new clothes, and maybe an action figure? I''m not really sure, I just feel like spending," he said, sounding a bit uncertain.


    "Of course, someone who suddenly got rich like you might be confused about how to spend their money! That''s a problem not everyone can rte to," she said cheerfully. "Now, let''s head to a clothing store. I''ll pick out the best outfits for you, okay?"


    Leon simply nodded and followed as she eagerly led the way.


    Hazel really took her time guiding Leon around the mall, picking out clothes for him-from formal attire to casual outfits. She even helped him find a style that suited him. Meanwhile, Leon kept checking his phone in case Subaru or someone else contacted him to get back into


    the game.


    Still, Leon found himself enjoying the moment. As they shopped, Hazel introduced him to various brands, all of which she considered "good," meaning they came with hefty price tags. Despite her rmendations, Leon ended up choosing items that weren''t too expensive-he wasn''t quite ready to spend that much just yet.


    After gathering a decent haul, Leon stepped out briefly to store everything in the Home Bus. Once that was done, they continued their day with lunch at a restaurant in the mall, sitting across from each other at the table.


    "Leon... I''m 18 now, and legal. Let''s date."


    Hazel''s sudden deration came just as Leon was sipping through a straw. He was so startled that he choked a little, quickly grabbing a tissue to wipe his mouth.


    What the heck?


    "What?"


    "Yes! It took a lot of courage for me to say this! You have no idea how hard it was to get these words out, you know. And yes, I''m serious... You''re single, right? And me too! So, let''s date," she continued, her expression bright and innocent.


    "Wait..." he replied quietly, still trying to process the sudden information while his mind was actually preupied with things happening in the game.


    "Date?"


    Hazel nodded enthusiastically, her smile unwavering.


    "Yes..." she continued. "You know, I''m cute..." she said with a sweet smile. "And..." she went on, "I can make my own money, so don''t worry, I have no intention of taking anything from you... And I''m smart too... though maybe just a little less smart than your sister," she added


    with a chuckle.


    "Wait, Hazel," Leon responded, trying to calm down the pace. "Give me a moment to


    breathe."


    She chuckled at his reaction. "I''ve been waiting for this moment, until I turned 18. I''ve said that before, right?"


    "No," he replied. "I mean... we don''t really know each other that well..."


    "I''ve already told you a lot about my past," she said, smiling and nodding. "And I''ve heard plenty about you... and if you''re asking that we wait to get to know each other better, I''m afraid I won''t have the time. Your game routine is so busy..."


    "That''s not what I mean... but dating is something that''s done by..."


    Hazel cut him off, "Don''t worry... I''m really into you, to the point where my heart racesN?v(el)B\\jnn


    whenever I''m with you... And I''m sure that once we start dating, you''ll realize that liking me won''t be that hard. What do you think?" she asked with a giggle.


    Just as he was about to respond, the table shook slightly, caused by his phone vibrating on it.


    He nced over and saw Subaru''s name on the screen.


    "Hazel..."


    "Yes, it''s okay, take the call," she said with a smile.


    Leon nodded, picked up the phone, and quickly answered it. As soon as he pressed ept,


    Subaru''s voice filled his ear.

 Chapter 375: Chapter 375 - Masking the Sadness with Laughter

    Chapter 375: - Masking the Sadness with Laughter


    ?


    Leon ended the call with Subaru and turned back to Hazel, who was still smiling at him.


    "Is it time for you to go?" she asked.


    "Yes, but actually... I have about an hour before I need to log into the game."


    Hazel nodded. "I see. Let''s finish the food, and then we can head back to the Home Bus," she said, then hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Uh... would you mind if I came along?" "No... it''s fine, as long as you''re okay with being there alone for a bit."


    Hazel nodded enthusiastically. "I have dinner ns with my momter," she said, pausing for a moment, her expression growing even more excited. "I''m really happy and have been looking forward to it, so if you''re not back by then, I might head out first."


    "No worries... I''ll make sure to get back as soon as I can."


    They spent the next few moments finishing their lunch, with Hazel casually discussing how delicious the food was, exining it with her usual expressive ir. Her full range of expressions was something Leon could never quite replicate. No wonder she could easily be amercial star-her cheerful and positive vibe seemed to naturally draw people in, making it easy to see why she''d attract so many fans.


    After they finished their meal, they left the restaurant and spent some time walking toward the parking lot, heading back to the Northstar Home Bus.


    While the topic Hazel had brought up earlier wasn''t mentioned again, it continued to linger in Leon''s mind, pushing him to consider how he should respond. Even though it wasn''t something he had been thinking about, he knew he needed to respect her feelings after all, it took a lot of courage for her to open up like that.


    This brought back memories for Leon of the first time he had confessed his feelings to someone. It hadn''t been easy at all-feelings could flourish effortlessly in the heart, but when it came time to put them into words, it could make your lips freeze. Maybe that''s just how it is for someone who''s still a teenager?


    But now, at this stage of his life, as he was stepping into adulthood, did that mean he could express his feelings more easily? Was he truly giving her feelings the consideration they deserved? Surely, no one could bepletely devoid of attraction, affection, or love, right?


    Yet, in reality, Leon''s mind was consumed with his ambitions-to reach the highest levels in the game, to be the strongest. He was confident in that goal. In the real world, his focus was just as sharp: he didn''t want to squander the opportunities and blessings he had been given.


    That''s why he trained so intensely, pushing his physical limits with running, bodybuilding, martial arts, and more. These pursuits filled his mind and heart, giving him a sense of love and fulfillment that he hadn''t found elsewhere.


    But surely, he still had an interest in women, didn''t he? Had he unintentionally pushed that aside because of past hurt? If he had truly experienced love or even been in a rtionship, he should be able to open up and do the same again. He didn''t have to be so hard on himself¡ª maybe it was time to show more appreciation to those close to him.


    They walked side by side, with Hazel''s steps noticeably more lively and asionally longer, as if she were truly enjoying the moment. Every so often, she nced at Leon and let out a softugh.


    "I''m going to try my best to win your heart," she said with a giggle.


    "I appreciate what you''ve done, Hazel."


    "Don''t worry... I''ll try to make this feel as natural as possible. I actually like this moment, and I feel even more at ease now that I''ve opened up to you. But I can wait... and at least I''m not behind anyone else because I took the first step."


    When they reached the Home Bus, the door opened, and Leon stepped in first, with Hazel following close behind.


    "Wow... it''s really luxurious..." she said as she walked to the middle of the bus and flopped down onto the sofa.


    Leon followed and sat down on the sofa next to her.


    "I could sleep like a baby in here," she said with a giggle.


    "Actually, you can use the bed back there," he said, pointing toward the rear of the bus. She nodded repeatedly. "Sure, no worries. You don''t have to rush to get your work done. Just pretend there''s no one else in this Home Bus, and take your time," she said with a smile. "You can use any of the facilities here, and when you''re ready to leave, just use the voicemand. The AI is pretty smart. You can walk out, and it will secure itself," Leon exined. Hazel nodded repeatedly, a bright smile on her face. "I''m so happy... yay!"


    Once Leon felt everything was set, he headed to the back, opened the Capsule Device, and climbed in. Hazel waved as he did.


    After Leon had entered the Capsule Device, Hazel rxed on the sofa, taking in the luxurious surroundings. Her phone suddenly buzzed, and she pulled it out of her bag, seeing her mom''s name on the screen. Her eyes lit up with joy and excitement. She nced over at the Capsule Device to ensure it was closed-Leon should have been fully immersed in the game by now. "Hey Mom, I''ve already reserved a table for our dinner tonight... it''s at the restaurant you love... I can''t wait to see you... finally, we can have dinner together again," she said, her voice full of excitement and a smile lighting up her face.


    Then she fell silent, listening to the response on the other end of the line. Her expression slowly shifted from one full of cheer to a more neutral, almost t expression.


    "But Mom... this is the third time you''ve canceled the same n," she said, her voice dropping.


    "It''s my birthday..." she added, now in a much softer tone, her expressionpletely shifting.


    She fell silent again, listening to the response on the other end of the line. "Mom, you promised," she said, her voice trembling. A tear began to well up in her eyes, and a couple of them slipped down her cheeks.


    "Do you have time next week?" she asked, her voice trembling as a tear rolled down her cheek and dripped off her chin.


    Then the call abruptly ended. She stared at the phone''s screen for a few moments, and now the tears flowed more freely, her sobs growing louder as she could no longer hold them back. She pulled her legs up onto the sofa, pressing her face against her knees as she tried to suppress the overwhelming disappointment and the tears that wouldn''t stop falling.


    "I just wanted to have dinner with you, Mom..." she said, her voice trembling. "I feel so alone... I need you..." Her words broke between sobs. "Dad... I miss you..."


    Meanwhile, inside the Capsule Device, Leon hadn''t actually logged into the game yet; he was still messaging back and forth with Subaru. From within, he overheard Hazel''s conversation. Hazel had truly been doing her best to hide her tears, masking her sadness withughter and cheerfulness whenever she was around others.


    He sighed, unsure of what to do after unintentionally overhearing such a personal moment. After a moment''s hesitation, he finally logged into the game.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 376: Chapter 376 - The Forest Elf and the Beast-kin

    Chapter 376: - The Forest Elf and the Beast-kin


    ?


    Broken logged back into Immortal Legacy and found himself in his inn room. Recalling the information and n Subaru had shared with him, he knew he needed to catch up with Marlene to sabotage the convoy transporting ves out of the city. Without wasting any time, he followed the n, quickly leaving the inn and heading out through the city gates.


    Mounting his Petal Charger, Broken rode swiftly through the twilight, aware that nightfall was approaching. The n was to ambush the demon convoy under the cover of darkness, once they had moved far enough away from the city.


    He halted on the far side of a small hill, where Marlene was already waiting,fortably seated in a camping chair.


    "Hi," Broken greeted her, joining her on a wooden log nearby.


    "We need to wait a few more minutes, and then we can start the massacre," she said casually. "What about the others?"


    "Don''t worry, we can handle this one ourselves. We''ll call them in if we need backup for something bigger," she replied confidently.


    Something bigger? Broken wondered.


    Broken and Marlene waited patiently until the convoy of demons they were targeting appeared in the distance. Broken used his Bow of Artemis to get a clearer view.


    "Can you really use that bow like a telescope? Very useful, huh?" Marlene remarked. "Wanna try?" he offered, holding out the bow.


    "Do you think I can just use any weapon as you do?" she replied, raising an eyebrow. "You can''t?"


    "Ck!" Marlene sighed in response.


    As the demon convoy drew closer to their position, Broken turned to Marlene and raised his eyebrows. "Confront them head-on?"


    Marlene shook her head slightly. "No need, let my beasts handle it."


    "We''re going to kill all of them and simply rescue the ves?"


    "No, we can leave a few of those dumb demons alive-maybe just their leader. We can interrogate themter, it''ll be easier that way."


    "Okay."


    Broken observed the convoy from a distance again, noting their numbers-only around 17 in total, with two of them at the highest levels, around 210. The rest were even below level 200.


    "We could take them out faster if we go all out," he whispered softly.


    Two shadows suddenly stretched across the ground, swiftly darting away from Marlene. These were her demon beasts, concealed within the darkness. The shadows moved silently toward the demon at the rear of the convoy.


    In an instant, two wolves emerged from the shadows, pouncing on the demon and dragging it back into the darkness, all without the other demons noticing.


    "What do you think? Easy, right?" Marlene asked.


    "Yes, I''m sure you''re quite skilled in assassination," Broken replied casually. "How many humans have you killed, huh?"


    "That''s certainly exclusive information, only for insiders. Are you trying to interrogate me?" she teased.


    Broken simply smiled at her remark. Despite being on opposing sides¡ªwith the Shadow Wolves often engaging in yer killing and hunting down residents of Dissidia Kingdom, while The Ass Guild constantly worked to mitigate the damage caused by them-here they were, on the same mission in Hell. The irony wasn''t lost on him.


    They both began walking through the trees, while the wolves silently picked off the demons one by one. Still, Broken couldn''t shake the feeling that this could be handled more easily if they just confronted the demons head-on.


    Sure, Broken wasn''t eager to reveal all his skills in front of Marlene, but directbat seemed much more appealing to him. Maybe not so much for Marlene, though, who was a beast master. Beast masters tended to rely heavily on their beasts to carry out their missions, and Marlene was no exception.


    However, they couldn''t keep up the silent killings forever, as the remaining demons finally noticed something was wrong and halted their convoy. Panic spread through the group, with some growing angry as they quickly drew their weapons.


    "I thought you could take care of them without us breaking a sweat?" Broken remarked.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Yes, we could have, but I know you''re itching for a fight, aren''t you?"


    "So, what''s the n now? Confront them?"


    "There are only 8 demons left, with two of them being the highest level. What do you think?"


    "How many can you handle at once? I''ll take the rest."


    "I''ll handle the lower-level guards."


    "Then I''ll take on their two leaders."


    "You won''t have trouble facing both of them at once? They''re pretty strong."


    "I won''t even need to use my full power for this," Broken replied with a slight, confident smirk.


    "You''ve got the arrogance of a viin, Broken. I think you''d fit in better on my side," Marlene teased.


    "Nice try, Marlene."


    With that, Marlene stepped out from behind the trees, running ahead to lure and split the group of demons. As expected, a few of them broke off to chase her. Meanwhile, Broken readied himself to confront the two demon leaders, poised for the battle that was about to


    unfold.


    He notched an arrow and began charging his skill.


    [Sniper''s Focus (Active Skill) Lv. 2]


    It only took 2 seconds to charge the skill-a brief moment, especially since no one had noticed him. The arrow flew with precision, striking one of the demon leaders in the head and sending him crashing to the ground. The other demon leader rushed to assist, but it was clear the first demon was still alive, though wounded.


    Broken continued to fire a series of arrows from behind the cover of the trees. The two demon leaders quickly pinpointed his location, their anger intensifying as they realized where the attacks wereing from.


    They began deflecting his arrows with their swords, then charged directly toward him, intent on closing the distance.


    Alright, it was time for directbat. Broken quickly switched to his Invincible Paragon set and summoned his Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe.


    He stepped out from behind the trees, facing the two enraged demon leaders.


    "Damn you, bastard! I''ll kill you, you fool!"


    "This fucking thief, you should know your ce!" they raged.


    Broken dashed forward and mmed the pickaxe into the ground.


    [Quake Strike (Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    The ground erupted beneath the demons, stunning both of them. Seizing the opportunity,


    Broken dashed even closer.


    [Terra Fury (Active Skill)]


    He brought the pickaxe down on the demon who had already suffered the defense debuff, and it felt as if the very air around them cracked. The impact sent both demons flying back. Without missing a beat, Broken switched to his Wavebreaker Spear and activated the Flowing Tide Cape. He summoned a water domain, and the water surged forward, forming a dome that trapped the two demons inside.


    He relentlessly attacked the two demons with his spear. Though they tried to fight back, they were no match for Broken, who seemed untouchable thanks to the protective skills from his Invincible Paragon set.


    The fight didn''tst long, and soon, he had taken down both demon leaders with ease.


    Phew... not bad for somete-night practice, he thought.


    He found several keys and quickly used them to unlock the carriages, each containing iron cages where the ves were held. There were four carriages in total, and the first one he opened housed the forest elf. She was sitting quietly, her head bowed inside the cage. Broken approached the cage and peered at the elf, who seemed to be sleeping. He nced at the other cages in the carriage and found there were two prisoners: the forest elf and a beast-


    kin.


    But before Broken could react, something happened in an instant-the elf shot forward and thrust a dagger toward his neck.

 Chapter 377: Chapter 377 - How did you get here?

    Chapter 377: - How did you get here?


    ?


    The elf girl lunged at Broken, aiming to stab him with her dagger, but he was quick enough to deflect her hand. However, in the same swift motion, her left hand managed to snatch the keys from his grasp while Broken leaped back out of the carriage.


    "What? Why?" he eximed, confused by her sudden aggression.


    The elf then jumped out of the carriage, dagger in hand, ready to attack.


    [Invincible Shields (Active Skill)]


    Broken activated the skill from his Invincible Paragon Armor (Chest), creating multipleyers of golden energy around his body, capable of negating up to 12 iing attacks.


    He quickly summoned his Wavebreaker Spear, but the elf moved with surprising speed, shing at him repeatedly. Her strikes rapidly depleted severalyers of the Invincible Shields. However, Broken managed to spin his spear and counterattack with precision.


    [Spiral Pierce (Conditional Passive Skill) Lv. 2]


    The spear struck out with a powerful spiral motion, aiming directly at the elf, the force of the attack pushing her back.


    The elf was knocked back but quickly regained her stance, clearly filled with anger. But why? Was it because Broken was wearing a mask and she didn''t recognize him? Reflexively, he removed his Eclipsed Visage, revealing his face to her.


    "Hey, are you sure you want to fight me?" he asked.


    "That should be my question to you," she retorted.


    Wait... What?


    "Hold on, just tell me why you attacked," he said, trying to diffuse the situation.


    "I warned you not to meddle in my affairs. I thought our business was finished," the elf, whose name was Elowen, replied sharply.


    Seeing that she was starting to talk, Broken rxed his stance slightly, standing tall and resting his spear on the ground.


    "I think you''ve got the wrong idea," he said calmly.


    Elowen snapped. "You came because you know I discovered your secret and n to kill me, right? I won''t let that happen!" she insisted, her voice full of determination.


    Broken sighed and facepalmed. It seemed this elf hadpletely misunderstood the situation.


    "See... that''s why I said you should confirm someone''s intentions before jumping to conclusions. You almost killed me," Broken said.


    "I don''t care. Besides, you cane back to life after dying. But not with us!" she retorted firmly. "What was your purpose ining here and killing those demons? Do you realize you''ve ruined my n? You''repletely foolish!"


    "Shut up and let me talk before you judge me, dumb elf!"


    "How dare you mock the entire elf race!"


    "Not the whole race, just you!"


    "So, you want to settle this with a fight?" she challenged.


    "You shut up and let me talk, dumbass!" Broken snapped back.


    "What could someone as low-level as you possibly do against me, huh?"


    "Do you think those two demons with levels over 200 just handed over their lives willingly?"


    The elf clearly knew that all the demons around them were gone, and only one yer was standing there. But how could someone with such a low level be that powerful?


    Broken noticed Marlene approaching from a distance, dragging a demon behind her with her whip. Refocusing on the elf in front of him, he decided to rify things.


    "Listen, first, we''re not going to discuss our levels with anyone else, just between the two of us. Okay?"


    "So, you''re hiding something big about your level? Looks like I''ve got something to ckmail you with," she replied with a smirk.


    "Second," Broken continued, ignoring her remark, "I came here to rescue the humans. After this, you can go wherever you want-it''s none of my business. Consider it a bonus that I saved you."


    "And who do you think you are, giving me orders?" she shot back defiantly.


    As Marlene drew closer, Broken quickly stored his spear in his Inventory. The elf, too, seemed to reach a reluctant truce with the situation, though Broken couldn''t forget how she had mentioned her ns being ruined by his actions. There was still tension between them, but for now, they both seemed willing to stand down.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Marlene stood watching them for a moment. "So, do we need to kill this bitch?" she asked, her tone cold.


    "Shut up, because I''ll be the one to kill first!" the elf shot back, readying her dagger.


    "Stop it. Enough!" Broken barked. "Let''s not waste time. We need to get everyone out of here before more demons show up."


    Marlene just smirked at Broken''smand, but she didn''t push the issue.


    After that, Broken put his mask back on while the elf entered each carriage, freeing the ves. She also removed the iron cors from their necks, finally releasing them from the grip of


    very.


    The humans, once gathered in one ce, looked terrified by everything that had happened. But as their ve cors were removed, a glimmer of hope appeared in their eyes.


    Since Broken had put his mask back on, he kept his identity hidden, not wanting to be recognized by any of the ves. Although he wasn''t sure if the people from Slumdon being held here would have recognized him anyway, he preferred to stay cautious.


    After freeing the ves, they had the chance to introduce themselves and talk a bit. The elf exined that she had been on a mission, which was why she had been so furious when Broken intervened and disrupted her ns.


    The elf revealed that she had intentionally allowed herself to be captured so she could be taken to the ce where her other friends and family had been enved. However, with the demons now dead, they were left without a clear path to the destination the demons had been


    headed for.


    Marlene still had one demon bound with her whip, and the creature lookedpletely defeated, offering no resistance.


    "I have to go save my friends," the elf said determinedly.


    Broken nodded and asked, "Is it possible that there are other races there, besides elves? Like


    humans?"


    "So, you only care about humans? Not the whole very thing?"


    "No, I don''t really care about anyone in particr," Broken replied, "but those humans are from the same country where I reside, in Yunatea." Upon hearing this, the ves exchanged


    nces and whispered among themselves.


    "Oh... that makes sense, but still, it''s pretty selfish," the elf remarked.


    Marlene pulled on her whip, causing the demon to copse to the ground. "Actually, we can still reach the destination. We''ve got this demon to guide us."


    "Can you get the information from him, Marlene?"


    "Yes, of course," she replied, tightening the whip around the demon''s neck. "You can take us to your destination, can''t you?"


    "Yes, My Lady... Yes, I will take you there," the demon gasped, his voice filled with suffering.


    "See? Case closed," Marlene said casually.


    ording to their original n, after freeing the ves, Broken and the others intended to attack the residence of the ve buyer. However, one big question lingered in his mind: once they rescued these humans, how would he get them back to Yunatea?


    "Elowen," he called out, and the elf turned to face him. "Tell me, how did you get here, and how do we get these people out of here?" he asked, hoping to finally solve the puzzle.

 Chapter 378: Chapter 378 - A Castle Silhouetted Against the Night Sky

    Chapter 378: - A Castle Silhouetted Against the Night Sky


    ?


    "Tell me, how did you get here, and how do we get these people out of here?" Broken asked the question firmly while the elf smirked slightly at his inquiry.


    "How could you expect me to share such information so easily?" she replied.


    "Well..." Broken responded, "I didn''t think you''d still choose the hard way when we all have the same goal here."


    "How can I trust you? I don''t even know you."


    "The same goes for me," he said.


    Marlene chimed in, "Tell us your conditions, and let''s move on with our n."


    "I want to make sure my friends and family are safe, and I promise that after that, I''ll help get these humans out of here too. That''s the deal."


    Broken sighed at her words. "You came here intending to save them on your own, but now you''re hoping for our help? I thought you were strong enough to handle this by yourself." "You''re seriously testing my patience, human- yer!" Elowen snapped.


    Broken understood the situation they both found themselves in. While they needed each other, the elf girl''s actions made sense. She knew she was at a disadvantage, and instead of trying to fight the yers, she focused on leveraging the one thing she had-something valuable enough to give her bargaining power.


    In the end, realizing their mutual need, Broken agreed to the deal. They would continue their journey that night, aiming to rescue any remaining ves at the destination. The elf promised to lead them all out of Hell once the mission wasplete.


    At the same time, Broken was prepared to kill them all if the elf tried to deceive him with this agreement. But the fact that he even considered such a thought showed that neither side fully trusted the other, which was understandable.


    After all, the elf had too many secrets, including her ability to sense when he attempted to inspect her status a few days ago and her talent for telepathy-an ability that intrigued him. After finalizing their n for the night, the other members of the Shadow Wolves arrived. They divided the tasks-two of them would take the rescued humans to a safe location, while the rest would join the uing mission, which was sure to involve a major battle.


    They all donned the armor left behind by the demons, using it to disguise themselves and avoid drawing attention to the fact that the demon convoy had been sabotaged. Of course, the carriages were now empty, with no ves inside.


    Elowen and the beast-kin, a bunny girl, would also join the night''s mission. Both of them had put on the demon armor as well, blending in with the group. As they prepared for the journey, they shared details about their roles in the uing battle, ensuring everyone was on the same page.


    [Name: Mira]


    [Level: 175]


    [Strength: ??? | Agility: 650 | Intelligence: 320 | Constitution: ??? | Stamina: ???]


    [Name: Elowen]


    [Level: ???]


    [Strength: ??? | Agility: 577 | Intelligence: 657 | Constitution: ??? | Stamina: 325]


    Mira, the Bunny girl, was an assassin, which wasn''t surprising given her high Agility stat. Meanwhile, Elowen, the elf, was a magic sword fighter, blending swordsmanship with magic -a fitting role given her high Intelligence stat.


    However, it was clear that their levels were not as high as needed to face the powerful demons they were about to encounter. But they had no other choice; they had to join the expedition. Both were determined to rescue their friends and family, no matter the risks.


    Broken, Marlene and the two of them found themselves inside the same carriage as their journey continued.


    "That demon said it''ll take about two hours to reach our destination, so we have enough time to prepare," Marlene said. She was sitting in the corner, one leg crossed over the other, rxing with a drink in hand. After that, she seemed to lose interest in the conversation, focusing on herself and not bothering with the others.


    Mira, the bunny girl, had short white hair and a pair of rabbit ears-the only visible sign that she was a Beast-kin, as the rest of her appearance was quite human-like. Elowen, on the other hand, was a typical forest elf, much like Princess Alora, with an average human height and short blond hair.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The journey was filled with silence, a clear sign that they still weren''t entirelyfortable with one another due to the misunderstandings that had urred. But then, Broken himself wasn''t one for long conversations, so he found the quiet rather convenient.


    "Mr. Broken..." Mira eventually broke the silence.


    He snapped out of his thoughts and looked over at her. "Yes?"


    "For some reason, are you from Dissidia Kingdom?" she asked, her voice soft, matching her youthful appearance. The bunny girl looked to be under 20, maybe around 18-the same age as Lily.


    "Hell has a world setting simr to Yunatea, and since we''re now in a region connected to Dissidia Kingdom, is that why you''re asking, Mira?" he responded, turning the question back


    on her.


    Mira nodded slowly, her gaze shifting downward as if hesitant to meet his eyes. "I''m sorry, I asked something too personal," she said before falling silent again.


    Broken gave her a small smile and nodded. "No worries, I was just confirming somemon information about Hell and Yunatea."


    Mira then lifted her gaze and looked at him.


    "Yes, I''m from Dissidia Kingdom," he responded. "What about you?"


    "Have you ever been to the West Continent, Mr. Broken?"


    "No, not yet."


    Mira nodded once more. "In the West Continent, there are many kingdoms ruled by Beast- kin. And..." she continued, "I''m from there."


    ''Interesting,'' Broken thought. How did this Beast-kin girl end up in the South Continent and, even more, within Hell? It seemed that this very issue might truly extend across all of


    Yunatea.


    But then, he chose not to delve further into their identities, as he didn''t want to get too involved with them.


    Still, as Broken slowly considered the condition of the two individuals before him, he began to understand just how stressed and desperate they must be. Their levels were rtively high, but in a ce like this, where many demons were level 200 and above, they would struggle to aplish much. They had willingly surrendered themselves to be taken to the location where their friends were held, but how could they possibly carry out a rescue in such dire circumstances?


    Still, he couldn''t help but admire their bravery. They had ventured into this ce-apletely foreign worldpared to Yunatea-where they couldn''t rely on anyone but themselves. It was as if they had willingly jumped into the jaws of a crocodile. Broken was convinced that they were on what seemed like a suicide mission. Just how desperate must they have been to take such a dangerous and risky course of action?


    The journey continued, and although two hours wasn''t a particrly long time, sitting idly in


    the carriage made it feel quite boring. To pass the time, Broken took out some food from his inventory. It was a stash prepared by Ivana, and since there was so much of it, he had only managed to eat about a third so far.


    He pulled out a few long loaves of bread, not missing the way the two girls across from him


    stole nces as he did so.


    "Take it," he said, offering the food.


    Mira looked up, startled, while Elowen seemed to pretend she hadn''t heard him.


    Broken handed the bread to Mira, and she epted it hesitantly. She seemed captivated by the


    simple offering.


    "Go ahead and eat. I''ve got plenty," Broken reassured her.


    "Is it really okay?" Mira asked hesitantly.


    Broken simply nodded.


    Mira then split the bread in half and took a bite. Her face instantly brightened, and she shook


    her head in delight. "It''s so delicious..." she said, clearly enjoying it.


    "Elowen, take some," she offered the other half to the elf.


    Elowen epted it and took a bite as well. Her expression softened slightly, but she didn''t say anything-not even a word of thanks.


    After some time, Marlene signaled for them to look out the window. In the distance, they saw a castle silhouetted against the night sky, with two tall towers nking its sides. "Looks like the kind of ce a main antagonist would live in," Brokenmented, ncing


    over at Marlene.


    She sighed, "We''vee this far. I hope we find more than just ves to rescue."


    Broken nodded, curious about what awaited them inside the foreboding structure.

 Chapter 379: Chapter 379 - Prepare the Finest Welcome for the Guests

    Chapter 379: - Prepare the Finest Wee for the Guests


    ?


    As they neared the castle where the ve buyer was informed to be, Subaru joined the carriage where Broken was seated, intending to discuss their n for infiltrating the castle.


    Broken activated his Hawk''s Eye skill to scout the castle from a distance. The castle sat on higher ground, making it easier to observe. It was a strange, eerie ce with a courtyard littered with tombstones, resembling a graveyard. The castle itself looked dpidated, as if it had been abandoned for a long time.


    He shared his observations with the others, exining the suspicious nature of their destination.


    "Ck!" Elowen clicked her tongue in frustration upon hearing the description. "What kind of devil lives in a ce like that? There must be someone upying it, holding the ves there, right?"


    Subaru looked a bit uneasy and addressed the group. "For some reason, I can''t shake the feeling that whoever''s inside that castle isn''t just some ordinary demon, heh. What if there''s a Named Demon in there?"


    "Named Demon?" Elowen repeated


    "Hey, Marlene, what do you think?" Subaru turned to her.


    "A Named Demon?" Marlene repeated, pausing thoughtfully. "Even if there *is* a Named Demon inside, I doubt they''d be ranked in the 50s. But if it''s someone ranked in the 60s or 70s, that''s still a possibility. And, well, 60s or 70s... we might still be able to handle them."


    "Marlene, are you sure?" Subaru asked, the worry clear in his voice. "Didn''t you say even those in the 60s could be dangerous? And we''re not exactly at full strength."


    "That''s true," Marlene admitted. "But we''re assuming there''s even a Named Demon at all. What if it''s just a regr demon? We won''t know until we''re inside."


    "But Marlene..." Subaru continued, "you should have some knowledge of the Named Demons in this region, right? Can''t you confirm if one might be here?"


    Marlene paused again. "I''m aware of a few Named Demons in this area, but they''re spread across arge territory. The chances of running into one of them here are pretty slim."


    Subaru then turned to Broken. "Broken, what do you think?"


    Broken had actually faced a Named Demon before. He had done so alongside Princess Alora, but that was a Named Demon ranked 64, and even then, the demon wasn''t at full strength. The demon had been restricted by the very Trial Domain he had created.


    If Duke uros, the Named Demon ranked 64, had been at full power-especially in Hell- Broken wasn''t sure how he would have defeated him.


    Despite being ranked 64, Duke uros possessed magic tricks that were incredibly troublesome, particrly with his Shadow Element abilities. This made him exceptionally slippery and difficult to kill, able to dodge almost any attack with ease. Even wide-area damage spells weren''t guaranteed to bring him down.


    The situation would have been even more precarious if the battle had taken ce in an open area where the demon could easily teleport or flee, leaving his opponent confused. Duke uros was indeed a Named Demon with high magical capabilities, but his killing style was more akin to that of an assassin.


    But... if they encountered another Named Demon while they were in Hell, who knew how powerful it might be? The potential danger was immense.


    Still, retreating before even engaging wasn''t something Broken favored. Was he the type to fight without much calction? Maybe, but in his mind, the answer was always to counter strength with even greater strength.


    But did they really have the power to face another Named Demon, especially one ranked in the 60s or worse, in the 50s?


    "Assuming our opponent is a Named Demon before we even confirm it seems like overthinking, don''t you think?" Elowen finally spoke up.


    "I agree..." Subaru replied. "Even though we, as yers, cane back to life after dying, we''ll revive in the same ce. That means we won''t be able to escape or return to Yunatea easily if things go wrong..." He turned to Marlene again. "Marlene?"


    Marlene responded, "I get the concern, but we won''t know until we face what''s inside. We have to be prepared for anything, but that doesn''t mean we should assume the worst. If it''s a Named Demon, we''ll deal with it. If not, then we''ve saved ourselves some stress."


    Marlene fell silent for a moment, then spoke up. "My beasts can''t scout inside the castle from this distance-it''s too far. The only way is for us to enter the castle grounds. Once we''re in the open courtyard, I can send my beasts to check the interior."


    "But," she continued, "by then, it might already be toote because we''ll have crossed into their territory."


    She then looked around, waiting for a response, and finally turned to Broken. "Broken? Your call?"


    "Why me? Your side has more people; your fate is more important here than mine alone." "I want to know what you would do in a situation like this." Marlene pressed. Broken paused for a moment when he heard the question, even though deep down, he already knew the answer. And it bothered him a little because he knew he really wanted to go in!


    His intense curiosity and drive to explore were pushing him to enter, to find out what awaited him in there¡ªwhether it was a monster, a demon, a raid boss, or even a Named Demon!


    But should he really just go in without considering the risks?


    If Broken went in alone, he could probably escape easily. He had a set of skills that could support him in doing so. But this time, he wasn''t alone. There were members of the Shadow Wolves with him, and two NPCs who might lose their lives because of his actions.


    And now, Marlene was asking him to make a decision?


    "I know what I want to do. But I''m not sure if it''s the right thing for everyone else," he


    replied.


    "And what is that?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "I said I''m not sure if this is good for everyone. I can''t guarantee that. And honestly, I think this might be a stupid decision."


    "That''s the fun part!" Marlene responded. "You''ve gotten this far, haven''t you? And all those things you''ve achieved-they came from decisions you yourself thought were stupid."


    Damn, is sheplimenting me or insulting me?


    "I want to go. Face whatever challenge is in there and bring home our reward," he finally said. Subaru could only sigh at that. "I guess letting you two make the decision was a mistake." "You knew the risks when you decided toe with us, Subaru." Marlene said.


    "Yes, but our friends don''t have the kind of strength you two have to pull off something this crazy," Subaruined.


    Broken then turned to Elowen and Mira. "Are youing with us?"


    "Yes!" the two girls answered in unison.


    The decision had been made, and they were ready to face whatever awaited them. But that


    didn''t mean they were going in unprepared. Marlene''s team was well-ustomed to working together, and Marlene herself, as a Divine Champion, undoubtedly had hidden powers she


    hadn''t yet revealed.


    The caravan of carriages began to approach their destination, which was oddly devoid of any fences or boundaries. It looked like a vast open field perched on a slightly elevated hill. The carriages had to take a winding path to reach the area, which was dotted with tombstones


    scattered across thendscape.


    Is this a graveyard or what?


    ***


    "Hahaha..." A woman''s boomingughter filled the chamber. It was Duke Gremory, the ruler


    of this domain, observing her guests through the magic circle floating before her.


    "This is truly the easiest bait I''ve ever set. I can''t believe they''re this foolish."


    [Duke Gremory - Vampiric Duchess Demon Lv. 258]


    [Named Demon - Rank 56]


    "And it turns out," she said, licking her lips, "my target here isn''t quite as weak as you''d


    expect for someone at that level. Hm..."


    "What kind of delicacies areing to meet me this time? Could it be a jackpot?" she continued excitedly. "No way... two Divine Champions arriving together? This can''t be real. If I can im their Blessing, wouldn''t that push my rank even higher?"


    For a moment, the throne room was engulfed in a tense silence. Then, the woman''s voice erupted once more,manding, "Prepare the finest wee for our guests! Anyone who


    dares enter my domain is mine!"


    ***


    Author''s Note:


    As you can see, each of my chapters tends to have a higher word countpared to most other Webnovel authors, averaging around 1250-1500 words.


    Yes! My priority is you! Do you prefer shorter chapters or these longer ones? Let me know


    what you think!

 Chapter 380: Chapter 380 - We’ll Handle this as Usual

    Chapter 380: - We¡¯ll Handle this as Usual


    ?


    From the information they extracted from the captured demon-how Marlene managed to force him to talk was anyone''s guess-they learned that he didn''t know what the ves were being used for. His only task was to deliver them to the underground chambers of the castle.


    How many demons lived in that ce? Even that question went unanswered. So, while the captured demon''s information was limited, it did at least guide them to their destination this time.


    The caravan of carriages rolled onto the castle grounds, the wheels crunching over the gravel path as they passed through an eeriendscape. On either side of the road, rows of weathered tombstones jutted from the earth like jagged teeth.


    The distant cawing of crows echoed through the air, their ck forms perched ominously on the tombstones, as if they were guardians of the dead. Every now and then, a bat would swoop low, its wings pping silently as it darted between the trees that bordered the path,


    disappearing into the shadows as quickly as it had appeared.


    The atmosphere was thick with foreboding, as if the very ground they traveled on was warning them to turn back, yet the carriages pressed on, driven by a purpose that left no room for hesitation.


    There was no one there to greet them! The entire ce appeared unguarded, as if deliberately inviting them in. Who knew what the host had prepared for their arrival?


    Subaru swallowed hard inside the carriage. "This is seriously creepy."


    "Even though you''re used to it and your guild master is a Demon, Subaru?" Broken teased.


    "Yeah... but at least Paul''s a human like the rest of us outside the game. But here, we''re up against real demons! I don''t know, I''ve got a bad feeling about this."


    As they reached the castle courtyard, the caravan of carriages slowed to a crawl. Despite the deliberate pace, the close proximity allowed Marlene tomand her beasts to scout the castle''s interior.


    From the carriage, two shadows darted swiftly across the ground, heading straight for the castle. Broken kept a watchful eye, utilizing his Hawk''s Eye skill to monitor their movement.


    "Can you see through those demon beasts, Marlene?" he asked.


    "Didn''t expect you to be that interested in me, huh?"


    Broken merely offered a faint smile, knowing that such information was usually a closely guarded secret for someone like her. Still, he could tell by the way Marlene sat in silence, her eyes shifting ever so slightly, that she was indeed watching something unfold through those beasts.


    Surely, she could see through the eyes of her demon beasts? It was an invaluable tool for scouting. The demon beasts could move unseen and with remarkable speed. With abilities like these, they could easily escape if necessary. Those two shadow wolves had undeniable potential.


    "Marlene, did you find anything?" Subaru asked.


    Marlene simply shook her head.


    "Nope, I didn''t even find ess to the underground chambers. I did, however, discover a staircase leading downwards, but it''s beyond the reach of my beasts," she exined, clearly addressing Broken''s earlier question, despite having brushed it off before.


    "Broken!"


    The tense silence inside the carriage was shattered by Elowen''s voice as she peeked out the window. The others quickly followed suit, their eyes darting toward the castle.


    What had seemed like a quiet, empty fortress suddenly erupted with activity. Dozens, then hundreds, perhaps even thousands of bats poured out from the castle, swarming the sky above them in a chaotic mass.


    "What is that?! Huah..." Subaru eximed in a panic. "They''re already weing us!"


    The bats began to dive lower, their numbers overwhelming. Some of them mmed into the carriages, shaking them violently and nearly toppling a few.


    From the other carriages, shouts rang out as the rest of the crew scrambled out, drawing their weapons to fend off the onught of bats that were now attacking them from all sides.


    Marlene was the first to leap out, quickly followed by the others. They grouped together, standing back-to-back, trying to shield their heads as the bats swooped and collided with them from every direction.


    Two shadow wolves burst from the ground repeatedly, snapping at the bats, but the sheer number of them was overwhelming!


    What should they do?


    "Marlene, your call!" Subaru shouted.


    "Broken, your call!" Marlene shot back, turning the responsibility onto him.


    Damn, why him?


    "You''re really making this difficult for me, huh?!" he muttered under his breath.


    Broken summoned the Wavebreaker Spear, revealing it for the first time in front of the others.


    "Woah... the Legendary spear!" Subaru eximed excitedly.


    "A Legendary-grade spear?" Elowen gasped, her eyes wide with surprise. "How do you even have a Legendary-grade weapon?"


    "He said he has more than one, hahaha," Subaru added, almost boasting on Broken''s behalf.


    "Damn, that''s the Legendary-grade spear you crafted during thatpetition, right, Broken?" another chimed in, their voice filled with awe.


    "I''ve been waiting to see this spear in action! Finally, we get the chance."


    "He''s our opponent outside of this, so don''t admire him too much," Marlene said in her usual


    t tone.


    "Yes, and here you are, Marlene, bringing him along and letting him get even stronger!" Subaru teased.


    [Sea of Storms (Active Skill)]


    Broken mmed the spear into the ground, causing dozens of magic circles to form in the sky. Momentster, a barrage of water spears rained down across the entire area, each one striking and obliterating the bats in its path. However, even after all the spears hit their targets, it wasn''t enough to clear them all.


    There were only 100 spears, while the bats, though small, numbered in the hundreds- possibly even thousands.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "This is annoying. Use area skills now!" Subaru shouted.


    Everyone began casting their skills, unleashing attacks in all directions. Yet, despite their efforts, the swarm of bats, though individually weak, continued to chip away at their health, relentless and seemingly endless, even after repeated assaults.


    Frustrated, Broken activated his Summon Skill.


    [Nature''s Herald (Active Skill)]


    [Nature''s Herald has been activated. You''ve summoned the Elder Dragon Tree.]


    As he did, a massive dragon made of intertwined trees and vines emerged, coiling through the


    air above them.


    "Woah... another summon!" Subaru eximed.


    "Damn, the dragon is so cool!"


    "I''m ready to see another summon from you, Broken, hahaha."


    "Surely, you guys know when to joke around, huh?"


    The Elder Tree Dragon unleashed a powerful breath attack, its area-of-effect skill proving highly effective. The bats fell from the sky like swatted insects, disintegrating into pixels as


    they hit the ground.


    Despite the overwhelming destruction, there was no notification indicating that they had actually killed anything. It was clear that the bats were part of a skill cast by someone, but for a spell with such a massive impact, it must have been cast by someone incredibly powerful. The Elder Tree Dragon continued to hover in the air, sweeping its breath across the sky, gradually clearing away the swarm. As the bats were obliterated, the moonlight began to break through once more, the sky slowly clearing as the onught lessened. Finally, their efforts seemed to be paying off, with the number of iing bats dwindling to a manageable


    level.


    But it had been a grueling challenge.


    However, as some of the group nced toward the castle, a new terror-a true nightmare- descended to greet them. Just like before, creatures with wings emerged, but this time, they were far more menacing. Massive wings spread wide on humanoid forms. They were demons, terrifying bat-winged demons, and there were not just one or two, but dozens of them!


    A chill ran through everyone''s bodies as they realized the battle was about to take a much


    darker turn.


    "Prepare, we''ll handle this as usual," Marlene said, her tone calm andposed.


    "I don''t think there''s anything usual about this... Marlene..." Subaru replied, his voice trembling with fear.

 Chapter 381: Chapter 381 - This was going to be a long night!

    Chapter 381: - This was going to be a long night!


    ?


    [Dreadwing Lv. 186]


    [Hellshade Lv. 178]


    [Dreadwing Lv. 181]


    [Nightmare Wraith Lv. 179]


    There were several types of winged demons visible in the distance, each one flying closer. Although their levels averaged below 200, their sheer numbers-dozens of them-made the threat overwhelming.


    Archer, the archer, quickly charged his skills and let his arrows fly, hitting a few demons and sending them tumbling backward, only for them to recover and resume their advance.


    Broken swiftly drew the Bow of Artemis and nocked an Epic-grade Iron Piercer Arrow, preparing to charge his next attack.


    [Explosive Arrow (Active Skill) Lv. 2]


    This skill now dealt 50% more damage than it did at level 1, making it perfect for the clustered airborne demons approaching. However, it required a charge time of just over 4 seconds, and that created a tense moment-would the monsters reach them before his charge wasplete?


    "Now, Broken, you know bow is my main weapon, right?" Archer said. "I suggest you don''t do this unless you want to embarrass yourself in front of me."


    "Ck, in a situation like this, you still find time to be arrogant, Archer?!" someone else retorted.


    "I''m just reminding him to stick to his spear. Let me handle these monsters," Archer replied confidently. "Just watch-I can take one down with just three shot skills."


    "But there are too many of them," Broken said, still charging his skill. "They''ll kill you before you can finish them off."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The entire team braced themselves as the swarm of winged demons drew closer. Despite the imminent threat, the monsters seemed to be holding back, as if they were issuing a warning rather than attacking outright. This dy yed right into Broken''s hands, giving him the precious seconds he needed to fully charge his skill.


    [Projectile''s Kiss (Active Skill)]


    Damn, the skill from the ring he had obtained from Melliandra was the perfectbination with Explosive Arrow, doubling the potential damage output. With its area effect and sheer power, thisbination was unmatched.


    And that''s not even mentioning the passive skill, Precision Aim, which added another 15% damage on top. It was an overpowered setup, to say the least.


    All eyes were on Broken as he released the arrow from his bow. The recoil sent a slight shock through him, but that was nothingpared to what everyone else was anticipating.


    "What could a skill with such a long charge time even do?" Archer remarked.


    The others remained silent, their eyes glued to the unfolding scene.


    When the arrow struck its distant target, the world seemed to hold its breath for a split second ¡ªthen, BADABOOM! BOOM! The ground itself shook with the force of the explosion, a shockwave rippling outward and rattling everything in its path. The deafening roar echoed through the air, loud enough to make their ears ring, as if the very earth had been split open. Broken grinned as dozens of notifications flooded his screen. With that single skill, he had wiped out the majority of the winged demons in one fell swoop. In the aftermath, glowing items began to shoot toward him from afar-loot dropped by the defeated monsters. His filter settings automatically drew in only the Monster Cores and Monster Soul Stones, and sure enough, he secured two Monster Soul Stones.


    Damn, what was that?" Archer muttered, his mouth agape.


    The others stared in stunned silence, equally awestruck.


    "Broken... What exactly is your main ss?"


    "I think he must have a versatile ss?"


    "But a versatile ss with skills like that?"


    "I''m seriously considering quitting this game," Archer added, still reeling.


    "Nearly half of them are dead, and the rest are barely hanging on," someone else pointed out, astonished.


    The remaining monsters, enraged and desperate, flew even faster toward them. Subaru unleashed spells from a distance, while Archer fired arrows at a rapid pace, determined to keep the horde at bay.


    [Piercing Arrows (Active Skill)]


    This was a skill from the Bow of Artemis-a devastating attack thatunched a powerful arrow capable of prating both enemies and obstacles. Upon release, the arrow split into five projectiles, each targeting different foes and generating a shockwave that staggered and disrupted nearby enemies. Each strike dealt 200% of physical damage, but the downside was the high Mana cost-600 per use.


    Damn, he really needed a new powerful bow!


    Despite the challenges, after several intense minutes, the airborne monsters were finally dealt with, leaving only a few stragglers. But just as they began to catch their breath, a new threat emerged-one far more serious and daunting.


    From all directions, magic circles began to materialize, glowing ominously. Out of these circles, strange and grotesque monsters started to appear, each more bizarre than thest.


    [Bloodshade Lv. 195]


    [Nocturnis Lv. 187]


    [Veilborn Lv. 186]


    [Bloodshade Lv. 169]


    These creatures had pale, almost sickly skin, and pointed ears that gave them an eerie, otherworldly look. Some had faces twisted into unnatural shapes, their mouths stretched wide to reveal rows upon rows of razor-sharp teeth. Others brandished long, wed hands, the talons gleaming menacingly as they let out chilling shrieks, showing off their lethal


    intent.


    This was the true danger-a real, serious threat that would be far more difficult to ovee. "Everyone! Cast every buff-this is a real battle now!" Marlenemanded urgently. Without hesitation, everyone activated their buffs and party skills. Transparent shields doubled in size and began rotating around them, providing a protective barrier. Each person was soon enveloped in a shimmering aura of various colors, signaling the different boosts and buffs they had received. Notifications flooded their screens, confirming the enhancements¡ª this was the true advantage of fighting as a team.


    Meanwhile, Broken knew he couldn''t rely on high-Mana usage area skills indefinitely. Instead, he decided to cast his Water Domain and wield the Wavebreaker Spear.


    As he activated the Water Domain, a transparent barrier of water expanded around them, encasing everyone within its protective, shimmering shield.


    The game featured a sophisticated system to limit the impact of attacks, allowing yers to manually set restrictions-like preventing damage to guild members, party members, or anyone manually whitelisted from skill effects.


    However, the game''s advanced AI typically handled this, distinguishing between allies and enemies on its own. This meant that the movement speed debuff from the Water Domain would only affect the monsters, leaving the team unhindered.


    And now, they were ready!


    The monsters surged forward, entering the Water Domain, where their movements immediately slowed. Arrows and magic rained down on them, while the melee fighters


    stepped forward, ready to meet their foes head-on.


    Calista, the healer, along with another support member, positioned themselves in the center, ensuring they stayed in the safest spot. Their roles were crucial-they couldn''t afford to be touched by the enemies, as they were responsible for boosting the team''s potential and


    keeping everyone healed.


    [Groundbreaker (Active Skill) Lv. 2]


    Broken mmed his spear into the ground, unleashing a powerful shockwave that tore through the earth, dealing area damage and striking several monsters at once. However, the damage wasn''t quite enough to finish them off, so Marlene''s shadow wolves immediately followed up, lunging at the weakened monsters and tearing into them, ensuring the threat was swiftly neutralized.


    The Elder Tree Dragon continued to hover above, providing crucial support by unleashing powerful magic attacks and casting area heals on the team. This took a significant load off Calista, easing her responsibilities as the primary healer.


    However, the sheer number of monsters was overwhelming, and they needed to carefully


    manage their Mana to sustain the fight. This was especially true for Broken, whose Mana pool


    was naturally limited.


    When he gathered enough Mana, Broken unleashed a series of wide-area skills with his


    Wavebreaker Spear.


    [Ocean''s Wrath (Active Skill)]


    [Sea of Storms (Active Skill)]


    [Boar''s Flood (Active Skill)]


    Massive waves of water surged upward, crashing into the demons and driving them back. As


    the waves subsided, a rain of spears descended from the sky, adding more damage to the onught. Meanwhile, the water boar charged wildly across the battlefield, wreaking havoc


    among the enemy ranks.


    Despite the relentless attack, they knew they had to keep a close eye on their Mana reserves, making every spell count in this seemingly endless battle.


    The battle was intense, with everyone pushing themselves to the limit. They managed to hold


    their ground, keeping their support yers safely out of harm''s way. But they couldn''t keep this up forever-surrounded on all sides, their Mana and Stamina were steadily being drained. The demons showed no signs of relenting, their waves continuing to crash against


    the team''s defenses.


    Broken received a Mana buff, allowing his Mana to regenerate quickly. Once his reserves were full again, he unleashed another wide-area damage attack. But even with his powerful skills, the sheer number of enemies seemed endless.


    Damn, this was going to be a long night.

 Chapter 382: Chapter 382 - Broken Vanished from Sight

    Chapter 382: - Broken Vanished from Sight


    ?


    Everyone fought with intense focus, determined to maintain their formation and keep the attacking demons from breaking through and harming their support roles. The coordination was tight, and every move mattered.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    What really caught Broken''s eye, though, was how Elowen fought with her sword. Her technique was impressive, almost mirroring the skill he had seen in Princess Alora, another master of sword magic.


    Elowen moved with fluid precision, cutting down demons that approached while effortlessly keeping the team''s formation intact. Despite her stern and seemingly self-centered demeanor, she worked well with others, even those she barely knew. Her ability to bnce individual skill with teamwork left asting impression on Broken as the battle raged on. On the other hand, Mira fought like a true assassin. She was swift and precise, dispatching every enemy that crossed her path with deadly efficiency. While her movements weren''t as coordinated as Elowen''s, she still managed to keep up with the others, most of whom were well above level 200.


    Both women had clearlye to Hell prepared. They possessed enough skill to survive on their own, at least for a while. However, it was evident that they wouldn''t have stood a chance against such overwhelming numbers without the help of Broken and the rest of the team.


    If only Broken could recruit people like them to strengthen his Knights line-up, that would be amazing. Just imagine-NPCs with raw talent and real battlefield experience, where survival means facing the most extreme conditions! At least they''ve got a solid foundation as true warriors.


    But given Elowen''s carefree attitude, it seems like that''s never going to happen.


    Several formations began to break under the relentless pressure, and one of the sword fighters took a fatal hit. Calista, despite her best efforts, failed to heal in time-it was clear she was exhausted.


    Suddenly, a demon darted past the defenses, its ws shing through the air as it struck Calista, sending her crashing to the ground.


    "Calista!" A few people tried to help, but they were too upied with the relentless demon attacksing from all directions.


    Without a second thought, Broken charged forward, his spear whirling in a blur before slicing through the demon. Its grip on Calista weakened as Broken pressed on, driving his spear into its head over and over until the creaturey lifeless.


    He quickly knelt beside her, gently cing a hand on her shoulder, which was bleeding heavily from the wound.


    [Healing Touch (Active Skill) Lv. 4]


    "Thanks, Broken."


    "No worry. Can you hold on?"


    "Yes," she nodded.


    "Good."


    Broken helped her to her feet, steadying her before returning to his position.


    This battle needed to end soon, or they''d run out of resources. The demons kepting, and the team was being pressed from all sides, their situation growing more desperate with each passing moment.


    With his Mana fully restored, Broken swapped his Wavebreaker Spear for the Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe.


    "Broken, are you serious? A pickaxe instead of a spear?" a few teammates muttered, clearly in disbelief.


    "Stay focused on your positions! Let him do what he thinks is best," another called out.


    "But your spear is already great. I don''t think fighting with a pickaxe is a good idea," someone added.


    "I''m sure Broken knows what he''s doing, guys..." Subaru chimed in, trying to calm the doubts.


    Several teammates nced at Broken, puzzled. Why a pickaxe, especially in a battle like this? The spear would be more effective against so many enemies. His choice left everyone questioning his decision, uncertain about what he had nned.


    [Rockfall Barrage (Active Skill)]


    [Summon Desert Worm (Active Skill)]


    Broken quickly cast two powerful skills in session. A massive tremor shook the ground beneath everyone''s feet, followed by the formation of dozens of magic circles above them.


    "What''s happening?!"


    Panic set in as the earth below began to swirl violently as if everything was about to be sucked into the ground. Something massive seemed to be rising from the depths, ready to devour them all.


    "Look up! What is that? A rain of giant boulders?"


    "Don''t worry, those are my skills," Broken said calmly.


    "What?"


    Before anyone could respond, a colossal mouth emerged from the ground, wide and menacing, ready to swallow both the demons and the team whole. The sight was enough to send a wave of panic through the group as they braced for the unexpected.


    In addition to the swirling ground, massive boulders rained down, smashing into the earth repeatedly. Some of the group instinctively shielded their eyes as the ground shook violently, rising and crashing as if the earth itself was trying to consume everything in its path.


    The skill animation was nothing short of spectacr, and the impact was undeniable. As the dust and debris began to settle, it became clear how effective the attack had been. Many of the demons were obliterated, and items from their fallen bodies shot towards Broken.


    "Damn! That was insane!"


    "I didn''t know a pickaxe could be that cool."


    "So... that''s a Legendary-grade item too?"


    "No way!" Elowen eximed. "You have two Legendary-grade items?"


    With the number of demons significantly reduced, the team found themselves fighting with more ease. The once overwhelming horde was thinning, revealing that the monsters weren''t


    truly infinite.


    "We''re almost there. Victory''s in sight!"


    "Are you sure? This is just the castle courtyard."


    "Exactly! Who knows what''s waiting for us inside?" someone replied, their tone a mix of


    excitement and concern.


    Suddenly, several unique notifications shed before Broken''s eyes.


    [An anomaly has urred with one of the items in your inventory.]


    "What?" Broken thought, puzzled. "What happened?"


    He quickly scrolled through his inventory, and his attention was drawn to a vial of blood he had won at an auction. It was vibrating violently inside the inventory. He paused, unsure of what was happening, but before he could act, the vial broke free from his inventory and materialized in front of him, floating in midair.


    All eyes, especially Marlene''s, turned sharply toward him.


    The vial''s cap popped open, and the blood inside shot out, rapidly multiplying as if it had a life of its own. In a matter of seconds, it expanded, transforming into writhing, tentacle-like strands thatshed around Broken, binding him with unnatural force.


    "What the¨D?!" Broken gasped as the blood constricted around him, tightening with every


    passing second.


    "Broken! What''s going on?" someone shouted in rm.


    "Damn it, that blood''s a trap!"


    The blood created a whirlwind of force, repelling anyone who tried to approach.


    "Help him!" Marlene yelled, but no one could get close. Those who tried were thrown back by the swirling wind, and even the support team''s anti-debuff spells had no effect. Panic spread through the group as Broken struggled against the restraints. He had no skill to break free from this kind of root effect, leaving himpletely helpless. Desperation flickered in his mind-should he summon Gaia?


    Before he could decide, a magic circle formed beneath his feet, glowing ominously. He wasn''t prepared for what came next. Without warning, his body was pulled downward, sinking into


    the circle as if being swallowed by the earth. It wasn''t long before he realized-this was some


    kind of teleportation skill.


    And just like that, Broken vanished from sight.

 Chapter 383: Chapter 383 - The Unexpected Savior

    Chapter 383: - The Unexpected Savior


    ?


    In an instant, Broken''s body was yanked violently, and before he could react, he was teleported. He mmed into a hard stone floor, skidding painfully across the surface. Quickly, he shifted into a defensive stance, eyes darting around the room. It was a vast chamber, dimly lit by crystalmps in every corner. But what caught his attention most was the figure seated on a throne at the far end of the room.


    Beside the throne sat a massive demon beast, resembling a camel but with an eerie, unnatural presence.


    "Oh... my new ve has finally arrived," the woman on the throne said. "I never thought it would be this easy to acquire one."


    Broken staggered to his feet, struggling to make sense of the situation. He studied the woman before him¡ªa striking figure with long, dark hair cascading down her back, draped in flowing ck robes. A silver crown sat upon her head, gleaming ominously in the dim light.


    His heart sank as he pulled up her information.


    [Duke Gremory - Vampiric Duchess Demon Lv. 258]


    [Named Demon - Ranking 56]


    Broken''s eyes widened in disbelief. This was no ordinary enemy-he was standing face to face with one of the most dangerous demons he had ever encountered! His pulse quickened as the gravity of the situation sank in.


    A Named Demon! His eyes fixed on the woman seated at the far end of the grand room. Her crimson gaze locked onto him, radiating power and malice. She wasn''t just any Named Demon -her rank wasn''t in the 70s or 60s, but 56. Even higher than uros.


    His mind raced as he nced back at the notification that appeared when he was teleported


    here.


    [You have been forcibly transported into a private domain, Level 250. Duke Gremory''s Throne Room (Vampiric Duchess Demon, Rank 56)]


    Damn, a private domain? And level 250?


    He exhaled sharply, fully grasping the gravity of the situation. For the first time, his Domain Boundless ess Passive skill waspletely useless. He couldn''t leave this domain unless its owner allowed it-or he managed to kill them.


    "So, are you awestruck by my level?" the woman''s voice echoed through the chamber, low and resonant, filling every corner with its ominous weight. "Because it''s almost twice yours?"


    A chill ran down Broken''s spine. This wasn''t just a battle for survival anymore- he was facing a being far more powerful than anything he had encountered before.


    But how did she know his level? "Does this demon have some kind of advanced Perception skill?" His thoughts raced. "And if she knows my level, how much more does she know? Is it just that¡ªor could she be aware of my status as a Divine Champion as well?"


    His mind spun through the possibilities, each one more unsettling than thest. If she knew about his status, things could get far more dangerous than he''d ever anticipated.


    The woman rose from her throne, her ck robe trailing along the floor as she took slow, deliberate steps forward. Her long legs moved with an unnerving grace, and her heels clicked ominously, filling the room with their echo.


    "Anyone who enters this ce can never leave. And now... because you are already here, you''re mine."


    Each step she took brought her closer to Broken, the air growing heavier with tension. The uncertainty, the crushing pressure-everything about this encounter felt suffocating. Her power was overwhelming, her level far beyond anything he had ever faced.


    "Can I even kill her alone?" The doubt gnawed at him as Gremory approached.


    "And..." she purred, her long, sharp nails brushing lightly against his left shoulder, sending a cold shiver down his spine. "I didn''t expect my catch-what I thought was a small cockroach -to be... such a jackpot." Her crimson eyes gleamed with amusement as she assessed him, lips curling into a dangerous smile.


    "What do you want?" Broken responded, his voice steady.


    "Oh... hu hu hu," sheughed softly, covering her mouth with the back of her hand. "What do I want? It''s simple... you. I want you to stay here forever, so I can drink your blood for all eternity. Doesn''t that sound delightful? Being my captive... for all time?"


    She stepped closer, her tone growing more sinister. "And since you''re a Divine Champion, it will make me even stronger, help me climb the ranks. Wouldn''t that benefit you too? Being the ve of a higher being... it''s not so bad, is it?"


    "Sorry, but I''m not interested in your offer," Broken shot back. "And that''s not going to happen. So... you''d better forget it."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gremory''s smile faltered briefly. "Oh? You think you have a choice?"


    "You think you can fight me? Kill me? No... there''s no way you could win. And..." she paused, studying his face more intently.


    "What are you? What kind of Divine Champion? Which god blessed you with such a status?" Broken narrowed his eyes. Why was she asking this? It seemed she didn''t haveplete knowledge of him-just a hint that he was a Divine Champion.


    "If you think you know everything, why not guess for yourself?" he replied.


    Gremoryughed, a soft, mocking sound. "Ha ha ha." With a snap of her fingers, thick, blood- like liquid surged up from the ground, wrapping around Broken''s legs and body, holding him


    in ce.


    "Let''s find out," she said. The grip of the blood tightened, rendering Broken immobile, as the cold, oppressive force wrapped tighter around him.


    The blood coiled around him tightly, quickly draining his health. He could only watch as his life force ebbed away. The blood didn''t restrict his ability to move or cast skills¡ªit just rooted him in ce, preventing any escape.


    "See... now you understand just how powerful I am," Gremory said, stepping closer. She raised her hand to his face, making a small cut, drawing blood that dripped onto her fingertip. She licked the blood off her finger, her eyes gleaming. "Uhm... it''s so delicious... surprisingly," she murmured with a thin smile. "I''ve never tasted blood like this."


    Her gaze sharpened, locking onto him with an intensity that made the air feel heavier. "I''m certain you''re one of the Divine Champions. But which one hardly matters... What matters is that I''ve found a new source of pleasure."


    Gremory stood taller, her face alight with enthusiasm, a thin smile creeping across her lips. "I''m going to savor this moment, drinking the blood of a Divine Champion!" Then, with amanding voice, she dered, "Now, submit to me and kneel before me!"


    The blood coiled tighter around Broken, forcing his body to bend. He resisted, muscles straining against the unnatural force, but the restraint continued pulling him downward,


    trying to force him to kneel.


    "You can try to force me!"


    "Of course I will force you!" Gremory sneered. "And I''ll show you just how insignificant you are in my presence!" Her right hand tightened, ws extending as she aimed a deadly strike at


    Broken''s shoulder.


    But just as her ws were about to pierce him, something intercepted the attack. A figure appeared between them, deflecting the blow with a swift flick of a dagger. In a blur of motion, the neer unleashed a rapid series of strikes, forcing Gremory to retreat. She vanished momentarily, only to reappear farther away, her eyes narrowing in surprise.


    "Who is that?" Broken asked, caught off guard by the unexpected savior.

 Chapter 384: Chapter 384 - They couldn’t afford to underestimate their opponent

    Chapter 384: - They couldn¡¯t afford to underestimate their opponent


    ?


    Someone suddenly appeared, entering the private domain and effortlessly deflecting Gremory''s attack meant for Broken. But who was this mysterious figure?


    "See? Hahaha," Gremory''sughter echoed through the chamber. "Now another cockroach has revealed itself... How delightful. Two extraordinary catches in one day, right?"


    Broken''s eyes narrowed as he focused on the cloaked figure wielding the twin daggers, shadow energy swirling around them. It was unmistakable-this had to be the same person Marlene and the others had fought a few days ago. The one they had called the de Phantom.


    But now, for the first time, he could see more clearly-it was actually a woman, judging by her figure and the way her outfit clung to her. Even though her face was covered and no gamer name hovered above her head, there was no mistaking her presence.


    "I know you''vee for this man, haven''t you? I''ve been watching you too..." Gremory sneered, her eyes narrowing. "Do you really think that with your pathetic stealth skills, you can just roam Hell as you please?"


    The figure stepped back, silently positioning herself beside Broken. Then, a private message shed before his eyes, to his shock-it was from Charmelyn.


    [Charmelyn: "Broken, it''s me."]


    Damn, Charmelyn?! How?


    His heart raced as he turned to look at her, disbelief settling in. The blood that had been binding him had loosened just enough for him to move.


    [Broken: "How? Do you know how to get into Hell? Does anyone else know you''re here?"] [Charmelyn: "I followed you."]


    [Broken: "You snuck into this expedition? Weren''t you in Slumdon? Freya confirmed that."] [Charmelyn: "I''ll exinter. Right now, we need to work together to kill this demon."]


    [Broken: "But you know you can''t leave once you enter this domain, right?"]


    [Charmelyn: "Yes, I''m aware of the risk. But two people are better than one, right? I hope you don''t mind meing to help."]


    [Broken: "No, of course not. I''m just grateful you''re here."]


    Broken drew his Wavebreaker Spear, readying himself to face the demon. He and Charmelyn sat side by side, preparing for battle.


    "So, you n to fight me? Are you sure? I don''t mind showing you just how powerful I am." Gremory said, entirely at ease.


    From another direction, a shadow darted swiftly towards them, stopping at Broken''s right. He and Charmelyn both turned to see a figure emerging from the darkness. What is that? It looked like someone cloaked in shadow, resembling a werewolf. But the figure had the shape of a woman.


    Yes, it was Marlene, her head now covered in fur, transformed into that of a wolf, though she still wore her old outfit.


    "Damn, I didn''t want to do this," Charmelyn muttered under her breath. "But you forced my hand, Broken. You owe me a lot, you know!"


    Broken smiled at her unexpected arrival. "Yet, here you are anyway," he replied. "And you do realize you can''t leave this ce unless we kill the demon in front of us, right?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Yes," Marlene replied. "I''ll make sure to kill that demon first, then I''ll deal with the bitch standing next to you."


    "Don''t get ahead of yourself," Charmelyn shot back. "Do you really think you can pull that off?"


    "Let''s see when all this is over," Marlene said with a smirk. "And... are you Charmelyn from the Ass Guild? I can''t think of anyone else you could be."


    "You''re curious about my identity? Why don''t you try forcing me to reveal it?" Charmelyn replied.


    "Oh, I will. I''ll make you show your true face and kill you over and over until you regret ever crossing me," Marlene snarled.


    Broken sighed heavily. "Can you both save the fight forter? There''s a Named Demon standing right in front of us," he reminded them, trying to keep the situation from spiraling.


    "She made a huge mistake sneaking into this expedition. Do you think I''m just going to let that slide?" Marlene snapped.


    "That''s because you''re too stupid to stop anyone from doing it," Charmelyn shot back.


    "Enough, please... save the bickering forter," Broken insisted, trying to break the tension before it got worse. "We need to focus on the real threat."


    Their attention shifted back to Gremory.


    "So, are you still nning to fight amongst yourselves?" Gremory''s voice dripped with amusement. "That would only make this more entertaining for me. Because, I''m quite sure all of you are Divine Champions. Isn''t that something special?" A thin smile spread across her face.


    "Divine Champion?"


    Broken, Charmelyn, and Marlene echoed the words in unison, their confusion mirrored in the way they exchanged puzzled nces.


    "I know I''m a Divine Champion," Marlene said. "Specifically, the Gluttony Champion. It''s not exactly a secret¡ªI''ve even made it public. But...?"


    She turned her gaze toward Broken and de Phantom.


    "Yes... anyone would suspect that you, too, are likely a Divine Champion, Broken," she continued.


    Broken let out a sigh but remained silent.


    In Immortal Legacy, it was well-known that each of the seven sins had already chosen their Divine Champions from the yers, five for each sin. Only Sloth had selected just one


    Champion so far, and that was Broken.


    However, not all Divine Champions had revealed their identities to the public. The exception was the Gluttony Champions, all five of whom were widely known. Beyond that, almost half remained shrouded in mystery. Some yers had imed to be Divine Champions but needed to reveal which sin they represented, leaving their true allegiance uncertain. "But..." Marlene continued, her gaze hard. "That bitch is a Divine Champion too?"


    "How can we trust anything this demon says?" Broken asked.


    "Surely you''re not trying to deny it, are you, Broken?"


    But Charmelyn... a Divine Champion?


    It had always been believed that no one in the Assassins'' Guild held the title of Divine Champion. At least, that was the case until recently-when rumors began to surface about the possibility of stealing or transferring the Divine Champion status from one person to


    another.


    Could Charmelyn have done that? His mind raced with the possibility. If the rumors were true, it would exin the unsettling situation. But how-and why-would she have done such a


    thing?


    Broken never expected this twist. But seeing her here now did offer some relief. At the very least, there was one person in this ce he felt he could somewhat trust. After all, Charmelyn had once saved him from Marlene''s pursuit after he''d imed victory in the Fight Club Tower. In this situation, though, trust was not a luxury-they had no choice but to rely on one another. Despite facing a Named Demon ranked 56th, they had something others didn''t: all three of them were Divine Champions, with powers far beyond the average yer.


    They actually had a shot at winning!


    "Let''s put this argument aside. Can we actually work together this time?" Broken asked, his


    voice steady as he looked between Charmelyn and Marlene.


    "I''ll do my best, no matter what happens," Marlene replied. "But I''m not sure she can


    cooperate."


    Charmelyn shot back, "Shut up, or I''ll make you shut up, wolf!"


    Marlene growled at the insult, ready to lunge, but Broken quickly stopped her with his right


    hand.


    "Now, both of you, listen to me!" hemanded. "We need to win! Forget whatever issues you have with each other. We''ll settle thatter!"


    The three of them steeled themselves, knowing this battle would push them to their limits. Everyone knew they had to go all out from the very start. Their opponent was on a much higher level, and this fight would be anything but easy.


    "We have no choice but to give everything we''ve got. I''ll be going all-out too. Let''s end this quickly," he said firmly.


    No one responded, but he pressed on. "Now, I''m taking over as the caller. Everyone, follow


    my lead."


    He could sense the awkward tension between Charmelyn and Marlene. If this encounter had happened under different circumstances, there was no doubt the two would be fighting each


    other with everything they had.


    But now, they couldn''t afford to underestimate their opponent.


    "Now, we start," Broken said, his voice steady.


    [Summon the Guardian (Active Skill)]


    [Awaken the Nature Goddess (Active Skill)]


    [Nature Conjuring (Active Skill)]


    Broken summoned everything he had, and the room was soon filled with his creatures. His


    body began to glow with a blue aura as he gripped his spear tightly. He spun the weapon, charging forward at full speed, leading the attack. Charmelyn and Marlene, in her werewolf form, followed closely behind him.

 Chapter 385: Chapter 385 - Could he finish this fight?

    Chapter 385: - Could he finish this fight?


    ?


    Broken dashed forward, spinning his spear with precision as he charged ahead at full speed, leading the assault. Behind him, Charmelyn and Marlene-now in her werewolf form- followed closely, ready to strike in unison.


    Gremory watched their approach with a calm, almost mocking smile. As the trio rushed toward her, the massive camel demon beside her let out a deafening roar, unleashing a wave of pressure that halted their momentum, briefly throwing them back.


    In a blur of motion, Gremory lunged forward, shing at Broken with her w. He raised his spear just in time to block the blow, sparks flying as the two shed.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Charmelyn was next, darting in with a flurry of strikes from her twin daggers. But Gremory''s movements were impossibly fast, effortlessly deflecting each attack.


    From behind, Marlene-now in her werewolf formunched herself at Gremory, her ws shing as she struck repeatedly. Gremory, however, swiftly levitated, dodging Marlene''s blows with ease beforending a devastating hit on her. The impact sent Marlene crashing into Charmelyn, knocking them both to the ground, tumbling across the floor.


    Broken surged forward once more, while Dendros, one of his summons, nked from the side, its massive knuckles swinging in a flurry of strikes. They attacked in unison,ing at Gremory from two directions. Yet, with effortless grace, Gremory blocked each hit, her swift, precise movements making it seem as though theirbined assault was nothing more than a minor inconvenience.


    The rest of Broken''s summons engaged in their own attacks. The Bark Hound leapt repeatedly, trying tond a hit on Gremory, but she easily swatted it aside with a quick strike. The Chili Pepper Rooster unleashed a stream of fire at her, but she blocked it effortlessly with her hand. Without hesitation, Gremory darted forward and delivered a swift kick to the rooster, sending it crashing into the ground. The creature vanished on impact, reduced to nothing.


    Broken dashed forward, thrusting his spear, but Gremory''s speed was overwhelming. She moved like an assassin, too fast for him to keep up. In an instant, her ws shed across his chest, sending him flying backward.


    Marlene and Charmelyn charged from opposite sides, hoping to corner Gremory, but instead, they collided with each other mid-attack.


    "Damn it! Bitch!" Marlene growled, immediately leaping at Charmelyn in frustration.


    Charmelyn blocked her strike with her daggers, and the two locked into a chaotic struggle, attacking and parrying each other.


    "Damn it! You two! This isn''t the time for fighting each other!" Broken shouted in frustration.


    Gremory smirked at the sight of their disarray, then sped toward them, ready to strike. Broken reacted quickly, dashing in with his spear to intercept her, but Gremory''s power was too great. She knocked him back hard, and he crashed into both Marlene and Charmelyn, sending all three of them sprawling across the floor, lying dazed and defeated for the moment.


    "This bitch!" Charmelyn snarled, standing to attack Marlene again. "I''ll kill you!"


    But Marlene vanished into the shadows beneath her feet, reappearing from the other side to strike. Her ws shed across Charmelyn''s arm, leaving a deep cut. Charmelyn leapt back, clutching her wounded left arm.


    Broken was furious, unable to believe what was happening.


    "You two, stop it!" he shouted, his voice booming with frustration.


    In the midst of their bickering, they had forgotten about Gremory. She moved with lightning speed, suddenly appearing behind Marlene. Before anyone could react, Gremory plunged her hand through Marlene''s chest, her arm emerging from where her heart had been. It was a fatal blow.


    "Broken... wait for me. I''ll be back," Marlene muttered weakly, her voice fading.


    "Marlene!" Broken shouted, rushing toward her, but it was toote. Her body dissolved into pixels, vanishing before his eyes.


    As Broken turned, his heart sank even further-another disaster had struck. Charmelyny mortally wounded, the camel demon standing beside her, its jaws stained with blood. It had torn into her stomach with a vicious bite, leaving a gaping hole where her abdomen once was. "Broken... sorry..." Charmelyn whispered weakly, her voice barely audible.


    And then, just like Marlene, her body disintegrated into pixels, fading from his sight. Marlene was dead. It was a disaster. Even with the three of them, they struggled, and now it was just Broken. But the situation was worse-Charmelyn had fallen soon after, leaving him alone to face the Named Demon.


    Broken spun his spear, bracing himself as he repositioned, casting every protective skill he had left. He scanned the battlefield for anything he could still use, but he knew-he had already burned through everything. Despite their efforts, they hadn''t even managed to deal meaningful damage to the demon.


    Gremory floated backward, hovering for a moment before descending lightly to the ground. At the same time, all of Broken''s summons froze, ceasing their attacks. In less than a minute, two of his allies had perished.


    "So, you''ve realized how powerful I am, haven''t you? Do you still wish to push your will any further?"


    Broken had already given his best effort in previous attacks, but the demon''s speed-both in movement and attack-was overwhelming. She was nearly untouchable. It was clear they needed a better strategy to fight an opponent like this. A Named Demon wasn''t like a typical monster or raid boss; it had a variety of unpredictable abilities that made it far more dangerous.


    And here they were, forced to face this demon without any preparation, without knowing anything about the full extent of her powers.


    At the very least, he had to figure out as much as possible about the demon''s abilities and strengths while he still had time. Whether he could win or not was uncertain, but one thing was clear-he couldn''t give up so easily.


    Broken darted forward, now alone but freer to fight on his own terms. He dashed and spun his spear, striking at the demon, but Gremory merely smirked, easily dodging his attack.


    From the other side, Dendros rushed in, swinging with brutal force, but Gremory countered, mming him back with such strength that Dendros was flung across the room. Broken pressed on, striking repeatedly with his spear. Suddenly, five thick vines erupted from the ground, wrapping tightly around the demon. But a deafening roar from the camel demon echoed through the room, and in an instant, Gremory broke free, flying back out of reach. Damn, she''s slippery. But now he had learned something crucial-the camel demon acted as a support for Gremory.


    His remaining summons tried to attack the camel, but every hit was reflected by a powerful magic shield surrounding it, throwing back the attacks.


    He needed a different strategy to take down the camel.


    While Gremory''s speed was overwhelming, her control over blood magic made her even more dangerous, able to strike from both close and long range. She was the perfect blend of agility and intelligence-a rare and deadlybination.


    The camel demon, on the other hand, was a major obstacle in its own right. It could only be hurt by raw physical damage. When the Moss Goat rammed into the camel, it finally knocked the creature back, but the camel''s ability to recover quickly and its powerful, fast attacks made it a constant threat.


    Gremoryunched herself at Broken with blinding speed, delivering a powerful strike. The battle yed out like a relentless cycle-each of Broken''s attacks was parried with precision, while Gremory''s blowsnded with devastating force. He struggled to keep up, every strike he received cutting deeper and hitting harder.


    Then it happened.


    In one swift moment, Broken''s health dropped to zero.


    [You''ve received a fatal blow! Ethereal Form triggered! The skill has been activated.]


    The world around him shifted as the life-saving skill kicked in, pulling him back from the brink of death. But could he finish this fight?

 Chapter 386: Chapter 386 - Someone else was in his Home Bus

    Chapter 386: - Someone else was in his Home Bus


    ?


    Broken''s body shifted into its ethereal state, granting him a brief reprieve from death. But even in this form, the blood on the ground twisted and coiled around him, binding him in ce. He struggled, but the grip was unrelenting.


    Suddenly, the camel demon let out a thunderous roar, unleashing a devastating area attack. The force of the assault crashed into Broken like a tidal wave. His regeneration skills kicked in, trying to heal the damage, but it was too much-the relentless barrage overwhelmed him. He couldn''t keep up with the sheer intensity of the attack.


    Broken used the brief moment of reprieve to keep fighting, but facing Gremory alone was overwhelming. Every strike, every attack sheunched was focused entirely on him, leaving him no room to breathe.


    With no other choice, Broken quickly switched his helmet for the Mask of Scorched Fury, the only option that could turn the tide. He barely managed to make the swap before he was hit with another devastating blow, knocking him to the brink once again.


    Did he still have hope?


    [You have been killed by Duke Gremory - Vampiric Duchess Demon Lv. 258]


    [Fiery Rebirth (Conditional Passive Skill)]


    [You have been resurrected with 50% Health. Fire Damage is boosted by 25%, and Movement Speed is increased by 20% for 10 seconds.]


    Broken''s body reignited, resurrecting him with a surge of power. His movements sped up, and his attacks red with fiery strength.


    He used the brief window to study Gremory''s attacks, along with the camel demon''s, trying to analyze and exploit any weaknesses. Slowly, he began to adapt, learning the patterns of their strikes and adjusting his tactics. But facing a Gremory''s power alone was no small feat.


    Despite his best efforts, it became clear that defeat was looming.


    It wasn''t enough.


    Gremory''s relentless assault continued, her speed and raw power overwhelming him. Even with the Mask of Scorched Fury enhancing his abilities, she shredded through his defenses. And then it happened-his Health dropped to zero once more.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He had lost.


    [You have been killed by Duke Gremory - Vampiric Duchess Demon Lv. 258]


    ***


    The side panel of the Capsule Device swung open, and Leon emerged, still breathing heavily, the shock of what had just happened in the game rattling him. He''d suffered a crushing defeat!


    "Damn it!" he cursed, mming his fist against the Capsule Device before catching himself- realizing it wasn''t the machine''s fault.


    Climbing out, he looked around for Hazel, but she was gone. Did she leave already? He quickly checked his phone, finding a slew of messages from multiple people: Hazel, Lily, Freya, Laura, Subaru, Maylock. All of them had tried to reach him.


    He scanned through the messages one by one. Hazel said she headed home early. Lily was asking where he was. Laura wanted to meet up. Subaru and Maylock both requested him to call them back urgently.


    But he quickly refocused the problem he had faced in the game. He needed to contact Charmelyn and Marlene right away to strategize their next move against Gremory. They had no choice but to defeat that demon. Their first attempt had failed miserably, but they had to learn from it and be ready for round two.


    When a yer dies in-game, they''re forced to wait 6 real-time hours, or 18 hours Yunatea time, before reviving. That meant Broken had 6 hours to n and prepare before they could make another attempt to take down Gremory.


    They couldn''t afford to make the same mistakes. This time, he needed to be fully prepared. At least now, he had more information about the demon and her attacks. It was clear that their earlier failure wasn''t just due to Gremory''s strength-it was also because they had beenpletely unprepared, and the bickering between Marlene and Charmelyn had only made things worse.


    He had to figure out a way to keep those two from shing again.


    Damn, managing people is harder than fighting monsters! Even in the midst of that battle, they couldn''t stop fighting each other. He couldn''t believe it.


    The problem was, Leon didn''t have direct contact with either Charmelyn or Marlene. But that wasn''t an issue¡ªhe knew exactly where to get their information: from Subaru and Maylock. Without wasting time, he called Maylock and quickly exined what had happened. "That''s certainly a small problem, isn''t it?" Maylock replied with a bit of sarcasm. "Ck,e on. I need your help finding a strategy to fight this demon."


    "Yeah, yeah, I''ll talk to youter after I gather more info," Maylock responded.


    "And about Charmelyn... is she really a Divine Champion? And did you know she infiltrated the Hell expedition?"


    Maylock sighed on the other end. "That''s a tough one to answer. But yes, at least me, Elincia, and Goldrich knew."


    "Damn, you should''ve told me earlier," Leon snapped. "I need her contact-Charmelyn. Can you ask her to reach out to me? I really need to talk to her."


    "Alright, I''ll talk to her and ask her to contact you. But trust me, she''ll probably be reaching out to you soon, even without me asking her."


    "Who? Charmelyn? How?" Leon asked, confused.


    "Yep, just wait and see."


    And with that, the call ended.


    Leon was just about to call Subaru when his phone buzzed, an unknown number shing on


    the screen.


    "Who''s this?" he muttered as he answered the call.


    "Hello?"


    A woman''s voice responded, yful and teasing. "Hi, handsome... missing me already?"


    The tone sent a chill down his spine-he recognized it instantly. Marlene.


    "Hi. Marlene?"


    "Yes... You must have been waiting for my call, I''m sure of it," she replied, her tone much different than what Leon was used to hearing.


    In the game, Marlene always spoke with a no-nonsense attitude-calm, t, and with an air


    of mystery, like she was always holding something back. But this time, her voice was friendlier, almost yful, which caught him off guard.


    What''s with the sudden shift?


    "Yes..." Leon replied. "I missed you so much that I want to scold you. You really know how to pick the perfect time to fight with someone on the same team, especially when we can''t even beat the actual enemy, huh?"


    "Ck!" Marlene responded with a slight huff. "Surely, I''m not the only one at fault... that friend of yours had a part in it too."


    "It''s fine. I just hope we''ve all learned from it, and we can regroup soon to figure out how to


    beat that demon."


    "You should be more strict with us, I guess," she said, followed by a soft giggle.


    What? Leon''s mind reeled. Did Marlene just... giggle? The same Marlene who was always so cold and mysterious in the game?


    "Hey, I''m really not expecting this... but is this actually the Marlene I know from the game?"


    He heard her sigh. "Yes, it''s me! Why? Haven''t you ever met someone online who acts


    differently in real life?"


    "No, what''s with that?"


    "No worries..." she quickly replied. "Where are you right now?"


    "Me?" Leon blinked, confused. "In my Home Bus?" Obviously, not the right answer. "I mean,


    why?"


    "Where exactly is your home bus parked?"


    "At the mall near where I live... Crystal Springs Mall. Why?"


    "Okay, I''ll meet you in... uhm... 2 hours from now... bye," she said, and the call abruptly ended.


    Meet me? Does she live nearby too?


    "Leon?"


    He froze, startled by the voiceing from behind him. It was from the bed above his


    Capsule Device-he had forgotten to check earlier.


    He turned around. "Hazel, I thought you''d already left?" But his words trailed off as he realized it wasn''t Hazel lying there. Someone else was in his Home Bus.

 Chapter 387: Chapter 387 - We need to cheer her up

    Chapter 387: - We need to cheer her up


    ?


    Someone called Leon''s name from behind, and it came from the bed above the Capsule Device. When he turned, he saw it was Lily.


    "What? Why Hazel?! Why did you call her name?!" she asked, curiosity clear on her face as she swung her legs off the bed and sat up.


    "You startled me... why didn''t you say you were already here?"


    "Why Hazel? Don''t tell me you brought her here, huh?" she teased, yfully poking Leon in the chest with her finger.


    "Hey, Brother... tell me honestly. Did she flirt with you? And you fell for it, didn''t you? What were you two doing here, huh?"


    "You''re way too interested in adult stuff, huh..." Leon joked, trying to deflect her teasing.


    "Leoooon..." she murmured, a little embarrassed, her face flushing slightly.


    Leon gently took Lily''s hand and pulled her toward the sofa in the center of the room. "Let me exin," he sighed before diving into everything that had happened. Lily listened closely, especially when Leon mentioned Hazel''s failed dinner n with her mom.


    She nodded slowly as she took it all in. "Yeah... from what I know, she rarely sees her mom, and her real father too..."


    "I think you need to cheer her up," Leon suggested.


    "Why? Why do you care so much about her, huh?"


    "You don''t?"


    Lily smiled and nodded. "Yes, I''ll figure out something to cheer her up. And... I overheard you on the phone earlier... sorry," she admitted, looking a bit sheepish.


    "Nah, it''s fine, I don''t think I said anything weird."


    She giggled. "So, you failed and died in thest challenge?"


    Leon sighed again, leaning back into the sofa, rubbing his forehead in frustration.


    "What if we go out for a bit... grab something to eat, just to cheer you up? I''m sure you need some time to refresh and figure out how to deal with all of this," Lily suggested.


    Leon looked up, a bit confused. "What about Hazel? Do you know where she is now?"


    "Are you worried about her?"


    "Honestly, yeah," he admitted. "She still has both her parents, but their absence seems to weigh on her. I think it''s tough for her."


    Lily smiled and nodded. "Let''s get ready, then. We can head out. You still have time before you meet that girl, Marlene, right?"


    Marlene? Leon hadn''t confirmed anything yet. She said she was going to meet him, but there were still a few hours before they had to be back online.


    Yeah, maybe I do need to clear my head a bit.


    ***


    The restaurant was far more upscale than Leon had imagined for what was supposed to be a casual dinner. Soft lighting illuminated the spacious room, with tables set far apart, lending an air of exclusivity. In the center, at a round table meant for arger group, sat Hazel. She wore a simple yet elegant knee-length white dress, her wavy brown hair cascading around her face.


    She sat alone at the table, one that had been reserved for a family dinner that never took ce. Even though no one else showed up, Hazel had stille. The sight was heartbreaking-she always exuded cheerfulness, but in moments like this, the quiet sadness she kept hidden became painfully clear.


    Leon and Lily approached the table, Leon carefully bncing a small birthday cake in his hands.


    "Happy birthday... to you..." they sang softly in unison.


    Hazel froze, her eyes wide with surprise. She quickly dabbed her face with a tissue, standing up as her emotions flickered between shock and disbelief. She hadn''t expected anyone toe, let alone with a cake.


    "What?..." Hazel stammered, her voice trembling slightly. "What are you doing here? Why?"


    "Happy birthday, Hazel..." they continued, ignoring her surprise.


    "You know my birthday was a few days ago, right?"


    Leon stepped closer with the cake. "Make a wish."


    Hazel smiled, though her eyes were clearly a little wet. She closed her eyes, made a wish, and then blew out the candles.


    "Yes, happy birthday, Hazel!" Lily said excitedly. "Don''t cry... someone like you doesn''t look right when they cry, no one would believe it anyway."


    Hazel chuckled softly, wiping her eyes. "Who said I was crying?" she replied, before pulling Lily into a hug.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Thanks." she said.


    "Thank my brother, it was his idea," Lily said with a grin.


    Hazel pulled away from Lily and turned to Leon. She took the cake from his hands, set it on the table, and then wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. "Leon... thanks..." she


    whispered.


    "You''re wee... now I''ve given you my gift, right?" he replied with a smile.


    She nodded. "How did you know I''d be here?"


    "I overheard when you were on the phone with your mom. Sorry..." he admitted.


    "No, I''m happy you came," she said softly.


    Lily, standing beside them, sighed and yfully tapped Hazel on the shoulder. "Hey, I see that smile on your face. Enjoying that hug a little too much, huh? Now let go."


    "Your brother doesn''t mind, and I needfort," Hazel giggled.


    Lily rolled her eyes and gently pushed Hazel toward her chair. "Alright, enough... I know you''re just using those tears to take advantage, aren''t you? I''ve known you long enough to see


    right through that."


    Leon joined them at the table.


    "Have you two had dinner yet?" Hazel asked.


    "Nope, we came for the fancy meal you would treat us to," Leon teased.


    Hazel smiled and nodded. "Well, I hope your stomachs are ready."


    Soon, the food began arriving, and they settled in, chatting while enjoying the meal. It was supposed to be Hazel''s family dinner-with her mom-but instead, she was here with


    friends.


    Out of nowhere, Hazel spoke up. "Lily, you know, I already confessed my love to your


    brother."


    Lily sighed. "You''re giving me a headache... I''ve given up. That''s your problem now, you two


    adults."


    "Lily, seriously?" Hazel said with an eager grin. "So, you''re finally giving us your approval?"


    "Who said that?" Lily shot back, then added with a smirk, "Besides, I''m not sure you can


    handle thepetition."


    "Oh, really?" Hazel grinned back. "Let''s see about that."


    "You two realize the person you''re talking about is sitting right here, right?" Leon


    comined.


    Both girls justughed in response.


    They continued eating while Lily and Hazel chatted away,ughing and joking as if they''d


    been close forever. Their natural bond stood out to Leon, who rarely engaged in that kind of lighthearted banter. He couldn''t help but wonder-did he even have any real friends?


    Hazel turned to Leon. "Hey... what about the mission in the game? Did you manage to


    complete it?"


    Lily quickly chimed in, "He failed. That''s why he looks so deep in thought."


    "Oh... it must''ve been tough," Hazel said softly.


    Leon just nodded in silent agreement.


    "If only I could help..." Hazel added, her voice trailing off.


    Help? Leon wondered if Hazel''s level was really high enough to make a difference.


    "No way... you''re not needed," Lily chimed in teasingly. "My brother''s strong, and he''s got two powerful women fighting by his side-both way better than you. And they''re prettier


    too."


    Hazel tilted her head, giggling. "So, you''re still set on keeping me from getting close to him,


    huh?" she teased back.


    Leon felt his phone vibrate and quickly checked to see who was calling.


    "Laura?" he muttered softly to himself.


    The two girls nced at him curiously.


    "I need to take this call," he said, standing up and stepping away from the table for a


    moment.

 Chapter 388: Chapter 388 - Apology and confession

    Chapter 388: - Apology and confession


    ?


    It was around 8 PM, and since Laura mentioned she had something important to discuss, Leon decided to excuse himself from dinner with Hazel and Lily. They had already been there for about an hour, so it seemed like a good time to wrap things up anyway.


    The meeting spot was the same park where Leon hadst met Laura, on the long bench beneath the dim glow of streetmps. It was winter now, though the snow was still thin on the ground. Despite the cold, Laura had chosen this ce for their meeting.


    As Leon approached, he saw Laura stand up from the bench, bundled in a thick coat and scarf.


    "Hi," she greeted him softly.


    "Hi, Laura... this is pretty sudden," Leon replied.


    "Uh... yeah," she murmured, handing him a cup. "I brought you some coffee. It''s warm."


    Leon took the cup with a grateful smile, and they both sat down on the bench. The park lights glowed softly around them, casting a serene ambiance despite the bite of the approaching winter.


    "So... Laura... you said there was something important, right?" Leon asked, turning to her.


    Laura nodded slowly, offering a hesitant smile. "Uhm... I want to..." she trailed off, her uncertainty evident.


    "Yes?" Leon encouraged, sensing her hesitation.


    Laura''s lips trembled as if struggling to find the right words. Finally, she spoke quickly, almost as if forcing herself to get it out. "Leon... I want to apologize."


    "Apologize?" Leon asked, confused. "Why?"


    "Leon... I''m so sorry, truly. I didn''t mean to hide this from you. I was just confused and unsure how to tell you... Please, don''t think badly of me, I didn''t intend to deceive you," Laura said, her wordsing out in a rush.


    "Laura?" Leon looked at her, baffled. "What are you talking about? Can you start with what exactly you''re trying to tell me? I mean..."


    Was she still talking about the past?


    "Leon... I need to confess something."


    "Yes?"


    Laura took a deep breath, clearly steeling herself for what she was about to say.


    "I''m actually Charmelyn," she finally admitted.


    "Huh? What?"


    Leon was stunned,pletely frozen. Charmelyn? Wait... what? He hadn''t expected this revtion to hit him so suddenly. Sure, he''d once suspected that Charmelyn might be someone who knew him in real life, but Laura? All this time? How had he not realized it?


    She couldn''t be joking, right? Charmelyn and Laura had different voices, but that could easily be a feature of the game. And since Charmelyn had never revealed her face, there was no way anyone could have figured it out without being told.


    Leon sat there, trying to process the information, still in shock. It was too much to take in all at once, and he remained silent, his mind racing to make sense of it.


    Seeing Leon''s silence, Laura panicked and hurriedly continued. "Leon... I know I kept this from you on purpose... but it wasn''t because I wanted to deceive you, I swear. I was just scared... back then, our rtionship wasn''t great, and when you came to the Ass Guild, I didn''t want you to think I was deliberately hiding Charmelyn''s identity from you."


    Leon was still processing everything, letting her talk as she tried to exin herself.


    "I was scared... I was afraid you''d think I was lying to you. That I was keeping this secret, and that Charmelyn-someone you know in real life-was me, but I didn''te clean. But I swear, I didn''t mean to deceive you, or trick you... I really didn''t... I¡ª" Her words came out in a rush, messy and frantic.


    "Laura." Leon tried to interject, but she kept talking, her voice shaky as she scrambled to exin.


    "Forgive me for infiltrating the expedition to Hell. I took the initiative on my own... I just..." Laura hesitated for a moment, looking at Leon. "I..." she struggled to continue.


    "Laura, listen to me," Leon said.


    "Yes..."


    "You didn''t really give me time to be shocked or to process this information. But hey... it''s not as bad as you think," he reassured her with a smile.


    "Really?" she asked, her voice still uncertain.


    "Yeah, I was surprised to learn that you''re Charmelyn, but what''s even more unexpected is finding out that you, Laura, someone I''ve known for so long, are one of the key members of the Ass Guild. That''s seriously impressive, you know."


    Laura was stunned by his response, clearly not expecting his calm reaction.


    "Yes... and seriously, you''re amazing. I had no idea you were the top assassin from the Ass Guild, feared by so many. I''ve watched you fight a few times, and you''re incredible with those daggers. You''re fast, precise-the real deal. How did you even get to that level?" Leon asked, genuinely impressed.


    "So, you''re not disappointed?" Laura asked hesitantly.


    "No, not at all," he replied. "Actually, I''m d. It makes sense now that Charmelyn, the assassin who helped me in Hell, turns out to be someone I know. Now I understand why such a powerful assassin suddenly came to my rescue," he added with a smallugh.


    "But... we lost the fight earlier," Laura reminded him.


    "No worries... in fact, this is great because now we can easily discuss our next n. And honestly, it''s better that it''s you... at least we already know each other."


    Laura smiled, nodding. "That was my mistake... I''m really sorry."


    Leon nodded. "Yes, we have to learn from that mistake. Later, we''ll discuss it with Marlene and carefully n our next move. We need to win this fight. It won''t be easy-our opponent is a Named Demon."


    "But, Leon, I''m not sure Marlene will be willing to settle things. I mean... I infiltrated the expedition. She probably hates that," Laura admitted, sounding unsure.


    Leon sighed. "You''re aware you did something wrong, but you still went ahead with it,


    right?"


    Laura was silent.


    "And..." Leon paused, thinking for a moment. "Are you really a Divine Champion?"


    Laura nodded immediately. "Yes, I''m a Divine Champion-Envy Champion. I took this blessing from the original user," she exined without hesitation.


    "Wow..." Leon was genuinely impressed, intrigued by how she obtained such a status.


    But for some reason, he felt it wouldn''t be appropriate to ask for the full details. She might


    not want to share that secret.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "And you haven''t told anyone else about this?" Leon asked.


    Laura shook her head. "I was nning to tell Elincia and the others, but I wasn''t ready. I felt


    guilty."


    "Guilty?"


    "Yes... I feel ashamed for receiving this blessing," she admitted softly.


    "And why is that?"


    "Uhm..." Laura hesitated. "Because I got this blessing in a way that wasn''t right... in a bad way. That''s why I''m ashamed to tell the others... I''m afraid they''ll see me as hical or


    dishonorable."


    Leon furrowed his brow. hical? He wondered just how bad it was for her to feel that way about how she got the blessing.


    "Well... to be honest, I''m curious about how you got this blessing, Laura. But if you don''t feelfortable sharing, you''re not obligated to tell me," Leon said gently.


    Laura nodded and smiled softly. "I''ll tell you," she replied, her voice steady. "Yes... I''ll try to


    exin it to you."

 Chapter 389: Chapter 389 - We’ll keep the secret

    Chapter 389: - We¡¯ll keep the secret


    ?


    The method to obtain the Divine Champion status from another yer, or even legally transfer it, had not been revealed publicly. However, Charmelyn had clearly seeded in doing so. The truth behind how she achieved it remained a secret known only to her. And now, sitting beside Leon, was Laura-the very person who held that secret firsthand, as she had been the key yer in this significant event.


    "I think by now, the rumors about the Divine Champion status being transferable, either voluntarily or forcibly, have spread widely," Laura continued.


    Leon simply nodded. He wasn''t deeply involved in the developments of Immortal Legacy unless Freya filled him in on the details. So, hearing that this news had already spread among some yers, he realized just how out of the loop he was on the matter.


    "But the truth behind it... is actually quite cruel," Laura added, her voice lowering.


    Leon tilted his head slightly, filled with questions. Cruel? He wasn''t sure what to make of that and felt the weight of her words.


    "So... one way to take the Divine Champion status from someone," Laura began.


    "So, you took it?" Leon asked.


    Laura nodded. "I found out about it by ident... because... I''m also the one known to many as de Phantom."


    Leon nodded again. "de Phantom, the hired assassin, right?"


    Laura raised her head, her eyes calm. "Yes, Leon... I earned money by being a mercenary, a hired killer. It''s something I''m really ashamed of... I was embarrassed to tell you this."


    "No, not really..." Leon replied gently. "This is my first time hearing it from you, Laura. But honestly, I''m more curious about all of it. I mean, there''s so much about Immortal Legacy I still don''t know. So, you can tell me anything without worrying that I''ll judge you or anything like that."


    Laura nodded, continuing. "So, I''m someone known as de Phantom... a mercenary for hire. I take orders from anyone-yers, NPCS-to kill whoever they ask. For money," she said, then paused.


    Leon couldn''t help but feel shocked. Behind Laura he knew was someone who yed Immortal Legacy at such a deep, ruthless level? de Phantom-an assassin respected and feared by many¡ªand now, the Envy Champion, who had taken the status from someone else?


    Leon nodded. "Please continue, Laura."


    "Yes... I was hired to bully this yer. I mean, to kill them over and over... a Divine Champion, specifically the Envy Champion."


    Killing a yer repeatedly? Damn. The thought of it made Leon''s mind race. This was far deeper and darker than he''d ever imagined.


    "I''ve been killing this yer several times for the past few months."


    "How many times, Laura?"


    "Seven times in a row," she continued.


    Leon swallowed hard, realizing just how unpredictable Laura''s actions had been, all without him knowing.


    "And then..." she went on. "I''m not sure how the rules work... But, I got his Divine Champion status after I killed him the seventh time." She fell silent after that.


    "Killing a Divine Champion seven times in a row, and you actually gained his status?"


    Laura interrupted his question. "That''s why I''m ashamed to admit it to anyone else."


    "Do the others in the Ass Guild know about your profile as de Phantom?" Leon asked, curious.


    "They know," Laura replied, "but the missions I''ve been taking are part of an undisclosed agreement, so I''ve kept some things secret from them too."


    Leon nodded again. "Well... I guess this is pretty important information, especially since you can''t even confirm the exact requirements yet, right?"


    Laura simply nodded. "All I got was a notification saying something like, the God of Envy felt his champion was no longer worthy of the status, so he transferred it to me."


    Leon nodded slowly. "So, ultimately, it''s up to the god who grants the blessing. They can move the status to someone else if they want. And as for the conditions, it might vary depending on the individual god of sins."


    "That''s what I''ve been trying to figure out too," Laura added.


    Leon nodded slowly, trying to absorb the information. From what Laura exined, it made sense. If a Divine Champion kept getting defeated by the same person over and over, the title would seem meaningless, right?


    The gods of sins grant these blessings for a specific purpose, though that purpose remains unclear. Still, if their goal is to have a powerful, undefeated champion, it stands to reason they''d be disappointed when their champion is repeatedly killed by the same individual. Eventually, it would make sense for them to transfer the blessing to the one providing stronger.


    But then again, if this information got out, Divine Champions could be prime targets for everyone. People would hunt them down, hoping to im the blessing for themselves.


    Leon could already imagine the consequences. Even now, he picturedrge guilds, like the Ass Guild,unching hunts to steal Divine Champion status from others.


    But surely, this information, while valuable, would also pose a serious threat to anyone who holds the title of Divine Champion. Bing a target for countless people, all eager to kill them repeatedly, would undoubtedly lead to widespread greed.


    "So, are you going to share this with the others?" Leon asked.


    Laura nodded. "Yes, I''ll tell Elincia and let her decide if this information should be shared with the rest."


    Leon agreed with that decision.


    "But... Leon... I won''t tell anyone that you''re a Divine Champion, too," she said softly, lowering her head.


    Leon nodded at her words. Sooner orter, the truth woulde out, one way or another. His rapid progress would eventually raise suspicion, especially if it seemed unnaturalpared


    to other yers.


    After that, Leon shared what he experienced when facing Gremory after Marlene and Charmelyn were killed, recounting the events as best as he could. He also agreed with Laura that they would log into the game togetherter, along with Marlene, so they could face the next battles as a team.


    Although dying in the game dealt a heavy blow to both Laura and Marlene-losing experience points and dropping levels-Leon wasn''t affected in the same way. His character wasn''t impacted by death, and his experience points never decreased. Because he didn''t have experience points to lose in the first ce.


    But then again, was it true he would never lose levels, even if he died repeatedly?


    He hadn''t tested it yet, but when Elincia killed him that time, his level hadn''t dropped. Maybe


    his character really was immune to level loss. And even while waiting for his character''s revive cooldown, he had the possibility of leveling up.


    Damn, his Sloth blessing was truly something remarkable, especially when it came to


    situations like this.


    Does that also mean the method of stealing a blessing by repeatedly killing the Divine Champion wouldn''t work on him since he doesn''t lose levels? Who knows.


    Even so, he wasn''t going to let anyone kill him again-at least not easily. Well, the case with the Named Demons was different, given their much higher levels. Still, this only reminded him that he needed to keep growing, to be even stronger. There were too many things still out of his reach, and even with his rapid progress, he was struggling to keep up with the challenges he faced.


    But, then again, not every yer gets the chance to face a Named Demon in person, right? He guessed that was something in itself.


    After chatting for a while and agreeing on a few things, Leon decided it would be best to continue their discussion with Marlene online. Laura, after all, didn''t want her identityN?v(el)B\\jnn


    revealed, and meeting in person could onlyplicate things. Who knows what kind of tension might arise if they met face to face again.


    "Yes, no worries, Laura... we''ll both keep each other''s secrets. I''m sure we each have our


    reasons for that. And thanks for sharing this information with me."


    Laura smiled at his words. "Thanks... I was really scared to admit it."


    "Let''s go... it''s winter," Leon said, taking a sip of the coffee Laura had given him earlier. "And


    the coffee''s already gone cold."


    She chuckled softly. "Sorry about that, I''ll make you a fresh cup next time."


    "Yes..." Leon responded with a small nod.


    They both stood up. "Let me walk you home," he offered.


    "No..." she replied quickly. "I mean, it''s fine. I can manage."


    A momentter, Leon''s phone buzzed. It was a message from Marlene, letting him know she


    was waiting for him in a VIP lounge at the hotel-coincidentally, the same one where he was


    staying.


    Is Marlene really meeting me tonight? he wondered.


    After saying his goodbyes to Laura, Leon headed straight back to the hotel.

 Chapter 390: Chapter 390 - He really does have guts

    Chapter 390: - He really does have guts


    ?


    The meeting ce for Leon and Marlene that night was the VIP Lounge located on the mid- level floor of the hotel. Yes, it was the same hotel where Leon was staying. He made his way to the lift, taking it up to the VIP lounge.


    As soon as he entered, soft music greeted him-it was already 9 p.m. He scanned the room, noticing a few people scattered about. But where was Marlene?


    He nced to one side and saw a woman waving in his direction.


    It was a woman in her early twenties, with straight ck hair and a casual indoor outfit. Even though her hair was different, Leon could still recognize her-it was the same face Marlene had in the game.


    Leon walked over, and the woman stood up, smiling at him-a bit more warmly than she ever had in the game.


    "Hi..." she greeted.


    "Hi."


    "Olivia," she introduced herself. "My name is Olivia."


    "Leon."


    Without hesitation, she leaned in and brushed her cheek against his in a casual greeting, surprising him.


    "Nice to meet you," she said, stepping back with that same smile.


    As she stepped back, Olivia gestured to the seat across from her. Leon sat down, still trying to process the sudden change in atmosphere.


    They exchanged nces for a moment, the calm music filling the air in the VIP lounge, creating a rxed atmosphere.


    "That... surprised me," Leon said. "You actually showed up tonight."


    She shrugged lightly and smiled. "Well, I felt like I had to do this... our battle failed, and... I think we need to put in some extra effort to get through it, don''t you?"


    Leon nodded. "Agree."


    "So..." she continued. "I''ll be staying at this hotel for a few days, maybe... and..." she paused, looking a bit hesitant. "You''re staying here too, right, Leon?"


    Leon hesitated for a moment before answering. "Uh... yeah, I''m staying here too."


    "You''re a Divine Champion, so it makes sense you''d get these perks. I''ve got the same benefits," she said, giggling softly.


    Leon sighed at her remark. "You really enjoy knowing that I''m a Divine Champion, huh?"


    "Yes... that''s exactly why I wanted to meet you in person. You''ve been really tough on me, you know..."


    Leon chuckled. "Sorry... I guess I went a bit overboard."


    "Yes, you did," she replied with a yful smile.


    "But you were on the opposite side from me in the game. That was just my defense mechanism," Leon exined.


    "I can understand that."


    "And, I think you''re too smart... I could never quite figure out what you were nning, so it''s not my fault, Olivia."


    She chuckled. "I''m not sure if that''s apliment or not. But thanks." Oliviaughed softly. "And it''s so strange hearing you say my name directly like that. But, well, I''m d this meeting happened."


    "This wouldn''t have happened if we hadn''t crossed paths with that Named Demon."


    Olivia sighed. "Yeah... sorry about what went down. I was the first to die, and then you, eventually, too?"


    Leon nodded and shared a few more details about what happened after Marlene was killed in the game.


    Olivia listened quietly, nodding in understanding. "I just felt so frustrated when that girl showed up in front of me. You can imagine how upset I was, right? I have feelings too, you know."


    "Yes, only then did I truly understand how disappointed you were, and I don''t me you, Olivia," Leon said sincerely.


    Olivia smiled and nodded. "Well, I think I can try to put that behind me. We can always go for a second round, right?"


    "Correct..." Leon responded.


    "And..." she continued, "about your status as a Divine Champion."


    Leon nodded slowly, realizing he couldn''t hide that fact anymore. So far, the people who knew for sure were Freya, who had known from the beginning due to her connection with the Golden Age Company. Now, Laura and Olivia were also in the loop. Even though he hadn''t directly confirmed it to either of them, Gremory''s deration in the game had made things pretty clear. At this point, there was no denying it.


    "Listen..." Olivia continued. "I''m going to keep everything that happened in Gremory''s Throne Room between us. You can trust me," she added with a reassuring smile.


    She looked at him more intently. "You should trust me more! I said I want to be friends with you. Is it really that hard to believe?"


    "Trust isn''t something you can force, you know," Leon said with a chuckle. "But I''m sorry, I guess I haven''t thanked you enough. This time, I''ll say it clearly-thank you for all the help you''ve given me."


    Olivia raised an eyebrow, a bit skeptical. "That thank you doesn''t sound very satisfying... Are you sure you meant it?"


    Leon sighed. "Do I need to stand up and announce to everyone in this room just to make you believe me?"


    She giggled. "Yes, you definitely have to do that!"


    Leon chuckled softly, then stood up and nced around at the few people scattered throughout the room. "Would it really bother them if I did this?" he mused.


    The guests appeared rxed, enjoying the calm atmosphere of the lounge,pletely unaware of what he was about to do.


    "What are you doing, Leon?" Olivia asked, a bit rmed.


    "Responding to your challenge," he replied with a smirk.


    "You''re not serious, are you?"


    "You used me of doubting you-now you''re the one doubting me?"


    Leon considered heading to the stage and maybe even singing something while publicly expressing his gratitude. That might be more entertaining¡ªand a better way to fulfill her


    challenge.


    "Wait here, Olivia," he said, walking toward the stage.


    "Leon!" she called, trying to stop him, but he was already making his way up. Curiosity


    sparked in her eyes as she watched, wondering what he was about to do.


    Leon wasn''t exactly used to singing, and he wasn''t sure if his voice was any good. But Lily had


    told him before that his voice wasn''t bad. At least, he''d sung a few times in his room, and asionally gone to karaoke with their uncle.


    "Hi, is there something I can help you with?" the singer on stage asked, noticing him


    approach.


    "Uh, can I sing for a bit?" Leon asked, ncing over at Olivia. "I need to say something to my


    friend."


    "Of course! What song would you like to sing?"


    "I''m not sure, but there''s a song I know pretty well," he replied and then told them the title. The crew nodded in approval.


    Leon settled onto a tall stool, holding the mic in his hand. It was clear that no one was paying much attention to him¡ªeveryone in the lounge seemed busy with their own conversations and drinks, absorbed in their own worlds.


    "Good evening, everyone..." Leon began, his voice wavering with a hint of hesitation. He


    quickly pushed the doubt aside.


    "Damn, am I really this reckless?" he thought, surprised at himself for doing something so bold without fully thinking it through.


    "I want to say thanks to my friend, over there," he continued, pointing at Olivia. She looked shocked, covering her mouth with her hand.


    A few people in the lounge finally nced toward the stage, intrigued by the sudden


    announcement.


    "She said my ''thank you'' wasn''t convincing enough, so I''m doing this. Hopefully, our first meeting tonight will lead to a better friendship."


    "Let me sing a song since I''ve already grabbed your attention. I''m not a professional, so feel free to boo me off the stage if my voice is that bad," he added, grinning as some of the crew


    chuckled, joined by a few amused guests.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Leon..." Olivia whispered in disbelief. "He''s actually doing it," she giggled softly.


    The music began, and Leon closed his eyes, letting himself sink into the emotions of the song.


    It was a 15-year-old track, one he used to listen to during his senior high school days. He knew the song well, having sung it almost every day back then.


    Though it was a romantic song, Leon had never really tried to understand its deeper meaning


    --he just liked the vibe. Back then, the song was popr, often covered and sung by many.


    As he started singing, the attention of more people in the lounge gradually shifted toward the


    stage.


    "Not bad," someone murmured.


    "Yeah, I was almost annoyed that my night was interrupted," another remarked.


    "It''s not perfect, but it''s not bad either."


    The night continued, and Leon made it through the song, finishing with a relieved sigh.


    Olivia smiled, watching the whole thing unfold. "He really does have guts," she said softly, giggling at how far Leon had gone to prove his point.

 Chapter 391: Chapter 391 - As long as I’m happy, why not?

    Chapter 391: - As long as I¡¯m happy, why not?


    ?


    Olivia linked her arm through Leon''s left arm, pulling him out of the VIP lounge while holding backughter. Once they were outside, she burst outughing. "Leon... you really did it."


    They stopped, facing each other, and Olivia was still in disbelief over what had just happened.


    "But seriously, do you sing often?"


    "No... was it that bad?" Leon asked, half-joking.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Sheughed again, covering her mouth with the back of her hand. "No, ''bad'' is too harsh a word... but yeah, not that bad either," she teased with a chuckle.


    "At least no one got angry and threw sses at me, right?" he said with a grin.


    "But thanks... I feel like I owe you big time for that bold stunt. I''ll have to treat you to something to make up for it."


    As they walked down the corridor, Olivia pulled out her phone. "Look," she said, showing him the screen, "I recorded you while you were singing." She yed the video, smiling as they watched.


    Leon frowned slightly as he watched the video, feeling like his expression had been too stiff, despite how much he thought he had poured himself into the song.


    "It''s seriously not that bad... I noticed people were satisfied listening to you. I think you''ve got some talent," Olivia said.


    "Thanks for thepliment," he replied.


    She chuckled again, asionally ncing at him. "I''m keeping this video as a little memento."


    "Don''t you dare use that video to ckmail me."


    "Well, now you''ve given me a good idea," she teased. "I might keep it in reserve for an emergency."


    He just smiled, shaking his head at her yful response.


    They continued walking toward the lift.


    "So, do you have a Capsule Device you can use here, Olivia?" Leon asked.


    She nodded with a smile. "Yes, this is an elite hotel, and they have special rooms equipped with Capsule Devices. Though, of course, the rent is pretty high."


    "I imagine you can handle the price just fine, right? I mean, you spend a lot of money in the game too," he said.


    She chuckled softly. "You''re the one to talk. I''m pretty sure you''ve earned quite a bit in a short amount of time in that game, haven''t you?"


    "I didn''t know you knew that much about me."


    She smiled knowingly. "Well, you''re someone to watch out for when you''re part of the Ass Guild. It''s only natural that your opponents would want to know a little more about you."


    "So, I guess you did your homework on me too, huh?"


    "You''re still being harsh with me, you know," she replied, shaking her head with a grin as they both stepped into the lift.


    She continued, "Come to my room. Let''s continue our discussion there."


    "Come to your room?" Leon repeated.


    "Yes, we can talk morefortably."


    "But... is that okay?" he asked, unsure.


    Olivia yfully nudged him in the side. "What are you thinking? Something bad? My manager''s right there, you know."


    "I wasn''t thinking that at all!" Leon protested, shaking his head. "You''re the one jumping to conclusions, Olivia."


    "Well, I''m smart and pretty. I''m sure you find me attractive," she teased with a giggle.


    Leon raised an eyebrow. "Wow, now that''s some impressive confidence. So, not only do you im to be smart, but you''re super confident too."


    She shed him a yful smile. "If you saw things from my perspective, you''d understand why I''m this confident."


    "I imagine it''s hard being you," he joked.


    She chuckled. "Sometimes, but mostly it''s pretty fun. A lot of people tend to follow what I say just because of my charm."


    "Alright, you''re officially verified as super confident," Leon replied with a grin.


    They arrived at a certain floor and walked down the corridor until they reached a room. Inside, though it wasn''t as spacious as Leon''s, the suite had several other rooms within it. A woman with her hair tied back and wearing sses sat inside, her face bearing a resemnce to Olivia.


    "She''s Jane, my sister," Olivia introduced.


    "Hi," Jane greeted. "I work as her manager."


    So the "manager" Olivia mentioned was actually her sister. It made sense now, seeing them together-Olivia hade here to meet Leon, apanied by Jane.


    "Hi, I''m Leon," he responded.


    "Please,e in," Jane said, weing him.


    Olivia led Leon to the balcony, and soon after, Jane brought drinks for them. The night air was cool, and the atmosphere felt more rxed as they settled into conversation.


    They sat there for a while, rxing as Olivia poured him a drink.


    "How did you even know I was staying here, Olivia?" Leon asked, ncing at her. "I''m starting to feel a bit uneasy-you seem to know more about me than I expected."


    She smiled and replied, "You''re more famous than you realize, you know."


    She continued, "You''ve been getting attention since thepetition in Dissidia Kingdom, and because you''re the first yer to own a city in the game. Not to mention, you''ve been promoting the Car Shop brand. At this point, your identity isn''t exactly a secret anymore." "Oh, I didn''t know that," Leon admitted.


    Olivia nodded. "Is Freya the representative from the Golden Age Company assigned as your guardian?"


    Leon paused, realizing it made sense for all Divine Champions to be treated the same way. Olivia likely had her own guardian too.


    "Yes... she is," he confirmed.


    "She''s pretty... and cheerful too... I wonder if there''s something special between the two of you," Olivia teased.


    Leon sighed, then replied, "You know, you''re digging way too much into my personal life, especially with these rtionship questions."


    "Can''t help it," she responded with a yful grin. "As someone who admires you, it''s only natural for a fan to want to know more about their idol, right?"


    "Hearing that from you really makes me suspicious."


    "You''re still suspicious of me?" she said, her tone yfully stern, though it was clear she was


    joking.


    Leon continued, "But seriously, Olivia, talking to you in person feels really different. While you have the same face as Marlene in the game, your-"


    "So what?" Olivia cut him off, her eyes locking onto his. "That''s just my image in the game, as


    a Gluttony Champion."


    "Yeah, I admit you y that role really well-a viinous woman, cruel and cold-hearted."


    Olivia yfully bumped his shoulder with hers. "That''s still better than someone like you, who has no personality-always t, emotionless, and so ignorant of everyone."


    "Am I really that bad?" Leon asked.


    "Yes," she replied firmly. "But no worries, at least you treated me well today with that spontaneous song, and I''m happy with it."


    As the night grewte, Leon decided it was time to leave. They had already agreed to continue their discussion with Charmelyn in the morning. They needed rest to clear their heads and figure out a better way to handle the situation.


    Leon stepped out of the room, but just before he could leave, Olivia approached him. With a gentle smile, she leaned in and kissed him lightly on the cheek.


    "Bye," she said softly.


    Leon froze for a moment, caught off guard by the gesture. After a brief pause, he managed to


    reply, "Yes, bye," before turning and walking away.


    As Olivia re-entered the room, she caught Jane watching her with a knowing look, followed by


    a dramatic sigh. "Were you flirting with him?"


    "Yes, I was..." Olivia admitted with a yful shrug. "But he''s actually really gentle and fun. You wouldn''t believe what he did in the lounge earlier."


    "Don''t tell me you''re falling for someone who''s supposed to be your rival in the game,


    Olive?"


    Olivia sighed,ughing softly. "I''m just ying the game to have fun, so as long as I''m happy, why not?" she said with a giggle.

 Chapter 392: Chapter 392 - The Discussion isn’t Going to Be Easy

    Chapter 392: - The Discussion isn¡¯t Going to Be Easy


    ?


    Leon entered his Capsule Device right after returning from Olivia''s hotel room. He was preparing to join an online meeting with Elincia, Maylock, and Goldrich. This was one of the unique features of Immortal Legacy-yers could log into a digital meeting space where only their avatars appeared, floating in a futuristic frame. As soon as Leon arrived, he saw the other three already waiting with their avatars.


    "Hi, Broken..." Maylock greeted him first. "So, big problems seem to follow you wherever you go, huh? No exception this time either."


    "Khi khi khi," Goldrich chuckled. "Hell itself-apletely new ce. But even I didn''t expect the situation to escte this much."


    Broken, using his avatar, simply nodded in acknowledgment, staying quiet as the meeting began.


    Elincia chimed in, "If only we could join you and helpplete the challenge."


    "We could, if we knew how to reach that ce," Maylock responded. "But for now, it seems pointless."


    With the small talk out of the way, Maylock shifted the focus to reviewing the video Broken had captured from his fight with Gremory, as well as the additional information he had provided.


    "Honestly, I can''t think of a better solution than all three of you going all-out to finish this challenge," Maylock added after finishing his review.


    Elincia nodded. "But even with that, you''re still not sure they can win, Maylock?"


    "I don''t want to say this, but yes, the chances are still very slim," Maylock replied. "Unless, Broken, you have some other miracle you''ve been keeping hidden."


    "Khi khi khi..." Goldrich chuckled. "This is the kind of problem that even the full team of the Ass Guild would struggle with, Broken. Not to bring your morale down-just to show you that a simple solution won''t work here."


    By "simple solution," Goldrich was referring to the typical strategy of repeatedly facing the demon until they could map out all its attack patterns. It was amon approach, but clearly, it wouldn''t be enough against a Named Demon like Gremory. Repetition and learning might help, but they''d need far more than that to ovee the challenge.


    After the long discussion, the conclusion remained disheartening. Even Maylock, despite his strategic mind, was convinced that victory was still far from certain. However, having a n was better than rushing into a brutal fight without any strategy at all.


    Armed with some new data and the potential to explore the synergy between the three Divine Champions, Leon held onto a sliver of hope. With a better n, they might stand a chance against Gremory, the Named Demon.


    But, without a doubt, Named Demons were a real pain. And this one was only ranked in the 50s-what about the ones ranked even higher?


    Leon pushed those heavy thoughts aside as exhaustion pulled him into a deep sleep, almost as if he was being swallowed by his bed. Damn, this isn''t just about fighting demons, he thought, fading into sleep. It''s about dealing with two women constantly shing and arguing.


    Surely, managing human rtionships was far moreplicated than facing any monster.


    That morning, being a Monday, Lily had already left by the time Leon woke up. He quickly got ready, had breakfast, and then entered the Capsule Device again, mentally preparing himself for the inevitable tension between the two women. Damn he thought, this discussion isn''t going to be easy.


    Should he take a firmer stance? Be more dominant? Or just let them sort out their differences on their own?


    The thought crossed his mind¡ªit was already challenging enough dealing with just two people shing. How did Guild Masters manage to lead entire groups, with dozens or even hundreds of members, each with their own issues? The pressure of leadership weighed heavier on him, even before the conversation began.


    When Broken logged in, he found that the two women were already online-and, as expected, they were locked in a heated argument, trading sharp remarks. The moment he appeared, though, they both went silent. Even through their avatars, the tension between them was palpable.


    "Hi everyone, good morning!" Broken said, trying for a cheerful tone.


    Damn, that''s so out of character, he thought.


    Neither of them responded. The silence hung in the air, thick with unresolved tension.


    What would Elincia do in this situation? he wondered. No, Elincia would just shout and force them to submit, but that wasn''t his style. What about Paul? Paul, the arrogant Guild Master, would probably assert dominance and push everyone into submission with sheer force of will. But that wasn''t the way Leon operated either.


    Guess I''ll just have to be myself, he decided, opting to pretend he didn''t notice the tension between them. Yet, choosing the right words to break the ice was proving harder than he''d imagined.


    "So, let''s get started, shall we? We''ve got a lot to discuss. I''ve already sent the video recordings and the analysis my friend did on Gremory," Broken finally spoke, though he could feel the heavy, awkward atmosphere in the online conference.


    It was strange-he could chat casually with both girls separately, but here, the tension was suffocating.


    He proceeded to break down their strategy, using the data prepared by Maylock and his own analysis. It should have been straightforward.


    "Broken, tell her to stop fighting on her own. Her movements are too aggressive and sloppy; it''s messing up the team''s coordination."


    Broken froze for a moment.


    "Broken," Charmelyn snapped. "Tell her that''s how an Assassin fights. Maybe she''s struggling to control her dog form because she''s used to fighting with a whip, but still thinks she''s some kind of genius. Spoiler: she''s not."


    Damn! They''re still at each other''s throats! Someone... Help me!


    "Cough!" Broken cleared his throat. "Listen, everyone, here''s the n. We''ll have de Phantom focus on attacking the camel while Marlene takes the lead on Gremory. I''ll switch roles depending on the situation, but this way, we can split the damage more efficiently and optimize our strategy."


    He continued exining the details, breaking down each part of the n. Despite the initial tension and sharp exchanges, after some intense moments of discussion, it seemed everyone was on the same page with the strategy.


    One key piece of advice from Maylock stuck with him: Maylock had asked Broken to record the entire fight from multiple angles-from both Charmelyn and Marlene''s perspectives-as if he was already anticipating that even their second attempt might not seed. "Damn, I really have to get used to failure, especially when facing an opponent as strong as a Named Demon."


    After the meeting wrapped up, everyone logged out, having agreed on the exact timer for their next login. Whatever happened, they needed to enter the game at the same time and execute the n with precision. At least this time, they were more prepared.


    Leon couldn''t help but worry about the tension between Charmelyn and Marlene. He could only hope they would set aside their differences. It was obvious that, in Marlene''s eyes, Charmelyn''s actions were unforgivable. They had been destined to be enemies from the start, but now circumstances forced them into an uneasy alliance.


    Leon nced at the countdown disyed on the screen of his Capsule Device. As the timer ticked closer to zero, the device activated, pulling his consciousness back into the game, transporting him to the demon''s world-straight into Duke Gremory''s Throne Room.


    What fate awaited the three of them this time?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 393: Chapter 393 - Do Everything You Can, Without Holding Back

    Chapter 393: - Do Everything You Can, Without Holding Back


    ?


    [You have been killed by Duke Gremory - Vampiric Duchess Demon Lv. 258]


    [You have dropped Woond Ranger Gloves]


    The Capsule Device''s lid opened, and Leon stepped out, his face showing signs of stress and frustration.


    Damn, he cursed under his breath-even the second attempt had failed!


    The battle reyed vividly in his mind, every detail clear. They had done so much better this time. Their strategies had shifted, and their execution had improved from the first attempt. This time, they were more coordinated and precise. But the harsh reality hit them-Gremory was far from an easy opponent to defeat.


    In the second attempt, Marlene and Charmelyn had managed to work together much more effectively. While they still fought in their own distinct styles, they performed their roles well. They pushed the battle forward, with the camel on the verge of death. Charmelyn had even managed to kill it--but then, to their horror, the camel revived, stronger than ever, and with a terrifying boost to its abilities.


    The boost Gremory gained after the camel''s revival had made the demon even faster, with a new set of skills that threw thempletely off bnce. It was unclear whether Gremory could evolve further during the battle, but what was certain was that they had gathered a wealth of new information.


    Marlene had managed to keep up with Gremory''s speed andbat style during the first stage, but once the battle shifted to the second stage, everything changed. The team was overwhelmed by the demon''s new attack patterns-unexpected, chaotic, and impossible to predict in real-time.


    Despite the failure, this was no longer a mindless defeat like the first attempt. In fact, the progress they made in this round highlighted just how powerful the three of them had be-Marlene, Charmelyn, and Broken alike. They had pushed Gremory to its limits, but it still wasn''t enough.


    The next step was clear: they needed to push even harder. It was time to tap into everything they had, including any abilities or strategies they hadn''t yet fully explored, if they hoped to ovee Gremory in their next attempt.


    Surely, both Marlene and Charmelyn likely had their own trump cards-abilities or strategies they were reluctant to reveal, especially to someone who could be their opponent outside of Gremory''s Throne Room.


    As for the dropped item from his inventory, Leon wasn''t too concerned. Charmelyn had also dropped one of her items during the first battle, but when they logged back in, it was still lying on the floor, untouched. Gremory hadn''t bothered with it.


    "Maybe she just doesn''t care about those things?" he muttered to himself.


    Leon sent thetest battle data to Maylock and the others, requesting additional analysis and insights.


    This was their second death before the cooldown reset, meaning they now had to wait a full 12 hours in real time before they could log back in for another attempt. The forced downtime was frustrating, but it also gave them time to reflect and strategize.


    However, the second failure had clearly taken a toll on both Marlene and Charmelyn. By now, they had likely reached the point where their levels had dropped-a devastating consequence. At level 200 and beyond, gaining just one level required immense effort, and losing even a single level was a major setback. The grind to regain experience points and levels would be long and arduous, making this defeat not just a blow to their confidence but also to their overall power.


    The pressure was mounting. They couldn''t afford too many more failures without severely crippling their chances of victory.


    Leon stepped out of the game room and found Freya waiting in the living room, just as he''d hoped-he needed her help to work through some of the problems weighing on him. He walked over and copsed onto the couch next to her, exhaustion written all over his face. Freya nudged his shoulder yfully. "We''ll figure this out... everyone''s doing their best to help, Maylock and the others included," she said, trying to reassure him.


    Leon knew, though¡ªif they failed to kill Gremory, he could be trapped in this cycle forever, and that was a terrifying thought. It wasn''t just bad news for him; it was bad for everyone involved.


    He opened his eyes and nced at Freya, who smiled softly at him.


    "I think at this point, you, Charmelyn, and Marlene can''t afford to hold back anymore," she said, her tone serious. "You all have to use everything you''ve got. If not, you''ll end up losing even more."


    Her words hit hard, but Leon knew she was right. There was no more room for hesitation. Leon nodded at Freya''s words, realizing he still had a few items stashed away that he might be able to use. He wouldn''t hold back anymore after this.


    "What about those two girls? Are they doing better?" Freya asked.


    Leon shook his head slightly. "Yeah, though I don''t think they''ve fully synced yet. The good news is they''re not attacking each other anymore, at least."


    Freya chuckled at that.


    "Freya," Leon said after a pause.


    "Yes?"


    "You''re the one who suggested I start my own guild and lead people, right?"


    Freya nodded. "Yes, I did."


    "How? I don''t know how to do it! I''ve only just realized it now-when faced with real problems like this. Two people on the team are fighting and unable to cooperate during a crucial battle, and I don''t know how to handle them."


    Freya shook her head. "That''s because you''re not being yourself," she said confidently.


    "What does it mean to be myself? Ignorant and doing whatever I want? Is that what you''re


    saying?" Leon asked, a hint of frustration in his voice.


    Freya chuckled and nodded. "Yes, you need to be yourself."


    Leon shook his head. "I don''t understand."


    "Listen, Leon," Freya said more firmly. "You''ve earned the trust of people like Maylock- someone incredibly smart and calcted. Elincia, who''s experienced in leadership and brilliant in battle. And Goldrich, someone who''s wise and knowledgeable."


    "I didn''t do anything. I didn''t ask them to trust me," Leon replied, shaking his head.


    "That''s exactly the point, Leon!" Freya eximed. "Every leader has their own unique charm. Elincia, Maylock, Marlene-they each lead in their own way. A leader''s sess isn''t about forcing control; it''s about naturally inspiring others. People follow you and believe in your vision because of who you are, not because you''re trying to be someone else."


    She paused, looking him directly in the eyes. "You''ve already earned their respect just by being yourself. That''s why they trust you."


    "Use simpler words, Ms. Genius," Leon muttered.


    Freya sighed, giving him a yful shove. "Alright, then tell me why do you think Marlene and Charmelyn came to help you, even though they knew it was practically suicide?"


    "How should I know? You think I can read their minds?"


    "They did it because of your personality, your determination, and your refusal to give up. And maybe a bit of personal reason too." she said, chuckled.


    Damn, this is still too hard to grasp.


    "What am I supposed to do, Freya?" he asked, a little desperately.


    "The real question is, what do you want to do? With those two, and in this situation-without worrying about what they think," Freya said, looking him straight in the eyes.


    It hit him: it wasn''t about pleasing everyone. It was about what he wanted to achieve and lead them toward, regardless of their opinions or conflicts.


    Leon paused, thinking deeply. Why was I doubting myself? Why did I fail? Why was everything so hard? It was because he feared disappointing those around him. He hesitated, unsure of


    whether he was doing his best.


    Yes, Leon realized, I''ve always focused on myself-doing whatever I could, with whatever I had, to


    reach my goals.


    "Do everything I can, without holding back," he murmured.


    "Exactly," Freya affirmed. "Don''t see them as obstacles but as support tools. They''re Divine Champions, skilled fighters. What you need to do is inspire them. Show them your true self."


    Leon stood up from the sofa, a new sense of determination in his eyes after hearing Freya''s words. "That''s not like you, Freya," he said with a smirk.


    "Shut up, I''m trying my best to help you, you yboy!" Freya snapped, crossing her arms and


    legs defensively.


    "What? Why yboy?" Leon asked, genuinely confused. "Hey, wanna join me for a workout at


    the gym?"


    "No, I''m busy. Go on," she replied, waving him off. "I''m putting together a summary of yourn/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ''simple problem'' and waiting for Maylock''s response."


    "You''ll stay here, right? I want to talk more... I need you."


    "Of course you need me," she said with a teasing smirk. "Now go, I''m going to log in and


    handle my work in Slumdon too."


    Leon stood there for a moment, confused. He shook his head and started getting ready. Did I say something wrong? Why does Freya seem different?

 Chapter 394: Chapter 394 - They Decided to Go All-out

    Chapter 394: - They Decided to Go All-out


    ?


    Leon spent the afternoon at the hotel gym since it was already toote in the day to run outside. He hopped on the treadmill, setting the speed to a decent pace, while his eyes drifted to the TV mounted on the wall. A news segment about Immortal Legacy was ying.


    Leon found himself somewhat intrigued. It wasn''t often that he watched shows like this-he usually spent most of his time immersed in games.


    "Today, I''m reporting from Slumdon Town," a female reporter announced.


    Slumdon Town?


    "It''s been a major topic of discussiontely, causing quite a stir-two key yers from the Ass Guild and Shadow Wolves have dropped levels! Yes, this happened to Charmelyn and Marlene at the exact same time," the reporter continued.


    Leon nodded as he picked up the pace on the treadmill. So, even top yers losing a level was enough to be hot news, huh?


    A yer being interviewed from Slumdon chimed in. "It''s really strange, because I clearly saw Charmelyn here in Slumdon, guarding the farming fields. Sure, she stepped away a few times, but she''s been around most of the time recently."


    The reporter carried on with her coverage, but suddenly-


    "Hi, handsome."


    Leon was startled by the voice next to him. He turned to see Marlene-no, Olivia with her ck hair tied back, running on the treadmill right beside him.


    "Olivia?" Leon slowed his pace, ncing over at her.


    "Up for a running challenge?" she teased, raising an eyebrow.


    "Well, I''ve already been at it for ten minutes longer than you."


    "Oh... I thought you were tougher than that. Giving up before I even throw down a challenge?" she smirked.


    "Well... I don''t take on challenges without a prize. What''s the bet?"


    "A cup of coffee?" she said with a yful giggle.


    "Not bad!" Leon grinned, cranking up the treadmill''s speed.


    A few minutester, both of them were gasping for air, drenched in sweat. Leon was the first to tap out, and Olivia followed suit right after.


    Panting, Leon managed a breathless, "Not bad, Olivia."


    "Haha... yeah, I almost passed out. You''re a beast, Leon," sheughed, still catching her breath.


    After a short break, they moved on to the next part of their routine. Leon headed to the weightlifting area, and Olivia followed him over.


    Leon quickly set himself up and started his set, lifting with steady focus. Olivia stood nearby, watching him intently. When he finished, dropping the weights with a sweat-soaked grin, she gave him a thumbs up.


    "That''s impressive. You''re so controlled and strong," she said with a smile.


    Leon chuckled and shook his head. "I only started three months ago."


    "Three months? But your body''s already in great shape?"


    "I don''t know, maybe it''s because I''m used to lifting heavy stuff at the shop. Carrying heavy loads is kind of normal for me," he said with a casual shrug, smiling.


    Leon then took a moment to help Olivia with her weightlifting, correcting her form and suggesting more effective movements.


    "This move is new for me," Olivia said, concentrating. "Did youe up with this on your own?"


    "No, I got it from my trainer. Do I look like someone whoes up with all this stuff?" heughed.


    "That''s kind of the impression I get from knowing you," she replied with a teasing smile.


    After finishing their weightlifting session, they headed to the pool. Once they changed into their swim outfits, they met up by the water.


    "Another race?" Olivia grinned.


    "What''s the prize if I win?" Leon asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "Hmm... movie tickets?" she giggled.


    "That''s actually a pretty good idea. Alright, I''m not losing this one," he said confidently.


    They got into position, counting down. But Olivia jumped in a second earlier, sshing ahead of him. Leon quickly dove in to catch up, but to his surprise, Olivia was a much better swimmer than he expected. She reached the finish first.


    "Hahaha, see? You should never underestimate someone. You lost-big time," she teased,ughing.


    They climbed out of the pool and sat down at the edge, catching their breath.


    "Yeah, you won by cheating-suits your whole viin vibe perfectly," Leon teased.


    Olivia sshed water right at his face. Leon blocked it with his hand,ughing.


    "Watch your mouth when you''re talking to ady, okay?" she warned yfully.


    "Sorry..." he grinned.


    "Even if we started fair, I''d still win. How about another race? This time, let''s raise the stakes."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Alright, got any ideas? I''m not interested in a challenge without a good bet."


    "Hmm... how about... treating me to dinner?" she suggested, a mischievous smile on her lips.


    Leon nodded slowly. "That actually sounds like a win-win date, no matter who loses or


    wins."


    "Nope, it''s a bet. And you''re paying for everything," she shot back.


    "Alright, bring it on! You''re not winning this time!"


    "Save the big talk for after you actually win," she replied with a smirk.


    They dove in together, but despite Leon''s best efforts, Olivia''s swimming skills were undeniable. Her strokes were smooth and efficient, almost like she''d had serious training- maybe she was a professional swimmer, he thought. Meanwhile, Leon''s swimming was more casual; he''d never really focused on technique.


    In the end, Leon lost again.


    After wrapping up their workout, they both left the gym together.


    "You should be thanking me," Olivia said with a grin, "I helped you clear your head after that crushing defeat."


    Leon nced at her and nodded. "Yeah... I just realized. By the way, thanks. I finally got over my teammate who spent more time fighting with each other than focusing on the actual


    enemy."


    "You should scold her-treat that person more firmly. Maybe you''re hesitating because you don''t fully trust your team," Olivia sighed. "I think it''s amon syndrome for people who


    always feel superior."


    Am I? Leon wondered.


    "Yeah... I need to go all-out and trust my team more." he responded.


    "Good," Olivia replied. "I''m sure your team is actually really professional, especially that


    girl, Marlene, from Shadow Wolves."


    "Yeah, she''s ruthless, cold-hearted, and super suspicious... but I think I can give her another


    chance."


    Olivia yfully bumped her shoulder against Leon''s. "We can do it, right?"


    "Yes, we can," he replied, taking a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of determination. Now, he was ready to head back to his room and review the data and analysis prepared by


    Maylock, Freya, and the others.


    Damn! Despite how overwhelming it felt, he knew, they knew, giving up wasn''t an option.


    "I''ll do my best too," Olivia said as she started to walk away. "You''ll see the real power of Marlene soon. You''re going to be amazed," she added with a teasing smile before leaving.


    Wait... was she saying she hadn''t gone all-out in thest two battles?


    Leon was heading to his room when a message from Laura popped up.


    "Leon... I''ve made my decision. I''m going to call my other copy to join us in the next battle."


    Other copy? Leon''s mind raced. Did that mean two Charmelyns would be fighting at the same time in their next attempt?


    "Wait, how does she control two bodies at once?" His brain scrambled to imagine how that


    could even be possible.


    But then again, it seemed both Marlene and Charmelyn still had a few tricks up their sleeves. Maybe their level drop had forced them to finally go all-out.


    "Now," Leon thought, "What kind of upgrade can I make to increase our chances of


    winning?"

 Chapter 395: Chapter 395 - Wait, the statue—it’s gone!

    Chapter 395: - Wait, the statue¡ªit¡¯s gone!


    ?


    It was the control room of the Golden Age Company, and the atmosphere was more energetic than usual. People were even bringing in popcorn and soda, while the CEO, Marco, had already taken his seat, eagerly awaiting the moment that promised to be extraordinary.


    Today, they were about to witness something that had captured everyone''s attention-a third attempt by three yers, Divine Champions, to defeat a powerful Named Demon ranked 56th!


    An assistant standing next to Marco began exining. "This is their third attempt, and although they''vepletely failed in the previous two, the AI reports significant improvement."


    "What are their chances this time? Do you think they can actually win against Gremory? From what I''ve observed, her level and stats are insanely high. I''m not sure they''re ready, even if they are Divine Champions," Marcomented, sounding skeptical.


    "Mr. Marco... actually, if the three of them can fully maximize everything they have, the AI predicts their chances of winning could rise to around 57%, up from the initial 19%."


    Marco nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, 57% is still a significant chance, and it''s impressive they''ve managed to push the odds this high."


    He continued, his expression focused. "Make sure we gather as much data from this battle as possible, because it''s going to be crucial. This fight is very different from the one Broken and the Princess had against uros some time ago."


    "Yes, Mr. Marco. While the Princess had protection back then, giving them a higher chance of sess, now everything relies solely on the determination of these three yers."


    Marco smiled and nodded. "What impresses me is how Broken has managed to bring together two women who were once on opposing sides to work seamlessly in the same team."


    "Yes, sir, he certainly has a charm that he might not even be aware of," his assistant replied.


    Marco nodded slowly again. As he watched the three yers begin to revive in the throne room, the people in the control room started to cheer.


    "Let''s go, Broken, Charmelyn, Marlene!"


    "Come on, I bet they''ll pull it off this time!"


    "Marlene, show the demon your true power, hahaha!"


    "Damn, I didn''t expect this to happen so soon-three Divine Champions from three different sins teaming up to defeat a Named Demon!"


    "Yes, if only we could broadcast this battle; it would definitely attract a huge audience and get more people to y Immortal Legacy."


    Marco nodded and smiled. "Surely the future will be even more thrilling with this kind of dynamic."


    ***


    In another ce, a spacious meeting room was filled with people. Nearly all the members of the Ass Guild were present, along with Booba, RememberMe, and others. At the front of the room sat their panel of experts-Maylock, Elincia, and Goldrich-while Freya took on the role of host for the event.


    Behind them, a floating screen disyed two live feeds showing the perspectives of Broken, and Charmelyn.


    "Alright, Maylock," Freya began with enthusiasm, "I know you''ve been following their battles from the start, but this time you''ve gathered so many people here to witness this one. What makes it different?"


    "They are very likely to win, so yeah," Maylock replied bluntly.


    "But, please... Could you exin it more clearly? I mean, everyone''s curious about how this battle is going to y out. Show us the analysis," Freya pressed, smiling.


    Elincia chimed in with a chuckle. "Let me help answer that.


    "So, Charmelyn has confirmed to me that she''s okay with revealing her status as a Divine Champion, at least to everyone here."


    "Damn!" Skywarden was the first to react, cursing under his breath. "Why didn''t she tell me earlier? I feel betrayed."


    "What about Master Broken?" RememberMe shouted from the back. "Has he confirmed whether he''s a Divine Champion too?"


    Elincia shook her head. "I think we''ll need to wait a bit longer for him to confirm that himself."


    "No matter what, I''m sure he''s a Divine Champion," RememberMe dered loudly. "The time wille when he reveals everything. Hahaha!"


    "What kind of ability did Charmelyn get from her Envy Champion?" Jovina asked, curious.


    Elincia quickly answered, "So, basically, she can create a copy of herself and control both of them alternately. That''s why we can still see her staying in Slumdon Town, while her other copy is with Broken in Hell."


    "Interesting." Jovina said.


    Maylock chimed in, "This ability has incredible potential if the user can master it. Perhaps that''s why the previous holder of this Blessing didn''t stand out-they likely couldn''t take full advantage of the ability."


    Skywarden nodded and said. "Charmelyn is great with her control-she''s precise, agile, and quick. I''m sure she''ll be able to use this blessing extremely well. It suits her perfectly."


    Pussycat chimed in, "Oh, if only this could be broadcast publicly, it would draw a huge audience and plenty of sponsors."


    Elincia smiled. "You''re definitely not wrong, PussyCat-no wonder you''re the most important person at Northstar Company."


    Freya then took charge. "Alright, everyone, Maylock, Elincia, and Goldrich will be our analysts for this battle. They''ll break down each yer''s moves as we watch. I''m sure we''re in for an exciting fight!"


    All eyes turned toward the screen, anticipation filling the room. But then someone raised a


    question.


    "And where is Ivana?" PussyCat asked, ncing around.


    "Yeah, where is Ivana? Didn''t anyone invite her?" Booba echoed, also curious.


    Livelywood responded, "I saw her earlier with the Knights-maybe she''s helping them with some hunting? Should I go find her?"


    Freya shook her head slightly, "I''ve been wondering about that too-where is Ivana?"


    With that question lingering, their attention shifted back to the screen, ready for the action to unfold.


    ***n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    In Slumdon Town, a group of Knights had formed a barricade, preventing a crowd of yers from getting close to the Gori Statue near the city gate.


    "Hey, move aside, you stupid knights! We just want to take a picture with that dumb gori statue!" one yer shouted, clearly frustrated.


    "Lord Maylock instructed us not to let anyone near the statue for the time being," Anna yelled back. "If you insist on pushing through, we''ll be forced to take stricter action."


    "This stupid town of Slumdon really trains its knights poorly! Do you even know this ce needs us, the visitors?" another yer sneered, pushing against the Knights. Tensions were rising as the yers began to shove, clearly not happy with being held back.


    Igor unsheathed his sword, his voice firm. "One more step and I''ll have you all thrown into jail. Everyone, back off."


    "These stupid knights are really testing my patience. If you want a confrontation, I''ll give you one!" one yer snapped, clearly ready for a fight.


    "I don''t think that''s a good idea. You know their level is high, right?" another yer


    cautioned.


    "Yeah, but this barren, miserable town is really pushing it."


    Suddenly, something unexpected happened, silencing the crowd in shock.


    "Hey... look!" someone yelled, pointing toward the Gori Statue.


    "Wait, the statue-it''s gone!" others shouted in disbelief.


    Igor, Anna, and the other knights turned toward the statue, their faces mirroring the shock of


    the crowd. The Gori Statue hadpletely vanished.


    "What just happened? Sir Igor, we need to report this to Lord Maylock immediately. This is an


    emergency!"


    "You stay here, Anna," Igor ordered. "I''ll go to the House of Slumdon." With that, he rushed


    off, urgency in his steps.


    What has happened? Igor''s mind raced. Could this be an emergency? I''m worried about Lord Broken. I saw with my own eyes that the statue was a golem. But if it suddenly disappeared, does that


    mean...?

 Chapter 396: Chapter 396 - It Will Put Broken at a Disadvantage

    Chapter 396: - It Will Put Broken at a Disadvantage


    ?


    Broken, Charmelyn, and Marlene reappeared simultaneously in Gremory''s Throne Room. As usual, the demon sat casually on the throne, sipping from a ss filled with a crimson liquid. She nced at themzily, as if their return was little more than a mild amusement.


    Without wasting time, Broken used his Moonvine Knuckles to retrieve the gloves he had dropped during the previous battle, quickly storing them back in his inventory. The demon showed no interest in the items, despite knowing it could have weakened her challengers by taking them.


    "Ah, the challengers return," Gremory''s voice echoed through the grand chamber, dripping with amusement. "How delightful. I was growing bored of waiting." She leaned forward slightly. "I wonder... have you started to lose hope and n to surrender to me yet?"


    Broken summoned his Wavebreaker Spear, his body enveloped in a glowing blue aura. He spun the spear once, then mmed it into the floor with a resounding thud.


    "Surely, we don''t look like we''re about to surrender, do we? I''m sure you can read that," he said with a faint smirk.


    Charmelyn, standing to his left, and Marlene, on his right-still in her human form-nodded in agreement.


    "This demon bitch seems awfully lonely. She talks way too much for a demon," Marlene quipped, reverting to her in-game persona, a stark contrast to her usual self outside the game.


    "That''s why she ns on keeping us here, I guess," Broken replied, a slight smile crossing his face.


    "But that''s not going to happen!" Charmelyn chimed in confidently.


    "Let''s stick to the n and give it everything we''ve got for the win today!" Broken said, his voice calm and determined.


    Gremory rose from her throne, her movement apanied by the stirring of the camel, now fully awake. The sound of her heels echoed through the grand chamber as she strode forward, her long legs carrying her with an air of dominance.


    "I''ve always enjoyed watching my victims struggle," she said, her voice dripping with amusement. "Seeing them fight with everything they have, only to be crushed in the end- desperate and defeated. Because, in the end, nothing you do will matter against me."


    With a flick of her wrist, Gremory threw her ss to the side, the sound of it shattering ringing through the room. "Surely you understand the difference in our levels by now. No matter what you try, the three of you stand no chance, even if you use every ounce of strength you possess."


    Broken lifted his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he recalled the final conversation he''d had with the two women beside him during theirst strategy meeting.


    "I infiltrated your expedition, and I know it was wrong from your perspective," Charmelyn had said. "I won''t apologize or ask for peace, but I understand that for this battle, we need to work together. So, let''s do our best for now."


    Marlene had nodded, her tone casual. "Alright, I can be cool with that. Let''s put everything aside and settle our issues after we''re done with this battle."


    Broken had agreed. "We have to give it everything we''ve got. Winning this fight is all that matters. No wasting time in that demon''s throne room-kill her, and we take the rewards!" "Good idea," Marlene had replied, her determination clear. "I''m on board with that."


    "Me too," Charmelyn had echoed, sealing their pact to focus on the fight ahead.


    Now, standing together in Gremory''s throne room, those words hung in his mind, fueling his resolve.


    As the battle prepared to begin, Charmelyn stepped forward ahead of the others, clenching both fists. "If one of me isn''t enough to fight this demon, then I''ll bring two."


    From her side, a second figure manifested-an exact copy of herself, standing beside her. Everyone watching the broadcast was left in stunned silence at the sight.


    "Is that the usual clone skill Charmelyn does?" Jovina asked.


    "No, this is her ability as the Envy Champion," Maylock exined.


    "What can she possibly do with such a ridiculous clone?" Melliandramented skeptically. Maylock borated. "Charmelyn doesn''t just create a simple clone. This is a full copy of herself, identical in every way. Essentially, she bes two people at once. She can control both bodies alternately, even from a distance."


    "Wait, aren''t there now two of her in that room? Didn''t you say her other copy was still in Slumdon?" someone asked.


    Maylock nodded. "Yes, the concept is she can void one copy and create a new one. What''s happening here is she voided the copy in Slumdon and summoned a new one in that room. That means there''s no way for Charmelyn to escape now unless they defeat the demon."


    "But seriously, how can she control two copies of herself at the same time? How is that even possible?"


    "That''s exactly why we''re here to see how well she''s mastered this technique," Maylock exined. "It''s a technique she gained after iming the title of Envy Champion, and now we''ll see how far she can push it."


    The battle in Gremory''s Throne Room erupted again, and this time, Charmelyn darted forward at incredible speed, both of her bodies rushing toward Gremory.


    "Do you really think a mere copy can make a difference?" Gremory taunted.


    As Charmelyn closed in, one of her copies vanished. The remaining body struck out with her dagger, engaging in a fierce exchange with the demon. Their blows collided, each matching the other''s speed and strength. But when Gremory aimed a swift strike at Charmelyn''s neck, her body disappeared-only for the other copy to materialize behind Gremory, shing quickly with the dagger.


    "Damn, how is she doing that? It''s like she''s using a mini teleport skill."


    "Is it really that easy to control two bodies at once?"


    "I think Charmelyn''s using abination of a permanent stealth skill and her copy ability wlessly," Skywardenmented.


    "Damn, Charmelyn''s a beast!" Toberry, the alchemist added. "Behind that quiet and mysterious personality, she''s an incredibly dangerous fighter-especially now that she''s an


    Envy Champion!"


    "Finally, yeah! We''ve got a Divine Champion on our side, hahaha."


    The battlefield was now chaotic, filled with various summons that had appeared in the throne room, each with its own task-some attacking the camel, others disrupting Gremory''s


    movements.


    Amidst this chaos, Marlene wasn''t just in her usual werewolf form. This time, a pair of wings emerged from her back as she soared through the air, disappearing into the walls and reappearing from different angles, attacking Gremory in tandem with Charmelyn.


    As Gremory took to the air to counter Marlene''s flying form, Marlene swiftly transformed back into her werewolf state, delivering powerful w attacks. While her flying form allowed her to move faster and evade Gremory, her werewolf form delivered devastating damage with


    each strike.


    "And what''s that? Can that bitch transform into a demon too?"


    Maylock jumped in with an exnation. "I believe this is an ability she''s kept hidden from most people. After making a contract with a demon beast, Marlene can borrow their abilities and forms. That''s why she''s so versatile in her attacks, switching between speed and raw


    power effortlessly."


    "They''re all incredible," Kingsleymented, impressed by the battle unfolding.


    Jovina chimed in with augh. "But that bitch is still ranked below me, hahaha. This fight would''ve been easier if I were there instead of that dog bitch, hahaha."


    "But is it really okay for Marlene to reveal so many of her abilities while we''re all watching?"


    Elincia stepped in. "This was a mutual agreement between both sides. Shadow Wolves are watching this in real-time as well."


    "But won''t this put Broken at a disadvantage, revealing so much?" someone else asked.


    Maylock responded calmly, "No, they''ve reached a fair deal. When Broken starts revealing more of his abilities, the broadcast for the Shadow Wolves will be cut off. It''s all part of the


    arrangement."


    "Well, let''s see if that pervert Broken can keep up with the two Divine Champions or if he''s just going to be a burden!" Melliandra''s voice rang out, drawing everyone''s attention toward


    her.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "What? Why?" she added when eyes fell on her. "Yes, Broken is a pervert and useless. I''m only here to watch him lose again, big time."


    Laughter erupted as others began pping at Melliandra''s blunt remark.


    "That''s some good acting, Melliandra," Elincia teased with a grin.


    "Shut up! I''m serious," Melliandra snapped back.


    "Yes, she''s serious," Kingsley confirmed from his seat beside her.

 Chapter 397: Chapter 397 - Welcome to the Party

    Chapter 397: - Wee to the Party


    ?


    Broken fought with his spear, casting his Water Domain to fill the room with a watery mist. He moved swiftly, perfectly synchronizing his attacks with Marlene, while Charmelyn had shifted her focus to attacking the camel.


    Their coordinated assaults were beginning to show results. For the first time, they managed tond several hits on Gremory. This wasrgely thanks to Dendros, who asionally disrupted Gremory''s movements, allowing both Broken and Marlene to deliver precise strikes, clearly inflicting damage on the demon.


    Though the movement speed reduction from Broken''s Water Domain wasn''t massive, it was enough to slow Gremory down just enough for them to keep up with her otherwise blindingly fast movements. Attacks from three directions simultaneously began to corner Gremory.


    Dendros, using his Moonvine Knuckles, continuously unleashed Vines of Torment, temporarily binding Gremory''s movements. Even a brief moment of immobilization was all Marlene and Broken needed to unleash a barrage of strikes.


    The battle was incredibly tense, with the trio advancing and retreating in perfect rhythm, attacking in turn and closing off Gremory''s escape routes. The viewers could hardly believe their eyes-Broken''s summoned creatures were moving in perfect sync with the rest of the group, seamlessly fitting into the flow of the battle.


    It was a disy of strategy and teamwork that no one had expected.


    "I guess Marlene isn''t just relying on her looks to win the game-she''s actually incredibly skilled in battle too," someone from the Ass Guild remarked.


    "Khi khi khi," Goldrich chuckled. "Who would''ve thought the girl who uses her appearance to charm others is actually talented too?"


    "Yeah, and now she''s working hard to seduce Broken as well," Maylock added with a smirk.


    "It won''t work on him," Freya cut in.


    Elincia nced over at Freya, raising an eyebrow. "Is that jealousy I hear?"


    "Hell, no!" Freya snapped.


    On the Shadow Wolves'' side, thements flowed freely as they watched the battle unfold.


    "Damn, this cksmith asshole is stronger than I thought. If only we''d gotten him to join our guild," someone grumbled.


    Paul, sitting with his legs crossed and exuding confidence, nodded thoughtfully. "We just need Marlene to seduce him and get him to switch sides."


    "I heard Marlene''s already met him, hasn''t she?" another yer remarked.


    "Damn, there''s no way anyone can resist Marlene''s charm, hahaha."


    "Well, a guy like Broken, who''s only recently started tasting wealth, probably isn''t used to attention from women. He''d give anything for Marlene''s sweet talk."


    "But seriously, the way the two of them are fighting in perfect sync-it''s like they''ve been doing this together for ages. Can you even train for that kind of chemistry?"


    "I think it''s because they''re under so much pressure. It''s pushing them to fight at their absolute best," another person added, nodding in agreement.


    The battle raged on intensely, with everything happening in rapid session. Gremory was being relentlessly attacked by Broken and Marlene, while Charmelyn continued her assault on the Camel. Despite the chaos, the fight seemed more controlled now, though it was still unclear when-or if-it would end.


    It was a fierce battle, tight and demanding intense concentration. Fortunately, they only had two opponents to face, so they didn''t need to split their focus too much, only dividing their strength between the two enemies.


    One thing Broken found both challenging and intriguing was how they had to fight in perfect sync with the rest of the team. The call of when to push forward and when to fall back was crucial. But he enjoyed it.


    "Broken, switch!" Marlene called out as she prepared to retreat and recharge. Broken stepped in, taking over the close-range fight.


    In the House of Slumdon. "But didn''t you say Broken was going to pull something new, Maylock?" someone asked.


    "He hasn''t shown anything different yet."


    "Yeah, and do you think this will be enough to defeat the demon?" another voice chimed in. "The fight still seems to be leaning slightly in the demon''s favor. I''m worried this might not end well."


    Everyone watched, tense with anticipation, knowing that one misstep could turn the battle''s tide.


    Yes, Broken was fighting well, but on the other side, it was clear that Charmelyn, along with some of Broken''s summons, had managed to corner the camel, which could no longer put up much resistance. Charmelyn moved swiftly, striking from different angles, and for the first time, hope began to rise.


    With one final, powerful sh, she severed the camel''s head.


    "Is this a victory?" someone asked.


    "No, there''s a second stage," Maylock quickly corrected. "The camel will rise again. This isn''t over."


    "Damn, even after all these intense attacks, this isn''t the end? The demon hasn''t even reached its full strength yet? Damn!"


    The demon camel rose again, its head reattaching as if nothing had happened, and it immediately unleashed a powerful roar. Now more aggressive, the camel struck the ground with devastating area attacks, its rage fueling a renewed assault.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    At the same time, the buff it granted also empowered Gremory, who began wielding blood magic more effectively. She cast spikes of blood that shot out like bullets, striking from every direction. The relentless barrage left Marlene struggling to keep up-she was now forced to evade, unable to mount any effective counterattacks.


    Charmelyn, on the other hand, managed to hold her ground, her high evasion allowing her to dodge most of the iing attacks. Combined with the healing support from the Elder Dragon Tree, she stayed in the fight, even as her health dipped dangerously low.


    As for Broken, he remained mostly unaffected, his Nature Healing skill from Gaia providing him with continuous regeneration, allowing him to withstand the onught without


    faltering.


    The tide of battle had shifted again, with the relentless second stage of the demon putting immense pressure on the team.


    However, everyone watching could clearly see that the battle was far from over. Then, suddenly, something unexpected happened¡ªthe broadcast Marlene had been sharing with the Shadow Wolves cut off abruptly.


    "Broken, as per our agreement, I''ve stopped the broadcast," Marlene exined mid-battle.


    Broken nodded, maintaining his focus on the fight. This had been discussed and agreed upon by the three of them. Since Broken''s side had more personnel, and the likelihood of revealing his most critical strategies was higher, Marlene had agreed to broadcast only part of the battle.


    Now, with the broadcast halted, Broken could continue without fear of exposing certain secrets, especially to the Shadow Wolves.


    Yes, there was something he had prepared-something he intended to keep hidden from most, even now. It was a trump card, one that it wouldn''t be fair to reveal fully, particrly with Shadow Wolves watching.


    "When will the tide of battle turn? I haven''t seen Broken do anything significant yet," Melliandramented.


    "Mel, don''t you see what Broken''s been doing with all the summons he''s deployed?"


    Kingsley responded.


    "Yes, but it looks like they''re struggling now."


    RememberMe chimed in, "Master Broken definitely has something nned. He always does! He''s unpredictable, because he''s so broken! And overpowered!"


    At that moment in the battle, Gremory''s speed increased dramatically, and Marlene began struggling to keep up. The blood magic she wielded sprayed wildly across the battlefield, putting immense pressure on the group as they found themselves increasingly cornered. Gremory shed with Broken, who could barely hold her off, relying on his spear just to block her relentless strikes. He waspletely unable tounch a counterattack. Then, as Gremory''s final blow aimed for Broken''s head, the demon''s hand stopped mid-strike, inches


    from him.


    A thick, glowing energy shield had formed around Broken, pushing Gremory back with incredible force. All eyes widened in shock as a massive figure appeared, joining the fray-a towering, ck-colored creature with a massive gori-like head.


    "Damn, the golem?! How is the golem there?" people in the Slumdon House eximed in


    disbelief.


    The tide of battle had just taken a sharp turn.


    The astonishment of the viewers hadn''t ended yet. The chest of the golem opened up, and


    gasps filled the room.


    "Damn, is Broken going to get inside the golem and control it from within?" someone


    spected.


    But no-that wasn''t what happened. Instead, a figure emerged from inside the golem''s chest,


    jumping gracefully to the ground to stand beside Broken.


    "Hi, Broken. I''m so d to finally fight alongside you," said the woman, d in heavy silver


    armor, her blonde hair flowing as shended.


    "Wee to the party, Ivana," Broken replied with a smirk.

 Chapter 398: Chapter 398 - Ivana is Ready to Cook!

    Chapter 398: - Ivana is Ready to Cook!


    ?


    "Ivana?!"


    "The fact that the golem appeared out of nowhere was shocking enough, but Ivana too?"


    Everyone in the House of Slumdon stood frozen in disbelief, utterly shocked by what they were seeing. Some recognized the golem, while others didn''t, but the key fact was undeniable --this was the same golem Broken had obtained during an expedition with Elincia and then/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    others.


    The problem was, there was no way Broken could have summoned it from such a distance, because he simply didn''t have the required ss for it!


    "Summoning a golem like that requires the skills of a Golemancer," Jovina remarked, still in shock.


    "But since when does Broken have a Golemancer ss?" Kingsley chimed in, equally confused.


    Optimus added, "Maylock, exin this. I know you were heavily involved in this n, but how did the golem suddenly appear?"


    Maylock sighed, knowing he couldn''t dy the answer any longer. "You all should be thanking Broken for allowing us to witness this incredible moment."


    "Well, get to the exnation, Maylock!" someone else demanded impatiently.


    Maylock straightened up, prepared to deliver the truth. "Alright, here''s how it all happened..."


    He sighed again, keeping his eyes on the screen. "Well, somehow, Broken got his hands on a ticket that lets him unlock any production skill at Epic-grade."


    "Damn, he can just unlock an Epic-grade production ss that easily? That''s insane!" The room buzzed with amazement.


    "An Epic-grade Golemancer with a long-distance summoning skill that works across worlds?" Jovinamented. "This is too overpowered for a summoning skill. I think this ss is something special."


    "And what about Ivana? How did she get summoned there as well?" someone else asked, still in disbelief.


    Goldrich chuckled, "Khi khi khi... the golem''s skills are impressive. It can let someone enter its body and control it from inside. The n worked perfectly-Ivana entered the golem before Broken summoned it from afar. That''s how she joined the battle."


    The room fell silent for a moment as they all processed the brilliance behind the strategy.


    "Damn! If I wasn''t seeing this with my own eyes, I wouldn''t believe it. This is an insanebination of skills!" someone eximed in awe.


    "But what can Ivana do there? I mean... Ivana''s a shielder, sure she''s good, but isn''t it risky to have her there? If the three of them lose, won''t that leave her alone?" Melliandra said.


    "This is a massive gamble. They can''t afford to lose now," Booba added. "I still want to taste Ivana''s cooking after all this."


    RememberMe, unable to contain his excitement, shouted, "Master Broken, I knew you were destined for greatness! You''ve got this!"


    The tension in the room heightened as everyone refocused on the screen. This was it-the battle where failure wasn''t an option. Ivana''s life was on the line, and unlike the yers, if something went wrong, she wouldn''t be able toe back. Her fate was truly at stake.


    "What surprises me most," Jovina remarked, "is Ivana''s trust in Broken. She willingly threw herself into this hell just to join him."


    "That''s true love, huh?" Goldrich chuckled darkly. "Khi khi khi..."


    As soon as Marlene''s broadcast cut off, Broken knew this was a high-stakes move-one of the key strategies they had carefully nned. Not every Golemancer ss had the ability to summon from afar, and some had severe limitations.


    [Epic Production ss Ticket has been used. Please select any avable ss.]


    Without wasting a second, Broken chose the Golem Creator ss. There was no better option for their current situation.


    [New Epic-grade ss unlocked: Golemancer]


    [You have unlocked new skills...]


    Broken quickly scanned through the list of skills, only to realize that the summoning skill was limited-it could only be used from the Golem Inventory, which meant he couldn''t summon the golem because it was in Slumdon Town. This fact threw a wrench in his ns, making him rethink his next move.


    For a moment, he weighed his options. Summoning ckthorn from Slumdon would have been ideal, but it seemed impossible. However, just as frustration began to set in, a new notification appeared-exactly what he had been hoping for.


    It was the breakthrough he needed, a lifeline in this dire situation.


    [Self Transcendence Blessing triggered...]


    [Activating the Blessing...]


    [The Blessing is reacting with the new ss acquired by the user.]


    [Analyzing the upgrade...]


    [The Epic-grade ss Golemancer has been upgraded.]


    [New Unique-grade ss unlocked: Elemental Forger]


    [...]


    [...]


    Damn, the ss really got upgraded!


    Broken quickly skimmed through the descriptions of the new skills, his heart racing. And there it was¡ªa summoning skill, exactly what he needed. This new ss, Elemental Forger, gave him the power he was searching for, something far beyond what the original Golemancer ss had offered.


    With this new ability at his fingertips, the tide of the battle was about to shift in his favor.


    [Elemental Forger has detected a golem connected to the user.]


    [Registering the existing golem.]


    [Name: ckthorn - Shadowbark Titan]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Tier: 5]


    [Level: 225]


    [ckthorn - Shadowbark Titan has been upgraded. The golem levels up by 17 levels.]


    As Broken fought intensely in the high-stakes battle against Gremory, the final updates to his golem werepleted.


    "Please let it work!" he muttered under his breath, gripping his spear tighter as he blocked another of Gremory''s strikes.


    [Summon Elemental Golem (Conditional Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    Just as Gremory was about tond a fatal blow on Broken, a magic circle appeared on the floor beneath them. From it, ckthorn-Broken''s massive golem with a tinum-ck body and a gori-like head-emerged, wielding an enormous greatsword.


    The golem let out a thunderous roar, and in an instant, an explosion of energy shields erupted from it, enveloping Broken, Marlene, and Charmelyn in a protective barrier. It was Ivana''s


    shield skill!


    Gremory was knocked back by the sudden burst of power, stumbling before quickly regaining her footing. But now, she faced not only the three challengers but a newly upgraded golem at level 242 and an NPC warrior. The battlefield had shifted dramatically.


    Broken stood tall, with Ivana to his left, Marlene beside her, and Charmelyn on his right, all bracing for the final confrontation with their greatest opponent yet.


    "Well, I hope you didn''t make a mistake bringing this NPC here, Broken," Marlene said.


    "I know exactly who I can trust to finish this," Broken replied confidently.


    Ivana nodded. "I''ll cover everyone with my shield," she said. "Go all out. I won''t let anyone


    harm you."


    With their newly reinforced team, they prepared for the climactic battle against Gremory, the


    stakes higher than ever.


    The scene unfolding on the battlefield immediately drew enthusiastic reactions from those watching at the House of Slumdon and in the control room of the Golden Age Company.


    "Damn, Ivana! Let''s go!"


    "I knew this would be an epic battle!"


    "Yes, these exclusive seats are worth it. We''re watching history in real-time!"


    "This is why I love working on this team! Oh man, this is going to be an epic showdown!"


    Jovina, unable to contain her excitement, shouted at the screen. "Ivana! I know you can turn


    the tables! Let''s go, our Kitchen Knight!"


    "Ivana is ready to cook!" someone else yelled.


    "And this time, her cooking is going to be nothing short of extraordinary!"


    "Let''s see what happens to that demon in the hands of our Kitchen Knight!" another voice added, their energy matching the growing intensity of the battle.

 Chapter 399: Chapter 399 - It’s a Risky Gamble

    Chapter 399: - It¡¯s a Risky Gamble


    ?


    And then, the next round of battle to take down Duke Gremory - Vampiric Duchess Demon Lv. 258 was ready to begin!


    Without wasting a moment, Broken and the others pressed forward, giving Gremory no time to recover. As soon as ckthorn materialized, its passive skill immediately spread throughout the room.


    [Tendrils of the Abyss (Conditional Passive Skill)]


    The golem''s presence causes dark, shadowy vines to sprout from the ground around it when enemies are nearby. These vines root and ensnare enemies, significantly reducing their movement speed and attacking them with the shadow vines.


    The shadow tendrils worked in perfect synergy with Water Domain, further restricting the movements of both the demon camel and Gremory. The battlefield was nowyered with traps, limiting the demon''s agility.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Bringing one or two more won''t change anything! It won''t!" Gremory''s voice boomed, echoing through the room.


    "You will soon realize that your efforts are futile!" she sneered. "This new addition? Your levels are far too low. You have no chance against me!"


    Despite her taunts, the team''s synchronization was clear, and the strategic use of the shadow vines was slowly turning the tide.


    [Abyssal Scorpion Tail (Conditional Active Skill)]


    The golem activated yet another skill, causing a massive scorpion tail to grow from its back. The already imposing figure of ckthorn now appeared even more formidable as it loomedrge in the room.


    With swift precision, the golem swung its massive greatsword, while the newly-formed scorpion tailshed out, injecting venom into its targets. Thebination of heavy physical strikes and poison attacks added a deadly variety to the golem''s assault, overwhelming the battlefield.


    The demon camel, already slowed by the Tendrils of the Abyss and Water Domain, struggled to withstand the relentless onught. Each strike from the golem''s greatsword sent shockwaves through the room, while the venomous tail inflicted serious damage, weakening the demon camel further.


    ckthorn''s raw power was undeniable, and its impact on the battle was clear-Gremory''s forces were steadily being worn down.


    [Abyssal Cleave (Active Skill)]


    The golem swung its massive greatsword, unleashing a crescent-shaped ck energy sh that tore through the air, a rift in reality itself, aimed directly at Gremory.


    "It''s useless!" Gremory shouted, raising her hands as waves of blood surged to meet the attack. The two forces shed violently, the impact sending shockwaves through the room as dark energy and crimson blood sttered across the battlefield.


    Despite the resistance, the team pressed forward, unrelenting in their assault.


    [Name: ckthorn - Shadowbark Titan]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Tier: 5]


    [Level: 242]


    [Strength: 1031 | Agility: 369 | Intelligence: 311 | Constitution: 775 | Stamina: 524]


    ckthorn possessed a massive Strength stat that easily matched the demon camel, and even its raw physical damage,bined with its agility, was enough to shift the tide of the battle. Especially when factoring in its powerful skills.


    The golem, sensing the advantage its immense strength gave it, redirected its focus toward the demon camel. With its Abyssal Cleave still resonating through the air, the golem began to engage the camel, its raw physical power perfectly matching the beast''s ferocity. The massive strikes from its greatsword,bined with its towering strength, allowed the golem to fight the camel head-on, steadily wearing it down.


    "At this point, Broken could probably take on an entire guild by himself," people began to


    murmur.


    "That''s overrated!" Skywarden scoffed. "If that''s true, why does he still need help from the other three?"


    "That''s because Broken is too stupid to fully utilize everything he has!" Melliandra chimed in.


    Freya, sitting up front, turned with a smirk. "Isn''t that basically admitting that Broken has a lot of powerful assets, Melliandra?"


    Kingsley nodded, calm and confident. "Broken will finish this battle. I believe in that."


    On the battlefield, Ivana sprinted swiftly, her shield growing in size as she hurled it toward Gremory. The shield struck with force, causing Gremory to stumble back slightly. Before the demon could recover, Ivana shifted positions, more like she did a mini teleport, catching the shield mid-air.


    With a graceful spin, she mmed it toward Gremory again. This time, Gremory blocked the blow with a wave of blood, but Marlene quickly appeared from behind,nding a swift, surprise attack.


    Gremory darted away, but Charmelyn was waiting, her daggers shing as she struck repeatedly. Using both of her copies, Charmelyn weaved in and out of sight, confusing


    Gremory and making it difficult for the demon to retaliate.


    Meanwhile, the shadow tendrils from the floor continued to shoot up, attempting to ensnare Gremory and slow her movements. Although Gremory managed to break free with bursts of speed, the vines constantly harassed her, restricting her mobility.


    Broken took advantage of this, charging forward with his spear. Hended a powerful blow that Gremory couldn''t fully block, leaving the demon staggered. The tide of the battle had finally shifted, and Gremory was now facing fierce resistance from all sides.


    At the same time, ckthorn, the massive golem, brutally shed with the demon camel. Their fight was evenly matched, with each blow shaking the battlefield, while Broken''s other summons continued to support, attacking whenever the opportunity arose.


    The battle had escted into a massive brawl, with the team effectively overwhelming both Gremory and the demon camel, turning what seemed like an impossible fight into a real contest of strength and strategy.


    Ivana continuously hurled her shield into the air, spinning it rapidly before it mmed into Gremory. Immediately after, she teleported to the shield''s location, catching it mid-flight and delivering powerful strikes to Gremory.


    Each hit was followed by coordinated attacks from the others, making it difficult for the demon to recover. Ivana''s relentless assaults were having a significant impact, and for the first time, she was disying skills no one had seen before.


    "I didn''t know Ivana could mini-teleport!" someone in the House of Slumdon remarked,


    astonished.


    "Ivana usually just supports with her shield skills. Maybe she''s never had the chance to show this?" anothermented.


    "But it seems the teleport skill is connected to the shield," Maylock noted. "She can only teleport to wherever the shield is."


    "Khi khi khi, everyone''s revealing new abilities today. This really is an exciting show to watch," Goldrich added with a chuckle, clearly enjoying the spectacle.


    Elincia added, "But, once again, Ivana''s full of surprises! Who knows the extent of her


    capabilities?"


    Jovinaughed. "Hahaha, Broken is seriously surrounded by insanely powerful women. First Princess Alora seems interested in him, and now Ivana-a mere NPC chef with these terrifying


    skills."


    Toberry swallowed hard at the sight. "At this point, I''m starting to question my own


    capabilities in this game."


    Jovina grinned. "Yeah, just delete your character and sell your Capsule Device. You''re useless,


    Toberry."


    "Hoah... I know," Toberry sighed.


    Everyone watching was on edge as the intense battle unfolded. Ivana''s presence had clearly


    shifted the momentum, allowing the others to fight more freely. Her support skills were providing crucial protection, allowing the team to go all-out without fear of being overwhelmed. The defensive barrier she created was incredibly strong, even nullifying several attacks that would have otherwisended.


    "Ivana is a beast!" Optimus eximed in awe.


    "That''s not very polite, you know!" Starfall giggled. "She''s a cute and kind girl."


    Despite the light banter, the audience couldn''t help but be amazed by Ivana''s contribution to the fight, her defensive skills proving indispensable as the battle raged on.


    The relentlessbination of attacks from the team had finally cornered Gremory. The once- dominating demon was now struggling, unable to mount any effective counterattacks. Desperately, she tried to flee, but Marlene and Charmelyn, with their speed and mobility, blocked her path at every turn, delivering brutal strikes.


    With Gremory trapped, Broken seized the opportunity. He lunged forward, his spear piercing her chest with precision. Gremory screamed in pain as the spear struck, and the magic blood she had been controlling spilled onto the ground, pooling at her feet.


    Suddenly, the blood coiled around Broken''s spear in an ominous manner. The others rushed toward him, sensing something was wrong.


    "You think you''ve won?" Gremory snarled, her voice filled with rage.


    The blood on the ground began to stir, rising into the air and flowing back toward her in a horrifying spectacle. Even the blood from the demon camel was sucked toward Gremory, causing the creature to roar in agony as it was drained. A violent shockwave erupted from Gremory, sting everyone backward.


    The team was thrown across the battlefield, hitting the ground hard. Broken, Marlene, Charmelyn, and Ivana struggled to regain their footing, momentarily disoriented by the powerful st.


    As thest of the blood was absorbed into her, Gremory''s form began to transform. Her once pale skin turned a deep, blood-red, her body radiating dark energy. A pair ofrge, leathery wings emerged from her back, unfurling with a terrifying grace.


    Hovering above the ground, her eyes glowed with immense power. She was no longer the human form demon they had been fighting-she had be something far more dangerous. Broken and the others readied themselves in battle positions, eyes locked on Gremory as she revealed her next stage-an ominous transformation they had never seen before. This was her true power, and they knew they couldn''t afford to lose here. Ivana''s life was at stake, and if they fell again, it would take too long to log back in. This wasn''t just another battle-they had


    to win.


    In the House of Slumdon, everyone was tense, glued to the screen as the situation escted. "Did you predict this might happen?" Elincia asked Maylock.


    Maylock nodded slowly. "It''s a risky gamble, but it seems we underestimated this demon." "Ivana is in real danger!" Starfall eximed, her worry evident as she watched the unfolding


    battle.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Is the chapter long? Yes, it''s 60% longer than a regr Webnovel chapter. Well, enjoy the fight! This isn''t an easy battle, but they''re giving it their all! Don''t forget to


    throw some Power Stones and Golden Tickets to support Broken and the team.

 Chapter 400: Chapter 400 - Everyone! Protect the Egg!

    Chapter 400: - Everyone! Protect the Egg!


    ?


    Duke Gremory had fully transformed. After absorbing the blood of her own mount, the demon camel was no more. In its ce stood a far more fearsome version of the Named Demon. Her once human-like form had vanished, reced by a monstrous creature withrge wings and dark, blood-red skin.


    "At least now we only have one opponent to focus on, right?" Marlene said.


    "I think, for once, I have to agree with you," Charmelyn replied.


    Broken smirked. "Alright, let''s save the chit-chat forter. This summon of mine is running out of time."


    With their resolve stronger than ever, they prepared to face Gremory''s final, deadliest form. They knew this was theirst chance.


    Everyone nodded in agreement andunched another coordinated attack. Unfortunately, all of them were melee fighters,cking a dedicated magic damage dealer. Despite this, they spread out, surrounding Gremory from every angle and attacking in quick session.


    The golem swung its massive greatsword, delivering a powerful dimensional sh that tore through the battlefield, creating a rift in its wake. But Gremory, now fully in control of her powers, manipted the blood scattered across the ground, nullifying the devastating blow with ease.


    Her magic had grown even more formidable in this final form. Shemanded the blood like machine guns, sending it hurtling in all directions. Sharp tendrils of blood shot forth, locking some of the group in ce, while others were assaulted by a barrage of razor-sharp blood spikes-thousands of des stabbing at them from all sides. The damage was overwhelming, a clear indication that Gremory''s power had been significantly upgraded.


    The battle had be even more dangerous, and the team was struggling to keep up with the demon''s relentless magic assault.


    If not for Ivana''s protective skills, this battle would have been much more grueling. Her shields were nothing short of incredible, continuously enveloping the entire team and making it feel as though they never ran out of protection, even against Gremory''s devastating attacks.


    Ivana was ying an absolutely critical role in the fight. She effortlessly absorbed the barrage of damage with her shields, keeping everyone alive. On top of that, she boosted the entire team''s health regeneration, allowing Broken and the others to maintain their health without worry, despite the relentless nature of the battle.


    However, the real issue was theirck of damage output. While Ivana''s shields and regeneration kept them alive, they weren''t dealing enough significant blows to Gremory. The vast difference in levels and the sheer power of Gremory''s magic control made her a dominant force in the battle, and without a strong magic damage dealer, they were struggling tond a decisive hit that could turn the tide.


    It was clear: staying alive wasn''t enough-they needed a way to break through Gremory''s defenses and elusive moves.


    Dozens of magic circles formed behind Gremory, and from them, hundreds of blood magic projectiles fired in every direction like machine guns. Even with Ivana''s protective skills, the team felt the intense pain from the barrage as they scrambled to evade.


    Gremory suddenly darted toward Broken with terrifying speed. Blood magic erupted from the ground, trapping him in ce, immobilizing him.


    "Broken!" Ivana cried, hurling her shield to break the spell, but Gremory''s wave of blood deflected it, sending the shield crashing to the ground.


    With her right hand, Gremory grasped Broken by the throat, his Health plummeting dangerously fast. "Now you die!" she sneered, raising her left hand to deliver a devastating blow, one that would surely kill him.


    But before the strike couldnd, a brilliant explosion of white and green energy erupted around Broken. A figure appeared in a blur, moving at incredible speed, and in an instant, six clones of a four-tailed fox materialized, shing at Gremory from every direction.


    "Master! I will protect you!" Polly shouted, her voice ringing with determination as she led the attack, her clones viciously wing at Gremory, forcing the demon to retreat and releasing Broken from her grip.


    Polly had arrived just in time, turning the tide once again.


    Gremory struggled tond her finishing blow on Broken, but before she could strike, Ivana mmed her massive shield down from above, striking Gremory with immense force. The impact drove the demon into the ground, freeing Broken, who was thrown backward by the sheer force.


    As Gremory hit the floor, hundreds of blood spikes erupted from the ground, scattering in every direction. Some of the spikes pierced Ivana''s abdomen, leaving her gravely injured. Others tore through Polly''s clones and eventually struck her real body, causing her to disappear once again, fading from the battlefield.


    The situation grew dire as Ivana, severely wounded, struggled to maintain her position. Broken and the rest of the team were now without Polly''s support, and Gremory, though momentarily down, was still a formidable threat.


    Everyone watching from the House of Slumdon felt the horror and tension as the intense battle unfolded.


    "Polly died just like that! Polly!" Melliandra screamed hysterically, unable to believe what she had just seen.


    "What happened to Polly? How was she defeated so easily?" others questioned, equally shocked.


    "I''m pretty sure Polly can''t use her full power in Hell," Maylock exined. "That''s why she only appears in crucial moments."


    "But this is getting worse! Way worse!" Toberry, the Alchemist, eximed. "Can''t we find a way to help Broken? Like, go there ourselves? Damn it!"


    Jovina chimed in, turning toward Elincia. "Elincia, can''t we ask Paul to take us there? Or don''t they want to help? Marlene''s in serious trouble! And she is part of them."


    Everyone turned to Elincia, waiting for her response to the suggestion.


    She sighed deeply. "I''ve already contacted him-Paul, the Guild Master of Shadow Wolves." Maylock nodded. "You should know our Guild Master has done a lot to support Broken."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "And what did they say?" Jovina pressed.


    Elincia''s expression hardened. "That bastardughed at me."


    "Damn!" Skywarden responded, frustrated. "You shouldn''t have done something so reckless


    for Broken!"


    "Are you dumb or what, Skywarden?" Jovina shot back angrily. "Charmelyn, your team partner, is there with him! This isn''t just about Broken! Do you even have a brain?"


    Maylock responded thoughtfully. "From what I''ve observed, it seems Paul knows how to resolve this. Like, maybe his connection with higher-ranking demons could end this battle


    easily."


    "So, they could stop the fight at any time? Why hasn''t he done it then?" Jovina asked, frustration evident in her voice.


    "More likely," Maylock continued, "he wants to sacrifice Marlene to weaken more of us- Charmelyn and Broken included."


    "Damn! Isn''t that hurting us even more?" Jovina eximed. "That bitch Marlene! She


    must''ve deliberately trapped Broken in this mess!"


    "No, I disagree," Optimus interjected. "Marlene might be a victim here too."


    "But is it really worth sacrificing Marlene just to weaken Charmelyn?" Jovina retorted.


    "Not just Charmelyn," someone else chimed in. "Broken too. If they''ve gone this far, they must see Broken as a significant threat."


    "Damn it, sacrificing their own teammate for victory? Paul''s such a bastard!" Jovina cursed, expressing the growing outrage in the room.


    In the heat of battle, Broken was giving everything he had, but the situation was growing more desperate. Everyone was fighting with all their strength, but the worst-case scenario


    was closing in fast-Gaia''s duration only had 2 minutes left.


    They needed to end the fight now. If not, disaster would strike.


    What else can I do? Broken thought frantically, searching for any remaining options. Then he remembered¡ªthe Unique-grade All You Need Ticket.


    This is it. I need to use everything at my disposal!


    With no other options, Broken knew this was the moment to use the ticket and hoped it would grant him exactly what he needed to turn the tide of battle. It was their only shot, theirst


    hope.


    As Broken pulled out the Unique-grade All You Need Ticket and scanned his inventory,


    something unusual caught his eye-the Demon Egg was trembling violently.


    [An anomaly has been detected in one of the items in your Inventory.]


    "What''s going on?" Broken muttered, confused.


    The egg-what could it want now, especially in the middle of this dire situation? Does it need


    more blood? he wondered.


    Broken quickly leapt back to a safer position and pulled the egg from his Inventory. The


    moment it was released, it shot into the air, levitating ominously.


    [The Fetus has sessfully absorbed the blood it was fed. It now possesses control over blood


    magic and craves more blood to devour.]


    What? Broken thought in disbelief.


    At that exact moment, the blood swirling across the battlefield slowed down, and Gremory''s attention snapped toward the egg, her eyes narrowing with recognition.


    "Everyone! Protect the egg!" Broken shouted urgently.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Sorry to interrupt the excitement of this chapter. I just wanted to say that this is chapter 400,


    and I know there''s still so much more I want to write. See you again at chapter 500, 600, and hopefully all the way to 1000 and beyond. Thanks for all your support! I truly love writing this


    story!

 Chapter 401: Chapter 401 - Heaven’s Verdant Wrath

    Chapter 401: - Heaven¡¯s Verdant Wrath


    ?


    Whatever the Demon Egg was doing, it was clearly troubling Duke Gremory. As soon as the egg began floating, absorbing the magic-infused blood that was scattered across the room, Gremory''sposure crumbled. Fear overtook her expression, and in a frantic panic, sheunched attack after attack at the egg, her previous calm demeanorpletely gone.


    "Everyone, protect the egg!" Broken shouted instinctively.


    Ivana quickly threw her shield, which spun rapidly around the egg. In a swift motion, she appeared beside it, catching the shield mid-air and mming it into the ground. Immediately, a magical barrier formed, with Ivana standing firmly, gripping the shield with all her strength.


    The blood scattered around the room was rapidly being absorbed by the egg, and now the barrage of blood spikes and magic missile attacks had lessened in intensity. This gave Broken and Marlene a crucial opening to strike at Gremory once more.


    They exchanged a quick nod before dashing forward, with Dendros also charging at Gremory. Time was running out-Gaia''s summon duration was nearly over.


    Broken spun his spear and mmed it toward Gremory.


    "You cursed fools! Don''t underestimate me! You will never defeat me!" she screamed in fury.


    Marlene appeared from behind, shing and grabbing at Gremory with lightning speed. But Gremory shot forward, beating her wings, though it was clear her speed had significantly dropped.


    Dozens of magic circles appeared behind Gremory, unleashing a barrage of hundreds of blood magic missiles aimed straight at Ivana.


    "Ivana!!" Charmelyn screamed in panic.


    "I''m fine!" Ivana shouted back. "Focus on the fight!"


    Broken''s summons tried to block the missiles, but they were destroyed by the relentless


    blood magic. The missiles crashed into Ivana, one after another, hitting her body with


    powerful explosions.


    "Ivana!" Broken activated his dash, trying to rush to her aid, but the blood on the floor made it impossible for him to move. "Damn it!"


    Ivana still stood, gripping her shield tightly, but blood dripped from her mouth, and cracks were visible on parts of her armor. The attack had clearly taken a heavy toll on her.


    Despite being weakened, the demon continued to fight fiercely, still managing to put up a strong resistance. As the battle dragged on, it became painfully clear that everyone was running out of resources-Mana, Stamina-all reaching critical levels.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gaia''s summon duration was down to just 42 seconds!


    "Please, little demon egg, suck up all the blood and send this demon bitch to her death already!" Broken shouted desperately.


    Everyone in the House of Slumdon wore expressions of panic and tension as they watched the battle unfold on the screen. The fear of how this fight might end was palpable.


    "Damn, this is painful to watch!" Toberry muttered.


    Starfall nodded. "If only we could do more than just sit here and watch."


    "What do you think, Maylock?" Elincia asked.


    Maylock could only shake his head. "I don''t know. All we can do is hope this ends well."


    Jovina mmed her hand down in frustration. "Damn, if this keeps up, Ivana could be in real danger!" she shouted, standing up angrily.


    "That''s just a Named Demon ranked 56th," Kingsley remarked, his tone serious. "And yet, even three individuals as powerful as Divine Champions are struggling against it."


    "And what about that egg?" Optimus chimed in. "Shouldn''t it help turn the tide of the fight?"


    "Yes, but they''re all running low on resources," someone replied.


    Freya''s voice wavered slightly. "Gaia''s summon is almost out of time, too."


    Everyone was on edge, anxiously waiting for the oue of this desperate battle.


    ***


    Meanwhile, in the Golden Age Company control room, their conversation had veered onto a different topic altogether.


    "What do you think about the final oue, Mr. Marco?" someone asked.


    Marco sighed at the question. "It seems everything has been building up to this final moment," he replied with a slight smile. "Gremory made a critical mistake by sharing her blood, allowing the egg to absorb its abilities and take control. Who could''ve predicted such a scenario?"


    "Will this have a positive impact on the demon egg?"


    He nodded thoughtfully. "I''m concerned about what might emerge from the demon egg, but we can''t focus on that right now. The real question is whether this will end in victory for the yers."


    Everyone kept their eyes glued to the screen, watching the unfolding final moments with tense anticipation.


    "But I''m certain this isn''t over yet," Marco added. "Has the final piece of the puzzle arrived?" "Any moment now, Mr. Marco... but will their arrival guarantee victory? Or not?"


    Marco nodded slowly. "Let''s see where she chooses to make her move."


    Only those in the control room knew who she referred to.


    ***


    The progress of the egg hatching had reached 93%, a drastic increase as it continued to absorb all the blood in the room. With each passing moment, Gremory appeared weaker-her movements slowing, and her magic losing its strength.


    It wasn''t just Broken and his team who were drained; their enemy was weakening too. This should have been good news. However, another factor kept the situation from fully turning in their favor. Gaia''s summon duration had finally run out.


    In an instant, Gaia vanished from the battlefield, and with her disappearance, all the summoned creatures vanished as well-except for Dendros, who remained, doing his best to help with the attack.


    This left a massive gap in their support. Gaia''s summons had not only provided healing but also crucial boosts to defense, attack, and other stats. Now, without those reinforcements, the battle had grown far more perilous.


    Gremoryughed, sensing the tides of battle turning in her favor once more. In a blur of movement, she shot forward and closed the distance between herself and Marlene, who was in her werewolf form.


    With a series of vicious stabs, Gremory struck repeatedly. Marlene raised her arms to block the attacks, but the blows were brutal, and the damage was severe. Her left arm snapped under the force, and she was violently thrown backward.


    Before Gremory couldnd a fatal blow, Charmelyn appeared, intercepting the demon''s next strike with her daggers. However, Gremory''s speed was overwhelming, and despite Charmelyn''s efforts, the demon managed to slice across her chest, leaving a deep, bloody


    gash.


    Seeing the situation spiral, Broken dashed forward in a desperate attempt to intervene. He swiftly switched to his Gravestone Greatsword, activating its powerful abilities.


    [Sacrificial Edge (Conditional Active Skill)]


    [Elemental Rune Cataclysm (Conditional Active Skill)]


    The runes etched into the greatsword red with intense energy before quickly vanishing, one after another, as the sword charged up. A momentter, a massive explosion erupted from the de, sending shockwaves in all directions. The force of the st hurled Gremory across the room, mming her into the far wall with devastating impact.


    The explosion gave Broken just enough time to rescue Marlene and Charmelyn. But as he looked at them, it was clear their condition was critical. Both fighters were gravely wounded, theirbat potential drastically reduced.


    Broken''s gaze dropped to his own stamina meter-it was now shing red. His energy reserves were nearly depleted. If they didn''t end this battle soon, it would be the end for all of them. The clock was ticking, and with Gremory still alive, they were running out of time.


    "Ha! ha! ha!... in the end, I''ll be the one standing victorious! There''s no hope left for any of you!" Gremory cackled, her voice echoing through the room. Despite her shattered wings and her body falling apart, sheughed with twisted satisfaction.


    She shot towards Ivana, who was barely holding on after enduring relentless attacks from the blood magic. Ivana, already struggling, was moments away from copsing. Gremory prepared to strike her final blow, but then-someone appeared at the edge of the room. A figure no one had expected.


    It was an elf, with short blonde hair, holding a glowing orb of white energy in her hand. "Elowen?" Broken''s voice was filled with surprise. "What is she doing here?"


    "The mother of all life, great World Tree, grant me your blessing. Shatter the darkness that has cursed this world. By my soul, I sacrifice all for the greater good. Protect the just, and


    bring forth your righteous judgment-


    "Heaven''s Verdant Wrath!"


    Elowen''s body began to glow with an intense, radiant light, bursting from within her. Beams of light shot out from various parts of her body, illuminating the room with an otherworldly brilliance. At the same moment, Gremory screamed in agony, her voice piercing through the


    air.


    But it wasn''t just Gremory-Elowen cried out in pain as well. The two of them, both screamed, their voices merging into a chilling symphony of suffering as the powerful magic


    unfolded.

 Chapter 402: Chapter 402 - Ivana’s Level Continued to Drop

    Chapter 402: - Ivana¡¯s Level Continued to Drop


    ?


    Between Elowen and Gremory, two bright white streams of energy connected them, pulsing intensely as both of them screamed in agony.


    "What''s happening?" Broken and the others rushed forward, trying to figure out what was going on. They reached out to touch the glowing energy, but their hands were forcefully repelled.


    "What''s happening here?" Broken looked at Elowen, seeing her in obvious pain.


    Marlene, struggling to make sense of the situation, spoke up. "It looks like she''s performing some kind of ritual... one that''s draining both their lives."


    "What?" Broken''s eyes widened in shock as he frantically searched for a way to stop the ritual. He swung his greatsword at Gremory, hoping to sever the connection, but Elowen''s screams only grew louder as a result.


    Ivana, standing near Elowen, began channeling something, trying to intervene.


    "Her soul is fading fast-if this keeps up, she''ll die too," Ivana warned, her voice tense.


    "No way!" Broken thought, desperation creeping in as he realized Elowen''s life was slipping away along with Gremory''s.


    "But why did she show up just now?" Broken asked, still confused.


    Marlene stepped in to exin. "Everyone outside is overwhelmed, Broken. Some have died. They''ve been retreating, trying to save fallenrades. Even now, the monster waves are stilling."


    "The monster waves are still going?" Broken asked, stunned.


    "Yes. Even though many leveled up, almost everyone died at least once. So they haven''t gained much in the end."


    "And Elowen... she managed to sneak into this ce?" Broken turned back to Elowen, unsure how long the ritual couldst.


    Desperately, he moved closer and cast his Healing skill over her, but it had no effect.


    "Broken..." Ivana''s voice trembled. "This elf is sacrificing herself to die along with the demon. She''s slowly losing her Core."


    Broken quickly checked Elowen''s status, and his heart sank. Her stats had dropped dramatically, almost cut in half. She was fading, and fast.


    But on the bright side, this was proof they were going to win, right? Though it came at the cost of someone sacrificing their life for the victory.


    Broken nced at the Demon Egg, which was still relentlessly absorbing the blood scattered across the floor and room, even drawing the blood from Gremory''s own body. He checked its progress-95%.


    "Isn''t that a bit slow?" he thought, frowning. Considering how much blood it had already absorbed, the hatching seemed to be dragging on longer than expected. Something didn''t feel right.


    [The Fetus has entered the final phase before hatching. It is now constructing the abilities it will wield upon birth.]


    [The Fetus has gained High Affinity with the Advanced Shadow Element.]


    [The Fetus has gained High Affinity with the Advanced Blood Element.]


    [The Fetus has gained High Affinity with Advanced Combination of Shadow and Blood, Vermillion Dusk Element.]


    [Vermillion Dusk: A haunting fusion where the red of blood meets the creeping shadows of dusk. The user can manipte shadowy blood to create deadly tendrils, drain life from enemies, or vanish into the dark like flowing crimson mist.]


    Suddenly, shadowy tendrils began to emerge from the egg, resembling the tentacles of an octopus. The egg dropped to the ground, awkwardly moving on its eight shadowy limbs as if learning how to walk for the first time, stumbling left and right.


    "Tell me that the egg is going to do something to help us, Broken?" Marlene asked.


    "It said it just unlocked a new advancedbined element," Broken replied.


    "I think that''s good news."


    "Broken..." Ivana called out, still by Elowen''s side as she screamed in pain. "We need to do something... we can''t let this keep happening."


    Broken swallowed hard, his mind racing. Damn, what can I even do right now?


    "Let''s try to cut the connection between them and cancel the ritual," he suggested, desperation creeping into his voice.


    "Broken!" Marlene called, pointing toward the egg. He turned to look.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The egg, which had been struggling to move before, now steadied itself after a few shaky steps. Slowly, it began moving toward Gremory. It paused, as if it were surveying the chaotic scene around it, taking everything in.


    More shadowy tendrils surged from the egg, this time in overwhelming numbers, wrapping around it until the mass of shadows morphed into the shape of a massive cat-like head, with twisted horns made from pure shadow curling upward.


    "This egg is far more terrifying than I imagined," Marlene muttered.


    "What is it about to do?" Charmelyn asked.


    "Maybe... swallow the demon bitch?"


    The shadowy cat head expanded rapidly, its dark form growing at an rming pace. Before anyone could react, it lunged forward, engulfing Gremory''s entire body in a swift, horrifying


    gulp.


    The room fell into stunned silence as the realization set in-yes, the egg had done exactly what Marlene had guessed.


    The room fell silent as the shadowy figure consumed the demon whole. The connection between Gremory and Elowen snapped instantly, causing Elowen to copse to the ground, her body trembling from the sudden release.


    The Egg then made a grotesque chewing motion, as if savoring its prey, before pausing. A soft, rumbling burp escaped from the shadowy form, followed by an odd choking sound. Suddenly, it spat out several items onto the ground¡ªa ring, a dagger, a crown, and other bizarre objects ttered across the floor.


    Simultaneously, a series of notifications flooded Broken''s vision, one after another.


    And, yes!


    They hadpleted the trial.


    Gremory was dead, just like that.


    The demon eggy still on the floor, its progress now at 97%. Without wasting a moment, Broken quickly stored the egg back into his inventory. Skipping past the barrage of notifications, he sprinted over to where Eloweny, her head resting in Ivana''sp. He knelt down beside the elf, concern etched across his face.


    Marlene and Charmelyn approached as well, silently watching over the weakened elf.


    Broken checked Elowen''s status, and what he saw confirmed his worst fears-her stats had plummeted to less than half of what they once were. Desperate, he reached for her hand,


    hoping to help in any way he could.


    [Healing Touch (Active Skill) Lv. 4]


    He activated the skill, but despite the gentle glow of healing magic, nothing changed. The magic seemed ineffective, barely touching the deep damage done to Elowen''s soul.


    "That can''t heal the elf, I''m afraid," Marlenemented quietly.


    "What''s going to happen to her?" Broken asked.


    "Most likely, she''s already sacrificed her soul. It''s just a matter of time before she loses her


    lifepletely," Marlene replied.


    Broken suddenly I heard soft sobbing. He looked up and realized it wasing from Ivana.


    "She sacrificed herself for us," Ivana said, her face filled with regret.


    Broken still held the elf''s hand gently. "Let''s bring her out of here. Maybe there''s still


    something we can do."


    Without a word, Ivana ced her hand on Elowen''s chest. Broken watched, unsure of what she


    was trying to do. A soft, white energy began to radiate from Ivana''s palm, flowing into


    Elowen''s chest.


    "Ivana, what are you doing?" he asked, confused.


    As he held Elowen''s hand, he suddenly felt her fingers twitch. His heart skipped a beat.


    Wait, is she recovering?


    Broken turned to Ivana, quickly checking her stats, and what he saw shocked him. Ivana''s total stats were dropping, and her level was rapidly decreasing.


    "Ivana! What are you doing?!" Broken shouted, but she didn''t respond, her focus entirely on


    Elowen.


    "She''s sharing her soul with the elf?" Marlene murmured. "Don''t waste your soul on a stranger," she added with a sigh, clearly concerned.


    Ivana''s level continued to drop-minus 11 levels now. 206, 205, 204...


    "Ivana!" Broken wanted to stop her, but he hesitated. He knew this was her own choice, her


    own will. But if her levels kept falling, and nothing changed for Elowen, wouldn''t it be a


    terrible waste?


    It seemed that Ivana''s sacrifice was indeed helping to restore Elowen, as her health and vitality were improving rapidly. However, whether this method would fully save the elf remained uncertain. There was a risk that Ivana''s continued loss of levels and stats might not be enough topletely revive Elowen or might even lead to unintended consequences.


    If Elowen''s core was too damaged or her soul too fractured, Ivana''s efforts could be in vain, leaving both of them gravely weakened.


    It was a race against time, and the oue was still hanging in the bnce.

 Chapter 403: Chapter 403 - Champion of the Dusk

    Chapter 403: - Champion of the Dusk


    ?


    Broken and the others watched anxiously as Ivana continued what appeared to be a self- sacrificial ritual to save Elowen from the brink of death.


    "Ivana, are you sure this will bring Elowen back? Is it worth it?" Broken pleaded, his voice filled with concern. "What kind of skill are you using?"


    His anxiety only grew as Ivana''s level kept dropping-203, 202, 201, 200...


    "Ivana!" he called out again, still unsure whether he should intervene.


    But as he nced at Elowen, something miraculous was unfolding before his eyes. Her status was recovering rapidly-her health, stats, and even her level were being restored, and at a rate far greater than what Ivana was sacrificing.


    Whatever Ivana was doing, it was working, and Elowen''s life seemed to be returning. The tension in the room began to ease as it became clear that her actions were truly saving the elf, though the cost to Ivana remained steep.


    Meanwhile, back at the House of Slumdon, the initial excitement from Broken''s victory had faded, reced by a growing concern over the unfolding events.


    "I think Broken''s stumbled upon something incredible again. That egg is definitely terrifying," Optimus said.


    "That was a demon egg, right? At this point, Broken won''t even need us anymore. Hoah..." Toberry yawned, a mix of fatigue and relief in his voice.


    "Yeah... I''m just d it''s over," Freya said with a calm smile.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "And what do you think Ivana is doing?" Elincia asked, turning to Maylock.


    "Exactly what Marlene mentioned, but how she has ess to that skill is something we''ll need to ask her directly," Maylock replied.


    Elincia added, "Well, just let us know if youe up with any interesting theories."


    Maylock sighed, visibly exhausted. "No, not today. I''m too tired."


    Shortly after that, the broadcast cut off, signaling that the battle was finally over.


    "Damn, I''m curious what''s going to happen next, especially with that elf girl," Jovina said. "We''ll just let Broken share the recap with us when he returns to Slumdon," Elincia said.


    Back in Gremory''s Throne Room, after a few tense moments, the elf girl coughed weakly, pulling her hand from Broken''s grasp to clutch her chest as she tried to steady herself. Her closed eyes fluttered open slightly.


    "She''s saved?"


    "Ivana! That''s enough!" Broken said urgently, grabbing Ivana''s hand, which was still pressed against Elowen''s chest, gently pulling her back. Ivana blinked and lifted her head, looking at Broken with a tired but happy smile.


    "She''s safe, Broken..." she whispered, her voice filled with relief.


    Elowen''s eyes fully opened then, confusion spreading across her face as she sat up quickly, scanning the room in panic. "Where is the demon? We need to kill her! Where is the demon?!" she eximed, her voice edged with fear.


    "The demon has been defeated, and it''s thanks to you," Broken reassured her.


    "What? How?" Elowen asked, her expression shifting from panic to bewilderment as she tried to make sense of the situation.


    Elowen inspected herself, staring at her hands in shock before touching her face. "I''m alive! No way! How am I still alive?" She then turned to Ivana. Elowen paused, her expression softening as realization dawned. "It''s you, isn''t it?"


    Ivana nodded with a gentle smile. "You saved us. I only did a small part to help you, and I''m just d you''re okay."


    Elowen pressed a hand to her forehead, her eyes shutting tight as a wave of emotion hit her. "What have I done?" she whispered, the weight of her actions sinking in. She then opened her eyes, dropping to her knees before Ivana. "Please, tell me what I can do to repay this. I owe you everything."


    Ivana knelt down, lifting Elowen''s shoulders gently. "I''m no one special. I just helped Broken. If you want to repay anyone, thank him," she said with a warm smile.


    Elowen steadied her breath and turned toward Broken once more.


    "So, you sacrificed yourself to kill that demon. Did you n all of this from the beginning?" he asked.


    "Honestly, yes... though I knew the sacrifice wouldn''t work unless the demon was already weakened. That''s why I only showed up when I sensed her state was deteriorating," she


    exined.


    "Well, not bad. At least she proved her usefulness," Marlenemented from behind Broken. Elowen looked over at Marlene, surprised by the blunt remark.


    "Just ignore her words," Broken said. He continued, "Have you helped the other ves yet?" "Mira is working on that. I think we should check if she needs any assistance," Elowen responded.


    Broken nodded. "We''ll be leaving this ce soon."


    Marlene then chimed in, "Subaru said all the demons have vanished from the castle grounds. I guess they all fled after Gremory''s death. That''s good news. He''s also trying to locate where the ves are being held."


    "That''s great news, thanks, Marlene," Broken replied, turning to look at her.


    Marlene offered a small smile in response.


    It seemed everything had returned to normal. The named demon was defeated, and, thankfully, there were no casualties among them. Ivana, though injured, was already showing signs of recovery, despite the level drop she had suffered. Broken couldn''t help but wonder if NPCs like her could regain levels more easily, especially since Ivana was a special NPC with remarkable progress rates.


    Elowen had been saved as well, despite her willingness to sacrifice herself. Her actions showed that she hade to Hell fully prepared to face any consequences, ready to give up everything if needed. The remaining demons outside had also been taken care of, and the rest of the team was ensuring the safety of the ves.


    "I will fulfill my promise-to bring everyone back to Yunatea," Elowen said, her voice


    resolute.


    "Do you need more support? Or is there a limit on how many people you can bring with you?" Broken asked.


    Elowen nodded. "Unfortunately, the skill only works for native Yunateans, so I can''t bring any of you yers with me."


    Broken nodded slowly, realizing he also needed to find a way to return Ivana to Yunatea. Although he could use the same summoning skill that had brought her to Hell.


    For now, though, everything seemed to be in order. The mission had been a sess-the named demon was dead, the team had survived, and the remaining demons were defeated. It was time to regroup, ensure the safety of the ves, and n their next move for the journey


    home.


    Broken stood up and nced at the scattered items on the floor-the strange loot that had been spat out by the demon egg earlier.


    "Well, now we talk about the loot. Our prizes," Marlene said with a smirk.


    Broken nodded in agreement. "Let''s do it."


    Broken scrolled through the stream of notifications that appeared after Gremory''s defeat.


    [Congrattions! You have sessfully ended the life of Duke Gremory - Vampiric Duchess


    Demon Lv. 258.]


    [This is a significant achievement, as the death of a Named Demon reduces the potential threat to the people of Yunatea.]


    [You have also made the greatest contribution in this battle, an aplishment that cannot


    be underestimated.]


    [For this achievement, you have earned the title: Champion of the Dusk]


    [You have received the following rewards:]

 Chapter 404: Chapter 404 - Gremory Soul Stone

    Chapter 404: - Gremory Soul Stone


    ?


    [For this achievement, you have earned the title: Champion of the Dusk]


    [You have received the following rewards:]


    [You have gained 50 Stat Points]


    [You have gained 100 Intelligence Stat Points]


    [You have gained High Affinity with Dark Element]


    [You have unlocked the Combination of Advanced Dark and Earth Elements, and gained Low Affinity with the Shadow Element]


    Broken read through the notifications he had previously skipped, feeling a wave of surprise wash over him. They had truly done it-they had defeated a Named Demon, ranked 56th, an enemy few could have imagined conquering.


    The rewards were just as astonishing: 15 levels'' worth of stat points, new affinity in the Dark Element, and an advanced Shadow Element. The possibilities of what he could achieve with these new elements swirled in his mind.


    This hadn''t been an easy fight. They had fallen twice before finally reaching this point. Every victory had been hard-earned, requiring careful nning, desperate attempts, and calling in all the support they could gather. He himself had unlocked a new ss during this arduous journey.


    But there was one secret he still kept to himself. He now possessed another Unique-grade ss, though no one knew its true rank. He had only told Maylock that the ss was Epic- grade.


    The truth? Broken now wielded four Unique-grade sses-an incredibly rare achievement. His power was growing at a rate no one could have foreseen, and with each battle, he was bing something far greater than even he had anticipated.


    [ss: Unique - Super Novice | Unique - Royal cksmith | Unique - Rift Digger | Unique - Elemental Forger]


    Damn! Broken thought to himself. Was there any other yer in Immortal Legacy with this many sses, let alone four Unique-grade sses? Unique-grade sses were known for their extreme rarity-maybe only a handful of yers had ess to them. And here he was, holding four!


    But he pushed the thought aside for now, deciding not to dive into analyzing the full potential of his new ss just yet. There would be time for thatter. For now, they had seeded in oveing a massive challenge by defeating the Named Demon.


    Broken walked over to Marlene, who had already lined up the items dropped by the Named Demon.


    "I haven''t checked the descriptions for each item. I''ll leave that to you. You can decide how to divide them among those who contributed to the battle," Marlene said.


    "I agree with that," Charmelyn added.


    "Well, Broken,e and take your prize. You''ve earned the right to choose whatever you want first. Just leave the rest for those who need it," Marlene said.


    As Broken approached, he noticed Marlene''s badly injured arm, her left hand severed. Without thinking, he grabbed her arm, making her turn to him sharply.


    "What are you doing?" she snapped.


    Damn, is this girl really the same person as Olivia outside the game?


    "Let me heal this wound," he said firmly.


    She pulled her arm back, ring. "Save your Mana. I don''t need it."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Ignoring her, Broken activated his skill.


    [Healing Touch (Active Skill) Lv. 4]


    "Shut up and let me heal you."


    Slowly, the wound on Marlene''s arm began to close, the skin knitting back together. While the


    hand would take a few hours to fully regenerate, the healing had done its job.


    "Thanks," she muttered, though she tried to maintain her usual tone of indifference.


    Charmelyn stood nearby, and Broken turned to her.


    "I don''t need your healing, Broken. We''re done here. I can use a healing potion once the cooldown is over," she said calmly.


    Broken nodded in understanding.


    The three of them then turned their attention to the seven itemsid out on the floor. Among them, something caught his eye-a Soul Stone, specifically Gremory''s Soul Stone. He hadn''t been mistaken.


    "Take the Soul Stone. You deserve this prize," Marlene said.


    Broken crouched down, his gaze moving over each item as he analyzed them one by one. Alongside the Soul Stone, there was:


    Crown: A headpiece that grants a significant boost to Shadow Element abilities.


    Ring: Perfect for melee fighters, enhancing strength, magic and critical damage.


    Dress: The very one worn by Gremory, which provided a boost to Intelligence and spellcasting power.


    Dagger: Sleek and deadly, likely imbued with shadow magic.


    Vial of Demon Blood: A potent material that could be used for crafting or enhancing items.


    Card with a vampire bat picture: A rare item, though its effects hadn''t been checked yet.


    Broken weighed his options carefully, deciding what he wanted most. He ced the Soul Stone at the top of his list, knowing it held the greatest value-especially since it came from a named demon. He picked up the Soul Stone and nced at the others.


    "You should just do it without asking!" Marlene snapped. "Otherwise, someone might take advantage of you." She added sharply, "Do it quick!"


    Broken smiled at her words, then reached for the Crown. "This will boost a shadow element user," he said, looking over at Marlene and Charmelyn.


    "I want it," Marlene dered.


    "I''ll take the dagger," Charmelyn chimed in. With that, the two of them grabbed their chosen


    items.


    Broken then turned to Ivana and Elowen, who stood a little farther from the group.


    "Broken, I won''t take anything. I came to help you, not to im rewards. You can have the


    rest," Ivana said firmly.


    Marlene cut in. "Honestly, besides Broken-who''s been crucial with his golem, the egg, and his summons-I''m certain Ivana yed an equally important role. You should take


    something to boost yourself."


    "I agree," Broken nodded.


    Marlene then nced at Elowen. "And this elf-she showed up just when we were


    overwhelmed. She deserves something too."


    "No," Elowen shook her head. "I don''t need anything. I want to take it, yes, I''m greedy. But the truth is, I was ready to die back there. You''re the ones who saved me." Broken stood up and handed the dress to Ivana. "Ivana, take this. It''s beautifully designed and boosts Intelligence. It alsoes with some useful skills, and the color adapts to the user. I think it''ll suit you well, especially to make up for the levels you lost."


    "Broken, keep it for someone who needs it more."


    "I''ll hold onto it, but you''re the one who''s going to wear it. Noints," he insisted.


    "Okay," she agreed quietly.


    Broken then thought about the Crystal Elegance Heels he''d won from a gacha ticket some time ago. He figured they''d match perfectly with the dress for Ivana, but he decided to save them for another time-when the moment was right.


    Broken turned to Elowen. "This ring is perfect for melee magic fighters. I''m sure it''ll suit


    you."


    Elowen nced at the ring, hesitating.


    "Take it," Broken urged. "This battle wouldn''t have ended without you."


    Elowen stayed silent for a moment before finally reaching for the ring. "I''ll take it, but I''ll


    repay you for its full value," she said seriously.


    Broken nodded in agreement.


    He then pointed to the vial of blood. "This has a higher quality than the one I got at the


    auction. I''ll take it for the egg."


    No one objected.


    That left the final item: a card. Broken studied it for a moment, intrigued by its effects.


    "What card is that, Broken?" Ivana asked, her curiosity piqued.

 Chapter 405: Chapter 405 - Vampiric Command Card

    Chapter 405: - Vampiric Command Card


    ?


    "I''ll go first," Marlene said, drawing everyone''s attention. "I need to make sure the others are okay. I''m sure there won''t be any more problems here. I''ll send you a message if anything


    importantes up."


    "Yes, thanks, Marlene."


    Marlene walked out of the room, the sound of her high heels echoing in the quiet space.


    Elowen chimed in next. "Let me go too. I''ll help look for the others," she said, and quickly followed after.


    Only three people remained in the room. Charmelyn then spoke up. "Broken, I''m heading out as well. I''ll contact you both in and out of the game with updates on the progress and the next n. Thanks."


    "Thanks, Charmelyn."


    "I''ll log out after this," she added. Then her figure vanished from the room.


    Now, only Broken and Ivana remained in the room. He turned to her, noticing the smile on her face.


    Ivana giggled. "Looks like it''s just the two of us now, along with this golem." She paused for a moment before adding, "I''m really d we made it out okay."


    "I''m d nothing happened to you," Broken replied.


    He nced at Ivana''s armor, noticing the cracks along her stomach and arms. "I''ll repair thister."


    Ivana shook her head, giggling softly. "I''m going to see Mr. Fokil and let him handle it. I miss him."


    "I''ll go with you," Broken replied with a grin. "It''s been a while since I''ve seen him too." Ivana nodded, her smile brightening as their eyes met. There was a brief moment of silence, a connection lingering between them.


    Without a word, Ivana tapped her armor, and in a sh, it vanished into her dimensional storage, revealing a simple white dress. She looked at Broken with a warm smile, and before he could react, she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him in a tight, unexpected hug.


    Broken froze for a second, then slowly rxed, returning the embrace.


    "Ivana?"


    She hugged him tighter. "I was afraid... that I wouldn''t be able to do my job well," she said, her voice breaking as soft sobs escaped her.


    Broken gently patted her back. So, even after all this, her biggest fear was not performing well? The battle hadsted as long as it did because of her. Things would''ve turned out very differently if she hadn''t been there.


    "You did everything perfectly, Ivana," Broken said softly. "You don''t need to worry. In fact, none of this would have ended like it did without you. You didn''t just protect us-you saved someone''s life. You''re far more valuable than you realize."


    "Thanks, Broken," Ivana whispered, her voice trembling as she sniffled. "You trusted me and invited me into this battle. I''m so happy..."


    Broken nodded quietly, holding her close as they embraced for a few moments longer. When Ivana pulled back slightly, her face was lit with a bright smile, though tears still streamed down her cheeks.


    Gently, Broken reached up and wiped the tears from her face with both hands. "After this, you need to restore your level right away, okay?" he said, his tone gentle but firm.


    "Yes, I will..." she replied softly, her voice steadying as her smile lingered.


    They held each other''s gaze for a moment before Ivana moved closer again, embracing him once more. They stood there silently, enveloped in each other''s warmth.


    "This hug feels soforting," she whispered softly.


    "Yes, it is... soforting," he replied just as quietly.


    Broken could feel the same sense of warmth and peace radiating from the embrace. After everything they had been through-the intense battle, the looming danger that had almost cost him Ivana-this quiet moment felt like a refuge, a ce of calm amidst the storm. He tightened his hold slightly, savoring thefort and making sure she felt the same ease he did.


    They stood like that for a while, simply holding each other, until Broken could sense that the heaviness in Ivana had lifted. When they finally let go, Ivana''s smile was calmer, softer, the tension from beforepletely melted away.


    "Now, you want to check that card, right? I''m curious what kind of card it is," Ivana said with a giggle.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Broken nodded, pulling out the card with the image of a vampiric bat, studying it closely. The card turned out to be an item that upied a Device slot for the user-an extra slot that didn''t interfere with gear or weapon slots. And it was Legendary-grade.


    [Vampiric Command Card]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Agility +100


    Intelligence +100]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 43]


    [A legendary card that summons the power of Gremory''s vampiric essence, transforming the user into a host of vampiric power. During this period, the user enters the Vampiric Swarm State, gaining ess to devastating abilities that drain life and amplifybat prowess.]


    [Skills:]


    [...]


    [User Restriction: Level 200 or higher.


    Affinity with Shadow Element.]


    There were four skills attached to the card, each intricately linked, creating a synergistic effect when used together. What stood out even more were the card''s impressive stats-when activated, it granted a +100 boost to Agility and +100 to Intelligence. However, the catch was that these stat boosts only applied when the card''s skills were active.


    "So, this is a Legendary-grade card, Broken?" Ivana asked.


    Broken nodded slowly, still studying the card''s details.


    The card didn''te with overlyplex restrictions; the only requirements were a minimum level of 200 and affinity with the Shadow Element. While affinity with the Shadow Element wasn''t somethingmon, both Marlene and Charmelyn had it, making this card


    also avable for them to use.


    [Vampiric Swarm State:


    Upon activation, the user enters Vampiric Swarm State for 90 seconds, summoning 300 vampire bats in a 40-meter radius. The bats deal 60% of the user''s base magic damage per second and drain 25% of the total damage dealt as health to the user and allies.


    Slow Effect: Enemies hit by the bats are slowed by 30% and have their healing reduced by


    50%.


    Cooldown: 3 hour


    Duration: 90 seconds


    Night Bonus: if activated during the night, the swarm would grow to 500 bats, increasing the healing effect to 35%, and reducing the cooldown by an hour.]


    The first skill, which was also the card''s main ability, was called Vampiric Swarm State. As the name suggested, it activated a state where 300 vampire bats were summoned, each dealing 60% base magic damage.


    Damn, 300 bats with that kind of damage? And it didn''t stop there-the bats also performed lifesteal for both the user and their allies.


    He recalled encountering a simr skill when they first entered Gremory''s territory, when swarms of vampire bats attacked everyone. But the damage from this swarm was on another


    level.


    With a duration of 90 seconds, the bats could deal massive damage torge groups of enemies. The only question was: how easy would it be for opponents to kill these summoned bats? If they were too fragile, the skill might not be as effective.


    But then again, during nighttime, the number of summoned bats could increase to 500, and


    the cooldown would be reduced to just one hour.


    Definitely an OP skill for a Legendary-grade item!


    "Do you like the skill, Broken?" Ivana asked.


    Broken nodded. "Yes, it''s definitely a cool skill, though I might only use this card with my


    alternate persona."


    "Uh?" Ivana looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"


    "Not much, I have some gear that can change my appearance-mostly Hell-themed. With


    this skill, I can use it when I''m hiding my identity as Broken."


    Ivana giggled. "I wonder what interesting things you''ll do with that identity? Can I join,


    Broken?"


    "Yes... you can wear the dress we got earlier, and we''ll find a good mask for you. Then we can


    do something fun with these new identities."


    Ivana giggled again. "In this ce?"


    "That''s an interesting idea. Let''s see if we can gather more Hell gear before we return to


    Yunatea."


    "Yes, I''ll help you with that."


    "Even if it means taking it from someone else?"


    "That''s a pretty bad idea, I guess... but I could try."


    Broken patted Ivana''s arm, signaling her to follow him out of the room as he continued


    checking the other three skills on the card. They chatted casually while walking down the


    corridor, the heavy footsteps of the golem behind them, sounding as if they might bring the


    building down.


    "So, are you interested in joining me on future adventures?"


    "Yes!" she replied without hesitation.


    "Even with risks like what we just faced?"


    Ivana giggled and nced at him. "That''s exactly why I''ll keep getting stronger... so you


    won''t have to worry about me."


    Broken smiled and took her hand, holding it as they walked together.

 Chapter 406: Chapter 406 - Vampiric Corruption

    Chapter 406: - Vampiric Corruption


    ?


    [Bloodborne Frenzy:


    Can be activated during Vampiric Swarm State. For every enemy killed by the bats, the user gains 15% attack speed and movement speed for 30 seconds, stacking up to 75%.


    Activation: This skill can be toggled on or off during the Vampiric Swarm State, with the attack and movement speed boost applying as long as the state is active.]


    Broken continued reading the next skill on the card: Bloodborne Frenzy. This toggleable skill could be activated during Vampiric Swarm State, boosting the user''s attack speed and movement speed by up to 75% for 30 seconds.


    Wow!


    The catch was that the bats needed to kill enemies to trigger the boost. But in arge-scale battle, this skill would have a massive impact. Just imagining getting a 75% boost for the full 90-second duration of the swarm, he knew he''d be able to move and fight at incredible speed. Whether using a melee weapon or a bow, hisbat potential would skyrocket.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The only downside was that the effectsted just 90 seconds. If only the duration were longer. But still, for a device-not even a weapon slot item-this Legendary-grade card had remarkable power.


    Then a thought hit him: What would happen if I engraved Gremory''s soul onto this card?


    [Blood Shield:


    Can be activated once the user has drained more than 30% of their maximum health from enemies. It grants a Blood Shield equal to 25% of the user''s maximum health for 1 minute.


    Activation: This shield can be activated at any time during the Vampiric Swarm State as long as the health-drain condition is met.]


    The next skill, Blood Shield, was an ability that could activate during Vampiric Swarm State. While the previous skill boosted his movement and attack speed, this one provided a shield, making him significantly harder to kill.


    This card''s impact was undeniable, though the cooldown was fairly long-three hours in normal mode and one hour at night. The only downside was that Blood Shield required manual activation, meaning the shield didn''t automatically apply. It added someplexity, especially with the sheer number of skills he now had at his disposal.


    But with time, he knew he''d get used to managing them and adapting to different situations, maximizing the card''s incredible potential.


    [Vampiric Corruption:


    This skill activates automatically when entering Vampiric Swarm State. Enemies affected by the bats take 15% more damage from all sources for 30 seconds after the swarm disperses. Activation: This skill is passive and activates whenever Vampiric Swarm State is initiated.] Thest skill, Vampiric Corruption, was an absolute game-changer. Enemies affected by the bats would take 15% more damage from all sources. That 15% boost was huge-damn, this skill made the card truly overpowered.


    Broken couldn''t wait to try it out. The card, being Legendary-grade, already had impressive status, but this skill pushed it beyond just "amazing." It was something on a whole different level, and he knew its impact would be massive in battle.


    He was eager to see just how devastating it would be in action.


    Broken received a message from Marlene, informing him that all the ves had been sessfully rescued, and they were waiting in the castle courtyard.


    He had no intention of revealing the golem to the rest of the Shadow Wolves, so Broken decided to keep it hidden for now. That meant leaving the golem inside the castle while he went to meet the others. And, of course, he wouldn''t be showing Ivana to them either.


    "Ivana, you stay with the golem while I meet with the rest. Is that okay?" he asked gently. Ivana smiled warmly and nodded. The golem opened apartment in its chest, and with a graceful leap, Ivana slipped inside.


    "It''s okay. I''ll wait here," she said, her voice calm, as thepartment closed behind her, keeping her safe within the golem''s protective embrace.


    As Broken stepped out of the castle, he saw several members of the Shadow Wolves gathered, along with a group of freed captives-humans mostly, with a few elves and beastkin among them. There were probably dozens, all looking worn but relieved.


    "Hei!" Subaru shouted as he spotted Broken approaching. Since Broken was still wearing his mask, they all respectfully avoided using each other''s real names.


    Subaru, grinning broadly, rushed over, followed by the others, hisughter echoing through the courtyard. "Hahaha! I caught a bit of your fight earlier-man, that was insane!" Subaru eximed.


    "Yeah, you were awesome out there!" another chimed in,ughing.


    "Broken, I''m so d you''re safe," Calista said.


    "Thanks," Broken replied with a nod.


    His gaze shifted to the freed captives, and he noticed Elowen and Mira standing nearby. Elowen, uncharacteristically cheerful, approached him with a warm smile¡ªa rare sight. She gently pulled forward a young elf girl with long blonde hair, likely in her teens.


    "Hey, this is my sister," Elowen said.


    The elf nced at Broken, her eyes lingering on his masked face before bowing slightly. "Thank you for saving us."


    Sister? So that''s why Elowen was so determined toe here-it was because one of them was her


    sister!


    Thankfully, they were all safe now.


    Broken returned her gesture with a respectful nod.


    "Has everyone been found?" he asked, wanting to make sure the rescue wasplete.


    Elowen exhaled deeply, her smile fading as she hesitated, avoiding a direct answer.


    Why? Broken wondered, sensing something was off. Were there stillrades or family members who hadn''t been found? The thought lingered, but he pushed it aside when Marlene approached, diverting his attention.


    "We''re nning to bring back the others who were left in the city, maybe tomorrow or the


    day after?" she said.


    "Okay," Broken said.


    Elowen nodded. "Yes, once everyone''s gathered, we can leave this ce."


    Broken turned to her. "Where''s your exit point? I mean, in Yunatea?"


    "It''ll be around Dissidia Kingdom."


    "People from Dissidia can return to their homes, and the same goes for those from Slumdon.


    But what about you and Mira? You''re not from the South Continent, are you?"


    Elowen hesitated, nodding slightly. "Yes... we''re not."


    "Let me know if you need a ce to stay."


    Elowen tilted her head, confused by the offer.


    Leaning in, Broken whispered, "I''m actually a Lord in Slumdon Town."


    "What? Really?" she said, surprised. "Would you be able to give us jobs and a ce to live if


    wee to your town?"


    "Yes," Broken confirmed. "I''m sure there will be plenty of work for people like you- especially those with battle skills and high levels. And don''t worry, the town is big enough to house your group. In fact, it''s in the middle of development, so we need more residents." Elowen nodded thoughtfully. "I''ll talk to the others about it."


    Broken smiled to himself, feeling a surge of enthusiasm at the thought. If Elowen, Mira, and the others agreed toe to Slumdon, he could potentially recruit some of them withbat abilities to be his Knights.


    After that, Broken spoke with Marlene about their ns.


    "I''ll take them with me," she said. "We''ll talkter about the beastmaster thing-you''re still


    interested, right?"


    Broken nodded. "Thanks, Marlene."


    She gave him a faint smile, said nothing more, and turned away.


    Soon, everyone climbed into the carriages and set off on their journey back, leaving Broken standing alone. It wasn''t long before ckthorn emerged from the castle, walking toward him.


    "Broken, are we leaving now?" came the deep, characteristic voice of the golem. It sounded strange, though, because he knew it was Ivana speaking from inside.


    He turned and smiled, then leaped up,nding on the golem''s shoulder. Ivana soon appeared


    as well, settling herself on the golem''s left shoulder with a wide grin, her hair flowing in the


    cool night breeze.


    "Let''s go," she said, brimming with excitement.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Thank you so much for reading and supporting Legendary Broken yer. I''m honestly overwhelmed and can hardly believe it has made it to the Top 25 on Webnovel''s ranking!


    I was actually ready to give up on writing after several failed attempts-especially after recently gettingid off from work. With the pressure of finding a new job to provide for my family, I didn''t think I could continue. But the love and support this book has received has


    completely changed that.


    Your encouragement has given me the motivation to keep going and put my all into this story.


    I owe it all to you!

 Chapter 407: Chapter 407 - Incredibly Long and Exhausting Night!

    Chapter 407: - Incredibly Long and Exhausting Night!


    ?


    ckthorn, the golem, moved at a slow pace. Compared to Polly, the Petal Charger, or even the carriages, this felt like a crawl. But there wasn''t much choice when it came to transporting a golem-it had to make the journey on its own. Sure, ckthorn could run, but not for long distances without exhausting its stamina. So, they had no option but to ept the golem''s steady, plodding rhythm.


    The Golem Summoning skill could only be used once every 24 hours, which made it handy in emergencies but far from a regr convenience. Even though Broken had gained a Golem Storage slot with his new ss, it wasn''t yet capable of storing a Legendary-grade golem. He would need to level up the skill several times before that became a possibility.


    Having a Legendary-grade golem-something even the most seasoned Golemacers rarely achieved¡ªwas a remarkable advantage. The fact that Broken had acquired ckthorn before even having the proper ss? That was pure luck. Though, managing it came with its own set of challenges.


    As he and Ivana sat on the golem''s broad shoulders, traveling through the night, Broken calcted it would take about three to four hours to reach their destination. He nned to leave the golem hidden in the forest, perhaps concealing it among the dense trees to keep it out of sight. Ivana could stay at the inn in town while he took care of other things.


    "Ivana, I''ll be gone for a few hours... maybe a day after this," he said, turning toward her.


    Ivana smiled and nodded. "Yes, I know... I''ll wait for you toe back."


    "I''ll rent you an inn in the city, okay?"


    "Inn?" she replied, looking a bit confused.


    "Yeah... you don''t n on staying in the forest with this golem, right?"


    Ivana hesitated for a moment. "But, Broken... isn''t that a demon town, filled with demons?"


    Broken nodded. "Actually, it''s all demons, except for a few humans and elves we rescued earlier."


    "Wouldn''t it be safer if I stayed with this golem?" she said softly.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Broken paused, considering the idea of Ivana being alone in the forest while he might be gone for more than a day, Yunatea time. Something about that didn''t sit right with him¡ªit didn''t feel safe.


    "You''re not nning on bringing the golem into the town, are you?" Ivana asked.


    "No... because taking a golem this big into town would draw way too much attention."


    Ivana nodded. "Then, I''ll stay with the golem. Wouldn''t it be safer if I stayed with this incredible golem?" she giggled.


    "But, Ivana, your level isn''t as high as it used to be-you''re below level 200 now."


    "But this golem has a high level, doesn''t it?" she countered with a yful smile.


    Broken mulled it over once more, the thought of leaving Ivana alone in the forest gnawing at him. Sure, she technically wouldn''t be alone-the golem would be there. But the golem could stay still, hidden, without drawing any attention. Ivana, on the other hand, was human. She couldn''t just sit inside the golem all day doing nothing-that would be like imprisoning her. "Broken... I''ll be fine. You don''t need to worry," Ivana reassured him.


    But he stayed quiet, still thinking it through.


    Ivana gently took his hand. "I''ll be okay, really. It''s safer if I stay with the golem. This golem is so powerful, and I can even hunt in the forest while I wait for you."


    "I''lle back as soon as possible, and after that, I won''t leave your side until we''re back in Yunatea," he promised.


    She nodded, trying to reassure him. "Yes, I''ll be fine. The golem''s strong, and I have a Unique-grade ss. Even if dangeres, I know how to defend myself... and if it gets really bad, I can still save myself. I will revive, after all..."


    Her voice faded as Broken tightened his grip on her hand.


    "Nothing will happen to you," he said, his tone firm.


    They spent the next few hours traveling, but it was far from boring. Ivana, with her natural cheerfulness, always found something interesting to talk about. She never seemed to run out of energy, her smile ever-present, lighting up the night. Even when Broken began to feel tired, he simply watched her as she spoke, enjoying the moment, her voice aforting presence.


    Suddenly, Ivana reached out, gently caressing his cheek, pulling him from his thoughts. Startled, he blinked, his focus snapping back to her.


    "Hey, you''re tired, aren''t you?" she said softly. "Why don''t you go rest for a bit? You need it."


    Broken shook his head. "I''ll stay with you until we reach the hiding spot."


    "I''ll be fine on my own," she reassured him. "You can go ahead and rest, then just summon the golem from afar when you''re ready."


    "I can''t," he replied. "If I summon the golem while you''re not inside it, you''ll be left behind."


    Ivana pointed ahead. "The town is over there, right?" she asked.


    Broken nodded.


    "I''ll head closer and stay in the forest near that area," she suggested.


    It was always frustrating when yers couldmunicate with each other but not with NPCs, especially in situations like this. Ivana, as an NPC, was vulnerable if left alone-particrly in a ce like this. There was no predicting what might happen.


    Broken declined Ivana''s offer to go ahead on her own. He chose to stay with her the entire way until they reached the spot where the golem would remain.


    When they finally arrived, it was a secluded area nestled in the hills, surrounded by dense forest. The clearing was just enough to hide the golem from a distant view, giving it a sense of both safety and security.


    By the time they reached the spot, the sun had begun to rise, casting a warm glow across thendscape. Despite the long journey, Broken hesitated to log out. Just then, a message from Charmelyn popped up, catching him off guard. She asked where he was and offered to stay with Ivana once he logged off.


    Relief washed over him. Knowing someone would be there to watch over Ivana, he finally felt at ease. They waited a few more hours, and soon enough, Charmelyn appeared, joining them. "Hi, Ivana," Charmelyn greeted, this time removing her mask, revealing Laura''s face-the first time Broken had seen her in-game.


    "Hi, Charmelyn..." Ivana responded, stepping closer with a bright smile. "Wow, this is the first time I''ve seen your face." She giggled. "You''re so pretty and cute."


    "Thanks," Charmelyn replied,ughing softly. "But you''re way more enchanting with your charm."


    She then turned to Broken with a smile. "I''ll stay with Ivana until you''re back online. You can leave her in my care."


    "Thanks, Charmelyn," Broken said, relieved. "And where''s your copy?"


    "Hunting and gathering some important intel around here... trying to make the most of this before heading back to Yunatea, right?" she added with a giggle-something Broken found surprising, as it was the first time he''d seen Charmelyn giggle in-game.


    She continued, "There''s some information I''m digging into, but I can''t share it just yet. Once


    I have more, I''m sure it''ll interest you."


    "And what''s it about? Another group of ves? An artifact?" Broken asked curiously.


    Charmelyn only nodded in response.


    Could there be more ve spots they hadn''t discovered yet? Broken wondered.


    Once everything was under control and knowing Ivana was in good hands, Broken logged out


    of the game. It had been an incredibly long and exhausting night!

 Chapter 408: Chapter 408 - Freya is Clueless

    Chapter 408: - Freya is Clueless


    ?


    The employees of Golden Age Company were glued to therge disy in the main control room, analyzing the streams of data pouring in. Their CEO, Marco, stood among them, his expression serious. The recent chain of events had shaken the bnce of the game- especially after one yer had managed to obtain four Unique-grade sses.


    "Several quests for acquiring Unique-grade sses have started to roll out to other yers, Mr. Marco," the assistant reported.


    "Just before weunch the Eternal Challenge, something like this happens," Marco responded thoughtfully. "It seems Broken''s significant progress is about to be met with equally extraordinary feats from other top yers."


    The assistant nodded and added, "And, surprisingly, several of those top yers are in close proximity to Broken, especially those who''ve already obtained Unique-grade sses ahead of the rest."


    Marco nodded. "What about the potential for the first Legendary-grade ss? Any developments?"


    The assistant continued, "Broken is clearly on the path to obtaining a Legendary-grade ss with his cksmith ss. However, it''s no easy feat. He needs to craft two more Legendary- grade items, which won''t be achievable in the near future."


    "And what else?"


    "Another yer is also pursuing a Legendary-grade ss. This one is from the top ranks in Immortal Legacy," the assistant said as the yer''s profile appeared on the screen.


    "He''s a Chinese yer, highly skilled in swordsmanship. Despite not registering in the official rankings, he''s explored most of the continents in Immortal Legacy."


    "Has this yer confirmed participation in the Eternal Challenge?" Marco asked.


    "The Chinese government is pushing hard for him to join," the assistant replied.


    Marco nodded slowly, considering the potential. "That will be good news for the future." He paused, then asked, "Any more urgent updates?"


    "Yes, it''s about the requirements to attain Divine Champion status," the assistant said. "The news has already spread widely, with various assumptions on how to take the title from someone. I believe this could stir up some chaos within the top guilds."


    Marco nodded. "Keep a close watch on it. Make sure we get updates on anything that might significantly impact Immortal Legacy."


    The assistant nodded, noting the seriousness in Marco''s tone. This development could shake the bnce of power among the game''s most elite yers, and the Golden Age needed to stay ahead of it.


    ***


    "So, Charmelyn is Broken''s ex from high school?"


    Maylock asked after Freya shared the background of Charmelyn and Marlene, who had recently met Broken in real life. Freya, Goldrich, and Maylock were all in the same room, and this information had already been cleared by Broken to be discussed openly.


    "Hahaha!" Maylockughed. "My predictions are never wrong. I''m such a genius."


    "Can you try to stay cool, Maylock?" Elincia chimed in. "Let others praise you-it''ll make you look even more impressive."


    "Ha!" Maylock responded. "I don''t need anyone''s praise. I''m confident in my brilliance already. Hahaha."


    "The real question is..." Elincia continued, "What about Marlene''s closeness to Broken?"


    "Hah!" Maylock replied, sounding a bit disinterested. "Like I said, Marlene is smart, maybe even cunning."


    "You should be careful when talking about Marlene, you know," Goldrich teased, chuckling. "Broken''s getting pretty close to her now."


    "Well, I''m just giving my perspective," Maylock said, shrugging.


    Elincia continued, "We all know Marlene is in Shadow Wolves, and her true intentions aren''t exactly clear. But she seems to have smoothly gotten close to Broken."


    "Well, she''s definitely a smart girl," Goldrich chimed in with a sly grin. "Khi khi khi... I bet she''s working hard to win over our boy''s heart. And I''m sure there are plenty of other women close to him too."


    "Is that true, Freya?" Elincia asked, ncing over at her.


    "I''m not his babysitter. Why are you asking me?"


    "Ah, sorry..." Elincia quickly apologized.


    Maylock chimed in, "So, here''s my take... We can say Marlene is someone who can''t be controlled by anyone-that''s the key point. She''ll make decisions that benefit her the most. As long as Shadow Wolves aligns with her goals, that''s where her focus will be." "Damn, are you basically saying she''s not loyal?" Elincia asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "Well, to put it bluntly, yeah, that''s what I''m saying," Maylock replied, pausing to take a deep breath. "Unless, of course, Broken somehow manages to win her over." Goldrich smirked. "That makes her a wild card-someone who can''t be controlled by anyone."


    The room fell into a brief silence, as they all considered theplexity of Broken''s position and his connection with Marlene.


    "So, is she safe?" Elincia pressed. "I mean, is it okay if Broken''s getting too close to Marlene?"


    "It depends on Broken... he''s the key. And it''s frustrating," Maylock replied, shooting a nce


    at Freya. "This guy really takes everything in stride. Just force him to form a guild already, because I''m switching to his."


    "You traitor!" Elincia shouted, giving the chair Maylock was sitting on a hard kick.


    "We''re all going to join him. It''s not betrayal-it''s a smarter alliance. Hahaha."


    Maylock stood up, stretching. "Now, let''s get to hunting. We want more Divine Champions in our guild, right? I want to be one too. It''s boring trying to work around my low-grade ss."


    Freya frowned. "So you''re nning to hunt Divine Champions too?"


    Elincia shrugged. "Every guild is doing it. We''re just following the trend."


    "Damn, you''re all power-hungry, huh?" Freya responded with a smirk, shaking her head.


    ***


    Leon was dressed neatly as he walked past the living room. Lily, eating in the kitchen, noticed and called out, "Bro, where are you going?" She carried her bowl over to him.


    "Dinner and a movie," he said.


    "Oh, with who?!"


    Just then, the doorbell rang. Leon opened the door to reveal a girl with long, straight ck hair, dressed fashionably with a designer bag. She nced inside and smiled.


    "Hi... I''m Olivia," she said, waving at Lily.


    "Hi... I''m Lily." Lily paused, then her eyes widened. "Wait, you''re Marlene from Shadow


    Wolves, right?"


    Olivia giggled, covering her mouth. "Shh, don''t say it so loud. Yes... I''m surprised you


    recognized me."


    "You''re really popr with the guys in my ss... they talk about you all the time," Lily said,n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    grinning.


    "Oh, I''m not too surprised," Olivia replied with a yful smile.


    Lily raised an eyebrow, clearly curious.


    "Let me take your brother out, okay? For a date... you cool with that?" Olivia asked with a grin.


    Lily nced at Leon, her expression questioning. "Okay... I mean, I have no right to stop you


    anyway."


    "Thanks! Nice to meet you, Lily. Next time, let''s hang out together, okay?"


    "Uh... sure," Lily replied, still a bit unsure.


    Olivia took Leon''s arm, waving as they headed out. "Alright then, bye, Lily."


    "Bye..." Lily waved back. Leon gave her a small wave before disappearing, and she watched as


    the door closed behind them.


    With a sigh, Lily rubbed her temples. Freya... does she not care about all these girls chasing after my brother? She has to remember they''re childhood friends, right? Or am I the one who


    needs to remind them?


    But then again... Freya, Laura, Hazel, and Olivia?


    "Are they all really going after Leon?" Lily muttered to herself. "Laura obviously still has


    feelings for him. Hazel... I''m not so sure about her. But this Olivia? Something about her


    seems off..."


    "And Freya... she''s just too clueless..."

 Chapter 409: Chapter 409 - Show Me a Sweet Smile

    Chapter 409: - Show Me a Sweet Smile


    ?


    That evening, Leon fulfilled his promise to take Olivia out for dinner and a movie. As they spent time together, he couldn''t shake the feeling that he was interacting with apletely different person-Olivia in real life was so unlike her in-game persona, Marlene.


    It was hard to tell which version was her true self. Yet both versions shared one key trait: they were equally unpredictable. There was always something hidden beneath the surface of her actions, something Leon couldn''t quite put his finger on.


    Yet, despite that mystery, Olivia was easy to talk to, open, and able to blend seamlessly into any conversation. That made it surprisingly easy for them to grow closer andmunicate well throughout the evening.


    They didn''t discuss anything too deep or serious, mostly chatting casually about Olivia''s life outside the game. She revealed that, besides gaming, she was apetitive swimmer, trained in martial arts, and even worked as a brand ambassador for a popr clothing line.


    It was a mix of everyday life and glimpses into her world, which, like her, was far from ordinary.


    The movie they watched was a sci-fi space adventure, and surprisingly, Olivia seemed to know quite a lot about space.


    "What do you think? Interesting, right?" she asked.


    "Super interesting, the best movie I''ve ever seen," Leon replied.


    Olivia yfully squeezed his arm, giving him a light pinch. "Alright, I''ll take that as a serious answer."


    As they walked out of the theater, with Olivia clinging to Leon''s arm, it was impossible for them not to draw attention. Olivia was strikingly beautiful, with a figure most men would dream of, and she was walking very close to him-very close.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "I don''t get this close to just anyone," she teased. "You''d better treasure this moment for the rest of your life."


    Leon nced at his phone briefly before putting it away.


    "Don''t check your phone for messages from someone else when you''re with me," she said, her voice carrying a yful edge.


    "You said I should remember this moment forever, right? I''m making sure to mark today''s date."


    Olivia giggled and pulled Leon out of the cinema with a quickened pace. "That''s a pretty clever answer. I didn''t see thating."


    "Thanks. People don''t usually call me smart. Mostly, they just say I''m a hard worker." "Well, if you''re not smart, at least being hardworking is a good choice for you," she teased.


    "Thanks. I know people who think they''re smart, like you, usually don''t admit anyone else is."


    Olivia responded with nothing more than a giggle.


    Olivia once again insisted that Leon ept her offer to use the beast contract slot she had offered him. After sessfully building affinity with a Demon Beast-a ming horse, no less -Leon knew he couldn''t pass up the opportunity.


    Still, there was the lingering concern: What if Olivia asked for something in return that Leon couldn''t fulfill?


    But she reassured him over and over that she had no intention of trapping him. At one point, she even yfully pressured him, saying,


    "We''ve been through so much together!" She patted the back of his hand, adding, "Do you still not trust me? Can''t you see the sincerity in my eyes?"


    "No... I don''t see it," Leon replied bluntly.


    "You''re so mean," she sighed dramatically.


    She continued, "I''ve told you before, this is something incredibly valuable for a Beast Master. You need to understand how important this is. So just take it, while we still have this chance in Hell."


    Olivia smiled at him, her expression so elegant and sweet that for a moment, Leon found himself distracted.


    She really is enchanting, he thought. Olivia possessed a grace that was hard to match. But then his mind drifted to Freya. Freya was cheerful, pure, and undeniably sharp. Both women were elegant and intelligent in their own way.


    But the girl before him now? Olivia was a mystery wrapped in charm.


    "I can tell you''re starting to fall under my spell, aren''t you?" Olivia teased.


    "I''m captivated by your overconfidence," Leon shot back.


    She giggled. "I don''t always flirt with guys, you know."


    "Does that mean I''m insignificant because you''re being so blunt about it with me?"


    "More like you''re so tough that I have to try harder," she replied with a yful wink.


    "I think we''re close enough for... well, the standard of being friends?" he suggested, raising an eyebrow.


    "Well, we could always explore more than friendship," she said, giggling again, clearly enjoying the yful back-and-forth.


    She continued, her tone serious but yful. "So, the offer-take it."


    Leon finally nodded, epting her offer. "Yes... I''ll take the deal."


    After all, Olivia had exined that he could perform the contract on his own without needing her to be present. She would simply give him a token to use for forming the contract, meaning she wouldn''t have any knowledge about the specific Beast he chose to bond with.


    "Good... yeah... I won," she said with a cheerful expression.


    They continued chatting as they finished their dinner, shifting the conversation to the movie they had watched. Olivia enthusiastically exined how much she admired the producer and all the films he had created, going into detail about her favorite works.


    "Next time, let''s watch another film from this producer, okay?" she suggested.


    "That sounds like a good idea," Leon agreed.


    After dinner, Olivia stood up and smiled before sliding into the seat next to Leon. He


    wondered what she was about to do.


    Without a word, she pulled him closer by the shoulder, positioning herselffortably as she leaned into his chest, their cheeks lightly touching.


    "Show me a sweet smile," she remarked, lifting her phone and snapping a few photos.


    She checked the results, but seemed unsatisfied, taking more shots while adjusting Leon''s


    face to get a better angle, asionally nudging him to smile more.


    "More smile, please..." she said yfully. "There, that''s better."


    After snapping several photos, she seemed satisfied and quickly posted one to her social media ount. Turning the screen toward Leon, she revealed the caption:


    "Had an unforgettable movie and dinner with my new friend tonight. Do you recognize the handsome guy with me?"


    She shed him a teasing smile, clearly enjoying his reaction as she showed him the post.


    "You surely put me in harm''s way by posting that photo. Your fans are probably going to


    come after me," Leon said with a sigh.


    "That''s good! Your reputation will skyrocket. You should be thanking me," Olivia teased.


    "Thanks, I''ll be ready to ignore even more hatements."


    "You''re used to getting insults by now, aren''t you?" sheughed.


    After dinner, they headed back together since Olivia was staying at the same hotel. Leon drove them in his Northstar EV, and he made sure to walk her to her hotel room door.


    Just before she opened the door, Olivia leaned in and kissed Leon on the cheek again, this time lingering for a moment as they stood face-to-face.


    "Thanks for tonight," she said softly.


    "I had a good time. You''re wee," he replied with a smile. She then opened the door and


    stepped inside.


    A whileter, Leon entered his hotel room and found Lily sitting in the living room, staring at him with a cold expression. She raised her phone, showing him Olivia''s post from earlier.


    "You follow her social media ount?" he asked.


    "No, I just wanted to check."


    Leon headed toward the kitchen.


    "You''re probably dying to read thements about you, right?" she teased.


    "How''s the ratio, good and bad?" he asked over his shoulder.


    "About 90%."


    "Good?"


    "Bad."

 Chapter 410: Chapter 410 - Come to Slumdon and Meet Me There

    Chapter 410: - Come to Slumdon and Meet Me There


    ?


    The next day, Broken quickly logged back into Immortal Legacy and found himself in the forest where he hadst logged out. Ivana was out hunting with Charmelyn, and the game showed it was still morning.


    "Has Charmelyn not logged out since then?" he wondered.


    Seeing how long Charmelyn had been in the game, it seemed like she should have logged out by now. He reached out to ask where they were. Charmelyn replied that she''d be back in a few hours, as they were focused on recovering Ivana''s lost levels, so they were spending all their time hunting.


    "But there''s no way they can recover all of Ivana''s lost levels in just one day, right?" Broken thought to himself.


    But then again, Broken reminded himself that Ivana had leveled up pretty quickly, hadn''t she? Maybe NPCs, with their unique leveling systems, handled things differently, and their progress could vary in unexpected ways.


    Even so, getting Ivana''s levels back up was a top priority-she had incredible potential. It would be a real shame if she fell behind after everything she''d done to help Elowen.


    In fact, her sacrifice had made a huge impact. She had managed to bring back Elowen, whose soul was almost shattered in her attempt to kill Gremory. And yes, Elowen truly deserved that help. She had shown she wasn''t thinking of herself when she made that self-sacrificing choice.


    While waiting, Broken took out the Demon Egg from his inventory and checked its progress, which had now reached 97%. However, they only had two days left in Hell. Would that be enough time to actually hatch this egg?


    He tried supplying the egg with Mana again.


    [The Hatchling rejects this Mana... It''s bored with the same Mana over and over again. It needs Mana from higher creatures, a royal, something above lesser beings.]


    "Wait... it''s now called ''The Hatchling"?" Broken realized the status had changed.


    But why wasn''t the egg epting his Mana anymore? And how was he supposed to push it to 100%?


    Broken then pulled out the vial of blood he had got from Gremory. He carefully dripped it onto the egg, and, sure enough, the egg absorbed it. But no progress was made. He tried several more times, but nothing changed.


    Frustrated, he tapped the demon egg''s shell lightly. "Hey, little demon... could you be a bit more cooperative and hurry up and hatch?"


    His mind wandered back to what the egg had done during the battle against Gremory. It had controlled blood magic, even unlocking a new element, a fusion of Blood and Shadow. It had even consumed Gremory afterward. Surely, this wasn''t just any ordinary egg, right? But now, it just sat there, unresponsive.


    He tapped the egg again, trying to talk to it. "A higher creature? Royal?"


    He pondered for a moment. "Does it have to be from the Demon race, or could it be from another race?"


    The only royal he knew was Princess Alora. Maybe he could ask her to help supply Mana for the egg. But that would mean leaving Hell first, and who knows if the progress would continue normally once they were out of Hell?


    This uncertainty was really starting to bother him, especially since the egg''s progress was so close topletion.


    But then, a thought crossed his mind-maybe it was time to consult someone who knew more about these things.


    That day, Elowen was preparing to bring everyone they had rescued back to Yunatea. The members of the Shadow Wolves were busy shuttling people to a designated open area in the forest, where the portal for their return would be set up.


    Broken also nned to take Ivana back to Yunatea using Marlene''s exit portal, while he''d ask Charmelyn to use ckthorn''s portal and summon the golem from Yunatea. This way, they could avoid any unnecessary fuss between Marlene and Charmelyn.


    Broken was also keen on keeping Ivana''s presence a secret from the other Shadow Wolves. He figured he could simply ask them all to leave first, and then he and Ivana could exit afterward, avoiding any suspicion.


    Technically, Ivana could leave with Elowen through her route out of Hell, but for some reason, Broken didn''t want Ivana too far from him. Sure, if she went with Elowen, she could help ensure everyone reached their destination safely.


    But knowing Ivana, with her habit of going the extra mile for others, she''d probably end up escorting everyone to the doorstep of their homes-and that would take a lot of time. Time she needed to recover her lost levels quickly.


    Yes, the n was set.


    Broken rode his Petal Charger through the forest toward the gathering spot where Elowen and the others were assembling. As he arrived, he noticed Marlene and a few others were already there.


    He approached her. "Is everyone here?"


    "No, there are still a few groups left. Subaru is bringing them over in turns," Marlene replied. They walked a bit away from the crowd, as Broken had something specific he wanted to discuss with her. He exined the situation with the demon egg-how its progress had stalled despite being close to hatching, and that they would soon need to return to Yunatea. "Mana from a royal member?" Marlene repeated his words thoughtfully. "Well, at this point, I don''t think you need to worry about bringing the egg back to Yunatea, even if the progress isn''t at 100%."


    "Uh, really?"


    "Yes... we can assume your business with the egg here is done. You can continue the hatching process outside of Hell, though I''m not sure how you''ll meet the egg''s demands," she paused briefly, considering. "Given the request for royal Mana, and the fact you''re connected to Princess Alora, you might be able to ask her to supply the Mana for the egg."


    Broken absorbed the information and nodded in agreement, acknowledging Marlene''s suggestion. It aligned perfectly with what he had already been considering.


    In fact, he had obtained the demon egg during the Trial Domain challenge alongside Princess Alora, and now that the egg was demanding something only she could provide, the timing felt almost too coincidental.


    Broken had also been nning to meet with her after his expedition in Hell, to deliver the sword she had ordered from him. This would be the perfect opportunity to handle both


    matters at once.


    A few minutester, everyone who was heading back to Yunatea had gathered, including


    Elowen and Mira.


    "Come to Slumdon. We''ll wee you with open arms," Broken said.


    Elowen raised an eyebrow yfully. "I hope your hospitality doesn''t disappoint. We''ll head


    to Slumdon right after we return everyone to their homes."


    "Thanks, Mr. Broken," Mira chimed in. "Uh... does that invitation include us too?"


    "Yes, it''s for everyone. Come to Slumdon and meet me there," he replied with a nod.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Thanks... I''m really happy to hear that offer," Mira said with a warm smile.


    After that, Elowen and Mira walked a little farther away. Elowen pulled out something that looked like a ne, holding it tightly as she began a long chant. When the chanting


    finished, the ne crumbled, and a portal appeared before them.


    One by one, everyone stepped through, until only Elowen and Mira remained.


    "Thanks for your help," they said, waving as they disappeared into the portal.


    Broken''s mind lingered on the item Elowen had just used. What was that ne? Could he craft something like it? He made a mental note to ask her about itter.

 Chapter 411: Chapter 411 - I’m Taking this Horse With Me

    Chapter 411: - I¡¯m Taking this Horse With Me


    ?


    Elowen and the others who had been rescued had sessfully returned to Yunatea, specifically to the Dissidia Kingdom. At least, that''s what should have happened after they escaped from Hell. Meanwhile, Broken and the rest only had one day left before they too would leave Hell.


    That evening, Broken finally epted Marlene''s offer to borrow one of her beast contract slots. To his surprise, the skill worked seamlessly. Marlene ced a mark on the back of his hand¡ªa translucent magic circle that only appeared when he activated the skill tied to it. Together with Ivana, Broken rode the Petal Charger, heading deep into the dense forest where he had instructed the fire horse to hide a few days earlier. They wandered for hours, riding through the shadowy woods, weaving through the trees with no clear path in mind.


    Suddenly, in the pitch-ck darkness, Broken caught a glimpse of light in the distance-a faint, flickering glow moving swiftly toward them. The light grew brighter and more intense, and in a matter of moments, the fiery figure was racing toward them at incredible speed. As it approached, the mes licking its form became clearer, revealing a horse unlike any other.


    Its body seemed like a living nightmare-parts of it exposed bone, while the rest of its flesh was engulfed in roaring, crimson mes. The fire wrapped around its skeletal limbs, illuminating the charred remnants of its mane and tail, which danced like tongues of fire in the wind.


    Broken dismounted from Petal Charger and slowly approached the fire horse. Ivana followed closely behind. The horse, still recognizing him, lowered its me-wreathed head toward him. Gently, Broken reached out and stroked its fiery mane.


    "Hey, you still remember me," he said softly. He checked his affinity with the beast and saw it was at 40%. It had dropped slightly, but still remained within a safe range, ording to Marlene.


    [Unique - Charfire Equine Lv. 223]


    Ivana''s eyes lit up with excitement as she smiled at the sight of the horse. "The horse is so beautiful, Broken."


    "Beautiful?" Broken looked at her, puzzled by her choice of words.


    To him, the horse was more than just beautiful-it was fierce, cool, with mes licking its exposed skeletal frame. It looked like an undead horse engulfed in fire, more terrifying than anything he''d call "beautiful."


    But Ivana, still captivated, reached out to touch the horse''s head. The horse flinched slightly at first, startled by her approach, but quickly calmed down as her hand rested on its skull.


    "You could get burned if you don''t have affinity with Fire, or if you''re not attuned to this beast, Ivana," Broken warned.


    Ivana nodded, her hand still resting gently on the horse. "The damage isn''t that bad. In fact, this horse is really gentle."


    Broken couldn''t help but be impressed. Ivana had bonded with the Charfire Equine so effortlessly, as if the creature could sense her kindness. It made him wonder if she truly had a natural gift for connecting with creatures, even ones as wild and dangerous as this.


    [Demonic Pact: Beast Haven (One-time usage skill)]


    [Forms a permanent bond with a chosen demon beast, creating a private haven where the beast can rest and grow. The user can summon and dismiss the beast as needed.]


    [The beast requires monster cores to stay nourished and evolve, with higher-grade cores offering better growth.]


    [Combat Growth: The beast gains experience in battles and bes stronger.]


    [Sync Leveling: The beast''s level can sync with the user''s progress.]


    Broken reviewed the information about the Demonic Pact skill Marlene had shared with him. It was clear from the description that the skill could only be used once, as it was a derivative of Marlene''s main ability.


    "Hey..." Broken spoke to the fiery beast before him. "Let''s make a contract. I''ll take you from this world to another, called Yunatea."


    The horse stomped its feet, shifting its body in response to his words, clearly agitated by the idea. Broken watched, puzzled by its reaction.


    What does this beast mean? he wondered. How am I supposed to understand what it''s trying to say?


    Just then, Ivana called from beside him.


    "Broken..." she said softly.


    "Yes?" he turned to face her.


    "Uhm..." Ivana hesitated. "For some reason, I feel like I can understand what this beast is saying."


    "Really? And what''s it telling us?"


    Ivana paused, staring into the hollow, me-filled eyes of the Charfire Equine, which seemed to be gazing back at her with an intense, almost sentient awareness.


    "He... he has someone else here," Ivana finally said.


    "Someone else?" Broken repeated, taken aback. "A new master? Or what?"


    Broken turned back toward the horse, but before he could say anything, they heard the rapid pounding of hooves again. Momentster, a sh of fire appeared from between the trees, and another horse, simr in form to the first, emerged from the shadows. This new horse had a more slender build, appearing less muscr than the original beast.


    It instantly reminded him of the carriage train from that young demon lord''s procession- there had been several fire horses like these, though he had only paid attention to this one because of itsrger size and more intense mes.


    [Epic - Charfire Equine Lv. 201]


    The second horse was clearly of the same type, but its grade was Epic, and its level lower than


    the first.


    "So, this horse here is a female version of the beast?" Broken asked Ivana.


    Ivana nodded and smiled. "I think so."


    Broken nced back at the first horse. "Is this your mate?"


    The horse responded by shifting its body and stomping its hooves, as if confirming his question. The mes around its skeletal form red briefly, casting an even more intense glow around them.


    It all started to make sense. The two horses were connected, and perhaps that''s why the first one had hesitated about leaving.


    Ivana approached the second horse with a warm smile, her hands gently resting on its head as she stroked its mane. The connection between them seemed effortless, as if she couldmunicate with the beast without words. Meanwhile, Broken stood deep in thought, unsure of how to handle the situation.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He could form a contract with the first horse, but that would mean leaving the second one behind. And he wasn''t sure how separating them would affect the affinity he had with the first


    Charfire Equine.


    Marlene had emphasized the importance of building trust and forming a strong bond with the beast, as a deeper connection could unlock special abilities.


    These two were clearly a pair. While Broken had the option to take both horses to Yunatea, he wasn''t sure how to make that happen. Charmelyn would be traveling via ckthorn, summoned from Yunatea, while Ivana had the remaining portal slot from Marlene. The contracted beast could be stored in his private dimensional space, so it wouldn''t need a portal


    slot.


    But that left no way to bring the second horse out of Hell.


    How can I make this work? he wondered. He didn''t want to harm the bond between the horses, norpromise the potential abilities of the first one by separating them. It seemed like bringing both out of Hell was the only solution, but he needed to figure out how.


    Broken observed Ivana, who seemedpletely engrossed in whatever silent interaction she was having with the second horse. The creature appeared enthusiastic, almost as if it weremunicating with her on some deeper level.


    But how could Ivana possibly understand a demon beast? Was it just intuition? Surely, she couldn''t bemunicating with it as humans do with one another.


    He nced back at the first horse, weighing his options. It seemed like forming a contract would have to wait. Surprisingly, he didn''t feel too disappointed-he could always return to Hellter and im both beasts. They''d survive here, and the chances of them being hunted


    down seemed slim.


    But is that really true? he wondered. What if the beast gets killed after I leave? He sighed, wrestling


    with the thought, considering every angle carefully.


    Just then, Ivana''s voice broke through his thoughts.


    "Broken..."


    He snapped out of his reverie, turning to her. "Yes, Ivana?"


    "Go ahead and form the contract already... I''ll adopt this one," she said with a grin.


    "What?" Broken blinked, confused by what she meant.


    Ivana chuckled. "You heard me. I''m taking this horse with me too."

 Chapter 412: Chapter 412 - The Flame Riders

    Chapter 412: - The me Riders


    ?


    "Ivana..." Broken said, trying to rify what he just heard from the girl. "What did you just say?"


    "Uhm..." Ivana responded, her voice filled with a hint of excitement. "Look at this, Broken."


    Ivana then ced her hands on the second horse''s head again. Suddenly, the mes surrounding the creature red wildly, swirling like a vortex. In a sh, the horse was sucked into the mes and vanished right before their eyes.


    "What just happened?!"


    Ivana giggled. "I formed a contract with the horse. Now she''s staying in her own space."


    "Formed a contract?!" Broken was stunned. "Ivana, only beast masters can form contracts with beasts, especially demon beasts. How did you do that?"


    Ivana shrugged with a smile. "I just triedmunicating with the horse, and then I got an option to form a contract with it."


    "Wait, what?" Broken was still reeling from the surprise. How does she manage to do things like this so easily? Every time they were in a situation where something was needed, Ivana somehow developed the exact ability required to solve it. It left Broken in awe-and a little bewildered.


    "How is this possible?" he murmured, more to himself than to her.


    "Can you do anything else, like heal the beast or form contracts with multiple beasts, Ivana?" Broken asked, still trying to wrap his head around what had just happened.


    Ivana paused for a moment, then smiled and shook her head. "I don''t think so, Broken... I can only store the beast in something like a special dimensional space for it. And summon it whenever I need to."


    Isn''t that a beastmaster skill? It sounded exactly like the skill Marlene had shared with him.


    "But how did you suddenly get that skill? You couldn''t do this before, right?" he asked, genuinely perplexed.


    Ivana seemed confused herself. She gave a small smile and shrugged. "Maybe because I really wanted to bring the horse with me? since... well, you''re going to have the same horse," she added casually.


    Her words made Broken think of Princess Alora. During a critical moment, she had suddenly gained assistance from her ancestor, King ndorr, the Sloth Champion, and received a powerful upgrade. Could something simr be happening with Ivana?


    "Do you have any important ancestors, Ivana? Like a Divine Champion or someone special in your lineage?" Broken asked, half-joking but genuinely curious.


    Ivana paused, giggling softly. "What are you talking about? Of course, I wouldn''t know... I was raised by Gia since I was a child."


    Broken sighed, feeling both amused and intrigued by the mystery surrounding her. There''s definitely more to her than she realizes, he thought.


    But then he remembered that some Warrior sses had skills to adopt a beast as their steed, though not as advanced as a specialist beast master. It made sense, really. A ss like Ivana''s could easily have at least one skill to tame a beast for casual riding.


    "Broken, let''s form the contract now... we can both have simr beasts, and bring them out of here together!" Ivana said excitedly.


    "Okay," Broken nodded, turning back to the first horse.


    He focused on activating the skill.


    [Demonic Pact: Beast Haven (One-time usage skill)]


    [You have activated the Demonic Pact skill]


    [Target Demon Beast detected.]


    [Affinity requirements met.]


    [There is no resistance from the beast.]


    [Would you like to form the pact?]


    Broken nodded.


    [The pact has been formed.]


    [A new Demon Beast has been registered: Unique - Charfire Equine Lv. 223]


    [Beast Haven has been unlocked. You can store the beast within it and summon it whenever you wish.]


    [The pact formation isplete.]


    With the contract sealed, Broken felt a strange but powerful connection form between him and the Charfire Equine. He now had full control over when and where to summon the fiery beast.


    "Looks like it''s done," Broken said, ncing at her. "We did it."


    Ivana smiled brightly. "Now we can bring them both with us!"


    Broken smiled, satisfied that yet another of his objectives had beenpleted. He stored the Charfire Equine, watching as the fiery horse vanished from his sight-so convenient. Turning back to Ivana, he noticed her excitement.


    "Let''s go for a hunt, Broken," she said eagerly.


    "Hunt?" Broken paused, but then an idea struck him. A particr demon came to mind, one he''d been itching to hunt again¡ªespecially because the drop items from that demon were


    incredibly valuable.


    "Yes, let''s hunt," he agreed.


    Both of them summoned their Charfire Equines simultaneously, and seeing the two identical beasts appear before them filled Broken with a sense of excitement. There was something thrilling about sharing this moment with Ivana.


    "Broken, let''s give the beasts names!" she suggested enthusiastically.


    "A name?" He thought for a moment. "Do you have any ideas for both of them, Ivana?"


    "You''re letting me name both?" she asked.


    "Yes,"


    Ivana tapped her finger on her lips, thinking hard before grinning with excitement. "How about ze for yours, and re for mine?"


    "ze and re..." Broken repeated, smiling. Though his smile was more in response to Ivana''s infectious joy than the names themselves. "Yes, those are great names. I like them."


    "Thanks... I like them too," she giggled.


    Broken then turned to his beast. "Hey, ze... your name is ze now."


    The horse let out a soft whinny, lifting its head and tossing it as if acknowledging the new


    name.


    Broken mounted the Charfire Equine, and for a moment, he was overwhelmed by a wave of pure euphoria. The thrill of sitting atop the ming horse was even better than he had


    imagined.


    Damn! Damn! Damn.


    With a grin, Broken equipped the Mask of Scorched Fury, a demon helmet that made him look


    as if his head were engulfed in mes. Then came the Molten Bulwark, a chest armor with fiery streams flowing across its surface. Lastly, he summoned The Scorch yer, a longsword wreathed in fire. All three were Legendary-grade items.


    Toplete the look, he wore the Invincible Paragon, an armor set that, while not fiery itself, adjusted its color scheme to match. It now glowed with molten redva patterns, casting an eerie glow against the dark night.


    He turned to Ivana, feeling the weight of his new appearance. "Ivana, what do you think?"


    Ivana''s eyes widened with excitement. "Broken... you look so cool!"


    Her response only made him grin wider. This is perfect, he thought.


    Ah, Broken suddenly remembered something. He pulled out the Dress of Shadows, a rare item he had looted from Gremory, along with the Crystal Elegance Heels he had won from a gacha


    ticket.


    He dismounted from ze and handed the items to Ivana. "Here, wear these, Ivana. I''m sure they''ll suit you perfectly."


    Ivana nodded, taking the dress and heels with a smile. She disappeared briefly behind some trees, and when she returned, she looked breathtaking. The ck dress flowed down to the ground like a shroud of darkness, with a slit running high along her left leg. The heelsplemented the outfit perfectly, adding an air of elegance to her look.


    As soon as Ivana mounted her Charfire Equine, the dress ignited with a subtle aura of mes, flickering around her body. It was one of the special effects of the dress, adjusting to her attributes and surroundings, adding a fierce, fiery touch.


    "You look perfect, Ivana," Broken said, admiring how the outfit enhanced her presence.


    "Really? I like it too... thanks. Now we look like a pair of fiery demons ready to burn the world," she said in her usual innocent tone.


    Broken chuckled at her choice of words. "Your word choice, Ivana... but yeah, I think that''s a


    great idea." Heughed softly.


    Ivana only needed a demon mask now to fully disguise herself, in case Broken wanted to


    invite her along for one of his undercover missions.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Okay, Ivana, follow me," Broken said. "There''s a unique monster we can hunt that drops


    some pretty valuable items."


    "Yes, I''m ready," she responded eagerly.


    ze and re took off through the trees, their hooves leaving trails of fire in the dark forest. The two riders, wrapped in mes themselves, raced side by side, a fierce and striking duo-


    two zing figures atop fiery steeds, ready for the hunt.


    "Ivana, give me a good name for our duo."


    Ivana''s face lit up as she thought for a moment. "How about... ''The me Riders?'' Or...


    ''Firestorm Duo''? Oh! Maybe ''ze and Dazzle!''"


    Broken chuckled at her suggestions. "I think you''ve got a pretty unique imagination, Ivana,"


    The said with augh.

 Chapter 413: Chapter 413 - Infernal Bond

    Chapter 413: - Infernal Bond


    ?


    [Name: ze]


    [Grade: Unique]


    [Level: 223]N?v(el)B\\jnn


    [Race: Charfire Equine]


    [Strength: 239 | Agility: 754 | Intelligence: 654 | Constitution: 432 | Stamina: 512]


    [Skills - 3]


    [...]


    While riding, Broken took a moment to check the status of his Charfire Equine. He was pleased with what he saw-Level 223! That was impressive by any standard.


    The beast''s stats stood out, with Agility and Intelligence being the highest. It was clear that the Charfire Equine was built for incredible movement speed and potent magic damage. Intrigued, he began reading through the three skills that were attached to the beast, eager to understand its full potential.


    [me Dash (Active Skill)


    Surges forward, bing a zing streak of fire that scorches everything in its wake.


    Effect: Increases movement speed by 150%, leaving a trail of mes that deals 200% fire elemental damage per second to enemies who touch it.


    Cooldown: 20 seconds.


    Duration: 5 seconds.]


    The first skill, me Dash, was pretty standard for a mount-especially for a horse-but what caught his attention was the insane 150% speed boost! Damn! The durationsted for 5 seconds, with a 20-second cooldown.


    This made the skill incredibly valuable when used at the right moment-whether for dodging, escaping a fight, or repositioning duringbat. It was the kind of skill that could turn the tide of a battle if timed correctly.


    However, he realized that me Dash wouldn''t be ideal for long journeys, as it seemed to drain both Mana and Stamina heavily. Still, if used sparingly and strategically, it could be a game-changer without overexerting the beast.


    [Hellfire Nova (Active Skill)


    Releases a powerful burst of hellfire, incinerating nearby enemies.


    Effect: Deals 600% Intelligence as fire damage to all enemies within 15 meters, and applies a burning effect that deals 100% Fire elemental damage as DoT for 8 seconds.


    Cooldown: 45 seconds.


    Duration: 8 seconds.]


    The second skill, Hellfire Nova, packed some serious damage. It dealt 600% Fire elemental damage initially, and while that didn''t seem overwhelming at first, the real value came from the Damage over Time effect, whichsted for 8 seconds. This made it an excellent defensive skill, allowing the beast to hold its own duringbat, even when Broken wasn''t riding it.


    At least with this skill, if Broken needed to dismount, the Charfire Equine could still fight and survive on the battlefield. Unsummoning and resummoning the beast took time, so Hellfire Nova provided a way for it to stay in the fight, dealing continuous damage while dodging attacks.


    With me Dash for swift movement and Hellfire Nova for offensive defense, the horse had a bnced skill set for both evasion and damage. And let''s not forget-this beast was level 223! That''s far higher than any member of the Ass Guild. Killing this beast, even alone, would be no easy task, especially with its agility and ability to dodge or retaliate when needed.


    Broken couldn''t help but grin. This mount is seriously awesome, he thought.


    [Infernal Bond (Active Skill)


    Shares fiery power with the rider, enhancing bothbat abilities for a short duration.


    Effect: Increases the rider''s Agility and Intelligence by 20% and grants a 10% lifesteal on all attacks while riding.


    Cooldown: 50 seconds.


    Duration: 15 seconds.]


    The third skill was, in Broken''s opinion, the best of them all. When activated, it boosted both Agility and Intelligence by 20%, for the rider?!


    This made the skill incredibly useful, especially if Broken decided to fight using a bow. Bowbat heavily relied on Agility for speed and precision, while Intelligence would enhance his magic-based attacks. The added lifesteal was more suited for melee fighters, but the boost to Agility and Intelligence alone made it versatile for anybat style. Fighting on horseback with a spear also crossed his mind-high mobility paired with the increased damage output could be deadly. But even so, The Scorchyer, with its long de, was perfect for mountedbat as well, giving Broken multiple options in battle.


    This is the perfectbination of skills for a beastpanion, he thought, satisfied with the synergy between himself and the Charfire Equine.


    "Ivana..." Broken called out, turning to her.


    "Yes, Broken?" she replied eagerly.


    "Catch me!" he said with a grin, activating me Dash.


    [me Dash (Active Skill)]


    ze''s body ignited even more fiercely, and in an instant, the horse shot forward, weaving through the trees at incredible speed. Trails of fire burned in their wake as they raced through


    the forest.


    Ivana''s eyes sparkled with excitement. She patted re''s side. "Come on, re, let''s catch them!" she urged, and without hesitation, re surged forward, matching ze''s speed, mes dancing behind them as they chased after Broken.


    They raced through the forest, darting between trees, and soon encountered several groups of monsters along the way. Still mounted on their fiery horses, they engaged in battle, using the power of their steeds and their own abilities to cut through the enemies.


    Broken activated the skill from his Mask of Scorched Fury.


    [Ember Breath (Active Skill)]


    mes spewed from his mouth, dealing moderate damage to the monsters, but setting up his next move perfectly. With a swift motion, he swung his sword for the finishing blow.


    [ze Nova (Active Skill)]


    A powerful burst of fire erupted from him, creating a zing nova that dealt 600% Physical Attack and 600% Fire Element Magic Damage to all enemies within 10 meters, knocking them back. The ground was left scorched, and a ring of fire lingered for 10 seconds, dealing 200% Physical Attack and 200% Fire Element Magic Damage per second to any enemies caught


    inside it.


    The monsters were sent flying, and as they attempted to strike again, the lingering mes burned through them, dealing devastating damage over time.


    Broken, with fluid, precise movements, finished them off one by one, his sword cutting through the night like a dance of fire-each sh of his de igniting the darkness with


    zing mes.


    The monsters fell, consumed by the inferno, as Broken''s and ze''s power dominated the battlefield.


    Ivana mirrored Broken''s fierce style, her sword shing through the enemies as her horse, re, danced through the battlefield. Both riders coordinated effortlessly, their ming steeds leaping and running around the monsters, covering each other with precise strikes. Ivana''s smile shone brightly as she cleaved through the approaching foes, reveling in the thrill of the fight.


    "I see you''re having fun, Ivana," Broken remarked as thest of the monsters fell and the battle died down.


    "Yes... I''m really enjoying this, thanks, Broken," Ivana replied, smiling.


    Broken nodded, satisfied. "Let''s move on. We''ve got an even more exciting hunt ahead."


    He quickly checked Ivana''s status-her level had climbed back to 201. It wasn''t quite where she had been before, but at least she was back in the 200s.


    With that, ze and re bolted forward again, zing trails through the forest as they sped toward their next destination.


    After some time traveling, they finally arrived. The air shifted, and the ground around them began to tremble. The grass and trees surrounding them erupted into mes, as cracks split


    open in the


    earth.


    Magma surged upward in fiery explosions, sending molten streams and fire shooting from different areas. The heat was overwhelming, and thendscape became a scene of chaos as the


    ground itself seemed toe alive with destruction.


    "Broken?" Ivana shouted, her voiceced with concern.


    "Avoid the fire, Ivana. That''s our target tonight," he called out.


    Ivana nodded, guiding the horse to dive and weave through the area, skillfully dodging


    streams of moltenva that erupted in several spots.


    One thing Broken noticed this time was the fire''s spread-it seemed much wider than before,


    and theva shots were far more intense.


    "Could the demon have leveled up sincest time?" he wondered, sensing the increasing


    danger.


    From one of thergest cracks in the earth emerged the demon Broken had been hunting-a towering figure wreathed in swirling mes. Its wings were pure fire, flickering with chaotic intensity, and its entire body radiated heat that warped the air around it.


    "You dare enter my domain... Now, feel the searing heat of my mes!" the demon bellowed,


    its voice deep and menacing.


    The ground around them continued to burn and shift as Infernak spread its fiery wings,


    looming over them with a terrifying presence.


    At that moment, Broken received a message from Marlene. The brief notification appeared


    before him, and he quickly opened it.


    "Broken, for our raid boss hunting, we''ll do it tomorrow morning."


    Without hesitation, Broken responded, "Yes, I''m ready."

 Chapter 414: Chapter 414 - The Unique-grade Demon was too Weak

    Chapter 414: - The Unique-grade Demon was too Weak


    ?


    [Unique - The Scorched Tyrant Infernak Lvl. 230]


    Damn! Unique-grade? Wasn''t it Epic-grade before? Broken thought as he quickly assessed the situation. Not only had Infernak''s grade jumped, but its level was now a formidable 230. This was going to be a challenge.


    He nced at Ivana. "Ivana, ready to dance?"


    Her face, lit by the glow of their me-covered steeds, broke into a smile. "Yes, I''m so happy to be able to fight alongside you."


    Broken grinned back as they both spurred their horses forward, dodging the fiery eruptions bursting from the ground. Although their mounts had fire-based elements, it didn''t mean they were immune to all me attacks. They could still take damage, just less than what non- fire elements would suffer. It made avoiding the scorching sts even more important.


    With a n forming in his mind, Broken pulled out the Vampiric Command Card. He decided to test its power against Infernak.


    [Vampiric Swarm State (Active Skill)]


    As soon as the card disappeared from his hand, a massive swarm of bats materialized in the air behind him. The swarm moved swiftly, filling the area with the sound of hundreds of wings pping in unison. In an instant, the battlefield was covered in a swirling ck cloud of 500 bats¡ªeach one fast, aggressive, and hungry for blood.


    The bats swarmed through the air, diving toward Infernak and engulfing the demon in their chaotic mass. They bit, wed, and drained life essence as they darted in and out of the mes that radiated from the demon''s body. The swarm was relentless, darkening the sky around Infernak as they harried the towering beast.


    The sheer number of bats created a haunting spectacle, their ck wings flickering against the fieryndscape as they moved like a living storm. They served not only as an attack but also as a distraction, giving Broken and Ivana time to maneuver.


    [Vampiric Corruption (Conditional Passive Skill)]


    This skill activates automatically when entering Vampiric Swarm State. Enemies affected by the bats take 15% more damage from all sources for 30 seconds after the swarm disperses.


    Isn''t that a massive debuff? 15% more damage from all sources.


    His mind raced as the swarm continued to weaken Infernak.


    "Now''s our chance," he thought, just as the bats swirled in an overwhelming cloud around the demon.


    "Ha ha ha ha! Do you think mere bats like these can defeat me?" Infernak''s voice boomed across the battlefield.


    With a snap of his massive fingers, the entire battlefield erupted in chaos. Tornadoes of magma and fire surged across the area, spiraling into towering infernos. The ground cracked open as moltenva spewed in all directions, turning the once stablend into a deadly, burning wastnd. The heat intensified as the fiery vortexes spun with terrifying force, swallowing everything in their path.


    "Ivana, dodge!" Broken shouted.


    Both ze and re responded instantly, sprinting with incredible speed to avoid the deadly tornadoes. The two fiery steeds dashed across the battlefield, their mes trailing behind them as they leapt and zigzagged through the burning maelstrom.


    Meanwhile, the swarm of bats scattered in all directions, unable to withstand the sheer heat and force of Infernak''s attack. One by one, the bats burst into mes, disintegrating as the tornadoes consumed them.


    Damn! Broken gritted his teeth. This skill really isn''t suited for a demon like this-especially with such massive area-of-effect attacks. But he couldn''t let this opportunity slip by. This was a Unique-grade demon, and the rewards for defeating it would be immense.


    "Ivana, let''s go all out!" He yelled.


    Ivana nodded firmly. "Let''s do this," she replied, gripping her sword tightly.


    Broken wasted no time and summoned everything at his disposal.


    Gaia emerged, as all her summoned creatures materialized alongside them. Dendros, and the water wild boar charged forward. He also called forth the power of the Wavebreaker Spear, unleashing its water-based abilities, and activated his Water Domain, creating a shimmering veil of water that encased the battlefield.


    Ivana with a swift motion, she hurled her shield into the air. The shield expanded rapidly, spinning like a whirlwind as it cut through the battlefield, headed straight for Infernak. The demonughed, attempting to swat the shield away with its hand, but Ivana appeared in a sh, catching the shield mid-air. Her body floated effortlessly, hovering with perfect control above Infernak.


    In a split second, she spun the shield, and with a powerful swing, mmed it directly into Infernak''s head. The demon, caught off guard, had no time to react as the force of the blow sent it crashing into the ground, the impact shaking the earth beneath them.


    Without hesitation, Broken leaped from ze''s back, charging straight toward Infernak, ready for closebat.


    He seized the opening, surging forward with every skill he had. Gaia''s summons rushed in, entangling Infernak in roots and vines that burst from the ground, while Dendros summoned a storm of vines that shed through the air, adding pressure to the demon''s defenses. The wild boar charged, ramming into Infernak''s side, further destabilizing it.


    The Water Domain began to work its magic, surrounding Infernak and slowing its movements. The once swift and fiery demon now found itself sluggish, struggling to keep up as Broken closed the distance. His spear gleamed with water energy as he unleashed sharp, water-infused shes that tore into Infernak''s already weakened form. Each strike slowed the demon further, as the chilling water wrapped around its ming body, dampening its power.


    Ivana, floating above, summoned another burst of power. With a quick motion, she spun her shield once more andunched it downward, aiming directly at Infernak''s weakened chest. The shield hit with such force that it created a shockwave, further disorienting the demon and sending cracks through the ground beneath it.


    They both fully immersed themselves in the thrill of battle, the excitement clear on Ivana''s face. Despite her gentle and kind nature, it was evident she enjoyed the intensity of a heated fight just as much as Broken.


    "Broken, switch!" Ivana shouted, her voice filled with adrenaline. Without missing a beat, Broken surged forward, seamlessly taking over the fight, striking with precision and power. Their synchronization was wless, as if they had been fighting together for years.


    "Ivana, from behind!" Broken called out, noticing an opening.


    Ivana responded immediately, darting around the battlefield with grace,unching an attack thatnded perfectly, catching the demon off guard.


    Infernak writhed in pain, its towering form struggling to break free from thebined onught. Broken and Ivana kept up the pressure, their coordination wless, as the demon''s mes flickered weakly. The battlefield was a chaotic blend of water and fire, the once overwhelming presence of the Scorched Tyrant now reduced to a staggering giant, desperately trying to regain control.


    And yes, the battle felt smoother with Ivana''s support shields, allowing Broken to switch between offense and defense seamlessly. They coordinated their attacks perfectly, striking the demon from multiple angles, keeping it disoriented and off bnce.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Within less than five minutes, the battle was over!


    [You have defeated The Scorched Tyrant Infernak Lvl. 230]


    Broken stood over the smoldering remains of the once-mighty demon, catching his breath.


    Was this demon too weak for a Unique-grade? he wondered for a moment. Or maybe, the real monsters here were him and Ivana. Thetter seemed more urate.


    Now, his excitement grew as he focused on the next important step-checking the loot. Could there be another Legendary-grade item? His heart raced. Yes, I''m that greedy, he thought with a grin, eager to see what treasures awaited him.

 Chapter 415: Chapter 415 - The Nicest in all of Yunatea

    Chapter 415: - The Nicest in all of Yunatea


    ?


    [You have obtained 4 piece of Low-Quality Infernal Core Ore]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [You have obtained 1 piece of Medium-Quality Infernal Core Ore]


    [You have obtained 3 piece of High-Quality Infernal Core Ore]


    [You have obtained 1 piece of Medium-Quality Scorched Bone Fragment]


    [You have obtained 2 piece of Low-Quality Dimensional Ember Shard]


    [You have obtained 5 piece of Medium-Quality Dimensional Ember Shard]


    [...]


    [You have obtained Mask of Scorched Fury - Helmet (Unique)]


    [You have obtained Infernal Heartte - Chest Armor (Legendary)]


    Broken inspected the loot from the battle, and while much of it was the usual fare, this time he stumbled upon something unexpected-two pieces of armor. One was a helmet, the other a chest te.


    The helmet was Unique-grade, a demonic helm with curved horns and cracks running through its dark metal surface, from which mes flickered. It was nearly identical to the one Broken wore, though this version was of a lower grade.


    This would be perfect for Ivana, he thought, feeling a wave of relief. He wouldn''t need to keep searching for a mask to hide her face anymore. With this helmet, not only could Ivana conceal her identity, but she''d also have a look that matched his own, giving them a strikingly simr appearance.


    The second item was a Legendary-grade chest armor-the Infernal Heartte. It reminded him of the chest armor he had already acquired, the Molten Bulwark, which he had looted from the young master demon. Although both were chest armors, they were distinct in their properties. After analyzing the Infernal Heartte, he saw that it leaned more toward defensive capabilities, providing superior protectionpared to his current gear.


    This is perfect for Ivana too, he thought again. Both the helmet and the chest armor were well- suited to her, especially given her shielder role. These items would enhance her defenses while allowing her to mirror his fiery appearance.


    He smiled, feeling genuinely happy. Especially after her recent level drop, getting these new items-especially a Legendary-grade chest armor-was a huge boost for her. Her current armor set was good, but this was a serious upgrade.


    "Ivana, try on these two items. They''re perfect for you," he said.


    Ivana nodded and put on the helmet and chest piece. The transformation was immediate. Now, she looked almost identical to Broken, both sporting a demonic, fiery appearance. Her blond hair flowed out from the back of the helmet, dancing with mes, but luckily, it wasn''t burned by the fire. The whole look was strikingly cool.


    "Do I look awesome in this?"


    "Yes, it suits you perfectly."


    Since Ivana''s dimensional storage could only hold a single armor set and weapon, she didn''t have room to store her old helmet and chest armor. So, he helped by storing those pieces for her, letting her equip the new ones instead.


    Although that meant she wouldn''t gain the full armor set bonus, he could always return her old pieces when she needed them. Still, something about this fiery look they shared excited him. He wanted to explore the Hell with her in these matching armors, and their new mounts made them look even more synchronized-like a fierce, unstoppable duo.


    As Broken and Ivana were enjoying their exploration of the forest, continuing their hunt, a sudden notification popped up. It was a message from Charmelyn.


    Huh?


    [Charmelyn: "Broken, I think you''re going to like this..."]


    The message was brief, but it came with an attached location on a map. To his surprise, the marked spot was just outside the forest, along the road leading toward the city.


    What could be there? he wondered. Without confirming anything, he turned to Ivana. "Let''s head out."


    The two of them-now dubbed the me Riders-charged swiftly out of the forest, the ming hooves of their mounts, ze and re, scorching the ground beneath them. They sped across the wide, dry ins, the heat from their steeds leaving trails of embers in their wake. As they neared the foothills, they found the perfect vantage point to oversee the road that led into the small demon town.


    It was the dead of night, the air still and quiet, with nothing but the faint howl of the wind around them. Yet, Charmelyn had drawn their attention here for a reason.


    Standing atop the hill, the me Riders gazed down from their elevated position, their fiery mounts casting an eerie glow across thendscape. Broken scanned the area below, while Ivana sat quietly beside him, both of them waiting for whatever surprise Charmelyn had


    nned.


    Nothing moved in the distance. Just an empty road bathed in the moon''s pale light.


    "What do you think Charmelyn is trying to show us, Broken?"


    Broken remained silent for a moment, his eyes scanning the distant horizon. Then, he caught a glimpse of faint red lights moving steadily toward them. Something was approaching.


    "I''m not sure," Broken finally replied, reaching for the Bow of Artemis and activating the Hawk''s Eye skill. His vision sharpened, and the distant scene came into focus-a convoy of demon carriages. Each carriage was pulled by Charfire Equine, the same fire horses they were riding.


    "Demon carriages?" Broken murmured quietly.


    Ivana giggled. "Do you think Charmelyn is hinting that we should rob them?"


    Broken furrowed his brow and nced at her. "Well, I have done that before. And yes, it was a sessful robbery. I got a Legendary-grade item and these two cool horses," he said with a smirk, gesturing to their mounts.


    Ivana smiled, her eyes twinkling as she nodded, letting him take the lead on what to do next.


    He turned back to observe the demons again. There were at least 20 to 30 demons apanying the carriages, though it was unclear what kind of demons might be inside. But the carriages resembled those used by the demon young master he had encountered before.


    While we''re in Hell, we should seize every opportunity.


    "Ivana?" he said, leaving the question hanging in the air.


    "Yes, let''s do it," she answered eagerly.


    Hearing those words from Ivana struck him as strange. This was the same kind, warm- hearted, good-natured person-arguably the nicest in all of Yunatea-now ready to dive into something so dark and dangerous.


    Am I responsible for leading her down this path? he wondered with augh, imagining the


    absurdity of it all.


    "Are you sure robbing a group of people doesn''t go against your principles, Ivana?" Broken


    teased.


    Ivana giggled. "They''re demons, and I trust you... so, I''m fine with it."


    Broken chuckled at her response. "Alright, let''s hope these demons are carrying something valuable, so we don''t attack them for nothing."


    Ivana nodded. "Charmelyn showed us this opportunity, so I think she knows something worth


    our time."


    "I think so too," Broken replied.


    ***


    The carriage rolled through the night, its wheels crunching the gravel beneath with a steady rhythm. The ck iron structure gleamed under the dim light, its windows shrouded with thick, blood-red curtains. Inside, the atmosphere was tense, seething with anger. Sitting on the plush, yet darkened seat was a figure-a demon with a lizard-like head. His scales shimmered with an eerie crimson glow, and his sharp, reptilian eyes burned with fury. wed hands gripped the armrests, nearly crushing them as the weight of his rage filled the


    -confined space.


    "They killed my son," the demon hissed.


    His lieutenant, in the corner of the carriage, shifted uneasily.


    "Yes, Lord Rithrath. The attackers... They call themselves the Void Reaper."


    Rithrath''s lips peeled back into a snarl, exposing razor-sharp teeth.


    "Void Reaper," he spat. "I will go on a rampage in the town. I will find them. And when I do..."


    He paused, his ws digging deeper into the armrests, "I will ughter anyone who dares stand in my way. They will beg for mercy before I crush their pathetic lives."


    His fury only grew. "They think they can hide from me," he muttered under his breath. "I will burn that town to the ground, and when I find those responsible, I''ll tear their hearts from


    their bodies."


    His lieutenant nodded, fear lingering in his eyes. "Shall I prepare more troops, my lord?"


    Rithrath''s gaze narrowed, his tongue flicking out briefly. "Yes," he hissed. "Prepare them. This town will be bathed in blood by the time I am done."


    With that, the demon sat back, eyes burning with vengeance. No one would escape his wrath.


    "Void Reaper... I will tear your body apart while you''re still alive!" the demon growled, its voice deep and dripping with hatred.

 Chapter 416: Chapter 416 - Lord Rithrath! Bats! Hundreds of them!

    Chapter 416: - Lord Rithrath! Bats! Hundreds of them!


    ?


    Broken and Ivana had made up their minds-they were going to raid the demon carriages. It would be another battle under the cover of night, with their target being the line of demon carriages heading toward the town for reasons unknown.


    Beforeunching the attack, Broken double-checked his preparations: Mana and Stamina were fully restored. It had been a few hours since their fight with Infernak, giving him time to recover. Both his Stamina and Mana were back to normal.


    After the intense battle with Gremory, the hunt in the forest, and the recent fight against Infernak, Broken had gained significant upgrades to his skills. Nearly all of his abilities from the Super Novice ss and Rift Digger ss had leveled up, making him feel stronger and more prepared for whaty ahead.


    [Blessing of Health (Active Skill) Lv. 5]


    [Healing Touch (Active Skill) Lv. 5]


    Two of his support skills from the Super Novice ss had reached Level 5, the maximum level before needing to undergo a breakthrough to level up further.


    At this stage, when a skill hits Level 5 and umtes enough experience, a special quest typically appears. This quest is required to break through the skill''s current limits, allowing it to advance to Level 6 or beyond. Sometimes, the skill not only levels up but also gets an upgrade or modification, and in rare cases, several skills can evenbine into a powerful new ability.


    [Charged Attack (Active Skill) Lv. 5]


    [Quick Strike (Active Skill) Lv. 5]


    [de Dance (Active Skill) Lv. 4]


    The sword skills from the Super Novice ss were looking impressive, especially with both Charged Attack and Quick Strike receiving significant upgrades.


    The most impactful change was with Charged Attack, which now dealt damage equivalent to 720% of his base attack, with a cooldown reduced to 20 seconds from the previous 30 seconds. This skill gave Broken increased mobility and flexibility in battle. With it, he could leap up to 10 meters, closing the gap on his target swiftly, allowing for better positioning and more aggressive strikes inbat.


    [Explosive Arrow (Active Skill) Lv. 4]


    [Sniper''s Focus (Active Skill) Lv. 4]


    And damn! These two bow skills were an incredibly powerfulbination with massive damage potential. Though Explosive Arrow required a charge time, when paired with other item-based skills, the damage output was phenomenal.


    Explosive Arrow now dealt an insane 7,500% physical damage in an area, which was absolutely massive! The only drawback was its steep Mana cost-requiring 1,200 Mana, nearly a quarter of Broken''s total Mana pool. Despite the high cost, the skill''s destructive power made it worth the investment, especially whenbined with other abilities.


    [Spiral Pierce (Conditional Passive Skill) Lv. 4]


    [Spear Guard (Conditional Passive Skill) Lv. 4]


    [Groundbreaker (Active Skill) Lv. 4]


    Three of his spear skills from the Super Novice ss had also reached Level 4. The improvements mainly focused on reducing cooldown times and boosting damage output.


    [Quake Strike (Active Skill) Lv. 3]


    [Miner''s Fortitude (Conditional Passive Skill) Lv. 2]


    [Puzzle Smacker (Conditional Active Skill) Lv. 2]


    Surprisingly, three skills from the Rift Digger ss had also leveled up.


    Quake Strike saw a significant damage upgrade, making it an even more powerful area-of- effect attack. Miner''s Fortitude increased Broken''s defense by 10% and boosted his maximum health by 3,000, giving him greater durability in battle.


    Meanwhile, Puzzle Smacker now had an increased chance of sess, making it more reliable in certain tricky situations, especially when dealing with locks or puzzles. These upgrades made the Rift Digger ss more versatile and robust, bncing offense, defense, and utility. Well done. Broken felt quite satisfied seeing his skill damage levels rise so significantly. Though many of the skills he used came from the gear he wore, he reminded himself that, unfortunately, gear-based skills couldn''t level up like ss skills. They could only be enhanced by upgrading the gear''s stats or using Soul Engrave, a method that allowed him to unlock new skills or even nt a soul into the equipment.


    Afterward, Broken checked his current status. Because of his recent string of battles, his level progression had been slow-he was still at Level 131 for now. The frequent fights were yielding progress, but it would take time before he could make any major leaps in his overall level.


    [Name: Broken]


    [Level: 131]


    [ss: Unique - Super Novice | Unique - Royal cksmith | Unique - Rift Digger | Unique - Elemental Forger]


    [Health: 2930 | Mana: 5388]


    [Strength: 865 | Agility: 324 | Intelligence: 449 | Constitution: 293 | Stamina: 285]


    [Charisma: 100 | Luck: 35 | Dexterity: 50 | Survival: 30 | Perception: 20]


    [Avable Stat Points: 70]


    [Weight: 433/5190]


    Those stats were Broken''s base values, not factoring in any gear except his rings. And yes, his Constitution and Stamina were in rough shape, noticeablycking. However, his Intelligence had surged by an impressive 100 stat points after defeating Gremory, which was


    extraordinary!


    To bnce things out, Broken spent 40 points in Constitution and 30 in Stamina, bringing a sense of relief. The boost was definitely satisfying, giving him a sturdier foundation to work with in future battles.


    [...]


    [Health: 8235 | Mana: 5388]


    [Strength: 1074 | Agility: 424 | Intelligence: 449 | Constitution: 651 | Stamina: 783]


    [Charisma: 100 | Luck: 35 | Dexterity: 50 | Survival: 30 | Perception: 20]


    [Weight: 4012/6444]


    And now, with 70 stat points spent and fully equipped with his Invincible Paragon Armor, Infernak Helmet and Molten Bulwark Chest Armor, and wielding The Scorchyer, Broken''s


    final stats were in ce.


    "Alright, Ivana, let''s go wee our guests," he said firmly.


    Ivana smiled and nodded. She donned her Infernak Helmet, mirroring Broken, and together the duo of me Riders charged down the hill, their fiery steeds zing beneath them. They weren''t just greeting their guests-they were ready to meet their benefactors head-on.


    ***


    Inside the luxurious carriage, the demon lord-Rithrath, with sharp, reptilian features and cold, calcting eyes-sat in silence, lost in thoughts of vengeance and conquest. Suddenly, the quiet was shattered by a guard''s shrill voice.


    "Lord Rithrath! Bats! Hundreds of them-outside!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Rithrath scowled, annoyed by the interruption. He pulled back the heavy curtain and peered out the window. His eyes widened in shock. A massive swarm of bats filled the sky like a living storm, blotting out the moonlight. Their screeching echoed through the air, a chilling, nightmarish chorus that sent a shiver down his spine.


    "What the fuck is that? Is someone trying to mess with me?" Rithrath growled. Before he could react further, the ground beneath the carriage trembled violently.


    The earth shook with such force it felt as though the ground itself was awakening. Outside, demons stumbled, struggling to keep their footing.


    "An earthquake?" one demon shouted, panic creeping into his voice. But there was no time to process what was happening-the chaos was already upon them.


    Without warning, the sky above seemed to tear open, as if ripped apart by some unseen force. Massive boulders rained down with terrifying speed, smashing into the carriages with a deafening roar. Wood and metal crumpled under the impact, horses screamed in terror as they were crushed beneath the falling rocks, and demons scattered in every direction, desperate to


    escape the carnage.


    Before the demons could even begin toprehend the chaos, the ground erupted violently beneath them. A thunderous roar echoed across the battlefield as the earth split open, revealing the massive maw of a monstrous worm. Its gaping mouth, wide enough to swallow entire carriages, was lined with razor-sharp teeth that gleamed in the dim light. And then, as if things couldn''t get worse, another disaster struck-a series of massive explosions, each one more devastating than thest. The ground quaked with the force of the sts, shockwaves rippling across the battlefield. The supermassive detonations tore through the demon ranks, obliterating everything in their path.


    Rithrath''s carriage, barely holding together amidst the chaos, was suddenly struck by one of


    the colossal boulders. The impact sent the carriage careening violently, flipping several times before smashing into the ground, splintering into jagged debris. Rithrath was flung from the wreckage, mming hard into the shaking earth.


    Dazed, his vision blurred, and his ears ringing from the destruction, Rithrath struggled to his feet. As he steadied himself, his eyes locked onto the sight of two riders approaching-both mounted on horses cloaked in fire.


    A thin smile crept across Rithrath''s face. "So, these pieces of trash havee to offer me their lives? Do you really think you have much to spare, daring to confront me like this?" He chuckled darkly. "Good. Saves me the trouble of hunting you down."

 Chapter 417: Chapter 417 - Emberclaw Gauntlets

    Chapter 417: - Emberw Gauntlets


    ?


    Rithrath, the Demon Lord, stood in the midst of the chaos, his eyes zing with fury. The ambush had left his convoy in ruins. He surveyed the scene-his carriagesy shattered, many of his demons dead, while others writhed in pain, wounded. Nearly all the carriages were destroyed, and the sight of it stoked his rage further.


    But what angered him the most? The two figures standing before him now, unmistakably the ones responsible for his son''s death. His eyes narrowed as he recognized the beasts they rode ¡ªthose same fire steeds he had once gifted to his son.


    They''vee willingly! His lips curled into a cruel smile. Good. Because I will not let them die easily.


    He could already picture it-the endless suffering he would inflict upon them. Torture, pain, imprisonment. They would wish for death long before he was through with them. Yes, he had nned every cruel punishment he could imagine, and now, he would make sure they endured them all.


    All of Rithrath''s surviving demons quickly rose, ready to attack. Two enemies stood before them, both wearing Infernak''s helmets. his eyes gleamed with greed; these foes seemed to possess valuable items, and capturing them could lead to quite the haul.


    "Yo... I appreciate your bravery,ing straight to me," Rithrath said. "You think death is your fate? No. You''ll beg for it before I''m done."


    The male attacker said. "Tell me, are you rted to that pathetic demon young master I killed a few days ago?"


    Rithrath''s eyes red with rage. "Yes, I''m his father... And this is good news, because now I can capture you, torture you, and destroy everyone connected to you."


    The attacker remained calm. "Then, I hope you''ve got something valuable on you. Would be a waste if I took the time to deal with you for nothing."


    "You sure talk big for someone who''s about to suffer a lot," Rithrath snarled.


    Rithrath took out his proudest weapon-a Legendary-grade greatsword passed down through his family for generations. Its de shimmered with shadow energy, exuding raw power.


    "Capture them both," hemanded.


    As he gave the order, the female attacker darted off in another direction. "Catch that one!" Rithrath barked at his guards, but his eyes were locked on the male attacker.


    This one, he thought, the arrogant one¡ªI''ll teach him the meaning of pain.


    The male attacker charged forward, riding the fire-beast, mes trailing in his wake. He wielded a blue spear, a seemingly ridiculous weapon to Rithrath. A spear? How foolish, he thought, gripping his greatsword tightly.


    The attacker struck first, thrusting his spear with force. Rithrath swung his greatsword to meet the blow. The sh was explosive, sending shockwaves through the battlefield and forcing Rithrath back several meters. His teeth gritted in frustration, but he wasn''t finished. Just as he prepared to leap forward, enormous vines erupted from the ground, wrapping around him, binding his movements. The male attacker moved with unreal speed, his figure a blur as he closed in. What kind of speed is this?!


    Rithrath vanished, enveloped in shadow energy, reappearing momentster far from the vines. Heunched himself forward, and once again, their weapons collided-a greatsword shing violently against the spear in a fierce struggle. The air crackled with the force of their blows, the ground trembling beneath them.


    The battle seemed almostughably easy to Rithrath. The attacks from this fool were not particrly strong, but he had an annoying arsenal of skills thatplicated things. The water domain he used-what was this idiot thinking? It barely slowed Rithrath''s movements, hardly tapping into its full potential. This attacker is so stupid.


    Switching between a sword and a spear? What a foolish move! Rithrath seethed. Is he too dumb tomit to one weapon?


    The attacker''s clumsy movements made Rithrath even more enraged. He wasn''t wielding either weapon to their full strength, wasting the potential of both the spear and the sword.


    Rithrath smirked. I''ll teach this fool a lesson on how real warriors fight.


    Then, the attacker spread fiery wings from his back-wings that instantly struck a nerve deep within Rithrath. Those wings! They were from the chest armor he had given to his son. The sight of it set his blood boiling.


    "You''re using my son''s power?!" Rithrath roared.


    He was done ying. This bastard had mocked his family, and now he would pay the price. "You asshole, I''ll take that chest armor from you myself!"


    With blinding speed, Rithrath lunged forward, swinging his Legendary Greatsword-infused with his advanced Shadow Element. He was the greatest swordsman, the leader of his n, and he had never been defeated. This battle would end quickly, or so he thought.


    The fight raged on, fierce and intense, for several minutes. Rithrath unleashed a flurry of devastating blows, confident in his power. But then, something unexpected happened. In a sh of steel, his left arm was severed.


    "You ungrateful bastard!" he screamed, his rage fueling him as he charged forward once


    more.


    They continued exchanging blows, but this time, Rithrath wasn''t as powerful as before. He had already killed the attacker once, but the revival-likely due to his opponent''s item-had only fueled his rage.


    "I know you can''t survive over and over again," Rithrath snarled. "Show me how many lives you really have!"


    Surrounded by the attacker''s summons, Rithrath scoffed, swinging his greatsword fiercely despite being outnumbered.


    "You think these pathetic summons can defeat me?!" he bellowed.


    Despite his rage, the tide was turning. Rithrath''s movements were getting more desperate, and as he charged forward for what would be his final strike, his opponent moved with impossible speed. In an instant, the battle came to an end-Rithrath''s head was severed clean from his body.


    "How?" he gasped, disbelief filling his final moments. "I am the greatest greatsword fighter in the world!"


    "I guess you didn''t get out much, bro," the attacker quipped with a smirk.


    As the words left his mouth, Rithrath''s body shattered into pixels and vanished from the battlefield, leaving nothing but silence where his fury had once reigned.


    "Damn!" Broken muttered in frustration after finally killing the demon. "That demon was a


    real pain!"


    He hade dangerously close to death. His Ethereal Form had saved him at thest moment, though he had died once, relying on his revive skill to grant him a second chance. Despite his initial reluctance, he eventually summoned Gaia and was forced to gang up on the


    demon from multiple angles.


    But in the end, he won.


    Broken whistled, taking a deep breath as he surveyed the battlefield. The fight was finally over. He looked up and saw Ivana running toward him, her helmet off and a bright, excitedn/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    smile on her face.


    "Hi, having fun?"


    "Surprisingly, yes!" she replied.


    Does Ivana really enjoy fighting? He thought to himself. It was still odd to hear such enthusiasm


    from her-he wasn''t used to it.


    "Did you run into any problems earlier, Ivana?" he asked.


    "Yes, but Charmelyn showed up and helped."


    "Charmelyn? I didn''t see her."


    Ivana giggled. "She only appeared briefly, taking out demons and bringing them to their


    deaths. Then, she disappeared again without showing herself."


    Broken smiled. "So I guess she didn''t really leave us to handle this battle alone after all."


    He scanned the area, spotting various items scattered across the ground. But the real prize was, of course, the items dropped by the demon lord. That''s the real highlight, he thought,


    eager to inspect his new loot.


    The first item was: [Emberw Gauntlets (Unique)]


    Yes, it was a pair of gloves with a sleek design of ck metal, cracked with glowing embers and radiating a fiery aura. The sharp, w-like fingertips resembled crystallized magma. And yes, it was part of the Infernak armor set that Broken already owned. Now, with the helmet, chest armor, and gloves, he had three pieces. All that remained were the pants and shoes.


    But can I still find the rest? He wondered.


    The next item was the greatsword the demon had wielded in their battle. It was undeniably a


    cool weapon.


    "A greatsword, huh?" Broken mused, approaching it. "Let''s see how impressive this sword the ''responsible father'' bragged about really is."


    He picked up the massive greatsword, shadow energy swirling around it like mes licking at


    the de.


    "This is definitely a cool weapon. A shadow element, huh?" he remarked, inspecting it


    closely.


    [Abyssbreaker Greatsword (Legendary)]


    A weapon of pure power, fitting for a demon lord, now in his hands.

 Chapter 418: Chapter 418 - Where the fuck did the demon go?

    Chapter 418: - Where the fuck did the demon go?


    ?


    Broken stored the Unique-grade Emberw Gauntlets and the Legendary-grade


    Abyssbreaker Greatsword into his inventory. His stamina was running low, and he wasn''t eager to face another battle in this condition.


    Once more, he surveyed the battlefield, scanning for any loot he might have missed. Over the past few days in Hell, he''d amassed a decent collection of items-some useful, others destined for storage or trade. Most were Epic-grade, which, while powerful, weren''t currently essential for him but could be invaluable to otherster.


    But man, my inventory space is almost full. This is getting annoying, He thought.


    He knew he needed to level up more before he could upgrade his inventory capacity, but that would take time. The higher a yer''s level, the more experience was required to advance, and for Broken, the grind was slowing him down. His battles in Hell had been relentless, keeping his level in check despite his constant fighting.


    Ironically, his passive leveling system seemed to progress faster when he wasn''t constantly hunting monsters, a reversal of what most yers experienced. All the fighting in Hell had throttled his level gains. Still, he wasn''tining. The loot and skills he had gained were invaluable.


    However, he had other ns in mind beyondbat. With two production skills- cksmith and Golemancer-he intended to spend more time crafting and creating. He was especially focused on cksmithing, driven by his goal of bing the first yer in Immortal Legacy to achieve a Legendary-grade ss in the craft. That pursuit would take priority for now, demanding more of his time and energy.


    As for Golemancy? Yes, it fascinated him. The idea of creating different types of golems was exciting, but he nned to ease into it once he returned to Slumdon Town. He already envisioned an army of golems defending his territory. And as he leveled up the ss, he aimed to eventually craft another ckthorn, a legendary golem, for himself. The future of his creations was bright, and he intended to take his time mastering the craft.


    For now, though, his thoughts turned to the next steps, knowing that both his cksmithing and golem-making ventures would soon push him into uncharted territories.


    That night, Broken decided to stay at the camp Ivana had set up earlier, nestled in the open area of the forest by the cliffs. ckthorn, the golem, stood watch nearby, its presence offering a sense of security. Though only a few hours remained until morning, they spent the night under the stars, enjoying the peaceful moment.


    Ivana prepared dinner, roasting meat over the fire, the rich aroma filling the cool night air. She handed Broken a te, her face glowing with enthusiasm.


    They ate together, savoring the simple yet delicious meal, the crackling fire and starry sky adding to the quiet, serene atmosphere. As the night deepened, Broken felt Ivana lean against him, and when he looked down, he saw her peacefully asleep on his shoulder.


    With a soft smile, Broken gently shifted her head to rest on his chest, wrapping his arm around her to support her as she slept. The warmth of the moment settled over him, and he stayed like that for a while, enjoying the quietpanionship.


    Once he was sure Ivana was soundly asleep, Broken carefully lifted her and carried her to the tent. Heid her down gently, brushing the stray strands of hair from her face before closing the tent p, leaving her to rest.


    The night stretched on, and Broken, who had spent countless nights in the cave, found the open sky and fresh air refreshing. It wasn''t boring at all, and before long, the first light of morning began to break through the trees.


    As the morning arrived, Broken quietly left the camp, leaving Ivana still asleep. He had a promise to fulfill-he was supposed to help Shadow Wolves with their raid boss hunting.


    But something puzzled him. Why hadn''t they discussed the strategy with him? Was his only role really just to cast all his water-based skills, nothing more?


    Maybe they''re confident enough to handle the raid boss on their own and just need my water-based abilities to weaken it, he thought, shrugging off the uncertainty.


    They met at the edge of the forest, the members of Shadow Wolves approaching him with enthusiasm. And yes, there was a buzz in the air-today they were finally leaving Hell and heading back to Yunatea.


    Even the Shadow Wolves, who were ustomed to dealing with demons, didn''t seem eager to linger in this ce any longer. ording to Marlene, a few of them had fallen in battle while rescuing ves recently, and the emotional toll had been heavy on the group.


    Subaru was the first to reach Broken, throwing an arm around his shoulder in his usual friendly manner. "Broken... hahaha, we''re heading back to Yunatea today!"


    They began walking into the forest together. "Hey, you had fun here, right? Hahaha, next time, join us again on one of these expeditions!" Subaruughed, clearly in high spirits.


    But from behind them came a loud, disapproving cough. It seemed someone didn''t quite agree with Subaru''s casual invitation.


    Broken smiled, understanding how the Shadow Wolves might view him as an outsider. From their perspective, he was more of a lone wolf, someone who did most things on his own. Even during the ve rescue mission, many of the Shadow Wolves had fallen, which likely made Broken feel like more of a burden than a help to them.


    As they journeyed, they encountered several monsters along the way. Broken summoned Tiger Lily to deal with the creatures, using the powerful summon to dispatch them quickly and keep the group moving smoothly.


    "We''re almost there!" Subaru called out excitedly, pointing ahead. "Hahaha, the demon''s tricky, Broken. It can revive after being killed, but no worries. You just cast your water-based skills, and we''ll take care of the rest."


    Broken nodded, ncing in the direction Subaru had pointed.


    Wait... isn''t that the ce where Infernak was? He frowned, trying to recall. I don''t remember facing any particrly strong demons around there...


    No way... could they be talking about Infernak? he thought, a sense of unease creeping in. That didn''t sound right.


    As they continued moving, the group was already preparing for battle, but Broken couldn''t shake the sinking feeling.


    If the Raid Boss they''re after is really Infernak... Well, he and Ivana had already killed that demon the night before.


    Subaru rallied the group. "Alright, everyone, get ready. We''re about to face our target again. We can''t fail this time, because this is ourst chance. The demon takes anywhere from three to six weeks to revive, but our scout confirmed yesterday that the Raid Boss has respawned." They advanced cautiously, weapons drawn, closing in on the spot where the Raid Boss was supposed to respawn. But as they arrived, confusion swept through the group-the expected demon wasn''t there.


    "Where the fuck did the demon go?" one of the Shadow Wolves muttered.


    "Did someone steal it from us again?" another grumbled.


    "You''ve gotta be kidding me! Huah...!" Subaru shouted, his frustration turning to a dramatic


    cry of despair.


    And yes, Broken''s suspicions were confirmed. The Raid Boss they had been hunting was indeed Infernak, the demon he had killed twice already.


    He swallowed hard, ncing over at Marlene, whose expression was unmistakably one of


    irritation. Her gaze locked onto him, and she approached with a tense look.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    She leaned in and whispered, "I want to talk with you."


    Broken nodded, exhaling quietly. "Me too."

 Chapter 419: Chapter 419 - They had successfully returned from Hell

    Chapter 419: - They had sessfully returned from Hell


    ?


    Broken and Marlene moved away from the group, intent on having a private conversation. Broken knew he had to tell her the truth-that he had identally killed the Raid Boss they had been hunting. It wasn''t intentional, nor was it an attempt to steal their prize; it was simply because he hadn''t known.


    How could he have guessed that the demon he encountered in the forest was the very Raid Boss hispanions had been targeting in this expedition?


    After all, Infernak hadn''t posed much of a threat to him when they first crossed paths, and the rewards had been too good to pass up.


    Sure, he wanted the armor set and weapon from the demon, but he hadn''t yet figured out the use of the other items Infernak had dropped. Still, he was more than willing to share the loot or even sell it to them at a fair price if they weren''t willing to ept it freely.


    "About Infernak," Broken began, ready to exin, but Marlene cut him off.


    "This is really pissing me off, twice our target got stolen!"


    "Marlene, listen to me," Broken pressed on. "I need to exin what happened with Infernak."


    But again, Marlene interrupted him. "I''ll kill anyone who had take Infernak from us, no matter the reason."


    Why won''t she listen? Was Marlene still convinced that the one who took down Infernak was de Phantom¡ªor worse, did she believe it was Charmelyn? After all, Charmelyn hadn''t directly confirmed her involvement during the battle yesterday. If Marlene assumed Charmelyn had taken Infernak from them, her anger made sense, given Charmelyn''s past mistakes with the Shadow Wolves.


    "Marlene, I need to tell you something," Broken tried again.


    But once again, Marlene cut him off. "We''lle back here after we return to Yunatea," she said firmly.


    "Huh?" Broken blinked, surprised.


    "Yes, we need to hunt Infernak several more times. We can''t go back empty-handed, so we''ll continue the expedition here in Hell," Marlene exined.


    "But what items do you need from Infernak? Don''t you still need a water element user to take him down?"


    Marlene gave a thin smile. "That''s not your concern anymore. Don''t worry, we have plenty of yers in the Shadow Wolves, and each one of them is just as strong as the members of the Ass Guild."


    Broken could tell she wasn''t going to let him help, and whatever misunderstanding she had seemed to be clouding her judgment. But at this point, pushing the issue further wouldn''t do any good.


    Marlene turned and walked back to the rest of the group, who were trying hard to mask their disappointment. They had been so sure they were finally leaving Hell, but after failing to take down their main target, the realization that they had to continue the expedition weighed heavily on them. Their attempts at optimism felt strained, more like a forced effort than genuine hope.


    Since Marlene hadn''t given Broken any chance to exin about Infernak, he decided to consider the matter closed. If she found out the truthter, it wouldn''t be his fault-he had tried to tell her.


    For now, he let it go, leaving the situation in her hands.


    "Damn, we have to do this expedition again? Ugh... Can I forfeit?" one of the group members groaned.


    "Don''t worry, everyone," Subaru replied. "We''ll get more rewards and level up even more next time."


    "We''ll bring more people with us next time, so stopining," Marlene added firmly as she activated the portal near them.


    She exined that they would be going on the expedition again, though not immediately-it seemed they''d have a short break before heading back into Hell.


    One by one, the group entered the portal, clearly relieved at the thought of returning to Yunatea, even if only for a while.


    "Oh yeah... finally going back to Yunatea."


    "I''m so happy," someone murmured as they stepped through.


    Subaru turned back to Broken and Marlene, a wide grin on his face. "I had a lot of fun doing this expedition with you, Broken... hahaha. Next time, I''ll visit you in Slumdon."


    "Sure,e by and bring the whole Shadow Wolves guild to Slumdon," Broken joked.


    "Then we''d probably end up starting a war, huh? Hahaha," Subaruughed, waving as he stepped into the portal.


    Marlene turned toward Broken as thest of the group disappeared into the portal. It was just the two of them now-well, almost. Ivana emerged from behind the trees, her footsteps soft as she approached with a smile.


    "Hi, Marlene... I didn''t get the chance to thank you earlier," Ivana said.


    "No, I should be the one thanking you. You were incredible," Marlene replied. "If Broken ever treats you poorly, just know the Shadow Wolves will have a better ce for you." She winked.


    Ivana giggled. "Don''t worry, I''ll let you know."


    Marlene nced back at Broken, her expression softening. "Bye..." she said, shing a smile that took Broken by surprise. It wasn''t just any smile-it was Olivia''s smile. Before he could respond, she stepped into the portal and vanished.


    Ivana came closer, gently taking his hand. "Let''s head back too," she said softly.


    Broken nodded. "Let''s wait a few minutes until they''repletely gone."


    She agreed, and they stood there together, watching the swirling portal hum with its


    otherworldly sounds.


    "I wonder how Elowen, Mira, and the others are doing..." Ivana mused, looking up at Broken with a giggle. "Have they already arrived in Slumdon?"


    Broken smiled and nodded. "I''ll be employing them in Slumdon, yes. I think Elowen and Mira could join the Knights-they''re definitely qualified. As for the others, we''ll assess their talents. I''m sure there''s a ce for each of them."


    "There will be elves and more beast-kins in Slumdon... it''s going to be exciting."


    Broken nodded again, feeling that they had waited long enough. He took a firm hold of


    Ivana''s hand and walked toward the portal. "Let''s go," he said.


    Together, they stepped into the portal, both cing a foot inside before jumping in fully. The world shifted around them, and soon they were greeted by the sound of birds chirping and the refreshing scent of the familiar air. The light was brighter, more weing, and when Broken nced to his side, he saw Ivana smiling warmly at him.


    The portal behind them began to fade, its swirling energy shrinking until it vanished


    completely. The members of the Shadow Wolves were already gone.


    And with that, Broken and Ivana had sessfully returned from Hell.


    Even though he knew that the one who infiltrated the Hell expedition had been Charmelyn,


    the experience still left a lingering fear inside him-especially the thought of what could have happened if Ivana had been left behind in Hell.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Without a word, Broken pulled Ivana close, wrapping his arms around her in a tight embrace.


    "Broken?" she murmured softly, surprised by the sudden gesture.


    "No," he whispered. "I''m just d I managed to bring you back safely."


    He had been more worried about her than he ever let on. They held each other for a few quiet moments, the tension slowly fading, until the sound of approaching footsteps broke the


    silence.


    "Sorry..." a voice interrupted.


    Broken and Ivana quickly pulled apart, turning to see who had intruded.

 Chapter 420: Chapter 420 - Come over and try my cooking

    Chapter 420: - Come over and try my cooking


    ?


    "Master, sorry..."


    Broken and Ivana turned to the side, looking down to see a small fox gazing up at them. It was Polly.


    "Master... I''ve been useless to you... you can punish me if you want..."


    Broken immediately sat down on the ground, reaching out to lift the little fox. "Hey, Polly... are you okay?" he asked with a soft smile. "You''ve always shown up at the right time to help me. Thanks for that."


    "But, Master, I couldn''t be there with you...," Polly whispered.


    Ivana joined them, sitting beside Broken. "Hi, Polly, it''s been a while since west saw you," she said warmly.


    "Ivana..." Polly replied softly.


    Soon after, Broken decided it was time to leave the forest. He mounted Polly-something he hadn''t done in over a month of Yunatea Time-and, yes, he realized how much he''d missed this.


    This time, Ivana sat in front, while Broken sat behind her, slightly distanced. But Ivana leaned back against him, prompting Broken to ce his right hand gently around her waist, steadying their position as they rode. It felt natural, a peaceful return to normalcy after all the chaos.


    It waste afternoon, and the sun was just about to set on the horizon. The desert stretched out before them, andscape of peace and beauty, a stark contrast to the chaos and destion of Hell. After spending a full month surrounded by nothing but fire and despair, the fresh air and calm of Yunatea made Broken feel as if he could finally breathe again.


    Next time I visit Hell, I need to be even stronger than I am now!


    There was no telling what he might encounter in that dreadful world again.


    The Named Demons were among the worst foes he had ever faced. But after all the struggles, he and hispanions had managed to take down one-a Named Demon ranked 56th. And yet, its power was immense.


    If a demon ranked that low could be so formidable...


    Broken couldn''t help but shudder at the thought of what might happen if Gremory, the demon they had fought, had escaped into Yunatea. With her strength, she would have caused untold devastation. Most of the top yers in Immortal Legacy were still in the early 200s, far from ready to handle a demon of Gremory''s caliber. The death toll would have been catastrophic long before anyone could put an end to her rampage.


    And what about demons ranked in the 40s? He wondered, feeling a mix of dread and excitement. Or even the 30s? The thought sent a thrill through him-equal parts fear and fascination. There was no telling how powerful those demons could be, and the challenge of facing them was both terrifying and irresistibly intriguing.


    "What are your ns after this, Broken?" Ivana asked, breaking the silence.


    Broken paused for a moment, considering her question. His mind was full of things still waiting for him.


    "I think I''ll head to the capital. I need to deliver Princess Alora''s sword," he replied. "Can Ie with you and stay in Deadbay City?"


    "Of course, Ivana. I''ll take you with me," he said, smiling.


    Delivering Princess Alora''s sword was his top priority, and the trip had a dual purpose. Not only did he need to deliver her sword, but he also nned to ask for her help with supplying Mana to the demon egg. Alora, as a royal with high status, was likely the only one who could fulfill the egg''s unique requirements.


    Broken was also curious about the sword''s final grade. He''d be thrilled if it turned out to be Legendary-grade-not only would it progress his quest toward obtaining a Legendary-grade ss, but it would also help strengthen Princess Alora in the process.


    Besides that, before heading to the capital, Broken knew he needed to sort through everything he had gathered from Hell, including the armor and weapons. He nned to prepare those items for his Knights, once they reached the level needed to use them.


    He still hadn''t tested the Unique-grade gloves or the Legendary-grade greatsword from histest raid. And yes-he now had a Legendary-grade greatsword! All he needed was a Legendary-grade bow toplete his set of Legendary weapons.


    He also needed to check in on the progress of the town, which he had left under Freya''s care. He sighed, feeling a bit guilty. He had ced too much responsibility on her.


    I need to do something to thank her.


    Freya had taken on the town''s management not because it was her duty as a representative of the Golden Age Company but because she enjoyed it¡ªthat''s what she had told him. Even so, Broken knew he should lighten her load and find someone to help with the administrative work.


    Freya wasn''t the type to be interested in high-grade items or power boosts, so perhaps he should consider giving her something outside the game. But what would she like? I''ll need to talk to Lily about that, he decided.


    And then there was Golemancer! Broken couldn''t wait to explore that ss further, but he was determined to put it off for now. He had to finish his work as a cksmith first. Perhaps after he returned from Dissidia Capital City, he''d dive deeper into that exciting ss.


    As they approached Slumdon Town, Broken noticed arge crowd gathered near the town gate. What''s going on? he wondered.


    Soon after, he received a message from Elincia, exining that people were asking about the missing Gori statue. Apparently, it had stirred up quite a bit of curiosity.


    Oh, so they''re wondering about that? Broken thought with a chuckle. The statue would return soon enough, no big deal. But the situation gave him an idea-why not fill the town with impressive statues made from golems?


    Imagine, he mused, at the right moment, all those statuesing to life as golems to defend the town. The thought excited him-so many possibilities for the future. But, of course, he reminded himself that these ns would have to wait. He had tasks toplete, one step at a time.


    Broken entered the town through a different gate, gently helping Ivana down from Polly. He took a quiet route toward the main city gate, avoiding the crowd as much as possible. When he arrived, he saw the spot where the missing Gori statue was supposed to be, now covered by wooden beams and cloth, making it look as if the statue was under renovation. In the distance, people were still murmuring about the missing statue.


    He summoned the Golem and soon it took its ce again. As he was done with that, Charmelyn appeared beside him.


    "Hi, how are you?" Broken greeted her. "I''m d you didn''t get stuck in Hell."


    Charmelyn took off her mask to reveal her face. "Hi, yes, I''m d to be back in Yunatea," shen/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    said with a warm smile.


    Broken was about to log out, his game time almost up for the day. But before he could,


    Charmelyn spoke up.


    "I was going to cook at my ce... would you like toe over and try my cooking?"


    Broken paused, ncing at her. He thought for a moment. He didn''t have any pressing ns outside the game that day, and he was feeling a bit worn out, in need of a break.


    "Yes... sure," he finally said. "That sounds nice. I''ll get in touch with you outside the game." Charmelyn smiled warmly, and together, they logged out from the game.

 Chapter 421: Chapter 421 - She Lives Alone

    Chapter 421: - She Lives Alone


    ?


    Leon stepped out of his gaming room, noticing it was alreadyte afternoon. It was Wednesday, and it seemed like Lily hadn''te home from school yet. Or maybe she was at her martial arts training? Yeah, she should''ve been back by now.


    He checked his phone and saw a bunch of messages from different people. One by one, he started reading through them.


    Lily had said she''d be homete because Uncle Ben was picking her up from school. Wait, what? Why wasn''t he invited? Leon was a bit surprised.


    It''d been a while since hest saw Uncle Ben. Maybe they should n dinner together soon. But Uncle Ben had always had a habit of taking either Lily or Leon out separately, for some special bonding time like he used to.


    There was also a message from Hazel, asking when Leon would be doing Kenjutsu practice again. He replied that it wouldn''t be today, maybe tomorrow.


    Olivia had asked if he had ns for tonight. Well, yeah, he had already made ns with Charmelyn. He''d be heading over to her ce soon.


    And... where was Freya? Usually, he''d see a few messages from her every time he logged off the game.


    Leon quickly got ready. Since he still had some time to spare, he decided to take a soak and enjoy the amenities in his hotel room.


    It had been almost four months since he started staying at this hotel, and, yes, that was a third of the time given to him by the Golden Age Company to use all the facilities they provided. Maybe, while he still had time, he should focus on saving up more money to find a new ce to live once this arrangement ended.


    After his bath, he went to his wardrobe to pick out an outfit. And, yeah, he now had quite a collection of new clothes, many of which he hadn''t even worn yet-especially after Hazel helped him pick out a bunch recently.


    He then grabbed a $1,000 watch he''d bought just because he liked its blue color. It was, honestly, the first luxury item he''d purchased with his own money. Well, to be fair, there were plenty of more expensive luxury goods out there, but was this too much? No... it was still within reason, considering how quickly he was earning money these days.


    Once Leon was ready, he headed out in his Northstar EV. He figured he wouldn''t be able to log into the game until the reset at midnight, and he had already nned to take a break from it for a bit and focus on some real-world things. Maybe this weekend he could take Lily on a trip, and invite the others too?


    Laura was now living in the same house she had shared with her father. The same house from when she was in school, though Leon had never visited her there back then. This would be his first time.


    He drove into the neighborhood where Laura lived, and just as he parked, she stepped out of the house. Her wavy blonde hair stood out, even though today she was just wearing shorts and a t-shirt.


    "Hey, Leon..." she called out, running towards him. Leon smiled and followed her inside.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The evening was colder than usual, with snow starting to fall as night settled in.


    It was a small house, really-not nearly asrge as Hazel''s. But Laura had chosen it for a reason. She had exined before that this house made her feel connected to her father. Even though she could easily afford a bigger ce now, given how much money she was making from the game.


    "Leon, I''m still finishing up the cooking... sorry, you''re not hungry yet, right?"


    "No, that''s fine. I don''t have any other ns tonight," Leon replied with a smile.


    He followed Laura inside, even into the kitchen as she hurriedly checked on the food. Leon took a seat at the kitchen table, ncing around.


    "Do you live here alone, Laura?" he asked.


    Laura turned, smiled, and nodded. "Yes... the ce is small, so it''s not too hard to manage." Leon looked around, noticing how clean and neatly arranged everything was. Even though she lived alone, between her college studies and her time spent in the game, it was clear she made a special effort to keep the house well-maintained.


    Leon walked closer, curious about what she was cooking, especially since the aroma filling the room was really tempting.


    "I''m trying out an Asian dish... this is Chinese food," Laura said with a small giggle.


    Leon nodded and smiled. "It smells great."


    "You don''t mind eating Asian food, do you?"


    "No, actually, I can eat just about anything, especially when it smells this good," he replied with a chuckle.


    A few minutester, Laura began setting the dishes on the dining table. Leon watched as each dish was brought out, and Laura took the time to exin what she had made.


    "Please tell me if it doesn''t taste good..."


    "From the smell alone, I''m sure it''s delicious."


    "Do you eat rice?"


    "Yes, like I said, I''m fine with anything, Laura," he chuckled. "Honestly, I used to just eat whatever I could get, so having a meal like this feels special to me."


    They started eating together, and Leon genuinely enjoyed the food. It was a mix of chicken, seafood, and vegetables in a rich sauce, and it was definitely vorful. He ate it with the rice Laura had prepared, appreciating the effort she''d put into the meal.


    As they ate, they chatted about campus life, things Leon might have missed. He realized he had been skipping ss more than he should.


    "As long as I can still graduate, I think I''ll be fine," he joked with a grin.


    Leon had spent a lot of time with Laura in the past. Their closeness now, and the ease of their conversations, felt natural andfortable, yet he couldn''t shake the feeling that something about her had changed.


    The Laura he used to know was more tomboyish, bolder, and louder. She used to chat easily with everyone and wasn''t afraid to speak her mind. But now, she was much quieter, more feminine. It wasn''t just how she was in real life either-her in-game persona as Charmelyn had that same reserved nature.


    Curious, Leon bluntly brought up the topic with her, making Lauraugh.


    "Really?" she giggled. "That''s how you see me, Leon? You''re making me embarrassed... Was I


    really that much of a tomboy?"


    "I''m not teasing, you know."


    "No, it''s okay," she said, smiling. "Maybe a lot has happened that''s changed me a little. But, which version of me do you like better, the old me or the current me?"


    After saying that, Laura fell silent, as if she regretted the question, like it had slipped out unintentionally.


    "The old Laura is a friend of mine, and the new Laura is my friend too," Leon replied, his answer making her giggle and breathe a sigh of relief.


    And so, dinner came to an end, and Leon got ready to leave. Laura waved as his car slowly


    pulled away.


    "Has Lilye home yet?" That was thest question on his mind. He intended to spend the evening with his sister, but she was probably still with Uncle Ben, right?

 Chapter 422: Chapter 422 - Daily lives of The Overworked Gamer

    Chapter 422: - Daily lives of The Overworked Gamer


    ?


    As soon as Leon got back to his ce, he went straight to his room. For some reason, his body felt incredibly heavy, and his eyes seemed too tired to stay open. He copsed onto the bed, falling asleep almost immediately. He couldn''t even remember what time he drifted off, but he knew he was utterly exhausted.


    Suddenly, he woke up, unsure of how long he had been out. His body felt like it had released a lot of tension. He quickly checked the time-1a.m. Lily? Has shee home yet?


    With groggy eyes, he opened his messages and skimmed through one from Lily. It mentioned that he had forgotten to close his bedroom''s door and some other things, but Leon didn''t bother reading the rest. He was too tired and drifted back to sleep.


    A knock on the door jolted him awake. He checked the time again-it was 7 a.m. Wow, he had slept that long?!


    Lily was knocking from outside.


    "Yes, Lily? Come in."


    The door opened, and Lily stepped in, holding something in her hand.


    "Hey, are you okay?" she asked, pressing the object to Leon''s forehead. A soft beep followed, and Leon blinked, still half-asleep.


    "Hm... your temperature is normal," she said, ncing at him. "Brother, what happened to you?"


    "Huh?" Leon mumbled, barely able to process her question.


    Leon couldn''t remember how long he had slept, but it felt like the deepest, longest sleep he''d had in months. Sitting up, still feeling the weight of sleep on his body, he realized he could probably sleep another 10 hours if he wanted to.


    "Hey, are you okay? It''s not like you to sleep this long. And aren''t you supposed to be training this early?" Lily asked, concerned.


    "Yeah..." Leon replied softly. "I just feel like sleeping forever. I''ve been so tired."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Lily sat down on a chair nearby and giggled. "That''s probably a good sign-it shows you''re still human. You''ve been pushing yourself with all that gaming these past few days, haven''t you? Go back to sleep, or if you prefer, have some breakfast first and then just rx for the day. I''m heading off to school," she said, standing up.


    She nced at Leon one more time before leaving the room.


    Leon closed his eyes again, finally acknowledging just how exhausted he really was. He hadn''t noticed the toll it was taking until now, but his body had clearly hit a breaking point. That''s why he had slept so long.


    It wasn''t just physical exhaustion, though. His mind and spirit had been drained too.


    He took a deep breath, trying to center himself, and this time he truly felt better. His mind was clearer, his body more refreshed. He guessed he''d slept about 8 or 9 hours, which was the longest rest he''d had in months.


    Finally, Broken decided to do some light training. He got ready to hit the gym, nning to spend around 30-40 minutes warming up his body. Although it meant missing out on a good chunk of his login time today, it didn''t bother him. He needed these real-world activities to clear his mind, especially after the exhausting experience in Hell that had drained both his energy and spirit.


    He started his run on the treadmill, focusing on his pace, when someone began running on the machine next to him.


    "Hi... handsome," a familiar voice called out.


    Leon nced to his left and saw a woman with her ck hair tied back, running beside him. It was Olivia.


    "Hi, Olive... why do you always suddenly show up next to me when I''m running?" he teased.


    "Oh, I''m stalking you... does that make you happy?" she replied with a yful tone.


    "Ah, yes, of course I''m happy to be stalked by someone smart, beautiful, and overly confident," he joked back.


    Olivia giggled and sped up her run. "You didn''t reply to my message fromst night!" she said with a hint of firmness.


    "Really?" Leon sighed. "I just woke up and came straight here. Sorry, I''ll reply after this run." Olivia smiled and kept her pace. "You seem exhausted, huh."


    Leon nodded with a tired smile. "Yeah, that expedition really wore me out. And you guys are going back for more?"


    "We don''t have a choice," she sighed.


    After finishing his light morning workout, Leon got ready and headed to campus, driving his Northstar EV. He had no immediate ns to log into the game, so today would be focused on real-life activities.


    As he walked through the campus corridors, he noticed a few people ncing his way. While he had started getting used to this attention, it still felt odd. His growing poprity in Immortal Legacy seemed to be spilling over into his everyday life, and that was something he wasn''t entirelyfortable with yet.


    He sighed, making his way to ss. Scanning the seats, he spotted Laura and made his way over to sit beside her, as had be their usual routine.


    "Hi... I noticed you haven''t been online since you left my cest night," she said, giving him a curious look.


    "Yeah, I ended up sleeping really deeply," Leon replied.


    Laura giggled. "That''s not like you, you know... you never miss out on login time. How many hours have you skipped today?"


    "I think I''m just worn out," he admitted with a grin.


    "Take a vacation or a day off. Let me know if you need help with anything," she said, smiling


    warmly.


    "Thanks, Laura."


    Their conversations had evolved ever since Leon learned about Laura''s in-game identity. Now they could talk more freely about Immortal Legacy without any secrets between them. It was a refreshing change, as their discussions now covered more ground than just schoolwork. That afternoon, after his sses, Leon headed to the Martial Art Center for his Kenjutsu training. It was another day spent fully immersed in real-world activities, a much-needed break from his usual routine.


    During the training session, Hazel was there too, and Leon couldn''t help but notice how skilled she was with the sword. Her quick adaptation to Kenjutsu techniques confirmed what Lily had mentioned-Hazel was also a sword user in Immortal Legacy with a high level. Yet, despite these hints, both Hazel and Lily still hadn''t revealed their in-game identities to him. But honestly, as long as Lily was happy, enjoying herself, and staying focused on school- without dealing with ssmates bullying her like before-that was enough for Leon.


    The training session wrapped up, and Leon stepped out of the center with Hazel beside him.


    "Lily mentioned you guys are going on a trip this weekend... Can I join?" Hazel asked, ncing at him with a hopeful smile. "Lily told me about it, but she purposely forbade me when I said I wanted toe."


    "Oh..." Leon suddenly remembered his promise to Lily. "Yeah, Hazel, I think you cane. It''s just a small getaway nearby."


    "Thanks, Leon!" Hazel beamed, then dashed off as her ride pulled up. "Bye!" she called out with a wave before hopping into the car.


    Leon checked the time-it was alreadyte afternoon. He felt satisfied, having spent the entire day focused on real-world activities.


    "I guess it''s time to head back," he said to himself. "The Princess is probably waiting for her


    sword."


    Smiling at the thought, he walked toward his car, which rolled up to the lobby and opened its door automatically as he approached.

 Chapter 423: Chapter 423 - Princess Alora has been expecting you

    Chapter 423: - Princess Alora has been expecting you


    ?


    Broken logged back into Immortal Legacy, his ns alreadyid out for what he''d do once inside the game. He quickly organized the items he had brought back from Hell and briefly checked the progress report on the city''s development.


    Freya had assured him that everything was running smoothly, with no new developments- just a continuation of the existing projects. With that confirmation, he moved on to his next agenda.


    He intended to visit the Capital City of the Dissidia Kingdom, likely for a few days. Ivana and Elincia would be joining him, as Elincia had her own business in the capital as well. By midday, the group set off on their journey, ready to tackle whatever awaited them in the bustling heart of the kingdom.


    They set off in the special carriage from Slumdon Town, a luxurious gold carriage adorned with blue window curtains. It was pulled by a tamed beast, a Lesser Dragon with powerful legs and a nimble gait, resembling a dinosaur but sturdier and more imposing. The creature, at around level 200, was a formidable sight, and an NPC with the BeastMaster ss expertly steered the carriage.


    This impressive setup was thanks to Jovina''s help, allowing Slumdon''s official carriage to be pulled by such a formidable and majestic beast.


    The carriage now bore Slumdon''s newly designed logo-something Broken had personally requested to be changed. He was pleased with the result. The logo featured a hammer and pickaxe crossed in an "X" shape, rendered in gold, enclosed within a circle. It symbolized Slumdon''s rich resources, particrly its strong miningmunity, and foreshadowed its future as a hub for cksmithing and resource production.


    He had thought about adding a Golem element to the logo as well. But, he was the only one capable of creating Golems. While he could easily recruit plenty of miners and cksmiths to fuel the city''s growth. Well, the current logo still captured the essence of Slumdon, so there was no need to change it. It felt fitting just as it was.


    The carriage sped smoothly across the desert ins of Slumdon Town. Inside, Broken sat facing the back, while Ivana and Elincia sat side by side across from him, facing forward. The carriage was spacious andfortable, allowing plenty of room for the three of them.


    With two talkativepanions, Broken could sit back and rx, letting the random chatter between Ivana and Elincia pass over him. Theyughed and exchanged stories, asionally ncing his way, but he was content to just enjoy the ride in silence.


    The trip to the Capital City would have been quicker if they had taken a direct route. However, they needed to drop Ivana off at a coastal region near the northern region, which made the journey a bit longer.


    Eventually, they arrived at Deadbay City, where the carriage came to a stop in the center of town. Ivana waved cheerfully as she prepared to leave.


    "Ivana, let Mr. Fokil know that I''ll stay a few days in Deadbay after we return from the Capital City," Broken said before she stepped out.


    "Yes, sure! I''m sure he''ll be missing you too," she giggled. "Though, knowing him, he''ll probably act like it''s no big deal when you show up."


    With Ivana gone, the journey continued, leaving only Elincia and Broken inside the carriage.


    "The beast is impressive," Broken finally spoke up, his interest piqued by the creature pulling the carriage.


    "Yeah, it is," Elincia replied. "Jovina''s really proud of her choice. I think you can take some pride in this, especially when we roll into the capital."


    "Oh, really?"


    "Yes... Didn''t you notice how the people in Deadbay were watching as the carriage passed by?"


    "Nope, my head was off somewhere," Broken said, grinning.


    Elincia giggled. "That''s alright. Need more time to daydream? Go ahead."


    Broken smiled. "Not really-daydreaming for hours gets tiring too, you know."


    "I think it''s easier to daydream than to work non-stop. And I bet a long journey like this must be boring for you, right?"


    "I''d say... yes."


    Elincia smiled. "So... I saw how the golem fought. It was incredible."


    Broken nodded. "That one''s Legendary-grade and pretty high-level, so maybe that''s why." Elincia nodded in agreement. "Let me and the others know if you ever need help. Crafting all that equipment, and especially those golems, is going to take a lot of your time."


    She paused before continuing. "And I''m sure you''ll need a lot of materials too. To make extraordinary golems, you''ll need extraordinary resources. Just wanted to say-we''re here to help."


    Broken nodded. "You''ve already helped a lot. Thanks."


    The journey continued for several hours, filled with light, easygoing conversation. It became clear that Elincia had a remarkable ability to adjust her tone and style depending on who she was talking to.


    With Ivana, she was lively and fun, exchanging banter effortlessly. But with Broken, her conversations were calm and measured, with a slower, more thoughtful pace. It was evident that she had strong social skills, able to adapt to different personalities with ease. Elincia truly had the qualities of a seasoned Guild Master. She knew how to handle herself in any situation and was capable of leading influential and even difficult personalities within the Ass Guild. Broken found himself wondering if he could do the same when the time came for him to lead his own guild.


    He decided to bring up the topic with her, specifically about the confrontation between Charmelyn and Marlene, which had led to their failed attempts against Gremory-twice. But Elincia justughed at his exnation. "And you think that''s a problem?"


    "That is a big problem," Broken replied.


    "Do you think, if I were in your ce, they wouldn''t argue?" she asked with a knowing smile.


    He paused, considering it, and realized that, yes, they would likely still sh no matter who was in charge.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Elincia continued, "While I could probably force Charmelyn to back down, I''m not sure I could stop the conflict entirely if it involved someone outside the guild. You''ve actually done quite well, managing to tame those two wild girls."


    "Wild girls?" Broken repeated, then thought about the profiles of Marlene and Charmelyn in the game. Well, yes, both of them were ruthless killers with no hesitation when it came to


    violence.


    Well yes both of them were wild!


    As they approached the capital, Elincia asked for the carriage to stop before they reached the


    -city gates.


    "I have some other business to take care of. See you," she said, stepping out gracefully.


    The carriage continued onward, entering through the city gates just as the sun was setting. The streets were bathed in the warm glow of twilight, with the city lights beginning to flicker on, casting a soft illumination as the day turned into night.


    The lively, bustling atmosphere of the capital was a stark contrast to the quiet, almost deste feel of Slumdon Town. Slumdon had a long way to go, but Broken knew its time woulde, and it would grow into a thriving city.


    Peeking through the carriage''s curtain, Broken noticed people staring at the carriage with curiosity. Whether it was the majestic beast pulling it, the sleek design, or the logo that he had designed himself, something about the carriage was drawing their attention.


    People were clearly watching the carriage with great interest.


    "Damn, that beast is so cool. It''s both awesome and terrifying at the same time."


    "I wonder what kind of Beast Master controls that thing."


    "I''d love to ride in a carriage pulled by a Lesser Dragon like that..."


    "And who''s inside the carriage?"


    A few yers chimed in, "I think it''s from Slumdon. I saw that pickaxe and hammer logo


    when I visited there once."


    The journey continued until they reached the pce grounds, and the carriage came to a halt.


    "My Lord, we''ve arrived," the carriage driver announced from outside. Broken stepped out, greeted by a row of knights lined up to wee him.


    "Wee, Lord Broken, the Baron of Slumdon Town," they saluted him.


    From a distance, he could see Lionell, d in heavy armor, his towering frame and imposing presence immediately setting him apart from the other knights. As Lionell approached, he


    gave a formal salute.


    "It''s been a while, Lord Broken. I hope you''ve been well. Wee to the capital-Her Highness, Princess Alora, has been expecting you."


    Broken returned the salute and followed Lionell as they made their way toward the pce, ready for the meeting that awaited him.

 Chapter 424: Chapter 424 - I will claim my prize

    Chapter 424: - I will im my prize


    ?


    Broken and Lionell waited in a room with a round table full of food when the doors opened, and the figure they had been expecting finally entered. Broken stood as the servants lined up, bowing respectfully to the person who had arrived.


    It was Princess Alora, her red hair and royal dress flowing gracefully as she stepped into the room. She moved towards Broken, who positioned himself to properly greet the princess.


    "Good evening, Princess. I hope I''m not disturbing your rest by arriving sote," Broken said politely.


    Alora smiled at him. "Have you been away from me so long that you''ve forgotten how casually you used to talk to me? What''s with this formality, huh?" she teased, causing Broken to be momentarily startled before smiling back at her.


    "I''m still learning how to best act as a member of the royal court. I guess I''m doing it wrong? My apologies, Princess," he replied, trying to adjust.


    "Yes, you''re definitely getting it wrong. I suppose you''ve been too busy hunting monsters to remember how to behave like a noble," she said with a smirk.


    Princess Alora then took her seat across from Broken, while Lionell stood protectively behind her, ever the loyal guardian.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    They continued their dinner with casual conversation, and Broken gradually eased back into the flow of Princess Alora''sid-back demeanor. Despite her high status, she exuded a natural charm and elegance that made her seem approachable, even though her royal dress and wless appearance sometimes made Broken forget she was the same princess who had fought by his side in life-and-death battles against a Named Demon just a few months ago. "So... I heard from Lionell that you''re nning an expedition into the depths of Wildwood Forest?" Alora asked, breaking his thoughts.


    Broken was reminded of the uing expedition, a significant venture he had been preparing for.


    "Yes, that''s the n, Princess," he confirmed.


    "Interesting," Alora replied. "I''d be intrigued to join the expedition myself, but unfortunately, I''m quite upied for the next month."


    She then looked directly at Broken. "Let me know if you need more support."


    More support? This is supposed to be a small expedition to hunt for a Fae Beast, isn''t it? Or perhaps this journey was going to be more challenging than he initially believed?


    "Not many have ventured into the faery territories," Alora continued, her tone more serious


    now.


    Broken focused more intently. The mention of the faery territories piqued his curiosity-they were mysterious and not well-explored, and hearing this from Alora made him realize there was much more to this expedition than he had anticipated.


    "Yes, they live in hiding, and not everyone knows how to find them," Princess Alora continued. "They''re incredibly skilled at keeping themselves concealed." She smiled yfully before adding, "They''ve been living in Dissidia without paying taxes, too," followed by a light giggle.


    The fact that the faeries resided in Dissidia and that Alora knew about it suggested that someone in the past had allowed the faeries to settle deep within Wildwood Forest. It wasn''t something done without knowledge or permission, which intrigued Broken even more.


    After a bit more light conversation, Broken decided to shift the discussion to the main reason for his visit to the pce that evening.


    "I''ve intentionally dyed the finishing process of the sword, Princess," he began. "Yes... I''ve been eagerly waiting to see how it turns out," Alora replied with a smile.


    "I can finish it tonight, if you don''t have any other ns," Broken offered.


    "Are you sure? After such a long journey, don''t you need to rest first?" she asked.


    "I''ve gone more than a month without touching cksmithing tools, Princess. I''m more than excited to finallyplete the sword," Broken said..


    Alora turned to Lionell. "Lionell, please make the preparations. In a few minutes, Baron Broken and I will head to the royal cksmith workshop."


    "Understood, Your Highness," Lionell responded with a nod before turning to leave and carry out the instructions.


    A few minutester, Princess Alora and Broken made their way toward the royal cksmith workshop, with Knight Grand Cross Mercy following behind them.


    "So, I''d like to hear about what you''ve been through over the past month. Lionell mentioned you went on quite an interesting expedition," Alora said.


    Broken nodded. "I went to Hell with a few members of the Shadow Wolves, Princess."


    "Oh... that''s quite surprising," she replied. "Does it have anything to do with the Demon Egg we retrieved before?"


    Broken proceeded to give her a brief summary of his recent journey. He exined the efforts to hatch the Demon Egg, his encounter with a Named Demon in Hell, and the eventual sess of defeating it.


    "Well, you''re the first person I''ve heard of who has faced two Named Demons in such a short time and managed to defeat them both with such sess," Alora said, her tone casual but


    clearly impressed.


    Initially, Broken had expected Princess Alora to express concern about his expedition with the Shadow Wolves, a group with potential ties to factions that might threaten her im to the throne. However, there wasn''t the slightest hint of worry in her response.


    It left Broken wondering-did she trust him that much, or did she simply not see the Shadow Wolves as a threat to her?


    He then exined the issue with the Demon Egg, mentioning that it required a Mana supply from someone with royal status. And the only person he could turn to for that was Princess


    Alora.


    "Oh... interesting," Alora responded. "It seems the egg recognizes who is worthy enough to be its Mana supplier, doesn''t it?"


    "Yes, the egg has been quite a hassle and has already caused me a lot of trouble," Broken sighed.


    "If I supply the Mana, wouldn''t that make us the egg''s parents, in a way?" she said, turning to him with a yful smile.


    "That''s... definitely not something I expected to hear from you, Princess," Broken replied,


    grinning.


    "Well, that''s fine," Alora continued, her tone still light but suddenly more direct. "Think of it as practice... for the day you might actually be my husband."


    Broken gulped at her words, the unexpectedment sending a wave of surprise through him. It brought back memories of their time in the Trial Domain of uros, where Princess Alora had once promised that if she fulfilled her duties and became the ruler of the Dissidia Kingdom, she would allow him to marry her.


    "Oh, I''m sure you''ve forgotten about that by now, so just forget it," Princess Alora added with a yful smile.


    Broken chuckled. "You definitely put a lot of pressure on me with those words, Princess."


    "Oh, you''re only realizing that now?" she teased. "There''s still time to back out if you want."


    As they continued walking, the cksmith workshop came into view, its activities still bustling despite thete hour.


    "And yes," Broken thought to himself, "I will im my prize. I will marry the Princess."


    "I''ll stand before you to im that prize when the timees, and I''ll make sure that moment arrives, Princess," he said.


    "That''s a lot of confidence from you, Baron Broken. And I quite like it," she replied casually.

 Chapter 425: Chapter 425 - Would you like the sword for yourself?

    Chapter 425: - Would you like the sword for yourself?


    ?


    Broken and Princess Alora stepped into the cksmith workshop, and as expected, it was much busier than usual. Word of Broken''s arrival had spread quickly, and the workshop was filled with eager anticipation. The cksmiths, while still working, paused briefly, standing as if to greet someone of great importance.


    "I heard you''ve all been missing Baron Broken. Well, here he is," Princess Alora announced, her words met with a cheer from the cksmiths.


    Each of them voiced their excitement.


    "Baron Broken, I''ve heard Slumdon has improved a lot. I''d love to visit the city someday."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Everyone will be wee to work in Slumdon once Baron Broken has finished building it," Princess Alora added.


    Broken turned to her. "Are you serious, Princess?"


    "Well, you could inspire them to create even better equipment, and that would benefit the kingdom too. So yes, I''m serious."


    "Baron Broken, is it true that you''ll be making a sword for Her Highness?" a few of them asked.


    "Yes, it just needs the finishing touch."


    Princess Alora chimed in, "But unfortunately, you won''t be able to watch," she added with a smile before guiding Broken to another part of the workshop.


    All eyes followed as Broken and Princess Alora made their way toward the staircase leading to the second floor. It was a private area, more spacious and enclosed, though the balcony opened up to the outside. This ce had been set aside specifically for Broken by Princess Alora.


    The cksmiths watching from afar couldn''t help but voice their disappointment.


    "I''ve been waiting so long to see Baron Broken work again. Looks like that hope''s gone."


    "And to think, he''s making a sword for Princess Alora! I can only imagine how incredible that sword will be."


    "I wonder if he''ll craft another Unique-grade item... I would''ve loved to witness that kind of masterpiece."


    By the time Broken and Princess Alora reached the room, the workstation was neatly arranged, and everything there looked brand new.


    "I''m not trying to make you stay here long," Alora said. "But whenever you''re in the capital, you know this ce is yours."


    Broken smiled, clearly pleased with the room''s setup. The space hadrge doors that could open wide, revealing a spacious balcony lined with nts and flowers. He couldn''t help but wonder if the heat and smoke from the forge wouldn''t cause the flowers to wither.


    "They''re special nts," Princess Alora said, almost as if reading his mind. "The more heat they get, the better they grow."


    "I wonder if I can take some of these seeds back to Slumdon, Princess?" Broken mused. "Well, you''ve certainly gotten bold with your requests," she teased. "But fine, I''ll deduct it from your cksmithing feeter."


    "I guess that''s fair, as long as you don''t rece all my payment with seeds, Princess..." "That depends on the results, doesn''t it? I didn''t realize you were so confident. Are you sure this sword will be enough to satisfy me?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.


    "Confidencees from experience, Princess. And yes, I''m pretty sure I can deliver," he replied with a grin.


    Broken took his seat, settling in the workspace as Princess Alora and Knight Mercy stood nearby. He pulled out the Cragstorm Sword from his inventory, now only needing its finishing touches.


    Princess Alora stepped closer to him, and Broken couldn''t help but notice her elegant dress, which seemed out of ce so close to the forge''s heat and flying sparks.


    "Are you sure you want to get that close with your dress, Princess?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "I could hold burning coals and pour them over myself, and you''d have no right to stop me," she said casually.


    Broken chuckled. "Well, my apologies, Princess. I forgot you''re used to being on the frontlines of the battlefield."


    Alora giggled softly, her eyes drawn to the sword. "It looks beautiful already, even though it''s not finished."


    Broken smiled and nodded. "You''ll see the final result in just a few minutes. It only needs the finishing touches."


    Alora nodded, watching intently as Broken prepared himself.


    "And what about the other items I sent you the blueprints for?"


    Broken smiled as he began to exin. "The results were excellent, Princess. One came out as Unique-grade, and the other... Legendary-grade."


    Alora''s eyes widened in surprise, as did Mercy''s, who stood nearby.


    "Legendary? Was it the Greatsword that turned out Legendary?" she asked, clearly intrigued.


    Broken chuckled. "No, Princess, it was the pickaxe."


    "Ah... what a shame. But a Legendary item is still a Legendary item, isn''t it?" she said with a grin. "We''ll have to supply you with more materials soon. Who knows, maybe you''ll craft another Legendary piece next time."


    "That would be incredible, Princess. Just let me know when you have another big project in mind."


    With everything set, Broken prepared to begin. He brought out the Royal Hammer, its ck surface gleaming under the light. The heat from the forge began to fill the room as he positioned himself. He raised the hammer and started working, delivering precise strikes to the sword, giving it its final touches.


    Alora and Mercy watched intently as the process unfolded. Though it took anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour, observing the craftsmanship-especially seeing the intense focus on Broken''s face-brought a certain satisfaction to Princess Alora.


    Broken moved on to the final step: installing the monster core. As he carefully ced it into the sword and gave it a few more taps with the Royal Hammer, energy suddenly surged through the weapon. Bright, glowing streaks of power erupted from the de, illuminating the entire room. The golden light reflected off Princess Alora''s pale face, casting a radiant


    glow around her.


    Broken froze for a moment, startled by the brilliant gold energy flowing from the sword. His hands trembled slightly as he confirmed the weapon''s grade.


    [Cragstorm Sword]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    This waspletely beyond his expectations. A Legendary-grade sword-this meant his


    quest progress had just reached 4 out of the 5 Legendary items required. He only needed to craft one more Legendary-grade item before his cksmith ss would upgrade to


    Legendary!


    Moreover, the fact that this sword was for Princess Alora meant her potential would be boosted even further. The room was still in stunned silence, everyone awestruck by the result.


    Broken gently took hold of the sword, and with a proud smile, he presented it with both hands to Princess Alora.


    "Your Highness, Princess Alora, it is my honor to present this Legendary-grade sword to


    you," he said with a smile.


    "No way!" Alora eximed, her eyes wide as she took the sword, still glowing with golden energy. She examined it closely, her eyes shining with excitement.


    "It really is Legendary-grade!"


    "Congrattions on such a magnificent result, Your Highness," Mercy chimed in from behind her. He then turned to Broken. "This is an extraordinary achievement, Baron Broken. You are truly a talented cksmith and a tremendous asset to the Kingdom of Dissidia."


    Before Mercy could continue, Alora cut him off, turning sharply toward Broken.


    "Broken!" she called.


    "Yes, Princess?" he responded.


    "Would you like this sword for yourself?" she asked, leaving both Broken and Mercy


    momentarily stunned.

 Chapter 426: Chapter 426 - 1 Gold Coin Missing

    Chapter 426: - 1 Gold Coin Missing


    ?


    Broken was still taken aback by Princess Alora''s words. He furrowed his brow, unsure if he had heard correctly.


    "Sorry, Princess?" he asked, needing rification.


    "This is a Legendary-grade item, and producing something like this is no easy feat. Even a Master cksmith might need decades of dedication to craft one. You know this is no ordinary item-it holds immense value," she continued, her tone serious.


    She paused briefly before cing the sword back on the table. "Since you''re a swordsman yourself, and you were the one who crafted this sword, it''s yours. Next time, you can craft another sword for me."


    "But Your Highness, the materials used for this sword are incredibly rare, and we might not be able to obtain them again anytime soon," Mercy interjected cautiously.


    "This is my decision to make, Mercy," Alora replied, her voice firm.


    "My apologies, Your Highness," Mercy said, bowing and stepping back respectfully.


    "Take it," she reiterated to Broken.


    Broken remained silent for a moment, his mind already made up. He had never once considered keeping the sword for himself, and he had already solidified his decision for a variety of reasons.


    "Well, if you think the materials are too valuable, consider it a deduction from your next payment," Alora added, trying to lighten the offer.


    But Broken had already set his heart on crafting something exceptional for Princess Alora. This sword was perfectly suited for her fighting style, whichbined swordsmanship and magic. It boosted strength, defense, and magic power all at once-an ideal weapon for her. As for himself, Broken already possessed his own Legendary-grade sword, The Scorchyer, which he had acquired from Hell. Though he didn''t intend to use it publicly due to the identity it might reveal, he had plenty of other weapon options. His Wavebreaker Spear, in particr, was an incredibly powerful weapon that currently served as his mainstay.


    With that in mind, he knew this sword belonged to Alora.


    "Princess, I understand that a Legendary-grade item like this could make anyone greedy. But no matter how much I might want this sword, I''d rather see you wield it."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He smiled, nodding to reinforce his words. He truly wanted her to have the best protection, and this sword was exactly that-a powerful weapon suited perfectly for her.


    "Take it, that''s an order," Alora insisted.


    "You know that doesn''t work on me, right?" he replied calmly. "This is your sword. Youmissioned it, and I''m delivering it. That''s my responsibility."


    Alora pushed the sword toward him again. "I''m forcing you to take it."


    Broken pushed it back gently. "Princess, please don''t make me lose my cool in front of Knight Mercy."


    "So what? Are you going to show your true nature?" she teased. "Come on, now force me to ept the sword."


    "Princess, you''re really testing my patience," Broken muttered.


    "Oh, how polite of you, speaking that way to a princess."


    "Princess Alora," Broken said, his voice more serious now. "I''m truly serious about this. I believe this sword will be incredible in your hands."


    "You''ll regret this decision."


    "I''lle back and ask for the sword if I change my mind," he said with a smirk.


    "Oh, I didn''t realize a great cksmith like you could be so indecisive."


    "Then take it." This time, his tone was firmer.


    Alora sighed softly as she finally took hold of the sword, lifting it with ease.


    The glow from the forge reflected off its wless surface, casting a shimmering light across the room. She smiled, admiring the craftsmanship, before giving the de a graceful spin in her hand.


    She turned toward the window, adopting a perfect stance with the sword in her grasp. Even in her elegant royal dress, she held the weapon with wless precision, her posture both poised and powerful.


    The sight of her, a princess in such regal attire wielding a Legendary-grade sword, was truly mesmerizing-a pleasure to behold.


    With a swift movement, Alora lowered the sword and looked over at Broken. "I''m afraid I won''t be able to pay for a sword of this caliber."


    Broken grinned. "That''s a pretty amusing excuse, Princess."


    Alora giggled at his response and then turned to Sir Mercy, who had been quietly observing. "Sir Mercy, tell me, what would you estimate the price of this sword to be?"


    Alora handed the sword to Mercy, who examined it closely, analyzing every detail. After a few moments, he shook his head slightly in disbelief.


    "This is the best possible result for the Cragstorm Sword, Your Highness," he said. "If we exclude the cost of materials, the craftsmanship alone would be valued between 2200 and 2400 gold coins."


    Alora nodded, then turned to Broken. "2400 gold coins. Is that a fair price?"


    Broken paused, swallowing as he processed Mercy''s words. He vividly remembered the sale of The Scorchyer at auction in Hell, fetching an impressive 2700 gold coins-a truly astronomical sum. Of course, that sword was a Legendary-grade item dropped from a raid boss, with far greater rarity than anything crafted.


    But here, this sword was crafted from materials all provided by Princess Alora. Even so, the value of 2400 gold coins was beyond anything he had imagined.


    "Deal, Princess. I''m very pleased with that price," Broken finally replied, his voice steady.


    Alora smiled and extended her hand to him. "A pleasure doing business with you, Baron Broken," she said warmly.


    With a flick of her wrist, the sword vanished from sight, stored securely in her dimensional storage.


    "Follow me, and the gold coins will be prepared for you shortly," she said, turning gracefully and beckoning him to follow.


    They made their way through the lower floor of the workshop, where the attention of every cksmith was still fixed on them. The cksmiths were dying to know the oue of the sword''s creation. Since once a sword is used, its grade can no longer be inspected directly, their curiosity remained intense. But whatever the result, they all hoped it would make Princess Alora even stronger.


    As they continued on, they reached a quite big chamber. After waiting a few moments, a group of servants entered, carrying several chests filled with gold coins. Broken epted the payment and stored it in his inventory, watching the total amount in his currency bnce


    skyrocket.


    It was an enormous sum of money!


    "You''re not going to count it?" Alora asked with a yful smile.


    "There''s 1 gold coin missing, Princess, but I think I can let it slide. Consider it a discount."


    Alora giggled at his remark, enjoying the moment.


    After confirming the transaction wasplete, Broken was ready to move on to the next


    matter at hand.


    "So, I suppose it''s time for me to check on the progress of the demon egg?" Alora said.


    Broken smiled and nced around to make sure they were alone, aside from the two Knight Grand Crosses standing at attention nearby. Confident that the room was secure, he retrieved the egg from his inventory and ced it carefully on the table in the center of the room.


    The moment the egg touched the surface, it began to shake more intensely than usual. Broken frowned slightly, hoping the egg wouldn''t demand anything troublesome this time¡ª especially since its progress was only 3% away frompletion.

 Chapter 427: Chapter 427 - Leon really misses you!

    Chapter 427: - Leon really misses you!


    ?


    The Demon Egg in the center of the table pulsed gently with a faint light, almost as if it were breathing. As Princess Alora stepped closer to it, the egg reacted, moving slightly as though responding to her presence.


    "This egg is adorable..." Alora cooed, softly stroking the surface of the egg. "Has Broken been treating you well, baby?"


    In response to her gentle touch, the egg''s faint light flickered more rapidly, as if excited by her words.


    "I''ve gotten into big trouble because of this egg," Broken muttered, ncing at the egg with a mixture of amusement and frustration.


    The egg shook more vigorously, almost as if it understood hisint.


    Alora ced both of her palms near the egg, and a soft energy began to flow from her hands into it. Broken watched intently as the faint light within the egg slowed its flickering, growing steadier and more peaceful, as though it were enjoying the Mana being gently supplied to it.


    [The Hatchling loves this Mana-it could feed on it all day. It''s so rich in magic, far purer than what it usually absorbs.]


    Broken furrowed his brow as he read the notification. While he had been the one supplying Mana to the egg until now, the creature inside had the nerve topare his Mana with the Princess''s.


    My Mana is Divine Champion''s mana, you know, he thought, feeling slightly offended.


    "Well, my Mana''s running low now," Alora said with a light giggle after spending several minutes feeding the egg her energy.


    "Don''t overdo it, Princess. We don''t need to finish hatching it tonight."


    "No, it''s fine. This is quite fun, and I''m curious about the baby that wille from this egg."


    "That''s surely a Felhorn, Princess... the same type of demon we fought that day," Broken replied.


    Aloraughed softly. "Yes, but this one''s a fresh hatchling, so we can teach it not to say meow every time it finishes a sentence."


    "I''d definitely support that idea," Broken agreed with a grin.


    Broken checked the progress of the egg, and it had reached 98%. Just 2% left. He swore to himself that if the egg demanded anything strange at this point, he would lose his patience entirely.


    "So, I suppose you can leave the egg in my room. I''ll supply more Mana to it once I''ve recovered," Alora suggested.


    Broken nodded at her offer. "Thank you for your generosity, Princess."


    "Yes, I know. I''m very generous," she replied with a giggle.


    A few minutester, Mercy returned with a wooden chest, and Alora carefully ced the egg inside for safekeeping.


    "Lionell will escort you to your room," she continued. "But if you prefer to stay outside the castle, that''s your choice as well."


    Broken had plenty of time to wait, and honestly, he was tired after spending the whole day in the carriage. He needed a good rest. He headed to the guest room prepared for him, and it was by far the best room he''d ever stayed in during his time in Yunatea.


    But then it hit him-despite all the times he''d worked on cksmithing projects at the pce, he''d never slept in such luxury before. The thought quickly faded, though, as exhaustion overtook him. He drifted off to sleep, logging out of the game for the night.


    ***


    Leon stepped out of his gaming room and headed towards the kitchen, where he spotted Lily sitting and enjoying her fruit sd. He walked over and sat down beside her.


    "Hi, bro... feeling better?"


    Leon reached over to grab a piece of fruit from her bowl, but she pped his hand away.


    "Jeez, your hands are dirty!" she eximed, then speared a piece of fruit with her fork and offered it to him. He took it, chewing thoughtfully.


    "How was yesterday with Uncle, Lil?" he asked.


    "Uhm... yeah, it was fun! I really missed him," she replied, her face lighting up with enthusiasm. "He said next time he''s going to introduce us to his fianc¨¦e."


    "Really? That''s interesting. I haven''t seen him in ages either," Leon said, clearly intrigued.


    Lily nodded as she fed Leon another piece of fruit. "Leon, why hasn''t Freyae by in a while? It''s been more than four days, you know. This might be the longest she''s gone without visiting. Are you two not getting along or something?"


    "Huh?" Leon was caught off guard by the sudden question. He hadn''t even realized how long it had been since Freyast came over.


    "I guess she''s just been busy? Her job is mainly to help me when I need it."


    Lily sighed, her concern evident. "Call her. Find out where she is. She''s helped you a lot in the game, right?"


    Leon nodded slowly, realizing Lily had a point. He nced at the clock-it was already 9 p.m. He hesitated, wondering if it was toote to call, but then remembered how Freya usually stayed at his ce until midnight orter. She even rented a room on this floor. Still, it seemed like she wasn''t around this time.


    Leon took his phone and dialed Freya. After a few rings, she picked up.


    "Why are you calling me sote, huh?"


    "Hey, Lily was asking why you haven''t been by in a while," Leon replied.


    Freya sighed on the other end. "Then why didn''t Lily ask me herself? You''re wasting your time."


    "Alright, fine. I''m asking. Why haven''t you visited? I miss you," he said with a slight smile. "Shut up," Freya responded. "Tell me, what''s the real reason for calling me thiste?"


    "I just wanted to check on you, see how you''re doing."


    "That''s bull, we just met in-game earlier."


    "Well, game and real life aren''t the same, right?"


    Lily suddenly shouted toward the phone. "Freya! Come with us on a weekend getaway!"


    "Hey, Lily..." Freya raised her voice slightly in response. "I''d like to, but for some reason, I''m not really interested."


    "Yes,e with us, Freya. I''m insisting," Leon added.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Freyaughed on the other end. "You two are suspicious. Don''t treat me like some lonely girl who needspany, okay? I''m busy, so don''t get any weird ideas."


    "Well, alright," she continued after a pause. "But I guess I could consider it... if Leon insists." Lily chimed in again with a yful shout, "Yes, Freya, Leon really misses you!" "Oh... I''m not surprised to hear that," Freya responded with a teasing tone. "He should owe


    me a lot of thanks."


    "Yes, I do."


    "Alright, I''lle overter. Bye," Freya said, and the call ended.


    As Leon hung up, Lily giggled.


    "Hazel wanted to join too," he said.


    "Don''t worry, Hazel has a shoot this weekend, so she won''t be able toe," Lily replied.


    Leon nodded and sighed. "I''m so hungry..."


    "Let''s grab some fast food outside, bro," Lily suggested.


    Leon looked at her, slightly amused. "After eating fruit?"


    Lily giggled. "Well, a little cheating is fine. I''m craving something like that."


    "Sure, let''s go. What do you feel like eating, sis?"


    Lily stood up and grabbed her jacket. "I know a cool spot to hang out at night. It''s open indoor


    seating, but with a great view outside. It''s not far from here."


    They walked out together, the air cool and pleasant. It was a simple outing, a small moment of fun, but Leon was enjoying this spontaneous adventure with his sister.

 Chapter 428: Chapter 428 - Activating Demon Pact

    Chapter 428: - Activating Demon Pact


    ?


    Broken logged back into the game, finding himself in the guest room of the pce. For a moment, he let himself sink into the opulence of the grand bed, daydreaming about how incredible it would be to have something like this in real life. But then reality hit-space in the real world was costly, and a bedroom of this size would easily cost a fortune.


    After a while, there was a knock at the door. "What''s that?" he wondered.


    Upon giving permission to enter, three people stepped in-one male maid, and two females. They bowed to him.


    The male maid said, "Baron Broken, we apologize for the interruption, but Her Highness has requested your presence in her chamber if you''re avable. However, we can offer you a meal and a bath first, and the two maids will assist you during your bath."


    Wait, what? Broken blinked, trying to process what the maid had just said-two maids to apany him while bathing? Was that really part of the royal guest service?n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Still, his curiosity was more focused on why Princess Alora had summoned him. Could it be that the egg had finally hatched? After all, about two days had passed in Yunatea''s time since hisst visit. Deciding not to dy, he chose to head straight to Princess Alora''s chamber instead.


    Two knights stood guard outside the grand doors leading to Alora''s chamber. As soon as they saw him approach, they immediately allowed him to pass. Therge doors swung open, and Broken stepped inside, finding Princess Alora sitting on her bed. Beside her was something small resting on the covers.


    It wasn''t the demon egg anymore. No, it was the creature that had hatched from it.


    "Hi, Broken! Come, look at this cute little kitten that just hatched," she said with a smile, waving him over.


    Broken walked closer and saw what looked like a little kitten, but with two tiny horns protruding from its head. The creature waszily sprawled out, while Alora gently stroked its head.


    [Congrattions, Broken, for sessfully hatching a Legendary-grade Demon Egg: Felhorn.]


    [For this achievement, you have earned the title "Master of the Abyssal Bond."]


    [You have received 20 stat points.]


    [Additionally, you have been rewarded with the skill "Demon Pact: Felhorn," which allows you to form a powerful bond with the demon beast.]


    [Skill Description: "Demon Pact: Felhorn" is a one-time-use skill that permanently binds you to the demon that hatches from the Felhorn egg.


    This skill allows the contracted demon to be stored in a unique dimensional space, exclusive to the bond shared between you and the Felhorn.


    While in this space, the demon regenerates Health, Mana, and Stamina at an elerated rate. The dimensional storage not only keeps your demon beast safe, but also enables you to summon it instantly to your side inbat or for exploration.]


    [Additional Benefits:]


    [Battle Synchronization: The demon''s stats increase based on your current stat distribution, meaning the stronger you be, the stronger the Felhorn bes.]


    [Shared Senses: You can partially see and hear through the Felhorn when it''s summoned, enhancing your battlefield awareness or scouting abilities.]


    [Natural Affinity: Through your connection with the Felhorn, you have developed a natural affinity with it. Your current affinity is set to 56%, which affects the creature''s responsiveness to yourmands and its emotional connection with you. As your affinity increases, the bond will strengthen, allowing for more powerful joint abilities and deeper synchronization.] [Growth of the Bond: The bond grows stronger with time and shared experiences, allowing the Felhorn to unlock new abilities as it levels up alongside you.]


    Alora smiled and nced at Broken. "Come here," she said, patting the spot beside her on the bed, signaling for him to sit.


    Broken smiled and took a seat, keeping a polite distance from the princess.


    "Did it hatch long ago, Princess?"


    Alora nodded. "About a day after you left," she replied with a soft smile. "This little one loves to sleep. It only wakes up asionally to look around, then dozes off again."


    Broken chuckled as he observed the creature. It really did look like a kitten-not quite a baby, but a small, adorable little thing.


    Broken had just earned a new title after sessfully hatching the demon egg, along with a new skill to form a contract with the demon beast. However, his curiosity remained. He wondered what level the demon beast might be and what skills it possessed, especially considering it had consumed various things-including that time it devoured Gremory. "What''s its gender, Princess?"


    Alora looked up and giggled. "It''s a male."


    Broken turned his attention back to the demon beast. The kitten slowly opened its eyes, lifting its head, which seemed a bit toorge for its tiny body. Those big, round eyes scanned the room before finally locking onto Broken.


    "You''re the one who gave me Mana," it said.


    Wait? He blinked. The little demon could actually talk, and it didn''t even end its sentence with a yful "meow."


    "See, the kitten''s finally awake," Alora said with a smile, she then turned to the kitten. "He''s the one I told you about. He''s the one who brought you to Hell and supplied you with so many


    things."


    The little kitten kept staring at Broken, then nced back at Princess Alora.


    "Oh... I''m so happy, I guess," it said in a soft voice.


    "Why add ''I guess'' at the end?" Broken responded.


    "Both of you have pure, rich Mana... I like it," the kitten said. "She''s the crowned princess of the human kingdom, even though she''s half-elf. And you..." it turned its gaze back to Broken. "What are you? You seem... strange."


    "People here call us yers. Think of us as beings from another world who''vee to this one," Broken exined.


    "Oh, like us... who came from Hell?" the kitten replied, tilting its head slightly.


    "I''m surprised you know so much about this world but not about us, the yers."


    The little kitten let out a long yawn. "I should form a contract with you, right?" it asked.


    Broken nodded. "But you''re just hatched, right? It can wait."


    "The contract will actually benefit me too," the kitten replied. "I can grow stronger and faster with it, so the sooner we do it, the better." The kitten paused for a moment before continuing. "And, since you two were the biggest providers of Mana while I was in the egg, my contract with you will also affect her."


    "Does that have to do with a skill you possess?" Broken asked. "Because in the skill I received to form a contract, nothing was mentioned about it involving her."


    "Yes..." the kitten muttered, looking sleepy again. "It''s better if you two get along, since I''ll be helping both of you. A strong bond between you will only benefit me."


    Alora giggled at the kitten''s words. "Don''t worry, Broken is reliable and brave. Quite the type I prefer, really, so I''m sure he won''t disappoint you, little kitten." "That''s so strange," the kitten replied. "Being called ''little kitten'' when I''m the supreme Legendary Felhorn, destined to rule both Hell and Yunatea. But I can tolerate it... since it''s you who''s saying it, Princess."


    "That''s quite an ambitious goal," Alora mused. "But I suppose having big goals isn''t a bad


    thing."


    The kitten remained silent at Alora''s words, itsrge eyes now fixed on Broken. "Now, Broken, let''s proceed with the contract."


    Broken raised an eyebrow, noticing the difference. The demon called Alora "Princess," but


    referred to him by name. Interesting. Still, as long as the demon proved useful to both him


    and Alora, he didn''t mind.


    [Activating Demon Pact: Felhorn skill]

 Chapter 429: Chapter 429 - Vermilion Tendrils

    Chapter 429: - Vermilion Tendrils


    ?


    [Activating Demon Pact: Felhorn skill]


    [The Demon Pact target is a Legendary-grade Felhorn Lv. 212]


    [The Felhorn epted the Pact]


    A magic circle formed beneath thezy Felhorn, who was still lounging on the bed. As the circle began to glow, the demon sat up, looking around with a confused expression until the glow faded and the magic circle disappeared.


    [Activating Demon Pack Pocket Dimension: You can store the demon here and summon it whenever you want.]


    [The Demon Pact has beenpleted.]


    Broken nodded, smiling toward Alora as the pact concluded.


    "So, have you formed a contract with it?" she asked. "Now, tell me its level, status, skills- everything!"


    "But before we get into all that," he replied, "I think you should give this Felhorn a new name, Princess. Got any ideas?"


    "Name?" Alora paused, gently stroking Felhorn''s head. "Hey, buddy, do you mind if I give you a name?"


    "Yeah... I don''t really care either way," the Felhorn answered.


    "Okay, how about... Pawpaw? I think that''s a cute name!"


    Pawpaw? Broken frowned, feeling like Princess Alora''s sense of naming was... a bit random. Pawpaw? Wouldn''t something more menacing, like ck Cat or Shadow Blood, fit better? A name that reflects the legendary status of a demon from Hell?


    "Pawpaw?" Felhorn echoed, his sleepy eyes blinking slowly. "Okay, then... My name is Pawpaw."


    Alora giggled and nced at Broken. "He likes it, Broken."


    "Yes, Princess," Broken said with a wry smile, "that''s the cutest and best name I''ve ever heard in my life."


    Aloraughed at his sarcastic tone. "Now, show me its status! I want to see what we''re working with."


    With a sigh and a half-smile, Broken brought up the demon''s status screen.


    [Name: Pawpaw]


    [Level: 212]


    [Strength: 378 | Agility: 657 | Intelligence: 589 | Constitution: 321 | Stamina: 387]


    "Wow... level 212... that''s incredibly high for a creature this small!" Alora said excitedly.


    Broken nodded in agreement, equally impressed by Felhorn''s level and stats. It was actually higher than his own level. Level 212. But of course, this was good news-he had formed a contract with a powerful demon beast, after all.


    Now he had two demon beasts under hismand: Pawpaw, and ze. ze had a higher level, sitting at 223pared to Pawpaw''s 212, but the difference in quality was clear. Pawpaw was Legendary-grade, hatched from a special Demon Egg, and shared the same beast ssification as a Named Demon. That meant Pawpaw had even greater potential for growth. While ze couldn''t talk-just like Marlene''s shadow wolves, which had never shown any signs of speech-this little Felhorn could. And the demon pact they had formed was unique; as Broken''s strength grew, so too would Pawpaw''s.


    "Pawpaw''s stats are heavily skewed toward Agility and Intelligence. It seems like he''s built for quick, magicbat," he said.


    "The Felhorn we fought back then was agile too, using abination of speed and Shadow magic. I wonder if Pawpaw has simr skills," Alora mused.


    Broken pulled up Pawpaw''s skill list, inspecting it carefully. There were four skills listed. [Vermillion Tendrils:


    Manifests shadowy blood tendrils to attack enemies, dealing 150% physical damage and 150% Vermillion Dusk element damage. These tendrils can be controlled by the demon to target specific enemies or perform tasks, and they continuously drain stamina while active. The demon beast can traverse between shadows linked to the two individuals who supplied mana during its egg phase, consuming mana only when traversing.]


    The first skill, Vermilion Tendrils, seemed to be a manifestation of the Vermilion Dusk element that Pawpaw had gained after absorbing Gremory''s blood. This ability allowed Pawpaw to manipte shadowy blood, a unique power that could be used both for offensive attacks and for life steal.


    Intriguingly, the skill also enabled Pawpaw to jump between shadows-specifically the shadows of those who had supplied him with Mana during his time in the egg. Which meant... Pawpaw could potentially teleport between Broken and Alora using their shadows.


    He shared the details of the skill with Princess Alora via the transparent screen in front of him. "Oh... so Pawpaw can visit me anytime he wants?" Alora giggled, clearly entertained by the idea.


    While Alora found it amusing, Broken saw the tactical advantage. Pawpaw could easily shift between them, offering Alora additional protection whenever needed. The demon beast could jump between their locations depending on who required his help most.


    "Pawpaw can stay at the pce more often if he likes, Princess," Broken suggested with a smile.


    Alora shook her head. "You''re the one who formed the contract with him, so he''ll follow you. But if this little kitten ever wants to visit me, he''s wee anytime."


    Pawpaw''s potential was undeniable. His level was already incredibly high for something that had just hatched, and the thought of how much stronger he would grow as both he and Broken continued to level up was exciting. And the possibility of gaining even more powerful skills in the future? That was a game-changer.


    Broken nodded to himself, imagining how Pawpaw''s ability to shift between shadows could be a lifeline, not only inbat but also in keeping Alora safe.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Crimson Eclipse (Ultimate Skill):


    Creates a red-tinted shadow that reduces enemy visibility and movement speed by 30%. The demon bes untargetable while in the shadows.


    Mana Cost: 1500


    Cooldown: 8 minutes


    Duration: 1 minute]


    The next skill, Crimson Eclipse, was just as fascinating. Although it came with a longer cooldown-eight minutes-its effects were undeniably powerful. For one minute, Pawpaw would be untargetable, making him nearly impossible to hit, while also reducing enemy visibility and movement speed by 30%.


    With his high Agility and Magic stats, once this skill was activated, Pawpaw could easily turn into a nightmare for his opponents. He would weave through the battlefield, dishing out relentless attacks while his enemies struggled to see or even keep up with him.


    Broken''s mind raced with the possibilities. If he was in the same battle, they could synchronize Crimson Eclipse with one of his own powerful skills, creating devastatingbos that would leave their enemies helpless. Pawpaw could focus on sowing chaos among their foes, weakening them with reduced vision and slowed movements, while Broken unleashed his own attacks in perfect harmony.


    Thisbination of agility, magic, and strategy made Crimson Eclipse a potential game- changer. Broken couldn''t help but grin, knowing that with Pawpaw at his side, they could overwhelm even the most formidable enemies.


    [Shadow Veil (Active Skill):


    Cloaks the demon and up to two allies in shadows, turning them invisible and increasing movement speed by 20%. The skill is canceled if the demon or its allies attack or are attacked. This skill has a continuous duration and consumes mana over time.]


    The third skill, Shadow Veil, was incredibly intriguing. It allowed Pawpaw to turn invisible,


    not just by himself, but with the ability to bring up to two others along with him. Though, the invisibility wasn''t limited by time-it could remain active indefinitely, as long as Pawpaw


    had enough Mana to sustain it.


    [Vermillion Rebirth (Passive Skill):


    Revives the demon once upon death by consuming nearby blood, restoring 30% of its health.


    This effect can only be triggered once per battle.


    Trigger: Upon death


    Cooldown: Once per battle]


    Thest skill, Vermilion Rebirth, was a defensive ability that stood out as a lifesaver. This skill allowed Pawpaw to resurrect once if he were to be defeated in battle. Unlike Polly, who had the ability to recover if killed, Pawpaw couldn''t naturallye back-this skill provided a crucial second chance. It would act as an early warning for them, signaling them that if Pawpaw went down, they''d need to rethink their strategy or retreat immediately. With this impressive skill set-Vermilion Tendrils for offensive control, Crimson Eclipse for deadly untargetable strikes, Shadow Veil for stealth and mobility, and Vermilion Rebirth for a safety-Pawpaw was shaping up to be an invaluable ally.


    On top of that, Broken''s own skill from the Demon Pact, Shared Senses, was a major advantage. The ability to see and hear through Pawpaw''s eyes meant he could send the Felhorn on scouting missions and gather real-time intel without putting himself or his party


    members in danger.


    Plus, with Pawpaw''s abilities, infiltrating enemy territory became a breeze, and escaping was


    even easier!


    As Broken was lost in thought, imagining the endless possibilities and strategies he could use with Pawpaw, Alora''s voice brought him back to the present.


    "So, how long are you nning to stay in the capital, Broken?" she asked.

 Chapter 430: Chapter 430 - Thanks for the Sword

    Chapter 430: - Thanks for the Sword


    ?


    [Activating Shadow Veil (Active Skill)]


    It was nighttime in the capital city of Dissidia Kingdom. Broken and Princess Alora, dressed in her elegant blue royal gown, were strolling through the city streetspletely unnoticed by anyone around them.


    Pawpaw,fortably asleep on top of Broken''s head, was the reason for this invisibility, thanks to his Shadow Veil skill. The invisibility allowed them to move freely, blending into the night without drawing any attention.


    The veil would drop if they were attacked, but here in the capital, surrounded by guards and with the city''s natural defenses, it felt safe enough to take thiste-night walk without worrying about danger.


    "This is so strange, but kind of fun at the same time," Alora said.


    The skill not only made them invisible, but also allowed them tomunicate freely without anyone overhearing.


    Broken couldn''t help but agree. Pawpaw''s skill was truly incredible, offering them the freedom to experience the city like never before. Even though the little kitten appeared to be sound asleep, he was still actively channeling his Mana, maintaining the invisibility that kept them hidden.


    "By not being noticed by the people around you, Princess?" Broken asked, ncing at her.


    Alora nodded with a smile. They strolled casually along the edge of the street, careful to avoid bumping into anyone by mistake. Every now and then, Alora would duck or sidestep to avoid a passerby, and Broken followed suit, their eyes meeting with shared amusement. They both chuckled quietly, finding the situation oddly fun.


    Alora continued as they started walking normally again. "Everyone... They''re always saying nice things and bowing around me."


    "Well, they''d be punished if they dared to insult royalty to your face, Princess," Broken replied. "So don''t hold it against them."


    Alora giggled. "I suppose you''re right."


    "But you mentioned before that some people still have the nerve to say things that undermine you, haven''t you? You once told me about that."


    Alora''s smile faded slightly. "Most of ites from Demian''s faction-my father''s brother."


    Demian was the current king''s brother, rumored to be aligned with the Shadow Wolves and suspected of being involved with the Demon Cult. His faction had been deliberately working to undermine Princess Alora''s support, threatening her im to the throne.


    Unfortunately, in this kingdom, leadership wasn''t determined by voting or popr support, but through inheritance. The only real way to seize power was through a coup-to overthrow the current ruler.


    His gaze shifted to Alora, understanding the heavy weight that must rest on her shoulders. The politics and dangers she faced were far moreplex than what people saw on the surface.


    As they continued walking, Broken and Alora reached a busier part of the city. The streets were lined with merchants selling their goods, and groups of people gathered to shop or simply enjoy the night. The atmosphere in the capital was lively and vibrantpletely different from the smaller towns like Slumdon or Deadbay.


    Suddenly, a heated argument broke out at a nearby fruit stand. Alora paused and Broken stopped beside her to see what was going on.


    "Hey, you scammer! You''re charging way too much for this stuff!" a male customer yelled angrily at the fruit vendor.


    The merchant, clearly frustrated, shot back, "Do you think I don''t need to make a living? If you''re not interested, just leave!"


    The man wasn''t backing down. "You dare talk back to me, you idiot!" He grabbed the cor of the merchant''s shirt, yanking him forward. A few pieces of fruit tumbled to the ground.


    "You think it''s easy living in this city? These prices are fair! Don''t make things harder for small traders like me!" the merchant pleaded.


    "Shut up, scammer!" the man snapped. "You think it''s easy for a worker like me either? I can barely find work, and all I''m asking is for you to lower the price so I can afford it!"


    "I won''t," the merchant responded firmly. "If I give in, more people like you wille and try to squeeze me dry!"


    Enraged, the man shoved the vendor hard, causing him to stumble. "You''re useless!" he spat, storming off with a scowl on his face.


    Broken clenched his fists as he watched, but Aloraid a gentle hand on his arm. "No need," she whispered.


    The merchant, still shaken and angry, stepped forward to gather the scattered fruit, his hands trembling.


    "This all started when that half-elf came into the kingdom," he muttered bitterly. "It''s only gotten worse because she''s going to be the ruler someday."


    He nced around before adding, "Curse her! I hope someone takes over the kingdom before she ever sits on that throne!"


    Alora froze at those words, her expression shifting from curiosity to stunned silence. Hearing the hatred so directly, so personally, was a different kind of wound.


    Broken reached for her left hand and gently held it.


    She turned to him, and he spoke quietly. "Let''s go, Princess."


    He led her away, guiding her through the crowd, and Alora followed silently.


    A few minutester, they sat together on the roof of a watchtower near the city wall, still cloaked by the Shadow Veil. The cool night air wrapped around them, and the distant noise of the city faded into the background. Broken quietly observed Alora, who seemed lost in thought, her usual lively demeanor reced by a rare, quiet stillness.


    It was probably the first time he had seen this side of her-silent, deep in her own thoughts. What she had heard earlier wasn''t new to her, no doubt, but hearing such raw, close-up hatred directed at her like that might''ve been the first time. Honesty, when it was harsh, was never easy to ept.


    "If you tell anyone about this side of me, I''ll kill you," she suddenly said.


    Broken couldn''t help but chuckle at her words. "Pawpaw wouldn''t be too happy about that, Princess."


    Alora giggled too, her mood lifting a little in response to hisment.


    "I''m not great with words, Princess, so I don''t know what to say to make you feel better."


    "Then learn how to speak sweetly from Elincia, Freya or someone else... you''ll need it."


    Brokenughed softly at her remark.


    "Let''s just kill anyone who says stuff like that, Princess," he said.


    Alora raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I always knew there was a sadistic streak in you, Broken. But I didn''t expect that suggestion from you."


    Broken grinned, and the tension between them eased. He could see the faint smile on her face now, and that small sign of relief felt like a victory.


    "I guess I did it?" Broken murmured quietly.


    "Shut up, I can cheer myself up just fine. I''m smiling, but not because of your words," Alora


    shot back.


    "That''s so polite, Princess."


    "You always push me to the limit and drain my patience."


    "Sorry, Princess, I''m just trying to be myself. So, you''d better get used to it," he replied with a


    chuckle.


    Alora bumped her shoulder against his yfully, and they both fell back into thefortable silence of the night, watching the twinkling lights of the city below.


    "Pawpaw could be our way ofmunicating, Princess," Broken suggested.


    "Don''t contact me too often. I''m the Crowned Princess of Dissidia Kingdom, you know. I''m so


    busy, unlike you, wandering around charming countless women."


    "You''re seriously harsh with your judgment, Princess."


    "But, that''s fine with me," she said, turning to him with a soft giggle. She rested her cheek on


    her knees, gazing at him with an amused smile.


    "What?" Broken asked, raising an eyebrow at her sudden look.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Nothing," Alora replied. "Tell me, do you love Ivana? Or Freya?"


    Broken blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in the conversation.


    "What''s with this question, Princess?"


    "If you be a ruler someday, you can have more than one wife," she continued. "I heard


    that in your world, it''s notmon to have more than one wife. That''s a bit strange, don''t


    you think? Here, you could do the opposite."


    Ivana? The name echoed in his mind.


    "Fulfill yourmitments," Alora said with a soft giggle. "Marry meter, and Ivana too... and Freya, in your world. And more, but they''ll have to fight me for it, to prove they''re worthy


    of being your next wife."


    Broken swallowed hard at her words. The idea of marriage, especially to her, wasn''t new to him. He had alreadymitted himself to backing her im to the throne, and marrying her was something he hade to ept.


    But Ivana? The thought of her stirred emotions he had tried not to dwell on. He definitely didn''t want to lose her either. Yes, he cared about her deeply too.


    Alora stood up, smoothing out her dress as she nced over at him. "Bring me home. You need to get back to Slumdon tomorrow too, don''t you?"


    Broken followed suit, standing beside her as they both looked out over the city.


    With thismitment between them, he fully understood the immense challenges they would face in the future. And yes, it all connected to the Named Demons! Broken had already fought two of the lower-ranked ones, and even those battles had been intense. He could barely imagine how terrifying the higher-ranked Named Demons would be. If they appeared in the capital, chaos would surely follow.


    "Thanks for the sword," Alora said, breaking the silence. "I''ll fight harder to be even


    stronger."


    He nodded. "You''re wee, Princess. Whateveres our way, we''ll face it together. I promise."


    "I told you before, I''m used to nice words. I''d rather hear the truth."


    "You''re really tempting me to say something rude, Princess."


    "Sorry, Baron Broken. I''m just trying to be myself. So, you''d better get used to it." She


    chuckled softly.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Well, everyone, Volume 3 - Rising from the Dust wraps up here! Tell me how you''re feeling


    about it in thements.


    What''s next? Yes, as many of you have been eagerly waiting for, it''s time for Broken to embark on his quest to find the Fairies and obtain a Fairy Soul Stone.


    But wait-does he really need to massacre them to get it? Of course, killing just one wouldn''t


    be enough, right?


    I know what you''re thinking: Broken''s not a maniac who goes around ughtering others just


    to get what he wants... or is he?! Don''t worry, he only does that to demons! So don''t judge our


    boy too harshly, okay?


    Anyway, I''d love to hear more from you in the uing chapters. Thanks so much for all the incredible support-you all are the best! Truly, thank you!

 Chapter 431: Chapter 431 - Take Care of Her, Okay?

    Chapter 431: - Take Care of Her, Okay?


    ?


    The journey back from the Capital City of the Dissidia Kingdom began, with Broken traveling alongside Elincia, who had also wrapped up her business there.


    The Ass Guild had split into two groups-half staying in the capital and nearby towns, while the other half had settled in Slumdon Town. The hunting grounds around Slumdon were much more appealing, thanks to a higher concentration of powerful monsters.


    Additionally, thepetition in the area was still low, giving them the opportunity to dominate the hunting grounds. This was especially advantageous since few yers had surpassed level 200.


    Though Broken himself had yet to reach level 200, several of his contracted beasts were already beyond that mark. He only needed to help Polly reach level 200 toplete his core team''s strength.


    With the power he had umted, Broken felt more confident about his next expedition. Pawpaw, though still needing a stronger bond with him, was already a high-level asset with immensebat potential.


    Pawpaw''s skills focused heavily on assassination and high damage output, making him a deadly addition to the group. Polly, on the other hand, was more versatile, able to switch between her abilities and her fox form, offering a different kind of support.


    As for ze, Broken could asionally send the demon beast into the forest to hunt alongside Pawpaw and Polly. This would help them grow stronger, and perhaps, with enough training and experience, their grades or skills might evolve even further.


    The journey toward Deadbay began early in the morning, as they aimed to reach Slumdon before nightfall. The time spent in the carriage with Elincia was mostly quiet, as she seemed engrossed in whatever she was doing on her virtual keyboard, handling her own tasks.


    "So, you managed to craft a Legendary-grade sword for Princess Alora?" Elincia suddenly broke the silence, lifting her head while her fingers still danced across the virtual keyboard.


    Broken grinned in response.


    She sighed at his reaction. "I really wish you were solely a cksmith, Broken. Then we couldmission more work from you. But it seems that won''t happen, especially now that you''ve picked up a new production ss."


    "If only time moves faster in Yunatea," he joked.


    "It''s three times faster already, you want more? No, I''m sure you''d still find ways to keep yourself busy," she replied with a smirk.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll make time to take on somemissions for you guyster. Though I''m not sure when that will be."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "I''m sure everyone would be thrilled if you did," Elincia giggled before adding, "And honestly, I''m curious to see how you''ll use that Golemancer ss. I mean, with enough materials and time, I bet you could create an amazing army of golems."


    Broken simply nodded at her remark, though he had deliberately postponed diving deeper into the Golemancer ss. His current focus was onpleting the Unseen Universe Ne project, which had been dyed for quite some time. Perhaps after his expedition to Wildwood Forest, he''d finally turn his attention back to mastering the Golemancer ss.


    [Unseen Universe Ne Blueprint]


    [Grade: Unique ~ Legendary]


    [With this ne, you can easily create your own pocket dimension and store anything from new clothes to exotic animals, or even your secret treasures. So you''ll never have to worry about running out of space ever again!]


    [You will need some Orichalcum, one Eternal me Eye, and a highly sought-after Moonstone to craft this exquisite ne.]


    [A hidden feature was discovered. You can add a Monster Soul Stone of a Fairy-type creature to the material in order to add an intelligent guardian to the pocket dimension.] [Crafting this item requires the skill of a Master cksmith and an Expert Jeweler.] Looking at the materials required and the difficulty in obtaining them, it was clear that this project was no ordinary one. Moonstones, for instance, were so rare that Broken himself was the first yer to discover them. Then there was the Eternal me Eye from a Faebeast, and the Soul Stone from a Faery creature.


    The result grades ranged from Unique to Legendary!


    At worst, the item would result in Unique-grade, but if Broken seeded in crafting a Legendary-grade item, he would achieve two major things: another Legendary-grade item in his possession and thepletion of his quest for the Legendary-ss cksmith.


    The item itself was bound to be extraordinary. It wouldn''t simply be a pocket dimension to store random items. It had been exined that it could hold clothes and other objects, but the mention of storing exotic animals-albeit humorously-implied that it could contain living creatures as well. This was a major distinction from a yer''s typical inventory, which only stored non-living items.


    [So you''ll never have to worry about running out of space ever again!]


    That line hinted at the pocket dimension''s vast capacity, as well as a guardian that would protect it. This item was shaping up to be truly exceptional, something beyond a mere storage solution-it would be a powerful tool with capabilities that far surpassed a normal inventory.


    After arriving in Deadbay City, Broken headed straight for Fokil''s Smithy. He knocked on the door and entered when someone inside called him in.


    "Hi, sir, how are you doing?" Broken greeted him with a smile, sounding enthusiastic. But all he received in return was a hard, expressionless stare from the dwarf.


    "Shut the door, kid. I''m working," Fokil said sternly.


    Broken did as Fokil said, quietly sat down nearby, watching the dwarf work, but the


    atmosphere quickly shifted.


    "You''ve only been gone a few months, and you''ve already done some crazy things, huh?! You even put Ivana''s life in danger by taking her to Hell!" Fokil''s voice was sharp with anger, his eyes ring at Broken.


    "Her armor and weapons are in terrible condition. Just what kind of creatures did you face down there, huh?!"


    Broken stayed silent, surprised by the outburst. After all, Fokil himself had encouraged him to take Ivana on adventures, but now the dwarf seemed furious. He didn''t even have a chance to exin himself as Fokil continued to scold him non-stop.


    "Don''t think just because Ivana is a strong fighter, you can drag her into dangerous ces. And not just dangerous ces-Hell! You''re really asking for death, kid. Sure, I know you cane back, but Ivana? She doesn''t have that luxury!" Fokil''s voice was harsh, his concern


    clear.


    He stopped his work and took a deep breath, turning off his forging tools. Grabbing his bottle, The drank quickly, as if trying to cool his temper.


    "Sorry, kid. I''m just... too worried. That little girl told me all about her time with you,ughing and talking about how you fought a Named Demon. That''s... insane. You really..." Fokil trailed off, shaking his head.


    "I''ll be more careful next time, sir," Broken replied, trying to ease the tension.


    "No." Fokil turned to face him, his eyes serious. "Don''t take my words too literally. Do what you think is right. But please... take care of her, okay?"


    "Yes, sir."


    "Good." Fokil patted Broken on the shoulder. "Now get out of here. I''m busy."


    "You don''t want to talk a little longer, sir? I''m only here for a day."


    "No, just knowing you''re getting stronger is enough for me. My only message is to take care


    of Ivana. Now, get going." Fokil gave Broken a firm shove, gently pushing him toward the door with a dismissive wave.


    He really doesn''t want to talk more? Broken thought as he was shooed out. But it was clear-the dwarf had said what he needed to say, and that was enough for him.


    Broken stepped out of the smithy, startled to find someone standing right in front of him. It was a woman in a white dress, and as he lifted his gaze, he was met with a sweet smile.


    "Hi, Broken," Ivana greeted him. "Did Mr. Fokil kick you out?" she giggled, holding a


    wooden basket filled with food.


    Broken nodded in resignation.


    She giggled again. "Let me drop this off for him, then I''ll be right back."


    Ivana walked into the smithy, and Broken took a moment to look around. Memories of his


    early days in this small town flooded back-when he had first started ying Immortal Legacy and everything had felt new and uncertain.


    A little whileter, Ivana emerged from the smithy,ughing softly as she approached


    Broken.


    "Why are youughing?" he asked.


    "Mr. Fokil apologized to me, said he was sorry for scolding you," she replied with a smile.


    "He apologized to you? Even though he was the one yelling at me?"


    Ivana giggled again and grabbed his hand. "Come on, walk with me around the town."


    Without hesitation, they both began strolling away, leaving the smithy behind.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Wee to Volume 4 - Blood on Enchanted Soil!


    This volume promises some epic crafting quests (hello, pocket dimension ne!), more beast training, and some seriously fiery moments with Princess Alora-and maybe another princess... or should I say, queen... oops![]


    A huge war ising too, where Broken will steal the spotlight in a way that might remind you of a certain "Avengers Assemble" moment-though this time, it''s his turn to rally the troops. []


    If you''re excited for more action, hit that Power Stone or drop a Golden Ticket to keep the momentum going!

 Chapter 432: Chapter 432 - The Fierce Hell Lord

    Chapter 432: - The Fierce Hell Lord


    ?


    Broken and Ivana continued their leisurely stroll along the beach. Deadbay, with its sprawling coastline and pristine, untouched beaches, always made these walks feel special. For Broken, it was an experience he rarely found in the real world, a peaceful escape.


    As they walked, the waves gently kissed their feet, and their hands, naturally intertwined, added to the familiarfort of the moment. It was something they did often without a second thought.


    Ivana couldn''t stopughing as Broken recounted Fokil''s scolding.


    "Oh, he got mad? He didn''t seem upset at all when I told him about it."


    "Yeah, well, he was mad enough to kick me out right after he finished."


    "So, you didn''t even get to talk about anything else?"


    "I barely got a ''hello'' in, and that was it."


    Ivana moved closer, slipping her arm around his right arm. In moments like this, with her casually dressed in a simple dress, no one would ever suspect she was a warrior with immense potential. To an outsider, she looked like a delicate chef who needed protection. But in reality, Ivana was always ready to go beyond expectations, even willing to sacrifice herself if it meant keeping those she cared about safe.


    They sat down on the edge of the beach, just far enough from the waves so that the water didn''t reach them. The midday sun was warm butfortable as they rxed in the sand. "I want to introduce a new member of the family to you, Ivana," Broken said with a grin.


    "Yes, I''ve been wanting to meet the creature that hatched from the egg."


    "Polly, Pawpaw,e out. I want you to meet each other."


    In an instant, Polly, the white fox with four tails, appeared next to Ivana, who was seated on Broken''s left. Polly seemed startled, bouncing nervously as if looking for a ce to hide. Meanwhile, Pawpaw, the little kitten, appeared beside Broken, sitting calmly, itsrge eyes scanning the surroundings with a watchful gaze.


    "Polly, this is Pawpaw," Broken introduced.


    But Polly, clearly shy, quickly ran to Ivana''s side, hiding behind her and covering her face with her front paws, almost as if embarrassed. Ivana giggled softly, gently patting Polly''s head as she peeked out from behind her.


    "There''s a fox... it''s making me hungry," Pawpaw said, yawning widely.


    "She''s a Spirit Beast, not a snack. You two are supposed to work together, not eat each other, okay?" Broken said firmly, giving the kitten a pointed look.


    Ivana giggled at Broken''s response and then turned to Pawpaw. "Hi, Pawpaw, my name is Ivana."


    Pawpaw tilted his head, staring at her. "Can I eat you?"


    Broken tapped Pawpaw lightly on the head with his finger. "You''ll hunt monsterster. Don''t think about eating anyone without my permission, got it?"


    "I''m hungry, I want to eat," the kitten grumbled.


    "You''ll have your chance on our way back to Slumdon. Plenty of monsters along the way-you can eat as much as you want."


    Pawpaw yawned again, his gaze drifting back to Ivana. "I still want to eat her."


    Ivana giggled again. "You''re both adorable and a little scary, you know that?" she said, amused by the kitten''s bluntness.


    Pawpaw suddenly darted forward and leaped toward Ivana. She caught the kitten effortlessly, and though it seemed like Pawpaw was trying to pounce on her hands, Ivana let him have his fun, smiling softly.


    "Ivana?" Broken asked, a little unsure.


    "No, it''s okay. He just wants to y."


    Ivana then ced Pawpaw down on the sand and started to tickle him.


    "Oh, so you want to eat me, huh? Well, I''m bigger, so I''m the one who''s going to eat you! Rawr!" she teased, making yful growling sounds as sheughed. Pawpaw, clearly enjoying the game, swatted at her fingers with his tiny paws and yfully nibbled on her thumb.


    This girl... She really has a way of getting along with both people and beasts, doesn''t she?


    After a few moments of ying, Ivana gently sat Pawpaw down and turned to Polly, who was still hiding beside her.


    "Polly,e on, let''s y with Pawpaw. It''s okay, don''t be shy," she said, reaching out her hand, encouraging the timid fox to join the fun.


    Polly peeked out nervously from behind Ivana''s legs, ncing cautiously at Pawpaw.


    "Hey, fox, I want to eat you," Pawpaw growled.


    Polly darted away, sprinting behind Broken and hiding at his side. It was strange to see them like this these weren''t just cute little pets. They were powerful Spirit and Demon Beasts, fully capable of killing! Yet here they were, acting like yful creatures.


    Pawpaw suddenly bolted from Ivana''s grasp, chasing after Polly. Polly, however, dashed around behind Broken and snarled back at Pawpaw. In an instant, Pawpaw leaped, aiming to pounce on Polly, but Polly nimbly sidestepped, causing Pawpaw to tumble and roll in the sand.


    Damn! That''s a demon beast with a level of 212 and an Agility stat of 657, and they''re ying like they''re just little animals!


    Ivana burst intoughter at the sight of the two beasts'' antics. She looked over at Broken. "They''re adorable, aren''t they?"


    "If you weren''t here, I''d honestly think they were about to go all out and attack each other, Ivana."


    "They''re both bonded to you, right? That bond means a lot to them. Naturally, they''ll feel close to one another. Polly might be a little shy, while Pawpaw just doesn''t care about anything," she exined as if she had known these beasts much longer than Broken had. "Did you take psychology or something, Ivana?"


    "Psycho what?" she asked, tilting her head in confusion.


    The journey continued after Fokil had finished repairing Ivana''s equipment.


    Inside the carriage, Broken let Pawpaw and Polly out to y, and they resumed their chase. Polly darted around with agile grace, while Pawpaw appeared and disappeared in shadows, effortlessly teleporting from one spot to another. The two wrestled and tumbled, their yful sparring filling the carriage. Polly asionally nced over for help, but Pawpaw, relentless, kept nudging her to keep ying.


    Suddenly, Pawpaw froze, hisrge eyes narrowing as if he had sensed something. "There are a lot of monsters outside," he growled, trying to sound fierce, though it only made him look


    even cuter.


    "Let''s go, Polly! I''ll show you how to hunt monsters properly," he dered with pride.


    "Pawpaw, you should ask Master Broken for permission first," Polly replied.


    Pawpaw puffed up and let out a tiny roar, trying to mimic a fierce tiger. "I am the Legendary


    Felhorn, future ruler of Hell! I don''t need anyone''s permission."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    With that, the kitten sank into his shadow and zipped towards the carriage window.


    Polly, however, paused, looking back at Broken for direction.


    "Go ahead, Polly. Just stay close to the carriage and keep an eye on Pawpaw, okay?"


    Ivana leaned over and opened the carriage window, shing Polly a kind smile. "Go on, stick with Pawpaw, and take care of your little brother, alright?"


    Polly nodded, running along the walls of the carriage before gracefully leaping through the window to join Pawpaw outside, ready for whatever adventure awaited them.


    Elincia, who had been quietly observing until now, finally spoke up. "I think you need to start paying Ivana more, Broken. She''s basically be the babysitter for your pets."


    Ivana giggled at the remark. "They''re just so cute, Elincia... don''t you agree?"


    "Yes, a Demon Beast with that kind of level," Elincia replied, raising an eyebrow. "I''m sure only you would find a monster like that cute, Ivana. The beast''s level is even higher than some members of the Ass Guild."


    Ivana smiled back at Elincia. "You''d be even more shocked if you knew Broken has another beast. And its level is even higher."


    Elincia turned to Broken, letting out a sigh. "It seems Maylock was right. You really should


    start your own guild, Broken."


    Broken looked at her, confused. "What exactly did Maylock say?"


    But as he tried to focus on Elincia''s words, his thoughts drifted back to the other egg he still had in his Inventory. What if it hatches into a sea creature? he mused, imagining the possibilities. Would Pawpaw try to eat it? Cats love fish, don''t they?


    Their journey to Slumdon was almost over, only minutes away. However, one piece of good


    news had been on Broken''s mind since yesterday. Freya had informed him that Elowen and the others had arrived in Slumdon safely, and everyone was in good health.


    ***


    Author''s Note:


    Okay, let''s be real here: Pawpaw''s idea of "ying" sounds a little... questionable.


    Sure, he''s cute now, but let''s not forget the kitten literally asked if he could eat Ivana.


    Imagine what he''d do to actual enemies. Would he nibble them away, bite by bite, or just swallow them whole? Yikes!


    Let''s hope Broken keeps a tight leash on him, or we''re going to need a lot more than monster


    snacks.


    Drop ament below if you think Pawpaw will ever learn the difference between "friend"


    and "food"!

 Chapter 433: Chapter 433 - Chronic Sleepwalker

    Chapter 433: - Chronic Sleepwalker


    ?


    Elowen and the others had already arrived in Slumdon before Broken returned from the capital. Since Broken had asked Freya to host them properly, he also extended an offer for them to stay in Slumdon. To his surprise, they agreed rather easily, though he wasn''t sure what discussions had taken ce beforehand.


    Elowen expressed that she owed Broken a great deal, and for that reason, she wanted to stay in Slumdon to help in any way she could. The other elves, though few in number-only five including Elowen-decided to follow her lead.


    Mira and several other beast-kin also chose to settle in Slumdon.


    Because of this, Freya had handled their official relocation paperwork, and now they were all officially citizens of Slumdon Town.


    With their new status secured, Broken was eager to return quickly and meet them all. His n was to assess their individual talents and assign them roles that suited their skills. He was at least confident he had gained two new fighters in Elowen and Mira, while the rest were a wee bonus.


    Broken arrived and stepped into the meeting room at the House of Slumdon, with Freya and Elincia by his side, just after they had returned to the city. As the door opened, all eyes turned toward him, and everyone stood, staring curiously-especially since Broken was wearing a mask that concealed his face when they met at Hell.


    "Hi, Baron Broken... thank you for weing us to this city," Elowen was the first to wave, breaking the silence.


    Broken smiled and joined them at the table.


    "I heard from Freya that you arrived yesterday."


    "Yes, and we''re now officially citizens of Slumdon. I hope we can contribute to the city in some way," Elowen said with a grin. "The locals here mentioned you''re working hard to build up the town, so I think we''ll be able to help quite a bit."


    "Yes, absolutely... I''m sure we''ll find plenty for you all to do. No worries," Broken replied reassuringly.


    Broken began conducting talent inspections one by one, with the group of twelve standing before him.


    Elowen approached with a young elf girl, probably in her teens-the same age as Yara, though it was likely she was much older, given how elves age and live far longer than humans. The girl had long blonde hair and shared a striking resemnce to Elowen, though she appeared smaller and more delicate, like a younger, more fragile version of her sister.


    "I introduced her briefly before, but I believe this is the first time she''s seeing your face. This is my sister, Nimue."


    Nimue bowed to Broken and spoke softly, "Baron Broken, I apologize for not properly thanking youst time. I hope I can contribute to this town as a way of expressing my


    gratitude." She paused, her expression sincere. "We had almost lost hope before Elowen came to save us. And it was all thanks to you."


    "Hi, Nimue. Actually, I wasn''t the only one responsible for that rescue," Broken replied with a warm smile. "But I''m d you all decided to stay here.''


    [Name: Nimue]


    [Level: 128]


    [Spellshaper (S) - Efficient Housekeeping (A) - Pristine Cleaning (A) - Spear Mastery (B) - Wisdom Sharing (B) - Chronic Sleepwalker (B)]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Spellshaper: Customizes existing spells, altering their effects and improving their efficiency.]


    [Efficient Housekeeping: Completes household chores with remarkable speed and precision, freeing up time for other tasks.]


    [Pristine Cleaning: Maintains an impable level of cleanliness in all areas.]


    [Spear Mastery: Specializes in spearbat, excelling in reach and piercing attacks.]


    [Wisdom Sharing: Imparts valuable knowledge and life lessons to others.]


    [Chronic Sleepwalker: Tends to sleepwalk at the most inconvenient times, potentially causing disruptions.]


    Broken analyzed Nimue''s talents and was quite impressed when he saw her highest-rated ability¡ªa rare S-rated talent: Spellshaper. Ah, of course, elves are naturally gifted with magic, he thought. This talent was incredibly valuable, and she could certainly focus on studying magic further.


    But to his surprise, she also had a talent in spearbat. Perhaps Nimue could train in both spear and magic? It wasn''t a badbination at all.


    In addition to that, she had talents in housekeeping and cleaning, much like Yara. Why not have her help Yara at the House of Slumdon? That way, they could both study magic together.


    And then there was something strange-her Sleepwalker talent. He nced at Nimue, who was now looking at him with a puzzled expression.


    "What do you think? Freya mentioned you can analyze our talents, right?" Elowen asked, breaking the silence.


    "Yes," Broken nodded. "Nimue has great potential in magic, spearbat, and even housekeeping."


    "So, you really can analyze our talents, huh? That''s interesting. Hahaha," Elowen chuckled. "And Nimue really loves cleaning. She''s going to make a great wife one day, always caring for those around her, isn''t that right, Nimue?"


    Nimue just lowered her head, embarrassed by Elowen''s teasing.


    "Well, she did train with the spear for a while, but we never thought it suited her. But now it turns out she''s actually talented in it?"


    "Yes," Broken confirmed with a nod. "How about Nimue working here at the house while also studying magic?"


    "Yes!" Nimue responded eagerly. "I''d love to work with Yara."


    "Oh, so you two already know each other. Good."


    Elowen smiled and guided Nimue over to Freya, while Broken turned his focus back to the


    others, ready to continue analyzing their talents.


    The three remaining elves. One was a male elf, an archer, another a female elf who specialized


    in healing, and thest was a female too with a strong affinity for nature-perhaps perfect for tending to the farnds.


    As for the beast-kin, he was pleasantly surprised by their talents.


    How could people with skills like these end up captured and sent to Hell? he wondered.


    One of them was a young bull-kin, probably in his teens, with a talent for farming. Broken couldn''t help but chuckle to himself, thinking the boy might actually be able to plow the


    fields.


    Another was a wolf-eared woman with gray hair, skilled in cooking. He decided she would be a good fit for the House of Slumdon.


    The rest of the beast-kin were suited for the Knights. Well, I''ve certainly gained a good number of Knights this time, he thought.


    Even though their levels were lower than Elowen''s or Mira''s, their talents and ratings were clearly strong. With Maylock''s training, they''d undoubtedly be exceptional Knights. Broken felt satisfied with the progress he''d made. While Yara had been managing the House of Slumdon well on her own, she also needed more time to study magic. Adding Nimue to the mix wasn''t a bad idea, especially since more people would soon be living there. Having a better chef in the house was also a huge plus-it would mean better meals for everyone. This would also save Ivana from spending so much time in the kitchen. No one had asked her to cook, and others even tried to stop her, but she insisted on doing it anyway.


    Now, with a dedicated chef employed, Ivana wouldn''t have any reason to keep cooking so


    much every day.


    Now, only Elowen and Mira remained for Broken to analyze.


    "What about you two? What would you like to do?" He asked, looking at them both.


    "Let us know what''s best for us," Elowen replied. "That''s what you did for the others, right?"


    Broken shook his head slightly. "I''ll give you the opportunity to decide for yourselves. Tell me, Elowen, Mira-what do you want to do?"

 Chapter 434: Chapter 434 - Leaf Whisperer and Carrot Enthusiast

    Chapter 434: - Leaf Whisperer and Carrot Enthusiast


    ?


    "Of all the options avable, I''m still most interested in being ced where I can maximize mybat power, Baron Broken," Elowen said firmly.


    Mira nodded in agreement. "I''m not that skilled inbat either, but it''s the one thing I feel confident in. I hope I can be of some use to you, Baron Broken."


    Broken nodded at them both, then began analyzing their talents, ready to determine the best roles for each of them.


    [Name: Elowen]


    [Level: 165]


    [Sword Mastery (A) - World Tree Affinity (A) - Telepathic Connection (B) - Mystic Insight (B) - Treewalker (B) - Leaf Whisperer (C)]


    [World Tree Affinity: A deep connection to the natural world, particrly to the life force of a powerful tree, which provides both protective abilities and offensive options using nature''s elements.]


    [Telepathic Connection: The ability tomunicate telepathically with trusted individuals, facilitating silent conversations over long distances and granting insight into their emotions.]


    [Mystic Insight: The ability to sense when attempts are made to observe, inspect, or manipte the user, providing resistance against such intrusions and allowing heightened awareness of nearby magical activity.]


    [Treewalker: The ability to move swiftly and silently through forests, merging with nature. This skill allows traversal of great distances by stepping through trees.]


    [Leaf Whisperer: The ability tomunicate with leaves and small nts, though they provide no significant information or help beyond rustling in response. While it may offer minor amusement, it serves little practical purpose.]


    Broken paused for a moment after analyzing Elowen''s talents, which, to his surprise, were all quite remarkable. The most intriguing one was World Tree Affinity, likely the key that had allowed her to perform the sacrificial ceremony to kill Gremory. He was curious to see just how far this talent could take her.


    Her Sword Mastery also aligned perfectly with her weapon choice, and Telepathy exined how she couldmunicate mentally with others. However, he wanted to know more about the limitations of this ability-how far her telepathy could reach, and whether the person needed to be nearby.


    "Would you mind if I ask you a few questions about your innate talents, Elowen?"


    "No, I don''t mind. Which one do you want to know about? I''ll try my best to exin, though you might have to ask specific questions," she replied.


    "World Tree Affinity?"


    "Ah, that one," Elowen said thoughtfully. "I canmunicate with the greatest World Tree, though it''s not direct-more like a whisper, and only when I''m in desperate need of guidance or answers."


    "So, that''s also where the ability to perform the sacrificial ceremony came from during the fight with Gremory?" Broken asked, intrigued.


    "Yes," Elowen confirmed.


    Broken nodded and continued, "What about your telepathy? How far can it reach?"


    Elowen giggled. "That one? No, it''s not as advanced as themunication skills you yers have. I can only transmit my thoughts to people nearby... and I can''t even hear their replies." "I wonder if talents can evolve. Maybe you could train it more and see if it develops into something greater. Who knows, you might even be able tobine it with your World Tree Affinity."


    "Ah, interesting insight. I''ll explore that idea more," Elowen replied, intrigued.


    Broken nodded again, satisfied with her talents. The rest were straightforward, and he felt confident in her abilities.


    Elowen seemed like a perfect fit for the Knights division. Training alongside Igor and the others would help her grow even faster.


    With that, he turned his attention to inspect Mira.


    [Name: Mira]


    [Level: 175]


    [Dagger Mastery (S) - Agile Reflexes (A) - Beastkin Instincts (B) - Acrobat (B) - Empathic Listener (B) - Carrot Enthusiast (B)]


    [Beastkin Instincts: A sharp sense of awareness and instinct that grants the user enhanced perception of danger, allowing for quick reactions inbat or when escaping a dangerous situation.]


    [Carrot Enthusiast: The ability to detect the presence of carrots from long distances.]


    Broken was impressed by the set of talents Mira possessed, despite herck of confidence in her own abilities. But look at that! Her Dagger Mastery was ranked S! Alongside other talents like Agile Reflexes, Beastkin Instincts, and Acrobat, which perfectlyplemented her weapon of choice, Mira''s potential was undeniable.


    There were also two nonbat-rted talents, and one in particr caught his eye- Carrot Enthusiast. Do they even have carrots in Slumdon? Broken mused, thinking he''d have to talk to Charmelyn about starting a carrot farm. At least they''d have one guaranteed customer in Mira.


    "Alright," Broken said, smiling at the two of them, "I have a vision to build arge force of Knights. It''s something I''ve been working on gradually. I''ve already hired and begun training a few recruits, and I''d be happy if you both joined as well."


    "No more questions, Baron!" Elowen said with a grin. "That''s where I belong. And one thing -I don''t need you to pay me the same as the others. As long as my sister and I have a ce to stay, that''s enough."


    "No, I''ll treat you both fairly," Broken replied firmly.


    Elowen sighed, then gave in with a smile. "Yes, a leader must be stubborn. I respect that."


    Broken turned to Mira. "What about you, Mira?"


    "I''ll do my best with this task, and thank you for the opportunity," she replied earnestly.


    With Elowen, Mira, and the others all assigned to their respective divisions, Broken made sure to introduce them to the leaders and leave them to get familiar with their new roles. Meanwhile, Nimue-Elowen''s sister-and Vera, the wolf girl, were settling in at the House of Slumdon.


    Yara looked a bit confused when Broken entrusted the two new girls to her care. "Lord Broken... um, I''m afraid there won''t be enough work around the house for all of us..." she said hesitantly.


    Broken patted Yara on the shoulder. "Don''t worry, Yara. Honestly, you''ve been overworked. Just look at those dark circles under your eyes. Now, you''ll have more time to focus on learning magic with Nimue, and she can help share the load of managing the house, okay? More people will be staying here soon, so you don''t need to worry about running out of things


    to do."


    Yara nodded slowly. "Yes, My Lord."


    Nimue smiled at Yara. "We''ll handle everything together, Yara. And if there''s not enough to do, we can help tidy up the town, care for nts, and clean up the streets too. What do you


    think?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Yara''s eyes lit up. "Ah, why didn''t I think of that before? Yes, Nimue, there''ll be plenty of


    work for us!"


    Broken quickly chimed in. "Forget about that idea. Your focus is on managing the house, and


    nothing more."


    "Yes, My Lord," they replied in unison.


    "And by the way, Yara," Broken continued, "how''s your magic training going?"


    "My Lord, um... Lord Maylock said I have potential in a support role. I''ve already acquired two support skills-one that boosts mana regeneration and another that increases movement speed, as well as an area heal."


    "Wow... that''s pretty impressive," he said, clearly impressed. He then turned to Nimue. "And Nimue, I''ll get you a good spear next time. You''re still interested in learning the spear, right?


    I mean, Spear Magic could be really fascinating to explore."


    "Yes, My Lord. I''m very eager to master the spear again."


    Then Broken turned to Vera, the wolf girl, who looked to be in her early twenties. "And Vera."


    "Yes, My Lord?"


    "Make sure Ivana doesn''t spend too much time in the kitchen, okay?"


    "Understood, My Lord."


    "Thanks. Have fun," Broken added as the three of them went on their way.

 Chapter 435: Chapter 435 - Emberclaw Gauntlets

    Chapter 435: - Emberw Gauntlets


    ?


    As the day drew to a close and the sky darkened, Broken returned to his study. After a long day of travel and talking to so many people, he felt the urge to do something to shake off the


    monotony.


    But what exactly?


    He craved a real battle, something intense and thrilling, perhaps with his identity as Void Reaper? Damn, he thought, a grin spreading across his face. Am I starting to enjoy fighting more and more? Was he turning into a battle maniac?


    Somehow, Broken found himself craving a fight, but not against monsters. He started to think that taking down those who talked too much, who posed a real challenge, was more satisfying than ying mindless creatures.


    Has Hell gotten into my head? he wondered.


    It seemed like his time there had started to mess with his thoughts, making the idea of confronting other yers or those who deserved it-far more appealing than simply hunting monsters.


    His mind wandered to the unfinished tasks he had since his time in Hell. Two items still needed to be explored-both trophies from killing the demon lizard father. One was a pair of Gloves from the Infernak armor set, and the other was a Legendary-grade Greatsword.


    He retrieved the two items from his inventory, cing the gloves on the table and gripping the Legendary-grade Greatsword in his hands. The sword was almost as tall as he was-muchrger than it had seemed when wielded by the demon lizard. Of course, that was due to the lizard''s imposing stature, towering over most beings.


    The demon had boasted endlessly about this greatsword, calling it a treasured heirloom passed down through generations. Unfortunately for him, his pride had been his downfall, and the sword now belonged to Broken.


    As for the gloves, he sighed, knowing they were part of the Infernak armor set, which he had yet toplete. He still needed the pants and shoes to finish the set. Maybe one day, he thought, I''ll return to Hell and hunt down Infernak again.


    But then it hit him-Marlene. She had mentioned ns to return to Hell and hunt Infernak once more. Could there be a chance she mighte across the missing armor pieces? Perhaps he could strike a trade with her if she managed to obtain what he needed.


    Wait, Broken paused. But would I really want to buy them? He figured the price would be steep, especially if the items were Legendary-grade. Then again, if they lower grades, maybe the cost wouldn''t be too outrageous.


    Nodding to himself, he decided he''d ask Marlene about itter. Is she still at the hotel? He''d make a point to call her once he logged out of the game.


    For now, though, it was time to see the status of the gloves. Let''s take a look, he thought, turning his attention to the gloves with a sense of anticipation.


    But before anything else, he felt the room was a bit too quiet. "Polly, Pawpaw, zee out. Just make sure not to cause any chaos, okay?"


    Polly immediately appeared on the table, ncing around just as Pawpaw materialized nearby, yawningzily. Polly quickly leaped off the table and ran to the far side of the room. In the center stood ze, a skeletal horse with parts of its body on fire.


    "Woah... burning horse!" Pawpaw said with wide eyes. "But yikes, it''s a rotting, burning horse. I don''t like it!"


    Broken tapped Pawpaw''s head gently with his finger. "Didn''t you already eat plenty on the way here, Pawpaw?"


    "I think so, but those monsters were low-level. My stomach hurts," Pawpaw grumbled, then let out a burp, which caused three monster cores to fall from his mouth onto the table.


    Broken frowned. "No monster soul stones?"


    "Pawpaw ate them, Master," Polly said. "I told him he should watch his diet, but he eats whatever he wants."


    "Blech... soul stones taste bad. Next time, I''ll just spit them out."


    "Don''t spit them out-let Polly have them instead, okay?" Broken said, making his point clear.


    Pawpaw leaped off the table and darted after Polly. "Polly,e here! I want to eat you." "No, Pawpaw, don''t! I promised to be a good big sister, remember?" Polly pleaded, dodging away.


    "You''re not my big sister, you''re my food. Rawr!" Pawpaw chased her around the room, knocking into furniture, toppling a bookshelf, and creating a general mess.


    Broken sighed. Well, at least Yara will have something to do. She''ll probably enjoy cleaning up after these little troublemakers, he thought, shaking his head at the chaos.


    Turning his attention to ze, Broken called out, "ze,e here. Take these monster cores. They''re from Yunatea-probably your first time encountering something like this, right?"


    ze let out a deep, eerie neigh, his skeletal body moving slowly as he approached.


    "And don''t touch any documents," Broken warned, tossing the monster cores into the air. ze caught them effortlessly with his skeletal jaws, crunching down with a strange, hollow sound.


    And now, let''s see the details of these gloves!


    [Emberw Gauntlets]


    [Grade: Unique]


    [Strength +50


    Agility +50


    Attack Speed +100]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 457]


    [Forged from ckened metal with molten cracks running across its surface, the Emberw Gauntlets emit a fiery glow that pulses with each movement. These gauntlets grant the wearer swift, burning strikes and the power to weaken enemies with each hit, turning every battle into an inferno of destruction.]


    [Skills:]


    [Inferno sh: When you block or parry a melee attack, you have a 20% chance to increase your attack speed by 2% for 5 seconds. This effect can stack up to 3 times.]


    [zing Grasp


    Effect: Attacks have a 10% chance to ignite the target, dealing 30% of your fire elemental


    magic damage over 4 seconds.


    Cooldown: 5 seconds (per target)]


    [Infernal Touch


    Effect: Reduces fire resistance of enemies you hit by 5%, stacking up to 2 times.]


    [User Restriction: Hellfire Reaper]


    Broken analyzed the gloves carefully and nodded in satisfaction after reading the details.


    Not bad, really good! he thought.


    All three of the skills were passive, meaning he wouldn''t need to worry about casting them- they would activate automatically.


    The skills themselves were quite straightforward:


    The first skill, Inferno sh, triggered every time he shed in meleebat, whether doing parry or block, increasing his attack speed. These gloves were clearly built for melee fighters. The second skill applied a burn effect, dealing 30% fire elemental magic damage to enemies. Another magic-based attack.


    I really need to focus more on Intelligence. Or should I bnce all three stats-Strength, Agility, and


    Intelligence?n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The third skill, Infernal Touch, reduced the enemy''s resistance to fire damage. Another passive ability, making these gloves even more deadly inbat.


    These are perfect, Broken thought, feeling eager to test them in a real fight.


    He equipped the gloves on, and his hands were wrapped in a dark, obsidian ck material, with cracks glowing like molten magma running through them.


    After that, Broken grabbed the greatsword he had leaned against the table, but he froze when


    he saw the chaos in the corner of the room. Pawpaw had knocked over the bookshelf, and the kitten was now pinned beneath it.


    Broken frowned briefly, but Pawpaw effortlessly phased through the bookshelf, emerging from the shadows and shaking his head in mild irritation.


    "Polly, Pawpaw, ze," he called out, "how about you head outside to the forest and hunt whatever you find there? Just make sure you''re covered, and return when I call, okay?" "Food? Yeah. Let''s go, Polly, horse..." Pawpaw eagerly jumped onto ze''s head, with Polly following and settling on ze''s back.


    Broken walked to therge window behind his desk and opened it wide, letting the cool


    breeze sweep into the room. ze gave a soft, low neigh, and with careful grace, leaped out of the window. Despite the height, ze skillfullynded on a lower terrace, several times, before bounding down to the ground with ease.


    Broken had already tested that he could summon Pawpaw from afar, and he could even see through the kitten''s eyes and hear what Pawpaw heard. So, he wasn''t too worried about letting them roam outside. Or should I be worried? he wondered briefly.


    Do I need to ask Ivana to babysit them? He chuckled at the thought, knowing how chaotic


    Pawpaw and Polly could be. But for now, he trusted they would be fine.


    With the room finally quiet, Broken shifted his focus back to the Legendary Greatsword resting


    against the table.


    Now, let''s see what this thing is really made of.


    [Abyssbreaker]


    [Grade: Legendary]

 Chapter 436: Chapter 436 - Legendary-grade Abyssbreaker

    Chapter 436: - Legendary-grade Abyssbreaker


    ?


    (Author''s Note:)


    Warning: This chapter is entirely dedicated to discussing the new Legendary-grade item.


    So buckle up, because you''re about to dive into the intricate details of Broken''stest game- changer.


    ***


    [Abyssbreaker]


    [Grade: Legendary]N?v(el)B\\jnn


    [Attack Power: 1638-1802


    Strength +120


    Agility +40


    Shadow Element Damage +40%]


    [Durability: 69/100]


    [Weight: 2639]


    [Forged in the depths of the abyss, this fearsome greatsword pulses with dark energy, granting its wielder unparalleled control over shadows. Abyssbreakerbines devastating power with the ability to manipte shadows, offering both offensive might and strategic escapes from danger. Wielders be one with the shadows, striking with overwhelming force.]


    [Skills:]


    [...]


    [User Restriction: 900 Strength]


    For a greatsword, Abyssbreaker had an impressively high attack power. But that was typical of most greatswords¡ªhigh attack stats bnced by their weight and slower speedpared to swords or daggers. Just forparison, the Gravestone Greatsword boasted an attack power of 1370~1587 at Unique-grade. But Abyssbreaker was Legendary-grade, so its numbers scaled even higher.


    In addition to its raw power, the greatsword granted Strength +120, Agility +40, and a staggering 40% Shadow Elemental Damage boost. Damn. The highlight stat was clearly its insane shadow damage potential. No wonder the lizard demon had been so proud of this sword-it was a true masterpiece.


    However, the durability was a bit of a drawback, sitting at just 69. Broken would definitely need to repair it, and possibly even upgrade it. If the stats scaled with the upgrade- especially the shadow damage-it could be even more devastating.


    Just imagining the potential boost was exciting. If he could upgrade the greatsword to +15, the Shadow Elemental Damage could rise to +58%, and that was no small number-it could be game-changing.


    The thought alone made him eager. This could be something truly extraordinary.


    [Abyssal Step (Conditional Passive)


    Effect: When the wielder is hit by crowd control, stun, or movement-restricting debuffs, they automatically phase into the shadows, teleporting up to 10 meters (32.8 ft) away and removing all debuffs. The next attack within 5 seconds deals 200% bonus Shadow damage. Cooldown: 30 seconds]


    Abyssal Step was a skill the lizard demon had used repeatedly during their fight, vanishing into shadows and reappearing elsewhere every time Broken managed to restrict his movements. Now, that very skill was in his hands, and the best part? It was passive.


    This was a game-changer, especially for someone wielding a greatsword. The usual downside of a greatsword user was theirck of mobility-being rtively slow, even though their attacks packed a punch. But with Abyssal Step, Broken could easily escape crowd control and counterattack with devastating force.


    The ability to escape debuffs and follow up with a devastating counterattack made it a nightmare for opponents, especially support roles who would suddenly find themselves within range of his lethal strikes.


    This skill is practically broken for a greatsword user.


    It allowed him to dodge, reposition, and retaliate-all while maintaining his incredible damage output. If anything, Abyssal Step should''ve been banned for greatsword users because of its sheer, terrifying potential.


    [Abyssal Rift (Active)


    Effect: Tear open a rift in the shadows that pulls all enemies within a 12-meter (39.36 ft) radius toward the center, dealing 250% attack power as Shadow damage. Enemies caught in the rift are stunned for 2 seconds.


    Mana Cost: 400 mana


    Cooldown: 25 seconds]


    The next skill, Abyssal Rift, was just as extraordinary. It wasn''t only the massive crowd control effect, pulling in anyone within a 12-meter (39-foot) range and applying a 2-second stun-it was the cooldown. Only 25 seconds!


    Damn!


    And on top of that, it only used 400 Mana, making it a ridiculously efficient crowd control skill.


    Broken had only read two skills from this greatsword, but he was already struggling to contain his excitement, realizing just how powerful this weapon truly was. Abyssal Rift made it clear that this greatsword was built forrge-scale battles, perfect for taking on multiple enemies at once.


    Even though the crowd control could technically be dodged since the pull effect gave opponents a chance to avoid getting sucked into the center-anyone caught off-guard would be trapped, stunned, and wide open to a devastating follow-up attack.


    It was a brutal tool of destruction, and he knew it.


    [Shadow Obliteration (Active)


    Effect: Charge for 2 seconds and unleash a devastating strike that deals 900% of your attack power as Shadow damage in a 20-meter (65.6 ft) cone. This attack pierces through all enemies, ignoring 25% of their defenses. If this skill kills an enemy, it restores 10% of the wielder''s maximum health.


    Mana Cost: 600 mana


    Cooldown: 45 seconds]


    The massive crowd control skill is perfectly followed up by the third skill: Shadow Obliteration. Thisbination of skills is nothing short of extraordinary.


    After Abyssal Rift stuns all nearby enemies for 2 seconds, Shadow Obliteration requires a 2- second charge. But once unleashed, the damage is enormous-900% of physical attack power as shadow damage!


    That might seem like a small percentage at first, but not when you''re wielding a greatsword with such high base attack power.


    On top of that, Shadow Obliteration ignores 25% of the enemy''s defense, giving a significant boost to the final damage output. And to make it even better, it also includes a lifesteal effect! What''s even more surprising is that the mana cost is rtively low at just 600, especiallypared to the skills from his other Legendary-grade weapons. For a greatsword user, who typically doesn''t invest heavily in Intelligence, this mana cost is quite reasonable.


    This skill set is insane!


    Thebination of crowd control, massive damage, defense pration, and lifesteal made this weapon a terrifying force in any battle.


    [Abyssal Hunger (Passive)


    Effect: Each time you deal shadow damage, you gain a stack of Abyssal Hunger (up to 5 stacks). Each stack increases your attack power by 5% and heals you for 2% of the Shadow damage dealt. The effectsts for 10 seconds.]


    And then there was the fourth and final skill: Abyssal Hunger. Luckily, it was a passive skill, meaning Broken only had to focus on the two active skills of the greatsword.


    Hah, not bad at all, he thought, feeling relieved.


    Abyssal Hunger simply boosted attack power and lifesteal whenever the greatsword was used.


    A greatsword user with lifesteal? That was terrifying enough on its own. Butbined with the consistency of this skill and paired with Invincible Paragon-which provided immense defense and protection-Broken could charge straight into battle without worrying about getting overwhelmed or struggling to maintain his health.


    This greatsword really is broken, isn''t it? he mused.


    Thebination of escape mechanisms, crowd control, immense damage, defense- prating skills, and lifesteal made this greatsword a game-changer. It wasn''t just a weapon; it was a tool capable of turning the tide of any battle, empowering Broken to push forward without hesitation and dominate the battlefield.


    He stood up, gripping the greatsword and ncing at his reflection in the mirror. He couldn''t


    help but admire the weapon, itching to test it in battle. His mind wandered to one of Elincia''s reports about nearby viges, some of which asionally faced attacks from monsters or other disturbances.


    He opened the report and found the vige closest to Slumdon.


    I''ve got time, he thought. Why not take a little trip with ze, Pawpaw, and my new gear?


    The journey would take about 30 to 40 minutes at a rxed pace-just enough time to clear his head and maybe find something interesting.


    "Pawpaw... want to go for a little adventure and find some fun?" He muttered, channeling his voice to the demon beast.

 Chapter 437: Chapter 437 - Shared Sense Experience

    Chapter 437: - Shared Sense Experience


    ?


    Broken raced through the desert under the moonlit sky, riding ze, his skeletal horse, whose burning mes cast a fiery red glow that could be seen from miles away. He wore most of the Infernak Set, minus the pants and shoes, which had been reced with the Invincible Paragon. In front of him sat Pawpaw, the little Felhorn kitten, not so much sitting aszily napping.


    Tonight''s destination was a vige not far from Slumdon. Recently, the vige had faced repeated attacks from a mysterious group of yers. They didn''t steal anything, just caused destruction wherever they went. With their numbers reaching around a dozen, other yers in the vige hadrgely ignored the situation, as it didn''t directly affect them. Unfortunately, the vigers were left to suffer the consequences.


    Normally, problems like these would trigger a rescue quest for nearby yers, but that only applied if the threat came from monsters or NPCs-not when it was caused by other yers. The kingdom''s forces would eventually arrive to deal with the issue, but that could take days.


    For Broken, this was a perfect opportunity to investigate. Maybe he could stir up some fun by tracking down whoever was behind this chaos. He grinned at the thought, eager to see where the night would take him.


    ze raced across the desert, leaving a trail of fire in his wake, the mes flickering against the cold night. Suddenly, several shadowy tendrils sprouted from Pawpaw, who still appeared to be napping. The tendrils grewrger, wrapping around Broken and then spreading over ze.


    "What are you doing, Pawpaw?"


    But before he could react further, the shadow tendrils enveloped him, forming a shadowy cloak that draped over his body, billowing behind him in the wind. The same tendrils coiled around ze, blending into the burning skeleton horse''s fiery form.


    Eh?


    It became clear that Pawpaw had used his abilities to perform some kind of visual modification. Now, Broken looked even more imposing, his silhouette enhanced by the dark, ethereal cloak of shadows that waved in the wind as he sped across the desert.


    Checking his system to see the new visual, Broken was taken aback. Woah! He was genuinely impressed with the results. The cloak and the swirling shadows added an eerie, stylish effect, giving him an even more menacing appearance.


    Vermilion Dusk, Pawpaw''s element, wasn''t just forbat-it was pretty great for visual ir too.


    Pawpaw had shown several times that he could manipte Vermilion Dusk for unique effects. Like when he''d wrapped himself in the element, making his head appearicallyrger, even though it was just a mass of shadow and blood energy.


    The Vermilion Dusk-a blend of Blood and Shadow-was fascinating in its versatility. Though it steadily drained Mana, Pawpaw seemed unaffected by its continuous use outside of battle.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ze picked up speed, its fiery hooves tearing across the desert sand, the shadowy tendrils enhancing his already fearsome presence. Minutes passed, and soon, Broken spotted flickering lights in the distance-signs they were nearing the vige.


    This vige, located to the west of Slumdon, bordered a forest that led to the mountains near the Keseon Kingdom. Though close to the border, it stilly within Dissidia Kingdom''s territory. The proximity to both the forest and mountains made it vulnerable to attacks, whether from monsters or, as in this case, rogue yers.


    Broken guided ze up a small incline, seeking a vantage point to survey the vige from afar. He wasn''t nning to approach directly; instead, he intended to gather intel from a distance. With Pawpaw''s scouting abilities, there was no need to risk drawing attention by entering the vige himself.


    Upon reaching a slightly elevated spot on the outskirts of the forest, Broken dismounted and drew The Bow of Artemis. Instantly, his Hawk''s Eye skill activated, sharpening his vision as he scoped the area. The vige was modest, surrounded by a low iron fence-barely high enough to deter anyone determined enough to breach it. The homes were sparsely spaced, suggesting the poption wasn''t veryrge.


    From his vantage point, he could see a few yers lingering around the vige. Likely hunters from the nearby forest, possibly even yers from Keseon Kingdom, as this vigey closer to their territory than any major Dissidia city, aside from Slumdon Town.


    "Pawpaw, is scouting that vige too far for you?" Broken asked, ncing over at Pawpaw, who satzily on ze''s back, his moonlit eyes glowing.


    Pawpaw responded with a yawn, clearly uninterested.


    "Can I eat anyone there?" he asked nonchntly.


    "No, but I have a feeling we''ll have some targets to hunt tonight. Sounds interesting?"


    Pawpaw paused, considering for a moment.


    "Or is it too far for you?" Broken teased.


    "What should I do?"


    "Just roam the vige. I''ll borrow your senses," Broken said.


    "Well, I guess that''s not too boring," Pawpaw replied, then leaped off ze''s back, shaking his body in a curious motion as if preparing himself.


    Without hesitation, the kitten darted forward, his speed surprising even Broken. Pawpaw jumped from the ledge, his small frame seemingly defying gravity as he transformed into a shadowy blur, quickly descending toward the forest area below.


    "Wow... Pawpaw''s pretty fast," Broken mused, impressed by his agility. It wasn''t surprising, considering the kitten''s high agility stats.


    [Shared Senses (Conditional Active Skill)]


    Broken activated the skill, eager to experience its effects firsthand. His own vision blurred at the edges before merging with Pawpaw''s, giving him a dual perspective. In the center, he could clearly see through the kitten''s eyes, while the sounds of padded footsteps and rustling branches filled his ears, a mix of both their environments.


    A few times, Pawpaw seemed to sink into the ground, but even that was fascinating-the kitten''s vision allowed them to see through the earth, as if transparency wasn''t an obstacle at all.


    This skill is incredible, Broken thought, marveling at the experience.


    Suddenly, Pawpaw stopped dead in his tracks and leapt into the trees, his head swiveling as if searching for something. Broken noticed a faint light in the distance, barely visible through


    the trees.


    What''s that?


    "Pawpaw, did you find something?" Broken whispered, curious about what had caught the kitten''s attention.


    Pawpaw darted through the trees, the sounds growing louderughter, singing, and the hum of conversation.


    Soon, Pawpaw reached an open area in the forest where several tents were set up, with a fire crackling in the center. Around the mes, a group of yers-about five-sat eating, joking, and singing loudly. It was a carefree scene, but Broken''s curiosity heightened. Who else might be inside the tents?


    Pawpaw perched on a sturdy branch, scanning the faces of the yers below. Broken''s breath hitched when his gaze locked onto one face in particr.


    "Pawpaw, focus on the guyughing the loudest, in the middle."


    Pawpaw focused, and Broken''s suspicions were confirmed. The yer wore heavy armor- most likely a shielder-but it was the face that made Broken''s eyes widen in recognition. That


    face, the broad grin, the familiar voice booming withughter.


    Oh, really? Broken couldn''t help but grin, amusement bubbling inside him.


    Suddenly, a wave of excitement surged through him-a wild urge to act. It felt like the perfect opportunity to release a bit of pent-up frustration and give them a lesson they would never-


    ever-forget!


    His mind raced with possibilities. Just a little fun... a small reminder that crossing paths with the


    wrong person can have consequences.


    Because, one of them was Bob!

 Chapter 438: Chapter 438 - A Night of Laughter and Song

    Chapter 438: - A Night of Laughter and Song


    ?


    Five yers sat around a roaring campfire, surrounded by five small tents. The crackling fire illuminated their faces as they ate, drank, and yed drums. Laughter and singing filled the air, echoing through the quiet forest night.


    "Hahaha! Do you remember the look on that old viger''s face when I grabbed his grandson? The kid couldn''t have been more than a teenager!" A shielder in heavy armor, with the yer name TheBoss, shouted.


    "Haha, that was a lot of fun!"


    "Yeah, we''ll do it again tonight. I''m sure there''ll be plenty of terrified vigers," another added, grinning wickedly.


    "This is the best! Just make sure we don''t cause too much damage, so we cane backter and have more fun," someone else chimed in.


    "Yeah, like setting their houses on fire while they''re still inside. That''s a st!" another yerughed so hard, he could barely catch his breath.


    TheBoss tore into his roasted meat, chewing with relish.


    "The kingdom''s envoys will probably show up tomorrow or soon after, but by the time they get here, we''ll be long gone! Hahahaha."


    "Yeah, it''s so much fun. I''m really enjoying this," another yer agreed.


    TheBoss continued, grinning as he spoke. "This is the best stress relief-watching those dumb NPCs cry and scream when I torture their family members. Damn, it feels so real. This game is incredible. Hahaha."


    The group kept chatting,ughing, and singing without a care in the world.


    "Hey, Bob, you know we''re close to Slumdon, right?" a male archer said, turning to TheBoss. "Don''t call me by my real name, idiot! We''re in the game, not real life."


    "Hahaha! You only named yourself TheBoss so people would have to call you that. You''re sly," the archer teased.


    TheBoss smirked. "Well, I am the boss in this guild, so what can you do? Hahaha! And remember, I''m the richest one here, so don''t forget that."


    "Well, I''m just here to have fun, so as long as we keep doing stuff like this, I''m notining! Hahaha," one of the yers chimed in.


    "What''s the deal with Slumdon?" TheBoss asked, wiping grease from his mouth.


    "You know the guy who runs Slumdon, right? It''s that Broken-he''s Leon."


    "Ch! That asshole!" TheBoss grumbled. "Next time, let''s hit that town and mess with the locals. I want to see how brave that idiot Broken is when we cause chaos in his city."


    "You know The Ass Guild is based there, right, Bob?" the archer pointed out.


    "Don''t call me Bob, you idiot," The Boss snapped. "We''ll just go when the Ass Guild is out hunting. Those high-level yers spend all their time grinding, so they won''t be around. We don''t need to fight them directly-just mess with the town. Threaten the residents, cause some terror. Hahaha, I''m sure that''ll be a lot of fun."


    "That sounds like a solid n," another yer agreed. "From what I''ve heard, Broken''s invested a lot into Slumdon. We''ll make him suffer, hit him where it hurts!"


    "Damn, that Leon!" TheBoss growled. "He scammed me and took my money! I''ll get my revenge on him, and it''ll be the nastiest payback he''s ever seen!" He clenched his fists.


    A strong gust of wind suddenly rushed through the trees, so fierce it made the mes of their campfire flicker wildly. The group ignored it, stillughing and singing, until-without warning-the tents surrounding them copsed and were violently dragged away into the dark forest, as if by some unseen force.


    "Damn, what happened?!" TheBoss shouted.


    They all scrambled to their feet, weapons drawn. "What the hell is going on? Who dares mess with us in the middle of the night?!"


    A loud, menacing roar echoed from deep within the forest, though none of them could tell from where exactly it came.


    "What was that?!"


    "A monster?"


    "Damn, what kind of monster would dare disturb us like this?"


    "Or maybe it''s another group of yers?"


    TheBoss sneered. "Monsters around here aren''t even that high level, just around 150, and we''re all around 160. Prepare yourselves, it looks like we''ve got uninvited guests!" His voice boomed with confidence. "Whoever''s foolish enough to ruin our fun tonight will be dead by dawn."


    "Bob, look at that, Bob!" one of the yers panicked, repeatedly tapping TheBoss''s shoulder while pointing toward the distant trees.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    They all turned and saw a figure cloaked in mes, moving slowly through the darkness between the trees.


    "What the fuck is that? A monster? A yer?" TheBoss growled. "Let''s wait and see what kind of rude guest this is."


    The figure continued its slow approach, getting closer and closer, and soon, its details became clear-a skeletal horse engulfed in fire, with someone sitting atop it d in dark armor and a ck cloak that flickered like mes.


    "What is that? A monster?"


    "There''s no name above his head. Could be a yer hiding their identity."


    "Are you an idiot? NPCs can do that too!"


    "What about a monster?"


    The mounted figure finally emerged into full view, standing tall atop the fiery skeletal horse. The ck and red mes around them burned fiercely, casting an eerie glow that made the air


    feel thick with tension.


    "Who are you?!" TheBoss shouted, trying to sound brave.


    "I''vee to torment you," the figure responded.


    "Bob, I think his level is high. We should run," one of the yers whispered.


    "No, let''s just log out before we enter battle mode," another suggested.


    "Nonsense! He''s just hiding behind some shy disy. His level can''t be that high," TheBoss growled, trying to convince himself as much as the others. "Let''s prepare to attack. Five against one. The horse is just a dumb beast, nothing to be afraid of."


    The group reluctantly nodded and readied their weapons-shields raised, spears leveled, swords drawn, and bows strung. The tension was palpable.


    The figure on the skeletal horse spoke again, "I will torment you for daring to disturb this


    ce."


    The air grew heavy as his words echoed, and the yers could feel the weight of something terrible approaching.


    A deafening roar suddenly filled the air, and the group frantically looked around, unsure of its


    source.


    "Hey, look up there!" one of them shouted, panicking and pointing to the sky.


    It was a dragon-massive, with a body wrapped in swirling energy of dark and blood-red hues. The yers were frozen between awe and terror at the sight of the monstrous creature. From the other side, another roar echoed, apanied by the crashing of trees. They turned left and saw something equally terrifying. What is that?! A massive cat, its body covered in shadowy energy tinged with dark red, withrge, menacing horns protruding from its head. As if things couldn''t get worse, from all directions, more shadowy figures began emerging from the forest. They were like monstrous forms, wrapped in darkness and blood-red energy, slowly surrounding the group.


    "Let''s log out!" TheBoss shouted, his voice filled with desperation. But before they could even do it, the ground beneath them darkened, and shadowy tendrils shot up, wrapping


    around their legs and locking them in ce.


    They had entered Battle Mode. There was no escaping now.


    "Now," the figure on the skeletal fire horse said, "you will receive the most brutal


    punishment you deserve."

 Chapter 439: Chapter 439 - I’ll devour you whole

    Chapter 439: - I¡¯ll devour you whole


    ?


    TheBoss and the other four yers panicked as the shadowy tendrils burst from the ground, wrapping around their legs and attacking them with relentless force.


    "Cast the buff, cast the buff!" TheBoss yelled frantically.


    "But, Bob! The damage from this shadow stuff is too high-my healing skills can''t keep up!"


    "We''re gonna die, we''re gonna die!" one of them screamed as they thrashed about, looking for a way out. But there was none-they were surrounded on all sides, trapped.


    "Who are you?! Why are you attacking us?! We have no business with you!" TheBoss shouted at Broken.


    Broken, sitting calmly atop his skeletal fire horse, replied in a deep voice, "I don''t need a reason to torment you. It''s just for fun-just like what you did to the vigers."


    "Are you from the kingdom? Are you a yer? Show your true identity if you have any guts! Stop hiding behind that stupid mask!" TheBoss spat.


    The shadow tendrils swayed menacingly, coiling around the ground as if waiting for the perfect moment to strike. The five yers huddled closer, trying to recover and prepare for the next attack.


    "You think I''m scared of you? Go ahead, kill me! Hahaha, I''ll just respawn, and I''lle back again. Hahaha!" TheBossughed loudly.


    "Bob, are you sure about taunting him like that? Look at those beasts with him-a dragon, a massive cat, and that terrifying skeleton horse," one of the yers whispered nervously.


    "What are you afraid of? We''re yers-if we die, we''ll juste back."


    Broken''s voice cut through the tense air. "I wonder how long you''llst under the torment I have in store for you."


    "Do it! Kill us! We lose nothing!" TheBoss taunted.


    Suddenly, the massive cat let out a deafening roar that shook the ground, forcing all the yers to cover their ears in shock. In an instant, the enormous cat leaped into action, moving with incredible speed despite its size, circling them with an agility that left them stunned.


    "Hold your defense! Don''t let that thing attack!" one of them shouted, his voice trembling as the giant cat prowled around them like a predator toying with its prey.


    The massive cat moved with terrifying speed, lunging at one of the yers and sinking its massive jaws into him.


    "Help! Help me... someone, please save me!" the man screamed, thrashing as the cat bit down harder.


    "Stay in formation! Don''t break ranks, or we''re done for!" The Boss barked at the others.


    The cat shook the yer, tossing him to the ground before ripping at his legs with its powerful jaws. Blood sttered across the earth as Pawpaw continued the assault, biting into the man again before dragging him toward the cloaked figure on the skeletal horse.


    Broken seized the yer by the throat, lifting him effortlessly. The man, now bloodied and in agony, trembled as Broken''s cold eyes stared into his.


    "Please... spare my life. Don''t kill me. I swear, I won''te back here again. I''m sorry... please..." the man begged.


    [Ember Breath (Active Skill)]


    Broken unleashed a torrent of mes directly at the man''s head, the searing heat engulfing him as he screamed in agony.


    "No, help! Someone-please don''t kill me, please!" he begged, his voice breaking with fear.


    But the other four yers stood frozen, paralyzed by their own terror, unable to help their fallenrade.


    The Ember Breath skillsted only 4 seconds, but it left deep burns on the man''s face. He was still alive, barely clinging to his remaining health, but the scars were clear.


    "Don''t be afraid," TheBoss said, trying to sound calm. "If we die, we''ll respawn at the Temple of Resurrection."


    While yers might drop their items upon death, it wasn''t a guarantee. The bigger risk was losing experience points. But despite that, Broken had something far worse in mind. Death was fleeting, but the fear and torment he could inflict would linger-a lesson they wouldn''t soon forget.


    Among the five yers, three of them-including The Boss-had once bullied Broken back in their high school days. It was something Broken had never forgotten, and now, the tables had turned. He nned to kill the other two quickly, but for those three? He intended to take his time, tormenting them the way they once bullied him.


    Above them, the dragon floating ominously in the sky-it was Gaia''s Elder Dragon Tree summon, but its appearance had been visually altered by Pawpaw''s Vermilion Dusk. The creature''s immense form hovered like a shadow-cloaked monster.


    The dragon released a skill:


    [Pollen Storm: Releases a cloud of pollen that heals allies over time and damages enemies caught within.]


    A thick cloud of golden pollen descended from the dragon, swirling around the yers. Confusion quickly spread among them as they noticed their Health gradually being restored.


    "Why... Why are we being healed?"


    Even the man in Broken''s grip, still trembling and scarred from the earlier mes, felt his Health ticking back up, his wounds slowly knitting together.


    Broken remained silent as he drew The Scorchyer, his long sword zing with fire. Without a word, he drove the de into the yer''s chest. The man screamed, his Health plummeting --but just as quickly, Pollen Storm restored it.


    Over and over, Broken repeated the act, each stab of the Scorchyer causing the man to shriek in agony, only for his Health to recover. The fire of the sword seared his body, yet it wasn''t enough to kill him outright.


    The other yers could do nothing but watch in horror as their friend''s screams echoed through the forest. The dragon''s pollen kept him alive just enough to prolong the torture.


    Finally Broken gave one final, merciless stab. This time, there was no recovery. The yer''s body shattered into shards of pixels, disintegrating before their eyes. Silence followed, the only trace of him left being a single piece of armor that ttered to the ground.


    The remaining four yers stood frozen in terror. They could only watch in horror, powerless to do anything.


    Broken dismounted from ze, his body wreathed in shadowy mes. The Scorchyer in his hand burned with a fierce fire. As he approached, the glow of the sword reflected off the terrified faces of the remaining yers.


    "Please... please... forgive us," one of the yers whimpered, dropping to his knees inn/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    desperation.


    "Hei! You idiots! Why are you begging? Gill died quickly-it''s not that bad!" TheBoss barked.


    Ignoring TheBoss, Broken approached the yer holding the staff. Without a word, he reached out and grabbed the yer by the throat, lifting him off the ground effortlessly. The others backed away, but there was no escape-the shadows encircling them from all sides made sure of that. Trapped like prey in a cage, they could do nothing but watch.


    Broken drove The Scorchyer into the yer''s chest, the fiery de piercing through him effortlessly.


    The yer''s eyes widened in agony as he screamed, "No! Please... stop! Don''t do this!"


    Broken pulled the sword out, then plunged it in again. Over and over, he stabbed. The yer thrashed, blood spilling across the ground in thick pools, but Pollen Storm cast by the dragon above continued to heal him, keeping him alive just enough to endure the torture.


    "Please... stop it..." the yer begged through tears.


    Broken made one final, brutal strike, driving the de deep into the yer''s heart. This time, the Pollen Storm couldn''t save him. His body shattered into shards of light, leaving behind only silence and an item drop-a staff that ttered lifelessly to the ground.


    Now, only three yers remained-Broken''s main targets for his revenge. He had promised himself this would be slow and agonizing, a punishment so severe they would never dare to


    log into Immortal Legacy again.


    "Hahaha, just kill us too, you sucker!" TheBoss sneered, but before he could finish, Broken delivered a swift kick to his head, sending him sprawling onto the ground.


    TheBoss tumbled over, while the other two yers huddled together, trembling in fear.


    "Did you really think I''d let you die quickly?" Broken said he approached. He stomped down


    on The Boss''s head, grinding his face into the dirt.


    "Stop it, stop it!" TheBoss screamed.


    Without a word, Broken kicked him again, this time in the stomach, sending him rolling


    across the ground. The two remaining yers rushed over to help.


    "Bob, I don''t think he''s letting us off easy," one of them whispered.


    "Just endure it! It won''tst long," TheBoss grunted.


    "Are you serious, Bob? This is torture!"


    Broken continued walking slowly toward them, his massive cat and the skeletal horse


    following closely behind.


    The cat let out a deep, earth-shaking roar, causing the ground to tremble. "You pitiful humans... I''ll tear your bodies apart and devour you whole. Rawr!"


    ***


    Author''s Note:


    So, Bob (ahem, TheBoss), you wanted fun-now you''re getting it. []


    TheBoss''s crew thought they were untouchable, but Broken''s making sure they understand


    exactly what real torment looks like.


    And Pawpaw''s just getting started with his "I''ll devour you whole" promise![]


    Is Broken about to break more than just their spirits? Drop your thoughts below! And if you


    love a good revenge arc, smash that Power Stone and Golden Ticket for more chaos!

 Chapter 440: Chapter 440 - Little Pawpaw, let’s go home

    Chapter 440: - Little Pawpaw, let¡¯s go home


    ?


    Bob and the four other yers-who knows how many were actually involved-were shamelessly bragging about what they had done to the vigers. They talked about it withughter and without a hint of guilt, even nning to do it again.


    Whatever punishment Broken had in store for them that night wasn''t going to stop them. If anything, he was doing it as much for revenge as anything else.


    Was it childish? Maybe. He wasn''t even 40 yet, so perhaps not quite wise enough to let it go.


    This was about venting, letting out the frustrations he had bottled up from his school days. Or maybe it was about what Bob had done to him at the convenience store. After all, Bob had fired Broken without any real reason!


    Well, time to let this anger loose, even if only for a few moments-or minutes-or hours? Haha!


    Broken kicked TheBoss in the head, sending him sprawling to the ground again. Two of the other yers rushed over to help him up, but Broken quickly kicked them both, sending them crashing to the dirt in turn.


    Their levels were high-an average of 160-but fear had gripped them so tightly they could barely react as Broken''s kicksnded on them, again and again. They were helpless under his relentless assault.


    Broken drew The Scorchyer and shed at their bodies.


    [Wrath of the Infernal King (Active Skill)]


    The skill unleashed a flurry of six rapid strikes, crashing into the three yers.


    "Please, spare us, just end it-please!" they begged, falling to their knees, pleading for mercy. But Broken didn''t stop. He kept kicking them, stomping on their heads.


    "Tell me everything you did to the vigers," he demanded.


    "I... I cut a kid''s hand with my sword," TheBoss confessed. In response, Broken shed his face with his de.


    He kept going, kicking one, then the other, in turn.


    "I''ll keep this up until I''m tired... and that''s not happening anytime soon," he said coldly. "Please, forgive us, we won''t do it again!" one of the other yers whimpered, sobbing for mercy. But no matter how deep their wounds got, the Elder Tree Dragon healed them each time, and Broken continued to deal damage, mercilessly battering them without pause.


    This was undeniably brutal-a vicious beating that would leave deep scars and a thirst for vengeance in their hearts. Yet, they would never know who had done this to them.


    "Empty your inventories," Brokenmanded, still kicking them repeatedly. "I''ll end this faster if you drop everything."


    Two of the yers, trembling, started pulling out their weapons, stripping off their armor, and dropping random items from their inventories.


    TheBoss, already resigned to his fate, took another kick to the face, sending him sprawling across the ground.


    "Empty your inventory," Broken demanded again.


    Finally, TheBoss, face etched with defeat, began removing his armor andying down his weapons. He emptied his inventory as well-potions, monster cores, materials, enchantment stones, blessed stones. A pile of itemsy before them.


    "I''ve given you everything... just kill me already," TheBoss said.


    Unbeknownst to Broken, two figures stood in the distance, watching and waiting, observing the entire scene unfold from afar.


    Two men sat atop arge rock-one with a bow in hand, the other standing beside him, dressed in a white robe.


    "Oh, let me take another look... I''m curious to see what else he''s doing to them," the man in the robe chuckled. "Lend me your spyss.


    The archer handed over the copsible, cylindrical tool to hispanion.


    "Whoa... hahaha! I can''t believe Broken''s capable of this! Hahaha!" the robed manughed. "But Maylock, are you sure that''s Broken? I mean, how did he get that much power? He''s nothing like before."


    Maylock, who had been sitting on the rock, sighed. "I came here to finish this mission- hunting down those idiotic yers. But Elincia mentioned she gave this information to Broken as well."


    "Still, that doesn''t mean it''s him, right?"


    "That cat... it''s the demon egg that''s already hatched. Elincia said it looks like a small cat. And that dragon, it''s a Gaia summon. Chances are Broken knows those yers in real life, and he''s taking out some personal grudge on them."


    "Hahahaha..." Toberry the Alchemist clutched his stomach, struggling to contain hisughter. "This is just so satisfying to watch, seeing this unexpected side of Broken. Seems like he''s really not someone to be messed with."


    "Yes, he''s dangerous. Anyone who gets in his way... he won''t hesitate to fight back," Maylock said, rising to his feet and storing his bow in his inventory. "Let''s head back. I doubt those fools will ever set foot here again. They''re probably so traumatized they won''t even dare to log back into the game, ha!"


    Toberry was stillughing as he turned to follow Maylock back down the path.


    Broken stepped back and sat on the rocks, watching from a distance as Pawpaw and Dendros, whom he had summoned, continued to beat the three yers senseless. He was trying to conserve Mana for another Gaia''s Beast summon, so he had called Dendros instead, cloaked in Vermilion Dusk for visual upgrade.


    "You said you would let us die-why are we still being tortured?" one of them cried out. "Please, stop! I swear I''ll nevere back here again!" another yer pleaded.


    But Broken just watched calmly, unmoved. He observed as theyy crumpled on the ground, helplessly dragged by Pawpaw''s massive jaws. Pawpaw chewed on them, spat them out, and then Dendros would hammer them with brutal strikes.


    Pawpaw had pinned one yer beneath its massive body, whilezily toying with another, lifting him up and nibbling on his legs as if he were a cat ying with a mouse.


    As Broken watched, he mused to himself, realizing just how durable Pawpaw''s Vermilion Dusk ability really was. Maybe it was because Pawpaw hadn''t been doing much beyond controlling the elements-it wasn''t using any other skills. The Mana drain might be much worse in a more intense battle, but right now, with these three, they were just toying with them.


    The three yers had all but given up. Their spirits were broken. They no longer even begged for mercy; they justy there, soulless, epting their punishment as if they''d already died


    inside.


    In battle mode, no one could log out of the game, so Broken decided to keep this going until Pawpaw had its fill. Eventually, Dendros'' summon duration expired, and it vanished. As the night wore on, the shadows created by Vermilion Dusk also began to fade.


    The three yersy sprawled on the ground, utterly drained. They weakly crawled and raised


    their hands in desperation, as if begging for release.


    "Please... just kill me. I can''t take this anymore," TheBoss groaned.


    Broken turned his back on them, leaping onto ze''s back. "Do whatever you want with


    them. Eat them or whatever," hemanded.


    "Rawr!" Pawpaw growled in response.


    Without hesitation, Pawpaw devoured the three yers in one gulp, chewing them up while their arms and legs dangled from its mouth. As it chewed, one of the hands broke off and dissolved into pixels.


    Momentster, the three yers disintegrated entirely, their bodies scattering into pixels,


    vanishing from the game.


    "Woah... these human yers taste good, I want to eat more of them..." Pawpaw said, then let out a loud belch that made his whole body shake. As the Vermilion Dusk effect wore off, his body shrank back to its small form, floating in the air before finally plopping onto the ground.


    "Ouch!" Pawpaw yelped, rubbing his head.


    From the side, a fox with four glowing tails approached, its body radiating light in the dark


    night. The fox nudged Pawpaw with its nose.


    "Little Pawpaw,e on, it''s time to go home."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Pawpaw burped again, and Polly, the fox, gently grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and


    tossed him onto her back.


    "I want to eat the big fox... but I''m too full," Pawpaw mumbled before dropping his head and


    falling fast asleep.


    Polly trotted up beside Broken, who was riding ze.


    "Master, why didn''t you invite me too?" she asked softly.


    Broken nced over at her. "You? Really?" he chuckled. "I''m not sure you''d have the heart to


    do what just happened, Polly..."


    "But they were your enemies, weren''t they? I would''ve been just as ruthless as Pawpaw," she


    insisted.


    Broken, having removed his helmet, smiled. "Alright then, let''s have some fun next time."

 Chapter 441: Chapter 441 - The Houses Development is Almost Done

    Chapter 441: - The Houses Development is Almost Done


    ?


    Leon stepped out of his capsule device, finding himself inside the Northstar Homebus. He made his way outside, where he could hear the chatter andughter of Lily and Freya. Stepping through the door, his gaze fell on the vast expanse of opennd stretching toward the distant mountains. They hade out here for a quick overnight camping trip.


    "Sorry, took a bit longer than I nned," he grinned, still caught up in thoughts of what he''d just experienced in the game, before joining the two girls around the campfire.


    They had arrived here using the bus''s auto-drive feature, and Leon had already been inside the capsule device before the bus even set off. That''s how he''d managed to meet up with Freya in the game.


    He''d been busy the entire day in-game, traveling from Capital City to Deadbay, chatting with Elowen and the others, and even indulging in a bit of fun tormenting Bob and hispanions. The memory of it made him chuckle to himself.


    "So, worked up an appetite, Mr. Hard Worker?" Freya teased, ncing at him.


    "Hahaha, yeah, let me help with the meat."


    "Come on then," Freya replied, and Leon joined the two of them.


    Leon then shared some screenshots and video clips with the two of them, showing off Pawpaw and Polly.


    "Aww, Pawpaw... so cute!" Lily responded enthusiastically. "I want a little kitten like that." "Visit Slumdon, Lily. How much longer are you going to hide your profile in the game?" Leon said.


    Lily giggled. "Not yet, just a bit longer. I''m working on an interesting project with Hazel." Leon then showed them what he''d done to Bob and his friends, causing Lily to burst outughing.


    "You''ve seriously got a bit of a sadistic side like your brother, huh?" Freya remarked.


    "No, yes, I know it''s cruel," Lily admitted, "but I can''t help feeling a little relieved, knowing what Bob did to Leon before."


    "So, satisfied now?" Freya asked.


    "Yeah, really satisfied," he chuckled in response.


    The camping trip that night turned out to be quite enjoyable, mostly filled with eating and chatting around the fire. They spent a lot of time taking pictures too, as it seemed Freya had a hobby for nighttime photography.


    By the next morning, they headed home early since it was Monday and they all had to get back to their usual routines-especially Lily.


    Leon managed to reach Olivia that morning, only to discover she had already checked out of the hotel. When he called her, she sounded annoyed, though he could tell it wasn''t serious.


    "You went on a camping trip with other women, knowing someone came all the way here to see you?"


    "It was ast-minute thing, Olivia."


    "And where''s my apology?"


    Leon chuckled at that.


    "Where is it?! I know you''re so responsible, right?" she pressed.


    "Okay, okay. I''m sorry."


    "Next time, you''reing on a trip with me, okay?"


    "Yes, sure. But with Lily, okay?"


    Oliviaughed softly on the other end. "I want it to be just the two of us. Seems like you don''t have the guts to do that."


    "No, I''m just concerned for you. I doubt your sister would even let you go alone with some stranger guy," he replied, chuckling.


    "I''m not a kid anymore, okay?"


    After confirming she''d made it back safely, Leon got on with his day, heading to campus. He had a bit of time-about three days-before their scheduled trip to Wildwood Forest to hunt for the Eternal me. So, Leon decided to take care of all his real-world responsibilities first. As soon as Leon arrived on campus, he was greeted by Laura, who seemed unusually excited that day. After chatting for a bit, she finally shared something that left him momentarily speechless.


    "Wait, your copy is still in Hell?"


    Laura nodded with a smile.


    Leon nodded back, clearly impressed. "I guess your Divine Champion ability is pretty convenient. You can exist in two worlds at once. So, what are you doing there?"


    "I''m looking for a chance to help the Shadow Wolves with their Raid Boss hunting-the one you''ve already taken down twice."


    Leon turned to her, surprised. "You knew about that?"


    Laura immediately looked panicked and shook her head quickly. "No, no! Don''t get the wrong idea, Leon. I don''t follow you around in Hell. I figured it out when I saw you wearing the armor from the raid boss."


    Leon chuckled at her reaction. "Alright, well, next time, just let me know if you''re nearby, okay?"


    Laura nodded, smiling warmly.


    He made sure to take care of various tasks in the real world-working on assignments from campus and keeping up with his martial arts training. This was something he couldn''t afford to skip! Amitment is amitment, even though he had started to slow his pace, realizing he needed to allocate time for other things as well.


    Then, when night fell, it was time to dive back into Immortal Legacy.


    ***


    Broken had several agendas lined up that day. It was to evaluate how well the ns drafted by Livelywood had been implemented. It had been a few months since that time passed.


    Freya said as they strolled through the streets of Slumdon. "You shouldn''t be stuck managing this city while there are countless thrilling adventures waiting for you beyond its walls."


    "The city is my responsibility."


    "Yes, it is," Freya nodded, "but I''m here for you. I can handle the day-to-day tasks while you focus on the bigger picture. That way, the mundane work can actually be more


    enjoyable."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Is this another mission from the Golden Age Company for you? Aren''t you doing too much


    for me?"


    "Golden Age only assigned me to assist you outside the game. Inside the game, I''m just here because I enjoy it. Everything I do here is for fun."


    Broken said with a chuckle. "I''m just worried Golden Age might charge me for using their


    employees for personal matters."


    "Then, you''ll have to pay me."


    "With money?"


    "If you knew how wealthy I am, you''d be shocked."


    "Oh really? I didn''t know that... Guess I''ll have to visit your ce next time."


    "No way, my door is not open for you!"


    From a distance, they spotted Livelywood running toward them, grinning widely. "Hey, I haven''t seen you since you got back from Hell, Broken. Hehehe."


    "Hey, everything going well?" Broken asked.


    "Very, very good!"


    Freya chimed in with a teasing smile. "Livelywood, are you sure you''re not spending too


    much time managing the city and forgetting to level up?"


    "Ah, haha..." Livelywood chuckled. "I thought I could bnce both, but there''s a lot to handle when ites to building this ce."


    Freya nodded knowingly. "I think joining Broken on his next expedition was the right call,"


    she said. "I wouldn''t want one of the most talented Swordsmen in the game to fall behind because he''s too busy managing the city."


    "Ah, haha..." Livelywoodughed again. "I''m really grateful-and a bit guilty at the same


    time."


    The three of them continued walking, making their way toward the builders, who were busy renovating a nearby house.


    [Congrattions, Broken! You have earned the title of Slumdon Town''s Mayor of Progress!]


    Suddenly, a notification popped up in front of Broken, catching him by surprise.


    [For the achievements you have achieved, you have unlocked the Reputation Shop.]

 Chapter 442: Chapter 442 - Reputation Shop

    Chapter 442: - Reputation Shop


    ?


    "Have you encountered any issues so far, Livelywood?" Broken asked as the three of them walked together, monitoring the city''s progress.


    "Yeah, we had some supply issues at the start, but Goldrich and RememberMe were a huge help sorting it all out. We should be able to stick to the original n now," Livelywood exined.


    He added, "Once we finish renovating the 200 houses, we''ll move on to other buildings that will really help the city grow."


    "Livelywood, what do you think we should build after the housing is done?" Broken asked, though he already had backup ns in mind. He wanted to hear Livelywood''s perspective.


    With enthusiasm, Livelywood responded, "I believe we should focus on building the Temple of Resurrection. It''s crucial for yers nning to hunt in the western forests near Slumdon." Broken nodded. "I agree. Setting the resurrection point here will give us something to be proud of."


    He suddenly remembered that he''d never changed his own resurrection point-it was still set to Deadbay City.


    The three of them continued walking, discussing the future developments of the city in great detail, mapping out each step toward making Slumdon a hub for adventurers and residents alike.


    [Congrattions, Broken! You have earned the title of "Slumdon Town''s Mayor of Progress!" Your hard work has paid off.]


    [You have made great strides, and the future of Slumdon Town looks brighter than ever! Your efforts have been noticed, and your impressive leadership has brought the town closer to its full potential.]


    [City development is heading in a good direction. Houses are being repaired, various professions have been recruited, the city''s progress is improving, the military is slowly strengthening, and solutions for food resources are emerging. All these factors are pushing Slumdon Town toward a thriving future.]


    [Keep up the good work, and let''s make Slumdon Town a real sess story!]


    A flood of notifications appeared before Broken, and he muttered, "Woah, a new title? Interesting. I wonder what kind of rewardes with it?"


    [For your achievements, you have unlocked the "Reputation Shop" and you receive 150 Reputation Points as an initial reward.]


    "Reputation Shop?"


    It certainly looked interesting, but he decided to hold off on exploring it until after his discussion with Livelywood was done. There would be plenty of time to dive into thatter.


    As Broken and Freya walked away from Livelywood, they kept their voices low, discussing various things as the day slipped into the afternoon.


    "So, what else do you want to inspect, Mr. Mayor?"


    "Actually, I just unlocked a new feature rted tond management."


    "Oh really? Why''s that? Has the town''s rating improved?"


    "The overall rating is now at an E. Well, it''s actually been at E for a while now-I just forgot the exact moment it happened."


    "That sounds intriguing. Why don''t you check it out and see how you can empty it out?" Freya teased with a giggle.


    Broken chuckled. "ording to the system, I can earn Reputation Points bypleting objectives and achievements. So I guess it''ll take some work to really make use of it."


    Broken opened the new Reputation Shop feature, curious to see what it had to offer. As the interface loaded, several categories and items appeared, all avable for purchase using Reputation Points.


    He scanned through the different sections, noticing a wide range of items: from building materials that could speed up city development, as well as special enhancements for his town.


    [Scrolls]


    [Skill Scroll (Basic): Unlocks a basic skill for a specific unit. (50 Points) Stock: 10/10] [Talent Scroll (Common): Grants amon talent to a unit. (75 Points) Stock: 10/10] [Special Badge (Bronze): Enhances the talents of a specific unit type. (100 Points) Stock: 10/10]


    [Resource Cache: Provides a bundle of valuable resources for town development. (150 Points) Stock: 10/10]


    [Skill Scroll (Advanced): Unlocks an advanced skill for a specific unit. (200 Points) Stock: 10/10]


    [Talent Scroll (Rare): Grants a rare talent to a unit. (250 Points) Stock: 10/10]


    [..]


    "Here, they sell various scrolls that are useful for upgrading units," Broken said, his eyes scanning the list.


    Freya''s eyes widened with excitement. "Wow, that''s incredible!" she eximed. "With those scrolls, you could create a super NPC-someone you can really rely on, maybe even your own Imperial Knight! They''d have the potential to gain new talents easily, right?"


    "That does sound interesting," Broken replied. "It''d be even better if I could use it on Ivana.


    But it looks like only Slumdon residents can use these scrolls."


    "Then you just need to figure out a way to change Ivana''s residence status."


    "That could work."


    Freya leaned in, curious. "So, what else do they have?"


    "A lot. Honestly, I have no idea how long it''s going to take me to clear out the entire Reputation Shop! There''s just so much to explore."


    [Collectibles]


    [Rare Flower Seed: A unique flower seed that can be nted for decorative purposes. (100


    Points) Stock: 5/5]


    [Vintage Coin: A collectible coin with historical significance. (75 Points) Stock: 5/5]


    [Antique Key: A mysterious key with no known lock. (90 Points) Stock: 5/5]


    [Curious Crystal: A small, glowing crystal that has an enchanting effect. (120 Points) Stock:


    5/5]


    [Ancient Map Fragment: A fragment of an old map that hints at hidden treasures. (110 Points) Stock: 5/5]


    [...]


    "There''s also a Collectibles section, but it doesn''t seem particrly useful," Broken continued. "And then there''s this map fragment that supposedly leads to valuable items, but the price is so low, it feels suspicious."


    Freya chuckled softly. "I bet items like that are just traps. But who knows? Once you''ve got plenty of Reputation Points, you could have some fun buying all those weird things."


    Broken smirked. "Look at this-Rare Flower Seed. I''m sure Yara would love it, but the price is ridiculous." He sighed.


    "You mentioned you got some flower seeds from Princess Alora, didn''t you?"


    "Oh, right!" Broken grinned, realizing he had forgotten to give them to Yara. "I''ll check in on Yara and the others after this."


    [Entertainment]


    [Infinite Whistle: Summons birds to sing cheerful melodies around the town. (50 Points)


    Stock: 1/1]


    [Cursed Amulet: Makes the wearer sneeze uncontrobly for a short time. (25 Points) Stock:


    1/1]


    [Fancy Teapot: A beautifully crafted teapot that offers no practical benefits. (75 Points) Stock:


    5/5]


    [Rubber Chicken: Aically oversized rubber chicken toy. (30 Points) Stock: 10/10]


    [Gilded Picture Frame (Empty): A fancy frame with no picture to put in it. (40 Points) Stock:


    10/10]


    [Dancing Shoes: Shoes that force the wearer to dance uncontrobly for a short time. (60n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Points) Stock: 5/5]


    "Well, I think there are a lot of items here that could be fun to use at a party," Freya said with


    a grin.


    "Yeah, I guess so... fits with the Entertainment category."


    "But maybe the content in the shop will expand over time," Freya added. "So, it might be


    worth saving your points for something more valuable in the future."


    "Yeah, I think you''re right," he nodded.


    He continued browsing through the other categories, one of which caught his attention with a


    name that sparked a bit of hope.


    [Advanced Category]

 Chapter 443: Chapter 443 - Fortune Teller

    Chapter 443: - Fortune Teller


    ?


    [Master Crafted Weapon Blueprint: Grants the knowledge to forge a powerful weapon. (300 Points) Stock: 3/3]


    [Epic Artifact Fragment: A fragment of an ancient artifact with mystical properties. (400 Points) Stock: 5/5]


    [Architect''s Blueprint: Unlocks a unique architectural design for a special town building. (500 Points) Stock: 3/3]


    [Royal Emissary Medallion: Bestows a prestigious title upon a unit, increasing its influence. (350 Points) Stock: 5/5]


    [...]


    Broken quickly scanned the items listed in the Reputation Shop, and he felt quite drawn to everything in the Advanced category, even though it had fewer options than the others. What really caught his attention was the blueprint. Its price was steep-300 points. Whether that was high or not, he couldn''t say for sure, since he only had 150 points at the moment. "Most of these items don''t give much detail about what they actually are," he muttered. "Like this Epic Artifact Fragment-what artifact? Or this skill scroll. It doesn''t even specify the skill; it''s basically a gacha. You could get something great or something totally disappointing."


    "Why don''t you try buying one item and see what you get?"


    "Good idea."


    Broken considered his options, deciding to pick something within his current budget. He settled on a cheaper item among the avable choices.


    He selected it and confirmed the purchase.


    [You have spent 75 Reputation Points to purchase a Talent Scroll (Common)]


    [You have obtained 1 Talent Scroll (Common).]


    A scroll materialized in his hand.


    He chose the Talent Scroll with a Common grade, the item that seemed the most intriguing, even if its rank didn''t seem too promising. At the very least, talents were straightforward- something that could directly upgrade any NPC who received a new talent. Imagine, if they gained sword mastery, they could easily move into the guards or knights division.


    "Good choice," Freyamented, giggling softly.


    Broken tore the scroll.


    [Activating the Talent Scroll (Common)]


    [The scroll will convert into a specific talent.]


    [Randomizing the result...]


    [Randomizingplete.]


    [You have obtained 1 Sudden Sneezer Talent Scroll.]


    [The Sudden Sneezer Talent grants the user an inclination to sneeze unexpectedly, surprising everyone around them.]


    Broken sighed after reading the talent he had received. "Sudden Sneezer Talent... truly, a highly useful talent."


    Freya giggled at Broken''sint. "It''s just like the talent Mortar has, that builder, remember?"


    "Yeah, Irresistible Yawner, makes him yawn all day long, and it''s contagious to everyone around him."


    "Well, it''s only amon grade. Maybe we just got unlucky."


    "Yeah... really bad." With that, Broken saved the scroll to his Inventory. "But I''m still curious to try again."


    [You have spent 75 Reputation Points to purchase a Talent Scroll (Common)]


    [You have obtained 1 Talent Scroll (Common)]


    Broken immediately bought the same item again and grinned at Freya.


    "Are you seriously spending all your points?"


    "Well, we can figure out how to earn more pointster, but I''m curious about what kind of talent this scroll will give me. I mean, if I get something useless twice..."


    "I think it''s because the grade ismon, so you shouldn''t expect much. See?"


    "Yeah, but it says mon,'' not ''useless.'' So I''m hoping for something simple, like a cleaning talent, builder talent, or anything useful for work."


    "Good, let''s see."


    Broken nodded and tore the scroll.


    [Randomizing the talent...]


    [You have obtained 1 Fortune Teller Talent Scroll.]


    [The Fortune Teller talent grants the user the ability to foresee future events through divination, offering valuable predictions to aid decision-making.]


    "Woah... Fortune Teller? I guess I got lucky this time. At least this one seems useful."


    Freya nodded approvingly.


    He continued, "Fortune Teller grants the ability to foresee the future? But how? How can the game predict the future? Maybe some events are already programmed into the system, but if this talent is tested on a yer, how would it foresee their future? How does the game even manage that?"


    "It''s possible the fortune telling refers to events that the super AI controlling the game has already predicted," Freya responded. "Or it could just be another fun, mostly useless talent. So, don''t take whatever someone with this talent says too seriously."


    "Well, at least this one sounds a bit more useful than the first one," he said.


    "I think it''s quite interesting," Freya remarked. "Why don''t you give it to one of the NPCs you


    trust?"


    "Yeah... good idea. But who?" Broken pondered.


    He paused for a moment, considering her suggestion. Then, with sudden enthusiasm, he said,


    "I think I know who would make good use of this talent. Follow me."


    With that, he turned and began walking away.


    Broken and Freya entered the House of Slumdon, and as they stepped inside, Yara quickly approached them, her warm smile apanied by a deep bow.


    She was dressed in a maid''s uniform: a white blouse paired with a ck skirt that fell just


    below her knees.


    "My Lord, is there anything I can help you with?"


    "Hi, Yara, yes, I have something interesting to show you," Broken replied.


    Yara tilted her head, curiosity written on her face. "Yes, My Lord?"


    "Follow me," Broken instructed as he started toward the living room sofa.


    Freya followed closely, with Yara trailing behind. Once they were seated, Freya leaned in,n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    whispering,


    "Broken... are you sure you want to give her that talent? She''s already swamped with all the work she does around here."


    Broken nodded. "If you ask me which NPC I trust the most in this town, of course, it''s Yara.


    And I''m not asking her to be a full-time fortune teller. I just want to give her the talent and see how she''ll use it. It''s not about adding more to her workload. I''d only ask for her help if it''s really needed. Plus, who knows if this talent will even work well?"


    Yara''s expression shifted slightly, showing curiosity and a bit of confusion. "What can I do for


    you, My Lord?


    Broken took out the talent scroll and held it up for Yara to see.


    "Yara, this is a Fortune Teller talent scroll. If you tear it, you''ll receive the Fortune Teller


    talent. But I don''t know exactly how it will affect you-I mean, how the talent works. So,


    you''d be the first to try this kind of talent scroll. You don''t have to ept it if you don''t want


    to."


    "Huh... Fortune Teller, like ying with Tarot?" Yara asked, tilting her head.


    "Tarot?" Broken turned to Freya. "Is the Tarot she''s talking about the same as what we


    know?"


    Freya nodded. "Yes, it''s the same Tarot here. There are even yers with a ss that lets them use Tarot cards in battle. It''s pretty unique since they can almost use all the cards from a


    Tarot deck."


    Broken nodded and then looked back at Yara. "I''m not sure about the details, but you can give


    it a try."


    Yara smiled brightly. "My Lord, if you really wish to give me this talent, I''d be honored to


    ept it."


    "Alright, take it." Broken handed her the talent scroll without hesitation.


    Yara paused for a brief moment, then tore the scroll in half.


    [Congrattions! You have sessfully bestowed a new talent to an NPC for the first time, and as a reward for this aplishment, you have earned 50 Reputation Points.]

 Chapter 444: Chapter 444 - The Emperor

    Chapter 444: - The Emperor


    ?


    [Congrattions! You have sessfully bestowed a new talent to an NPC for the first time, and as a reward for this aplishment, you have earned 50 Reputation Points.]


    "Oh, 50 points? Not bad, a cashback," Broken muttered after reading the notification.


    He noticed that Yara seemed to be in a strange state of silence. Her eyes were nk and darting in multiple directions.


    "Yara, are you okay?" He tried to check her status.


    [Name: Yara]


    [Level: 66]


    [Strength: 104 | Agility: 160 | Intelligence: 304 | Constitution: 115 | Stamina: 164]


    [Job: Maid]


    [Sry: 1 Gold | o Silver]


    [Efficient Housekeeping (A) - Creative Decorator (B) - Melodic Performer (A) - Spell Mastery (B) - Body Language Reader (C) - Green Thumb (D) - Fortune Teller (SS)]


    "Wait a minute?" Broken suddenly realized Yara''s level had changed drastically. When he had first checked, she was somewhere around level 30. But now, she was level 66, and her Intelligence stats had skyrocketed. It must have been due to her intense focus on magic training over the past few months.


    And now, with her new talent, the Fortune Teller.


    "Woah, SS rating?" Broken muttered in amazement. "What kind of prophecy can she give with such a high talent rating?"


    He felt a surge of anticipation. SS-rated talents were extremely rare. In fact, he had only encountered a few NPCs with a talent that high-maybe just one, Danko, with his SS-rated Mineral Detector talent.


    Freya stood up and walked over to Yara, gently cing her hand on the girl''s shoulder.


    "Yara, are you alright?"


    Yara covered her face with her hands, clearly overwhelmed. "Sorry, I''m just... I was suddenly flooded with information. It''s all about my Lord''s future."


    "My future?" Broken leaned in with excitement. "Tell me everything-money, power, romance, luck, whatever you''ve got."


    Yara slowly lowered her hands, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.


    "Why are you blushing, Yara? Are you sure you''re okay?" Freya asked, cing a reassuring hand against her cheek.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "No, I''m fine, Ms. Freya," Yara replied nervously. "I''m just going to get Tarot cards. Please excuse me, My Lord." She bowed her head politely and hurried off, leaving Broken and Freya in suspense.


    Yara rushed up the steps, her face still flushed. "Why am I suddenly seeing images of my Lord... with beautiful women? It''s as if I''ve witnessed it myself, whether in the past or future. Is this because of the talent he gave me?" she wondered as she entered the library.


    The former Lord had kept all sorts of items in the library, and among them were Tarot cards. She reached for a wooden box adorned with images of a forest and a girl whose body was covered in nts, resembling a Dryad.


    "These are the Nature Elemental Tarot Cards," she murmured softly. "I don''t know why the former Lord had these, but since everything in this house belongs to the current Lord, I suppose it''s fine to use them."


    Yara returned downstairs, cing the box of Tarot cards in front of Broken and Freya. Broken eagerly grabbed the box and opened it, examining the contents. "The artwork is beautiful and so... intriguing. I''ve never seen Tarot cards with such unique designs before." Freya chimed in. "Actually, Tarot deckse in many themes, so it''s not umon to find ones like this with a more unusual or specific style."


    "Oh, I didn''t know that."


    He continued, "Do you know how to use these, Yara? I mean, with your new talent?" Yara giggled softly. "My Lord, this is my first time using Tarot cards, but somehow it feels like I''ve been studying them for a long time. Ever since I received the talent scroll from you, it''s like the knowledge just... clicked."


    "Excellent, give it a try."


    This talent scroll is truly incredible. Imagine if something like this existed in the real world- being able to master a skill instantly just by using a scroll.


    Yara hesitantly picked up the Tarot cards, the stack looking slightly toorge for her small hands. She concentrated, shuffling the deck beforeying the cards on the table in a neat line. "If it pleases you, My Lord, pick three cards at random," she said, her voice soft but confident. Broken carefully selected three cards, cing them one by one in front of her.


    Yara smiled and began turning each card over slowly. Her expression grew serious as she examined the cards'' meanings, her face bing still as she read the messages. For a moment, she remained silent, as if deciphering somethingplex.


    "What do these cards signify, Yara?" Broken asked, intrigued.


    He nced at the three Tarot cards he had drawn: The Emperor, The Tower, and The Wheel of Fortune. The illustrations were captivating, and his curiosity deepened as he awaited her


    interpretation.


    Broken, half-joking, said, "The Emperor means I''ll be an emperor in the future." He chuckled.


    Freya nudged him in the side. "You''re way too confident."


    "The Tower must mean I''ll have a grand kingdom, and the Wheel of Fortune means my luck is amazing, right?"


    "Look at that Tower-it''s being struck by lightning and about to copse. Do you really think that''s a symbol of a great empire?"


    "Okay, fair point."


    They turned their attention back to Yara, who was carefully examining the cards.


    Yara picked up the first card, The Emperor, showing an image of a Nature Spirit seated on a throne made of nts and vines. She smiled softly.


    "My Lord," she began gently.


    "The Emperor can''t be a bad sign, right?" Freya giggled.


    "The first card is The Emperor," Yara began. "He stands tall and proud, with a crown of gold and a staff of power in his hand. His gaze is full of determination, ready to take on the world. He represents action, leadership, vision, and conquest, all in one."


    "So, does that mean Broken will be a king, or even an emperor, in the future?" Freya


    asked slowly.


    "The Emperor can also symbolize a dictator," Yara continued. "A tyrant, oppressive and controlling, who holds absolute power with little regard for others'' rights or feelings. He''s a figure of fear and domination, representing authoritarianism."


    Broken frowned, then grinned. "Well, that doesn''t sound so great."


    "My Lord, my apologies, but this is the meaning I can gather so far: it suggests you''ll find yourself in a position where your decisions will impact the fate of many people."


    Freya jumped in, "That''s still kind of cool, though..."


    "I''m not sure I see what''s so ''cool'' about that," Broken said, raising an eyebrow.


    "But you''ll be a great ruler in the future-how is that not awesome?" Freya asked. "Sure, and all the risks and consequences thate with it, right?"


    "At least someone sitting at the top is held in high esteem by many," Freya grinned.


    She continued, "But what Yara said about you having the power to determine the fate of many? Well, even now, you''re already doing a lot of things based on your own decisions. Maybe without realizing it, your actions are affecting a lot of people."


    "I don''t really feel that way. What have I done that''s affecting so many people?" Freya sighed. "It''s simple. You''re the Lord of Slumdon now. Automatically, every decision and action you make impacts the city and everyone involved with it¡ªespecially the


    investors."


    Broken nodded slowly. "Okay, I see your point."


    "And if your power grows even more, it''ll have an even greater impact. Your decisions will be


    tested-you''ll need to choose wisely, or you could make choices that only benefit the


    moment without considering the bigger picture."


    "Fine... I''ll give it more thought," Broken smirked. "What about the next card, Yara?"

 Chapter 445: Chapter 445 - The Tower and Wheel of Fortune

    Chapter 445: - The Tower and Wheel of Fortune


    ?


    Yara took the second card and began to read the message aloud.


    "The second card is The Tower. It stands tall and mighty, a symbol of strength and power. But there''s also a lightning strike surrounding it, a sign of impending disaster. This card serves as a warning of destruction toe. Those who ignore it do so at their own peril."


    Freya''s eyes widened at the description. "Does that mean the card foretells destruction and great disaster?"


    Yara nodded slowly. "Yes, it does."


    "So..." Broken said, pondering the meaning. "Does the order of the cards affect the sequence of possible events, Yara? I mean, if this follows The Emperor, does it also act as a warning for the potential power I might hold in the future?"


    Yara nodded again. "It should be like that, My Lord... but... I''m sorry, maybe I read it wrong. Let me try again from the beginning," she said, reaching to rearrange the cards. But Freya gently ced a hand on Yara''s arm to stop her.


    "No..." Broken said kindly. "It''s okay, Yara. You don''t need to worry. After all, it''s just a prediction, right?"


    Freya giggled as she looked at Broken. "So, do you think the future King Broken, with all his immense power and strength, is destined to cause destruction?"


    "What''s the motivation behind me wreaking havoc on the world?"


    Taking a long, deep breath, Broken continued, "It might be fun to be the ruler. I grew up in extreme poverty, struggling through difficult times-that exins my drive for power and victory. But who knows what will happen once I achieve all of it? Also, how does this game even predict the future? Is the AI behind it that advanced?"


    Freya nodded thoughtfully. "I believe the AI is just analyzing various potential scenarios. It can predict events based on all the data it collects from the past and present. With ess to that kind of information, it can make these predictions seem urate."


    Yara, confused by the conversation. "AI? What is AI, My Lord?"


    Freya smiled kindly at Yara. "AI... To put it simply, it''s the entity that built this world¡ªthe World of Yunatea. It''s something even more powerful than the Gods themselves."


    "Wow..." Yara whispered. "I''ve never heard of such a thing."


    Broken nodded slowly and refocused. "What about thest card, Yara? The Wheel of Fortune -what does it mean?"


    Yara nodded and smiled, preparing to continue. "Okay, My Lord, I will interpret this card for you as well."


    "The third card is The Wheel of Fortune," Yara exined. "It represents change, progress, and the unpredictable nature of fate. It spins endlessly, shifting direction without warning. The Wheel can bring great fortune to some and great misfortune to others. It''s a force of unpredictability, capable of bringing major changes to the world."


    She paused, waiting for Broken and Freya to react.


    "Umh..." Broken murmured, still processing. "So, what does that card mean exactly?"


    Freya chimed in. "At a nce, the three cards seem connected. The meaning of the third card suggests you might be the catalyst for significant changes in this world. Those changes could bring fortune to some, while others may face loss or disaster."


    Yara nodded, agreeing with Freya''s interpretation.


    "Okay, but it''s only natural that anything we do will benefit some people while harming others, right?" Broken said, musing on the prediction.


    "Yes," Freya replied, "but in this case, it''s more aboutrger-scale consequences-like on a bigger stage, where someone in a position of influence has a greater impact."


    Broken took a deep breath, letting her words sink in. He sat back, gazing at the three cardsid out before him. "I really do love the art on these cards," he said thoughtfully.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Turning to Freya, he asked again, "So, what do I take from Yara''s prediction? What do you think the conclusion is?"


    "You should know the answer better than anyone. After all, it''s about you."


    Broken smirked. "Actually, it''s funny how everything Yara predicted lines up with what I''ve been pursuing, right?"


    "Including destroying the world?"


    "Except that part," he shot back with a grin.


    Freya raised an eyebrow. "You said her talent''s rating is really high, didn''t you?"


    "Yes, it''s SS-rated. That''s incredibly rare. Can you imagine how impressive that is?"


    "If her talent is that strong, her predictions might be 99% urate. Maybe even spot-on with reality."


    Broken paused, contemting. "But what if I stop ying this game now? Wouldn''t that mean the prediction she made would be wrong?"


    Freya giggled at Broken''s words. "I dare you to stop ying this game, Mr. Baron!"


    "You''re right," he admitted. "I don''t want to quit. In fact, I want this world to be my main focus-the real world is just a distraction."


    Freya chuckled. "Well then, I guess Yara''s fortunes are still heading in the right direction after all."


    [Congrattions! You have been blessed by the Great Seer Yara and rewarded with an enchanted token of memento.]


    [Now you can choose one of the three cards, and you will receive a magical prize for making your choice!]


    [So, make your selection wisely and remember: choose the card, win the prize!]


    A notification popped up in front of Broken, and he raised an eyebrow. "Oh, a reward?"


    Three holographic cards materialized before him, hovering gently in the air. Broken eyed them carefully, considering his options.


    Freya leaned in, intrigued. "What is that?"


    "The System says I can choose one of these cards, and I''ll get a reward afterward."


    "Is it possible this is the result of Yara''s talent?" Freya asked, ncing at Yara, who was sitting quietly in front of them.


    Yara, still looking confused, spoke up. "I didn''t do anything, My Lord. The three cards floating in front of you-those didn''te from me."


    Freya grinned. "Well, go ahead and pick one! I''m curious to see what prize you''ll get."


    Broken paused for a moment, thinking it over. This is all based on chance, he thought. After a beat, he nodded and reached out. "Alright... I''ll pick this one." He pointed at the card that caught his eye.

 Chapter 446: Chapter 446 - The Lovers

    Chapter 446: - The Lovers


    ?


    Broken selected The Emperor card, and as he grasped it, the transparent card transformed into a tangible object he could feel in his hand.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "You sure have a lot of self-confidence, huh?" Freya teased with a smirk.


    [Congrattions! You have chosen The Emperor Card, and as a reward, you receive a picture of yourself in the Nature Spirit Emperor costume. How majestic! You will look like a real ruler of your own kingdom. Everyone will bow down to you in awe!]


    The card''s image shifted, with Broken''s face now recing the original figure on the card. The card then grew in size, bing arge framed photo of Broken dressed as the Nature Spirit Emperor, looking regal andmanding.


    Broken sighed as he stared at the photo in his hands. "I was hoping for something a bit more extraordinary than this, but... it''s not bad."


    Freya giggled. "Honestly, it''s pretty amazing! You actually look great in that costume, Broken."


    "Thanks. I appreciate thepliment!"


    Freya added yfully, "You should hang it up on the wall and show it off to everyone."


    "Good suggestion," he replied, though he sighed again.


    cing the photo on the table, Broken turned to Yara. "Yara, can you put this somewhere?"


    "Yes, My Lord," Yara bowed politely, taking the photo.


    Broken stood and turned to Freya. "I''m nning to take a walk around town. Would you like toe with me?" he asked.


    Eagerly, Freya replied, "Can Yara tell my fortune too?"


    He smiled. "If she''s willing, why not?"


    "Then, I want to hear her prediction before I follow you," Freya said, excited.


    Yara hesitated for a moment, then looked at Broken. "My Lord... am I allowed to read fortunes for others?"


    "Make sure it doesn''t drain your energy," Broken said, "but let''s keep it limited to those who live in the House of Slumdon, alright?"


    Yara smiled and nodded. Broken, curious about Freya''s reading, sat back down.


    "Why are you still here?"


    "Hey, this is my house. I have the right to sit here and watch your fortune unfold," he chuckled.


    "No!" she protested.


    "Yes!" he retorted.


    "No! No! No!"


    "Yes! Yes! Yes!"


    Yara watched them, her head turning from one to the other as they bickered, looking increasingly confused. After a few moments, Freya sighed and gave in.


    "Okay, fine, but don''t tease me or make anyments!" Freya warned, pointing a finger at Broken.


    "Alright..." he said with a mischievous grin.


    Yara stood up and picked up the photo of Broken. "My Lord, may I put this away for now?" "Yes, sure," Broken replied.


    Yara walked off, disappearing for a moment. When she returned, she carried adder and began hanging the picture in the living room.


    Freya giggled, watching her work. "I think that''s the perfect spot for your picture, Broken." "Shut up," he muttered as he stood and walked over. "Yara, let me help you with that."


    "No, My Lord, I can handle it," she insisted, carefully cing the photo at just the right height. After a few moments, she stepped down from thedder and smiled at Broken. "Is this a good spot, My Lord?"


    "Yes, it''s good," Broken nodded, satisfied.


    They returned to the sofa, ready to continue with Yara''s fortune reading for Freya.


    Yara began shuffling the tarot cards again, thenid them on the table with a smile before turning to Freya.


    "Ms. Freya, please pick any three cards at random," she said.


    Freya, excited, grinned and asked, "Yara, can I pick the three cards, but you reveal them one at


    a time? Like, open one, read it, and then move to the next instead of opening all three at


    once?"


    "Yes, Ms. Freya, that''s perfectly fine."


    Freya nodded eagerly, running her fingers over the surface of the cards, as if searching for just the right ones. She selected her first card and set it aside, then repeated the process until she had chosen three in total.


    Broken, watching, remarked with a smirk, "I don''t think that changes anything. You''re just doing the same thing I did."


    Freya shushed him with a yful grin. "Ssshhh!"


    Yara nced at Freya for confirmation, and when she nodded, Yara revealed the first card. The image depicted two figures, a man and a woman, embracing, with the word "The Lovers" written beneath them.


    "Woah... is this about romance?" Freya asked, her eyes lighting up with excitement.


    Yara paused for a moment before nodding gently. "I will read it for you, Ms. Freya. This card speaks of strong bonds and deep connections that transcend time. It suggests that there is someone in your life whose soul is intertwined with yours. The path ahead involves unity, and the choices you make together will shape your future. It''s important to recognize and nurture these connections, as they carry significant importance."


    She paused again, her voice softening. "This card also encourages you to be true to your heart. The decisions you make regarding this bond shoulde from a ce of honesty and sincerity. Don''t let hesitation hold you back-embrace what you truly feel inside."


    Broken furrowed his brow at the reading. "Have you ever had a romance in this game, Freya?" Freya nudged him with her elbow. "No!" she huffed, but then she looked confused. "Wait... Yara, can you exin it in simpler terms? Something more clear?"


    "I''m sorry, Ms. Freya. That''s the best interpretation I can offer."


    Freya frowned, still puzzled. "So... someone in my life whose soul is intertwined with mine?


    What does that even mean?"


    Broken chimed in, "Maybe you made a contract with someone in the game?"


    Freya shook her head. "That doesn''t exin it well."


    Freya fell silent for a moment, appearing deep in thought. Broken let her have that space,


    watching quietly. After a few seconds, she nodded slowly.


    "For some reason, this prediction feels like it really hits home for me. But... this is supposed


    to be about things in the game, right?" she seemed to be asking herself.


    "I''m not sure either. Do you feel like it rtes to something outside the game?" Broken


    asked.


    Freya turned to him, and when he met her gaze, he asked, "What?"


    "No," she shook her head, then took a deep breath.


    After a few moments of reflection, she quietly repeated Yara''s words. "I need to be true to my


    heart?"


    Yara, noticing Freya''s hesitation, asked gently, "Is there anything more you''d like to ask, Ms.


    Freya?"


    Freya smiled again. "No, that''s enough, Yara. Let''s see the next card."


    Yara nodded and revealed the second card.

 Chapter 447: Chapter 447 - The High Priestess

    Chapter 447: - The High Priestess


    ?


    Yara revealed the second card, which read The Chariot. The image showed someone riding a carriage pulled by two stags.


    Her expression sharpened as she exined, "This card represents willpower and the pursuit of victory. It suggests that you have a significant role in shaping the future, controlling the direction of events with strength and determination. There will be challenges, but this card reminds you that you possess the inner drive to ovee them."


    She smiled gently. "The Chariot also indicates you are moving toward something important. Although the path ahead may not always be clear, your persistence will guide you to sess. However, it''s crucial that you stay true to yourself as you take control of this journey."


    Both Broken and Freya fell silent, absorbing Yara''s words, their expressions thoughtful as they tried to process the meaning behind the card.


    "This is a bit hard to digest," Broken said with a smallugh.


    Freya nodded thoughtfully. "It talks about power and control that I supposedly have... but..."


    "Could it be because you''re helping me, like with everything you do in Slumdon?" Broken suggested. "I mean, since you pretty much handle everything here, maybe it''s rted to that?"


    Freya nodded slowly. "That makes sense. If you''re predicted to be something great-an emperor, a king, or whatever-and I continue in my role like I do now..." She paused for a moment. "But that also means I''ll just be caught up in all your problems."


    Broken chuckled. "You''re the one who chose to be part of this, remember?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Freya smiled. "No, I mean, it''s actually good. It means I''ll have a front-row seat to all the big things that areing, and I''m ready for it! Yay... hahaha!" she said excitedly.


    "Get ready for the chaos I''ll cause then, because you''ll be involved in that too," Broken teased.


    Freya sighed dramatically. "That''s why I''m here-to help minimize the damage."


    "You really are incredibly useful. I''m proud to know you," Broken said with a grin.


    "Yes, you should know that very well," Freya giggled in response.


    Yara nodded and added, "The Chariot symbolizes Ms. Freya''s strength and determination. It shows that she ys a key role in steering things forward, especially during challenging times. It''s a reminder that, no matter how tough things get, she has the power and will to ovee any obstacles."


    Freya smiled brightly. "I really like this second card, Yara. Now, let''s see the next one!"


    Yara turned over the final card: The High Priestess.


    "This card represents intuition and hidden truths," Yara began. "There is wisdom deep within you that you have yet to fully explore. You are more connected to the unseen forces around you than you realize."


    She leaned in slightly. "Trust your instincts and the knowledge you carry. There may be secrets that will reveal themselves over time, and only by embracing your inner voice will you understand their meaning. This card also suggests that there is more to your story than what''s visible on the surface-be open to these revtions, and don''t fear the truth that lies within you."


    Yara paused, observing the thoughtful silence of Broken and Freya as they processed the reading. She continued, "This card highlights Ms. Freya''s intuition and hidden wisdom. It suggests that she should trust her instincts more. There may be truths or secrets she hasn''t yet uncovered, and the card encourages her to embrace them, letting her inner knowledge and feelings guide her path."


    Freya nodded slowly, clearly deep in thought, while Broken watched her with curiosity.


    "So... Freya, did you get any insight?" Broken asked.


    Freya sighed. "Yes, I think so, though the reading left me a bit confused since it feels like it''s mixed with things happening outside the game."


    "Maybe the talent''s rating is so high that it can even sense things beyond the game?"


    "I''d like to believe that," she replied.


    Just then, the same thing happened to Freya: three transparent, floating cards appeared in front of her.


    "Yeay! It looks like anyone who gets a reading from Yara also gets a reward," Freya said excitedly.


    "Yeah, I think it''s pretty cool," Broken agreed.


    Freya giggled. "I wonder if my reward will be a photo, too?" She picked one of the cards, and it materialized in her hand.


    Freya chose The High Priestess. However, something different happened-this time, the card transformed into a folded piece of fabric, like a dress.


    "Wait? What is that?" Broken asked, surprised.


    Freya giggled. "It seems I''m luckier than you, Broken. The card rewarded me with a costume skin! I can use it to cover my armor."


    "Damn, now I feel like I''ve been treated unfairly."


    Freya sighed, amused. "Now you know how the rest of us feel every time you get something extraordinary!"


    Freya stood up excitedly and applied the costume skin. Surprisingly, it didn''t resemble the High Priestess outfit from the card. Instead, it was a long, elegant green dress with a flowing, red bottom that gave her a graceful appearance.


    "See, Broken?" Freya said, spinning around. "What do you think?"


    "Woah... that''s so beautiful, Ms. Freya," Yara responded first, her eyes lighting up.


    "Thanks, Yara," Freya smiled, then turned to Broken again, waiting for his input.


    Broken grinned and, copying Yara, said, "Woah... that''s so beautiful, Ms. Freya."


    Freya yfully kicked his leg. "I knew it was a mistake asking your opinion!"


    Freya continued to admire the new dress, giggling with delight. After a few more moments, feeling satisfied, she stored the costume back in her inventory and turned to Broken.


    "We''re done," she said before turning to Yara. "Thanks, Yara."


    Yara smiled and nodded. "It''s my pleasure," she replied. But suddenly, Yara looked weak and


    slumped back against the sofa.


    "Yara, are you okay?" Broken asked.


    "My Lord, I''m sorry. I''m just feeling a little tired," she answered softly.


    Freya quickly moved to help her up. "Come on, you must be exhausted from doing the


    readings. Let me take you to your room."


    Broken, watching the scene, said, "I''m going out for a walk, Freya."


    "Sure, I''ll catch up with youter," she replied while assisting Yara.


    Alright! Broken was determined to head out and explore, aiming to gather more Reputation


    Points.


    Reputation equals points, right? he thought.


    If he could build up enough reputation, he''d earn more points, allowing him to clear out the entire Reputation Shop. He was curious about how these points actually worked and what actions would yield the best rewards.

 Chapter 448: Chapter 448 - Unintended Heroism

    Chapter 448: - Unintended Heroism


    ?


    As Broken strolled through the town, he noticed the townspeople watching him from a distance. Suddenly, a five-year-old boy came running down the street, heading straight toward him.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Branko! Don''t run around on the streets!" a woman, likely the boy''s mother, shouted.


    Before anyone could react, the boy stumbled and fell right in front of Broken.


    "Branko!" the mother cried, rushing after him, her expression shifting to rm as she realized the Baron was present.


    Broken bent down, gently helping the boy back to his feet. "Hey, are you alright?"


    "Ye-Yes..." the boy stammered nervously, ncing at his mother.


    "Branko..." His mother quickly took hold of his arm as she bowed deeply. "My Lord, I apologize for my son''s behavior," she said, her voice trembling with fear, clearly worried about the consequences.


    Several onlookers exchanged nervous nces, some swallowing hard as worry spread among them.


    "Surely this won''t end well for that mother," one person whispered.


    "Yeah, she picked the worst time to run into the Baron," another added.


    "But do you think the Baron will be angry?"


    "Most yers are arrogant," someone muttered. "Even though this Baron has been different from the others, who knows how he''ll react? He might not like being interrupted like this, especially while he''s out walking."


    Broken responded in a way that surprised everyone. "No worries, I was just helping him up," he said to the boy''s mother.


    Then, he patted Branko on the shoulder with a kind smile. "Hey, you like to run, and you''re pretty fast. Do you want to be a Knight when you grow up?"


    Branko looked up at him, his eyes wide with admiration. "Yes, My Lord. I want to be a Knight and take care of my mother when I grow up."


    "Good," Broken nodded. "I''m sure you''ll be an incredibly strong Knight and bring honor to this kingdom."


    "Yes, My Lord," Branko replied.


    With a final nod, Broken turned and continued walking, leaving behind a relieved mother and a crowd stunned by his unexpected kindness.


    [Name: Branko]


    [Swift Strider (S) | Charge Resistance (A) | Bravery (B)]


    Broken muttered softly to himself as the boy''s talents shed before him. "I had no idea the children in this town had such immense potential."


    He thought for a moment, considering the potential across the town.


    "Do I need to conduct another inspection to uncover all the talents of the citizens? Perhaps I can find extraordinary talents among them that could be beneficial to this town."


    As Broken walked away, the townspeople began to murmur amongst themselves about what they had just witnessed.


    "The Baron was surprisingly kind," Branko''s mother remarked.


    "Yeah, the Baron was really cool," Branko added, still in awe.


    [The mother''s face lit up with joy as she witnessed the Baron''s kindness in aiding her son, who had tripped. She was grateful and thanked him profusely.]


    [You received 17 Reputation Points.]


    [The Baron''s generosity inspired the little boy, who was now more determined to make his dreamse true. He thanked the Baron for being a role model.]


    [You received 15 Reputation Points.]


    "Oh... So, doing small things like this for the townspeople can earn me Reputation Points?"


    He paused, considering the new realization. "I think I could spend a few hours collecting some more Reputation Points," he thought with a smirk, feeling like he''d just unlocked a hidden strategy.


    After deciding to continue helping the townspeople to earn more Reputation Points, Broken noticed a man in his 40s struggling to lift a heavy sack. Without hesitation, he approached the man and offered his help.


    "Let me help you with that."


    The man, clearly irritated, replied, "What are you doing? Let me work, don''t bother me."


    "Come on, let me help you lift this thing," Broken insisted.


    By now, several people had gathered around, curious about the Baron''s actions.


    "What is the Baron doing?" one of them whispered.


    "I have no idea," another replied. "But his behavior is... odd."


    "Should we help that man?"


    "No way, I don''t want to get involved and end up in trouble with that Baron," someone else muttered.


    Ignoring the crowd, Broken took hold of the sack and slung it over his shoulder with ease. "Where are you taking this?"


    The man, still confused by the unexpected offer of help, pointed toward a distant spot. "Over there... way over there. And I need it done quickly."


    "Got it," Broken said with a nod and began carrying the sack, the man trailing behind him as the townspeople watched in surprise.


    As Broken began walking away with the heavy sack, a sudden scream echoed from the other side of the street.


    "The thief! He stole my things!" a woman''s voice cried out.


    The townspeople instantly turned their attention to Broken and the man he was helping.


    "Are you saying the Baron took your item?" one person questioned, confused.


    "Are you out of your mind?" another shouted. But amidst the chaos, the crowd''s focus shifted, and a chorus of angry voices rose up, "Let''s go after the thief!"


    The crowd surged forward, chasing after Broken.


    The man beside Broken urged frantically, "My Lord, please run faster. I must deliver this item


    without dy!"


    Broken tried to pick up his pace. But as he noticed therge group running in his direction,


    confusion clouded his mind.


    "What''s happening?" he thought, his steps quickening.


    Suddenly, his path was blocked by Igor and Karl, two knights who had swiftly stepped in front


    of him.


    "My Lord, you''ve helped us catch the thief," Igor said firmly.


    Before Broken could react, Karl grabbed the man Broken had been helping and pinned him to


    the ground, forcing him face down.


    "Thief?" Broken murmured. "Are you saying this man is a thief?"


    The man, desperate, called out, "Help me, My Lord... I''m not a thief!"


    At that moment, the crowd reached Broken, and the man leading them rushed forward,


    slightly out of breath.


    "My Lord, I apologize for misjudging you. I thought you were helping this thief escape, but it turns out you''re a noble person who helped us catch him!" they said gratefully.


    Broken grinned awkwardly, realizing he had nearly assisted the thief. "Ah, yes... haha, d I


    could help."


    "My Lord, you truly are a wise leader," the other continued.


    [Miklos had originally thought you were a foolish leader, but now sees your kindness. You


    gain 16 Reputation Points.]


    [Zoltan is ecstatic that their new leader is just and fair. You are rewarded with 17 Reputation


    Points.]


    [Darijo is pleased with the newfound safety in the city. You are awarded 15 Reputation Points.]


    [...]


    Broken''s grin widened slightly as the notifications rolled in, his Reputation Points climbing thanks to his unintended heroism.

 Chapter 449: Chapter 449 - Legendary Sudden Sneezer

    Chapter 449: - Legendary Sudden Sneezer


    ?


    For the next few hours, Broken ran through the town, offering help wherever he could. At one point, he came across an elderly man sitting on an old wooden chair. The townspeople whispered that the man had once been a hard worker, buttely, he had been unable to work due to his deteriorating health.


    "My Lord," the elderly man said as Broken approached, "I haven''t been able to work for a week because of this terrible pain."


    Without hesitation, Broken stepped forward. "Let me help massage your back," he offered.


    The man was taken aback. "But, My Lord... no, I mean..." he stammered, unsure of how to respond.


    Broken gently began massaging the elderly man''s back. At first, the old man seemed hesitant, but after a few minutes, the pain started to fade.


    "My Lord... I must apologize," the man said.. "But I feel much better now. You''re truly remarkable."


    [Bodo had been suffering from an aching back for a week, but after receiving a massage from the Baron, he felt a great deal of relief. In recognition of this, you were awarded 21 Reputation Points.]


    As Broken moved away from Bodo, he waved his hand with a smile. "Hopefully, you can get back to work soon, Bodo."


    Bodo replied, "My Lord, thank you so much. May God bless you, and may this city thrive under your leadership. You''re the best city lord we''ve ever had."


    Broken''s smile widened as he walked away, knowing that his efforts had earned him not only respect but also a grand total of 1,034 Reputation Points.


    I didn''t think doing good for people could feel this rewarding.


    Lost in thought about his future options at the Reputation Shop, Broken made his way toward the farm fields, where he had an appointment with Charmelyn. As he approached, he saw her walking toward him.


    "Hi, Broken," Charmelyn greeted. "I''ve heard a lot of townspeople talking about you today... You''ve certainly made quite a stir."


    "Talking about me? Good or bad?"


    "Mostly good things! People are praising your efforts to make the town better."


    "Ah... I''m d they''ve finally acknowledged my efforts to keep the residents happy, hehe."


    Broken gazed at the farmers hard at work, tilling thend. "So, how''s the development of this new farm field?"


    "Since we had some rain, things are looking better. A few more showers, and this ce could turn into a beautiful, productive farm."


    "Good," Broken nodded. "We need to continue the Rain-Summoning Ritual, and I think it could even be a popr tradition in this town."


    "I''ll do my best to spread the word and get more people involved in the ritual."


    Suddenly, Broken nced around and asked, "Charmelyn... Do you have a hoe?"


    She gave him a puzzled look. "A hoe?"


    "Yes,"


    "What do you want to do with it?" she asked, still a little confused. But then, she shrugged and said, "Wait here."


    A momentter, Charmelyn returned, carrying a hoe. "Do you need this?" she asked, handing it over to him.


    Broken took it with a grin.


    [Not So Special Hoe]


    [Grade: Common]


    [Durability: 98/100]


    [Weight: 74]


    [The ultimate farming tool for all those with not-so-green thumbs! This hoe may not be able to break through the toughest soils, but it will surely bring pleasure to those who are cultivating theirnd.]


    Broken frowned as he examined the hoe, ncing at Charmelyn. "Isn''t Ingolf, the cksmith, working on making tools for the city''s development?"


    "Yes, but he''s been swamped with worktely, so this is the best hoe we have."


    "Alright then," Broken said with enthusiasm "Let''s help the farmers cultivate thend, haha."


    He made his way toward the farmers, with Charmelyn following behind. The farmers looked


    up from their work and greeted him.


    "My Lord, good afternoon," they said, bowing their heads slightly.


    "Hey, let me help hoe the soil."


    The farmers exchanged nervous nces, murmuring among themselves.


    "What''s he doing here?" one whispered.


    "Is he trying to mess with our work?"


    One of the bolder farmers stepped forward, bowing slightly. "My Lord, please, let us handle


    the work. No need to dirty your hands with this."


    "It''s alright, really," Broken replied. "I enjoy hard work. Don''t worry about it."


    The farmers looked on in a mix of confusion and surprise as Broken got to work, helping them hoe the soil.


    [You have unlocked a new Farming Technique skill.]


    [...]


    Broken chuckled to himself, realizing he was picking up more than just Reputation Points.


    ***


    Maylock, Goldrich, and Elincia were seated together, having lunch in the tavern. As they ate, they overheard several townspeople talking about Broken.


    Elincia, looking puzzled, asked, "Why do I hear so many people talking about Broken today?"


    Goldrich chuckled. "Khi khi khi... He''s really passionate about doing all sorts of things for this city."


    Elincia frowned slightly. "People are saying weird things... like he''s been catching thieves, giving massages to elderly folks, and even helping a widow with herundry." Maylock, unbothered, shrugged. "Sounds like he''s on some kind of quest. That''s just how he is-when he''s focused on something, he throws his entire soul into it."


    Goldrich raised an eyebrow. "What kind of quest involves doing a widow''sundry?"


    He then added, "And it seems like Broken might need help this time. I''m going to find him."


    Elincia shot back, "Oh, shut up. Is that just an excuse because you want to help widows too? But seriously, should we be helping him?"


    Maylock shrugged, a casual grin on his face. "Go help him if you want. I''m busy building the


    strongest knight army in this kingdom. Ha ha!"


    Elincia rolled her eyes. "You sound like a viin when you talk like that."


    "The viin is Broken. I''m just hismander."


    "You''re still part of the Ass Guild, dumbass," she retorted.


    With that, Maylock stood up and strode confidently out of the tavern.


    Goldrich stood up as well. "I definitely need to help widows-no, I mean, Broken..." he corrected himself before walking off, leaving Elincia shaking her head.


    ***


    As the afternoon settled in, Broken strolled through town, a satisfied grin on his face after umting arge number of Reputation Points.


    "I just need to figure out how best to use all these points," he mused.


    Freya appeared, running towards him. "Hello there, Mr. Mayor! It looks like you''ve been


    pretty busy today. How many Reputation Points have you collected?"


    "1407, ha ha ha!"


    "Oh, you seem so proud of this extraordinary achievement, huh?"


    They walked together, discussing how to optimally spend the points.


    Broken casually handed the Sudden Sneezer Talent Scroll to Freya, "I don''t think I really need


    this."


    Freya, assuming he meant to toss it away, threw it toward a nearby trash bin. However, the scroll missed the mark andnded just outside the bin as they continued walking. Momentster, a loud sneezing sound erupted behind them, stopping both of them in their tracks. When they turned around, they saw a young man sneezing and staring at them.


    "Mortar?" Freya eximed in surprise.


    Mortar was a skilled builder, known for his incredible efficiency, but he had an unusual quirkN?v(el)B\\jnn


    -constant yawning.


    "My Lord..." Mortar said. "I found the scroll and thought you''d discarded it. I, uh... identally tore it." He followed this with a deep, prolonged yawn. "Ouahhh..." "Hatchu!" Another sneeze followed immediately, and nearby towns people began to


    grumble.


    "Get away from him! His yawning is contagious!" several people shouted as they hurried


    away from Mortar.


    Freya turned to Broken and whispered, "Do you know of any scrolls that can cancel an NPC''s


    talent?" Broken slowly shook his head, but as he did, a yawn escaped him as well. "Ouahhh..."


    Freya sighed in exasperation. "Looks like we''ll have to deal with this now."

 Chapter 450: Chapter 450 - Heavy Slam Skill Scroll

    Chapter 450: - Heavy m Skill Scroll


    ?


    Broken couldn''t find anything in the current Reputation Shop that could cancel an NPC''s talent. He sighed, hoping that with future updates to the shop, such an item might eventually be avable.


    After making sure Mortar was alright-well, not exactly alright, but managing his strange new quirks-Broken suggested he go home and rest. Sometimes, sneezing fits are just a sign you need more sleep or something like that. Though, in Mortar''s case, rest probably wasn''t going to help much.


    Freya sighed, feeling a bit guilty. "I''ll keep an eye on him for the next few days. I feel like this is my fault."


    They continued walking as Broken opened the Reputation Shop.


    [You have spent 250 Reputation Points to purchase a Talent Scroll (Rare)] [You have spent 250 Reputation Points to purchase a Talent Scroll (Rare)] [You have spent 200 Reputation Points to purchase a Skill Scroll (Advanced)] [You have spent 200 Reputation Points to purchase a Skill Scroll (Advanced)] [You have spent 200 Reputation Points to purchase a Skill Scroll (Advanced)] [You have spent 200 Reputation Points to purchase a Skill Scroll (Advanced)] "Alright, two Rare Talent Scrolls and four Advanced Skill Scrolls," Broken said with enthusiasm.


    Freya raised an eyebrow. "Did you really just spend all your Reputation Points?"


    "Yeah... I''m curious to see what I''ll get this time. Let''s hope I don''t get something ridiculous again," he said excitedly. "I have two Rare Talents, and four Advanced Skills! What could go wrong?"


    [Activating the Talent Scroll (Rare)]


    [Randomizing the result...]


    [You have obtained 1 Spell-shaper Talent Scroll.]


    [Spell-shaper: Customizes existing spells, altering their effects and improving their efficiency.]


    "Good?"


    "Yes, Spell-shaper is exactly like the talent Nimue, Elowen''s sister, has."


    Freya giggled. "Ah, I see! It seems like the Rare grade talents are actually pretty useful." Broken paused for a moment, thinking about who to give the talent to, but decided to move on and open the rest of the scrolls he had purchased. Excitement buzzed through him as he prepared to see what else he''d get.


    [You have obtained 1 Giant''s Strength Talent Scroll.]


    [Giant''s Strength: Possesses exceptional physical strength, allowing for feats of incredible force.]


    "Woah... Giant''s Strength!" Broken eximed. "This one looks really useful too."


    "Yes, I can imagine giving that talent to one of your knights," Freya said with a grin.


    "Exactly, and the Spell-shaper could also be useful for them. Both talents I got are really valuable."


    Freya chuckled. "I think this Reputation Shop is pretty amazing, Broken."


    "Yeah, now I want to collect as many Reputation Points as possible and clear out the entire shop, hahaha."


    "Don''t forget, you have an expeditioning up soon," Freya reminded him, nudging him yfully. "Besides, you can still earn Reputation Points even when you''re not in the city." "True," he nodded. "It''s like passive ie-Reputation Points umte as long as I''m in good standing with the townspeople."


    [Activating the Skill Scroll (Skill)]


    [Randomizing the result...]


    [You have obtained 1 Charge Attack Skill Scroll.]


    [Charge Attack: A powerful attack that charges up and unleashes a devastating blow. Deals high damage to an enemy target.]


    [Skill Requirement: Sword User]


    "Ah..." Broken nodded slowly. "So, the skill scrolls give more straightforward abilities like this."


    "Yes, Charge Attack is an extremely useful skill for melee fighters," Freya agreed.


    "Definitely, I have a simr skill myself," Broken said with a grin.


    "I''m sure the knights will be thrilled to hear about this. Everything you''ve obtained seems perfect for them."


    "I think so too," Broken replied.


    [You have obtained 1 Arrow Barrage Skill Scroll.]


    [Arrow Barrage: Shoot a barrage of arrows in a line in front of the user, dealing moderate damage to enemies in its path.]


    [Skill Requirement: Bow User]


    The skill scrolls didn''t provide specific details such as damage output, Mana usage, or cooldown times. However, the descriptions alone gave enough insight into their potential. After all, having more skills for NPCs would only be beneficial, as long as the skill matched their weapon type. If a skill turned out to be less effective, the NPCs could simply ignore it or train it further to level it up.


    Sometimes, a skill''s true potential only became apparent after it leveled up several times. Broken had experienced this first hand with his Sword Skill from the Super Novice ss. At level 1, the skill seemed ordinary, but as it leveled up, its impact grew tremendously. This was likely because the skill belonged to a Unique-grade ss, which inherently had vast potential. At level 1, it was likely bnced to match the yer''s abilities at the time. Broken realized that these new skills, given time and practice, could be just as powerful for his knights and other NPCs. It was all about investing in their growth.


    [You have obtained 1 Heavy m Skill Scroll.]


    [Heavy m: Allows the greatsword user to m their weapon into the ground and cause a shockwave. Deals massive damage to enemies in arge area.]


    [Skill Requirement: Greatsword User]


    "Another great skill for a Greatsword user!" Broken thought, immediately recalling Anna, the knight whose haircut, hair color, and demeanor reminded him so much of Lily. He wondered how much she and the other knights had progressedtely.


    It had been a while since he''dst spoken with his knights, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to check in on them and see how their preparations were going for the uing


    expedition.


    Considering they were being trained directly by Maylock, Broken felt confident that they were in good hands. After all, Maylock''s perfectionist tendencies ensured that the knights would be more than ready for any challenge ahead.


    [You have obtained 1 Sword Dance Skill Scroll.]


    [Sword Dance: The user can perform a flurry of shes with both swords, dealing continuous


    damage to the target.]


    [Skill Requirement: Dual Sword User]


    Broken finally finished opening the remaining skill scrolls, and to his surprise, every single


    one of them turned out to be useful! A wave of satisfaction washed over him as he reviewed


    the results.


    "Well, that was definitely worth it," he muttered to himself.


    Although the skills seemed ordinary for a yer-abilities like Charge Attack or Arrow Barrage weremon among yers-these would be a significant upgrade for the NPCS who didn''t yet possess them. Giving these skills to his knights would boost their capabilities


    tremendously.


    What made Broken feel especially lucky was that all the talents and skills he received werebat-focused. This was exactly what he had hoped for, as he nned to strengthen his knights for the uing expedition to Wildwood Forest. Withbat upgrades, they would


    be far better prepared.


    With thebat-focused talents and skills he''d acquired, the knights would be much more effective in battle. He also nned to take Ivana with him, ensuring that the expedition would be well-protected with a strong group of NPCs working together. Broken proudly showed Freya all the talents and skills he had obtained from the scrolls.


    "What do you think?"


    Freya scanned through the list for a moment before nodding confidently. "Very good. Every scroll you''ve gotten is really impressive."


    She then pointed to one of the talents. "This one is perfect for Igor, and this one would be


    great for Damir."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Shall we go and meet them?"


    "Let''s go," Freya agreed with a smile.

 Chapter 451: Chapter 451 - Three of them are Champions of Gluttony

    Chapter 451: - Three of them are Champions of Gluttony


    ?


    Broken and Freya made their way to the training grounds, where the knights were hard at work. Broken asked Igor to gather the others, and within minutes, his initial six knights, along with a dozen additional knights hired by Maylock, assembled before him.


    However, Broken noticed that Elowen and the newly recruited knights weren''t present. It seemed Maylock had intentionally separated the newer recruits, likely to ensure they could catch up with the rigorous training program he had designed.


    "My Lord, we are ready to ept your orders," Igor dered firmly, standing at attention.


    Broken looked over the group and said, "I have several talent and skill scrolls to distribute, but unfortunately, there aren''t enough for everyone just yet. So I hope those who don''t receive one today will be patient and wait for their turn."


    He then pulled out a Charge Attack Skill Scroll. "I think this skill would suit you well, Igor," he said, handing it over.


    Igor epted the scroll but hesitated for a moment. "My Lord, do I truly deserve this honor?"


    "Don''t worry," Broken replied, smiling. "You''ve more than earned it. This skill will serve you well in battle, especially since you''ll be leading troops. It''s important that you are equipped with the best abilities to ensure victory."


    Igor nodded firmly. "Thank you, my Lord. I will make sure to use this skill wisely in service of you and the town."


    Broken continued distributing the scrolls, his eyes now shifting toward Karl. "The Giant''s Strength Talent Scroll. I think this would be perfect for you, Karl. As a swordsman, this will greatly boost your physical strength and increase your damage."


    "The Spell-shaper Talent Scroll is best suited for you, Damir. Since you''re the magic user of the group, this will allow you to customize your spells and make them more efficient."


    Next, he turned to Yann. "The Arrow Barrage Skill would be ideal for you, Yann."


    Broken then addressed Anna. "The Heavy m Skill is just right for you, Anna, since you wield the greatsword. It will enhance yourbat power significantly."


    Finally, he turned to Inggrid. "And the Sword Dance Skill will be perfect for you. It will


    enhance your agility and precision inbat."


    With that, Broken distributed the scrolls to the six knights standing before him.


    Anna spoke cheerfully. "My Lord, thank you so much for this amazing skill."


    Karl followed. "My Lord, we are truly appreciative of your generosity."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Damir added, "You are the most important person in our lives, and we are so grateful for everything you have done for us, My Lord."


    Ingrid and Yann, standing side by side, echoed their gratitude in unison, "My Lord, thank you."


    Broken nodded, pleased with their appreciation.


    [Ingrid believes that her newfound abilities will allow her to fight with even greater ferocity.]


    [You receive 24 Reputation Points.]


    [Anna is ted that she can now fight with a higher degree of brutality.]


    [You receive 29 Reputation Points.]


    [Karl is thrilled that his strength boost will enable him to perform his duties with greater efficiency.]


    [You receive 22 Reputation Points.]


    [Igor is confident that his increased power will allow him to serve his Lord more effectively.]


    [You receive 27 Reputation Points.]


    [Yann is looking forward to making a greater contribution to the war effort.]


    [You receive 26 Reputation Points.]


    [Damir is excited about the prospect of learning more powerful magics.]


    [You receive 22 Reputation Points.]


    Broken carefully read through each notification, noting how each knight''s response reflected their distinct personalities.


    Anna''s focus on brutality aligned perfectly with her fierce and aggressive fighting style, while Igor''s emphasis on serving better highlighted his deep loyalty and sense of duty. It amused Broken how these small details revealed so much about each of them.


    He paused, carefully reconsidering his n for the uing expedition.


    Yann, the archer with the talent Pathfinding, was an obvious choice. Maylock had rmended him, and with his unique skills, Yann would be invaluable for navigating the Wildwood Forest.


    He also knew he needed to bring another one or two knights. This expedition would be a meaningful experience, giving them the chance to quickly increase their potential. Who knows-maybe some of them would level up faster than ever after facing the challenges ahead.


    Igor''s progress, in particr, was remarkable. He was already at level 213, and his development had skyrocketed.


    Is it because they''ve been hunting alongside Ivana?


    Anna, too, had shown incredible progress. Her Strength Stat had surged by more than 200 points, and she had reached level 165. Broken reflected on her earlier levels.


    What was her level before we set off for Slumdon? Somewhere in the 100s... 105 or 106, I think.


    He was impressed by how quickly they had all advanced, making it clear that this expedition would push them even further.


    Broken began addressing his knights.


    "In two days, I will be embarking on an expedition with some adventurers you may already know: Maylock, Toberry, Livelywood, Starfall, and Ivana."


    The knights stood at attention, listening intently to every word.


    "I will be taking Yann with me, as I need his Pathfinding abilities," Broken continued.


    "I am ready to serve, my Lord," Yann dered confidently.


    Broken turned to Igor next. "Igor, even though you possess the highest level among the others here, I believe it would be best if you stayed behind to help protect the town."


    "I am prepared to carry out my responsibilities, my Lord," Igor responded. "Karl," Broken said, "you have shown great potential, and I am confident that you will be an even more valuable asset in the future. I am extending an invitation to you to join us on this expedition."


    "I am ready and eager to fulfill my duties, my Lord," Karl responded without hesitation. "Damir," Broken continued, "you still need further practice with your magic, so I need you to stay here and continue honing your skills."


    "Yes, my Lord," Damir replied obediently.


    Finally, Broken turned to Ingrid. "Ingrid, while I know you would be an excellent choice for this expedition, I need you here as a backup to guard the city. Your flexibility will be


    invaluable in protecting Slumdon."


    "Understood, my Lord," Ingrid responded firmly.


    Initially, Broken was only considering inviting Yann and Karl, given that their levels were already above 175. However, his curiosity got the better of him, especially regarding Anna. She was the youngest among the group but had shown the fastest progress in such a short time.


    "Anna," Broken said, turning his attention to her, "I know your level is the lowestpared to the others, but I''ve noticed your rapid development. I''m offering you the chance to join us on this expedition. However, you must understand-the challenges you''ll face won''t be


    easy."


    Anna''s face lit up with determination. "My Lord!" she eximed passionately. "I became a Knight for a good reason, and I''m prepared to work hard and face any challenge thates my way. You can count on my determination."


    "Good," Broken replied, satisfied with her response. "We will set off early in three days, so


    make sure you''re prepared."


    ***


    "I''m going to burn Slumdon Town to the ground!" shouted SpeedGang, Champion of Gluttony from the Horde of Hell Guild. "I can''t wait to see that rookie''s face. What''s his name again? Broken? I want to watch him crumble!"


    "You''re such an idiot, SpeedGang," snapped Akiko, a 20-year-old girl with a pair of horns and a set of bat wings. "Didn''t you hear the Guild Master''s orders? Broken has an alliance with the


    Ass Guild!"


    "Alliance? Who cares?" SpeedGang shrugged it off, grinning wickedly. "I''m just here for a good time. Besides, that damn rookie Broken had the nerve to mess with me."


    "What''s your deal with him anyway?"


    "That bastard picked a fight with me, and made Hazel defend him right in front of me! We


    were at a shoot, and he just waltzed in and took her away afterward."


    "Oh... Hazel. The girl you do thosemercials with."


    "Not just some girl! Shut up. Hazel''s mine, and Broken''s gonna learn his ce. He''s nobody


    compared to me! I''ll make sure he knows it!"


    Gctron, the 14-year-old Guild Master of the Horde of Hell Guild, said. "I''m not taking any me when this backfires on you," he warned. "Go ahead, if you''re willing to deal with the


    consequences."


    The truth: all three of them are Champions of Gluttony. The Horde of Hell has also allied with the Shadow Wolves, and together, both factions vying for power in the Dissidia Kingdom.

 Chapter 452: Chapter 452 - Maylock’s Prediction Misses

    Chapter 452: - Maylock¡¯s Prediction Misses


    ?


    Leon opened his eyes and stepped out of the capsule device, a satisfied smile creeping across his face. Everything was progressing well-the city''s development was smooth, and his Knights were growing stronger by the day.


    It was 7 p.m., and the room was empty. He checked his phone and saw that Lily was hanging out at a caf¨¦ near the hotel.


    Heading to the kitchen, he pulled open the refrigerator and gulped down arge amount of water, drinking so fast that it spilled, dampening his clothes. He wiped his mouth with the back of his arm, catching his breath.


    He went to the bathroom, stripped off his clothes and slid into a warm bath. The water wrapped around him like aforting embrace, and he let out a deep sigh, closing his eyes as he rxed.


    "This feels amazing..." he whispered to himself, sinking deeper into the water.


    Hey there, soaking in the warmth, letting the tension in his body melt away along with the exhaustion from all those long hours in the game.


    After several minutes, he slowly opened his eyes, the heat from the bath soothing his skin. His face was calm, and he inhaled deeply, savoring the moment of peace.


    He reached for a soft towel and wrapped it around himself before heading back to his room to change into fresh clothes.


    Once dressed, Leon wandered into the dining room and plopped down into a chair. An unfinished pizza sat on the table, its crust sprinkled with cheese and pepperoni. He took and bit it.


    To his right, a remotey waiting, he picked it up and clicked it on. The TV flickered to life with a quiet hum.


    "Let''s see what progress has been made on the game," Leon muttered to himself, flipping through the channels until hended on the one that always had thetest news about Immortal Legacy.


    The screen showed a woman, an archer who also served as a reporter. "Hello, viewers. I''m sure today''s update will grab your attention. As you''re all aware, a major power struggle is on the horizon, and the leading guilds are preparing for the inevitable showdown," she began.


    Leon leaned forward, recognizing the report''s connection to Princess Alora''s uing ascension to the throne.


    "The Ass Guild, known for its elite members, is set to sh with the Shadow Wolves Guild, who boast two Champions of Gluttony. This, of course, ismon knowledge by now," she said with a confident smile.


    Leon''s interest deepened as the reporter continued.


    "But here''s what you may not know," she added, her voice taking on a slightly more serious


    tone.


    "There are five Champions of Gluttony in Immortal Legacy. While two of them belong to the Shadow Wolves, the other three are part of the Horde of Hell Guild, based in the South East Continent. They''re led by a young but incredibly talented Guild Master, and soon, the Horde of Hell will join forces with the Shadow Wolves, creating an even more formidable alliance." The reporter''s voice grew more intense. "The Horde of Hell Guild has set out from the South East continent and is now making its way through Kesseon, heading toward the borders of the Dissidia Kingdom."


    She nced directly at the camera and asked, "Do you know where I am now? That''s right- near Slumdon Town. Once a ghost town, abandoned by yers and its residents alike, Slumdon is on the verge of revival under its new yer mayor."


    "The exciting part?" she continued. "The Horde of Hell Guild is expected to pass through here on their journey."


    She paused for effect before adding, "What''s more, there are a few members of the Ass Guild staying in Slumdon Town as we speak. I''m here to see firsthand what happens when the Horde of Hell crosses paths with them. Who knows, this might even be the site of the opening battle. I''m sure this is news you won''t want to miss. Why don''t we watch it unfold together in just a few hours? Stay tuned, as I''ll keep you updated on this breaking story."


    In fact, Maylock had mentioned this exact situation to Broken before. However, Maylock had assured him that there likely wouldn''t be any major events-no wars orrge-scale conflicts -despite the Horde of Hell Guild passing near Slumdon.


    Leon couldn''t help but feel a twinge of doubt now. The reporter''s tone had been far too ominous for him to brush it off entirely.


    The doorbell rang out, and momentster, Lily stepped in, wearing a casual white dress with a bag slung over her shoulder. "Hey, Leon..." she greeted, making her way over to the dining table.


    Lily sat down and nced at the television screen for a moment before speaking up. "I''ve been reading up on the Horde of Hell."


    "So, you''ve been doing some research too?"


    Lily nodded. "Yeah, I''ve been following it on social media. Everyone''s talking about them. Looks like they''re heading for Slumdon Town. Are you ready, in case things get messy?" Leon leaned back, taking a bite of pizza. "Maylock said there won''t be a war," he replied calmly.


    Lily chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "You trust him that much, huh?"


    Leon paused, chewing thoughtfully before answering. "Maylockid out some pretty solid reasons-different scenarios showing why there won''t be an early war between the Horde of Hell and the Ass Guild. Still, I''ll stick around Slumdon for a few hours, just in case Maylock''s wrong."


    For some reason, hearing the name Horde of Hell triggered something in Leon''s memory. When was it?


    He tried to recall the details, and finally, it came back to him. It was when he met Hazel at the mall during one of hermercial shoots. There was someone who had bumped into him, and instead of apologizing, had the nerve to me him for it.


    What was his name again? He thought. That stupid guy.


    Hazel had mentioned that the guy was a Champion of Gluttony, from the Horde of Hell.


    What if Maylock''s prediction misses the mark because of this one factor? A factor that he didn''tn/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ount for.

 Chapter 453: Chapter 453 - I’ll Destroy the Town!

    Chapter 453: - I¡¯ll Destroy the Town!


    ?


    Around twenty carriages, shrouded in a thick ck fog that concealed their upants, rumbled through the desert, pulled by lizard-like beasts with blistered skin and cloaked in dark energy. These creatures, resembling the undead, snarled and snapped their jaws as they strained to haul the massive carriages across the deste sands.


    The dark energy surrounding the caravan formed a dome, expanding outward like a cloud, trailing their every move as if it were a living entity. With each step the monstrous beasts took, the desert seemed to rot further, as though their very presence was spreading a gue through the barrennd.


    Instantly, thements section exploded with reactions.


    "Wow... They look incredible!"


    "Gctron, their Guild Master, is the Necromancer."


    "How can an undead army even survive under the sun for that long?"


    "Didn''t you see that massive dome-shaped dark barrier following them?"


    "Yeah, what is that?"


    "I think it''s a Domain Skill. One of them must be able to cast a huge Domain Skill, allowing the undead to survive in daylight."


    "That''s such an overwhelming show of power. How can the Ass Guild stand a chance against them?"


    "No idea. Seeing how strong the Shadow Wolves are with two Champions of Gluttony, it''s obvious the Ass Guild won''t dare to act. Now, with another major guild joining the fray, the Ass Guild''s days of arrogance are numbered. This is the beginning of their downfall."


    "Well, I''m worried Slumdon Town is going to bepletely destroyed because of this. I''m sure a massive war is about to break out."


    "Yeah, I''m curious too. I want to see just how powerful Gctron really is."


    "People say Gctron is super smart, even smarter than Maylock."


    "No way! He''s just a kid!"


    "Well... an Asian kid, hahaha."


    Dozens of carriages, pulled by undead creatures lumbered toward Slumdon Town. As they approached the outskirts, the monsters suddenly halted.


    Dark energy began to seep from their bodies like thick smoke, descending in heavy clouds. It slowly enveloped the monsters. As the ck mist sank into the earth, the creatures vanished without a trace.


    Everyone watching online couldn''t help but marvel at the disy.


    "That was quite a show of strength!"


    A female reporter, dressed in an archer''s suit, cautiously stepped through the gates of Slumdon Town.


    "Hello, viewers," she began. "You''ve just witnessed the Horde of Hell''s impressive disy of power. Now, let''s see if we can speak with one of their members and uncover their purpose for being here. Are we correct in predicting a war on the horizon? That would certainly be an interesting development."


    From the front carriage, a man in heavy armor stepped out.


    "Look, it''s SpeedGang!" the reporter eximed. "Let''s go approach him."


    She quickly sprinted toward the yer, eager to get the scoop.


    Before the reporter could even ask a question, SpeedGang shouted, "I challenge anyone in this town to fight me! If no one steps up, I''ll destroy this ce immediately!"


    The reporter quickly responded, "SpeedGang, your arrival was quite unexpected. Was this conflict nned ahead of time? Did the Ass Guild know about this?"


    SpeedGang let out augh. "Who said anything about the Ass Guild? I''m not here for them. I just want to have some fun with this useless town. They''ve got nothing to do with it. Besides, I''ve heard rumors about the Mayor here. Apparently, he''s got multiple sses, huh?"


    "So, your target is the Mayor?"


    "Yeah, I''m here to crush him- and this stupid town while I''m at it. I''m not kidding around. I need some entertainment, so don''t waste my time. Hahaha!"


    The inte exploded with reactions to SpeedGang''s bold deration, flooding thements section.


    "So, SpeedGang''s only target is Broken, huh?"


    "Ugh, I''m disappointed. I was hoping for a full-scale war."


    "Why don''t they just go to war already?"


    "Yeah, it''s so rare to see guild wars broadcast live!"


    "I want to see them crush the Ass Guild!"


    "This is going to be boring. No way Broken has the guts toe out."


    "Damn, I want to see SpeedGang torture Broken. I hate that guy and his stupid luck!"


    "Right? yers who rely on pure luck don''tst long in this game."


    "Broken''s too cocky with what he''s got, but now his precious little town is going to be wiped off the map by the Horde of Hell."


    "But why is only SpeedGang here? Where are the rest? I wanted to see their Guild Master, Gctron."


    "If it''s just Broken, the genius Gctron doesn''t need to bother. He only shows up for worthy opponents."


    "I hate Broken too! He''s way too close to Princess Alora."


    "Yeah, getting close to Princess Alora is an unforgivable sin!"


    "Let him learn his lesson today."


    ***


    At the House of Slumdon, several members of the Ass Guild, including Freya, Elincia, Maylock, Goldrich, and Jovina, had gathered alongside Broken. The tension in the room was


    thick.


    Jovina, clearly frustrated, broke the silence. "Elincia, this is so stupid. Let me go out there and teach that idiot SpeedGang a lesson!"


    Elincia responded calmly, "Jovina, we''re not afraid of him. But we have to take careful steps


    to avoid even greater risks."


    Jovina shot back, "Who cares about the risk? Let me kill him and deal with the consequences myself. Seeing morons like SpeedGang makes my blood boil."


    Despite the heated exchange, Broken remained calm, sitting quietly in his chair.


    "Broken," Jovina pressed. "I''m asking for permission to leave Slumdon and handle


    SpeedGang on my own, without involving the town."


    Broken finally spoke. "Jovina, I''ve been thinking the same thing. I was definitely upset when someone threatened to destroy the town I''ve worked so hard to build."


    "I''ll handle it," Jovina insisted. "You don''t need to be involved."


    Before she could continue, Elincia cut in. "Maylock will exin why we can''t just react to their


    provocations."


    Maylock stood, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.


    "Broken," he began, "I want to be clear-I''m not here to sway your decision. You''re free to


    choose what you believe is best, and whatever you decide, I''ll stand by it, even if it goesn/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    against my rmendation."


    Broken gave him a nod. "Please, Maylock, exin your reasoning in more detail."


    All eyes turned to Maylock as he prepared toy out his argument.

 Chapter 454: Chapter 454 - There was too much at stake

    Chapter 454: - There was too much at stake


    ?


    Maylock began his exnation. "There are four key parties involved here: the Horde of Hell, Shadow Wolves, the Ass Guild, and Slumdon Town.


    "Let''s set Slumdon Town aside for now and focus on the guilds.


    "First, any conflict between two powerful guilds will be a long, drawn-out affair. yers will keep respawning, and vengeance won''t be satisfied until one guild ispletely obliterated. This applies even if a war breaks out between the Ass Guild and the Horde of Hell.


    "Second, the Shadow Wolves are aiming to win this race to power by any means necessary, with or without the help of the Horde of Hell. So, if an early war were to ignite between the Ass Guild and the Horde of Hell, the Shadow Wolves would be more than happy.


    "Because while the Ass Guild and the Horde of Hell weaken each other, expending resources in their conflict, the Shadow Wolves will reach their full strength. They''ll be able to carry out their missions without the threat of the Ass Guild, which would have otherwise made things more difficult once the true war begins."


    Maylock paused, ncing around the room to ensure everyone was following his reasoning. Jovina let out a frustrated grumble. "This kind of strategic talk makes me sick," she muttered. "I know we need a strategy, but sometimes brute force is just as important."


    Goldrich chimed in, stating, "The Guild Master of the Horde of Hell is famous for his brilliance, both in battle and tactics. So, what Maylock''s saying here isn''t something to be taken lightly."


    "That piece of shit! A kid? I''ll crush that little pest with one strike! His undead army won''t stand a chance against my beast army!" Jovina snapped, her patience running thin.


    Maylock nodded slowly. "Yes, that kid-the shit-is unfortunately pretty sharp. And it''s annoying."


    Broken, still sitting calmly, gave a slight nod. Even he had to admit, it was impressive that someone as brilliant as Maylock would acknowledge the genius of an opponent-especially one who was only 14 years old.


    But if the Horde of Hell and the Shadow Wolves really join forces, wouldn''t that be a massive problem? Or was Maylock merely recognizing Gctron''s intelligence without admitting defeat to the boy genius?


    However, there was one thing Maylock hadn''t considered yet-SpeedGang''s personal grudge against Broken. If their Guild Master didn''t want a war between guilds, then why would SpeedGang challenge him? It had to be a personal matter. But if it was purely personal, why would their Guild Master allow it, knowing the risks involved?


    "Therefore," Maylock continued, breaking Broken''s train of thought, "brute force alone won''t make us win. We need a well-nned strategy."


    Elincia nodded in agreement. "Please, go on with your exnation, Maylock."


    Maylock resumed. "Given what I''ve said, I''m certain Gctron is aware of the same factors. He won''t push for an early war against the Ass Guild."


    Jovina cut in, "If they don''t want a fight, then why did theye to this town and challenge Broken?"


    "That''s the real question," Maylock replied.


    Freya, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "Maybe Gctron wants to test how strong Broken is¡ªto see if he''s a real threat in the uing war?"


    Everyone turned toward Freya, her words answering the unspoken question on many of their minds.


    Maylock continued. "So, Broken, if you ept SpeedGang''s challenge, it''s almost like you''re walking straight into their trap. But, of course, the final choice is yours."


    Goldrich spoke up next. "You don''t need to worry about Slumdon. I''ll personally do whatever it takes to defend this town, even if it means leaving the Ass Guild."


    Jovina snorted. "You stupid idiot, you''re only saying that because you want to ditch the guild and join the Shadow Wolves-since there are so many pretty girls there, huh?"


    "Khi khi khi... Oh, you''re too harsh on this old man''s sincerity," Goldrich chuckled, trying to mask his amusement.


    Everyone turned their gaze toward Broken, silently waiting for his response. He fell into a brief silence, his mind drifting back to the tarot session he had with Freya and Yara-the Emperor, the Tower, and the Wheel of Fortune. The decision he faced now wasn''t just about himself; it would have a ripple effect on a muchrger scale.


    Broken had gained an overwhelming number of upgrades and achievements in a remarkably short time. From an ordinary yer, he had transformed into a Divine Champion, equipped with an array of extraordinary skills. He had crafted legendary-grade items and even forged contracts with powerful beasts, including a Legendary-grade demon beast.


    Not only that, he now had a Legendary-grade golem protecting the town!n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But his encounter with Gremory had been a sobering experience. Despite all his power and aplishments, there were still forces out there far beyond his reach. That battle had reminded him that, no matter how strong he became, there were always greater threats lurking in the world.


    "Yes," he thought. "I need alliances." And right now, the Ass Guild was his strongest ally, the best friends he had in this game.


    Could he take on SpeedGang? He was confident he could, especially in a one-on-one fight. He had a diverse set of skills and summons that could adapt to any fighting style.


    But he knew he couldn''t be reckless. He had to make careful, calcted decisions. Though he wasn''t the type to back down from a challenge, he wasn''t foolish either.


    Was he just itching for a fight? Maybe. There was a certain thrill in facing an opponent head- on, and the potential for battle stirred something inside him. But this time, he had to think beyond that excitement-there was too much at stake.


    "Make a decision, Broken. I''m fine, and the Ass Guild is fine," Elincia murmured softly, sensing his hesitation.


    Maylock sighed, nodding. "Yes, take a decision."


    "Khi khi khi," Goldrich chuckled. "You know, Broken, Maylock always has a safe n in ce,


    but I know his mind is wilder than he lets on. So, I can guess what he''s hoping for... and I can probably guess what you''re thinking too."


    A few people in the room gave small, knowing smiles. Only Jovina burst outughing. "Hahaha! I love this!" she eximed, clearly enjoying the tension.

 Chapter 455: Chapter 455 - Nothing from Today Will be Broadcast

    Chapter 455: - Nothing from Today Will be Broadcast


    ?


    "Gctron!?" Akiko eximed, her appearance resembling that of a Subus. "Are you really going to let that idiot SpeedGang do something so reckless?"


    The ck-haired young man, d in a ck robe, sat in the carriage with a stiff, upright posture, his gaze emotionless. Gctron, a mage of exceptional skill, responded in a calm, detached tone, "I have nothing to lose. I''m here to witness the most thrilling moments in this game, and the only way to experience that is by facing a worthy adversary."


    Akiko sighed, her frustration showing. "Please, don''t say things like that," she said with a loud voice. "You know I''m not as sharp as you. What are you really trying to say? Do you want to fight the Ass Guild right now?"


    "I''ve got high hopes for this guy, Broken. He''d better provide me with some real


    entertainment," Gctron said, his voice cold and emotionless. "Because if he doesn''t have the guts, I''ll destroy this town."


    His words carried no weight of emotion, just a t statement of intent. "I don''t care about power or control-I only crave one thing: a grand fight. As long as I can find that, I''ll enjoy myself."


    "Come on, Gctron," Akiko''s frustration was palpable. "We have an agreement with the Shadow Wolves. If the Ass Guild gets involved, we''ll be at a serious disadvantage. We can''t trigger a conflict this big, you know that. That idiot SpeedGang really needs to have his head straightened out!"


    Gctron shook his head lightly. "The Ass Guild isn''t foolish. I''m sure they understand the stakes. And..." he chuckled softly. "This Broken... he seems like the type who can be easily provoked. I want to see if he has anything extraordinary to back up that arrogance of his."


    "Hoarrrh... I''m furious! This whole thing is making me mad and exhausted!" Akiko grumbled. "I feel like going out there and yanking SpeedGang''s stupid hair out!"


    "Just sit tight and wait," Gctron replied, a faint smirk on his lips. "Grab some popcorn, because we''re about to witness what I hope will be an exciting fight."


    "You know SpeedGang''s going to start a mess, but you''re just letting him!" Akiko huffed.


    "Well," Gctron shrugged casually, "if Paul from the Shadow Wolvesins, we can always throw SpeedGang under the bus. It won''t be a problem."


    "Gctroooon!" Akiko groaned in exasperation. "How can you talk about this stuff so casually? There are a lot of people following you-be a bit more serious!"


    Gctron''s expression remained unchanged. "Rx."


    Akiko sighed deeply. "I don''t understand why you have to be so clever. Every time youe up with one of your ns, it makes my head spin. What should I even do?!!"


    ***


    A woman with red hair stepped out of the gates of Slumdon Town.


    The reporter gasped in surprise. "Oh, viewers! It looks like someone hase out of Slumdon Town, but it''s not who we were expecting."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Freya, with a cheerful expression, continued her walk toward SpeedGang. "Hello, Mr. SpeedGang. It''s nice to meet you. My name is Freya, and I''m the Deputy Mayor of Slumdon Town. Is there anything I can do to help?"


    SpeedGang''s face contorted into a scowl. "Get out of my sight right now! Tell your Mayor I want to fight him. I''ll count from ten to one-if no one responds to my challenge, this town will suffer the consequences of my rage! I can cause absolute chaos here; I could destroy this city. Go ahead, test me."


    His voice was filled with menace, leaving little doubt about his intentions.


    "Ten!" SpeedGang shouted, his voice echoing through the area.


    Freya,pletely unfazed, continued with her cheerful demeanor. "Mr. SpeedGang, did you know we have the best chef in town? I''d be more than happy to serve you a delicious meal!"


    "Nine!" SpeedGang counted, clearly ignoring her.


    "Or perhaps... you''re into farming? We have farmers who can summon rain with a special dance. I bet you''d enjoy seeing our rain-calling ritual. Ha ha ha!" Freya added.


    "Eight!" SpeedGang continued, his patience wearing thin.


    "Oh, and I''m sure you must be exhausted from your journey across the continent. Wouldn''t you like to experience theforts of our lovely city?"


    "Seven!" SpeedGang snarled, pressing forward with his countdown.


    Freya giggled. "And we also have a very talented builder-though he never stops yawning and sneezing. He''s incredibly hardworking, but unfortunately, not many people like him... hahaha."


    Viewers watching online were buzzing with anticipation, eager for the chaos that was about to unfold.


    "I can''t wait to see Slumdon Town destroyed by the Horde of Hell." "Same, I can''t wait to see Broken get torn apart by those undead."


    "Why does the countdown feel so long? Hurry up already!"


    "I''m sure there''ll be plenty of casualties after this."


    "Do you think the Ass Guild will even put up a fight?"


    "No chance. There are only a few members of the Ass Guild in Slumdon, and let''s not forget- the Horde of Hell has three Champions of Gluttony."


    "Yeah, it''s the end for Slumdon and the Ass Guild."


    "Damn, this is gonna be huge! Let''s start cing bets-will Slumdon be destroyed or not? Hahaha!"


    Just as the online viewers were eagerly discussing the impending chaos, a sudden explosion echoed through the broadcast. The screen flickered violently before cutting to ck.


    "Damn! What just happened?!"


    "I can''t believe it! Why did the broadcast cut off like that?"


    "It looks like Slumdon Town is really doomed. No one can stop the Horde of Hell now."


    "It''s all over. I can''t believe it! Why did they cut the broadcast right when things were about


    to get good?"


    "We won''t know what happened until the broadcastes back."


    "Something big must''ve gone down to make it cut off like that."


    "It''s toote-the Ass Guild is probably wiped out, and Slumdon Town must be in ruins."


    "Damn, where can I find the rest of this? I need to know what''s happening!"


    "Anyone near Slumdon, stream what''s going on there now!"


    While chaos and confusion reigned among the viewers, in Slumdon Town, Melliandra sent a


    message to the guild chat.


    [Melliandra: I''ve ensured that nothing from today will be broadcast.]


    [Elincia: Thanks, Melliandra.]


    [Jovina: Oh! First time I''ve seen that little troublemaker cause the right kind of trouble,


    hahaha!]


    Kingsley gave Melliandra a pat on the shoulder. "You did well, Melliandra."


    Melliandra had sessfully sniped the reporter and cameraman at the scene.


    "They asked me to ughter, so I said yes. It has nothing to do with Broken or anyone else, so


    just shut up!"


    A figure emerged from behind the gate of Slumdon Town-a man with ck hair, d in


    heavy armor.


    "Whoa, look who it is," SpeedGang sneered as he watched Broken approach.


    "I heard someone was looking for me," Broken said in a t tone as he drew closer.


    "Yeah, I was looking for you to tell you that I''m going to destroy this town and kill all its inhabitants right now," SpeedGang dered confidently.


    Broken''s expression didn''t change. "You seem very sure of yourself. Do you really think you''re strong enough to say something like that in front of me?"


    "I''m so strong, I could shut your mouth forever, so you''ll never y this game again," SpeedGang replied with a firm tone.

 Chapter 456: Chapter 456 - The Divine Domain Skill

    Chapter 456: - The Divine Domain Skill


    ?


    Finally, Broken revealed himself, stepping forward to face his challenger-SpeedGang from the Horde of Hell.


    Freya, standing nearby, took a deep breath as she watched Broken approach. She turned


    around and gave him a bright smile. "Good luck, Mr. Mayor," she said before retreating back toward the city gates, leaving the two to face off alone.


    Once inside, Freya noticed Ivana walking toward her. "Freya, should I do something? They said there are three Divine Champions outside, right?"


    Freya shook her head. "I understand your concern, but we have to respect his decision. After all, he is the mayor of this town."


    Ivana sighed softly and shook her head. "He always says he''ll include me, but then he goes off alone, epting challenges without caring about anyone else."


    "Exactly," Freya said with a giggle. "He doesn''t listen to anyone."


    She smiled and added, "Let''s wait and see how this fight unfolds. If Broken''s in real danger, I won''t stop you from stepping in."


    Ivana nodded slowly, understanding the situation.


    Several yers who had logged out in Slumdon began to reappear throughout the town. Word spread quickly that something major was happening, and soon enough, many started making their way toward the city gates.


    "Damn, I really want to see what''s going on. Why did the live broadcast have to be cut off?" one yer grumbled as they hurried toward the gate.


    "I know it''s risky, but when else will I get to see a big battle up close? This is going to be an epic war."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "I''ll broadcast the whole thing and rake in tons of views and money, hahaha."


    However, when they arrived at the gates, they were met by rows of Knights, standing firm to prevent anyone from approaching the ongoing confrontation.


    Townspeople, equally curious, were also trying to edge closer, eager to see what was unfolding.


    "Hey, you stupid Knights! Let us through!" one yer shouted, annoyed. "Do you think you have the right to block us? We don''t care about your rules!"


    "We''re not residents of this city, so don''t try to stop us, you damn NPCs!" another yer barked.


    "I warn you, anyone who dares approach will face strict consequences!" Igor''s booming voice rang out as he delivered the stern warning.


    One yer drew their sword and pointed it at the knights. "I don''t care about your threats. Let us out, or I''ll cut your head off!"


    Suddenly, an explosion echoed through the area. Everyone froze, startled, their eyes scanning frantically for the source of the noise. The yer who had just pointed his sword at Igor now stood still, his head blown apart, his body copsing before dissolving into pixels and vanishing from sight.


    "What the hell just happened?" they shouted in shock.


    Another deafening gunshot rang out, and another yer dropped, disintegrating into pixels just as quickly.


    "Sniper! Everyone, get out of here!" someone screamed.


    "There''s a sniper! Run!" Panic broke out as the yers realized the serious danger they were in.


    "I''m sure it''s Melliandra. We need to get out of here now!"


    Up high, on a tall building near the city gate, in a spot no one would have expected, Melliandra gripped her sniper rifle tightly. Her Game Name flickered in a vivid red above her head, a testament to the ''yer Killer'' status she posed.


    "I swear, when this is over, I''ll take out that damn Broken with a headshot."


    Kingsley, standing beside her, said. "But Melliandra, please, don''t do this to Broken. You can take me out instead if you must."


    "Shut up, Kingsley!" she growled.


    ***


    A few minutes earlier, before Broken emerged from the meeting room, the atmosphere had been tense. Maylock gave him a t, steady look. "Have you made your decision?" he asked.


    Broken nodded slowly and stood up from his chair. "Yes, I''ll go out and fight him," he dered firmly.


    Everyone in the room gave subtle nods, silently acknowledging his choice.


    "I know your strength," Maylock said, his voice calm but serious. "But let me offer you one


    piece of advice: don''t reveal all of your abilities," he added quietly.


    "Thank you, Maylock," Broken replied, before walking out of the room.


    Once he had left, Elincia sighed. "He didn''t even consider my opinion as his ally when making that decision," she said, taking a slow breath.


    Goldrich shrugged. "You should understand by now-he has his own world. He''ll make whatever decisions he believes are right."


    Elincia nodded slowly. "Yeah..."


    "Maylock!" Jovina called out. "I know you already knew Broken would ept the challenge, so why waste time talking?"


    Maylock took a slow breath. "Yes, I''m sure everyone here knows that Broken wouldn''t back down from a challenge. He didn''t even flinch when Melliandra shot him that time. I just wanted to rify the situation for him."


    "Does that mean Slumdon Town is in danger, then?" Jovina pressed. "You said Broken fell into their trap."


    Maylock shook his head slightly. "For someone like me, with limited abilities-an Elite- grade ss and no damn blessings-a strategy is crucial topete at the top. But even the best strategies can bepletely shattered by one thing."


    He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "And that thing is overpowered abilities. Honestly, Broken is too powerful. He''s... well, broken. You can''t applymon sense to someone like him."


    They all knew it. They had seen Broken fight with everything he had against Gremory. No one doubted his strength, not anymore. Especially after witnessing the demonstration of power from Broken''s newpanion-the little cat. Maylock sighed.


    "Truthfully, I''m d Broken epted this challenge," he added, a small smile forming. "Khi khi khi, just like I said earlier," Goldrich chuckled.


    ***


    "Your face looks familiar... Where was it?" Broken said. "Ah, are you that blind fool who bumped into mest time?"


    SpeedGang sneered. "Oh, so you''ve got a big mouth too, huh? You have no idea the mistake you''ve made by provoking me."


    Broken ignored the taunt and asked calmly, "What will I get if I win against you?"


    SpeedGangughed loudly. "Ha ha ha... Are you kidding me? Are you stupid? You really think you can win? I''m sure you have no clue how strong I am in one-on-one battles."


    Broken''s expression didn''t change. "Tell me what you offer me if I win."


    "There''s no way you''ll win! I''ll destroy you in no time. I''m the Champion of Gluttony, and I''ve never lost in a one-on-one battle. Listen to me carefully," SpeedGang growled. "I have never lost in a one-on-one battle!"


    Broken drew his spear. "Let me warn you about one thing: from now on, don''t ever show your face in front of me again. I emphasize-not even once, for any reason. If I see you, I will kill


    you without mercy."


    "You''re definitely overconfident," SpeedGang sneered. "I''ve never seen anyone as full of themselves as you before I butchered them. It almost makes me want to prolong this torture. And make no mistake, I will destroy this town after you''re killed."


    "Why don''t we just start this fight already?" he mocked, stretching out his hand. "I''m not interested in Duel Mode. I want to fight until one of us dies."


    Suddenly, dark energy began to swirl around SpeedGang, expanding rapidly until it formed a


    dome that enveloped both him and Broken.


    That''s a Domain skill!


    "Now, inside my Domain, no one leaves until one of us is dead!" SpeedGang dered. "You should know that my special ability as the Champion of Gluttony is this damn Domain!"

 Chapter 457: Chapter 457 - (Special Chapter) The Taste of The Hell

    Chapter 457: - (Special Chapter) The Taste of The Hell


    ?


    [You are trapped in the first stage of The Taste of The Hell Domain!]


    [In order to be released, one of you must survive while the other must perish.]


    [Unfortunately, as you are cut off from the outside world, you are unable tomunicate with anyone outside the domain. However, even though you cannot talk to them, you are still able to see the people outside of the domain, and they can observe you as well.]


    Broken smiled faintly as he examined the Domain that SpeedGang had cast-a skill unique to him as the Champion of Gluttony. And this was only the first stage; the rules inside the Domain might very well change with each level, depending on how far SpeedGang could push it.


    "You understand the risks now, don''t you?" SpeedGang said. "No one can help you here. I''ll make sure that I personally destroy you."


    Broken knew, of course, that he could easily escape the Domain. He had the perfect skill to counter something like this. But leaving wasn''t his intention-he wanted this fight. He intended to take it seriously, and perhaps even enjoy it.


    For some reason, he hoped SpeedGang would put up a decent fight. Broken had no ns to use all of his power here, just a small fraction of it. He didn''t want to expose everything he had- not yet. He''d save his trump cards for the real threats.


    [Name: Broken]


    [Level: 136]


    [ss: Unique - Super Novice | Unique - Royal cksmith | Unique - Rift Digger | Unique - Elemental Forger]


    [Health: 13,185 | Mana: 6,332]


    [Strength: 1,069 | Agility: 324 | Intelligence: 449 | Constitution: 668 | Stamina: 732]


    [Charisma: 100 | Luck: 35 | Dexterity: 50 | Survival: 30 | Perception: 20]


    [Avable Stat Points: 70]


    [Weight: 5148/6414]


    Broken first checked his overall status. These were his stats while equipped with the Invincible Paragon set and the Wavebreaker Spear, along with all his ring essories. To his surprise, he had already reached level 136. Though the progress wasn''t as rapid as before, he was still leveling up passively, even when logged out of the game.


    He noticed he had 70 avable stat points to allocate. Quickly, he began considering the optimal way to spend them. With the Invincible Paragon set, his Constitution and Stamina were already quite high, but his Agility and Intelligencegged behind slightly.


    He immediately knew where those points needed to go.


    [Spend 30 Stat Points into Agility]


    [Spend 40 Stat Points into Intelligence]


    He prioritized boosting his Intelligence first, which would enhance his overall damage, especially elemental damage, and ensure he could use more skills without waiting on Mana regeneration. He needed that extra power to maximize his potential in this fight.


    [Health: 13,185 | Mana: 6,812]


    [Strength: 1,069 | Agility: 354 | Intelligence: 489 | Constitution: 668 | Stamina: 732]


    [Charisma: 100 | Luck: 35 | Dexterity: 50 | Survival: 30 | Perception: 20]


    Broken then activated several skills to prepare for the battle.


    [Blessing of Health (Active Skill) Lv. 5]


    This was a skill from his Super Novice ss, boosting his overall health by 35% for the next 10 minutes.


    [Invincible Shields (Active Skill)]


    A skill from the Invincible Paragon Armor. It generated 12yers of energy shields, each capable of negating any iing damage.


    [Earth Skin (Active Skill)]


    Another skill from the Invincible Paragon Armor, enveloping his body with an Earth Elemental Shield, reducing all physical damage taken by 30%.


    [Earth Elemental Protection (Active Skill)]


    This skill, from the Invincible Paragon Armor Pants, summoned an earth elemental aura that shielded him, equal to 30% of his total Health, to absorb iing attacks.


    [Miner''s Fortitude (Conditional Passive Skill) Lv. 2]


    A skill from his Rift Digger ss, increasing his defense by 10% and boosting his maximum Health by 3,000.


    As each skill activated, severalyers of golden-yellow energy formed around his body, while an ocean blue aura wrapped tightly around him, radiating strength and resilience.


    "I''m ready whenever you are," Broken said calmly, twirling his spear before settling into his battle stance.


    SpeedGang held a shield in his right hand and a sword in his left, an arrogant smirk stered across his face as he prepared tounch his attack.


    "I will kill you in five seconds."


    With a burst of speed, SpeedGang moved forward. He advanced with a focused intensity, charging toward Broken, ready to unleash a brutal strike.


    Broken responded with equal speed, his body moving with agility as he spun his spear, deflecting and parrying SpeedGang''s initial attacks.


    [Spear Guard (Conditional Passive Skill) Lv. 4]


    SpeedGang was forced backward, stumbling a few steps. He quickly recovered, eyes shing with annoyance, but his confidence didn''t waver. With a growl, he lunged forward again, striking swiftly and relentlessly with his sword.


    But Broken''s spear danced like a living thing. He parried each strike effortlessly, the haft of the spear twisting to meet every blow, while the sharp spearhead threatened SpeedGang''s advances, keeping him at a distance.


    The sound of shing weapons filled the air as they exchanged blows-SpeedGang''s heavy sword striking powerfully against the spear, which spun and twisted with precision.


    SpeedGang swung his sword in a wide arc, attempting to break Broken''s defense, but Broken took a half-step back, using the momentum to twirl his spear and deliver a swift counter


    strike.


    SpeedGang gritted his teeth, stepping back for a moment. He narrowed his eyes at Broken, clearly frustrated.


    "You''re pretty good with that spear, huh?"


    "Two more seconds," Broken said quietly, provoking him further.


    SpeedGang, now enraged, charged with even more ferocity. He thrust his massive shield


    forward, sending Broken staggering back a few steps.


    SpeedGang''s speed suddenly increased, and his sword began to blur as he swung it rapidly. He had activated a skill that enhanced both his movement and attack speed.


    He might be a shielder, but he can still deliver such powerful attacks! Broken thought as he blocked


    the rapid strikes.


    SpeedGang managed tond several shes on Broken''s body, but to his shock and confusion, none of the hits seemed to cause any real damage.


    "What kind of protection skill is this? Do you honestly think your skills can withstand my attacks?" SpeedGang yelled angrily.


    Without missing a beat, Broken repositioned himself using his Dash skill, slipping out of


    range.


    After just five seconds had passed, Broken smirked. "I think your sense of time is a bit off. I''m


    still perfectly fine."


    He spoke calmly, the ease in his voice only irritating SpeedGang more. But rather than backing down, SpeedGang burst intoughter.


    "Ha ha ha... You think you''ll win just because you withstood my warm-up attack? Huh?" he


    growled.


    With a sharp movement, SpeedGang closed his helmet, fully encasing himself in his Heavy Armor. His shield suddenly expanded, now surrounded by a swirling ck energy. Grinning maniacally, he charged at Broken, moving four times faster than before. He mmed his shield into Broken with incredible force, causing a brief stun that left Broken


    reeling backward from the sheer impact.


    Before Broken could recover fully, SpeedGang was on him again, his movements impossibly quick. His sword strikes were relentless, powerful, and precise. The relentless assault began to wear down Broken''s shields, each swing tearing awayyers of his protection.


    "I have to hold on until his skill runs out," Broken muttered to himself, calcting the situation in a hushed voice.


    The sound of metal shing against metal filled the air, each impact sending out a spray of sparks. It was a fierce and desperate battle, with SpeedGang''s relentless attacks forcing Broken into a defensive stance.


    "Damn!" Broken muttered under his breath. SpeedGang''s onught was too quick, the strikesnding one after another. Hisyers of shield hadpletely vanished under the repeated


    barrage of blows.


    [You received damage of 1,200]


    [You received damage of 1,100]


    [You received damage of 800]


    Broken could feel his Health slowly chipping away with each powerful hit. SpeedGang won''t be


    able to maintain these fast movements for long, he thought, trying to keep calm. He knew that if he could endure just a little longer, SpeedGang''s skill would eventually wear off. Until then,


    he had to hold on without letting his Health drop too low.


    [Healing Touch (Active Skill) Lv. 5]


    Broken activated his healing skill, restoring his health to full once again.


    He attempted to parry SpeedGang''s attack, but thetter''s movements were blindingly fast, nearly impossible to track. Even Broken''s experience and agility couldn''t match the speed of the furious strikes raining down upon him. He tried to predict the sword''s trajectory, but SpeedGang''s rhythm was unpredictable, the strikes relentless and forceful.


    "Do you think your pathetic little mini-stun can affect me? Hahaha, you''re too naive, Broken," SpeedGang taunted. "I am a Divine Champion. You can''t even begin to understand what that truly means."


    "Oh, looks like I''m getting pushed back. You''re just too strong for me," Broken replied in a


    mocking tone.


    "Your pitiful spear y won''t be enough to defeat me. This is far from over! I haven''t even shown you my full potential. I''m just ying with you right now."


    "Oh, really?" Broken responded. "Even with all the effort I''m putting in, are you saying I''m


    going to lose soon?"


    "Shut your mouth!" SpeedGang snarled, lunging toward Broken once more.


    [Invincible Force Reflection (Active Skill)]


    This skill generates a forcefield that deflects all physical damage back to attackers. It absorbs iing damage for 2 seconds before reflecting it back like a boomerang. SpeedGang''s entire form became a blur as he raced around Broken, his sword shing, and shield swinging in a disy of overwhelming speed and power.


    Yet something strange began to happen-each time SpeedGang''s strikesnded, there was no


    sign of injury on Broken. The attacks seemed to dissipate, their force fading without any


    visible effect.


    SpeedGang''s expression twisted into confusion, just as an explosive force rebounded. An intense burst of energy erupted from Broken, knocking SpeedGang violently backward. He stumbled, his feet leaving the ground as he was sent soaring through the air, his body


    spinning out of control.


    He crashed into the ground with a heavy thud, rolling several times beforeing to a stop. "This is my chance!" Broken murmured with a faint smile.


    He switched weapons, recing his spear with the Thorned Vindicator Sword.


    [Charged Attack (Active Skill) Lv. 5]


    Broken moved swiftly, his body a blur as he closed the distance. The de sliced through the


    air with fierce precision.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    [Quick Strike (Active Skill) Lv. 5]


    Broken struck again and again, each blow growing faster, the speed of his attacks bing


    almost impossible to follow.


    SpeedGang was truly in a dire situation. Caught off guard by his own attack being reflected


    back at him, he found himself overwhelmed by the relentless flurry of strikes from Broken.


    Could this battle really end like this?


    This was supposed to be a Divine Champion-the one who boldly imed he would destroy


    Slumdon Town.


    ***


    Author''s Note: (This doesn''t add to the chapter price)


    Hey everyone! Just a heads-up-this is a special, longer chapter!


    This is also the final chapter for September 2024. I''m happy to say I''ve stayed consistent,


    posting three chapters a day without missing any. []I n to keep this going!


    I''m excited to share that the book ranked 18th for September 2024 Bestseller list, and it''s all


    thanks to your amazing support. []?


    Next goal: I need your help to reach 10,000 unlocked privilege chapters for October 2024. If


    we hit that milestone, I''ll celebrate with a mass release of 15 chapters! ?? The first privilege tier costs just 1 coin and gives you 10 chapters in advance. Plus, tomorrow (1st Oct), I''ll be releasing 6 chapters. I hope you''ll check them out!


    Thank you so much for being part of this journey! ??

 Chapter 458: Chapter 458 - Seven seconds, thats all I need!

    Chapter 458: - Seven seconds, that''s all I need!


    ?


    Elincia, Maylock, Goldrich, and Jovina remained in the same spot-the House of Slumdon meeting room-watching the battle between Broken and SpeedGang unfold on the


    transparent screen floating in the center of the room.


    Elincia spoke in a t tone, "SpeedGang is well-known for being a Shielder with exceptional one-on-onebat skills. His defensive abilities are remarkable, and he has an impressive range of shield techniques. On top of that, he''s got some pretty strong offensive skills too."


    She then turned to Maylock. "What are the chances that Broken will beat him, Maylock? I mean, I know Broken is incredibly powerful, but he''s not going to use everything he''s got. At least, I doubt he''ll summon Gaia for this fight. Or that little demon cat."


    Maylock gave a slight smile and nodded. "One hundred percent. There''s no room for debate. I could give you countless reasons why Broken is going to win easily."


    Jovina then turned to Goldrich. "You... stupid old man, why don''t you give Broken some tips to beat that idiot SpeedShit? Surely you know something useful about him. You must''ve learned something."


    "Khi khi khi," Goldrich chuckled. "If I gave Broken advice on how to defeat SpeedShit, then I wouldn''t get the pleasure of seeing how Broken actually does it, now would I?"


    "Why are you so sure that Broken will win?" Jovina pressed on. "SpeedShit is the Champion of Gluttony. He can do anything inside that damn Domain of his. Who knows what kind of cheap tricks he''s hiding in there, huh?"


    Goldrich shrugged. "If Maylock is one-hundred percent sure, then I''ve got no reason to doubt it. You just need to get Maylock to spill the deeper reasons why he''s so confident in Broken."


    Jovina turned to Maylock with a smirk. "Alright then, tell me, Maycock, why are you so certain that Broken will win? I get that he''s impressive, but I still find it hard to believe he can beat that idiot SpeedShit without going all out. At least he needs to go all-out, right?"


    Elincia joined in, looking at Maylock. "It seems pretty clear to me that Maylock idolizes Broken so hard," she said. "I bet he could go on for hours about why Broken is going to win against SpeedGang."


    Maylock took a deep breath. "I''m really not in the mood to get into all of it right now," he said, sounding slightly annoyed.


    "But what I can tell you is that Broken has plenty of tools at his disposal to deal with SpeedShit. Remember, he''s made a contract with a high-grade spirit¡ªa spirit powerful enough to kill all of us, the entire Ass Guild. Yes, that little cat. I''m sure it''lle out if Broken finds himself in a dire situation. Though, that cat is still pretty difficult to control... haha."


    "I want to know just how strong this cat is," Jovina muttered.


    The members of the Horde of Hell Guild watched the battle between Broken and SpeedGang with bated breath from inside their carriages.


    "Ugh, this is so incredibly boring... I wish I could just get out and cause some chaos in this town!" one of them groaned.


    "SpeedGang''s having a bit of fun with that rookie."


    "Can you believe the arrogance of that guy?" someone else added. "epting SpeedGang''s challenge like that¡ªit''s almost like there''s something broken in his head! Hahaha."


    "I can already picture how embarrassed he''s gonna be when he loses in front of his own people!"


    "I can''t believe people like him still exist-so cocky and yet so clueless," someone scoffed. "It doesn''t take someone with SpeedGang''s skill to beat him, I could handle him easily." "Legendary weapons, and he still fights like a total idiot. What a waste."


    "And when he loses to SpeedGang, I bet his weapon will drop," another one sneered. "He''ll be so crushed, he might just end up crying and hanging himself. Hahaha."


    Back in the battle within the Domain.


    SpeedGang unleashed multipleyers of shields, sessfully evading Broken''s attack. He quickly darted away, creating some distance between them. In that moment, he healed the damage he''d sustained from Broken''s skills.


    "Not a bad attempt," SpeedGang remarked, a smirk on his face. "But I think that''s the best you''ve got? Was that really your strongest attack?"


    Broken responded casually, "I don''t get why some people feel the need to talk so much during a fight. Are you deliberately trying to buy time for your skill cooldowns, huh? Have you already run out of tricks to fight me?"


    "You''re pretty arrogant, aren''t you? You''ll regret saying such cocky things in front of me."


    "Yeah, I guess I am arrogant. I mean, I came to someone else''s town and threatened to destroy it for no reason. Oh wait, that was you."


    "Save your breath for mourning your defeatter," SpeedGang retorted.


    "Polly..." Broken muttered softly.


    A small white fox with four tails appeared, surrounded by a faint shimmering light. It let out a soft hoot as its body began to swell and grow, expanding until it was the size of a horse. Its four tails swished back and forth with a regal grace.


    "Master, I''ve been waiting for you to summon me," she said, her voice calm and serene.


    "Broken!!! Why didn''t you summon me too!" A shout rang out in Broken''s ear, a voice like that of a young boy yelling in frustration. "I want to fight too! I want to torture that stupid yer-let me out, Broken!" It was Pawpaw.


    "Little Pawpaw, this lowly yer isn''t worthy of your attention," Broken replied calmly. "We have something much bigger nned for youter. Let Polly handle this one."


    "Oh, hahaha, of course!" Pawpaw cackled. "You know I''m the greatest, hahaha. I''ll wait, then."


    SpeedGang burst into loudughter when he noticed Polly''s presence.


    "So, you can''t handle me on your own, and now you''re calling in your trusty steed for backup? You''re in the wrong game if you want to y with ponies. This isn''t a petting zoo," he


    sneered.


    Broken ignored the taunt. "Dendros, I summon you."


    [Summon the Guardian (Active Skill)]


    Broken threw his Knuckles into the air, and vines and roots quickly began to spread outward. The ground rippled and shimmered until, from within it, a figure emerged¡ªa warrior made


    entirely of nts.


    Broken deliberately chose to use only the weapons he had previously disyed in public: the Moonvine Knuckles, the Wavebreaker Spear, and the Bow of Artemis. He intended to fight using only these weapons, along with summoning Polly and Dendros. For now, he felt confident that this would be enough to defeat SpeedGang.


    He wore the Obsidian Shroud to conceal his armor, and swiftly switched to the Woond Ranger set to best use two of his most powerful bow skills. He wanted to test these skills on an actual yer-something that promised to be quite entertaining. "Polly, Dendros. Attack that fool and buy me some time-seven seconds, that''s all I need!" Polly immediately split into six identical foxes, each one lunging toward SpeedGang. Dendros, sprinted with impressive speed, the Moonvine Knuckles gleaming as it sliced through the air.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "What a foolish decision, Broken. Do you really think your pet and that stupid toy of yours can defeat me? You''re making a grave mistake!"


    SpeedGang readied himself, clearly relishing the challenge.

 Chapter 459: Chapter 459 - The Top-Tier Tanker in Immortal Legacy

    Chapter 459: - The Top-Tier Tanker in Immortal Legacy


    ?


    Polly and her clones lunged at SpeedGang, striking him from every possible angle.


    "Come at me, you worthless pets," SpeedGang growled, bracing himself to block the iing strike.


    Polly sprang with precision, her ws swiping through the air. Five identical foxes nked her, leaping in unison and attacking from all sides, overwhelming SpeedGang to the point where he couldn''t react effectively. All he could do was desperately defend himself with his shield, rooted to the spot by the relentless assault.


    "Damn it!" SpeedGang roared. "You useless bastards!"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Dendros, darting agilely around Polly, seized the opportunity. Vines extended from his limbs, unfurling rapidly and striking at SpeedGang from multiple directions.


    Dendros attacked relentlessly, his knuckles mming with brutal force.


    SpeedGang tried to parry the blows with his shield, but Polly''s earlier onught had left him dazed. The coordinated assault was too much-his defenses crumbled, and the impact sent him hurtling backward through the air.


    Broken stood, firmly gripping the bow.


    [Sniper''s Focus (Active Skill) Lv. 4]


    [Deals 2,000% physical damage to a single target and reduces their defense by 40% for 10 seconds.


    Mana Cost: 1000


    Cooldown: 45 Seconds


    Charge Time: 2 Seconds]


    Seeing the upgraded damage along with the 40% defense reduction from the skill, Broken smiled with satisfaction, fully aware of just how powerful this ability was. For a shielder, reducing their defense by 40% was almost like stripping away half of their armor-leaving them far more vulnerable than they ever intended to be.


    After the two seconds or charge time, the arrow shot forward at incredible speed, giving SpeedGang no time to react. It struck him square in the chest, the force of it sending him flying backward.


    "Damn it," he cursed loudly, struggling to break free from Polly and Dendros'' relentless assault, but finding himself utterly unable to escape.


    [Explosive Arrow (Active Skill) Lv. 4]


    [Unleashed an explosive st that caused an incredible 7,500% physical destruction within a radius of 10 meters (32 feet).


    Mana Cost: 1,500


    Cooldown: 60 Seconds


    Charge Time: 5 Seconds]


    A whopping 7,500% physical damage,bined with the earlier 40% defense reduction- this promised to deliver an absolutely devastating blow.


    [Projectile''s Kiss (Active Skill)]


    And with this skill activated, the damage would be doubled yet again.


    The members of the Horde of Hell chuckled, their expressions a mix of amusement and disbelief as they watched the scene unfold from a distance.


    "What on earth is he doing?"


    "I didn''t think he could be that stupid! Why use a bow when a direct attack with his sword would be way more effective? Does he seriously not know any better?"


    "No clue. This fight is ridiculous. I can''t even begin to understand what''s going on in his head."


    "Khi khi khi..." Goldrich, observing from the House of Slumdon,ughed at Broken''s antics. "I didn''t expect Broken to be capable of such ruthless intent."


    Maylock smirked. "I like this side of him. No mercy at all."


    "He''s using that skill deliberately," Goldrich continued. "All to destroy the armor that idiot SpeedGang is wearing. Khi khi khi..."


    "An attack with that much area-of-effect power," Maylock nodded. "It''ll shred the durability of his equipment. Even if it doesn''t fully destroy it, the damage will be severe enough that the repairs alone will cost a fortune."


    "Damn, Broken!" Jovina eximed. "He''s really making sure his enemy suffers-ruining that prized armor of his, hahaha!"


    Elincia chimed in, "I had no idea that behind his calm andposed exterior, he could be so ruthless." She shook her head slightly. "He certainly has more than a few surprises up his sleeve."


    Broken released the arrow effortlessly, and it streaked through the air at lightning speed. The moment it hit-BADABOOM!-an explosive st reverberated, the sound echoing across the entire city. mes erupted from the point of impact, spreading hungrily and consuming everything in their path.


    SpeedGang felt the searing heat as the mes enveloped him, mming him to the ground. His armor cracked and splintered, the exposed metal catching the firelight. The durability had taken a severe hit-parts of the metal had even melted away, leaving the armor in tatters. "Damn, damn, damn!" SpeedGang roared in fury, forcing himself to his feet. Layers of energy rapidly enveloped his body, shimmering as he prepared to counterattack.


    "Do you really think that just because you''ve weakened my armor, I''m suddenly powerless?" he snarled. "You''re sorely mistaken, Broken."


    Broken tightened his grip on the spear in his hand, his blue cape billowing like a wave, catching and reflecting the fiery orange glow around him.


    "Are you ready to meet your end?"


    [Water Domain (Active Skill)]


    A brilliant wave of water surged from his cape, spreading outward with intensity and illuminating the area. The water quickly formed into a dome-shaped domain.


    "You''re not the only one who can create a Domain," Broken dered.


    [Boar''s Flood (Active Skill)]


    From the ground, a massive water boar emerged, its body mming forward toward SpeedGang. It moved chaotically, its powerful jaws snapping open and shut. It pounded the earth as it charged, each strike of its hooves sending droplets flying in every direction.


    [Sea of Storms (Active Skill)]


    "You might have heard of the Rain-Summoning Ritual of Slumdon," Broken taunted, "but this rain is something else entirely-it''s the rain that will wash away your pride."


    Above them, countless magical circles appeared, hanging in the air. And from each, a spear took form-crafted entirely from water, ready to strike.


    Dozens of azure spears cascaded from the sky, gleaming under the sunlight as they hurtled toward the ground.


    Within his own domain, he had absolute control over every water element present. With both arms raised, he directed the spears, creating a chaotic and overpowering storm that surged straight for SpeedGang, ready to consume himpletely.


    "Damn it, Broken!" SpeedGang shouted. "I''m not finished yet. I''ve still got tricks up my


    sleeve!"


    The water spears whistled through the air with tremendous speed, crashing into SpeedGang with a force that shattered his defenses, inflicting heavy damage.


    "What kind of skill is that?" Jovina gasped. "It''s unbelievably powerful!"


    "I think it''s abination of two abilities-one from his spear, and something drawn from his Domain," Goldrich observed.


    "See?" Maylock said. "Broken hasn''t even unleashed his ultimate weapon yet. Like I said, this


    is an easy victory."


    Broken quickly swapped his spear for the Gravestone Greatsword, standing at ease as he did


    So.


    "So, another dumb weapon? It won''t make a difference!" SpeedGang scoffed, charging straight at Broken once again. "This isn''t over yet."


    He attacked repeatedly, but it was clear that Broken was simply blocking each strike, almost


    effortlessly.


    [Durability Drainer (Conditional Passive Skill)]


    In reality, Broken was testing out the greatsword''s ability to drain the durability of his


    opponent''s weapon with each sh.


    "I am the mightiest tanker in Immortal Legacy!" SpeedGang shouted. "No one can defeat me,


    you idiot!"


    "What''s going on here?" one of the Horde of Hell members muttered, confused. "Is


    SpeedGang still just messing around?"


    "This is absurd. I''m sure there''s no way SpeedGang will lose. It''s impossible!"


    "He must be ying mind games," another added. "Trying to make that poor guy think he''s


    winning." "SpeedGang won''t go down that easily. He''s the top-tier tanker in Immortal Legacy." "Yeah, SpeedGang is ridiculously powerful," another chimed in. "He won''t be taken out by


    just a few measly skills like that."


    SpeedGang kept up his relentless attacks,ughing as he watched Broken stay on the


    defensive without striking back.


    "You''re getting tired, aren''t you?" he taunted.


    Then, in a single pivotal moment, his final swing connected, and the sword in his hand


    shattered. SpeedGang''s eyes widened in shock.


    He quickly stumbled backward, still reeling from what had just happened.


    "What the hell happened? How did my sword break?! This can''t be real."


    "Oh, my bad," Broken said. "Was that an expensive sword?"


    [Berserker Rage (Active Skill)]


    [Sacrificial Edge (Conditional Active Skill)]


    This skill sacrifices 5% of the greatsword''s durability to increase the damage of the next


    attack by 1000%.


    [Elemental Rune Cataclysm (Conditional Active Skill)]


    Releases the power of up to 12 runes in a massive elemental explosion. Each activated rune deals 500% base physical damage as elemental damage to all nearby enemies. SpeedGang was still in stunned disbelief when Broken activated the two skills. The runes


    etched into the greatsword zed to life, their light ring up and then quickly dimming one by one, each fading burst triggering a massive explosion that rippled across the entire area.


    The series of sts tore into SpeedGang, dealing fatal blows, his health bar plummeting at an rming rate. Everyst ounce of protection he had was stripped away- he was utterly


    defenseless.


    Broken switched back to his spear, activating Dash as he sprinted toward SpeedGang, executing a series of fast strikes. His spear cut through the air with lethal precision, spinning


    and twirling as if it were an extension of his own body.


    "Anyst words?"


    "Damn you, Broken! Damn you!"


    Finally, with a swift and brutal motion, he drove his spear straight into SpeedGang''s throat, delivering the fatal blow that signaled the end of the battle.

 Chapter 460: Chapter 460 - Elite Vengeful Harpy

    Chapter 460: - Elite Vengeful Harpy


    ?


    [You have killed SpeedGang Lv. 219]


    [You have obtained Elite - Vengeful Harpy Monster Soul Stone Lv. 215]


    "Polly, do you think you could grow wings if I gave you this Monster Soul?" he asked.


    Polly looked puzzled, shaking her head slowly. "Master, I''m not sure about that... But... we could try it."


    Broken''s gaze shifted to the carriages of the Horde of Hell guild. "So, it seems SpeedGang lost something precious here-a Monster Soul Stone of an Elite-grade monster, level 215! This is no ordinary item."


    And it wasn''t just the Monster Soul Stone. SpeedGang''s heavy armor had also sustained significant damage, not to mention his sword. It was clear that SpeedGang hadn''t properly maintained his equipment before facing Broken-leading to theplete destruction of his weapon during the fight.


    This oue was also a testament to the sheer effectiveness of the Durability Drainer skill from Gravestone Greatsword, which had truly proven devastating this time around.


    SpeedGang had lost a lot in this battle. On top of that, he was now forced back to the Temple of Resurrection, inevitably dying the progress of his guild. They''d have to either wait for him or somehow regroup, setting their journey back even further.


    Broken stood there, waiting for a response from those still inside the carriages. He was certain they hadn''t yet realized that SpeedGang had dropped the Monster Soul Stone.


    What would they do now? Would they lose their tempers entirely, seeing their Divine Champion defeated so thoroughly by Broken?


    The carriage doors of the Horde of Hell began to open, one after another, and soon the passengers descended. Dozens of yers emerged, each fully armored and ready, weapons already in their hands.


    From thergest carriage at the front, a boy in a ck mage robe and a girl with the appearance of a demon stepped out. They were Gctron and Akiko-They were also the Champions of Gluttony.


    "That idiot SpeedGang, how could he lose?!" Akiko shouted, her voice filled with frustration. "He was so careless! I''m sure he underestimated his opponent! He even lost his sword-this is really pissing me off!"


    Gctron walked slowly, Akiko by his side, with dozens of Horde of Hell members trailing behind them.


    Akiko clenched her fists, her voice rising in anger. "SpeedGang should''ve just stuck to shielding, that stupid fool! But no, he had to master offensive skills too, always biting off more than he could chew because he can''t stand anyone who ticks him off. That idiot!"


    She turned to Gctron, her frustration boiling over. "Gctron... now tell me, what are we going to do? War? Just give me a straight order, don''t mess with your cryptic talk! War or not? I''m sick of warning you-you''re no different from SpeedGang. The only difference is that he''s an idiot, and you''re the opposite. But both of you do whatever the hell you want! Ugh, I''m losing it!" she screamed.


    The other members of the Horde of Hell shouted.


    "We should burn this town to the ground and kill everyone in it!"


    "We must avenge SpeedGang!"


    "Yeah, we are the Horde of Hell for a reason-we don''t know the word mercy!"


    "Kill them all! Tear down every building, turn every corner of this ce into ashes!"


    "Death, chaos, destruction-that''s what they wanted, and that''s exactly what they''ll get!"


    "Everything burns today, no exceptions!"


    Broken stood still, his gaze fixed on the crowd advancing towards him. Maylock had once told him about their Guild Master-a remarkable individual, not only wielding an exceptionally powerful ss and skills but also possessing a keen mind for battle strategy.


    But if it really came down to war, Broken had plenty of ns in ce to handle them. And he was ready to use everyst one. At the very least, he could take down the guild members swiftly, saving the stronger ones for a more challenging fight afterward.


    From what he could tell about their Guild Master''s ss-a Necromancer-this would likely turn into a sh of summons, a battle to see whose creatures were more formidable. Would it be their necromancer''s minions, or Broken''s own?


    He continued to watch as the Horde of Hell advanced, their Guild Master leading at the front. It was obvious they were all enraged; he could see it in their eyes, the fury they were ready to unleash upon the city.


    But no-Broken would not let a single one of themy a finger on Slumdon Town.


    He was prepared to summon ckthorn if necessary. This was going to be a colossal battle, and he didn''t flinch at the thought of it. Even if it meant facing all of them alone, Broken was unafraid. He was ready to defend Slumdon, no matter what.


    Broken noticed someone emerging from the direction of the city gate. A faint smile crossed his lips as the blonde woman ran toward him,ing to a stop at his left side.


    "Hi, I''m allowed to join you in this battle now, right?" Ivana said.


    "Hi, yes, Ivana. I could definitely use you against opponents like these. Are you ready?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "That''s not even a question I need to answer," she replied. "You should already know the answer to that. I''ve never backed down from this kind of invitation."


    "Thanks, Ivana."


    They exchanged a brief look, smiling and nodding at each other before turning back to face their enemies. Side by side.


    The sky rumbled, thunder echoing through the air. Suddenly, a mage with flowing blue hair descended gracefully from above. Shended elegantly to Broken''s right, smiling softly.


    "I''m here for you, too, Broken," Elincia said.


    In the distance, an archer came sprinting toward them. As he drew near, he adjusted his sunsses before speaking.


    "Broken, I know I said we wouldn''t start a war, but when ites to our friends, none of that matters. We care about you more than anything else, so we''re here for you," Maylock said.


    Gradually, more allies began to gather-Jovina, Toberry, Freya, and Charmelyn, who


    materialized as if from nowhere.


    Livelywood arrived soon after, brandishing his sword with a confident smile. "Broken, you know I''m always up for a good fight! Count me in!"


    A massive ck bear thundered toward them, letting out a deafening roar before pounding its massive paws on the ground, positioning itself at the back.


    A girl appeared above, gliding through the air and leaping from one transparent tform to another before dropping down near Broken. She crossed her arms.


    "I''m only here because everyone else is. Not because of you, you stupid jerk, Broken!" Melliandra shouted.


    "Wait... wait for me, I want to join too..." From a distance, an old man in mage robes could be seen running toward them. "I want to join too..." He managed to make it to the front of the line, but suddenly he tripped, stumbling to the ground. He coughed, "Oh, this old man is too old for battles like these."


    "Stupid old fool, you should be lying on your deathbed instead!" Jovina called out loudly.


    "Khi khi khi..." Goldrich stood next to Broken. "My apologies, I got a bit too eager. But don''t worry-I''m still useful."


    Both sides now stood poised, fully prepared for what was about to be an enormous battle. It was clear that the fight ahead would be nothing short of monumental, with neither side


    willing to back down.

 Chapter 461: Chapter 461 - You slept with Freya, Broken?

    Chapter 461: - You slept with Freya, Broken?


    ?


    "Are you all sure about this decision?" Broken asked, seeing nearly every member of the Ass Guild in Slumdon now gathered at his side.


    Elincia responded confidently, "You''re our friend, Broken. And as friends, it''s our duty to protect and help each other."


    Freya let out a soft chuckle. "I don''t think he even understands the concept of friendship."


    "Shut up, Freya," Broken retorted. "You''re making it sound like I don''t have any friends at all."


    Freya smirked. "Oh really? Go on then, name some of your friends outside the game."


    Broken simply grinned at her challenge. The truth was, he only had a handful of people he could truly consider friends in the real world.


    Goldrich jumped in. "Khi khi khi, don''t tell me you''re one of those loners in real life-you know, no friends, super broke, gets bullied by everyone, and then, out of nowhere, receives some overpowered blessing that makes you the main character surrounded by beautiful women?"


    "Sounds about right," Freya said with augh. "He''s already acting like a yboy, trying to charm every woman whoes near him."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Maylock added with a grin, "Didn''t RememberMe say that he''s a real-life yboy? Something about him and Freya sharing a room and often sleeping in the same bed, right?"


    "Shut up, Maylock! Where the hell did you get that ridiculous idea? Are you seriously believing that loudmouth RememberMe?! No one said anything about me and Broken sleeping in the same bed!"


    Ivana nced at Broken. "You slept with Freya, Broken?" she asked, giggling.


    Broken quickly shook his head, "No! My sister was there too."


    Goldrich couldn''t hold back hisughter. "You slept with Freya and your sister? What kind of bizarre setup is that?"


    Freya sighed, visibly annoyed. "We slept in the Home Bus, okay? Not in the same bed! Oh my god, this is giving me a headache."


    Melliandra muttered, "You sure are disgusting, Broken. Please stop this disgusting conversation, we have enemies to destroy!"


    Gctron slowly approached the group, and now both sides stood face to face. Despite the intensity, there were still no signs that an attack was going to happen soon.


    Broken took a step forward. "So, is it revenge you''re after?"


    Gctron remained silent for a moment, then shook his head. "No. Instead, I want to apologize."


    "What?!" Everyone in the Ass Guild was taken aback, visibly stunned by the unexpected twist in the midst of all the tension.


    "What do you mean?" Broken asked, his brow furrowed.


    Gctron bowed slowly, then continued, "As the Guild Master of the Horde of Hell, I apologize for the actions of one of our members. I hope we can resolve this matter without any further esction."


    Broken''s expression remained cold as he responded, "I''ll still kill your friend if he shows his face in front of me again."


    Gctron met Broken''s gaze. "Today was a mistake, but if you choose to act against him again in the future, it will be a different matter entirely. We won''t stand by."


    "That''s fine by me," Broken said casually.


    The members of the Horde of Hell guild were left stunned by what their Guild Master had said.


    "Why aren''t we just going to war?"


    "He''s probably pulling some kind of trick on them. Gctron would never back down."


    "Who said he was backing down, you idiot?" Akiko interjected.


    "What do you even know about him, Akiko? He''s too smart for you to understand."


    "Can you all shut up already?! I''m getting angry, and if you keep running your mouths, I''ll kill you myself!" Akiko threatened.


    "I want a damn good reason why we''re not attacking this town."


    "How about I ask Gctron to exin it to you in person, using his undead army? How''s that sound?" Akiko shot back.


    "No... no way!"


    Gctron and Broken remained facing each other, the tension still lingering heavily between them.


    Gctron said in a calm, t tone, "I know the right moment for us to fight again, but that moment is not today. I can see you have a lot of potential. I hope you give me an interesting performance when the real war arrives."


    With that, he turned on his heel, leaving the other guild members visibly confused. After a moment of hesitation, they had no choice but to follow their Guild Master, albeit with baffled expressions. The Horde of Hell retreated, leaving Broken and his allies standing in quiet readiness, watching as their enemies withdrew.


    Freya slowly walked up to Broken''s side, letting out a heavy sigh. "Well, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief now that they''re gone."


    "But how can you be sure they won''te back?" Broken asked, his gaze still fixed on the direction the Horde of Hell had retreated. "What if they return while I''m away on my next


    expedition?"


    Just then, Elincia, Goldrich, and Maylock joined them.


    Maylock spoke up, "Even though he''s our enemy, we can trust him on this. Gctron isn''t the type to go back on his word."


    Goldrich chuckled. "Seems to me you''re really eager to go on that expedition with Broken, huh, Maylock?"


    Maylock nodded, adding, "If you''re worried, Broken, we can postpone the expedition. I''ll go along with whatever you decide."


    Elincia stepped closer. "Don''t worry. I''ll be staying in this town, so you can go on your expedition without concerns. It''s important for you, isn''t it? The stronger you get from this journey, the more it benefits all of us."


    Broken slowly nodded. "If Maylock says they won''te back, then I''ll try to trust his judgment."


    He turned to the others. "Thanks, everyone. I think today''s issue is finally over."


    "Ugh, how annoying. I really thought we''d have a big fight!" Melliandra grumbled before


    turning and walking away ahead of the group.


    "Yeah, I''m disappointed too. I thought it was going to be an all-out war," Jovina added,ughing. "Turns out that kid''s a coward after all." She then gave Goldrich a yful smack on the head before sauntering off.


    Kingsley, still in his massive bear form, shifted back to his human self. "I''m d we didn''t end up fighting after all."


    The group began walking back toward the town gate, with Ivana strolling beside Broken.


    "You''re taking me on the expedition tomorrow, right?" she asked, ncing up at him.


    Broken smiled at her. "Of course. I promised to take you to explore the world, didn''t I?"


    "Thanks," she said. "I''m really happy."


    [Congrattions! You have sessfully prevented a major disaster from befalling Slumdon


    Town.]


    [Your heroic efforts deserve recognition, and for your triumph, you have been rewarded with 2,000 Reputation Points! Well done!]


    "Woah..." Broken muttered. "I received a lot of reputation points." He turned to look at Freya walking beside him.


    "You should save those reputation points," she suggested. "You never know, the Reputation Shop might get new items when the town''s rating goes up."


    Broken chuckled, shaking his head. "I''m really tempted to buy something now. But alright, I''ll follow your advice this time."


    Freya smirked. "Smart move. Better to wait for something that''s really worth it!"


    Well, the small problem had ended with a rather satisfying reward: reputation points and a


    Monster Soul Stone. Broken had also made sure to teach that stupidGang a valuable lesson. Now, it was time to prepare for the new expedition-tomorrow awaited.

 Chapter 462: Chapter 462 - The Champion of Mastermind

    Chapter 462: - The Champion of Mastermind


    ?


    The following day, the team chosen to apany Broken on his expedition gathered at the town gate, where two carriages stood waiting to transport them.


    Broken decided to ride in the same carriage as Ivana and the knights, mainly because he wanted to avoid getting caught up in the chatter with everyone else.


    "Yay... we''re going on an adventure...," Anna said enthusiastically as the carriage began to


    move.


    "Can you please restrain your excitement in front of our Lord, Anna?!" Karl, the swordsman, scolded.


    "Yeah, you really can''t help yourself sometimes," Yann, the archer, added.


    Ivana chuckled at the exchange. "I think our Lord doesn''t mind, as long as it means he doesn''t have to talk to too many other people," she said, giggling.


    Broken nced at Ivana, who was sitting beside him. "Who told you that, Ivana? Freya?"


    Ivana giggled softly at his question. "That''s just my observation. Am I wrong?"


    "No, you''re right," he answered casually.


    From afar, unbeknownst to them, a group of people watched the carriages intently as they departed. A spirit beast flew high above, giving them a clear vantage point to observe the


    scene.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Ha ha ha... Atst, they''re gone! Maylock, Livelywood, Starfall, and Toberry have all left Slumdon Town," a female voice eximed, filled with excitement. "Now is our chance to seize this tremendous opportunity and gain fame and glory."


    ***


    Vntar City, Kesseon Kingdom.


    Vntar City was nestled near the border between the Kesseon Kingdom and the Dissidia Kingdom, making it a popr hub for adventurers traversing the South Continent. Many travelers heading to the mountainous and desert regions chose to stay in this remote but bustling city.


    "Have you heard the news?"


    "What news?"


    "Slumdon Town is experiencing some promising developments. Apparently, a lot of wealthy people are investing there."


    "Wow, that''s good for them. But let''s be honest, a ghost town like Slumdon could neverpete with Vntar."


    "That''s true, but the Ass Guild is backing Slumdon. Everyone knows they have endless wealth to throw around."


    "Does that mean Vntar might end up deserted?"


    "Not if I can help it."


    Rumors of Slumdon Town''s promising developments and the Ass Guild''s backing had spread among the residents of Vntar City, unsettling many guilds based there. The news spurred them to consider taking action, worried about the potentialpetition and shifting power dynamics.


    Constantine, the Guild Master of the Sword of Justice Guild and the Champion of Wrath, was a prominent figure among the nobles of the Kesseon Kingdom. However, his true ambition went beyond mere recognition-he sought power over the entire kingdom.


    "I am a very intelligent person," Constantine boasted, a self-satisfied smirk on his face.


    He had calcted that a war between Kesseon and Dissidia could be his key to gaining ultimate power. By exploiting the existing tension between the two kingdoms, he aimed to ignite conflict-no matter how minor or massive-and use the ensuing chaos to seize control. "It''s time to begin our important meeting," he dered.


    The gathering was with the Vntar Guilds Alliance, an influential organization made up of various guilds based in Vntar City. Today''s meeting was pivotal; Constantine nned to sway the alliance, using their collective strength to further his ambitions and achieve his goal through these means.


    Constantine stood before the group of Guild Masters representing each guild in Vntar City.


    "You might consider this a trivial matter," he began firmly, "but if you open your eyes, you''ll see that Slumdon Town has significant backing from the Ass Guild. And, as you all know, that guild is full of wealthy members."


    A slight smile yed on his lips as he continued, "Our mission is simple. All we need to do is destroy Slumdon Town, and those who participate will be handsomely rewarded for dismantling that arrogant guild."


    Suddenly, Lucy, a woman in her thirties, wearing mage robes and with striking blonde hair, stood up. "I''d like to speak," she said. "As the leader of the Vntar Guilds Alliance, I want to express my opinion."


    She continued. "I am Lucy from the Fairy Tool Guild. Constantine, why have you suddenly decided toe and see us, when you couldfortably bask in your poprity in the capital city? Do you really think you can just walk in here, order us around, and take advantage of us so easily?"


    She paused, her eyes narrowing at him. "If we ever choose to attack Slumdon Town, it would be on our own terms, and it would have nothing to do with you."


    The room fell silent as the other Guild Masters turned their attention back to Constantine, waiting to see how he would respond to this challenge.


    "Oh..." Constantine replied casually. "You must understand, Lucy. Even though my guild is based in the capital, we all reside within the same kingdom''s territory, do we not? I''m simply offering you the support you need to carry out this attack properly. After all, if we wanted to, my guild could destroy the Ass Guild alone without needing any help from smaller guilds like yours," he added with a smirk.


    Lucy mmed her fist on the table. "Would you just shut up, Constantine?! We don''t need you to be part of this operation! Leave this city-you''re nothing but a burden to us!" she snapped.


    Constantine''s faint smile widened as he heard her response. This was precisely what he had been aiming for. He wanted to provoke these foolish guilds into taking action against Slumdon Town and the Ass Guild, pushing them into a direct conflict. That had been his true intention for this entire gathering.


    Inwardly, Constantine reveled in his n, thinking, "I can trigger a war between Slumdon Town and Vntar City without even getting my hands dirty-just watching from afar. Isn''t this a brilliant move? Ha ha ha... Maybe I should be known as the Champion of Genius, or the Champion of Mastermind, rather than merely the Champion of Wrath. Don''t you think so?" Constantine addressed everyone present. "Don''te crying to me if any of you end up struggling. I''ve offered my assistance from the beginning, but you were all too arrogant to ept it."


    "Get out of here, you jerk!" Lucy shot back.


    With a smug expression, Constantine turned on his heel and exited the meeting room. As he walked away, he thought to himself, "They are all so gullible. Those guilds are nothing but a collection of fools-I can manipte them with the slightest effort."


    Constantine then dered proudly to himself, "All I have to do is wait for the Vntar Stupid Alliance to strike the Ass Guild. The Ass Guild will retaliate, attacking those simpletons in Vntar. This will surely irritate the officials of Vntar City, prompting them to attack Slumdon Town. And so the chaos will continue until the higher-ups in the Dissidia Kingdom take notice, sparking a muchrger war in the region."


    His face lit up with a twisted pride, his admiration for his own cunning apparent. "Ah, I''m truly impressed by my own brilliance... I''m at least twenty times smarter than Maylock!"


    Heughed to himself, savoring the feeling of being the puppet master behind it all, convinced that his n would unfold exactly as he envisioned.

 Chapter 463: Chapter 463 - Valantar Guilds Alliance

    Chapter 463: - Vntar Guilds Alliance


    ?


    Lucy took a deep breath as soon as Constantine stepped out of the room, and a wide smile spread across her face.


    "Everyone... ha ha ha... The time we''ve been waiting for has finally arrived. This is our chance to show the world that the Vntar Guilds Alliance will be the faction to rule Yunatea in the future!"


    The room erupted in cheers, the energy rising as the guild members responded to her call.


    "Our spies have reported that only a few of Ass Guild members remain in Slumdon Town," Lucy continued. "Maylock, their only brain, has already left the town, leaving Elincia clueless about the massive attack we''re about to unleash. Ha ha ha..."


    "Elincia might hold the title of the Guild Master of the Ass Guild, but she has no real


    reputation," someone from the crowd remarked. "She''s just a mediocre mage who relies on money to stay relevant in the game!"


    "I couldn''t agree more," Lucy said. "After all, I''m the only one worthy of being the strongest mage in Immortal Legacy! Ha ha ha."


    "Goldrich is just an old geezer," someone else added with a smirk. "If he sees how massive our army is, I bet he''ll be so confused that he''ll just log out of the game."


    "Ha ha ha," Lucyughed. "So, who else is still left in Slumdon Town?"


    "Charmelyn, Jovina, and Skywarden," another member answered.


    "Charmelyn is nothing but a foolish Assassin," they scoffed confidently. "What could an assassin possibly do against so many of us? Ha ha ha."


    "Jovina relies solely on her pet. She can''t even fight on her own strength. We don''t need to worry about her pet-just take out the user directly. That''ll be easy."


    "And as for Skywarden, he''s just a shielder," someone else chimed in. "What could a shielder possibly do against an army of our size? All he can do is defend until we eventually cut him down."


    "What else?" Lucy asked.


    "Just a bunch of foolish knights who don''t know how to fight," someone replied.


    "Yeah, stupid NPCs guarding the town. I don''t see any threating from Slumdon Town," another chimed in.


    "I think that ce is aplete failure," someone else added. "Even while it''s still under construction, the owner keeps leaving it to run off somewhere else."


    "No surprise there, since Slumdon Town is nothing more than a dead, dried-up ce. I can''t understand why the Ass Guild would invest money in such a useless town. They must have the cash but not the brains to manage it."


    "I''m convinced they''re just a bunch of rich kids wasting their parents'' money. People like that don''t surprise me at all."


    Lucy nodded, her smile growing wider with each mockingment. "Perfect. They won''t know what hit them. This is our chance to show Slumdon Town what real power looks like."


    Lucy let out a chuckle. "We will broadcast this massive attack and show the world exactly what real strength looks like. By doing this, we''ll gain not only fame but also an immense amount of wealth. We''ll be truly powerful."


    "Yes!" the others replied with augh. "Our alliance will be known far and wide, and we''ll attract countless sponsors."


    "We will prove that hard work and intelligence can ovee those who were simply born with a silver spoon in their mouth," Lucy concluded.


    Lucy nodded confidently and silently wished to herself, "Please... I hope this attack is sessful, because I need a lot of money for my wedding."


    The Vntar Guilds Alliance consisted of nine guilds, with abined membership of around 540 yers, making it a formidable force.


    That afternoon, people were seen traveling toward Slumdon Town from various directions, each of them ready to participate in the major offensive against the Ass Guild-a demonstration of the Alliance''s strength that could not be taken lightly.


    At the forefront, Lucy was preparing her live stream. "Yes, I''m sure this attack will bring in a lot of views and sponsors."


    "I''m going to be rich... and be amercial star. Ha ha ha! I''m going to be the star of this great battle!"


    Lucy gazed at Slumdon Town from a distance. She had made sure every detail of the preparations wasplete, ready to kick off the biggest spectacle in Immortal Legacy.


    "Lucy..." someone called from her side.


    She turned towards the voice. "What?"


    "There are still a lot of yers who haven''t logged in yet. Some said they''re having issues with their inte connection, others need their devices serviced, some are still at work, and a few are sick."


    "What? Are you kidding me? We''ve been preparing for this for weeks! How can so many people still be missing? How many in total are already online across all the guilds?"


    "From Fairy Tool, only about fifty percent-around 40 people. And across the entire alliance, there are roughly two hundred and thirty yers logged in."


    Lucy scoffed, dismissing the concern with a wave of her hand. "There are more than enough. We don''t need all our strength just to deal with five members of the Ass Guild. Besides, the other yers in Slumdon Town won''t interfere-they''ll be too terrified of us."


    She gave onest look at Slumdon. "This is more than enough to crush them. Let''s get this show started."


    Lucy issued her instructions through the guild chat, broadcasting them to all the members of the Vntar Guilds Alliance.


    [Lucy: Alright, let''s start the live broadcast now. We can''t dy any longer.]


    Stepping to the front, she looked towards the person holding the camera.


    "Okay, camera on," they confirmed.


    Lucy''s expression shifted immediately, brimming with enthusiasm as she addressed her audience.


    "Do you really think the Ass Guild is a formidable opponent?"


    "No... not at all," she continued. "They''re just a bunch of weaklings who use their wealth to appear powerful in the game. Theyck the real skills and the knowledge needed to y


    properly!"


    "All they have is their money, while we, the Vntar Guilds Alliance, have reached this level of strength through sheer hard work and pure intellect."


    Her voice softened slightly, as if a hint of sorrow touched her tone, "Today, we will raze Slumdon Town and everyone in it. And if the Ass Guild stands in our way, we''ll make short work of them. They won''t be any trouble at all!"


    The camera zoomed in on her, capturing her intensity as she raised her hand, ready to give the signal. This was the beginning of her grand spectacle-a deration of dominance for the


    world to see.


    "I invite all of you to witness the destruction of this small town," Lucy dered loudly. "A town that ims to be the only one managed directly by yers. But today, you will see that their deration is unfounded. We will show you why!"


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Hey everyone, we''re already at Chapter 463! I''d love to hear your thoughts-what do you feel about the MC, his friends, his journey, and the world around them? What keeps you hooked on


    this adventure?n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Please leave your thoughts in a Review. Your feedback means a lot to me, and I truly


    appreciate every word.


    Thanks a lot!

 Chapter 464: Chapter 464 - A bunch of crazy women

    Chapter 464: - A bunch of crazy women


    ?


    It was a Wednesday night, and Freya had apanied Alfred to pick up Lily from school. Now, the three of them sat in a cozy caf¨¦, chatting while soft music yed in the background.


    Lily pointed to the television broadcast in the caf¨¦, which was showing a group of yers preparing to attack Slumdon Town.


    "Freya, why does Slumdon Town keep getting attacked? Leon is away from the town right now. Shouldn''t you log in and make sure it''s safe?" Lily asked.


    "How could I possibly fight that many people, Lily?" Freya replied casually. "Maylock predicted this, and Elincia was prepared. I''ve got my hands full taking care of things there, so I can''t be online right now. Besides, I don''t think we need to worry-Elincia and the others won''t let them take Slumdon Town that easily."


    "Are they really that strong?" Lily questioned. "Against all those yers? I heard it''s abination of nine guilds."


    Freya smiled. "Let''s see what happens to them."


    "So even Maylock predicted this to happen? He really overthinks everything, doesn''t he?" Alfred added, shaking his head.


    Freya giggled. "Yes, he gathered a lot of intel on potential attacks on Slumdon and weighed how strong the enemy could be."


    "It must be a really difficult situation for Leon," Lily said.


    Several guests in the caf¨¦ were discussing the same topic, their voices carrying clearly to the table where Lily, Freya, and Alfred were seated.


    "It looks like that yer called ''Broken'' is really having a streak of bad luck. First, he acquires a worthless town, and now the ce he invested in is about to be destroyed," one of them said.


    "I''m thrilled to see it happen! I can''t wait to see how desperate and dejected he''ll be after this incident. I heard the Ass Guild poured a huge amount of money into that town," another chimed in.


    "I don''t think the Ass Guild will end up taking any real loss," a third person added. "But Broken will definitely face demands for repayment from the guild members when he fails to protect that ridiculous town."


    Lily, visibly annoyed, stood up from her seat and approached the group. "Would you be willing to take back what you said earlier about the yer named Broken?"


    One of the men looked up at her, confused. "Who are you?"


    The third man sneered, "Why don''t you join us and watch Slumdon Town and the Ass Guild get destroyed?"


    Lily''s eyes narrowed as she clenched her fists. "Can you just shut up and take back what you said? You don''t know what he''s been through to get to where he is now. Don''t judge someone you barely know with such arrogance!"


    Freya quickly ran up to Lily, firmly grabbing her wrist. "Lily, let''s go," she said.


    The men stood up, one of them sneering. "Hey, why don''t you two join us here? What do you think?"


    Without a word, Freya kicked their table, sending their drinks and food crashing to the floor. The loud tter of tes and sses echoed throughout the caf¨¦, drawing everyone''s attention.


    "What the hell? Are you crazy?" one of the men shouted.


    Everyone in the caf¨¦ stared, confused by the suddenmotion.


    Freya red at the group. "Next time, watch your mouth." Then she pulled Lily along, turning her back on the mess. "Alfred, pay for all the damages the caf¨¦ incurred."


    "Certainly, Ms. Freya," Alfred replied, calmly heading towards the cashier. He gave a slight bow in the direction of the stunned men as he passed them.


    "Who are they?"


    "Just a bunch of crazy women!"


    ***


    The Vntar Guilds Alliance had split into multiple groups, each attacking Slumdon Town from a different direction, making the town''s defense a daunting task. With each team broadcasting their assault live, viewers across the world eagerly awaited the unfolding battle. Lucy stood at the front of her group as she addressed the camera.


    "What you are about to witness firsthand is just how weak the Ass Guild really is. They''re not as powerful as everyone thinks. They rely on each other for support, but today, you''ll see what happens when they''re isted and torn apart."


    She pointed towards Slumdon Town. "The Horde of Hell was too afraid to truly challenge the Ass Guild. From what I''ve heard, they walked away inplete defeat. I want to make it clear -the so-called big guild only has a reputation on paper. Theyck the courage to actually stand up and fight.


    "We, the Vntar Guilds Alliance, are made up of diverse and determined people. We will never give up!"


    Suddenly, a cloud of ck shadow billowed up from the ground. In the midst of the dark mist, a figure began to take form-a woman d in ninja attire.


    "Charmelyn..." Lucy whispered softly.


    "All right, everyone," Lucy continued with a smirk. "Our first guest has arrived-Charmelyn the Assassin. They say she never fails in her missions, but today will be her first defeat, thanks to the strength of our alliance."


    Charmelyn''s gaze was calm as she addressed the group. "Good afternoon," she said softly. "May I ask what brings you here? I can see you''vee with the intention of harming this town, and I won''t allow that to happen."


    Lucy stepped forward. "Yes, we''re here to destroy the town and the Ass Guild along with it. Are you scared now?"


    Charmelyn tilted her head slightly. "Thank you for rifying your intentions," she replied in the same gentle tone. "It helps me better understand what I need to do."


    Lucyughed again, gesturing to the group of guild members behind her. "How confident are you that you can take on twenty-one of us all by yourself, Charmelyn?"


    "I suppose we''ll see soon enough, won''t we?" she said, her grip tightening around the hilts of her daggers.


    People across the inte quickly became excited, responding enthusiastically to the battle about to unfold.


    "This is so cool, man! We''re actually going to see how Charmelyn fights against so many


    yers!"


    "I heard Charmelyn is a really strong assassin, and she''s never failed a mission." "Yeah, right. I''m pretty sure that''s just hype. I could hear the fear in her voice." "I''m convinced the Ass Guild is going to suffer a major defeat this time." "Don''t overestimate the Ass Guild. Do you even know how this game works? Assassins are only good in one-on-onebat. With that many opponents, she''ll get wiped out easily." "Assassins are weak against magic attacks. Only a fool would think Charmelyn could win


    this."


    "But isn''t Charmelyn the one behind de Phantom?"


    "No way! Charmelyn''s just holding a spot in the rankings, while plenty of stronger assassins keep their identities hidden."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "This is going to end badly for the Ass Guild."


    On the other side of Slumdon, Elincia descended from the sky, her body surrounded by a ring


    of blue lightning. As she reached the sandy ground, about thirty people stood before her, all


    of them staring in shock.


    Elincia looked at them with mock surprise. "Wow... can you tell me where you all came from? Why do you look so serious? Don''t tell me you''re scared of me?"


    One of them snapped back, "Shut up, you witch! Do you still have the nerve to talk now that


    you''re alone


    here?"


    Another sneered, "We, the Vntar Guilds Alliance, are going to raze this miserable Slumdon


    Town to the ground."


    "Oh, really? Well then, tell me-do you want to do this the easy way or the hard way?"


    Two members of the Ass Guild were about to face a group that outnumbered them many


    times over, and everyone was anticipating the result.


    "Who will be the first to die, Charmelyn or Elincia?"

 Chapter 465: Chapter 465 - Broken will be pleased to see this

    Chapter 465: - Broken will be pleased to see this


    ?


    Elincia stood there casually as over thirty yers stared her down, clearly prepared to fight her with brutal intent.


    One of them pointed at her. "Elincia, you should know your ce. You''re alone here, so where does all that confidencee from, huh?" he sneered.


    She quickly replied, "I should be the one asking-where does your confidencee from,ing here like this? Have you all lost your minds?"


    "Elincia!" one of them shouted. "You should show some respect to those of us who are older than you. Haven''t you ever been taught any manners?"


    "Oh... is that so?" Elincia responded with a cheerful smile. "Yes, I could use a few lessons. So why don''t we get started right away? And just so you know, I like my lessons hard and fast!"


    "You''re just a mage with low Health and Defense."


    "Do you really believe that you can take us all on by yourself?"


    "Do not be too sure of yourself if your wealth is all you have to rely on."


    "Well, are you guys done talking?" Elincia asked. "I don''t want to waste my time with people as foolish as you. This has already taken too long I''d rather be out hunting monsters. Besides, fighting you won''t give me any benefits at all!"


    "Kill her! Now!" they shouted in unison.


    They immediately cast their buffs, and the melee fighters lunged forward, charging at her from all sides.


    "We''ll show you how empty your threats really are, Elincia!"


    "Give her a lesson she''ll never forget!"


    "Die, Elincia!"


    "I see," Elincia said, waving her hand dismissively. "Don''t forget to visit Slumdon Town againter."


    Suddenly, the sky split open with a deafening boom of thunder, illuminating the area with a brilliant white light. Dozens of electric-blue lightning bolts crackled through the air, each followed by a resounding thunderp. The bolts struck down upon the group, fiercely raining down in a chaotic symphony of destruction.


    It was as if the battlefield had be a stage for a deadly orchestra, each lightning strikending like a well-timed note, pounding into the ground with relentless force. The screams of the yers rang out, echoing through the chaos as they struggled to react, their bodies taking hit after hit from the barrage of fatal lightning.


    They perished quickly, their physical forms disintegrating into pixels, vanishing from sight in mere seconds. None of them even had a chance toy a finger on Elincia before they werepletely obliterated by her devastating area-of-effect attack.


    "Oh?!" Elincia scoffed. "So weak."


    She nced over the few items that had dropped from her defeated opponents. "Ugh... it''s all just rubbish," she murmured before tossing them aside, letting them fall back to the ground.


    The people watching the live broadcast were filled with astonishment.


    "Wow, that was fast! They were defeated so quickly."


    "Too fast! There was no resistance at all? Damn, did this attack just end like that?"


    "I''m sure Elincia must be a very strong mage."


    "Elincia can''t be that powerful, right? She''s not even the Divine Champion!"


    "Maybe this was nned to boost the Ass Guild''s reputation?"


    "I think they underestimated Elincia so much they let their guard down and got wiped out." "Well, I''m sure the rest of the Ass Guild will be defeated just as easily."


    "Yeah, it''s obvious Elincia is the only real powerhouse among them."


    "We''re not out of hope yet. I''m sure this isn''t over. A spell that powerful must have drained a lot of mana and has a long cooldown. Elincia won''t be able to help anymore after this."


    "Let''s see, this isn''t over yet-there are still so many of them left!"


    Charmelyn stood before Lucy and the group, bowing her head briefly as she spoke in a gentle


    tone.


    "My judgment is that you shouldn''t be here, and so you all must die," she stated, her voice calm and t. "I will not give you a chance to retreat-my judgment is final." "Charmelyn, I actually feel sorry for you. You must be so drunk on your hollow victories that you came here alone, without a second thought, to face us." Lucy said.


    Charmelyn didn''t respond, her expression unchanging. Instead, she lowered herself into an attacking stance, her eyes focused, her daggers ready.


    Lucy smirked, continuing her taunts. "Your reputation ends today, at our hands."


    Seeing Charmelyn unmoved, Lucy gave hermand. "All of you, attack her! She''s just an assassin; her defense is weak against magic damage!"


    The yers quickly moved into position, forming a protective circle around their support units while the melee fighters prepared to confront Charmelyn head-on.


    "Cast all defensive buffs! Protect the support tightly-she won''t be able to handle our numbers!" Lucy said confidently. "I''ll show you what a solid strategy looks like, Charmelyn!"


    The group moved as one, each member ying their part as Lucy barkedmands.


    A shadowy energy enveloped Charmelyn, and in an instant, she vanished from everyone''s


    sight.


    "Attack random areas! She''ll reveal herself eventually!" Lucymanded.


    Everyone beganunching attacks in all directions, desperately trying to strike Charmelyn.


    Suddenly, Charmelyn reappeared, but from multiple directions at once, apanied by numerous clones.


    "Those are just clones! Focus on finding the real one!" Lucy shouted.


    Charmelyn''s clones moved swiftly, rushing toward their enemies and attacking relentlessly. But each time a clone was struck, it vanished, only to reappear somewhere else almost instantly. The chaos was overwhelming.


    One yer found himself quickly overwhelmed, taking several shes to his body. Before he could react, the real Charmelyn appeared behind him, and with a swift movement, his head separated from his body.


    "Our formation is broken! Damn it, protect the healer!" someone yelled.


    Charmelyn vanished once more, slipping into the gaps of their disrupted formation. Within moments, she was at the center, targeting the healer. Her daggers shed, striking so swiftly that the healer disintegrated into pixels before they could even attempt a defense.


    "We lost the healer!" they cried in panic.


    "Tighten the formation! This isn''t over yet. She''ll tire soon enough," Lucy said. She tried to keep her team focused, but the chaos Charmelyn had sown was already taking its toll.


    "Protect the support!" Lucy ordered.


    Charmelyn reappeared in a blur of motion, her two daggers glinting in the light as she moved in for the attack. Her body seemed to flicker, moving so swiftly and gracefully that it was almost impossible to track.


    She targeted the support first, dispatching them quickly before vanishing once more, leaving her opponents in disarray as her clones took over, spreading confusion and diverting their


    attention.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Damn, we lost another support!" one of them shouted.


    Charmelyn moved like a shadow, her body barely visible as she flew through the air. She


    would vanish only to reappear in a heartbeat, delivering devastatingly fast strikes that her targets couldn''t withstand.


    By the time another yer arrived to assist, it was toote-Charmelyn had already taken down her target and disappeared again.


    "Control her! Stun her!" they shouted, struggling to keep up with Charmelyn''s speed.


    As they attempted a joint attack, Charmelyn''s body vanished in an instant, only to reappear somewhere else, striking down her next target before they even knew what hit them.


    "Damn it, gather at one point!" Lucymanded firmly.


    The group quickly obeyed, clustering together and unleashing their protective skills to create


    a defensive wall.


    But Charmelyn''s agility was undeterred. She slipped through the openings, her daggers shing as she shed at an archer, eliminating him with ruthless precision. She struck again from another direction, cutting down yet another member before they could react.


    In a matter of seconds, Charmelyn had seeded in decimating all of her opponents, leaving only the leader, Lucy.


    Lucy stood there, her face frozen in shock, her body stiff as if unable to move or react.


    "If I ever see you dare to interfere with Broken or anything under his protection again, I will


    hunt you down day and night. I will not give you a moment''s breath in this game. Feel free to try again if you doubt my threat!"


    With those words, she turned her back on Lucy. In that instant, Lucy''s body shattered into pixels, vanishing from the spot.


    Charmelyn removed her mask, a satisfied smile ying across her lips.


    "I''m sure Broken will be pleased to see all of this," she said softly, and then, just as swiftly as


    she had fought, she vanished from sight.

 Chapter 466: Chapter 466 - Why aren’t there any women?

    Chapter 466: - Why aren¡¯t there any women?


    ?


    Yet another major defeat was suffered by the Vntar Guilds Alliance, and this time it was a group led directly by their alliance leader.


    This immediately caused an uproar on the inte. However, since their forces were still spread across multiple ces, their hope wasn''tpletely extinguished. At the very least, they still aimed to inflict significant damage on Slumdon Town.


    Attention now shifted to two groups that had encountered a contingent of knights. One group was met by three knights, while the other faced four knights-though it was this second


    group that caught the most interest because it was led by a beastkin.


    "Wait, zoom in, please zoom in."


    "Damn, is that an elf? Since when did Slumdon hire elves as knights?!"


    "There are three elves there? Wow! Is the one leading them theirmander?!"


    "They must be new in Slumdon. I''ve never seen them before!"


    "Look at the other group of knights on the next stream-there''s a beastkin, a bunny-girl!" "Seriously? Is Slumdon sending clowns to defend against this attack? This is ridiculous."


    "What a waste... Such a beautiful elf, dying for a worthless town like that."


    "Show mercy to the elf girl!"


    "Damn, I think this is going to be an incredibly foolish ughter! Slumdon is truly wasting its resources by hiring beastkins as defenders for a hopeless cause like this."


    Elowen, now d in her heavy armor, stood with her blonde hair flowing in the wind. Behind her stood two other knights-one a male archer, and the other a female healer holding a magic staff.


    With her sword at her side, Elowen faced the dozen yers approaching them. She drew herself up.


    "Ourmander has ordered us to stop all of you," Elowen said firmly. "You are suspected of attempting to bring harm to this town, and this decision is final. You have no opportunity to defend yourselves."


    The yers were enthusiastic,ughter escaping their lips.


    "Hey, look at this, there''s an elf woman in Slumdon? Wow!"


    "Can we take them away from here? I''m sure they don''t belong in a barren ce like this."


    "Just kill the archer, I want the female healer for myself too."


    Elowen replied coldly, "I''ll add to your punishment by torturing you first, before killing you, for daring to utter such vile and foolish words. Clearly, you weren''t raised properly, or maybe you were born from a whore''s womb and brought up in a brothel, which is why all you spew disgusting things like that?!"


    Everyone before her looked stunned, taken aback by Elowen''s fierce response. "What?"


    "Did you hear what she just said?!"


    "Damn, I think I like this elf woman. Let''s give them a little lesson and make them beg for mercy."


    "Can you all just shut your filthy mouths so we can get this battle started?" Elowen snapped. "Ah, no worries, I''ll shut them all for you-with my sword!" Her words once again leave them stunned at her choice ofnguage.


    The auto censorship system of the Immortal Legacy broadcast immediately muted Elowen''s words, preventing anyone watching from hearing them.


    "Damn, what did that elf say?"


    "Why was it censored?!"


    "Ugh, this is so annoying. Someone, please tell me what she said. Why does a conversation like this have to be censored?"


    "Usually it''s something inappropriate, but I can''t believe something like that woulde from such a beautiful elf."


    Elsewhere, Mira and three other beastkin were surrounded by a dozen yers who seemed to be figuring out how best to torment them.


    "Hey, girl, why don''t you juste with us?" one of the yers said.


    "Yeah, Vntar is much nicer, with plenty of good food to enjoy, hahaha."


    "You''re just wasting your time staying here."


    "Even your lord isn''t around, and they sent you here to die fighting us. What a joke! Hahaha."


    Mira''s grip tightened on her daggers, her face showing uncertainty.


    "Mira, we''re following yourmand," one of the beastkin said to her.


    Mira, however, looked hesitant, her hands gripping her daggers nervously. "Uhm... I don''t know what to do. Should we just fight them?"


    "If you wish to fight, give the order. Lord Maylock appointed you as our leader."


    "But I''m not fit to be a leader. I don''t want to put you all in danger."


    The yers witnessing this exchange burst intoughter.


    "Look at them, they''re scared."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "And they still dare to put their lives in our hands?"


    "Oh, what a shame. Such a cute bunny-girl-maybe we should let her go and just kill the others."


    Mira took a deep breath, then spoke with a hint of determination, despite her trembling voice. "You have been judged to die," she said hesitantly. "We will fight you until none of you are left. That is the order given to us."


    "Hahaha," the yersughed mockingly.


    "I want to see how these dumb beastkin fight."


    "Let''s finish this quickly, then head to the town already."


    Mira still looked hesitant, but then she spoke up. "Lord Broken has given us a ce to stay.


    We must fulfill our duty well-don''t let them touch Slumdon even a little before they have to


    get through us first!" she dered.


    The three other beastkin exchanged nces, visibly impressed.


    "Wow, Mira, that''s exactly how to give an order."


    "Yeah, Mira, you''re doing great!"


    "Really? But I was just saying what was in my head," Mira replied, a bit unsure.


    "That''s exactly what you should do."


    On the other side, a group of knights led by Knight Commander Igor was apanied by Damir the mage and Inggrid, the dual-de fighter, all ready to face their opponents.


    "This is so boring. I was hoping we''d get to fight the Ass Guild," one of the opposing yers


    muttered.


    "Yeah, why do we have to deal with these stupid NPC knights?"


    "They don''t look strong at all. Just look at their formation."


    "No support, and a Mage Knight? Hahaha. This is pathetic."


    "These three dumb knights really think they can fight off this many yers?"


    "Yeah, I guess everyone in this town is just as foolish as their lord."


    Igor stood tall, unsheathing his sword, and beside him, Damir and Inggrid also readied their


    weapons, prepared forbat.


    "You have been used of intending harm to this town. We will not let you advance any


    further," Igor dered. "You will be killed here and now."


    "Whoa, look at the baseless courage these knights have, hahaha."


    "They''re just brainless NPCs, programmed to do dumb things."


    "Come on, let''s get this over with quickly."


    The battles at all three locations began simultaneously, leaving the viewerspletely confused about which fight to focus on.


    From Elowen''s side, the strategy was clear: Elowen charged forward alone, with the healer providing support from a distance. The archer stayed close to the support, providing long-


    range attacks.


    The opposing yersughed at what they saw as a foolish strategy, but when they saw Elowen''s sword glowing with a bright green energy as she dashed forward, they began to


    grow wary.


    Elowen wielded her sword with precision and efficiency. She struck swiftly, then retreated to recover, her movements sharp and calcted. She effectively used both offensive advances and defensive withdrawals, keeping her enemies on edge. Meanwhile, the archer and the healer moved constantly, keeping away from the yers who tried to close in on them. On Mira''s side, the other beastkin were engaged in holding off attacks from all directions. Initially underestimated, Mira turned out to be incredibly fast, moving with agility that surprised her opponents.


    Mira attacked with precision, aiming for weak spots and dispatching her enemies with lethal speed. Those who had originally dismissed her as the weakest of the group now found themselves on high alert, forced to take her seriously as she cut through their ranks.


    Meanwhile, the knights led by Igor moved into action. Igor immediately charged forward, taking on seven yers at once. Ingrid stayed close to Damir, defending against any attacks directed toward them.


    What the attackers hadn''t anticipated was that Damir could provide incredibly powerful magic area damage. Ingrid''s swift movements and precise positioning ensured that Damir remained untouched, allowing him to cast his spells freely.


    This unexpected disy left all those watching in awe.


    "Wait, why are those knights so strong?"


    "Are their levels really high?"


    "I heard they were personally trained by Maylock."


    "But damn, there''s no way they got this strong just from being trained by Maylock, right?"


    "Damn, their fighting style and the strategy they''re using are incredibly well-coordinated."


    "Could it be that Maylock, the master strategist, really is this good?"


    Elsewhere, other groups from the Vntar Guilds Alliance were also greeted by their respective opponents.


    Goldrich walked towards them slowly, a smile on his face as he weed them.


    "Hi, wee to Slumdon." He paused, eyeing the group in front of him with a bored expression. "Why aren''t there any women among you? Damn, this is going to be dull. Next time, consider bringing some beautifuldies. That way, I might hold back a little before torturing you all, khi khi khi."


    On the other side, Kingsley, in his human form, also approached the advancing enemies at a


    leisurely pace. He smiled as he greeted them. "Sorry, but I have to stop you from getting any


    closer."


    In yet another location, Melliandra yawned as she prepared her sniper rifle, already positioned to take long-range shots. The sound of a shot rang out, and she yawned again. "These stupid yers are really just wasting my time," she muttered with annoyance, as she


    lined up for the next shot.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    I took a few chapters to showcase everyone around Broken who will also be his strength.


    This won''t be too long, I''ll try to make it as packed as possible.


    Enjoy the battle!

 Chapter 467: Chapter 467 - Understand Your Opponent!

    Chapter 467: - Understand Your Opponent!


    ?


    Goldrich was using his magic staff like a walking stick to help himself rise.


    "Eugh, uhuk uhuk... This job is too much for an old man like me. Why are you young folks so busy causing trouble? You should be focusing on building something, or working hard so you don''t end up as poor fools like you are now. Khi khi khi."


    "Old geezer, stop running your mouth. We''re going to take you down quickly this time!" they shouted back.


    "Look at this old fossil-shouldn''t he be busy preparing his will instead of wasting time ying games?"


    "Yeah, he''s probably just doing this because, in real life, he''s a pathetic and lonely old man." Goldrich pped his hands, smiling at their taunts.


    "Good... good... You''re quite skilled at running your mouth. I can appreciate that talent of yours," Goldrich said. "But now, you''ll have to prove whether you have the skills to back up that arrogance."


    "Shut up! You made the mistake of picking us as your opponents!"


    "We know exactly how to defeat a mage! You''ll be powerless before us," they responded confidently.


    "Well then, let''s see if your bark matches your bite." Goldrich responded.


    However, the attackers began murmuring among themselves, clearly unsettled by the news of their friends'' defeat circting through their group chats.


    "We heard that several other teams were defeated by members of the Ass Guild."


    "Stay focused! Don''t let that distract us!" another snapped.


    "Yeah, and you will all die just as foolishly after this," Goldrich retorted.


    The leader of the group spoke up, "Those teams were weaklings-nothingpared to us." "Let''s just get rid of this old fool."


    Goldrich smiled, clearly amused by their responses. "I really do admire your enthusiasm," he said calmly. "But are you aware that I am the mage with thergest number of spells in Immortal Legacy? And I''m very proud of that. You may think I''m just a useless old man, but let me tell you-my wealth is so vast that I could even buy your mothers and make them ves in my pce."


    "What?!"


    Everyone stood in stunned silence at Goldrich''s words, their expressions a mix of disbelief and outrage. The automatic broadcast censor immediately bleeped out parts of Goldrich''s statement, leaving viewers confused.


    "Why so much censorship?!"


    Meanwhile, unbeknownst to everyone watching the attack, there was one person secretly overseeing everything, coordinating and allocating forces to counter the invasion. Maylock sat in a carriage with Toberry, Starfall, and Livelywood, typing on his chat screen and monitoring multiple floating screens in front of him.


    [Maylock: "Elincia, stop wasting time. Just kill them already."]


    [Elincia: "What now? You told me I could have fun and take my time torturing them. And now you want me to finish them quickly?"]


    [Maylock: "Yes, you need to move quickly and head to Mira''s position. Make sure they''re all okay."]


    [Elincia: "If you''re so sure that you matched them with enemies they can handle, why are you still worried?"]


    [Maylock: "Yes, I know, but I''m still too worried. Just make sure that none of them die, okay?"]


    [Melliandra: "Maylock, you asshole, just tell me if I can kill them already."]


    [Maylock: "Yes, Melliandra, take out the support in the party Elowen is fighting."]


    [Melliandra: "Such a waste of time. Let me kill all of them, and we can end this now."]


    [Maylock: "No! Let Elowen and the others grow from this battle. Let them fight and resolve this on their own."]


    Starfall nced at Maylock, who was busy typing. "See, it seems like he thinks of those knights as his own children."


    Maylock turned to Starfall with a serious expression. "I can''t afford to make any mistakes in this mission. Or my reputation will be tarnished in Broken''s eyes."


    "You really are a first-ss brown-noser, aren''t you?" Starfall giggled.


    "No, it''s simply to prove that I can still manage the forces even from a distance."


    Livelywood then spoke up. "But, Maylock, are you sure we don''t need to inform Broken about any of this?"


    Maylock shook his head confidently. "This is a small matter; it''s my responsibility to handle it. If we have to bother Broken with something as trivial as this, then I have failed in training the knights properly, hahaha."


    ***


    Kingsley stood calmly, watching as the yers around him prepared their formation. There were over twenty people in their group, each readying for a coordinated assault. "Forgive me," Kingsley began, "but I believe this will be costly for you if you die here. What you''re doing is wrong. You shouldn''t provoke people who have done nothing to harm you." "Shut up, Kingsley! Enough with the preaching. Do you think we need your advice?" one of them snapped.


    "This stupid tanker is scared-that''s why he''s trying to talk us out of this."


    "Let''s kill him quickly! He''s just a tanker who can only defend. Surround him, corner him, and finish him off with ease," another called out.


    Kingsley shook his head slowly. "I''m used to fighting alone at the frontline. I''m not just a tanker-I also deal significant damage, and I''m quite versatile in battle."


    His form began to expand, transforming into a massive bear, nearly twice the size of his normal self. His muscles bulged as he let out a deep growl that reverberated through the area.


    "Control him! Control him now!" they shouted frantically.


    The mages quickly cast their spells, sending a barrage of ice and magic attacks toward Kingsley, hoping to immobilize him. Shards of ice rained down, and magic arrays crackled in the air as they targeted the massive beast from every direction.


    Kingsley roared fiercely. The control spells that hadtched onto him shattered under his sheer force. With another roar, Kingsley swung one of his massive paws, mming it into the ground and sending a shockwave that knocked several attackers off their feet.


    "Attack him from a distance, reduce his health quickly!" one of the yers yelled.


    Kingsley surged forward with surprising speed for his massive form, closing the gap between him and the group in an instant. He swung his enormous ws, smashing one of the yers and sending them flying across the battlefield. The yer crashed to the ground, disintegrating into pixels on impact.


    With a deafening roar, Kingsley continued his assault, his massive ws swinging at the attackers, each strike shattering their formations.


    "Control him! Control him now!"


    Massive ice shards fell from the sky, trying to freeze Kingsley in ce. He roared again, and, in a blink, hisrge bear form shifted, shrinking into a sleek ck panther. Now, in this form, he moved with incredible agility, darting between attacks and lunging at his opponents with


    even greater speed.


    Kingsley pounced on one yer, tearing into them with his razor-sharp ws until their body fragmented into pixels. Before the others could react, he leaped again, transforming mid-air. His body expanded once more, and when hended, he was back in his bear form, mming his massive ws down with enough force to kill two yers instantly.


    "Control him! Stun him! Stun him!"


    "Debuff him, debuff him!"


    "Can''t-he can''t be controlled!"


    Those watching the battle online were left stunned, jaws dropping at what they were


    witnessing.


    "How?! How is he doing this?!"


    "Is his ss really that powerful? Isn''t it supposed to be just an Elite-grade ss?"


    "Yes, Elite-Beastmaster Transmogrifier. I remember the name of his ss clearly, and


    there''s been a lot of talk about it."


    "Then how is he this strong?"


    "No one knows."


    On the other side, where Goldrich stood, he held his magic staff upright, spinning it with a


    confident smile. He began murmuring under his breath.


    "Enhance speed, enhance focus, boost critical hit rate, amplify aura, boost magical resilience,


    boost elemental damage, enhance endurance, increase spell casting speed, enhance stamina


    recovery..."


    The yers watching were filled with confusion and panic.


    "What is that? What is he doing?!"


    "Attack-attack now!" they shouted frantically.


    The group immediately charged toward Goldrich, swords raised, aiming to strike him down


    before he couldplete whatever he was nning.


    Goldrich responded with a faint smile. "You all rush in too hastily, without understanding


    your opponent first. That is a grave mistake."


    As a sword came swinging towards him, Goldrich stepped easily to the side, evading the attack with minimal effort.


    "Poor control. Have you never studied sword mastery?" he said as he tripped the attacker, sending him sprawling to the ground.


    "Now, let me show you where each of your weaknesses lies," Goldrich said with a smile.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Goldrich''s lecture time! Who knew this old man had more than just a big mouth? Did you


    catch how he casually said he could buy their moms? I mean, that''s some next-level insult. The magic buffs were stacking, and his tongue was sharper than their swords.


    And Kingsley¡ªturning from a massive bear to a panther and back again¡ªwho knew tanking could look this graceful and terrifying?N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Which battle had you on the edge of your seat more? Let me know in thements! And if you''re enjoying these defenders showing off their true strength, don''t forget to drop Power Stone and Golden Ticket! ??

 Chapter 468: Chapter 468 - My Magic Shield is Quite Thick

    Chapter 468: - My Magic Shield is Quite Thick


    ?


    A woman with brown hair and greenish armor strode forward with an expression of pure irritation. It was Jovina, and in front of her was a group of dozens of yers, all readying themselves for battle.


    "This Maylock is so full of crap," she muttered. "Why do I have to fight these low-level idiots? I should be fighting someone far stronger than this."


    "Fighting a beast master is simple-just kill the user before they can summon their stupid pets," one of the yers said as they took up their positions.


    "Yeah, she thinks she''s safeing here alone."


    "Hey, Jovina, your mouth is full of garbage, you asshole. You''d better shut that filthy mouth, because we''re going to take you down easily!"


    "Ch!" Jovina scoffed, spitting in their direction. "You are truly pathetic yers who can only admire us from afar. Don''t worry, I''ll show you just how powerful my ''stupid'' pet really is!"


    "Get ready! Attack her quickly!" the yers shouted, casting their buffs and preparing to charge.


    Suddenly, they froze, their confidence reced by confusion as the ground beneath them began to tremble violently.


    "What''s happening?!"


    "Stay alert! She''s already summoned her pet!"


    Out of the cracked earth behind them, a massive centipede emerged, its countless legs sharp as des. It let out a monstrous hiss, each of its many legs slicing the ground as it moved, towering over the yers.


    "From behind!" they screamed.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Ch!" Jovina sneered. "Finish them quickly; there''s nothing interesting about any of them."


    She turned her back to the chaos, walking away with disinterest. "yers like you are probably carrying nothing of value in your inventories anyway. Let your dropped items just lie there, so some other poor fools can loot them. Hahaha."


    Jovina kept walking, ignoring the screams behind her as her massive centipede tore through the group with brutal efficiency.


    The viewers of the battle could only watch in stunned silence as the massive centipede wreaked havoc, leaving no one standing.


    "What is that?!"


    "Is that a Raid Boss?"


    "How can she have a beast summon that powerful?"


    "Is the Beast Master ss really that impressive?"


    "Jovina is ranked number one among Beast Masters-there must be a reason for that."


    "Yeah, this isn''t a fight anymore; it''s a massacre."


    On the other side of the battlefield, a tall, muscr figure walked forward. There was something peculiar about him, though he was dragging someone along by the leg, and the person being dragged was holding a bottle, drinking from it casually despite being pulled along the ground.


    It was Optimus, the martial arts fighter, and his partner, Trison, the drunken healer.


    Optimus stopped as he faced his opponents. Without warning, he tossed Trison towards them. Trisonnded with a thud, looking bewildered as he sat up and nced around.


    "Wait, is that Optimus here?!"


    "Isn''t he supposed to be in the capital? How did he get here?!"


    "Why are you all panicking? There''s no need to be scared! He''s alone!" they shouted, trying to rally their confidence.


    Then their gaze shifted to Trison, who was now sitting on the ground with bloodshot eyes, staring back at them.


    "Are you all here for a party?" Trison slurred.


    "That one''s just a drunk-ignore him!" one of them scoffed.


    "Hey, do you want to party?" Trison said, stumbling as he stood up, taking another swig from his bottle.


    "Trison, buff me. They want a party," Optimus said.


    "A party in the middle of the day, hahaha." Trisonughed, then threw his bottle at Optimus''s head. And then, in an instant, Optimus dashed toward the attackers.


    "Wait, wait, we''re not ready! Cast buffs, cast buffs!"


    "Why is the number one fighter of the Dissidia Kingdom here? Why was our intel wrong?" they screamed, panicking as they scrambled to react.


    Goldrich! He seemed to be having the most fun out of everyone else in the fray.


    "Oh, you''re just wasting your skills casting magic at me while I''m immune, you know," he said as one of the attackers rushed at him, swinging a ming sword towards him.


    Goldrich swiftly kicked the yer in the legs, then grabbed the ming sword from them, spinning it in the air without physically holding it.


    "Wait, how is he wielding the sword without touching it?!" someone shouted, clearly


    shocked.


    "Khi khi khi... I''m not actually holding it. I''m controlling the sword with my skill. Did you think using a sword always meant holding it in your hand?"


    The group quickly closed in, attacking from all directions. Goldrich, however, manipted the sword expertly, guiding it through the air. It moved with elegant precision, cutting down the attackers as if it had a mind of its own.


    "Khi khi khi... look at your support yer over there," Goldrich mocked. "Instead of analyzing my weaknesses, they look lost, unsure of which spell to even use against me."


    He deftly evaded iing attacks, his movements surprisingly swift and graceful. He darted between strikes with a fluidity that left his enemies struggling to keep up, until he suddenly closed the distance between himself and one of the support yers.


    "Help me!" the support yer screamed.


    From a distance, the ming sword spun and flew straight towards the support, piercing their chest before they could react.


    "See, you must focus on protecting your support roles with your lives. Don''t let them be exposed like this-it''s a fatal mistake." Goldrich said calmly, as if lecturing them.


    "Shut up, you fool!"


    "Attack him from all sides! Cast any skill! He''s just a mage-hit him up close, his health must


    be low!"


    Goldrich let out a chuckle. "Yes, but my magic shield is quite thick," he paused for a moment, then added with a sly grin, "just like thedies tell me, khi khi khi."


    Meanwhile, Skywarden was walking slowly and reluctantly, his massive, gleaming armor glistening in the sunlight. His face showed nothing but bitterness and discontent as he trudged forward.


    "Why do I have to do this? Damn it!" he muttered, approaching a group that seemed ready to


    face him.


    "You guys really screwed the pooch!" Skywarden bellowed. Without giving them a chance to respond, heunched himself straight into the fray, his armor nking as he charged.


    What many had anticipated as an exciting spectacle seemed to end in the blink of an eye. The hundreds of yers who had hoped to put up some sort of resistance against the Ass Guild werepletely powerless before them.


    "Damn it! I was hoping for an action-packed fight!"


    "Those Vntar Guilds Alliance members are so dumb!"


    "Yeah, this was supposed to be an epic battle, but it turned out more like aedy show!"


    "They all died so stupidly, just like that."


    "I''m still curious about that elf knight from earlier-she was really beautiful."


    "I want to visit Slumdon."


    "Just make sure you have good intentions when you go, unless you want to face those


    monsters firsthand, hahaha."


    Broken was sitting in the carriage, listening to the cheerful conversation between Anna and Ivana, when an unexpected notification suddenly popped up in front of him.


    [You have done an outstanding job of protecting the citizens of Slumdon Town. Your selection


    of personnel for the task was spot on, and it has been greatly appreciated by the residents. As


    a result, you have earned yourself a whopping 3,500 Reputation Points!] "What?" Broken muttered, staring at the notification with a confused expression.

 Chapter 469: Chapter 469 - He Needs to Meet Them in Person

    Chapter 469: - He Needs to Meet Them in Person


    ?


    Broken and the group finally arrived in the small vige near Wildwood Forest, a quiet ce they had chosen to rest before venturing deeper into the wilderness.


    As they entered the nearby tavern for a break, Broken took a seat at a wooden table,


    surrounded by Maylock, Starfall, Livelywood, Toberry, and Ivana.


    The knights, meanwhile, took seats at a separate table, giving their lord and hispanions some space.


    "I just got a few notifications that there was an attack on Slumdon Town," Broken said. "Is this the attack from the Alliance you mentioned to me a few days ago, Maylock?"


    "Indeed it is. But Elincia and the others managed to drive them all away-sent them packing straight to the Temple of Resurrection in Vntar. That''s about the best service we could offer them."


    "Were any of the NPCs hurt? What about the people of Slumdon?"


    "Just minor injuries for Mira and a few of the knights, but nothing serious. They''ve already fully recovered, and no damage was done those attackers never even made it inside the town."


    Broken nodded. "You intentionally chose not to inform me of this, didn''t you?"


    Maylock shrugged. "I knew it was a small matter, something we could handle. I didn''t want to distract you from the expedition. If something serious had happened, of course, you would have been the first to know."


    Broken regarded him for a moment before a faint smile appeared. "I see... you did well then, Maylock."


    Starfall giggled at that. "I bet Maylock is trying to show that this was no big deal for Slumdon, Broken."


    "No, it''s okay, I don''t mind," Broken replied. "In fact, I trust that his n was great."


    "Hahaha... that''s the bestpliment I''ve received in thest decade," Maylock said,ughing.


    Starfall sighed and responded, "And he''s a suck-up in addition to being a strategy genius."


    Livelywood burst outughing at that, drawing everyone''s attention.


    "Stop with that fakeugh, Livelywood," Maylock said tly.


    "What? Haha, no, it''s not fake!" Livelywood defended himself. "But really, your conversation is quite funny."


    The group turned their focus back to Broken, ready to continue the discussion.


    "But you said there were hundreds of them, right? Were their levels just too low?"


    Maylock shook his head. "Yes, their levels were below 200-maybe somewhere between 170 and 190 on average. But no, they weren''t entirely weak. They just foolishly underestimated the strength of the Ass Guild and the Slumdon knights."


    Broken nodded. "They paid the price for that arrogance, then."


    "Exactly. They came in expecting an easy victory, and that overconfidence led to their swift defeat."


    Toberry chuckled. "I''m still surprised, you know. There are still people who underestimate the Ass Guild, even though we rank among the top ten guilds with only thirteen members."


    "Haha, yes," Livelywood added with a chuckle. "Everyone in this guild is incredibly strong. I''m proud to be a part of it."


    "You''re not being influenced by Maylock''s arrogance, are you, Toberry?" Starfall asked with a faint smile.


    "It''s hard to avoid, I suppose," Toberry admitted. "I''ve spent so much time in a team with him, I''m sure I''ve picked up some of his bad habits."


    "Arrogance is innate, unfortunately. It''s like second nature to me. I can''t help it," Maylock said.


    Broken nodded slowly, absorbing their conversation. "I''ll have to thank Elinciater for her contribution. Luckily, she and the others stayed in Slumdon, so nothing serious happened." Broken said this because, deep down, he still felt a sense of responsibility. A major attack had urred on the town while he was far away, unable to protect it. And Freya, with her lower level andck of notablebat abilities, certainly wouldn''t have been able to fend off an assault of that magnitude on her own.


    The entire situation had been thwarted thanks to Maylock''s nning and Elincia''s coordination in Slumdon Town. Their efforts had been crucial in keeping everyone safe.


    "Broken..." Starfall spoke up.


    Starfall, the elemental mage with distinct Asian features and long ck hair, had a serene and charismatic aura that made her stand out. She was well-known beyond the game-indeed, a celebrity and a famous figure in her country.


    Broken remembered the conversation he''d had with Freya when they had watched the Korean drama that starred Starfall, the very girl now standing in front of him. She embodied the same calm and charismatic presence he had seen on-screen, living up to her reputation as an actress and a popr singer.


    "Yes?" he asked softly, meeting her eyes.


    "Don''t worry too much. We will protect Slumdon Town even when you''re not there," she said warmly. "We own the town together, and we''re friends too. It''s as much our duty as it is yours."


    Broken nodded at her words. "Thanks."


    Maylock adjusted his sunsses. "It''s inevitable that as you be more powerful and well- known, you''ll umte more enemies. That''s just the nature of gaining strength and reputation. You need to be prepared for whateveres."


    Broken nodded slowly. "What about this Guilds Alliance? Could it lead to tension between the Keseon Kingdom and the Dissidia Kingdom?"


    Maylock nodded. "Yes, it''s very likely that this situation was engineered by someone for personal gain. I have a suspicion about who that person might be. However, there''s no need to concern yourself with it just yet. We can go over the details after weplete this


    expedition."


    "Sure," Broken replied casually.


    With that, they decided to rest for the night. The group rented an inn for the NPCs to settle infortably, while the yers, mindful of their limited online time in Immortal Legacy, logged out to recharge.


    ***


    Leon stepped out of the capsule device and quickly changed into his running outfit.


    As he exited the building, the crisp night air enveloped him, signaling the start of his daily routine. It was alreadyte, but he needed this to recharge his mood for the day. He wouldn''t stop running until his skin was drenched in sweat.


    He ran through the streets of the city, his eyes catching on a massive digital screen attached to


    a building, disying an advertisement for Immortal Legacy.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Eternal Challenge, huh?" he mumbled to himself as he read the details of the uing


    major event.


    Eternal Challenge was the first official majorpetition held directly by the Developer. He wondered if he could join thepetition as well. Was there a category for individual yers? Perhaps he could participate in a battlepetition or something simr.


    However, he knew this event would be drawing a lot of attention worldwide. It was a huge


    deal, after all.


    There would be many pro yers from around the worldpeting in this tournament.


    But, could this also mean that the entire Ass Guild might gather here as well? They would certainly want to participate in such a majorpetition.


    So far, the only member of the Ass Guild he had met in real life was Laura, who happened to be his schoolmate. It was shocking when he remembered the moment she admitted it to him. The revtion had been both surprising and exhrating.


    But what about the other members of the Ass Guild? Was Goldrich really as much of a pervert in real life as he was in the game? How wealthy was he truly? And Melliandra-did she still hold that grudge against him so fiercely that she''d still be mad at him in person?


    And then there was Maylock. Leon wondered what the ever-brilliant strategist would be like


    in real life. Would Maylock still enjoy unting his intelligence as much as he did in the game? And what about Booba, RememberMe, PussyCat, Elincia, and the others?


    They had all helped him immensely, but he hadn''t had the chance to meet any of them in


    person yet.


    Freya had brought up the topic of the Eternal Challenge to him multiple times, but they


    hadn''t had the chance to discuss it in detail. She had mentioned something about forming a


    team topete in the grouppetition.


    Grouppetition?


    She talked about things like Monster Battle and yer Team Battle. It seemed like it could be


    an exciting opportunity.


    But first, he needed to make sure he could join a team. Wasn''t thepetition starting soon?


    He was still caught up in so many things within the game that he hadn''t had the time to


    properly prepare.


    Leon decided that he would follow up on this topic with Freyater.

 Chapter 470: Chapter 470 - The Little Troublemaker

    Chapter 470: - The Little Troublemaker


    ?


    A few days after the Vntar Guilds Alliance''s attack on Slumdon Town, the Temple of Resurrection in Vntar City was filled with arge crowd of hundreds of people, all recently returned to life after their defeat in the attempted siege.


    "Look at them..." one onlooker said, "the so-called pro guilds who got utterly humiliated trying to take on Slumdon Town and the Ass Guild."


    "Haha... they were really foolish to think they could beat the Ass Guild."


    At the front of the crowd stood Lucy, her face twisted with frustration.


    "Stop insulting us!" she shouted. "Don''t you realize the hardships we have suffered?"


    One of her guildmates, standing beside her, ced a hand on her shoulder, trying to reassure her.


    "We can stille up with a new strategy, Lucy. We''ll attack the Ass Guild again, next time with a full team."


    Tears began streaming down Lucy''s cheeks. "I need the money for my wedding... I need more poprity to gather more funds." She sobbed harder. "But we''ve lost so badly, and now we''re humiliated like fools."


    Her guildmateforted her, "It''s okay, Lucy, we did our best. I''m sure we can still attack again, but this time with a more thought-out strategy than before."


    They added, "All we need is the right moment-when the members of the Ass Guild are out hunting or away from Slumdon. That will be our chance tounch an even bigger attack."


    Lucy nodded slowly. "We need to do it one more time. Yes, I agree. We have to make another stand. This isn''t over-we only failed because of theck of preparation and the indiscipline of many."


    One of them chimed in, "Or, we could simply hunt down members of the Ass Guild when they''re in smaller groups. We target them, make them weaker, and gain poprity by defeating that arrogant guild. If we keep picking them off, we''ll wear them down."


    "Yeah, we need to discuss the right strategy to squeeze poprity out of this situation," Lucy agreed. "We will find a way to turn this loss into an opportunity. We can''t let our reputation end like this."


    At that moment, a figure emerged from the crowd and stopped in front of them-it was Constantine. He had foreseen this oue; he knew that the foolish Vntar Guilds Alliance would fail against the Ass Guild. That''s why he had returned, ready to set his next n in motion.


    As expected, his strategy had worked wlessly. These na?ve yers would grow increasingly obsessed with defeating the Ass Guild, and eventually, the Ass Guild would bepelled tounch a counterattack on this pitiful city.


    As Constantine drew nearer, Lucy noticed him, her irritation ring instantly.


    "Would you like assistance from my well-known and powerful guild?" Constantine asked. "I''m certain I have a captivating offer for you."


    "Damn you, Constantine!" Lucy snapped, her anger evident, though she couldn''t quite ignore her curiosity. "Fine, tell me what this offer is!"


    ***


    Broken found himself once again in the inn room they had rented for a few days before continuing their expedition. The morning light streaming in softly through the window. He looked around at the quiet space, taking in the warmth of the early sunlight.


    "Polly, Pawpaw," he called.


    Immediately, the two beasts appeared in the room. Polly bounded in and, with a quick leap, jumped onto the bed, hiding behind Broken. Pawpaw, on the other hand,y sprawled on the floor, grooming his head andzily licking his paw. He yawned, his big eyes wandering around the room with sleepy curiosity.


    "Broken... I want to eat..." the little cat said, yawning again.


    Broken smiled, reaching behind him to pick up Polly. He ced her on hisp, gently stroking her small fox-like body.


    "We have plenty of time in this vige while waiting for the others, so I think you two can wander around the forest," he said. "Just make sure you don''t attack anything except monsters," he emphasized.


    "Hahaha... but I wanted to eat some of the humans in this vige."


    "No, no eating anything without my permission, okay?" Broken repeated firmly, giving the kitten a pointed look.


    Pawpaw gave a sigh, rolling over onto his back. "Fine, fine... no fun, as usual."


    Broken couldn''t help but think about the trouble that might arise if someone spotted Pawpaw looking like he did now. Sure, Pawpaw was just a small kitten, but the horns on his head clearly marked him as a demon, and that could cause quite a stir.


    "Actually," Broken said, "Pawpaw, if you go out, try to stay hidden or cover up your horns. We don''t need any misunderstandings with the vigers."


    Pawpaw sat up, looking puzzled for a moment. Shadows began to form around him, gathering around his head, until he was suddenly sporting arge mane like a lion.


    "What about like this?" he asked, puffing out his chest.


    Broken raised an eyebrow, "No, no little lion has a mane that thick. And you''re not even a lion, Pawpaw."


    Pawpaw grumbled at the response. He opened his mouth wide, letting out a noise that sounded more like a yawn than anything intimidating.


    "I am the mighty demon lion!" he roared.


    "No, you''re just a naughty little cat, Pawpaw," Polly surprisingly interjected.


    "Rawr! I''m the mighty ruler of hell! I''ll eat whatever I want, even a silly fox like you!"


    Pawpaw shot back, suddenly darting toward Polly, ready to pounce.


    Before he could reach her, Broken caught the kitten in mid-air, holding him securely. Polly immediately scampered away, hiding behind the bed.


    "See, Pawpaw?" Broken said, holding the cat with a calm expression. "Show me hown/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    impressive your Vermilion Dusk power is. Use it to cover those horns, can you?"


    Pawpaw narrowed his eyes and let out another exaggerated "rawr."


    "You''re not the boss of me! I live by my own rules!" he dered.


    But after a moment, the shadows began to gather around his head, this time forming a thick


    tuft of fur that concealed the small hornspletely.


    "Fine... see? I''ll show you just how cool my Vermilion Dusk can be!"


    Broken smiled at the little cat. "That''s perfect. Your Vermilion Dusk is really powerful. And it looks so cool!" he praised, scratching Pawpaw gently behind the ears.


    Pawpaw let out a small purr, clearly pleased despite his earlier protests.


    Broken remembered the conversation he''d had with Ivana about handling Pawpaw. He had asked her for advice on how to deal with the stubborn little kitten, and Ivana had responded with a giggle as she spoke.


    "Pawpaw is still like a child," she had said. "He wants his freedom and doesn''t want to listen to anyone. But you don''t need to worry. All you need to do is learn how tomunicate with him, and use his pride to guide him. When he matures a bit more, he''ll start to follow your lead better, Broken. Don''t worry you''ll be a good master for him." Those words echoed in his mind as he watched Pawpaw squirming slightly in his grasp, clearly annoyed yet trying to appear dignified. Not bad, he was already starting to get a handle on this little troublemaker, just as Ivana had advised.

 Chapter 471: Chapter 471 - Natural Talent as a Playboy

    Chapter 471: - Natural Talent as a yboy


    ?


    That day, Broken spent his time apanying Polly, Pawpaw, and ze as they hunted in the nearby forest. He rode alongside Ivana, each of them on their skeletal fiery horses, exploring the woods and seeking out monsters to hunt.


    It was pretty clear that Polly was acting more lively with Pawpaw around. It almost seemed like Polly was beginning to feel she had found a new friend, despite the constant threats from Pawpaw to eat her, as he oftenined about the monsters tasting awful.


    In the afternoon, Broken returned to the vige to check in with the Knights and assess their progress. Karl, Yann, and Anna were all demonstrating impressive growth, especially given their current levels. They had even developed new skills that perfectly matched their chosen weapons, showcasing just how far they''de.


    Meanwhile, in Slumdon, Igor and the other Knights had also gained valuable experience from battling the intruders. Karl and the others would soon gain even more during the uing expedition. Who knows what dangers awaited them in Faery territory?N?v(el)B\\jnn


    After ensuring that everyone was ready and that all the equipment was in good condition, with no durability issues, Broken logged out once again. He then set up the schedule for their journey the following day.


    The next day, early in the morning, Broken and the others were ready to continue their expedition. They had ensured they had enough ytime to reach the nned post without any trouble.


    "This ytime rule really weighs us down, doesn''t it?" Maylock remarked to the group with a faint smile.


    Toberry responded, "Whoa... imagine if we could stay online in the game for 24 hours


    straight, Maylock. People like you would probably never log out andpletely forget about real life, ha ha ha."


    "What do you take me for? Single and unpopr with thedies like you?" Maylock retorted. "I''ve got a beautiful wife and an adorable daughter! And, as you know, I don''t even fully use up my ytime. I spend way more time outside with my little girl."


    "Kha ha ha ha... you really are straightforward, aren''t you?" Toberryughed, then draped an arm over Broken''s shoulder. "I think you need to teach me your secrets for attracting women, Broken. Ha ha ha..."


    Broken looked at Toberry. "In case you haven''t noticed, I''m single too," he chuckled in response.


    "You say that so innocently, while plenty of people envy how close you are to Princess Alora, or even Ivana¨Dwith her kindness and cooking skills," Toberry teased, chuckling.


    Ivana smiled and giggled at the joke. "Yes, Broken has already stolen my heart. You should make him share his secret with you," she said, ying along.


    "See, Broken?" Toberry nudged Broken in the side,ughing.


    Starfall also let out a soft giggle, covering her mouth with her hand. "I''m sure Broken wins women''s hearts with his natural charm, not some secret like you''re suggesting, Toberry." "What''s Natural charm? Like he was born to be a yboy?" Toberry teased.


    "There''s no such thing as a single yboy like me," Broken replied with a sigh.


    Anna then joined in with a giggle, "Ha ha ha... My Lord Broken really is a conqueror of hearts... I love you too, My Lord."


    Karl gave Anna a light tap on the back and said sternly, "Anna... mind your words!"


    "Oops, sorry..." Anna said, quickly stepping back.


    Broken smiled. "It''s all right, Karl, take it easy. We''re on the same expedition-we''re here to help and protect each other."


    "Yes, My Lord. But I still can''t let Anna speak so carelessly. I''ll teach her better manners," Karl insisted.


    Broken smiled and patted Karl on the shoulder. "Thanks. Please keep an eye on the team, especially since Igor isn''t here."


    "Yes, My Lord."


    After confirming that all the preparations wereplete, Maylock spoke up again, "Alright, I think it''s about time we get moving. Enough with the chit-chat, everyone!"


    He then turned to face Broken. "If it''s alright with you, I''d like to take the lead?"


    "Yes, I have no objections. I''m not familiar with the area we''re about to venture into, so I''d appreciate your guidance, Maylock."


    Maylock nodded in acknowledgment. He then projected a transparent map in front of them. "We''re currently here," he said, pointing to a spot on the map. "And we''re aiming to reach this area. This is where the Eternal me was discovered by adventurers long ago. It will take us two days to get there. Along the way, we should take turns logging out of the game, so we can all stay together when we resume the journey."


    "That''s a great idea, Maylock," Toberry eximed. "Ha ha ha... Let''s go!"


    Broken nodded in agreement with his n, ready to proceed.


    The group set off immediately, sticking to the formation they had nned. Maylock took the middle position with Starfall and Ivana beside him, while Yann, Karl, and Anna led from the front, guiding their path. Livelywood and Broken followed at the back, ready to defend against any potential attacks from behind.


    Broken also let Pawpaw and Polly roam freely around them. The two beasts kept chasing each other, darting around the group. asionally, Pawpaw would leap as if to attack Polly, prompting Polly to jump away and seek refuge near Ivana.


    "Ivana, let me eat that fox," Pawpaw growled.


    "Don''t worry," Ivana replied in a soothing tone. "There are plenty of monsters here. You''ll get your fill, alright? We won''t take your share. Just eat as much as you like." "Really? Hahaha, I''m happy," Pawpaw said, then dashed forward to match the others'' pace.


    The forest around them was dense, filled with towering trees whose branches reached up to the sky, letting beams of golden sunlight filter through in sporadic bursts. Everywhere they looked, the trees seemed endless, requiring them to weave carefully as they journeyed deeper. "Let''s move with stealth," Maylockmanded. "We don''t want to waste time battling hordes of monsters."


    The air that morning carried the sweet scent of fresh earth, mingling with the pungent musk of wet bark and rotting leaves, alongside a hint of dewy wildflowers that gave it a crisp aroma.


    "How can you be so skilled with a sword, Livelywood?" Broken asked.


    "Ah... haha..." Livelywood chuckled awkwardly. "I started learning when I was four. My grandfather taught me. It''s something I''ve always loved, and now, in this game, I get to use my swordsmanship skills to their fullest."


    Broken nodded thoughtfully.


    "You''re also quite skilled with the sword... and the spear too," Livelywood added. "I''ve seen the way you swing your sword and spin your spear-very efficient, and you minimize any unnecessary movements in battle. Plus, your parrying is impressive. Did you learn to use a


    sword in real life as well?"


    "Hm..." Broken muttered softly. "Yes."


    "Really? Since when?"


    "Since... maybe thest two or three months."


    "No way! But how? Even a pro like Booba needed time to get used to this game."


    "Is Booba really that good with a sword?"


    "You haven''t seen him fight?"


    Broken slowly shook his head, realizing that, indeed, he had never actually witnessed Booba


    using his sword skills firsthand.


    "Monsters!!!" Pawpaw''s sudden shout shattered the quiet of their journey, instantly grabbing


    everyone''s attention.

 Chapter 472: Chapter 472 - Ill Protect Them with My Life

    Chapter 472: - I''ll Protect Them with My Life


    ?


    Their journey had been interrupted several times by monster attacks. Fortunately, the average level of these monsters was below 200, giving Maylock the opportunity to let the Knights take charge.


    Karl wielded his sword with practiced skill, each movement precise and deliberate. He moved with abination of power and grace, his de shing like lightning as it cut through the monsters'' defenses effortlessly.


    "How would you rate Karl''s fighting style?" Broken asked Livelywood. "He''s got a rate-A Sword Mastery talent."


    Livelywood nodded quickly. "Yes, his swordy is truly impressive. I feel like I could learn a thing or two from him. Your Knight is quite remarkable, Broken. I''m sure Karl has trained very hard to reach this level, and I have no doubt he''ll be an extraordinary knight in the future. I''m excited to see how far he can go."


    "What about Igor? He uses a sword too."


    "Uhm..." Livelywood hesitated for a moment. "I''ve seen Igor use a sword a few times. In my opinion, they''re both very skilled, but there''s something unique about Karl-like his strikes, they''re just more precise."


    Broken nodded. "Actually, Karl also has a rate-S talent called Precision Strikes. It allows him to target enemy weak points for critical hits and prate armor."


    "Oh... hahaha, I guess that''s what makes him stand out," Livelywood responded with augh. "Meanwhile, I think Igor is better suited to his role as Commander."


    "Yes." Broken nodded in agreement.


    Meanwhile, Yann, the archer, held his position at the back of the battle. He took careful aim and released an arrow, which soared through the air and struck its target with pinpoint uracy. His movements were swift and fluid, allowing him to quickly reposition for a better vantage point as the fight progressed.


    Maylock nced at Broken and gave him a thumbs-up. "He is so good. Perfect!"


    "Yann is talented as well, Broken," Livelywood added.


    Maylock slowed his pace to join in on the conversation with Broken. "Yann is incredibly


    focused. I''m sure he''ll be an amazing archer in the future."


    Broken nodded. "The highlight of Yann''s abilities is his talent, rate-S Escape Artist. It gives him a higher chance of breaking free from enemy restraints or captivity."


    "Combined with his pathfinding skills, he could be an excellent scout. You''ve got Knights with some fantastic talentbinations," Maylock said, adjusting his sunsses as he spoke.


    Next was Anna, her enthusiasm driving her forward as she darted through the swarm of monsters with incredible agility and speed. She gripped her powerful greatsword firmly in both hands. With a determined shout, she lifted it high before bringing it down with tremendous force, sending the monsters flying from the sheer impact.


    Livelywood went on. "And Anna... She''s so determined, never one to give up. I truly believe that soon enough, they''ll be powerful Knights, capable ofpeting even against yers at the same level as them."


    The battle raged on, with Pawpaw constantly lurking around, finishing off weakened monsters and devouring them. He seemed to relish each moment a monster attacked, always being the first to give a warning to the others.


    From time to time, the little kitten would spit out a monster core onto the ground, and Polly would promptly pick it up and bring it over to Broken.


    "Thanks, Polly," Broken said, patting the little fox on the head.


    "Ck! You''re acting like a baby fox, Polly!" Pawpawined.


    Broken then walked over to Pawpaw and did the same, gently patting his head.


    "Stop it! Don''t do this to me!" Pawpaw protested, though his eyes slowly closed, and his head bowed, clearly enjoying the attention despite his words.


    "Don''t treat the Hell Lord like this!" he grumbled.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    As night descended, the group chose a tree of reasonable height within the forest to rest in. They quickly climbed up to the branches, each finding a spot to settle for the night.


    "Okay, I''m logging out first," Livelywood dered before disconnecting.


    Their logout and login schedule had been meticulously arranged by Maylock. He was strict about sticking to the n, emphasizing that discipline was key to the sess of their expedition.


    When Toberry tried to negotiate for a bit more time before logging out, Maylock immediately shot him a re. "Go ahead, but we''ll leave you behind!"


    "Whoa, haha, Maylock, take it easy, I was just joking. Hehe," Toberry said nervously.


    Toberry then followed the schedule, logging out when his turn came. A few hourster, Maylock also logged out of the game.


    Broken perched himself on a sturdy branch of the tree, his legs swinging slowly in rhythm with Ivana, who sat beside him.


    "I want to visit Deadbay again after this expedition," she said.


    "Do you already miss Deadbay, Ivana?"


    Ivana nced at him with a gentle smile and nodded. "Yes, I miss Deadbay... and Mr. Fokil too."


    "We''ll go visit him after we''re done with this expedition."


    "Yes, but you don''t need to worry about me. I can go on my own; you''re busy with so many things, aren''t you?"


    "Not really," he said. "There are still a lot of things I need to learn from Mr. Fokil about cksmithing. So maybe we could spend about one or two weeks in Deadbayter."


    Ivana nodded softly and then leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder, enjoying the quiet night illuminated only by the moonlight.


    Maylock had established a strict timetable for when each person should log in and log out, ensuring there was always someone online to apany the NPCs. This setup was also meant to prevent any unexpected attacks that could ur if they were all offline at the same time.


    With at least one person keeping watch, they could alert the others to log in quickly and assist if anything happened.


    Starfall, who was also a well-known figure, was even willing to dedicate most of her time to the mission. She made sure that her shooting schedule in real life was rtively free during this expedition. It was evident that she prioritized the game over her remarkable career


    outside of it.


    That night, it was Broken''s turn to stay awake with the others, keeping watch until everyone else came back online.


    He chatted casually with Ivana for a few hours while keeping an eye on Pawpaw, who seemed tireless as he roamed the forest.


    Broken used his Shared Senses skill to monitor Pawpaw, making sure he didn''t get into any trouble. Broken had specifically asked Pawpaw to hunt further away from their resting spot, hoping to avoid drawing monsters closer to their location.


    The Knights began to drift off to sleep, and soon enough, Ivana dozed off as well, her head resting on his shoulder. Gently, he supported her and leaned her back against the tree, carefully brushing away the strands of hair that had fallen across her face.


    "Pawpaw, those monsters are too strong," Broken muttered as he noticed Pawpaw charging into a group of monsters that were clearly higher-level than him. But Pawpaw seemed not to hear, continuing his reckless attack.


    Broken could only sigh as he watched, shaking his head at the little creature''s stubbornness.


    When morning arrived, Livelywood was the first to appear. "Good morning, Broken. It''s your


    turn to log out now."


    Broken turned to Ivana. "I''m going to have to leave for a bit, so please look after everyone." Ivana nodded. "Yes, don''t worry. I''ll protect them with my life," she said confidently.


    ***


    Author''s Note:


    Hi everyone! I have a redeem code that contains 10 FP, avable for use by 10 people. I''ll be


    removing this note within 24 hours:


    ABDHYTUXLALXKVCCA

 Chapter 473: Chapter 473 - Cedric Cecilia

    Chapter 473: - Cedric Cecilia


    ?


    In the depths of the night, beneath the shimmering moonlight, two children could be seen wandering through the Wildwood forest. They wore clothes and dresses crafted from leaves and vines, which gave them a unique appearance as they moved through the darkness.


    It was clear that they were children, appearing to be around twelve years old, though no one could be sure of their true ages. With astonishing agility, they bounded between tree branches as if they were flying, and each time they moved, tiny glimmers of magical energy trailed behind them, illuminating their path briefly.


    The most defining feature of these children was their pointed ears-characteristic of elves. It was clear they were not Human. More precisely, they were Faeries.


    The girl then leaped down from a tree branch, and with a wave of her hand, a glowing magic circle appeared in front of her, revealing an image from another part of the forest.


    "Cedric, I found them," Cecilia, the female Faery, whispered.


    Cedric and Cecilia were twins, both belonging to the Faery race.


    "Woah... ha ha ha... that''s awesome, Cecilia," Cedric replied. "But what''s so special about them? Aren''t they just adventurers hunting monsters around here? We see people like that all the time."


    Cecilia shook her head slowly. "That guy, the one named Broken."


    "What''s broken about him? Ha ha ha... That''s such a weird name."


    Cecilia''s expression remained serious. "That guy named Broken has established a contract with two high-grade spirits, and one of them is the Nature Goddess."


    Cedric''s eyes widened with curiosity. "Nature Goddess? Wait, wait... Do you mean the Nature Goddess Gaia? The one prophesied to descend into Yunatea and wreak havoc? Whoa... Cecilia, does this mean a disaster ising? We must inform Tribe Leader ine right away!"


    Cecilia shook her head firmly. "Wait, Cedric... Listen to me," she insisted. "That''s not what I''m trying to say. The Nature Goddess who contracted with that man is in a weakened state. It means that the spirit won''t cause the destruction foretold-at least, not for now."


    "If that''s the case, then he must be very powerful! So, what exactly are you trying to tell me, Cecilia?"


    Cecilia continued, "Do you remember the prophecy the Fae Queen mentioned about someone who woulde to thisnd and lift the curse that our Tribe has been suffering from?"


    "Yes, of course," Cedric replied. "So what are you saying? Do you mean this man named Broken is the one from the prophecy?"


    Cecilia seemed to ponder his question, her expression thoughtful.


    "Aren''t there two conditions that need to be met to fulfill the prophecy, Cecilia? Are you saying he meets both of them?"


    Cecilia nodded slowly. "Yes, Cedric... that''s exactly what I want to make clear."


    Cedric pressed on. "But before we rush off to tell the Tribe Leader, we need to be sure of his intentions. What if someone like him discovers where we live? That could be very dangerous. He has Queen Gaia with him, and who knows what he could do to our people."


    Cecilia nodded slowly at Cedric''s cautious statement, acknowledging the truth in his words. Within the faery race, there is a revered individual known as the Queen of Fae, who holds the highest rank among them. She is the sole original Champion of Lust, blessed by the God of Lust.


    The faeries are scattered throughout Yunatea, each belonging to a distinct tribe led by a Tribe Leader.


    This was also true for Cedric and Cecilia, who lived with a particr Faery Tribe under the leadership of their Tribe Leader, whom they called ine.


    The twins kept a careful watch on Broken from afar, contemting the potential dangers he might bring to theirnd.


    "He doesn''t seem dangerous, Cedric... He treats others well," Cecilia observed.


    "Those are hispanions, so it makes sense that he acts that way with them. But would he treat us the same if we crossed paths with him? What if he suddenly decides to ughter us all?"


    Cecilia nodded slowly, acknowledging Cedric''s concerns.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Cedric... I don''t know what I should do..." Cecilia said. "I''m simply going to exin all of this to Tribe Leader ine and let her decide how we should treat them. What do you think?"


    "Yes, I think something this important needs to be reported to her."


    Cecilia''s hands moved in a graceful pattern, her fingers drawing intricate symbols in the air. Slowly, a magic circle began to form, and the image of a distant ce appeared within it.


    The scene revealed through the magic circle was none other than the room of Tribe Leader ine. Ivy climbed up the pirs, and the trees and nts within the room were vibrant, adorned with blossoms of all colors.


    Sitting on a grand chair at the far end of the room was a young girl with wavy blonde hair cascading down her shoulders, framing her delicate features perfectly. Her dress, a blend of white and ck, was delicately embroidered, and she wore a tiara atop her head. Cedric bowed politely. "My apologies for opening themunication portal without prior notice, My Lady ine. However, I have something of great importance to share."


    "Cedric, Cecilia," ine addressed them, her tone gentle and soft. "Please, tell me what it is that you wish to say."


    Amidst the presence of the Tribe Leader stood a man with a t expression, appearing almost like a teenager. In truth, this was Morel, the highly esteemed Knight Commander of their


    Tribe.


    "Do not waste the Leader''s time, you two!" Morel said firmly. "Are you sure thismunication portal should be opened in this location? What if someone discovers what you are doing? Shouldn''t we shut it down immediately?"


    The faeries are one of the major races in Yunatea, and they too have an individual blessed with one of the Sins'' powers. For centuries, the Queen of the Fae has been the sole holder of the title of Champion of Lust, making her the highest-ranking figure in their race.


    The faery race is gifted with the unique ability to retain a youthful appearance throughout their lifespan, even if it spans hundreds of years. Take ine, the Tribe Leader, for example- she was over five hundred years old, yet her appearance still resembled that of a fifteen-year-


    old girl.


    ine was just one of many Tribe Leaders tasked with guiding their respective tribes. But who would unite them all? Unfortunately, the renowned and highly esteemed Queen of the Fae had been missing for nearly three centuries, leaving everyone to question whether she was still alive or had long since passed on.


    For that reason, the Faery tribes across Yunatea have hidden themselves from outsiders. Almost none of them have integrated with the outside world¡ªthey live in a realm of their


    own.


    The secrecy of their dwelling ces is vital, guarded as closely as their own lives. If anyone or any group approached their territory, it was natural for the faeries to be wary, sometimes even aggressive. And it seemed that this time would be no different.


    Cecilia hesitantly said, "My Lady ine... Uhm... there''s something..."


    With a kind expression, ine replied, "Please, Cecilia, tell me. There''s no need to hesitate."


    Cedric then stepped forward to take the lead. "Cecilia, let me help you exin."


    He proceeded to ry everything they had discovered.

 Chapter 474: Chapter 474 - That’s the Cave!

    Chapter 474: - That¡¯s the Cave!


    ?


    After listening to Cedric''s exnation, ine remained silent for a moment. Then, she spoke softly, "The one from the prophecy?"


    She nodded slowly. "I understand that this could be good news. But we must be certain that the one you speak of is truly the one foretold, Cecilia. I mean, as we know, the situation now is very differentpared to several years ago-before the arrival of the yers."


    Morel then spoke up firmly, "The person you are referring to must be incredibly strong. Therefore, they must first be tested with a very tough challenge."


    "Morel?" ine said softly. "I understand this is something we need to do, but I don''t want you to proceed in a way that could provoke unnecessary anger from the one we are talking about."


    Morel dered confidently, "I will handle it myself and determine just how strong they are! And don''t worry, I will do it in the best way possible."


    ine''s voice was gentle but cautious, "We must be careful not to reveal that we are behind this challenge. If they find out where we live, we could be in danger."


    Morel nodded. "My Lady," he said, "if your concerns are valid, and this is truly the only way to free us from the curse that has gued our tribe for centuries, I will ensure everything goes as nned without anyplications."


    With that, Morel began walking away, leaving the room.


    After themunication portal was cut off, Cedric muttered softly, ncing at Cecilia, who looked pale and anxious.


    "Why is your face so pale, Cecilia?"


    "Cedric, does this mean Sir Morel will give a challenge that could potentially kill them?" Cecilia asked, her voice trembling.


    "Cecilia, you don''t need to worry. I''m sure Sir Morel will do the right thing."


    "But Cedric, we have to save them," Cecilia insisted. "The one named Broken might be


    strong, but what if the humans with him can''t survive? If something happens to them, it will all be my fault."


    "What can we do, Cecilia? This has already been set into motion."


    "Cedric, we must warn them."


    "No, Cecilia. You heard what Sir Morel said, didn''t you? We cannot expose ourselves to them. We have to prioritize the safety of everyone in our tribe."


    "Cedric... I''m scared," Cecilia said, her voice full of concern and fear.


    ***


    It was the second day of the expedition, and Broken and the others had settled into their usual routine. They had set up camp, taking turns keeping watch through the night. However, this time Broken and Toberry were nowhere to be seen, as it was their turn to log out.


    They were enjoying dinner and much-needed rest after a long day of exploring the forest and battling monsters. Their stamina had been heavily depleted, and they truly needed the break. But suddenly, something seemed off that night.


    Maylock''s eyes widened in rm as he heard the thunderous sound of multiple hooves galloping toward them from different directions.


    "Damn! What is that?" he eximed.


    "Monsters attacking," Yann replied, equally rmed. "Inrge numbers."


    "Monsters to hunt?" Anna said in a cheery voice, seemingly oblivious to the danger.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "No, Anna! This is serious!" Yann stressed.


    Starfall turned to Maylock. "Maylock... Do you mean there are more monsters than we usually deal with? Are we even capable of handling them?"


    Maylock clenched his jaw. "Wait here," he ordered, quickly climbing up a tree and reaching the top in no time.


    From his vantage point, he could see hordes of monsters approaching from all directions. Each of their steps made the ground quake, and the nearby trees groaned under the immense pressure before ultimately copsing.


    "This many monster attacks?! It can''t be the work of just a yer," he muttered, frustration evident in his voice. "Whoever is behind this must wield immense power here. It can only be the faeries! Damn it!"


    The monsters came in a wide variety of forms: some had wings, others walked on two legs, and some had multiple heads. Their sheer diversity and numbers made the situation look even more dire.


    After scanning the area for a few more moments, Maylock jumped back down, urgency etched across his face.


    "This is bad. I think we need to run immediately."


    "Run?" Starfall questioned.


    Livelywood then added, "If it''s just monsters, shouldn''t we be able to handle them?"


    The ground trembled beneath their feet as the reverberating roars of the monsters drew closer. The sound of trees crashing to the ground echoed from afar, filling the group with a growing sense of dread.


    "Damn! Damn!" Maylock cursed repeatedly, realizing the urgency of the situation. "Everyone, prepare yourselves!" hemanded.


    Only Livelywood, Starfall, and Maylock remained in the game, along with the NPCS- including Ivana and the three knights with them-while Toberry and Broken had already logged out.


    Seeing Maylock, who was usually calm, now visibly tense and urgent, made it clear that whatever was happening was anything but ordinary. They needed to do everything they could to survive and protect each other, despite everyone being in a state of limited stamina.


    "Yann, find us the best path to escape," Maylock ordered.


    Yann nodded and immediately began searching for the optimal route for them to flee. Without hesitation, the group quickly followed wherever Yann led them.


    "Yann, you must find us a suitable ce to make our stand. A cave would be perfect-it will allow us to limit the number of monsters we have to fight at any given time," Maylock spoke


    clearly, his tonemanding.


    Maylock had noted that the monsters were at least Level 180, and he knew that if they fought without the proper strategy, the Knights or even Ivana might be put in serious danger. And that was something Maylock would never allow to happen!


    None of the NPCs they had brought along could afford to be injured-absolutely not! Especially not to the extent of losing their lives.


    He knew Ivana was strong enough to hold her own, or at the very least, to force an escape if needed. However, it was different for Karl and Anna; they were far more vulnerable due to their slower movementpared to Yann, the agile archer.


    "Damn! Don''t we always run into these unforeseen massive events whenever we go on


    expeditions with Broken?"


    "This is truly dire-this is not a natural urrence. It''s clearly an attack. Someone has sent these monsters to trap us, kill us... or maybe... test us?"


    Test us? The thought lingered in Maylock''s mind.


    They ran frantically as the monsters rapidly closed in on them. It was midnight, and the moonlight seemed to bear witness to the horror that had suddenly descended upon thend. Among the three of them, none could log out to inform Broken, as they were all needed to survive and protect each other. Given the circumstances, Maylock made the decision to contact Elincia, asking her to ry a message to Freya.


    "I can only hope that Broken won''t be surrounded by a massive number of monsters when he


    logs back in."


    Since both Broken and Toberry would log in at the same spot, a ce that might already be


    overrun by monsters if they came to join them. This thought made the situation even more


    complicated.


    "But for now, we have to do everything we can to protect ourselves!" Maylock dered, his


    frustration palpable.


    "That''s the cave!" Yann shouted, pointing in a direction ahead of them.

 Chapter 475: Chapter 475 - The Knights are in Serious Danger

    Chapter 475: - The Knights are in Serious Danger


    ?


    Yann finally spotted a cave that seemed to be exactly what they were looking for, and they immediately decided to take shelter there. The cave was not very deep, but it had the advantage of only one entrance, with a rtively narrow opening.


    They quickly prepared themselves for battle, using the confined space to limit the number of monsters they would have to face at any given time.


    This strategy, however, came with its own risks-if the monsters managed to break through their defense, there would be no escape route. Despite the danger, everyone chose to trust in Maylock''s n without asking too many questions.


    Maylock issued the order: "We will hold our ground in the cave and try to fight the monsters in smaller numbers."


    Everyone seemed to understand their respective roles and nodded in agreement.


    "Everyone will receive a full restoration of their Mana, Health, and Stamina when they level up," Maylock continued. "Therefore, we need to urately track our progress. Make sure you use your resources as efficiently as possible until you reach the next level. With this many monsters, we should be able to level up at least once-and maybe even twice for the Knights."


    Ivana then stepped forward to the mouth of the cave, taking out her shield and positioning it at the entrance to form a barrier.


    "This will slow down the monsters'' advance. All I can do is hold them here, but I won''t be able to actively join the fight," she said.


    Maylock nodded, agreeing with Ivana''s statement. He had actually seen Ivana use this skill once before, back at the hunting grounds when she apanied the Knights. It was for this very reason that Maylock had chosen the cave as their ce to make a stand-it was all because of the advantage provided by Ivana''s unique skill.


    Starfall then cast her magic, causing various magical formations to appear in the air outside the cave. These magic circles were primed to unleash area damage on the approaching


    monsters.


    Meanwhile, Karl, Anna, and Livelywood readied themselves for closebat, prepared to take down any monsters that were getting close to breach the barrier. Yann and Maylock stationed themselves further back, ready to attack from a distance and provide continuous damage to the advancing horde.


    "The number of monsters is huge. We can''t rely solely on item arrows, Yann. We need to distinguish when to use energy arrows and when to use item arrows," Maylock instructed.


    "Yes, sir," Yann replied firmly.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The first wave of monsters arrived. Dozens of magical circles in the sky discharged energy balls of various elements, which exploded upon hitting the ground and struck dozens of the oing monsters. Ice, earth, and fire all collided with the beasts in a chaotic onught-a demonstration of Starfall''s elemental magic power.


    Unfortunately, the damage wasn''t enough to kill them outright, and the monsters charged toward the cave with unrelenting force. However, the attack had at least slowed them down, making it easier for the team to deal with them in closebat.


    "Maylock," Starfall called out. "They''re too tough. My magic isn''t doing enough damage." "It''s okay. Focus on slowing them down and draining as much of their health as you can." He then turned to address the rest of the group. "Everyone, make sure to use your skills wisely. This is going to be a long battle. Only use your skills when absolutely necessary. Save your Mana Potions for critical moments. Fight with your weapons as much as possible to conserve your stamina."


    The monsters mmed against Ivana''s barrier with a loud crash, their ws and teeth grating against the surface. They snarled and roared in fury, pounding relentlessly as they tried to break through. The barrier held, but it wouldn''tst forever.


    Livelywood moved with remarkable agility, swiftly positioning himself at the center of the battlefield. He raised his sword high and lunged toward the vulnerable eyes of a monster in front of him, his de striking with precision.


    It was evident that if the monsters weren''t taken down swiftly, they would eventually breach the barrier and ravage everything beyond it.


    "Let''s concentrate our attacks on their weak points! That''s how we''ll do the most damage!" Livelywood hollered to Karl and Anna.


    They had to fight with utmost efficiency, as this was going to be a battle of endurance. They needed to make every move count if they hoped to survive.


    Heeding Livelywood''s instructions, the knights formed a unified strategy, focusing all their attacks on the monsters'' weakest points. They surged forward with powerful blows, gradually turning the tide of battle in their favor.


    The entrance to the cave was narrow enough that, had the monsters breached the barrier, they would have been able to pass through only in limited numbers. Despite this restriction, there was still ample space for Livelywood, Karl, and Anna to engage inbat in their respective positions.


    Karl adapted to Livelywood''s sword techniques with astonishing speed, his movements bing almost indistinguishable from Livelywood''s.


    "Karl has quite a knack for adapting and excelling in battles like this," Livelywood said admiringly. "He''s able to mimic my movements with such precision and effectiveness."


    In this dire situation, Karl was demonstrating incredible progress that even Livelywood found hard to believe. He adjusted quickly, fighting almost identically to Livelywood. Karl was truly exceptional.


    Meanwhile, Anna wielded her greatsword, and although her movements weren''t as agile as Karl''s, each of her strikes packed immense power, dealing significant damage. Her enthusiasm was evident in every swing; it was clear that she relished the fight, as if it were an integral part of her being.


    "Broken truly has the best Knights he could ask for. I''d love to fight alongside Karl and Anna more often. Their fighting spirit is remarkable," Livelywood said.


    They had been fighting for an hour already, and Maylock could see that everyone''s stamina was nearly depleted. Despite the fatigue, they maintained strict discipline. Ivana''s barrier continued to hold off the monsters, while the othersunched brutal attacks, bringing them down before they could breach the barrier.


    A few monsters eventually managed to break through, but Livelywood swiftly moved to eliminate them before they could escape and attack the long-range fighters positioned in the back. The team''s coordination was vital, and Livelywood made sure none of the monsters


    could exploit any weaknesses in their defense.


    Maylock continued his assault while keeping a sharp eye on the team''s condition. He


    managed to split his focus remarkably well.


    "Starfall, focus on crowd control! They''re piling up at the cave entrance-hold off the ones


    that are still further away."


    "Livelywood, give Anna more room. Let Yann assist her and finish off whatever she can''t."


    "Yann, don''t target monsters that are still at full health. Focus on finishing the ones with the


    lowest health. Let Livelywood deal with the fresh ones."


    "Starfall, stick to a single element; it''ll save your stamina."


    "Ivana, focus on holding the barrier. We''ll handle the monsters."


    "Damn! Why are there so many of them?! Whoever''s behind this is a real asshole!"


    Maylock''s face was tense, his eyes sharp with concentration. He was pushing himself to the limit, staying focused while continuously analyzing every detail of the battlefield.


    It was clear he was determined to do everything in his power to keep the team safe. "This still doesn''t look like it''s going to end anytime soon. The number of monsters is too overwhelming. If this continues, our defenses will be breached, and someone could lose their


    life!"


    "If things don''t change, and no assistance arrives, Karl, Yann, and Anna could be in serious danger," Maylock muttered under his breath.


    "While Broken still has to wait for his cooldown time to end! This is frustrating!"


    "Our only chance is just..." he whispered, his eyes shifting toward Ivana. "She is not an ordinary Special NPC; I''ve analyzed her background. Will you reveal your true potential


    today?"


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Choosing the cave was a risky move-it''s a narrow space that''s both an advantage and a trap.


    If the monsters overwhelm them, there will be no escape. But right now, it''s giving them a chance to fight efficiently.


    What do you think-is this cave going to save them, or could it end up being their tomb if they


    can''t hold out?


    Let me know your thoughts, and if you''re biting your nails waiting for the next chapter, drop the Golden Ticket to keep the suspense going! ??

 Chapter 476: Chapter 476 - Livelywood had Heroically Saved Anna.

    Chapter 476: - Livelywood had Heroically Saved Anna.


    ?


    Cedric and Cecilia were perched at the summit of a lofty hill, surveying the hordes of monsters that swarmed below. Beside them stood Sir Morel, the Knight Commander of their Fae Tribe.


    "Sir Morel," Cedric said firmly, "Why don''t you stop those monsters? You know that the person we''re talking about isn''t with them, right? There are humans among them, Yunateans, and they can die! Shouldn''t we avoid intentionally attacking other races? You need to stop this! Wait until the person we''re really interested in arrives."


    Morel smiled slyly, crossing his arms. "This is all part of the test, Cedric. You don''t understand what I''m doing. If he can''t even protect his own friends, then how can he be the one to save our tribe?"


    "No, I don''t understand!" Cedric retorted. "But what I do know is that you''ve made Cecilia feel guilty for what you''re doing, and you need to stop this! Those humans are in danger! We shouldn''t be treating them like this-we need their help."


    "Who said we need their help?" Morel countered. "If that person truly is the one from the prophecy, then it''s only fitting that he be tested first. This is entirely reasonable for me to do."


    Cecilia stood stiffly, tears streaming down her face. "Sir Morel... please, stop this attack. This is all my fault. This shouldn''t have happened. If I hadn''t revealed his identity, none of this would be happening. I''m scared that those humans will die because of this monster attack."


    "Ha ha ha... Isn''t it entertaining to watch humans and yers struggle to defend themselves?" Morel replied nonchntly. "If they get through this, they wille out stronger. I''m actually just providing them with a shortcut."


    "Cecilia," Cedric said firmly, "let''s go down and do something for those humans."


    "Cedric? What can we do?"


    "Just follow me. We won''t aplish anything by just standing here."


    Cecilia nodded quickly. "Yes, Cedric."


    Without hesitation, the two of them sprinted down the hill, leaping gracefully from tree to tree.


    "Cedric, what can we do?" Cecilia asked frantically. "There''s no way we can fight those monsters ourselves."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "I know, but we can help bring the one we need-the human named Broken-to the ce where his friends are," Cedric said firmly. "That way, he can reach them faster and more safely."


    "Yes, Cedric, I think we can help that way. I''m sure the one named Broken wille soon since his friends are in danger."


    "You don''t need to worry so much, Cecilia..." Cedric added. "Let''s hope that Sir Morel had a good reason for his actions."


    ***


    Maylock continued attacking relentlessly, all the while monitoring the progress of everyone in the group. His mind was racing with thoughts of how to escape the situation and find a way out of this mess safely.


    He cursed to himself, feeling limited by his ss, whichcked any extraordinary abilities. With only three yers, including himself, and three knights at rtively low levels, the situation was truly dire.


    "I think this might have something to do with the Faeries that inhabit this region," he said aloud.


    "Do you think we could have done something to anger them?" Starfall responded, her voice


    tense.


    "What could we have done to provoke them to the point that they want to destroy us like this?" Maylock continued, trying to read the situation they were facing.


    He went on. "From what I know, the Faery race is usually quite friendly with other races. As long as we don''t attack them, they generally don''t cause any trouble."


    "But you know we''re here to hunt the Eternal me Fae Beast, right? Do you think that''s not something that could have upset them?"


    "Not really," Maylock sighed. "Others have done it before us. We aren''t the first. And this... this is the first time something like this has happened."


    He paused before adding, "It happened when we brought Broken with us."


    "Are you saying this is rted to Broken?"


    "I don''t want to think that way," Maylock replied, his expression grim.


    Maylock kept checking the time repeatedly, and the more time passed, the greater the tension grew within him.


    "Broken should be here in forty minutes! But I only have ten minutes left. Damn it!"


    Starfall tried to remain optimistic. "I''ll do my best to hold out until Broken arrives. I can stay until he gets here."


    "Please, just follow the n I''ve set, Starfall. This is going to be a bit of a gamble, but use all the resources you have to their fullest over the next 30 minutes. I hope Broken arrives before you all run out of everything," Maylock said, his voice steady despite the chaos.


    Maylock was worried that the team''s damage output wouldn''t be sufficient once he logged out. Even though his damage wasn''t particrly high, losing one more person would have a significant impact on their defense. The monsters would have an easier time breaking in and causing greater destruction.


    He cursed repeatedly in frustration as his time dwindled. "Damn! I''m sorry! I can only do so much."


    He felt an overwhelming urge to shout in anger, frustrated at his own limitations and inability to do more. He was out of time, and soon he''d be forced to log out.


    Maylock called out to the others, "Focus! Increase your concentration! Don''t make any mistakes-Broken will be here soon."


    He still clung to the hope that Broken could reach the cave in time and wouldn''t be blocked by the monstrous horde gathering outside.


    "I''m sorry, I couldn''t hold on any longer," Maylock said, his voice filled with regret. And with that, his body vanished from the battlefield-his ytime had expired, forcing him to log out


    of the game.


    Starfall held back her emotions. "We have to keep holding on for 30 more minutes until help arrives! Follow the n that Maylockid out!"


    After Maylock logged out, the remaining members of the group fought more fiercely, trying to maintain their ground. Though they battled with increased skill and precision, their mana regeneration was no longer sufficient to withstand the relentless onught of the monsters. Suddenly, a monster the size of a human, with a body resembling a troll, managed to breach Ivana''s barrier. It charged at Anna, swinging its massive arm down with crushing force. Anna, caught off guard, faltered and dropped her greatsword.


    "Anna! Someone help Anna!" Ivana shouted in distress.


    "Ivana, stay at your post!" Starfall ordered. "I''ll hold off the monster."


    Livelywood dashed forward, making it to Anna just in time to intercept the attack. He swung


    his sword at the troll-like creature, managing to strike a blow.


    Despite his efforts, the damage was already done-Anna had taken a critical hit to her chest andy on the ground, struggling to breathe.


    "Anna, drink this potion, it will heal you," Livelywood said, his hands trembling as he helped Anna drink the potion.


    Momentster, two more monstrous creatures broke through the barrier, their eyes locking


    on Anna as they sensed her vulnerability. The beasts charged toward her, determined to finish


    what the first had started.


    Livelywood gritted his teeth, rushing in to confront the monsters. He moved with all the agility he could muster, shing at one of them in an attempt to draw its attention away from


    Anna.


    However, as one of the monsters lunged at Anna, Livelywood stepped in to shield her. The monster''s attack, a vicious swipe of its w, broke through his defense and struck him square


    in the chest.


    The impact was devastating-much worse than anyone had anticipated. Blood poured from Livelywood''s wounds, his breathing in ragged gasps. His face twisted in shock as he


    realized the severity of his injuries.


    "Livelywood!" Starfall screamed, her voice filled with desperation. From her position, sheunched a volley of spells at the monsters, hoping to force them back.


    But it was toote. Livelywood''s body glowed faintly before vanishing from sight, his form fading as he was forced out of the game.


    Starfall was now alone-the only yer left. Maylock had logged out, and Livelywood had


    died heroically while saving Anna.


    Yes, Livelywood had made a tremendous sacrifice, but his loss was a devastating blow.


    Without him, their defense would only grow more difficult to maintain. The pressure weighed heavily on Starfall as she considered her options.


    What could she do now? The monsters were relentless, and without Livelywood''s strength, it was only a matter of time before they overwhelmed the rest of the group.

 Chapter 477: Chapter 477 - This is My Greatest Failure

    Chapter 477: - This is My Greatest Failure


    ?


    "Lord Livelywood... no!" Anna shrieked in horror as the pixels of Livelywood''s body began to flicker, gradually fading until he waspletely gone.


    Anna screamed in rage, grabbing her greatsword once more and immediatelyunching into a brutal attack.


    "What have you done to Lord Livelywood?! He died saving me! I won''t let you hurt us again! I will kill every single one of you!"


    Her attacks were fierce and relentless, a clear sign that anger had taken control of her, unlike the usually positive demeanor she showed.


    "Anna, control yourself! We can''t waste Livelywood''s sacrifice. Stay focused-don''t let your anger take over!" Starfall shouted from the rear.


    Anna took a deep breath, tightening her grip on her greatsword. With renewed focus, she swung her weapon and quickly dispatched the two monsters in front of her.


    Though they managed to fend off the two monsters that had breached the barrier, the battle that followed grew even worse. Losing Maylock, who had been directing the battle, and Livelywood, who provided the greatest damage output and flexibility, was clearly taking its toll on the overall performance of the team.


    More and more creatures were finding their way past the protective barrier, and the group''s defenses were beginning to crumble.


    "Anna, please make sure you''re alright first. I can hold them off!" Ivana yelled with determination. She mmed her shield against an iing monster. "I will recast the barrier! I''m sorry for letting them get through."


    "I''m okay." Anna picked up her greatsword again, taking her stance and immediatelyunching into another attack.


    "We must keep holding on. We have to stay focused until help arrives!" Starfall shouted in frustration.


    She was on the verge of exhaustion, her concentration slipping after the prolonged battle, her Mana and Stamina nearly depleted.


    Shadows danced in and out of sight as more monstrous creatures descended into the cave. Some of them resembled humanoid forms, while others were twisted and grotesque, with glowing red eyes, sharp teeth, and wicked ws.


    Their sheer numbers overwhelmed the group''s defenses, and the barrier was starting to copse under the pressure.


    Ivana''s voice rang out with urgency, "Everyone,e and take cover near me!"


    Without hesitation, everyone moved closer to her. She stood, raising her shield to provide as much protection as she could for those gathered around her. The walls of the cave echoed with the roars and snarls of the advancing monsters, and it seemed like only a matter of time before their defense was entirely overrun.


    "Everyone, keep steady," Starfall called out, her voice both a plea and amand. "No matter what happens, we can''t let them break uspletely. Hold on for just a little longer!"


    Ivana shouted loudly, thrusting her shield forward. A brilliant burst of light illuminated the cavern, and multiple barriers of radiant energy formed like a dome around the group, spreading outward in a web of shimmering power. The barriers glowed so brightly that, for a moment, they appeared imprable, a protective shield between them and the advancing monsters.


    "Anna, are you okay?" Starfall said. "Let me heal your wound. It''s the least I can do."


    "No, Lady Starfall," Anna protested. "Your Mana is far too valuable to waste on me. We need it to bring down those monsters."


    Dozens of monsters poured into the cave, their snarls echoing ominously as they snapped their razor-sharp ws and teeth. The defenders found themselves encircled by an ever- shifting, relentless sea of monsters. The entire cave was filled with an overwhelming cacophony-roars, the sound of ws scraping against the stone, and the terrified screams of those desperate to hold their ground.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    They continued their struggle, striking out with whatever force they could muster against anything that came within range. But under such conditions, they werepletely surrounded, hemmed in on all sides, as if their survival depended solely on Ivana''s protective barrier.


    "Stay together! Don''t let them separate us!" Ivana shouted.


    "I am so sorry, everyone. I wish I could have done more for you," Starfall said, her voice trembling as thest of her Mana drained away. As a mage, she was left powerless without her magic, unable to contribute anything more.


    "We can do it. I am confident we can do it," Ivana said. "I will hold off their attacks until help arrives."


    Starfall was in a full-blown panic; the thought of Ivana and the other Knights dying hit her harder than anything else. She knew she herself would likely fall to these monsters, but unlike the others, she could revive afterward. The NPCs, however, would not get that second chance.


    "What can I do? What can I do?" she muttered, desperation sinking in.


    They were truly in dire straits now. They could barely fight anymore. Karl was visibly exhausted, and he was severely injured, though he still tried to fight. Yann hadpletely run out of stamina, struggling even to hold his bow. As for Anna, while she still swung her greatsword, it was clear that she had no strength left to deal any meaningful damage.


    And Ivana? She had been holding off the monsters from the very beginning, using her skills to protect them all. Starfall could only imagine how close she was to copsing. Right now, the entire group depended solely on Ivana''s protective shield barrier, which seemed on the verge of breaking-no one knew how much longer it could hold.


    They were trapped, with no way out, surrounded by monsters that pounded against the barrier. The light from Ivana''s shield flickered, signaling that its strength was waning. Starfall clenched her staff, her heart pounding as she realized they were out of time. They had given it everything they had, and it still wasn''t enough.


    "This is my greatest failure... forgive me..." Starfall whispered, tears streaming down her face as she realized they had reached their limit. They were cornered. They were going to die!


    But then-


    A tremendous bang reverberated throughout the cave, causing the group to recoil in shock. The ground beneath them quaked from the force, and a powerful wave of fear surged through


    everyone.


    "What was that?!" Starfall asked.


    Before anyone could answer, a brilliant sh of light filled the cave, temporarily blinding them. It was followed by a deafening roar as the entrance to the cave was sted apart. Chunks of rock flew in every direction, a thick cloud of dust enveloping the group and making it nearly impossible to see.


    "Another powerful monster?" Starfall eximed in disbelief.


    But before they could react, a fierce wind rushed through the cave, tearing through the walls as though they were made of paper. The gust was powerful and chaotic, sweeping through the cave and erasing entire sections of the stone as if they had never existed.


    Debris and dust swirled violently, and pieces of rock shattered and scattered through the air. The intense gust knocked Starfall and the others off bnce, forcing them to brace against the ground to avoid being swept away.


    Through the chaos, Starfall squinted, trying to see past the dust-filled air. The sudden,


    overwhelming force seemed like a miracle¡ªand then, amid the turmoil, a faint but


    unmistakable figure began to emerge.


    From afar, they could see massive tentacles rising from the ground in the moonlight,


    slithering through the battlefield.


    "Could it be...?" Starfall whispered.


    Ivana, still holding her shield firmly, caught sight of the figure as well. She shouted, "Broken!


    It''s Broken!"

 Chapter 478: Chapter 478 - You could Actually Fly!

    Chapter 478: - You could Actually Fly!


    ?


    [Awaken the Nature Goddess (Active Skill)]


    Broken ran with incredible speed, his feet barely seeming to touch the ground as he activated his Dash skill. He surged forward, his entire body enveloped in a bright green light, which glowed and flickered around him. The air whistled past, and thendscape blurred at the edges of his vision as he propelled himself ahead, faster and faster.


    He could only summon Gaia for five minutes. But seeing the overwhelming number of monsters in front of him, he had no other choice-he had to go all out!


    The figure of Gaia, the Nature Spirit, materialized behind him, floating effortlessly. Illuminated by the silvery moonlight, her form seemed to beposed of a blend of flowers, and vines, swirling and wrapping around her like ivy, as if she were one with the forest itself.


    "Master... I fear that my current strength will not be sufficient toplete this task. There are an overwhelming number of monsters."


    Broken responded firmly, "I know, but we must keep trying."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    [Nature''s Wrath (Active Skill)]


    Ten massive green tentacles, resembling powerful whips, erupted from the ground, iling and twisting with tremendous force. Each movement shook the earth, and the air around them surged as if it were alive.


    The tentaclesshed out at the monsters, hurling them through the air like they were weightless. Each one striking precisely, pulverizing their enemies with overwhelming strength.


    [Nature Conjuring (Active Skill)]


    As Broken activated his next skill, a brilliant green light lit up the night sky around him. There was an immense explosion from the ground, and the forest seemed to answer his call. In an instant, twelve nature beasts emerged from the ground.


    [You have sessfully in Spider Goblin Lv. 198]


    [You have obtained 1 piece of medium-quality Spider Goblin meat.]


    [You have sessfully in Spider Goblin Lv. 187]


    "Pawpaw!"


    Broken called forth another Beast, one who would undoubtedly relish the chaos of this battle.


    "Meow! Food?!" Pawpaw replied eagerly, floating in the air.


    The situation was critical, and Broken only had a small window of time to make every move count.


    "Pawpaw! Go on-go on a rampage!" hemanded.


    "Food! Pawpaw will eat until full!" the little demon beast chirped.


    [Vermillion Tendrils (Active Skill)]


    [Crimson Eclipse (Ultimate Skill)]


    Suddenly, an explosion of shadows burst forth from Pawpaw''s small, floating form. The shadowy blood energy spread swiftly, enveloping the entire battlefield. Vermilion Dusk, cascaded over the area, its inky tendrils spreading in all directions, writhing like living entities as they went on a savage rampage.


    The darkness twisted and coiled, consuming everything in its path, an unstoppable force of raw, chaotic power unleashed upon the monsters that dared to stand in their way.


    Pawpaw moved like a force of nature, his form barely visible within the swirling darkness as heshed out at the monsters in every direction, tearing through them with brutal ferocity.


    Pawpaw,pletely lost in his bloodlust, meowed in delight. "More food! More monsters! Pawpaw is hungry!"


    [You have received an Emergency Quest!]


    [Put on your bravest face and prepare to take on the challenge.]


    Broken''s eyes sharpened as a sudden notification appeared before him. "Emergency Quest?" [The Prophecy Must Be Fulfilled]


    [Rating: S]


    "What the heck?! The rating is really an S?!"


    [Morel has issued a challenge! To prove your destiny and fulfill the prophecy, you mustplete a daring quest.


    The stakes are high, and the odds are against you, but fear not! With a bit of wit and a whole lot of courage, you can prove that you are the one destined for greatness.


    With any luck, you''lle out on top and fulfill your destiny!]


    [Clear Conditions: Defeat the Hordes of Monsters!]


    [Clear Rewards:


    - Gain ess to the Moonlight Fae''snd and experience the gracious hospitality of their Tribe Leader, ine, and Knight Morel.


    -Your bond with these two influential figures will be greatly strengthened, and the Tribe Leader will bestow upon you a special reward.]


    [Quest Failure: Yourpanions will all die in a tragic event.]


    "Fae''snd? And who is Morel? And the Tribe Leader? ine?"


    It was just as Maylock had suspected-this had something to do with the Faeries. And the quest that appeared was proof of that.


    But why this? A challenge? A challenge that puts everyone on his team in danger?


    Maylock had run out of time online, and Livelywood had been killed. This was no ordinary


    fight. It was a massive battle with an overwhelming number of monsters.


    Fortunately, Broken could still see that Ivana and the Knights were alive, and he felt a rush of relief knowing that. He only needed to finish this fightpletely!


    It was time for another upgrade-to ensure they could end this, once and for all.


    [You have obtained 2 Spider Goblin Monster Cores]


    [You have sessfully in Rare - Raptor Troll Lv. 183]


    You have sessfully in Shadow Wolf Lv. 210]


    [You have obtained 1 Scroll Skill]


    You have sessfully in Shadow Wolf Lv. 209]


    [You have obtained 1 Shadow Step Boots Lv. 199]


    "Polly!" Broken shouted.


    Out of nowhere, Polly appeared, instantly taking on her massive form. Broken fought to carve out some space,shing out at the monsters that swarmed him from all directions.


    He snatched a Monster Soul Stone from his Inventory.


    [Elite - Vengeful Harpy Monster Soul Lv. 215]


    That was the Monster Soul Stone he got after killing someone from the Horde of Hell. Broken


    had forgotten the guy''s name.


    "Polly, I want you to absorb this Monster Soul."


    "Yes, Master."


    Broken then leaped onto Polly''s back, tossing the Monster Soul into the white fox''s mouth. With one hand gripping his spear tightly and the other clutching Polly''s fur, he leaned forward as she sprang into the air.


    Broken unleashed an area attack from his Wavebreaker Spear. Dozens of magic circles materialized mid-air, raining spears down to the ground below. A giant wave followed, crashing into the monsters and pushing them back, though it wasn''t enough to kill them. Broken pulled something out from his inventory-a card with a picture of vampiric bats.


    [Vampiric Swarm State (Active Skill)]


    Immediately, hundreds of bats materialized around him, scattering in all directions. Against an enemy force of this size, this skill would be highly effective.


    Without hesitation, he activated yet another area skill, this time from the Bedrock Breaker


    Pickaxe.


    [Rockfall Barrage (Active Skill)]


    [Summon Desert Worm (Active Skill)]


    Massive boulders rained down from the sky, and a gigantic worm emerged, its mouth gaping


    wide, devouring everything in its path.


    But even with all of this power unleashed, the monsters kepting-there were still too


    many!


    Broken continued to fight, pushing himself to use whatever he had left, drawing on every ounce of strength and every skill at his disposal.


    Suddenly, a dazzling white light began to radiate from Polly''s body. It was blinding, its glow


    growing stronger and spreading further, cutting through the darkness that engulfed the


    battlefield.


    "Polly? A transformation?"


    "Yes, Master, I''ve received an upgrade."


    Broken could feel the surge of power rushing through his veins as he clung tightly to Polly.


    "I hope this upgrade will turn the tide of this battle," he muttered.


    Polly''s body began to shimmer, each pulse growing brighter until a radiant white light burst


    outward in a sudden, blinding sh.


    Then, out of nowhere, two majestic wings unfolded from her back!


    Their brilliance was so intense that Broken had to squint, and he instinctively tightened his grip on her fur. The wings moved with a perfect blend of grace and raw power. With each beat, they sent ripples of energy across the battlefield, causing the air itself to


    vibrate, as if announcing a new force had entered the fray. "Polly!" Broken eximed. "I never imagined you could actually fly!"

 Chapter 479: Chapter 479 - Majestic Wings

    Chapter 479: - Majestic Wings


    ?


    Morel, the Knight Commander, observed from a distance as Broken finally arrived and began to reveal his capabilities.


    He sighed, thinking to himself, "What an incredible blessing he''s been given."


    "When Cecilia first told us he was the new Champion of Sloth, I didn''t believe it. But I must admit, it''s been a long time since I''ve seen someone wielding the Blessing of Sloth."


    "Ever since the yers arrived, the Sins'' Blessings have be nothing more than a child''s y. These blessings were handed out to so many that they turned into mere trivial skills, almost useless. But this one... this guy seems to have grown well and earned more upgrades along the way. Including those spirit beasts that apany him."


    Cecilia and Cedric each possessed a unique talent that set them apart from others. Cecilia had an exceptional ability for gathering information and remaining attuned to her surroundings. She also wielded the Ancient Dimensional Element-something incredibly rare and powerful, making her a strong contender to lead the Moonlight Fae, potentially taking ine''s ce. Cedric, on the other hand, excelled in nature magic. Though he focused more on enhancing and boosting his physical prowess, his mastery was undeniable.


    It was due to Cecilia''s unique abilities that someone like Broken could be detected in the first ce.


    Morel nodded to himself. "This curse has gued the Moonlight Fae for hundreds of years, to the point where we''ve nearly given up hope of breaking free, resigning ourselves to this way of life."


    "I think it would be best if Lady ine herself exined the nature of the curse to him," Morel said with conviction. "If he can ovee my challenge, then that will be proof enough!"


    The Moonlight Fae, an ancient tribe that had lived in thesends for centuries, was led by their esteemed Tribe Leader, ine.


    They were once a faery tribe scattered and tormented, until the Goddess of the Moon intervened, rescuing and uniting them. To shield them from the curse that pursued them, the Goddess confined them to a sacred sanctuary-a haven she herself had gifted.


    This ce became their refuge, and in gratitude, they named themselves the Moonlight Fae Tribe to honor her kindness.


    Faeries are a race with a natural affinity for magic, but their true potential can only be realized when they form a bond with Humans. It is believed that Faeries were created in Yunatea specifically to aid and support Humans.


    This fate is deeply unsettling for a species of such intelligence, yet destined to serve as little more than ves. The Faerie poption dwindles year by year, worn down by mistreatment -exploited for every conceivable human need, from servitude to warfare, and even as tools for sexual pleasure.


    The Moonlight Fae had been confined to this ce for centuries, bound by a prophecy that foretold of someone in the future who could set them free. The Fae Queen had spoken of the one destined to break their chains-a figure who fit the description perfectly: the Champion of Sloth and beloved by the spirits.


    Thest Champion of Sloth they had encountered was King ndorr, but their hopes of liberation were quickly crushed when he showed no interest in the suffering of the Moonlight Fae.


    Those hopes were shattered entirely when word of King ndorr''s death spread throughout the Dissidia Kingdom.


    "And now, here I am faced with yet another supposed ''savior''?" Morel muttered.


    "They''re not even native to Yunatea! Who are they? What are they? How can an outsider-a creature from another world-bear a Blessing of the Sins with such power?" he said, his frustration growing with each word.


    ***n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Broken rode atop Polly, who now soared through the sky, her wings pping with grace. Polly''s illusion skill seemed to ripple outward, repelling any monsters that darede close.


    Seated securely on Polly''s back, Broken wielded his spear with impressive agility. Polly darted swiftly between the attacks of the hundreds of monsters surrounding them, and Broken struck down any that ventured too near.


    "Polly, let''s save the others," hemanded. With that, Polly immediately turned, speeding towards Ivana and the rest of their group.


    [Water Domain (Active Skill)]


    A soft blue glow enveloped Polly and Broken, forming a shimmering bubble of light that radiated a calming energy outward.


    [Ocean''s Wrath (Active Skill)]


    An enormous wave of water surged up from the ground, crashing down and sweeping away the monsters with overwhelming force. The immense wave battered the creatures, inflicting heavy damage and scattering them as the water receded, leaving a path of destruction behind. [Sea of Storms (Active Skill)]


    A dense shower of water-formed spears descended from the sky, each gleaming and sharpened to a lethal point. They fell without mercy, piercing through the monsters'' thick scales with ease.


    As Broken drew nearer to Ivana and the others, it became apparent that the barrier surrounding them had suddenly fallen, leaving them unprotected.


    Broken could see the exhaustion etched on Ivana''s face; she looked pale, her stamina clearly drained. Despite her fatigue, she still managed to offer him a faint smile.


    He leaped off Polly and caught Ivana just as she was about to copse. "Ivana!" he called out, gently shaking her.


    "Broken..." she whispered, her voice trembling, tears streaming down her face. "I failed to protect Livelywood."


    "No! You''ve done your best," he said firmly, pulling her into aforting embrace. "You''ve protected everyone."


    Ivana nodded weakly, and after a moment, Broken released her. The battle wasn''t over yet. Starfall then spoke up, "Broken, I don''t have much Mana or Stamina left. I can only hold out for a few more minutes."


    "You''ll be healed-just hang in there and survive while I take care of the rest," he replied.


    The Elder Dragon Tree then lent its power, healing everyone. Though they could no longer fight effectively, at least they could still stand, holding on and contributing to the struggle in whatever way they could. The battle, however, seemed far from over, the chaos stretching on


    indefinitely.


    The battlefield was a scene of pure destruction-dust and smoke choked the air, illuminated intermittently by shes of lightning.


    Broken summoned ckthorn, the golem who swiftly charged across the battlefield, mming into the monsters with his massive body and swinging his enormous greatsword


    with crushing force.


    The relentless effort continued, and finally, the tide began to turn. The number of monsters visibly dwindled. Broken''s arrival had a tremendous impact, allowing them to take downrge numbers of enemies, and Pawpaw had also yed an enormous role, handling his share of the fight with impressive might.


    And still, they pressed on, fighting fiercely until, atst-after a grueling battle that pushed them to their mental and physical limits-every single monster had been vanquished! The morning sun gradually lit up the ravaged battleground. The once-t terrain was now littered with toppled trees and scarred by countless marks of battle. Scattered remains of monster looty among the debris.


    Anna spoke up cheerfully, "Ah, finally, we managed to finish this fight! Huahaha!"


    Despite the numerous wounds covering her body, she showed no signs of fatigue. However, just as she let out her triumphant exmation, her legs gave out and she copsed onto the


    ground.


    "Oh... finally..." she muttered, catching her breath. "I never thought I''d survive a battle of this scale. But I''m proud of myself, and honestly, I''d dly do it all over again," she said.


    Karl and Yann joined her, taking seats on the ground beside her. Yann had a contented smile


    on his face, nodding slowly.


    "This is all thanks to our Lord, Baron Broken," Yann dered proudly.

 Chapter 480: Chapter 480 - The Prophecy Must Be Fulfilled

    Chapter 480: - The Prophecy Must Be Fulfilled


    ?


    [Congrattions! You have done it!]


    [You havepleted the ''The Prophecy Must Be Fulfilled'' quest!]


    [You have proven that you are the one the Moonlight Fae have been waiting for.]


    [You can be sure that this will be a story you can tell your grandkids one day, and they will be so impressed!]


    [Your affinity with the fae of the Moonlight Fae has grown to 25%. They will now be more than delighted to wee you and provide the best service whenever you visit them.]


    [Likewise, your affinity with Tribe Leader ine has risen to 32%, and she will dly wee you into her castle with a bountiful reward.]


    [Initially, Knight Morel had his doubts about you, but he has since developed trust in you, increasing your affinity with him to 26%.]


    [You have been invited to Moonlight Fae Land, where you can further explore the long history of the Moonlight Fae.]


    [In addition, you also receive 50 Stat Points.]


    Brokeny on the ground, still feeling the tension of the battle they had just endured. Facing what seemed like an endless horde of monsters had been no easy task. He had suffered severe wounds, forcing him to activate Ethereal Form. He''d even been pushed to use the Fiery Rebirth skill from the Mask of Scorched Fury to avoid a second death.


    But now, heughed softly, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. They had made it through. He knew none of his team members had suffered fatal injuries. Everyone had survived. Starfall held on until the end, Ivana fought to thest moment, and so did the three Knights that had apanied him.


    Broken was immensely proud of them all.


    Polly had already returned to the Spirit World, and Pawpaw was fast asleep, content and full, in his pocket dimension.


    He then turned his attention to the questpletion notification that had appeared in his vision.


    He focused his attention on the 50 stat points first. Indeed, it was a reward befitting a battle of that magnitude-equivalent to gaining five levels. Though it wasn''t explicitly mentioned in the quest, it seemed like a bonus just for him, and he felt a sense of satisfaction seeing it.


    And then... There were the names ine and Morel. It seemed they were significant figures within the Moonlight Fae tribe.


    The name of their tribe, Moonlight Fae, had a certain resonance-it made him wonder if they were somehow connected to the Moon Goddess. Could it be true? Was it even possible?


    Broken had already encountered numerous things connected to this very Goddess multiple times. The Moon Goddess-slowly but surely, he was piecing together more about her. She was the one who had gifted the Sword of Dissidia to King ndorr and had taught the Rain Summoning ritual to the people of Slumdon.


    But now, another encounter linked to the Moon Goddess?


    ine and Morel-did that mean they were the ones responsible for leading him into this predicament? Damn, a "challenge"? It had felt more like a massacre than a challenge. The Fae truly had a cruel side to them.


    Still, his affinity with them had grown significantly. Even reaching 32% with their Tribe Leader, which was certainly no small number.


    He nodded slowly. "Let''s see what happens when I finally meet them. I hope there are big things waiting to be discovered."


    He was also supposed to receive additional rewards from them, and he needed to im those soon. But again, where were they? They should be revealing themselves by now, shouldn''t they?


    After taking a deep, slow breath, Broken surveyed the scene before him. Annay sprawled on the ground, while Karl and Yann sat beside her. Ivana was perched on a nearby boulder, her face still pale but now brightened by a smile. Starfall was doing her best to recover, but she was also busy handing potions to the Knights to help them heal.


    Broken made his way over to Ivana. When she saw him approach, a warm smile spread across her face.


    "Hi,e, rest for a bit," she said, patting the space beside her for him to sit.


    Broken smiled back and took a seat next to her. Ivana then yfully grabbed his cheek, guiding his head to rest against her shoulder.


    "You''ve done a lot for us," she said softly.


    "I''m just d you all made it out safely," Broken replied.


    Ivana giggled at that. "The kind of experiences you put us through... they''re truly extraordinary, you know that?"


    "I didn''t exactly intend to draw this kind of chaos."


    Ivana giggled again. "Really now?"


    "Well," he paused, then smiled sheepishly. "Actually, maybe it dide because of me."


    "Then it''s good news, isn''t it?"


    "Why good news?" Broken asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "Maylock said this might have been some kind of test, right? And that means you passed, didn''t you?"


    "Yeah," he nodded. "I think so."


    Broken had been in a rush after reading the message from Maylock and the others about the monster horde attacking them. He had feared losing Ivana and the Knights he had brought to this strange forest.


    But at that time, he hadn''t been able to log in, and all he could do was wait in a panic, cold sweat beading on his forehead. Lily, who was also in the room, had tried her best to keep himpany, waiting for the login window to open.


    "I managed to fulfill my responsibility, to protect you all, right?" he said quietly. "I was so afraid of losing you... of losing all of you."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Ivana nodded slowly. "I will grow stronger. I promise."


    Broken lifted his head and turned to face her, gently cing his hand on her cheek. He looked deeply into her eyes, the worry still lingering there. The fear of losing Ivana had been very real -an emotion that had shaken him to his core.


    "I''m okay, we all survived," she reassured him softly.


    Broken nodded.


    Ivana gave a nod of her own. "I''ll work even harder from now on, so you can feel more at ease


    bringing me along on your journey," she said with a small giggle.


    "You''re still not tired ofing along on my journey?"


    "Surprisingly, I love these experiences."


    "You definitely have a unique taste."


    "Please, let me prove it," she insisted.


    Broken couldn''t help but smile at her determination.


    "I''m serious, okay."


    "Yes, Ivana. And I''ve already shown mymitment, haven''t I?".


    She giggled at his response.


    "We need to clean up the aftermath of this battle-there''s a lot of stuff scattered all over the ground," Broken said, rising to his feet. Ivana nodded in agreement, and they began to walk back toward Starfall and the others.


    Broken surveyed the area, his eyes sweeping across the loot left behind by the defeated


    monsters.


    "We need to gather all the items," he murmured.


    Hearing his words, the Knights immediately stood up, moving closer and lining up before him. Anna, still filled with enthusiasm despite the exhaustion, smiled at him. "My Lord, we


    are ready to collect all the loot."


    "Please do," Broken replied.


    The three knights nodded, then quickly spread out across the battlefield.


    "Let me help too," Ivana said, giving him a slow nod and a gentle smile before she also began


    collecting loot.

 Chapter 481: Chapter 481 - The progress was very significant

    Chapter 481: - The progress was very significant


    ?


    Broken bent down to collect some of the scattered items-mostly weapons, armor, and various materials. Since the monsters they had faced were all quite high level, averaging above 200, the loot left behind held considerable value.


    Given how full his inventory space already was, Broken had filtered the items to only automatically collect Monster Cores and Monster Soul Stones. Even so, he had managed to acquire five Monster Soul Stones during that huge battle-an impressive haul by any standard.


    However, he also knew that Pawpaw had eaten a few of the Monster Soul Stones he''d managed to gather. That little kitten seemed determined to devour everything it came across!


    As he worked, Starfall approached him, and he turned to face her.


    "I see you need an inventory expansion. Even for a yer at level 200 and above, the inventory space you have now isn''t enough for all of these items?" she remarked, a slight smile ying on her lips.


    Broken was aware that his current inventory, which was designed for yers below level 150, was far too limited to hold everything they had collected.


    "I can''t even imagine what''s in your inventory!" Starfall said with a giggle. "Could it be that you''ve got a full set of equally legendary equipment in there?"


    Broken sighed heavily, shaking his head. "Unfortunately, no. My inventory is mostly full of iron ore and monster materials," he admitted.


    He paused, considering his situation. By this point, someone at Starfall''s level-200 or higher - should have an inventory with at least four cubic meters of space.


    Starfall smiled and offered, "Do you need help storing all that loot? I''ve got some empty space in my inventory, so I''d be happy to help if you need it."


    Broken nodded slowly. "That''s very kind of you-I really appreciate the offer. But I think we should prioritize the important items with high value."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Of course, I agree," she said. "I can help you sell some of the itemster if you need." "Are you sure?"


    Starfall smiled and nodded. "Yes, no worries. It''s just a small thing."


    After some time, all the items they had gathered were collected in front of Broken, neatly stacked. He looked at the pile and smiled.


    "I think Polly will be quite pleased with ourrge stock of food," he said softly.


    Starfall said. "It seems that Maylock was right."


    "Yes?" Broken responded, turning his attention to her.


    "You have extraordinary luck. How did you get so much loot? The monsters we fought were numerous, sure, but this amount is two or three times what a yer would normally get. It seems like the Gods truly favor you," she giggled.


    "I guess so..." Broken answered slowly. "But I think the sheer number of monsters was massive, so maybe this much loot is still within reason."


    In addition to the items, Broken had also obtained several skill scrolls, and he was quite pleased with that. He examined a few of them and realized that the skills contained within were a bit subparpared to his Super Novice skills. Still, he figured these scrolls would be much more useful for the Knights. They deserved every edge they could get, and passing on these scrolls to them felt like the right choice.


    "Everyone..." Broken called out to his knights, gaining their full attention. "If any of you need items from these loots, feel free to take them for yourselves. I''m sure you''ll be able to make good use of them soon, so choose whatever suits you best."


    "My Lord, are you sure?" Anna asked, her voice full of enthusiasm.


    "Yes, absolutely," Broken replied. "Karl, Yann, please also pick out what''s suitable for you. Prioritize the level 200 items so you can use them once you''re ready. I also have some equipment from my expedition to Hell, and we can sort through thoseter to find what fits everyone."


    "Yes, My Lord," they all responded eagerly, immediately getting to work sorting through the loot once more.


    After a while, Anna, Karl, and Yann had each chosen the equipment and weapons they needed. Ivana, however, hadn''t picked anything, as the items from the monster drop were inferior to what she was already using.


    "Mr. Fokil sure gave you the best things he had, huh?" Broken remarked.


    Ivana nodded slowly, smiling. "It seems I should show more gratitude toward Mr. Fokil."


    "Yes, you definitely should pay him a visit after this expedition."


    Broken then proceeded to check the updated stats of the Knights and Ivana.


    [Name: Karl]


    [Level: 189]


    [Health: 3,900 | Mana: 3,144]


    [Strength: 819 | Agility: 254 | Intelligence: 262 | Constitution: 390 | Stamina: 473]


    Broken swallowed hard as he reviewed Karl''s updated stats. How many levels had they gained? From what he remembered, Karl had still been in the 170s before they set out. Had they really gained over ten levels?


    "Damn," Broken muttered to himself. "Karl, your strength stat is really impressive now. I''m sure it''s thanks to the Giant''s Strength talent I gave you."


    Karl responded with a polite nod, "Thank you, My Lord. I believe that''s true-the talent gives


    a significant boost to my Strength. And I will use all the strength I have to serve you as best as


    I can."


    "Good," Broken said, nodding in approval.


    He felt a swell of pride seeing how much they had grown. Karl was just a little away from reaching level 200, and that would be an incredible milestone for them all.


    [Name: Yann]


    [Level: 185]


    [Health: 2,580 | Mana: 3,336]


    [Strength: 444 | Agility: 926 | Intelligence: 278 | Constitution: 258 | Stamina: 277]


    Not only Karl, but Yann had also gained a significant number of levels-now reaching level 185. It wouldn''t take much longer for him to reach level 200 as well.


    What truly stood out, however, was his Agility. 926?! Though, looking more closely, it was evident that Yann''s Staminagged behind, making him unbnced. Perhaps Maylock would need to run some additional training sessions to address that.


    "Yann... your level has also increased drastically. I''m pleased to see how much both of you


    have achieved in just one night."


    Yann bowed slightly. "Thank you, My Lord. Though, honestly, I still feel like I have a long way to go. If Lord Maylock hadn''t been with us, things might have ended differently."


    "That''s a good mindset," Broken replied. "It means you recognize the room for growth and the opportunity to learn."


    [Name: Anna]


    [Level: 178]


    [Health: 2,830 | Mana: 3,072]


    [Strength: 796 | Agility: 341 | Intelligence: 256 | Constitution: 283 | Stamina: 380]


    Broken paused for a moment, shaking his head as he examined Anna''s stats. She was bing impressively bnced, with high Strengthplemented by solid Stamina. However, as a melee fighter, her Constitution was stillcking-a crucial area that needed


    improvement.


    "Good, Anna," he said. "Your progress is very significant."


    "Thank you, My Lord," Anna responded, her cheerful smile beaming up at him.


    Broken then shifted his gaze to Ivana. "Ivana, I''d like to take a look at your progress as well."


    Ivana nodded, and her stats materialized in front of Broken.


    [Name: Ivana]


    [Level: 218]


    [Health: 8,220 | Mana: 7,272]


    [Strength: 677 | Agility: 494 | Intelligence: 606 | Constitution: 822 | Stamina: 720]


    Broken swallowed hard as he looked over Ivana''s stats. She had recovered remarkably well since that time in Hell when she had sacrificed so much to save Elowen. Was this progress too fast? Or had the brutal battlest night really pushed everyone to level up so quickly?


    "Your level has recovered quite well, Ivana. And that''s great."


    Ivana smiled warmly and nodded. "Thanks, Broken."


    Starfall observed Broken as he checked Ivana''s stats and smiled softly.


    "Ivana," she said, "you kept us all safe with your barrier. It seems like your Constitution and


    Stamina must be quite high. Is that true?"


    Ivana gave a humble shrug. "I can only block attacks. I''m not much use when ites to


    striking back."


    "That''s not true at all," Starfall replied earnestly. "Without your protection, the oue could have been very different."


    Anna chimed in, "Yes, Ms. Ivana! You kept those monsters from reaching us for hours-you


    were absolutely incredible."


    Starfall added with a nod, "If I had to choose an MVP of the battle before Broken arrived, it


    would definitely be you."


    "Thank you, everyone, for your appreciation," Ivana said and giggled.


    Satisfied with their progress, Broken''s thoughts shifted to another key ally. He decided it was


    time to call Polly back, curious to see how she had evolved-especially her new wings.


    "Polly..." he whispered.

 Chapter 482: Chapter 482 - Vulpine Glide

    Chapter 482: - Vulpine Glide


    ?


    Polly, the little four-tailed fox, appeared nearby, her small body bouncing happily around Broken. He smiled, then settled himself on the ground, gently scooping the fox into his arms.


    "Hi, Polly... You were a tremendous help during thest battle," he said in a casual tone, gently scratching behind her ears.


    "Thank you, Master... It''s all because of you that I received an upgrade and can do even more for you."


    Broken nodded, and then his gaze shifted to the screen disying her stats.


    [Name: Polly]


    [Level: 185]


    [Health: 3,450 | Mana: 3,300]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Strength: 404 | Agility: 720 | Intelligence: 275 | Constitution: 345 | Stamina: 348]


    [Skills - 4]


    [...]


    [Vulpine Glide: These graceful wings allow you to glide and soar through the skies with agility and finesse. However, maintaining flight requires both Mana and Stamina, so use this skill wisely.


    Mana Cost: 7 Mana/second


    Stamina Drain: Moderate]


    Broken nodded at the skill description. "Vulpine Glide, huh?" he murmured thoughtfully. "It looks like we have some real power to work with now, Polly. Though it seems the Mana drain is quite high per second, along with the Stamina cost. So, we''ll probably need to save this skill for when it''s really necessary."


    Polly nodded eagerly, her four tails swishing behind her. "Understood, Master. I promise to use my power wisely."


    Broken patted her gently on the head. "I know you will. Now, let''s see just how much 7 Mana per second impacts you."


    Starfall then chimed in. "What''s the Intelligence stat for Polly, Broken? Because the Mana regeneration rate is approximately 0.02 times the total Intelligence stat."


    "So, 275 times 0.02?"


    "Around 5.5 per second," Starfall confirmed.


    Broken turned to her. "You''re pretty quick with those calctions, huh."


    Starfall giggled in response.


    Broken then turned his gaze back to Polly. "So, if the wings cost 7 Mana per second to use, and Polly''s regeneration is 5.5 Mana per second, that means Polly won''t be able to keep this skill up indefinitely."


    "She can," Starfall continued, "if the team has someone who can boost her Intelligence stat, increase her Mana regeneration, or even directly restore her Mana. But otherwise, yes-if she relies only on herself, she won''t be able to maintain the skill for long periods."


    Broken nodded, absorbing the information.


    Starfall added, "The amount of Stamina she will need is also quite high, isn''t it? But I still think that the ability to fly is an incredible upgrade, Broken. I''m curious to see just how high Polly can soar."


    "Yeah, I''m curious about that too," he said. "But with things as they are, how long can Polly actually keep up her flying ability?"


    "Alright, let''s break it down," Starfall replied, taking a breath. "Polly''s skill costs her 7 Mana per second, while she regenerates 5.5 Mana each second."


    She paused, her brow furrowing as she worked out the numbers. "So, if Polly''s using 7 Mana per second but regaining 5.5 at the same time, that means she''s effectively losing 1.5 Mana every second."


    Broken nodded, following along as Starfall continued. "Given her total Mana pool is 3,300, we can figure out how long she can keep this up. So, 3,300 divided by 1.5... that gives us about 2,200 seconds."


    A smile formed on Starfall''s face as she concluded, "Which means Polly can stay airborne for approximately 36 minutes and 40 seconds before running out of Mana¨Dassuming, of course, that nothing interrupts her and she doesn''t use her Mana for anything else in the meantime." Broken stared at her for a moment. "Are you sure you calcted that so fast?"


    Starfall giggled at his words. "Why are you so surprised, Broken? I''m a Mage, and we''re used to calcting things like this. We depend heavily on monitoring skill usage, as well as the Mana and Health conditions of the team. Being able to figure out these details can make a huge difference in our performance."


    "I''m really impressed. Maybe that''s why someone like Goldrich can even estimate someone''s Mana pool just by observing how they use their skills?"


    Starfall nodded. "Exactly. Usually, every bit of Mana used has a value that scales with the damage dealt or other skill effects. For example, with a Mana cost of 1000, one skill might deal 500% damage, while another might do only 300% but add a mini-stun or damage over time-something along those lines."


    She paused, reflecting for a moment. "Goldrich really understands these skills inside and out, even down to how they scale. Though, he''s mentioned more than once that your abilities don''t quite fit the usual mold."


    "Really? He said that?"


    "Yes," she confirmed, "he thinks it''s probably because your ss is unique. Maybe it''s the grade¡ªsince the higher the grade of a skill, the more efficient the Mana usage bes. He even suggested that you might have something like a Unique-grade or even a Legendary- grade ss."


    "That''s quite a blunt assessment, isn''t it?"


    "That was Goldrich talking, not me."


    Broken chuckled. "You guys in the Ass Guild are really something else."


    "That''s riching from you, Broken," Starfall teased, grinning. "You''re the real monster


    here!"


    Broken nodded and murmured quietly, "Alright. Thirty minutes of flight-that''s an incredible upgrade, even if it''s not enough for long journeys just yet."


    "Master..." Anna, who had been standing nearby, suddenly spoke up. "Can I try riding on Polly and flying with her?"


    "Oh?" Broken smiled, amused by Anna''s straightforwardness. He turned to Polly. "Polly?"


    Polly gave a nod.


    "Of course, Anna," Broken said. "I''ll let everyone take a turn riding Polly, as long as she''sfortable with it."


    With that, Polly leaped out of his arms, her body shifting into herrger form. Her four tails unfurled behind her, and her majestic wings spread wide. She paused for a moment, giving


    Anna time to approach.


    "Polly, you really mean it?"


    "Yes, Anna."


    Without hesitation, Anna climbed onto her back. Polly took a few running strides before spreading her wings and lifting off the ground. The others watched from below, smiling as Annaughed with pure delight at the experience.


    Next, Ivana tried her luck and was also allowed to ride Polly. However, when Karl and Yann stepped forward, clearly curious and eager, Polly refused them. It was clear she only wanted to be ridden by women and her Master, Broken.


    This left Karl and Yann a bit embarrassed and visibly disappointed, though they tried to shrug


    it off and hide their feelings.


    "Well, it looks like it''s time for me to log out," Starfall said, giving a polite bow. "I''m sure Maylock will be back online soon, and then we can decide on our next move."


    Broken nodded slowly. "Thanks, Starfall. Go get some rest-you''ve earned it."


    "Thanks, Broken." She smiled, and with that, she logged out.


    Once she was gone, Broken remained in ce, patiently waiting for the Faeries who were


    supposed to take him to meet their leader. He knew he had to speak with someone named Morel about something crucial.


    It was clear that Morel was the one behind the challenge that had cost the lives of Livelywood and perhaps even endangered other NPCs.


    While he waited for Maylock and the Faeries, Broken upied himself by examining the various significant items he had acquired during the chaotic battle.

 Chapter 483: Chapter 483 - The Faeries are Coming

    Chapter 483: - The Faeries are Coming


    ?


    [Common - Spider Goblin Monster Soul Stone Lv. 215]


    [Rare - Shadow Wolf Monster Soul Stone Lv. 218]


    [Rare - Stone Goblin Monster Soul Stone Lv. 205]


    [Common - Spider Goblin Monster Soul Stone Lv. 199]


    [Elite - Shadow Wolf Monster Soul Stone Lv. 219]


    Broken nodded slowly as he reviewed the list of Monster Soul Stones he had obtained. Two Common, two Rare, and one Elite-grade-and thatst one was a Shadow Wolf.


    He couldn''t help but wonder if the Shadow Wolf Monster Soul Stone would be the perfect match for Pawpaw, given that Pawpaw also had an affinity with the Shadow element.


    "Gaia... I''m sure you''d like one of these Monster Soul Stones. Is there any particr one that catches your eye?"


    Gaia was quiet for a few moments. "Master... Thank you for the offer. But, I''m currently watching my diet, so I want something specific before I eat."


    "Seriously? Wasn''t it just recently that you devoured a Demon monster soul? And what type of monsters are you looking for now?"


    "Monsters with Water, Earth, or Nature elements."


    "Okay," he nodded. "Just let me know if you change your mindter. You can have your pick of these before Pawpaw and Polly get their paws on them."


    His thoughts then drifted to ze-one of his other beasts. He wondered if any of these Monster Souls might be suitable for ze too. It had been quite some time since hest summoned ze, and he couldn''t help but worry if that long absence affected the creature''s mental state.


    Did being kept unsummoned for too long impact a beast''s condition? He wasn''t sure, but it was something he''d have to find out.


    Finding Monster Soul Stones with the specific attributes a beast desired would be quite a challenge. Maybe he could n a hunt for such a creatureter. However, one thing was clear: he needed to supply Monster Souls that matched the needs of every beast contracted to him. On top of that, he also required Monster Soul Stones for upgrading his equipment.


    With all the monsters fromst night, he had only managed to get five Monster Soul Stones. That was actually a pretty good haul, considering how rare they could be.


    Broken then proceeded to offer some Monster Cores to Gaia, holding them near the ring in his hand. One by one, the Monster Cores vanished without a trace.


    For now, he decided against giving Polly a Monster Soul Stone-she had only just undergone


    a transformation, and she needed time to grow ustomed to her new abilities.


    Turning to Ivana, who still had a smile ying on her lips, he called out, "Ivana..."


    "Yes?" she responded.


    "Do you also consume items like these?" he asked in a t tone.


    Ivana let out a soft chuckle. "No, I''ve never tried. But if you want, I''m willing to give it a shot. Who knows, I might sprout wings like Polly."


    "Are you serious, Ivana?"


    "Are you serious, Broken?!"


    For a moment, they stared at each other, and then they both burst intoughter, the tension lifting as they enjoyed this moment.


    A few hourster, Maylock finally arrived, sauntering over to where Broken and the others were enjoying lunch.


    "Hello, Lord Maylock!" Anna called out, waving her hand.


    Maylock took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over the gathered group, and then joined them, taking a seat next to Broken.


    "Food?" Ivana offered, gesturing to the spread, and Maylock nodded, epting her offer.


    "I heard about the conclusion of the epic battlest night from Starfall," Maylock said after a moment, picking up a piece of bread. "She sent me a detailed report."


    "And what about Toberry?" Broken interjected. "Shouldn''t he have arrived before you?"


    Maylock chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "That foolish Alchemist got ambushed by monsters right after logging in and died on the spot."


    "Oh, Toberry..." Ivana sighed, her face wrinkling in sympathy.


    "Nah, it''s only fitting," Maylock replied nonchntly. "He was always a bit too careless."


    "But still, I''m sure he came intending to help. It''s just that the situation was that intense, that dangerous," Ivana responded.


    Maylock gave a slow nod. "Perhaps. But considering that this all ended in sess, and Livelywood was our only true casualty, I''d say we achieved a significant victory."


    He turned towards Broken, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "You really are something else, Broken. A monster in your own right."


    Broken nodded slowly in response to Maylock''sment. Then, a thought resurfaced- something crucial he hadn''t had the chance to discuss with anyone yet. He hadn''t even informed Starfall about it. Deciding now was the right moment, he turned to Maylock.


    It was about what had happened when he first logged in, and how he managed to get to Ivana and the others so quickly.


    "I met two faeries-twins, a boy and a girl. They looked like teenagers, judging by their stature. Their names were Cedric and Cecilia."


    Maylock nodded, his expression curious. "Go on."


    "These two faeries were right there the moment I logged in. They immediately offered their help and exined what was happening. Cecilia, the faery girl, used her magic to conjure a portal for me, allowing me to arrive directly at the center of the monster attack."


    He paused for a moment before continuing. "That''s how I managed to get here just in time." Everyone around him leaned in, visibly intrigued by this new information.


    Maylock nodded slowly, and Broken continued, exining the quest he''d received and the details surrounding the challenge.


    "A Faery Knight?" Maylock echoed, nodding thoughtfully. "Just as I suspected. This is their doing."


    Maylock went on. "A Knight Commander issued the quest for you to deal with the monster attack. And the twin faeries helped you reach this ce quickly using teleportation magic. I have to admit, that faery girl was pretty impressive, wielding a skill tied to an Ancient Element like that."


    "Any conclusions?" Broken pressed.


    "Not sure yet," Maylock replied. "But it strikes me as odd. If their Knight Commander issued the challenge to you, but then those two faeries helped you... it seems like there may be some internal disagreement. Perhaps this Knight''s actions aren''t fully supported by the others, possibly not even by their Tribe Leader."


    Maylock nodded again, this time more assured. "And given the affinity that has formed between you and the Tribe Leader, as well as the Knight, it seems you can reasonably trust


    their leader, Broken."


    "That''s your conclusion?"


    "Yes," Maylock confirmed.


    Broken nodded slowly, allowing Maylock''s words to sink in. The others watched in silence, captivated as the pieces of the puzzle began to align, although there were still questions lingering about the faeries and their Knights'' true motives.


    "I think we should thank those two faery twins for helping us, don''t you?" Ivana suggested.


    "Yes, absolutely... I haven''t had the chance to thank them properly yet," Broken replied. "But I''m sure we''ll meet them again."


    Suddenly, Yann leaped to his feet. "They''re here!" he eximed.


    His abrupt movement startled the others, and they quickly stood up, their gazes turning toN?v(el)B\\jnn


    where Yann was pointing.


    In the distance, dozens of pale-skinned children with pointed ears, and delicate facial features were slowly approaching. Their unique appearance made it unmistakable-these were faeries, members of the Moonlight Fae Tribe.


    Maylock observed the approaching group andmented dryly, "Well, I guess they''re here to


    collect you, Broken."

 Chapter 484: Chapter 484 - The Invitation from the Moonlight Fae

    Chapter 484: - The Invitation from the Moonlight Fae


    ?


    Broken and the others stood in silence as the faeries drew closer. There was no furtherment from Maylock-he seemed to consider his conclusions final.


    It was clear that the attack by the monster horde had been instigated by the faeries, yet Maylock had suggested that Broken could consider trusting their Tribe Leader. Their bond, forged by surviving the attack, seemed to have created a certain level of affinity.


    When the faeries were close enough, it was easy to see that one among them stood out-a figure carrying a spear, exuding amanding presence. This faery was clearly Morel, the Knight Commander as identified by the name visible above his head. He took a step forward.


    "Forgive us for our dy in weing you," Morel said respectfully. "My name is Morel, Knight Commander of the Moonlight Fae. Ie bearing a message of invitation from our Tribe Leader, Lady ine."


    Broken and the others all stood, their eyes shifting downward to meet the gaze of the faeries, whose small, child-like bodies made them appear deceptively innocent.


    "So, it''s you who caused us so much trouble," Broken said sternly. "Two of our friends are dead, and our Yunatean friends were put in danger because of you. And now youe here with an invitation in your hands. Do you expect me to trust you?"


    Morel immediately dropped to his knees, bowing low. "I apologize for the challenge I issued," he said. "I had no other choice. I needed to be certain that you were the one we have been waiting for."


    Broken''s gaze narrowed. "And what is it that you want?"


    Morel looked up. "We would be deeply honored if you would agree to visit our home and help us liberate our tribe from the ancient curse that has gued us for centuries."


    Broken remained silent for a moment, his brow furrowed. "Liberate the tribe from a curse?" He recalled the details from the quest he had received-something about a prophecy. Could it be that they believed he was the one prophesied to lift the curse that had afflicted them for centuries?n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Broken nced at Maylock, who nodded slowly, as if affirming what had been said. Taking a breath, Broken turned his gaze back to Morel.


    "How are you so certain that I can free your tribe from this curse?" Broken asked. "What kind of curse is it? And why should I care about your tribe when I barely know any of you?"


    "Mr. Broken," Morel replied slowly, "you are the one our Queen of the Fae prophesied woulde to aid us. You fulfill the two requirements she spoke of. We are prepared to reward you generously for your assistance. I truly hope you will consider our request."


    He paused, then added, "As for the curse, it would be best if you heard the full exnation directly from our Tribe Leader. Pleasee with us to learn more."


    Broken eyed Morel for a moment before asking, "Where exactly are you taking me, and how long will it take? And can I bring a friend with me?"


    Morel bowed his head in acknowledgment. "We will be inviting you to our residence, deep within our territory. It will take around a month," he said carefully. "However, due to certain restrictions, you may only bring one Yunatean with you-not another yer."


    Broken narrowed his eyes slightly, considering the terms. A month was a significant amount of time, and being limited to bringing only one Yunatean made things even moreplicated.


    "And these restrictions," Broken pressed, "why do they exist? Why only a Yunatean and not another yer?"


    Morel took a moment, his gaze lowering as if searching for the right words. "The magic that protects our home is ancient and selective. It''s built to ward off outsiders who do not belong -specifically, those not originally from Yunatea. Another yer would disrupt the delicate bnce of our sanctuary. It''s simply how the enchantment works."


    Broken was quite intrigued by what the faeries were proposing. He was particrly interested in their pre-existing affinity with him-it implied a certain level of trustworthiness.


    But a curse? And a generous reward?


    It was undeniably something worth exploring. Who knew what he might find there? Whatever it was, he knew it promised to be interesting.


    Still, the restriction remained: he could not bring another yer with him, and was only permitted to bring one Yunatean. His choice was between Ivana or one of the Knights.


    "Let me discuss it with my friends, and I will let you know when I''ve made my decision," he dered.


    With that, the faeries began to walk away. Among them were Cedric and Cecilia. Cedric waved his arms energetically, a wide smile on his face.


    "I''m d you''re safe, Mr. Broken!" he called out. In contrast, Cecilia remained silent, her eyes cast downward, her demeanor far more reserved.


    Broken smiled at them both and gave a wave in return. It was clear that Cedric was the


    friendly, outgoing one, while his sister seemed shy and introspective.


    Once the faeries were out of sight, Broken turned back to hispanions. He stepped a few paces away with Maylock to discuss the unexpected situation in private.


    "What do you think, Maylock?" He asked, needing a second opinion on the matter. Maylock smiled, nodding slowly. "It''s obvious-you should ept the invitation," he said confidently. "That''s what you were thinking too, right? This is a major quest, and there''s bound to be a significant event you''ll trigger from here. It''s an incredibly rare opportunity. The answer is clear: take their invitation. It''s worth the risk."


    "Yes," Broken admitted, "but I''m only allowed to bring one person. I think Ivana shoulde with me."


    Maylock gave a firm nod. "I agree. Ivana is the best choice for this. Don''t worry about the knights. Elincia, Melliandra, and Kingsley are already on their way here, and they''ll make sure we all return to the city safely. Plus, with the time you''ll need toplete this quest, it makes sense for us to head back and wait for word from you."


    Maylock''s reassurance was enough to make Broken feel more at ease. The n made sense. Ivana was not only dependable but also capable of adapting to whatever surprises awaited them on this journey.


    "An event like this," Maylock continued, "is something that many yers are eagerly anticipating. This is an important quest, and it will undoubtedly bring great rewards. I''m sure there''s something significant behind that curse they''re talking about."


    Broken nodded slowly in agreement.


    "I just want you to know that you made the right decision, Broken."


    "Thank you."


    Broken knew the faeries were waiting not far away, but he was determined to stay put until the afternoon when Elincia and the others would join them. Given her ability to fly, Elincia could travel much faster than the rest. Meanwhile, Melliandra and Kingsley relied on Kingsley''s transformation-Melliandra riding on his back in his beast form to keep up.


    After a while, a blue light shot towards them from a distance, and as it approached, Broken could see the figure wrapped in crackling blue lightning energy. Elincia descended before them,nding gracefully.


    "Hi, trouble inviter..." Elincia greeted with a grin.

 Chapter 485: Chapter 485 - Golem’s Temporary Ownership

    Chapter 485: - Golem¡¯s Temporary Ownership


    ?


    "I heard you once again caused big trouble for everyone. Is that right, Mr. Broken?" Elincia teased.


    "I wasn''t doing anything out of the ordinary, just the same as the others. They attacked even


    when I was logged out," Broken replied casually. "So, I guess my reputation is slowly bing worse, huh?"


    Elincia giggled again. "Well, I hope youe back with stories about the amazing things you''ll see in their world," she said.


    "Yes," Broken nodded.


    "And besides," Elincia added, "a fae''s residence is bound to have hidden treasures or challenges that could be worth your while." She gave him a yful wink. "Just try not to stir up too much trouble while you''re there."


    Broken let out a chuckle. "I''ll try my best, but no promises.


    Seeing Elincia arrive so quickly indicated that she had moved immediately after hearing about the massive monster attack on Maylock and the others. Considering the distance from Slumdon and the path through the dense forest to reach this spot, it was clear she had made a relentless, nonstop journey. Thanks to her flying ability, which seemingly wasn''t limited by Mana regeneration like Polly''s, she had managed the feat without issue.


    They continued chatting for a while, catching up on recent events, until more of their awaitedpanions finally arrived.


    In the distance, Kingsley''s form could be seen-he was in his panther shape, moving swiftly through the forest, with Melliandra riding on his back. Kingsley approached at full speed, stopping suddenly as he reached the group. Melliandra quickly dismounted, and in a fluid motion, Kingsley transformed back into his human form.


    The realization of what they''d both endured struck Broken-Kingsley and Melliandra had traveled all the way from Slumdon, spending the entire night and much of the day in transit. It must have been a long, exhausting journey, not just physically but also mentally. For Kingsley, who had to remain in his beast form for such an extended period, it must have been particrly tiring, while Melliandra had to endure the monotony of riding through the forest for hours on end.


    "Good to see you made it safely," Broken greeted them.


    "Good to see you and the others are alright, Broken," Kingsley said, bowing slightly.


    Melliandra, however, wasted no time before voicing her frustration. "What kind of joke is this, Elincia? Why did I have toe all the way here just to babysit those worthless knights? We should''ve just let them fend for themselves!"


    Maylock smirked and chimed in, "You also invested quite a bit of your own money to pay their sries, didn''t you, Melliandra? So it''s only fair you make sure your investment doesn''t go to waste."


    "I don''t care about that! I hate dealing with things like this, especially when it''s for him!" Melliandra pointed her finger at Broken. "He''s a troublemaker, a pervert!"


    "You could always take advantage of the trip and hunt monsters here," Broken suggested to her. "There are plenty around, and their levels are high. You''d enjoy it."


    Melliandra red at him. "Don''t talk to me!"


    "Melliandra," Ivana said, her face beaming with a friendly smile, "did you hear? Polly has wings now-she can fly!"


    Melliandra''s eyes widened in surprise. "What? Where is Polly?!" she demanded, then turned her attention back to Broken. "If you want me to protect those knights, you better bring Polly out here!"


    Broken, seemingly unfazed by her demands, turned to Maylock and Elincia instead. "I guess I''ll leave the rest to you guys."


    Maylock nodded casually. "Leave everything to us. Just enjoy your expedition, Broken."


    Elincia added, "No need to worry. I''m just looking forward to the end result of your next big quest."


    Broken nodded, giving them a grateful smile, and began to walk away. Behind him, Melliandra''s exasperated voice rang out.


    "Broken! Where is Polly?! Don''t ignore me, you dumbass-I swear I''ll kill you!"


    At that moment, Polly appeared close to Broken, trotting up beside him before suddenly expanding in size. Two magnificent wings unfurled from her back, and she nced over at Melliandra, her tails swaying gently.


    Broken patted Polly''s head, a sly smile on his face. "This youngdy here wants to y with you, Polly. You''re free to refuse if you don''t feel like it," he said, before turning and heading towards Ivana.


    "Shut up, Broken!" Melliandra shouted. But when her eyes fell on Polly, her demeanor instantly changed. "Woah... Polly... you''re so cute. Those wings... they''re absolutely beautiful... ahhh..."


    For a few moments, Melliandra enjoyed riding Polly, who hovered effortlessly above the ground.


    "And Broken..." Elincia then called to him, her gaze shifting to arge ck figure sitting not far from them. It was the golem, its massive gori-like form resting on the ground.


    "Ah... yes..." Broken nodded, understanding her unspoken question. "The Golem can takemands from me, and can set it to follow one of you if needed. In fact, someone could even enter and control the golem from inside, if they wanted."


    "Then let me take the golem with me," Maylock spoke up, drawing the attention of the others.


    Elincia raised an eyebrow, her expression suspicious. "You''re not nning anything strange with the golem, are you, Maylock?"


    "No, no worries," Maylock replied tly. "I''m just in the process of earning Broken''s full trust, so rest assured that the gori golem will be safe with me."


    "Alright, thanks then," Broken said with a slight smile. "I''ll set the temporary ownership of the golem to you. But remember, I can still summon it from afar if I need it."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Maylock nodded in acknowledgment, and with that settled, they continued preparing for their journey.


    Once everyone wasfortable with their respective ns, Broken, along with Ivana, moved away from the group and approached the faeries who were waiting for them.


    To his surprise, only three faeries remained: Morel, Cedric, and Cecilia. Where had the others


    gone?


    "So, you have decided?" Morel asked.


    "Yes," Broken replied casually.


    Morel gave a polite bow before signaling for them to follow him.

 Chapter 486: Chapter 486 - Broken is Already Inside

    Chapter 486: - Broken is Already Inside


    ?


    Broken and Ivana, now apanied by Cedric, Cecilia, and Morel, began making their way through the forest. After some time, the faeries picked up their pace, swiftly transitioning from walking to running.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Mr. Broken, let me know if you have trouble keeping up!" Cedric called out.


    "Nah, it''s okay," Broken responded.


    As they moved through the forest, Broken nced around, noting the absence of other faeries. He went on, "Where are the rest of the faeries?"


    Morel turned his head slightly and answered, "They have returned to their duties within the tribe. Only we three will apany you further."


    Cedric, running slightly ahead, turned towards Broken. "Ha ha ha... Mr. Broken, the faeries can easily enter Moonlight Land because this forest is actually part of our territory. However, outsiders must pass through a special portal to enter properly."


    Cedric''s exnation was enthusiastic, although Broken found the details a bit unclear.


    "Are you saying that the Moonlight Land is an alternate dimension of this forest area?"


    "Yes, exactly! Ha ha ha," Cedric responded. "A part of this forest oveps with an alternate dimension, and we call that ce Moonlight Land. We''ve lived there for hundreds of years."


    Ivana and Broken kept pace as best they could, running and navigating the forest terrain while the faeries moved ahead.


    Eventually, they reached a part of the forest where the air became thicker, a constant fog growing even denser around them. The group began to slow their pace, the mist swirling heavily between the trees, shrouding their surroundings.


    "From here, we need to go even slower," Cedric exined.


    Visibility dropped significantly. Each tree appeared shrouded in heavy fog, their forms fading into the mist, giving the impression that something mysteriousy hidden beyond their reach.


    Morel walked silently at the front, leading the group without muchmentary. Cedric, on the other hand, continued talking, enthusiastically sharing random facts about the forest. Cecilia, in stark contrast, remained quiet, keeping her eyes down.


    After some time, they reached an area where the forest thinned out. The trees grew sparse, and the terrain turned rockier. The wind blew stronger here, and despite the thick fog, Broken could tell they were standing close to a cliff''s edge.


    "We stop here," Cedricmanded.


    Cecilia then stepped forward. She raised her hand, and slowly, the thick fog that had enveloped them began to part, revealing thendscape around them. As the mist receded, it became clear that they were standing at the edge of a steep cliff, though the view below remained obscured by a lingering nket of haze.


    Cedric moved closer to the very edge, looking down before turning back to face Broken and Ivana.


    "The portal to Moonlight Land is located beneath this cliff," he exined, pointing downward.


    "Beneath the cliff?" Broken repeated, raising an eyebrow.


    Broken stepped closer, passing by Morel to peer over the edge of the cliff. The dense fog below made it impossible to discern how far down it went-just an endless nket of mist. He had no clue how deep the drop truly was.


    "How do we ess the portal?" Broken asked with a grin. "Do we need to jump off this cliff?"


    "Yes, ha ha ha..." Cedric replied cheerfully.


    "You''re not trying to kill me, are you?"


    "Mr. Broken," Morel interjected, "the only way to gain ess to Moonlight Land is to take a leap off this cliff. Once you make the jump, the portal will open, allowing you entry."


    Broken shifted his gaze to Ivana. Eventually, she noticed his look and spoke up. "Don''t worry about me. I''m not scared. I''ll go first, it''s okay..."


    Before she could even finish her sentence, Ivana had already dashed towards the edge, preparing to jump. But Broken acted quickly, grabbing her hand and pulling her back just in time.


    "Wait, Ivana... No, it''s not that I think you''re scared," he said. "But let''s take a minute to think about this first."


    Ivana looked at him. "I guess you''re right. I was a little too eager," she admitted.


    Broken squeezed her hand gently. "Just because we''re ready to jump doesn''t mean we shouldn''t be careful."


    She nodded.


    Although Broken knew that the faeries had some affinity with him, he still wasn''t ready to ce hisplete trust in them. Jumping from a cliff this high was certain death if things went wrong, and if Ivana followed, her life would be in danger too.


    "I''ll take a look first, see exactly what kind of portal we''re talking about," he said.


    As soon as his words faded, Polly appeared, gliding smoothly out of thin air behind him, her wings wide and shimmering. She hovered in ce, her wings pping gracefully.


    With a single leap, Brokennded on Polly''s back. Before anyone could react, the four-tailed fox had already started to glide down the steep cliff, her wings moving effortlessly to guide them.


    As Polly began to slow down, Broken realized just how deep the descent really was. Soon, his eyes caught sight of something extraordinary-a colossal barrier suspended in the air, shimmering like a sheet of wless ss.


    "So, this is the entrance to Moonlight Land they were talking about?"


    [Moonlight Land Domain Lv. 200]


    Morel and Cedric moved to the edge of the cliff, watching as Polly descended into the mist below.


    "Sir Morel, is he even able to ess the portal using a flying beast like that?" Cedric asked. Morel shook his head. "Even if he finds the portal, he won''t be able to enter it. The only way in is to fall directly from above."


    Cedric grinned. "I think Mr. Broken just wants to make sure we''re telling the truth, hahaha. He''s a very cautious man-I like that about him."


    Morel nodded thoughtfully in agreement.


    Cedric continued, undeterred. "For someone to enter the domain, they must be in a state of free fall. And even reaching this cliff is no easy feat-anyone trying to approach must navigate through the thick fog filled with monsters unless they''re apanied by a fae from the Moonlight Fae Tribe. With these three major obstacles, it''s no wonder no one has managed to find our hiding ce until now."


    Ivana let out a giggle. "I''m eager to see this Moonlight Land you keep talking about."


    She tried to digest Cedric''s exnation, thinking carefully about what it all meant. There didn''t seem to be any real restrictions to entering Moonlight Land for both native Yunatea residents and yers alike. But Morel had been clear-only a native Yunatean could apany Broken, and only one person.


    It appeared to Ivana that this rule was merely an excuse. They likely didn''t want too many yers apanying Broken on this expedition, possibly to maintain the secrecy and


    protection of the Moonlight Fae''s domain.


    "Sir Morel..." Cecilia began, her voice trembling with panic. "Mr. Broken..." she continued.


    "What''s wrong, Cecilia?" Cedric asked. "What happened to him?"


    Morel frowned. "Don''t tell me he tried to jump off the flying fox and ended up falling to the ground because he couldn''t enter the portal?"


    Cecilia shook her head. "The opposite, actually..." she replied. "Mr. Broken is already inside


    Moonlight Land."


    "What?!" Morel''s eyes widened, "How could that happen?!"


    Cedric looked equally stunned. "How did he manage that? He shouldn''t have been able to


    enter without falling from above."

 Chapter 487: Chapter 487 - Moonlight Land

    Chapter 487: - Moonlight Land


    ?


    Morel''s face went pale as he eximed in shock, "How did he get into Moonlight Land?! Isn''t he riding the fox spirit? He couldn''t possibly get in."


    Cecilia shook her head. "I don''t know, Sir Morel, but he seemed unaffected by the rules of the domain."


    "We should follow him!" Morel dered firmly, moving quickly towards the edge of the cliff.


    However, Morel abruptly stopped in his tracks when a sudden gust of wind blew up from beneath the cliff. Emerging from the mist below was a figure atop arge, white flying fox. It was Broken, calmly seated on Polly''s back as she ascended gracefully.


    Morel''s eyes went wide with disbelief as he looked at Broken. He turned to Cecilia. "Cecilia, are you absolutely sure about what you said earlier?"


    "Ye-yes, Sir Morel..."


    "Broken..." Ivana called out. "So, you''ve found Moonlight Land, right? Is it as beautiful as I imagined?"


    Broken nodded. "Ivana... I''m sure you''ll love what I saw down there. Come on..." he said, holding out his hand to her.


    Ivana took a deep breath and cautiously stepped towards the edge of the cliff.


    "I''m going to experience the sensation of falling from this height," she dered, then took the plunge without a moment''s hesitation.


    Polly instantly dove after her, her wings folding slightly to gain speed.


    Morel and the others were stunned by what Broken and Ivana had just done.


    "What just happened? Damn!" Morel eximed, turning sharply to Cecilia.


    "Sir Morel, I swear, I wasn''t lying," Cecilia replied.


    "No one said you were lying, Cecilia. Come on!" Cedric said as he grabbed Cecilia''s hand, pulling her towards the cliff. "Let''s catch up with them, hahaha!"


    Withughter, Cedric and Cecilia both jumped off the cliff.


    Morel frowned deeply as he watched Broken''s seemingly effortless entrance into the domain. "Doesn''t he have to abide by the entrance rules? Could it be that he is exempt because he is a yer? Is it possible for yers to enter Moonlight Land without the restriction?"


    Morel''s expression hardened as he turned his gaze back towards the cliff edge.


    "In that case, I must heighten the security around here. I cannot allow any more yers to get close enough to discover this location."


    **


    Leaping from Polly''s back, Broken found himself in a breathtakingly beautiful ancient forest. The trees rose to incredible heights, their branches stretching toward the sky, while sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting a gentle dappled glow across the forest floor. The atmosphere was almost dreamlike, as though time itself had slowed, and the peace of the ce was palpable.


    The forest seemed truly magical. Broken could see tiny glistening motes floating in the air, sparkling faintly like suspended fireflies. He had no idea what they were, but their presence made the forest feel alive and enchanted. Everything around him was vibrant-fresh, green, and utterly untouched.


    [You have ventured into the magical realm of Moonlight Land.]


    [Your Mana Regeneration is boosted by 100%!]


    [Additionally, your Health Regeneration is also increased by 30%.]


    [Thanks to your strong affinity with Faeries, your magical damage is boosted by a whopping 50%, while your Elemental Damage is increased by 30%.]


    "What the hell?!"


    Broken was stunned by the benefits he received in this ce. What kind of power was this?! 100% Mana Regeneration?! Was it only affecting him? Because if Polly also received this buff, it meant she could fly indefinitely here-her Mana regeneration would outpace the cost of her flight.


    And then there was the 30% Health Regeneration increase, the boost to magic damage, and the elemental damage boost? This was unbelievable.


    He swallowed hard, trying to process it all. Turning to Ivana, he called out, "Ivana?"


    Ivana smiled, already seeming to understand what he was thinking. "Yes, it''s incredible, isn''t


    it?"


    Broken then looked over to Polly. "Polly, did you also get the buff from this ce?"


    "Yes, Master... My Mana regeneration is much faster than usual."


    "Good." Broken nodded, smiling in satisfaction.


    "The forest is so beautiful..." Ivana murmured softly beside Broken. "I can tell right away that I love this forest. It''s simply enchanting."


    "Yes, Ivana... It''s incredible here. This forest is unlike anything I''ve ever seen before," Then he chuckled, "I''m sure if I broadcast my adventures here, I''d get a ton of views."


    "What''s that, Broken?"


    "That''s something like sharing the view of my vision with anyone in my world, so they can see what I''m seeing," he exined.


    Ivana tilted her head. "You can do that?"


    "Yes, that''s also what they did during thepetition in Dissidia, remember? Or like when someone roamed around Slumdon interviewing people."


    "I want to know more about your world too... Can you share it with me?"


    Broken sighed and shook his head. "I can''t, Ivana... The game system doesn''t allow that kind of connection. But I promise, I''ll tell you more about my worldter, okay?"


    Ivana smiled warmly and nodded. "I''ll be waiting to hear everything. I want to know what you''re like out there."


    She then reached for his hand. "Let''s explore the forest, Broken!" she said eagerly, but then paused, looking around. "But where are the others? Cedric, Cecilia, and Sir Morel? Shouldn''t they be here with us?"


    "Maybe they got lost..."


    Ivana raised an eyebrow,ughing softly. "You''re not serious, are you? This is their home,


    after all."


    Broken smiled and then pulled out his bow. Instantly, his vision sharpened.


    [Hawk''s Eye (Passive Skill)]


    He scanned their surroundings, his eyes adjusting quickly to the forest''s dim. Now he could make out every detail-the subtle swaying of leaves, the flicker of the tiny motes of light floating through the air, and any potential signs of theirpanions.


    "They must be somewhere close," he said. "Let''s move, Ivana, and we''ll keep an eye out for


    them."


    Ivana nodded, and they took a few steps forward, allowing the forest to reveal itself as they advanced deeper into Moonlight Land.


    As Broken continued to survey the area, he muttered softly, "It looks like this ce is filled with monsters that have nature-based elements. Gaia would be thrilled if she got the chance to consume some Monster Cores or even a Monster Soul Stone from here." Ivana nodded. "That''s true. We should take this opportunity to hunt, then. After all, they mentioned we might be staying here for up to a month. I''m sure we''ll find something extraordinary in this forest."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Exactly. That''s what Maylock said, too. Not many yers get a chance like this, so there''s a good chance we''lle across something truly rare and interesting."


    Ivana smiled. "Let''s make the most of it then. Who knows what kind of treasures or secrets


    this ce holds?"


    Broken could see, from a distance, several monsters roaming around. There were Wood Wose -humanoid creatures made of wood and foliage, Forest Goats-goat-like creatures, and Root Beastsrge, subterranean creaturesposed of roots and soil. He also spotted Tree Stalkers, slender beings with bark-like skin, and Leaf Wisps, small ethereal entities that


    glided through the air.


    [Wood Wose Lv. 212]


    [Forest Goat Lv. 221]


    [Root Beast Lv. 189]


    [Tree Stalker Lv. 211]


    [Leaf Wisp Lv. 178]


    Broken swallowed hard as he took in their levels-all quite high. But there was a thrill stirring


    within him, urging him to hunt them down. These creatures, with their levels, would yield


    extraordinary loot and valuable cores.


    However, he hesitated. "Would the faeries be angry if I did this?"


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Hi! ess exclusive content, including skill lists, equipment, illustrations, and much more.


    Join the Discord server here: /gnteodiscord

 Chapter 488: Chapter 488 - Romantic Activities

    Chapter 488: - Romantic Activities


    ?


    "I want to hunt all of the monsters here," Broken admitted. "But I think I''ll ask the faeries for permission first."


    "Yes, I wouldn''t rmend doing things like we did in Hell, right?"


    After waiting for a while and seeing no sign of Cedric or Cecilia, Broken decided it was time to move on from where they had been standing.


    He and Ivana began walking slowly, taking in the enchanting atmosphere of the magical forest. Strange and mesmerizing sounds filled the air-sounds that could have been birds or perhaps some mysterious forest creatures. Whatever they were, the noise was oddly soothing.


    "Mr. Broken... Ms. Ivana..."


    Suddenly, a voice echoed from a distance. Broken immediately turned his head in the direction of the sound and spotted Cedric and Cecilia running towards them.


    "Hi, Cedric, Cecilia..."


    "Ahahaha," Cedricughed, his face bright with cheer as he ran up to them. "We apologize for keeping you waiting."


    "So, will you take us to the Tribe Leader right away?" Broken inquired.


    Cedric shook his head slightly. "Lady ine needs some time before she can meet with you, so I will take the two of you to where you''ll be staying in the meantime," he replied.


    "Interesting," Broken mused, nodding.


    "Now, please follow us," Cedric said enthusiastically, turning around and leading the way, with Cecilia following closely behind.


    "Cedric," Broken said casually, "can I hunt monsters in this ce?"


    "Huh?! Monsters?" Cedric turned to look at him, pausing for a moment.


    "Yes, I saw a lot of them in the forest. Can I hunt them?"


    Cedric seemed to swallow hard, thinking carefully before answering. "Egh... most of the monsters around this area are actually quite friendly and won''t attack unless provoked. I can''t give you permission to hunt them, but you can definitely ask the Tribe Leader for an answer."


    "Cool," Broken said slowly, nodding. "At least I already have one topic I want to discuss with her."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Cedric offered a polite smile and nodded in return. "Lady ine will be able to provide the best guidance regarding that."


    While they continued exploring the Moonlight Forest, they found themselves being watched by various forest creatures. Mushrooms peeked out from behind the trees, while deer with green bodies and elegant antlers observed them from a distance.


    "I want to eat that deer," Broken said casually. "And those mushrooms look so vibrant. I bet they''d have a nice crunch," he added.


    "I''ll cook you something delicious if you want, Broken," Ivana answered cheerfully.


    "That would be great."


    Cecilia, however, seemed to turn a shade paler, her expression tightening. Faeries were a vegetarian race; they did not consume meat, and the taste of flesh was known to be unpleasant to their ptes.


    "Are you also interested in trying it, Cedric, Cecilia? I''m sure you''d like it," Broken said. Cedricughed in response. "Wow... sure, I want to... I want to try delicious meat... ha ha ha." At that moment, Cecilia suddenly stopped in her tracks, her face going pale, her body trembling slightly. Cedric noticed immediately and turned to her, "Cecilia? Are you okay?"


    "Yes... I¡ªI am okay..." Cecilia answered slowly, her voice weak.


    Cecilia nodded, but her unsettled expression remained. Broken observed her difort, wondering what was bothering her.


    Does she dislike meat?


    "Well, maybe we''ll leave the hunting forter," Broken said. "I think we have more pressing matters, like meeting your Tribe Leader."


    Cecilia managed a shaky smile, and nodded to his words.


    After a while of walking, they neared ake, its surface thickly veiled in a gray mist. The trees surrounding theke were dark, their bark covered inyers of moss. The mist hung low, creating a spooky yet enchanting atmosphere, casting everything in deeper shadows.


    "This is a hot springke... hahaha," Cedric said with a wide grin. "I have prepared a ce for you to stay. Follow me."


    They followed Cedric along theke''s edge until they came upon a building made of ck stones, with various nts growing in and around it. Vines wound up the walls, and vibrant flowers bloomed near its entrance.


    It dawned on Broken that the faeries had provided him and Ivana with their own, separate lodging. There was only a single building here, clearly meant for the two of them alone. Broken smiled, realizing what this meant-an unexpected luxury in such a mystical ce. Wasn''t this practically a spontaneous vacation?


    "We will bring you anything you need while you''re staying here. Don''t worry-you just need to call Cecilia''s name, and we wille immediately. No one wille close to this ce while you''re here, so it''s all yours,pletely private. Ha ha ha," Cedric said enthusiastically. "Have a nice stay," Cedric added, waving before he practically dragged Cecilia away, leaving Broken and Ivana alone.


    Once they were far enough away, Cecilia looked at Cedric. "Cedric, why did you put them in a ce like that?"


    Cedric grinned. "Just look at how close the two of them are, Cecilia. I''m sure they''re a couple who care deeply for each other. Mr. Broken did incredibly dangerous things to save Ms. Ivana - can you believe it?


    "And besides, I''ve often heard yers talking to theirpanions about how much they like ces like this, especially when they want to enjoy some time alone with their partner. They feel freer to carry out their romantic activities. Ha ha ha, I''m so smart, aren''t I?" he said


    proudly.


    Cecilia frowned, her face showing a mixture of confusion and disgust. "Ugh... are romantic activities something humans do to breed, Cedric?"


    Cedric''s grin widened. "Yes, of course. I''m sure the atmosphere by theke will inspire them to want to... you know, indulge even more enthusiastically, ha ha ha..." Cedricughed. "I''m convinced they''ll both love it, and no one will disturb them when they do. It''s the best kind of service I could provide for them. Ha ha ha."


    Cecilia sighed, shaking her head, clearly not sharing Cedric''s enthusiasm. "Humans are strange..." she muttered.


    Broken took a deep breath at the edge of the calmingke, feeling once again like he was on some kind of extraordinary vacation.


    "I think I could really make this ce my home," he mused aloud, smiling to himself.


    Meanwhile, Ivana had opened the wooden door to the lodging. But as soon as she stepped inside, she immediately exited and shut the door firmly behind her, her expression flushed


    and startled.


    "Ivana?" Broken called out, quickly turning around. "What''s wrong? Did you find something in the room?"


    Without waiting for an answer, he reached for the door.


    "No, Broken!!"


    Ignoring her protests, Broken managed to peer inside. What he saw made him freeze for a moment. In one corner, there was a mattress that looked like it was made of soft, luxurious leaves, tables, and chairs crafted from wood and stone.


    But what truly caught his attention was a decorative writing made of vines on one of the walls, inscribed with the words: "Happy Breeding!"


    "What the hell are they thinking?!" Broken eximed, turning back to Ivana, whose face was


    now bright red.


    "Why is your face so red?" he asked, genuinely concerned. He ced his palm against her


    cheek, the way he always did when Lily had a fever.


    "No, I''m fine!" Ivana responded. She avoided his gaze. "I- I just want to go find some


    ingredients for dinner," she stammered, quickly taking a step back. Before Broken could respond, she spun on her heels and hurried off.

 Chapter 489: Chapter 489 - The Faeries are Very Welcoming

    Chapter 489: - The Faeries are Very Weing


    ?


    Broken settled down onto the soft mattress in the room, barely aware of the night slowly descending around him. The room was illuminated by crystalmps fixed to the walls.


    Yet, Ivana had still not returned.


    "Pawpaw, could you go look for Ivana and stay with her in case she needs any help?" Broken asked.


    Pawpaw appeared beside him, her tiny body nearly swallowed by therge mattress. With a big yawn and sleepy eyes, she didn''t bother replying. Instead, the little kitten leapt from the bed onto the floor and disappeared into the shadows without a sound.


    "Can I sleep here every day?" Broken murmured to himself.


    The sense of peace in this ce was extraordinary-it was silent, calm, andforting. It was as if nature itself was whispering to him, wrapping him in a gentle embrace that spoke directly to his soul.


    He stepped out of the room, his eyes drawn to theke below. The moonlight illuminated the still waters, the earlier mist having cleared to reveal theke''s full beauty. The surface glimmered, reflecting the shimmering stars above in the night sky.


    "Ivana still hasn''t returned yet..."


    Activating the Shared Senses skill, his vision shifted, connecting with Pawpaw''s perspective. Using the kitten''s eyes, he could see that Pawpaw had already found Ivana. It warmed him to see how close Pawpaw was with Ivana-he hadn''t even protested when tasked with finding her.


    Broken walked closer to the edge of theke, pausing for a moment as he felt a strong temptation to take a dip in the warm waters that Cedric had spoken of.


    He began removing his armor. He could feel the cool night air against his bare skin, a contrast to the warmth he hoped to find in theke. Stripping down to just his underwear, Broken cautiously stepped into theke. The warm water caressed his feet as he waded in.


    He continued forward until the water reached up to his waist, then went even deeper, his eyes scanning the area until he found a rock he could lean against. Settling there, he submerged himself in the warmth of theke, letting out a deep sigh of contentment.


    "It''s so peaceful here," he murmured to himself. He looked around. Everything was still, tranquil.


    "Are those monsters really not invading this area?"


    The entire ce felt far too serene, almost protected, as if an invisible barrier kept danger at bay. It struck him how different this was from any other environment he had faced before-no threats lurking in the shadows, no sense of imminent danger. Just nature and quiet, and for once, Broken allowed himself to rx in the moment.


    The warmth of the water seemed to soothe away his tension, and he closed his eyes, simply listening to the gentle ripples around him and the distant sounds of the forest.


    Broken knew he had to log out soon. However, he nned to leave Pawpaw outside so the kitten could stay close to Ivana in case she needed help.


    Despite Pawpaw''s rather wild and unpredictable nature, Ivana had shown she could handle the little cat well. Pawpaw seemed to listen to her in a way that put Broken at ease.


    This was one of the reasons why he trusted Ivana to apany him-she could also manage the Felhorn when it was needed. Her natural ability to bond with creatures had proven invaluable time and again.


    But then, a thought crossed his mind. Since their return from the royal pce, Pawpaw hadn''t once visited Princess Alora. Initially, Broken had promised the kitten that it could visit the princess from time to time, especially if she needed help. And yet, that hadn''t happened so far.


    Perhaps it was because there hadn''t been a real need. After all, the princess was still apanied by two Knight Grand Crosses, which was a significant level of protection. Not to mention, the Ass Guild was diligently monitoring the developments in the capital city. As far as Broken knew, there had been no urgent threats or dangers in the capital that required his or Pawpaw''s attention.


    For now, it seemed safe enough to focus on his journey here.


    As Broken admired the beauty of the night while soaking in theke, he heard the sound of footsteps approaching slowly. Turning his head, he saw Ivana, her blonde hair shimmering in the moonlight as she walked towards him.


    "Ivana?"


    "Hi, I see you''re enjoying a soak here, huh?" she replied with a soft giggle.


    Ivana moved towards arge rock at the edge of theke and sat down, her gaze deliberately avoiding Broken as she looked towards the center of theke instead.


    "I was captivated by the beauty of this forest and lost track of time..." she said with a friendly smile.


    Broken scooped some water in his hands and sshed it over his shoulders, then sank further into theke until only his head was above the surface.


    "Do you want to take a bath too, Ivana?" he asked. "I''m sure this ce is quite safe." "Huh?" Ivana was taken aback by his words. "You''re not suggesting we bathe together, are you, Broken? That''s not something you should say to ady, you know," she added with a yful giggle.


    Broken chuckled softly, shaking his head. "No, I meant if you want to soak here, I can leave so you can do it in peace," he rified.


    Ivana then stood up suddenly. "Don''t look! Turn your head that way!" she said, pointing firmly in another direction.


    Broken quickly obeyed, turning his gaze away and focusing on the calm, moonlitke in the opposite direction. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the warmth of the water continue


    to rx him.


    Soon, he heard the sound of Ivana''s footsteps entering the water. The sound of her moving away reached his ears, growing quieter until there was only the gentle noise of the rippling water, and then-silence.


    Though he didn''t look, Broken could tell that Ivana had moved farther off, finding a spot behind somerge rocks where she could have privacy. Only the asional quiet ssh indicated her presence, keeping him aware that she was still there but making it clear she wanted her own space.


    Broken smiled to himself, leaning back against his rock, respecting the distance.


    "I was hesitant to cook meat since faeries don''t usually consume it. So I decided to just prepare a fruit and vegetable sd," Ivana said after a moment.


    "Oh, really? They don''t eat meat? Didn''t Cedric seem excited when I offered him some?"


    Ivana chuckled softly. "I can''t really say for sure, but perhaps Cedric is just an enthusiastic person who responds positively to anything offered to him."


    "So that''s why Cecilia looked so pale earlier?"


    "Yes, I think so," Ivana giggled.


    There was a short pause before Broken spoke again. "Ivana... I''m going to log out soon, and


    Pawpaw will stay here to keep youpany."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Yes!" Ivana answered quickly. "You don''t have to worry. Pawpaw is always well-behaved with me, and I''m sure we''ll be good friends. You can rx, okay?"


    Broken nodded slowly, reassured by her confidence.


    After a few moments, he spoke again, "Alright, Ivana, I think it''s time to call it a night. I''m going to log out until morning."


    He stood up, dressing in his outfit before walking to the edge of theke.


    He took a moment to make sure his decision was sound-this wasn''t some reckless choice. He had considered all the factors. With re and Pawpaw by Ivana''s side, and her own considerable capabilities, he was confident she would be safe in this peaceful forest.


    "I''m fine," Ivana said. "I don''t mind being here alone for a while. The faeries are very weing and friendly."


    Broken gave her onest look, his lips curling into a soft smile. "See you tomorrow," he said.


    And with that, he logged out of the game.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Hi everyone! I''ve uploaded a lot of new Character Illustrations, along with updates on skills,


    equipment, titles, and more!


    Join the Discord server: /gnteodiscord.


    I''ll be waiting for you there!

 Chapter 490: Chapter 490 - The Fate of Faeries is so Cruel

    Chapter 490: - The Fate of Faeries is so Cruel


    ?


    "How much do you know about the Immortal Legacy''s faeries, Leon?" Freya asked.


    That evening, she and Leon were sitting at a nearby caf¨¦, enjoying the town''s food, drinks, and the pleasant night atmosphere.


    "Not much yet," Leon admitted, taking a sip of his drink. "What I do know is that they''re a race whose true potential can only be unlocked when they form a bond with humans. It''s a pretty unique concept, but it also feels kind of forced. And because of this setup, many faeries end up being mistreated by the humans who contract with them. Some are even used as... sex objects. Is that right?"


    Freya nodded slowly. "Yes... but why did you bring up thest part with so much enthusiasm? Were you thinking about that?"


    Leon sighed. "You always know how to put me on the spot, huh?"


    Freya smirked. "Well, even now, a lot of yers are actively trying to form bonds or contracts with faeries, you know."


    "Yeah, but isn''t it alsomon for yers to marry NPCs in-game, Freya?" Leon countered.


    "Yes... they do it to experience something different," she replied softly, before quickly diverting her gaze, feeling a bit awkward for steering the conversation into such a strange topic.


    Leon leaned in, intrigued. "Don''t Spirits also form contracts with humans, just like Faeries do? What makes them different?"


    Freya smiled and nodded. "Basically, Faeries and Spirits have simr contracts, but there''s a key difference. If a Faery''s contracted human dies, they can''t form another contract with anyone else. The bond between Faeries and Humans runs much deeper emotionally because of this permanence."


    "So, what are the conditions of these contracts?" Leon pressed. "Isn''t it kind of like very?"


    Freya giggled, raising an eyebrow. "How can you talk about very when you yourself have two Spirits under contract? Oh wait, not two, but four, including that horse and the little troublemaker."


    Leon scoffed, shaking his head. "I don''t enve them. I raised them, provided them with food and everything they need, and I treat them well-likepanions, not servants."


    Freya''s smile softened. "That''s how it should be. But Faeries are different from Spirits. Faeries are more like Humans, Dwarves, and Elves. They have physical bodies, and they can die. Spirits, on the other hand, don''t have a true physical form. When they ''die,'' they simply return to their own realm. A Spirit only dies when they no longer have the will to live."


    Leon furrowed his brow, considering her words. "That''s... a strange way to exist."


    Freya nodded. "It''s unique, for sure. But that''s why Faeries are much more vulnerable in their contracts-they experience loss and mortality, just like we do."


    Leon nodded, encouraging her to continue.


    Freya took a slow breath before exining, "A bond for Faeries is a form of trust and kindness towards Humans."


    She paused for a moment, collecting her thoughts. "It all started, ording to history, when the Fae Queen had a strong rtionship with humans. They lived side by side in harmony. But one day, the Fae Queen made a mistake, and because of that mistake, Faeries could only unlock their true potential by forming a bond with Humans."


    Leon raised an eyebrow. "What mistake did the Fae Queen make?"


    "There are many different versions of the story, but the true details have never been revealed," Freya replied.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "A mistake that forced Faeries to rely on humans just to unlock their full potential?" Leon asked, clearly intrigued.


    "Yes,"


    Leon shook his head. "That''s a pretty harsh fate for them. I mean, even without the contract, they can still live fine lives, right? There''s no actual need to form a contract if they know the risks involved."


    Freya shook her head. "That''s like saying humans don''t need to get married, even if they eventually feel trapped in their rtionship."


    Leon chuckled. "You''reparing the contract to marriage, Freya?"


    "It''s even worse than marriage," Freya said with a slight smirk. "Imagine you only get to choose once, and if that human-who has such a short lifespan-dies, the Faery is left alone, while they live on for who knows how many more years."


    Leon nodded slowly, realizing the depth of her point. "Yeah, that does sound incredibly unfair for them."


    Freya''s expression softened. "It''s a cruel reality. And yet, despite the risks, many Faeries still choose to bond with humans, hoping for something meaningful."


    "I''m curious about this Fae Queen. She''s the holder of the Lust Blessing, right? Where is she? And what mistake did she make? Can this curse be broken?"


    "Why don''t you ask her directly when you eventually meet her?" Freya replied with a giggle. "Who knows, the deeper you get involved with the faeries, the better your chances. Plus, didn''t they say you''re the one their Queen prophesied about? Feels like there''s a prophecy tied to you everywhere you go, Leon-almost like the game was made for you."


    "I didn''t feel that way when I was struggling to beat demons ranked in the 50s," Leon said with a smirk.


    He continued, shifting the topic. "So, next question, Freya. What exactly is a Faery bond? How does it differ from the contract I made with Polly and Gaia?"


    Freya''s eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "A bond between faeries and humans is based on mutual trust and deep emotions-it''s like marriage for faeries. Once the bond is formed, faeries can''t disobey any orders from their bond partner. In return, the faeries unlock special, unique abilities that onlye from that bond."


    "Marry?" Leon asked, raising an eyebrow. "Do you mean they reproduce? Like, a half faery, half-human child is born?"


    Freya burst outughing at his question.


    "What''s so funny? Isn''t it a natural question when you mention marriage?"


    After calming down, Freya smiled and replied, "Faeries don''t have reproductive organs like humans do. Theye into existence in apletely different way. When two faeries are deeply in love, their offspring are born without the need for pregnancy or sexual intercourse. For them, the expression of deep emotions is their equivalent of... well, intimacy."


    Leon blinked, processing this. "So... how do humans use them as sex objects if they don''t have reproductive organs?"


    Freya smirked. "Did you really think that kind of thing requires reproductive organs?"


    Leon paused, then answered, "No...?"


    "This is the first time I''ve seen you so enthusiastic about discussing sex, Leon. Are you interested in learning more?"


    "Just get to the conclusion, please," he muttered.


    Freya giggled. "Okay... so, Faeries won''t produce offspring through their rtionship with


    humans."


    Leon sighed. "When a bond between faeries and humans is formed out of mutual feelings, only for humans to exploit them and cause harm, the fate of faeries in Yunatea seems truly


    oppressive."


    Freya nodded. "And to make things worse, their Queen vanished, leaving them without


    leadership."


    Leon pondered her words before saying, "I''m satisfied with your exnation. Is there anything else important I should know?"


    Freya''s eyes brightened. "Oh, yes! You''ve been invited by someone to join their team for the Eternal Challenge-the biggestpetition event in Immortal Legacy. It''s scheduled for


    early next year!"


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Hi, give me some time to build up for this grand arc. I''m confident the final oue will be satisfying for all of you!


    But first, we need to dive a bit into world-building,ying the foundation to learn more about the faeries and, possibly, their queen.


    Not to mention, the Moon Goddess, who once again ys a major role in all of this. She seems


    to have her hand in everything, doesn''t she? Who exactly is this mysterious Moon Goddess?


    I''d love to hear your theories about this enigmatic figure.


    Stay tuned!

 Chapter 491: Chapter 491 - What Sort of Curse has Plagued Them?

    Chapter 491: - What Sort of Curse has gued Them?


    ?


    "Now, I think it''s time we talk seriously about the Eternal Challenge, Leon. I''m sure you don''t want to miss out on this major event, right? Don''t tell me you''re not interested in getting


    involved," Freya said.


    Leon shrugged, replying nonchntly, "I''ve seen the ads on the inte, and on digital boards all over the city. It''s spreading fast, and I''ve noticed a lot of people discussing it on the forums too."


    "Well then, you should know that the Eternal Challenge is going to be huge, with Immortal Legacy yers from all over the world attending. There''ll be a ton of sponsors, and the potential for gaining poprity is enormous." She paused, watching him closely. "What do you think?"


    Leon chuckled. "Honestly, that does sound pretty interesting. I''m actually starting to enjoy having a bit of poprity."


    "Oh, really?" Freya replied, surprised. "That''s new. But I suppose you''ve be quite well- known-thanks to your... yboy attitude and your closeness to Princess Alora. Let''s just say, a lot of her fans aren''t too happy about it, and they really hate you for it. Hahaha."


    "I''m d to hear that," Leon said with a smile. "That just means I''m known by a lot of people, whether they like me or not."


    Freya continued, "There will be a wide range ofpetitions¡ªfrom individual contests to team-based ones. These include solobat tournaments, monster raids, production sses, pet battles, and more. Plus, there are no restrictions on forming teams with people from any country."


    "Interesting," Leon replied. "So, do I have a chance topete in that?"


    "Are you serious?!" Freya asked, incredulously. "After all the incredible things you''ve aplished, you''re still questioning your worth?"


    "Because..." Leon hesitated. "My level is still too low. It''ll raise a lot of questions if people find out about it. But I''m still really interested in thepetitions."


    Freya shook her head with a smile. "I don''t think your level will be a problem for us. We can choose contests that don''t require you to reveal your level. Besides, for the team events, your level isn''t as critical if you''ve got the right strategy. But you''ll need a strong team to back you up. I mean, aside from the solo contests, I''m sure the teampetitions will be just as exciting for you."


    Leon nodded thoughtfully. "Team contests, huh? Sounds like a good way to work with others... And you mentioned someone offering a team. Who was that?"


    Freya giggled. "I think you can guess, right?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Who?" he asked, curious.


    "RememberMe," Freya answered with a smile. "He said he wants to form a team with you at the center. He''ll handle finding sponsors and take care of everything else, including assembling the team."


    "Interesting," Leon mused. "Has he found the people for the team yet?"


    "I''ll ask him for an update," Freya replied. "But don''t feel pressured to decide right away. I know you like your independence, so take your time."


    "Understood," Leon nodded. "But I''m curious to meet him too. I mean, behind all his ridiculous behavior, he''s apparently a pretty sessful businessman."


    Freyaughed. "Yes, his mind is always on business. Maybe that''s why he''s a little crazy and, well, goofy at times."


    Leon chuckled at that.


    "You''ve got plenty of time to deal with the faeries and finish your current tasks," Freya continued. "Meanwhile, we''ll prepare more for the Eternal Challenge."


    "Okay," Leon agreed.


    **


    Ivana was tidying up the room she was staying in. As she climbed onto the bed to straighten the sheets, something unexpected happened. Broken suddenlyy back on the bed, and in the confusion, Ivana lost her bnce, falling directly on top of him. Her body now rested awkwardly against Broken''s.


    "Ivana..." Broken said softly, clearly surprised.


    Ivana''s face flushed bright red as she raised her head, meeting his gaze. "Oh, Broken, I''m so sorry," she stammered, hastily lifting herself off him, embarrassed by the situation. Suddenly, a voice came from the doorway. "Mr. Broken! Ms. Ivana! We havee to get you!" It was Cedric.


    There was a loud creak from the door, which had been left open. Both Broken and Ivana turned their heads to see Cedric standing there, wide-eyed, while Cecilia quickly averted her gaze and shut her eyes.


    "Oh, my apologies. I didn''t realize you were in the midst of breeding at this hour," Cedric blurted out, quickly shutting the door behind him.


    Ivana, still blushing furiously, slowly got up from the bed, mortified by the


    misunderstanding.


    Ivana looked confused for a moment, but thenposed herself and looked up at Broken. "Good morning," she said with a small giggle. "I was just tidying the bed when you suddenly appeared out of nowhere."


    "Good morning to you too, Ivana."


    "Cedric seemed to think something strange was going on," she sighed.


    "Yes, even though we weren''t doing anything."


    "And... were you hoping we would do something?" Ivana teased, giggling as she sat down beside him.


    Broken chuckled. "No, of course not. How was your sleepst night?"


    Ivana nodded slowly, smiling warmly. "I really enjoyed it. I wish you were here, too," she said, then quickly corrected herself, her face slightly flushed. "I mean, sleeping here at night is really nice. I''m sure you''d like it too-this bed is sofortable."


    "Alright, let''s try it tonight then."


    "You didn''t ask me to sleep with you, right?"


    "You told me to sleep on the bed."


    "Yes, but Broken, you misunderstood me. I didn''t mean for you to sleep with me on the bed,"


    she rified.


    "You didn''t?"


    "Did you think I did?"


    "No... but why are you thinking that?"


    "I''m not!"


    "Then where did that questione from?"


    "It''s because you made it sound like you were going to sleep with me on the bed," she said,


    crossing her arms.


    "No, I didn''t."


    "Yes, you did!"


    "Okay, fine. Maybe I did," Broken conceded with a chuckle.


    "Caught you red-handed, pervert! Looks like Melliandra was right after all."


    "You''re the one who forced me into saying this! Now even you are turning on me. Why am I


    always in these situations?" he sighed dramatically.


    "Because you''re a yboy, just like Freya says," she teased,ughing.


    Their yful banter slowly faded into warm smiles as they exchanged nces. Broken finally spoke, his tone softer, "I rushed back because I was worried about you."


    Ivana nodded, her expression kind. "I''m fine, see?"


    Broken nodded back, relieved. "Did Pawpaw do anything weird?"


    Ivana giggled again. "Don''t worry, he brought you three monster cores as a peace offering."


    "What?" Broken eximed in surprise.


    "Yes, he went out hunting monsters while I was asleep."


    Broken shook his head in disbelief, muttering, "That little troublemaker..."


    Broken scanned the room, searching for Pawpaw. He spotted the little kitten curled up


    peacefully on the sofa, clearly satisfied and content.


    "He looks so full and peaceful."


    "Yes, I think so too. Let''s just hope the faeries don''t realize what he''s been up to."


    "I''m not so sure Cecilia hasn''t already noticed," Broken replied with a chuckle, ncing back


    at Ivana. He couldn''t help but feel happy just being there with her. Something about logging


    into the game to meet her again always made him eager.


    "You happy being here with me?" Ivana asked, shing him a warm smile.


    "Yes," Broken answered simply.


    "It''s going to be a full month here. I wonder what kind of surprises they''ve prepared for us,"


    she mused.


    He nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, I''m curious too."


    Ivana shifted the conversation. "I''ve prepared some fruit for you. And Cedric mentioned that


    we''ll be meeting their Tribe Leader today."


    "The one named ine?"


    Ivana nodded. "Yes, her."


    "I''m really curious what kind of person she is, and what sort of curse has gued them for


    hundreds of years."

 Chapter 492: Chapter 492 - A Valuable Item from Elaine

    Chapter 492: - A Valuable Item from ine


    ?


    Broken and Ivana, apanied by Cedric and Cecilia, finally made their way to the residence of the Tribe Leader, ine. As they approached the vige of the Moonlight Fae, they were immediately captivated by the breathtaking sight before them. In the heart of the forest, a clearing revealed a vige of small stone buildings, each one draped in lush green vines, giving the entire ce a mystical, ancient feel.


    As they walked through the vige, Broken and Ivana noticed faeries emerging from their homes, curiously watching the neers. He couldn''t help but observe that all the faeries had the appearance of children, making it difficult to distinguish between adults and real children.


    "How do they view other races with adult appearances?" He thought, finding the concept fascinating.


    Despite their childlike appearance, the faeries were unlike any Broken had seen. They bore a striking resemnce to elves, with their delicate features and pointed ears. It reminded him of Nimue, Elowen''s younger sister, who also looked like she was in her teenage years despite being much older. If she were among these faeries, he mused, it would be nearly impossible to tell her apart from them.


    "Could they be connected somehow?" he wondered, intrigued by the possibility.


    The simrities between the faeries and elves sparked his curiosity even more. Were they perhaps from a shared origin, or was it simply a coincidental resemnce?


    "Hi everyone!" Cedric said cheerfully, escorting Broken and Ivana. "This is Mr. Broken and Ms. Ivana. They''re our saviors, hahaha."


    A few faeries murmured, "Hi, Mr. Broken."


    Another added, "Nice to meet you."


    The group collectively weed them. "Wee to ournd."


    "Pleasee visit us! We have fruits for you," one faerie offered with enthusiasm.


    Broken waved back to the faeries but remained quiet, giving only a small, polite smile. He wasn''t much for words, especially in such situations. Meanwhile, Ivana was far more engaged, waving her hand and responding to each faerie who greeted her.


    "Hi! Thanks, yes, I''m happy to be here."


    "Yes, thend is beautiful-the forest, theke, I love it!"


    "Of course, I''ll visitter. It''s great to meet all of you."


    "Thank you for weing us," she added with a warm smile.


    "Hi, yes, I''ll visitter, and we can y together, okay?" Ivana responded warmly to nearly every faerie that greeted her.


    She continued to respond enthusiastically, her warm and genuine energy encouraging the faeries toe out of their shells even more.


    Ivana''s kindness and open demeanor had always been her strength, and it was clear that bringing Ivana along was the best choice in any situation. Her ability to effortlessly blend in with others and her ever-positive attitude made her an invaluablepanion, especially in tough times.


    While Broken had always believed that being too kind could lead to being taken advantage of, Ivana seemed to prove the opposite. She had genuinely earned the kindness that others returned to her. It was obvious that her sincerity wasn''t just for show-she truly cared for everyone, even people she''d just met.


    He couldn''t help but chuckle, recalling the time Ivana had sacrificed her own level to help Elowen, someone she had only known for a few minutes. Her selflessness had been remarkable, and in the end, Elowen and her group had joined Slumdon. That had been a huge blessing for the city, all thanks to Ivana''s kindness.


    Broken smiled to himself, knowing that her presence was always a positive influence, and that herpassion had brought more good than he had ever expected.


    They continued their journey, approaching the most grandiose building in the vige. Standing guard at the entrance were four faeries, each holding a different weapon: one with a sword and shield, another with a bow, the third wielding a sword, and thest carrying a magic staff.


    "Greetings, Moonlight Knights!" Cedric called out. "I''ve brought a guest of honor to meet Lady ine."


    The faerie knights looked at them with guarded expressions. Unlike the weing demeanor of the other faeries, there was no warmth in their eyes. They were serious, vignt.


    "Lady ine is expecting you," one of the knights said. "This way, please."


    With that, they were granted permission to pass through the door and into the chamber where Lady ine awaited them.


    As Broken passed by the knights, he couldn''t help but notice their levels-clearly high and formidable, all of them are above level 200. It was evident these Moonlight Knights were the core strength of the faeries, much like Morel, who also had an impressive level.


    So far, Broken had only encountered five of these knights, but he suspected there were more. After all, they would need significant strength to protect their tribe, especially with the curse that had gued them for so long.


    He made a mental note to keep an eye on their strength and organization, wondering how many more of these elite faerie knights there might be.


    In a grand room resembling a throne chamber, the faery girl ine gracefully descended from her throne the moment she noticed Broken and Ivana''s presence. Her every movement was poised, and she carried an air of serenity that immediately drew their attention.


    "It is my utmost pleasure to extend a warm wee to you both in Moonlight Land," ine said with impable politeness, her delicate appearance seemingly that of a fifteen-year- old-doing nothing to diminish the weight of her words. There was a regal aura about her despite her youthful looks.


    "I am the Tribe Leader of the Moonlight Fae, ine," she continued, her voice calm and soothing. "I sincerely hope that both of you will find your stay here asfortable and pleasant as possible."


    Broken responded, "My name is Broken, and this is my friend, Ivana. We are grateful for your wee, though I must say, the way you invite guests is quite hazardous and, frankly, irresponsible."


    ine bowed once more, as she spoke in her gentle, refined tone. "Once again, I apologize for any distress you may have experienced. It was never our intention to cause you harm. As a token of my apology, I have prepared a gift for you," she said.


    Her demeanor remained elegant and sincere, and despite his pointed remark, ine radiated a sense of genuine hospitality.


    [Tribe Leader ine expressed her deep gratitude upon the sessfulpletion of the quest ''The Prophecy Must Be Fulfilled.'' As a token of her appreciation, she gifted you a


    valuable item.]


    At that moment, a faery girl approached from the far end of the room, carrying a folded cloth in her hands. She gracefully handed the object to ine, who smiled warmly and turned to


    Broken.


    "I present this item to you as an apology for any distress we may have caused and as a token of my deep gratitude for your willingness to visit our home, the Moonlight Land," ine said,


    her voice gentle.


    Broken lowered his head slightly, his eyes fixed on the delicate fabric. The cloth was incredibly thin, almost transparent, and shimmered under the soft light, radiating a gentle green hue that seemed to shift with every movement.


    As he epted the item from ine''s hands, he finally realized what it was.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "A cape?" he whispered.

 Chapter 493: Chapter 493 - I Am Begging You, I Need Your Help

    Chapter 493: - I Am Begging You, I Need Your Help


    ?


    "I hope you can forgive and understand what has happened, and please take this token as a sign of our apology," ine said softly, bowing slightly.


    Her straight, shining blonde hair cascaded down her back, and a delicate tiara adorned her head. Despite being treated like royalty by her people, her humility was striking.


    Broken epted the cape, his fingers gliding over its smooth, delicate surface. The fabric felt incredibly soft, and a subtle shimmer of light passed through it.


    "I hope you like our gift," ine said.


    As Broken examined the cape, he focused on the skills information tied to the item and gasped in surprise. It was Unique-grade.


    [Moonlight Barrier Cape]


    [Grade: Unique]


    [Movement Speed +10%


    Intelligence +50


    Stamina +50]


    [Durability: 83/100]


    [Weight: 190]


    [A shimmering cape woven from the magic of the Moonlight Fae. It glows with a faint green hue under the moonlight, offering both protection and grace to its wearer. The cape''s ethereal fabric enhances movement and intelligence, while its mystical powers create barriers and provide healing in times of need.]


    Broken quickly skimmed over the cape''s skill details, deciding to study them more thoroughlyter. But even with just a nce, he could already tell it would be incredibly useful, especially in emergencies. The set of skills focused heavily on protection, making the cape an invaluable item for his journey ahead.


    "I''m so happy to receive this gift," he said with a smile. "I truly appreciate it."


    ine returned his smile warmly and nodded. "Mr. Broken, Ms. Ivana, please ept our invitation to enjoy the banquet we''ve prepared for you," she said.


    They followed ine to the other side of the room, where a long dining table awaited them, lined with wooden chairs. The table was beautifully arranged with a variety of fruits, each one more exotic than thest.


    Broken and Ivana took their seats, while ine sat across from them, with Morel standing watchfully nearby.


    "Please," ine said, gesturing to the table. "We have gathered the finest fruits from ournd, and I''m certain you will enjoy them. Most of these can only be found in Moonlight Land."


    Broken reached for a vibrant purple grape, muchrger than any he had ever seen. As he bit into it, a burst of sweetness overwhelmed his senses-unlike anything he had tasted before. "The fruit here is truly extraordinary," Broken said.


    "I''m d you like it," ine said softly.


    She went on. "I heard you both have a special request you want to convey to me?"


    "Special request?" Broken muttered softly.


    "Cedric mentioned it to me," she added.


    Broken recalled his conversation with Cedric the day before.


    "Ah, is this about my request to hunt monsters in the forest?"


    Broken asked, feeling a little uneasy, especially knowing that Pawpaw had already been hunting them. He wasn''t sure how many the little kitten had taken down.


    "If that''s the case, I''d like to formally ask for permission, if it''s something you would allow, Lady ine."


    ine smiled softly and shook her head kindly. "Please, just call me ine. Formalities aren''t necessary," she replied, pausing briefly. "The monsters in this forest have coexisted with us for centuries. Though theyck intelligence, they have never been a threat to the residents of Moonlight Land. They live here peacefully alongside us," she exined.


    She added. "May I ask your reason for wanting to hunt these monsters, Mr. Broken?" "I''m looking for monster cores and soul stones from creatures with elemental affinities like those in this forest. But I understand if you''d prefer that I don''t hunt them."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ine pondered for a moment before continuing. "Monsters... They emerge naturally ording to the environment, and even after being killed, they will reappear over time. If you truly need these resources, I don''t see a reason to deny your request," she said, offering a kind smile.


    Broken felt relieved, knowing that she wasn''t against the idea. "Thank you, ine. I truly appreciate your understanding."


    "Lady ine?" Morel spoke up, drawing her attention. "Not all areas of the forest are safe, especially for outsiders."


    ine nodded. "Yes, that''s true. Some parts of the forest are dangerous. I''ll have Cedric and Cecilia apany you to ensure you don''t stray into the wrong areas of the forest," she said.


    "Wrong areas of the forest?" Broken muttered softly.


    ine nodded once more, "Are you interested in learning more about us, Mr. Broken?"


    "Yes," he replied slowly. "I came here today to learn many things from you."


    ine smiled warmly. "Is there anything specific you''d like to know?"


    "Does your tribe''s name have anything to do with the Moon Goddess?"


    "I believe I can answer that," she replied.


    ine began her story. "Faeries are a race that lives in groups. We are destined to live that way, which is why we are divided into various tribes spread across Yunatea. As the Tribe Leader, I inherited this position as a legacy from my predecessor."


    She paused briefly. "At the start, our tribe had no name, nothing that made us stand out among the other faery tribes. Then, one day, misfortune struck-more urately, it struck me as the leader. A terrible curse was cast upon me."


    ine''s voice trembled slightly as she continued. "The Moon Goddess gathered us, saved us, and brought us to this forest to contain the damage that the curse could have caused. She shielded us by creating this space, allowing us to survive without the curse spreading further."


    It became clear to Broken that the curse the Moonlight Fae referred to was actually the curse ced upon their leader, ine. As a result, the entire tribe had shared in her burden, forced to live under the shadow of her curse.


    Broken nodded slowly, understanding how deeply this curse affected not just ine, but her


    entire people.


    The Moon Goddess had intervened, offering them sanctuary in this secluded space, preventing the curse from causing even more devastation. The tribe''s name, Moonlight Fae, now seemed like a tribute to the goddess who had saved them.


    "Have you ever met the Moon Goddess in person? Do you know her?"


    ine fell silent for a moment. After a brief pause, she answered, "Yes, we know the Moon Goddess, and I have met her in person."


    Broken, eager to ask more about the Moon Goddess, held himself back, waiting patiently for ine to continue when she was ready.


    "Have you met the Moon Goddess too, Mr. Broken?"


    Broken paused, his thoughts drifting back to the time he performed the Rain-Summoning Ritual. He remembered the girl, Selene, who had danced during the ritual, but he wasn''t sure


    if she was truly the Moon Goddess.


    "No, I haven''t," he finally replied. "But I''ve heard many stories about her. I know she is considered the savior of Yunatea, and that she bestowed a sword upon thete King of


    Dissidia, ndorr."


    ine smiled softly upon hearing his exnation. "Mr. Broken, there is something important


    I''d like to discuss with you.


    Broken nodded, preparing himself for what she was about to reveal.


    "It''s rted to the curse that has befallen this tribe," ine continued. "But if you don''t


    mind, I''d like to discuss it with you in private."


    Broken nced at Ivana, who smiled and nodded reassuringly. "I''ll wait outside with Cedric


    and Cecilia."


    Once they were alone, ine resumed the conversation, herposure faltering as emotion


    crept into her voice.


    "I know this is an incredibly selfish request of mine," she began. "But I am begging you, offering everything I have as coteral. Please, I need your help."

 Chapter 494: Chapter 494 - The Eternal Flame... is you?

    Chapter 494: - The Eternal me... is you?


    ?


    Broken and ine stood facing each other, and she bowed slightly to him. "Would you mind if I asked to ride with you on the nine-tailed fox spirit?" she asked softly.


    Broken paused for a moment, considering her request. "Do you want to discuss this further outside?" he asked. "Even though you invited the others to step out?"


    A yful giggle escaped ine''s lips as she lowered her head slightly. "Does this make me seem even more selfish?"


    "Not really, I don''t mind. Let''s go," Broken replied.


    "Please, follow me," ine said with a soft smile.


    They walked through the back door, arriving at a serene backyard filled with vibrant flower gardens. Polly appeared nearby, gracefully transforming into herrger form, her four tails swaying.


    "She is so beautiful..." ine whispered.


    "Her name is Polly."


    ine smiled warmly. "Hi Polly, may I ride with you?"


    Polly remained silent but lowered her head respectfully. Broken gave her a gentle pat on the back, and she lowered her body further to allow them to climb on. Broken mounted first, then extended his hand to help ine up behind him.


    "Let''s go, Polly," hemanded.


    Polly pped her wings, taking a few strides beforeunching into the sky with incredible speed.


    "Woah... this is so fun!" ine eximed, her earlier seriousness reced by a lighthearted joy.


    "Are you enjoying it, ine?" Broken asked, turning his head slightly.


    "Yes..." she giggled. "This is wonderful!"


    Polly soared higher into the sky, gliding gracefully past the towering ancient trees. A gust of wind swirled around them, and Broken felt ine''s arms tighten around him in a protective embrace. The sun cast its radiant light, illuminating the stunningndscape below.


    "Is this your first time flying, ine?"


    "Not quite," ine replied with a soft smile. "I can fly, but never this high."


    "Ah, I see. The faeries can run and leap through the forest with such agility, so I imagine you can do even more than that?"


    ine giggled. "Yes, but as I said, it''s more like floating just above the ground-nothing as spectacr as this."


    Broken nodded, taking in the beauty around him. "I really like this ce. It''s so peaceful and serene, and the natural beauty is incredible."


    ine smiled warmly. "I''m d to hear that," she said. "But I''m not sure you''d feel the same way if you knew more about the history of thisnd."


    "Really? Why don''t you tell me more about it?"


    ine pointed toward a steep, towering hill in the distance. "Would you like to go there?" "Sure."


    Polly glided through the air, her wings pping steadily as they approached the hilltop. As they neared the peak, Polly pped more rapidly, descending gracefully until her paws touched down on the cliff.


    Broken helped ine dismount, his hand holding hers. Surprisingly, ine''s body floated briefly before touching the ground with elegant grace, making her giggle.


    "That''s so cool," Broken said.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ine shook her head with a smile. "Really? But I think riding a majestic spirit that can fly is just as extraordinary."


    Broken chuckled, then dismounted from Polly as well.


    ine walked over to a cluster of rocks and sat down gracefully. "Would you like to sit here with me?" she offered.


    Broken followed her lead, sitting by her side. Polly, having reverted to her smaller form, hopped into hisp and curled up, looking as though she were ready to fall into a peaceful slumber.


    For a moment, silence filled the air as ine gazed off into the distance. Broken, sensing the shift in her demeanor, followed her gaze to the horizon.


    ine took a deep breath, her voice soft but steady. "Thisnd holds a heavy burden, Mr.


    Broken. It may seem peaceful, but its past is anything but."


    Broken remained silent, waiting for ine to continue. He watched her expression, which was calm but seemed to carry the weight of memories hidden deep within.


    "Have you ever heard of the Eternal me Faebeast?"


    Broken felt Polly''s ears twitch slightly against his fingers, signaling that even she was paying close attention to the conversation.


    "Actually, I ventured into this forest to hunt that creature. I need something from it to craft an item." He paused for a moment before adding, "Am I being too straightforward? I don''t see a reason to hide it. Besides, you have Cecilia, who seems capable of peeking into people''s status and knowing more than most should."


    ine gave him a faint smile in return, still gazing into the distance. She nodded slowly. "Do you know the origin of the Eternal me Faebeast?"


    "No," Broken admitted. "I''ve never even seen one."


    ine''s eyes softened as she continued, "It was a long time ago, when I was much younger..." Her voice trailed off.


    Broken frowned, reflecting on the vast difference between a faery''s long lifespan and a human''s rtively brief one. To him, ine still looked like a child, yet she had lived for


    centuries.


    "I had a friend once¡ªa human," ine continued, her voice soft. "We shared stories, explored the forest together, and learned about magic. Those were the happiest moments of my life."


    Broken nodded slowly, still listening, trying to understand the weight of her words.


    "Time passed, and he grew older, became an adult," she said, her voice faltering as though she was reluctant to share what came next.


    She paused, as if holding back something painful. "He asked me to form a bond with him." Broken noticed the tension in her voice, the emotion she was trying to suppress.


    "I was hesitant," ine continued, her voice now quieter. "Because... he had changed. From the friend I cherished, he became someone who wanted to control me, manipte me. He even threatened to harm my friends if I refused to bond with him."


    ine swallowed hard, her eyes reflecting the hurt of a long-buried memory. "In my disappointment, I left him, which I now realize was a mistake I deeply regret."


    Broken listened intently, his focus entirely on her story.


    "He cursed me," ine continued, her voice trembling, "until his dying breath. And this was


    no ordinary curse-it brought disaster to my entire tribe for hundreds of years and continues


    to this day."


    "A curse?" Broken muttered softly, trying to grasp the gravity of it. "A cursesting this long must have been cast by someone with extraordinary power... Someone special."


    ine''s response came slowly. "Yes... He was a king from a distant kingdom."


    Broken nodded, sensing the weight of her words, as she paused before revealing the truth.


    "Since that time, every full moon, I transform into a monster-the wild Eternal me


    Faebeast. That is my cursed form."


    Broken froze. "What?"


    "ine..." he spoke more firmly, seeking confirmation. She turned to look at him.


    "The Eternal me... is you?"


    ine lowered her gaze, remaining silent for a moment. "Not just me," she whispered. "Every Eternal me that roams this forest is a faery-a member of the Moonlight Fae." Broken was stunned, his mind racing. The revtion hit him like a shockwave.


    No way... The Eternal me beasts that he had nned to hunt were actually the cursed faeries? Hadn''t Maylock told him the Eternal me was just a beast? How had things turned


    so terribly wrong?


    "I want to know more, ine," Broken murmured softly.

 Chapter 495: Chapter 495 - The Faery Bond Proposal Master

    Chapter 495: - The Faery Bond Proposal Master


    ?


    As the truth of the Moonlight Fae and the curse unraveled, Broken felt the weight of their suffering deepen.


    ine, who had once shared a friendship with a human, now bore the burden of that bond gone terribly wrong. Her disappointment in her former friend had led to centuries of suffering for her tribe.


    "I wasn''t the only one who turned into an Eternal me Faebeast," ine continued. "Since I became the new Tribe Leader, recing my father, every time the full moon rises, I transform into the Eternal me... and one of the faeries from the Moonlight Fae does as well."


    Broken tried to absorb this shocking information. "So... once a month, during the full moon, you and one other faery from your tribe turn into Fae Beasts?"


    "Yes," ine confirmed.


    Then she added, "The worst part is, while I return to my normal form once the full moon passes, the other faeries who transform do not. They remain trapped in their Eternal me form... forever."


    Broken''s eyes widened, realizing the gravity of the curse.


    "They lose their consciousness," ine continued, her voice cracking, "and act like beasts, attacking anyone near them. They are no longer themselves."


    She lowered her head slowly, her sorrow palpable.


    Broken took a deep breath, still trying to process everything ine had shared. The truth was overwhelming and deeply painful.


    If every month a faery was transformed into a mindless beast, that meant their numbers would continue to dwindle. The Moonlight Fae were essentially fading away, one by one, until eventually only ine would remain.


    And then... the Moonlight Fae would be no more.


    The curse was slowly consuming them, and Broken couldn''t help but wonder-how much longer could they survive if this curse wasn''t lifted? They were living under a slow but inevitable death sentence.


    ine continued. "The Moon Goddess... She brought our tribe here, blessing us with the Moonlight Land to protect us. She created this space to contain us, to prevent the Eternal mes from wandering beyond and harming others."


    She nodded slightly, her expression calm. "Yes, this ce is a prison for us, Mr. Broken." ine turned to him, her gaze steady. Though her face remainedposed, a single tear glistened in her right eye, betraying the immense burden she carried.


    As Broken absorbed ine''s story, a sense of connection began to stir within him. His thoughts turned to the Moon Goddess and the mysterious implications surrounding her.


    The more he thought about it, the more he began to wonder if the Unseen Universe Ne blueprint he had got was tied to her as well. After all, the ne required Moonstones, which were clearly connected to the Moon Goddess, and also the Eternal me Eye, which came from the Moonlight Fae.


    Was it intentional? he thought. Did the Moon Goddess create this path, sending whoever holds the blueprint to this very ce?


    What if the person who came here wasn''t the one from the prophecy? What would have happened then?


    But here he was¡ªstanding before ine, gaining ess to the ne''sponents, and learning about the Moonlight Fae''s tragic fate. Was this prophecy all part of the Moon Goddess''s n?


    Every step, every quest, every twist of fate had led him here, and it felt almost too perfect to be coincidence. Could it be that the Moon Goddess had orchestrated this all along? And if so, what role did he truly y in this grand design?


    The deeper he delved into his thoughts, the more questions arose. Could Goddess Akidia-the one who had guided him in his journey-know of the Moon Goddess''s involvement? Were these two goddesses connected in some way?


    The pieces were slowly falling into ce, but the picture remained iplete. Broken felt as if the path he was walking had been carefullyid out long before he arrived, and now it was up to him to uncover the full truth.


    "Does that mean... There are already thousands of Eternal me Faebeastsing from this tribe?"


    ine nodded slowly. "Yes... Thousands of faeries from the Moonlight Fae have been transformed into Eternal me Faebeasts and can never return to their original forms. Most were hunted by adventurers, but many perished in battles with each other or in fights with other monsters in the forest."


    Broken inhaled deeply, trying to process the full weight of her words. The tragedy was far worse than he had imagined-centuries of faeries lost, turned into beasts, and wiped out in one way or another.


    "Didn''t the Moon Goddess or the Fae Queen do anything else to help lift the curse?"


    ine slowly turned her gaze to Broken. "I''m afraid there is only one way to lift this curse," she said softly.


    [Congrattions! You have done an amazing job. You have gained an incredible amount of knowledge and understanding about the history of the Moonlight Fae.]


    [You have earned the title: Moonlight Fae''s Loremaster.]


    [Your affinity with ine has increased to 45%.]


    [You have earned 30 stat points.]


    A flurry of notifications shed before his eyes, marking his progress and rewards after hearing ine''s heartbreaking story. Beyond the 30 stat points, his affinity with ine had increased to 45%. It was true-listening to someone''s story had a way of bringing people closer, just like Lily had once told him.


    "So..." Broken began carefully, "how can the curse be lifted?"


    ine smiled weakly. "The Fae Queen once gave me an answer," she began. "She told me that to lift the curse, I must find someone-a human-with whom I can form a deep connection. Someone I can trust, respect, and appreciate on a profound level."


    Broken frowned slightly. "That doesn''t sound too difficult."


    ine shook her head. "That''s not the only requirement. After I form a bond with this person, they mustplete a crucial task."


    "What kind of task?"


    "They must end my life... in my Eternal me form. That is the only way the curse can be lifted from the Moonlight Fae. If this task isn''tpleted, the curse will remain, even if I


    die."


    Broken fell silent, letting the weight of her exnation settle over him. He pieced it together in his mind: ine had to form a bond with a human she trusted, and that same person would have to kill her in her Eternal me form to lift the curse from her tribe.


    He exhaled deeply. "It''s truly an ironic fate," he said. "To be saved, your life must end at the hands of someone you trust-someone you choose to bond with."


    Broken nodded slowly. "Your courage and resilience are remarkable, ine."


    ine looked up, clearly moved by his words, her eyes wide with surprise.


    [ine was deeply moved by yourpassionate words, increasing her trust in youN?v(el)B\\jnn


    significantly. Your affinity with her has now grown to 52%.]


    "Your words are incredibly kind and have touched my heart, Mr. Broken," she said softly, her voice trembling with emotion. For a moment, she allowed herself to feel the warmth of his


    kindness, something she hadn''t felt in a long time.


    "Is there anything I can do to help you?"


    ine paused, contemting his offer. Finally, she spoke, her voice soft and uncertain.


    "Would you be open to getting to know me better and... allowing me to form a bond with you? I understand it''s a huge responsibility, but I''m willing to do whatever it takes to repay you." [Congrattions! You have earned the title of ''The Faery Bond Proposal Master''.]

 Chapter 496: Chapter 496 - Connecting with Elaine

    Chapter 496: - Connecting with ine


    ?


    [Congrattions! You have earned the title of ''The Faery Bond Proposal Master''.]


    [Your aplishment is remarkable-no other yer has ever seeded in receiving a bond proposal from a Faery Tribe Leader who has lived for centuries!]


    [As a reward for your impressive feat, you now have a 10% increase in elemental damage when fighting alongside faeries.]


    [May your bond with the Faery Tribe Leader ine bring you luck and sess! Have a great time!]


    Broken blinked at the sudden notification. Another achievement, one that granted a boost in elemental damage when fighting with faeries-a powerful bonus, even if situational. But the true weight of the achievementy in the nature of the bond ine was offering.


    He thought back to the details of the curse and how it could only be lifted by someone willing to form a bond with her and then end her life in her Eternal me form. Now, he needed to carefully consider his response to this proposal.


    "So, with this decision," Broken asked, "you''re truly certain? You understand that this means sacrificing your life?"


    ine nodded slowly. She smiled faintly. "I have felt it, this belief, growing within me. Meeting you has only solidified that feeling. As our Queen prophesied, you are indeed the one I''ve waited for all these years." Her voice trembled. "With all my heart, I beg you to grant me this request."


    She bowed gently before Broken, cing her fate-and the fate of her tribe¡ªin his hands. [You have been granted a monumental quest, one that promises to alter the destiny of the Moonlight Fae.]


    [Can You End the Suffering?]


    [Rating: S]


    [So, you think you''ve got what it takes to save the Tribe Leader, ine?


    You''ve got to be brave and willing to take on the challenge of breaking the curse that has gued her for centuries.


    Your journey will require you to form a bond with ine, then face her in her Eternal me form and y her.


    It won''t be easy, but if you seed, the rewards will be immense! Just make sure you don''t get too signed in the process!]


    [Clear Conditions: Form a bond with ine and end her suffering by defeating her in her Eternal me form.]


    [Clear Rewards: Will depend on performance and results.]


    [Quest Failure: The Extinction of the Moonlight Fae.]


    Broken pondered over the quest he had just received-an S-Rated challenge that seemed impossibly heavy. Forming a bond with ine and ultimately ending her life in her cursed form felt cruel, even for a game. Yet, despite how frustrating the task seemed, he knew he couldn''t ignore it.


    ine spoke again. "It would be an honor if you would grant me this wish. More than anything, I want my people to be free from this curse. If my death is the key to their liberation, then I will sacrifice myself willingly."


    Broken smiled at her response. "Tell me, ine," he began, "how do I form a bond with a faery? Specifically, with you?"


    "Uhm..." she hesitated. "Forming a bond with a faery is... a rare thing. It''s based on trust, respect, and shared emotions."


    [Connecting with ine]


    [Rating: A]N?v(el)B\\jnn


    [You have been tasked with a unique quest: To create a bond with the remarkable Tribe Leader of the Moonlight Fae, ine!


    She is a leader who always ces the well-being of her people above all else, and she''s willing to make incredible sacrifices to protect them. One of those sacrifices includes bonding with you!


    All you need to do is raise your affinity with her to at least 80%. Only then will you be able to proceed with the bonding process.]


    [Clear Conditions: Raise your affinity with ine to 80% and establish a connection with her.]


    [Clear Rewards: ine will be your dependable ally, offering unwavering support and loyalty.]


    [Quest Failure: ine will sumb to her curse, resulting in her demise and the eventual extinction of the Moonlight Fae.]


    Broken paused as he read the quest''s conditions again. He needed to raise his affinity with ine to eighty percent-a daunting task.


    Even Polly, his most trustedpanion, only had an affinity of 79%, and they had been through countless battles together. Now, he had to reach an even higher level of trust with ine, and quickly. Every passing month meant another faery would be lost to the Eternal me curse.


    The weight of the situation pressed down on him. Could he really do this in time? Could he build that kind of connection with ine before the curse imed more lives?


    He let out a deep breath. This isn''t something I can force, he thought. It wasn''t like fighting monsters orpleting tasks; this required something more delicate-trust, understanding, and mutual respect. Building a bond.


    Broken thought to himself. "Well, this is definitely something new... Gaining the trust of a faery leader, huh?"


    He couldn''t rely on brute strength or shy skills to get this done. It required a different


    approach.


    "When is the next time you''ll turn into the Eternal me?"


    ine hesitated for a moment before answering, "In two weeks."


    Her gaze softened as she continued, "Mr. Broken, I want to emphasize something-this bond we''re going to form, it''s nothingplicated. It''s just like the one you made with the Spirits. I don''t want you to feel like I''m stealing you away from Ms. Ivana. I know she''s someone who deserves to be by your side. What I''m offering is simply a contract, nothing more. I''m not taking any important position from you."


    Broken chuckled at her words. "How could you think that?"


    ine blinked, confusion crossing her face. "Aren''t you and Ms. Ivana in a rtionship?"


    Broken smiled warmly. "I don''t know how to answer that question, but you don''t need to worry about something like that, ine."


    ine returned his smile. "You''re so kind... I will do my best to aplish this," she said softly. "I want to get to know you better, to trust youpletely, and let you trust me the


    same way."


    She paused for a moment, her voice growing quieter. "I''ve seen how you fight, how you save yourpanions. I''ve seen the effort you put into protecting them... and I... admire that."


    Broken, sensing her vulnerability, gently ced his hand on her head. "Be brave. You''re doing this for your people, aren''t you? You should be proud of yourself."


    ine closed her eyes for a moment, taking in his words. When she looked at him again, there was a renewed determination in her gaze. "Thank you, Mr. Broken. I will face this with


    courage."


    [ine felt the warmth of each and every word you said. The hope she had been longing for finally appeared before her. She now ces her faith in you, and her fondness for you has


    increased to 69%.]


    Oh? The affinity had risen again, and so quickly.


    Broken couldn''t help but feel surprised at the rapid progress. Of course, this wasn''t just because of him¡ªit was ine''s own willingness and her determination to form the bond that elerated the process. She had clearly already ced much of her trust in him, wanting the


    contract to seed for the sake of her people.


    Two weeks! He reminded himself.


    He had that short time to reach the required 80% affinity. Only 11% more... but that could still


    be a lot.


    He started to wonder, What makes a woman truly feel connected to someone?


    **


    (Author''s Note:)


    Aww, ine''s already up to 69% affinity![]


    That''s some fast progress for our Faery Bond Proposal Master!


    But with two weeks left before the next full moon, can Broken hit that magic 80% in time?


    What do you think¡ªwhat''s the fastest way to a faery''s heart? [] Let me know your ideas in the


    comments!


    And if you''re loving these emotional rollercoasters (or just cheering for more cute moments), hit that Golden Ticket to keep the magic flowing! ??

 Chapter 497: Chapter 497 - A Lot of Interesting Stories

    Chapter 497: - A Lot of Interesting Stories


    ?


    "Let''s talk about a lot of things, ine."


    Broken said, remembering the advice Lily had given him many times. She had always told him that getting to know someone was key to building a strong bond. This was new for Broken- he had never really tried to make friends or connect deeply with others. But this time, he decided to give it a try with ine.


    "A lot of things? What would you like to know about, Mr. Broken? About thisnd? Or perhaps more about Faeries?"


    "Actually... I''m curious about you," Broken replied. "What''s your ability? How strong are you in battle?"


    ine blinked, a little surprised. But she nodded and responded, "My strength lies in magic, particrly in elemental maniption and spirit connection. However, due to the curse, my power is often unstable. Inbat, I can defend myself, but... the more the curse manifests, the more dangerous I be not just to enemies, but to those around me."


    Intrigued, Broken decided to inspect her stats.


    [Name: ine]


    [Level: 239]


    [Strength: 390 | Agility: 423 | Intelligence: 1450 | Constitution: 298 | Stamina: 867]


    "Damn!" Broken muttered under his breath. He was genuinely surprised by ine''s stats. Her level might only be 239, but her stats were far beyond what he had expected.


    It made sense-she had lived for centuries and was the protector of her tribe. But the thought of having to defeat her in her Eternal me form... How am I supposed to do that?


    "You''re probably the strongest in this tribe, right?"


    "Uhm..." ine hesitated. "I''m not sure how strong I am... But, yes, I guess you could say I''m the strongest Faery here."


    Broken nodded. "I believe it. Based on your level and stats, you''re definitely the strongest here."


    ine''s eyes widened in surprise. "You can see someone''s level and stats?"


    Broken chuckled, "Yeah, I can inspect people and get an idea of their abilities."


    She smiled, nodding thoughtfully. "Well, I suppose now you understand why the curse makes things so dangerous... My strength can be a curse in itself."


    [ine felt a deeper connection with you after your in-depth conversation, where you both got to know each other better. Your affinity with her has grown to 71%.]


    ine giggled softly. "Are you still sure about fighting me in my Eternal me form, Mr. Broken?"


    Broken took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Well, do you have any advice? Like, can you tell me your weaknesses or how to defeat you easily?"


    ine shook her head. "I never remember anything when I''m in that state. I''m locked away... I simply endure until I revert back to my normal form."


    "How long do you stay in that form?"


    "At first, it couldst a whole day," she exined. "But recently, only for a few minutes before it fades."


    "So, I''ll need to defeat you within that short window. Otherwise, I''ll have to wait until next month¡ªor maybe I''ll never get another chance. But no worries, I can respawn, and I''ll just keep trying to beat you until I seed." His tone was t, almost casual.


    ine chuckled at his words. "You''re saying you want to kill me right to my face, and yet it makes me happy to hear that. How ironic, isn''t it?"


    [Your affinity with ine has grown to 72%.]


    Broken smiled faintly. "I guess we have a strange dynamic, don''t we?"


    He went on. "I simply can''tprehend what it''s like to live for centuries. It''s so far removed from our human experience. What do you even do with all those hundreds of years?"


    ine paused for a moment before responding, "May I ask how old you are, Mr. Broken?" "In my real world, I''m twenty-one years old," he answered with a slight chuckle. "Twenty-one years old?! You''re like a baby to me..." ine giggled.


    "Don''tugh," he replied with a smile. "I know, it must seem strange to you. But we humans -both in this world and my own-rarely live past 70 or 80 years. So yeah,pared to you, I guess I am like an infant."


    ine smiled again, "So, does that make me like an ancient ancestor in your eyes?"


    "Well," Broken chuckled, "I''m sure there are plenty of humans who would love to live as long as you do and still look as young as you."


    ine giggled softly, but her tone turned more somber. "But, Mr. Broken, do you realize how ironic your question is? I''ve lived all these years carrying a curse. If I had the choice, I would rather die than endure this burden any longer."


    Broken nodded slowly, feeling the weight of her words. "I''ll never fully understand what you''ve been through, ine. But I admire the strength it must have taken to carry on. It couldn''t have been easy."


    He thought about it¡ªliving hundreds of years, only to watch a member of her tribe turn into a wild beast every month. It wasn''t just immortality; it was a life of endless suffering. Living with that kind of burden.


    ine continued, "Age is rtive to each race, as every race lives their life differently. For those who live longer, life moves at a slower pace. They take their time to make decisions, to act, and to experience things. That''s how they spend the centuries they''re given."


    She paused, her gaze softening. "Humans, however... Humans are the toughest race in Yunatea. In such a short span of life, they achieve remarkable things. The history they''ve built, the wisdom they''ve gained-all in just a few decades. It''s extraordinary. Humans create and grow rapidly, while many of us, like the faeries, still feel like children even after living for centuries."


    "That''s an interesting perspective," he said, nodding. "I guess we''re in a hurry because we, humans, don''t have as much time?"


    ine smiled. "Exactly. Humans live with a sense of urgency, and maybe that''s what makes your race so remarkable. You evolve quickly, while some of us are still figuring things out, even after centuries."


    Broken couldn''t help but smile. "I''ve never thought about it like that. I suppose we all have our strengths, then."


    [Your affinity with ine has grown to 73%.]


    "So... you''ve been in Moonlight Land for hundreds of years, right? Have you ever encountered anyone else, aside from your own tribe?"


    "We can''t leave this forest. We''re confined here," she replied. "As for your second question, I''ve never personally interacted with anyone outside the tribe. But some of the faeries havemunicated with adventurers hunting in the forest from time to time."


    "Did your Knight Commander also try to y those adventurers like he did with me?"


    ine giggled at the thought. "No, I don''t think so," she said yfully. "He doesn''t usually act so... direct. I''m certain this is the first time he''s done that. You must be quite remarkable in


    his eyes."


    "Thanks for the sarcasticpliment, ine," Broken quipped.


    Broken noticed that his affinity with ine had reached an impressive 73%, but it seemed to stall there. Even so, achieving such a high level in such a short amount of time was nothing


    short of remarkable.


    He just needed another 7% toplete the quest, but the uncertainty of how to reach it lingered in his mind. He was confident but knew it wouldn''t be easy.


    "ine, did you know that our affinity has to reach at least 80% for us to form a bond?"


    ine looked slightly puzzled. "Uhm... I didn''t know that exactly. But I can assure you, Mr. Broken, that I''m doing my best to trust youpletely and sincerely. And I''ve enjoyed spending time with you... You''re warm and kind."


    Broken smiled. "Thank you. Maybe we can continue getting to know each other better on a different note-how about you apany me on a monster hunt and show me more of this


    ce?"


    ine''s eyes brightened, and she nodded confidently. "I''d be d to."


    After Broken and ine returned to her room, he carefully pushed the door open and stepped


    outside.


    The Knights standing nearby shot him disapproving looks, though he wasn''t quite sure what he''d done to warrant their judgment.


    As he moved further away, his eyes fell on Ivana, who wasughing and chatting with a group of faeries. She seemed to be in her element, enjoying theirpany, and the faeries appeared just as fond of her. Broken couldn''t help but think how effortlessly Ivana connected with


    others.


    Ivana must have noticed his return because she quickly said her goodbyes to the faeries and hurried over to him, her face lighting up with a cheerful smile.


    Ivana stopped in front of Broken, tilting her head yfully. "Do you have an interesting story


    for me?"


    Broken smiled. "Yes, Ivana, I do. Let''s go somewhere we can talk. I want to discuss a lot ofn/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    things with you."


    "Let''s go," Ivana replied, gently taking his left arm and linking it with hers as they walked


    away from the vige together.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Oh, it seems I''ve been writing quite a bit of conversation between Broken and ine, haven''t


    I? I hope you''re still enjoying it.


    The story is a blend of slice of life, friendship, romance, and action, so you can expect


    moments like these where we slow down and explore rtionships.


    What do you think? Do you prefer full-on battles, or are these warm, bonding moments okay


    too? Let me know your thoughts!

 Chapter 498: Chapter 498 - What is Inside the Volcano?

    Chapter 498: - What is Inside the Volcano?


    ?


    Broken recounted everything he had learned from ine to Ivana, including the grim details of the curse and the task he was bound toplete to break it for the Moonlight Fae.


    "I can''t help but feel so sorry for them," Ivana said softly. "Isn''t there another way to solve this? Does it have to end like this?"


    Broken sighed, shaking his head. "I don''t know, Ivana. But what''s clear is that if we don''t act soon, more Faeries will be trapped by this curse, and the situation will keep getting worse."


    Ivana looked troubled. "I can''t imagine what Lady ine has endured, carrying that burden for so long."


    Broken nodded. "It''s a heavy price to pay. But I believe the only way forward is to see this mission through, even if it''s hard."


    "You''re right. We need to help them. Lady ine has probably been waiting for this day for centuries." She paused before adding, "I''ll help you, Broken. I''ll stand by you when the timees to face her Eternal me form."


    "Yes, I''ll need all the help I can get. ine''s level is high, and her stats are incredible. But I''ve never seen her in that form... it''s hard to say just how powerful she really is."


    Broken had previously discussed the Eternal me transformation with ine, and what she had shared was troubling. When the faeries, including herself, transform, they truly be beasts-losing control and unleashing raw power and brutality.


    Considering ine''s already impressive level and stats, it was clear that facing her in her Eternal me form would be a massive challenge. Her level might only be 239, but her total stats exceeded 3,400. That alone would be dangerous enough, but with her more savage form, things could spiral out of control very quickly.


    Broken nced at Ivana, remembering that her stats were simrly high, around 3,300. He chuckled to himself.


    They''re both monsters!


    But Ivana, with all her power, had her consciousness and control-ine, in her transformed state, would not.


    "Facing her in that form will be no joke," Broken murmured. "Her strength, already dangerous, will be pushed to the extreme when she turns into the Eternal me. And if we don''t defeat her quickly, we''ll lose the chance until the next month... or worse, we might never defeat her."


    Ivana nodded, her brows furrowing in concern.


    Ivana inquired, "Have you thought about asking for more help? Maybe someone from the Ass Guild? I''m sure they''d want to be part of this mission."


    Broken nodded thoughtfully. "I''ve considered it. I''ll bring it up with them, get their input, and see if they''re up for the challenge. This won''t be easy, and the more support we have, the better."


    "I want to go...." came a small voice from the corner of the room.


    Both Broken and Ivana turned toward the sofa, where Pawpaw was lying, half-asleep.


    "Do you want to go hunt monsters, Pawpaw?" Ivana asked with a smile.


    "No, I want to go visit the Princess."


    "Princess Alora?" Broken echoed, curious.


    He walked over to the little kitten and sat by the sofa. "Hey, is something wrong with her?"


    "No, but it''s boring here. I want to go. I''ll be back before you leave, Broken!"


    "You know I need your help to keep Ivanapany, right?"


    "Yes, I know," Pawpaw said with a nod.


    Ivana stepped closer. "I think I''ll be fine here, Broken. Let Pawpaw go."


    "No," Broken responded quickly.


    "I''ll just be gone for a little while, I promise. I''ll be back before you leave!" Pawpaw insisted again.


    Should I let him go?


    Pawpaw was asking for permission, and he knew the kitten wouldn''t do anything reckless. But the timing wasn''t ideal, not with everything going on. Still, Pawpaw was adamant he''d return in time.


    "Can you really keep your word?"


    "I''m the Hell Lord. I never break my word."


    Broken hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded.


    Pawpaw leaped up, nced briefly at Ivana, and then disappeared from sight.


    Afterward, Broken and Ivana talked for a while, but his mind lingered on what was toe. He was waiting for Cedric and Cecilia, whom he had asked Lady ine to send. They were supposed to guide him through Moonlight Land, and he was eager to learn more.


    "Hello there, Mr. Broken!" Cedric called out, waving his hand as he approached with Cecilia following close behind.


    "Hi, Cedric," Broken greeted back. "Has ine already told you the reason why I wanted you two toe?"


    "Yes, Lady ine mentioned that you wanted us to apany you to see the Eternal me Faebeasts, right? We''re here to fulfill your request."


    "Eternal me?" Ivana asked as she nced at Broken.


    He nodded. "Yes, the Faebeasts are here, locked away. ine said we could visit them and see


    them firsthand."


    "Is that safe, Broken?"


    "ine said it''s safe, so I''m trusting her judgment."


    "Yes, Ms. Ivana, don''t worry!" Cedric chimed in with a wide grin. "We visit that ce regrly. It''s not a problem, especially since the full moon is still a ways off. Haha, there''s nothing to worry about!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Ivana, though still uncertain, nodded slowly, trusting Broken''s decision.


    Afterward, they set out on their journey. Broken and Ivana rode atop Polly, who sprinted nimbly and swiftly along the forest floor, while Cedric and Cecilia darted skillfully between the tree branches overhead.


    As they traveled, the towering trees of the forest slowly began to thin out. The ground beneath them grew more uneven, the path bing steeper and rockier as they ventured deeper into Moonlight Land. Eventually, they found themselves in a more barren, sparse area, the thick forest behind them reced by jagged terrain.


    "Mr. Broken, our destination is near, hahaha..." Cedric called out enthusiastically as they pressed forward.


    Soon enough, the group came to a halt, standing before a massive, imposing volcano. Its mouth opened wide at the top, and from within, faint embers and glowing heat rose steadily into the sky. The sheer size of the volcano was enough to make them pause in awe. Cedric stepped forward and pointed towards the volcanic opening. "That''s it, Mr. Broken," he announced. "All the Eternal me Faebeasts are inside that volcano."


    "Inside the volcano?" Broken echoed, ncing back at Cedric.


    "Yes," Cedric confirmed with a grin. "It''s where they''re confined. And don''t worry, they won''t attack- at least not until the full moon."


    As Broken drew closer, the deep rumbling of the earth and the shing of stones grew louder, more intense. The deafening roar of the volcano was joined by a chaotic chorus of snarls and growls, filling the air with the eerie cries of some monstrous creature.


    "Can we go there, Cedric?"


    "Yes, Mr. Broken," Cedric replied. "We can visit the ce."


    "Will we need to fight them if we get closer? Are they roaming freely?" Broken asked, his gaze


    drifting up to the volcano''s summit.


    "I''ll let you see for yourself, Mr. Broken," Cedric answered.


    Broken and Ivana climbed onto Polly''s back, with Cedric and Cecilia settling in front of them.


    "Polly, can you do this?"


    "Yes, Master, I can handle it."


    Surprisingly, Faeries did have a much lighter body weight, a fact that Broken reconfirmed after helping Cecilia up and settling her down in front of him.


    With a strong leap and a few powerful ps of her wings, Pollyunched herself into the sky,


    swiftly heading toward the volcano. As they soared higher, cutting through the thick clouds, the peak of the volcano slowly came into view, revealing the scene that awaited them.


    **


    Five Faery Knights were gathered in one room. Morel, the Knight Commander, led the discussion, the mood heavy with concern.


    One of the knights spoke up, "Sir Morel, I understand why you tested that man. But I''m still hesitant to ept him so easily. He doesn''t seem strong enough, and I don''t believe he can


    break this great curse."


    Another knight chimed in, "He may have contracts with two spirits, and yes, he''s the Champion of Sloth, but he''s still too weak. There''s no way he can defeat Lady ine in her Eternal me form. It''s impossible! If he fails, the disaster we face will be huge. We need to reconsider-this is about the survival of our tribe."


    "If it were King ndorr we were talking about, that would be different. He''s incredibly strong, but that foolish king refused to help us."


    "Exactly, and this current Champion of Sloth is just some clueless neer who''s barely


    been a Divine Champion for any time at all."


    "Letting him handle this curse is foolishness."


    "I agree. He wouldn''t stand a chance against Lady ine, especially in her Eternal me form. Honestly, I doubt he could even defeat the four of us, let alone her." "The prophecy... I don''t think it was ever meant for this man," another knight concluded.

 Chapter 499: Chapter 499 - Eternal Flame Fang

    Chapter 499: - Eternal me Fang


    ?


    Morel responded calmly to the other four knights.


    "I don''t think this discussion should continue without Lady ine. She''s the one who has the right to make these decisions."


    Another knight quickly retorted, "Isn''t it our duty to protect this tribe and Lady ine? Shouldn''t we be thinking about the impact our decisions will have on everyone''s safety? If that man forms a bond with Lady ine and then fails in his task, we''ll all be wiped out! That''s not something to take lightly. How will you answer that, Sir Morel?"


    "Lady ine can only form a bond once, just once," another knight added, their voice tense. "If this fails, we''re all doomed. This isn''t just a difficult choice, it''s the fate of our entire existence."


    "We''ve survived for hundreds of years, waiting for this moment," a different knight chimed in. "And now, when it finally seems to be here, we find a fool who''s just recently imed the title of Divine Champion. His power level is disturbingly low. This is pure madness."


    Morel, holding his ground, replied, "But that man, Broken, fits every requirementid out in the prophecy."


    Despite this, one of the knights remained adamant. "I don''t doubt that we believe in the prophecy, but reality is something else entirely. He''s still too weak. Even if he is the one, I don''t think he can aplish this any time soon. He might need another hundred years to grow strong enough, and I doubt he''ll survive that long. It''s the most absurd thing I''ve ever heard."


    Another knight, arms crossed in defiance, dered, "I reject this decision."


    Morel fell silent for a moment, deep in thought. Then he spoke, "So, what exactly are you nning to do?"


    One of the knights stepped forward. "I will put him through another test-one that he''ll regret ever facing. He''ll wish he never set foot in this ce."


    Morel''s gaze sharpened. "You understand the consequences of defying Lady ine''s orders, don''t you?"


    The knight stood firm. "I am ready to give my life for Lady ine and the tribe."


    The second knight nodded in agreement. "I support this. We need to act quickly before he forms a bond with Lady ine. If we wait too long, it''ll be toote for us to intervene."


    Another knight added with grim determination, "I''ll do my best to kill him. If he somehow survives and kills us instead, then at least I can die knowing the right person is here to save our tribe."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "I''m sure it won''t be easy for him," a fourth knight said. "If we join forces, we all know he won''t stand a chance against us."


    With that, all four knights voiced their agreement, united in their decision-except for Morel.


    Morel met their eyes calmly. "Go ahead, then, if you''re willing to take full responsibility for the consequences."


    ***


    Polly flew steadily toward the mouth of the volcano, expertly dodging the violent bursts of me that shot into the sky.


    The roaring sound of the fire exploding and the deep cries of the beasts inside blended into a thunderous symphony that echoed across thendscape, as if the volcano itself were alive and screaming in unending rage.


    As they neared the interior, the sight below grew clearer. The dark, jagged terrain stretched out, riddled with sharp rocks that jutted from the ground like cruel, twisted teeth.


    Scattered across the volcanic floor were dozens of massive iron cages, their thick metal bars gleaming under the glow of moltenva. These cages stood precariously close to pools of bubblingva. It was a nightmarish scene, made worse by the fact that these cages weren''t empty!


    Inside each cage, fearsome creatures thrashed violently. They mmed against the bars, their roars reverberating through the volcano, shaking the very ground. Their eyes glowed, their ws ripping at the metal, desperate to break free.


    Broken''s breath caught in his throat as the realization sank in. These weren''t just ordinary monsters-they were Faebeasts.


    The Eternal mes!


    Every single one of them was imprisoned here within the heart of the volcano. But what struck him deepest, what tore at his heart, was the grim truth that these beasts were once faeries. These were the lost friends of the Moonlight Fae-perhaps even their siblings, parents, or children-now transformed and enved by the curse, locked away in this prison.


    Broken muttered softly, "Those are the Eternal mes?"


    "That is correct," Cedric replied.


    Ivana, sitting just behind Broken, gripped his arm tightly. It was clear the sight of these imprisoned creatures was hard for her to witness.


    "They''re suffering..." she whispered. "Trapped there, alone... who knows how long it''s been? They''re screaming for help... they want to be freed."


    Broken turned to look at her, suddenly reminded of the time Ivana had so easilymunicated with ze and re. Could she actually understand the cries of these beasts? Did she know what they were saying?


    "Can we go down there, Cedric?"


    "We can, Mr. Broken," Cedric replied calmly. "The Faebeasts are securely contained, so we have nothing to fear from them. But we must prepare ourselves for the intense heat- especially from the magma pool at the volcano''s center."


    "Polly, can you handle this?"


    "Yes, Master," Polly responded. "I can manage the heat."


    Polly nodded slowly, her wings stirring the air as she flew toward the heart of the volcano.


    The heat hit them immediately, a wave of scorching air brushing against their faces. Below, the molten magma pool churned violently, its surface bubbling and asionally exploding upward in fiery bursts that shot pirs ofva into the sky.


    Polly skillfully maneuvered through the intense heat, avoiding the sts of magma as they flew deeper inside. Still, stray sparks hit them, adding to the tension that was already


    building.


    The interior of the volcano echoed with the deafening roars of the Faebeasts, just as Ivana had said¡ªthey were screaming, thrashing against their cages, desperate to break free.


    Polly soon glided toward a dry, ckened in at the base of the volcano, a ce that looked like it had been scorched. Thend was covered in ash and charred rocks, with thin trails of smoke risingzily into the heated air. It was a stark contrast to the fiery chaos around it.


    From this vantage point, they could clearly see the Faebeasts locked in their scattered cages. And what struck them most was how different each one was. These weren''t just identical creatures, bound by the same curse-they were unique, each with their own terrifying form. Some of the Faebeasts still held onto traces of their faery origins, their bodies humanoid but with skin that had turned a deep, fiery red, as though seared by mes. Others had transformed into monstrous creatures that lumbered on four legs.


    And yet, despite their differences, they were all bound by the same fate. These were the Eternal me¡ªcursed faeries, twisted into something unrecognizable, imprisoned by the


    very fire that consumed them.


    [Eternal me Monica Lv. 210]


    [Eternal me Berry Lv. 217]


    [Eternal me Serene Lv. 199]


    Broken approached one of the towering iron bars.


    Before him stood a massive wolf. The creature was easily twice as tall as they were, its skin ckened as if scorched by eternal fire.


    [Eternal me Fang Lv. 237]


    "This one''s level is incredibly high," Broken muttered. "Even higher than ine''s... Who is


    he?"


    He turned around, hoping for an answer, but what he saw made him freeze. Cecilia was standing there, tears brimming in her eyes. She was trying to hold it together, but the soft


    sobs slipping through betrayed her.


    "Why?"

 Chapter 500: Chapter 500 - He is our Father

    Chapter 500: - He is our Father


    ?


    "How many Faebeasts are there in this ce, Cedric?" Broken asked, still keeping his eyes on the massive wolf in front of him.


    The beast snarled, molten magma dripping from its maw, as it swiped a massive paw toward him. Broken instinctively stepped back, narrowly avoiding the sharp ws that raked the air with a wild, aggressive swing.


    "There are around seventy-nine, Mr. Broken," Cedric answered. "Some of our friends managed to escape Moonlight Land, but sadly, many perished outside-either killed by adventurers or defeated by other monsters."


    Broken frowned, still watching the beast, but his thoughts began to turn. "How did they manage to escape from here?" he asked, ncing back at Cedric.


    Cedric gave a solemn nod and exined, "We faeries can leave Moonlight Land anytime we wish. The Faebeasts, even in their cursed state, can still do the same, which is why they sometimes appear outside this pocket dimension. If we can''t bring them back, they won''t survive long out there."


    "That''s a truly tragic fate for them," Broken said softly.


    These faeries, twisted into monsters and cursed for so long, still lingered here-locked away rather than destroyed. It was clear the faeries hadn''t abandoned them, not entirely. Despite their monstrous forms, the Faebeasts were still cared for, still imprisoned rather than left to die or roam free.


    Was there hope, even after all this time, that they might one day return to their original forms?


    Yet, Broken couldn''t shake his curiosity about the wolf-like Faebeast before him. Its immense power, the way it loomed over everything, unsettled him.


    "Why was this one so strong?" Its level was higher than even Lady ine''s, which gnawed at the back of his mind. There had to be something more to this particr beast.


    Broken pondered for a moment, then asked, "Howe they have different forms, Cedric? At first, I thought they would all look the same."


    "I''m not entirely sure," Cedric began, "but I believe the forms they take are expressions of their personality, or something closely tied to their nature. It''s how they manage to persist even after being transformed into these beasts."


    "Oh?" Broken mused, intrigued by the concept.


    So their forms vary based on some deeper aspect of who they were? An expression of their personality... It was a fascinating idea.


    If someone took the form of a wolf, did that mean their personality was wolf-like? A hunter, a leader, or someone who thrived in groups?


    "And what about Lady ine? What is her form in her Eternal me state? How powerful is she?"


    "No one knows for sure what form Lady ine takes in her Eternal me state," Cedric admitted. "Only the Knight Commander is privy to that information. I''m afraid I can''t be of much help on that, Mr. Broken."


    Broken nodded, though the answer left him with more questions than before.


    "That''s alright."


    So after all these hundreds of years, only the Knight Commander knows what ine''s Eternal me form looks like? It felt almost impossible to believe, especially given how much was riding on this.


    This realization made Broken think of Morel. Wouldn''t Morel, the Knight Commander, know more about how to defeat ine in that form?


    It seemed like something he''d need to discuss with him sooner orter. After all, Morel likely held crucial knowledge about ine''s Eternal me form. If Broken was going to stand any chance against her, he''d need to learn everything he could-and the "foolish faery" knightmander was his best lead.


    "And why keep them in a ce like this? Why inside a volcano?"


    Cedric responded with a slight chuckle. "They weaken when they''re away from fire elements, Mr. Broken. The reason we keep them here is because we still hold on to hope that, one day, they might return to their original forms. Hehehe."


    "So, if they''re kept away from fire, they grow weaker? That''s why you''ve ced them here?" "Yes," Cedric affirmed.


    If these Faebeasts drew strength from fire, did that mean they could be defeated more easily with an opposing element? Like water, perhaps? It was something he filed away forter.


    His gaze then returned to the imposing Faebeast in front of him, the one with a level higher than even Lady ine''s.


    Who could this possibly have been before their transformation? he wondered.


    "And tell me, Cedric," Broken continued, "this Faebeast has a higher level than Lady ine. Who was he before he turned into this?"


    Cedric hesitated for a moment, a brief reluctance passing over his face before he gave a faint, knowing grin. "He was the former Knight Commander, Mr. Broken. His name is Fang."


    The weight of Cedric''s words hit Broken hard, but at the same moment, he noticed Cecilia. She had lowered her head, her shoulders trembling as tears quietly slipped down her face.


    "What happened to Cecilia?"


    Ivana gently stepped forward, wrapping her arm around Cecilia''s trembling shoulders.


    "Hey, can you tell me why you''re crying?" she whispered.


    Broken shifted his gaze to Cedric, hoping for an exnation.


    Cedric gave a nervous grin, awkwardly scratching the back of his head. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke.


    "He is... our father," Cedric admitted quietly.


    Broken fell into a stunned silence, the weight of this revtion settling over him like a heavy shroud.


    Their father. Even though he wasn''t dead, Cedric and Cecilia were forced to face the cruel reality that their father had been transformed into a beast, locked away in this hellish ce.


    For a moment, Broken was lost in thought, struggling to process everything that had hit him in such a short span of time-the curse, the burden of having to kill ine, and now this heartbreaking truth about Cedric and Cecilia standing before their father, who had be something unrecognizable, something monstrous.


    He knew the pain of losing a parent, but seeing a loved one twisted into a wild, imprisoned beast? That was a kind of torment he couldn''t begin to imagine. The emotional strain of knowing their father was still alive, but trapped in this inhuman form, must have been


    unbearable.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Gently, Broken patted Cedric''s shoulder. "Your father is truly extraordinary, Cedric. He was a Knight Commander, and with a level as high as his, I can see why you''d be proud of him." Cedric nodded. "Yes, Mr. Broken. My father always said he believed this curse could be broken. I think that''s what''s kept him alive for so long. He still has some consciousness left, I know it. Somewhere in there, he''s still fighting."


    Broken stood silent for a moment. He needed something vital from these Faebeasts-their eyes. But the thought of recklessly ughtering them, especially now that he knew the pain and history behind their transformations, didn''t sit well with him.


    He couldn''t just treat them as mindless monsters.


    He paused, considering his options. Maybe... There was another way to get what he needed. Something that didn''t involve killing them.


    Broken nodded slowly, feeling like he had gathered enough information and insight from this


    ce.


    "Let''s go back," he said quietly.


    Without hesitation, they climbed back onto Polly''s sturdy back. With a few powerful beats of


    her wings, Polly shot into the air, leaving the oppressive heat and the sorrowful scene of the


    volcano far behind.


    As they soared through the sky, Broken''s mind raced.


    Whates next? he thought.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    The author let out a deep sigh and smiled. Excited, he typed out a message for his readers:


    "Chapter 500?! []We made it, everyone! Thank you for sticking with Broken and the gang through every wild twist, heart-wrenching moment, and fiery battle! ?


    There''s still so much I want to share, and believe me, we''re just getting started. What are you most looking forward to? The first person Broken will marry? Really? Go ahead, take a guess.


    And yes, there are plenty of surprisesing your way. I can''t wait to share them in the


    uing chapters.


    Thanks for all the support. Broken keeps getting love, and the ranking keeps climbing- seriously, it''s a huge motivation boost!


    And no... what''s this in my eyes... Who cut onions near here?! What? Crying? No! I''m not![] Totally not emotional about hitting 500 chapters or anything!


    Once again, thank you!"

 Chapter 501: Chapter 501 - We’ll Do it Like We Always Do

    Chapter 501: - We¡¯ll Do it Like We Always Do


    ?


    "Cedric, how many faeries are left in this tribe?"


    Broken asked as Polly flew away from the volcano, the oppressive heat beginning to fade as cooler air greeted them.


    "There are about 350 faeries left, Mr. Broken," Cedric replied. He sighed deeply. "If this curse continues, we''ll likely all be extinct within the next thirty to fifty years."


    Broken nced at Cedric''s and Cecilia''s stats, noticing their levels were only 75 and 77. It became clear that, among the faeries, only Tribe Leader ine, Knight Commander Morel, and the four Knights held any significant power. Most of the faerie residents were below level 100, with only a small fraction above that.


    As they descended back to the ground, preparing for the journey home, the calm atmosphere was suddenly shattered. Four faeries approached from different directions, closing in on them.


    "Those are the Knights! What are they doing here?" Cedric eximed.


    "Hey there! What brings you all here? On patrol?" Cedric shouted, waving his arms to greet them.


    But the Knights didn''t respond in kind. Instead, they shot toward them at rming speed. "Cedric, I think they''re here with bad intentions!" Broken shouted. He hurriedly lifted Cedric and Cecilia onto Polly''s back, but it was toote. Out of the corner of his eye, Broken saw glowing orbs of magic forming, whirling and crackling as they hurtled toward them.


    The magic orbs tore through the air like streaks of lightning. Before Broken could react, they collided with Cedric and Cecilia.


    Cedric and Cecilia were knocked backward, their bodies flung through the air as if weightless, hurtling toward the Faery Mage Knight.


    But instead of the expected impact, the magical orbs surrounding them didn''t harm them. Instead, the magic swirled and twisted, solidifying into a transparent barrier that encased them both in a clear cylinder. The wall of magic locked them in ce, trapping them inside, unable to move.


    Ivana quickly moved to stand beside Broken.


    One of the Knights stepped forward.


    "Don''t think you are wee here. Don''t believe for a second you can do whatever you please."


    The Knight''s eyes narrowed. "You don''t belong here. Stop acting so sympathetic to our issues and stay out of matters beyond your understanding. You have no idea of the dangers you''re meddling with."


    "How can I trust anyone here when even the knights are still looking for ways to cause trouble for me?" Broken snapped, his frustration clear in his voice.


    Ivana, standing close to him, whispered, "What are they trying to achieve by doing this, Broken?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Broken''s eyes stayed locked on the Knights. "I think they''re simply too ignorant to realize how foolish this is."


    The Faery Swordsman Knight stepped forward, his eyes locked on Broken. "I''m sure you know why we came here, don''t you?"


    "To die?" Broken replied, his tone casual.


    His words hit a nerve, and the irritation was clear on the faces of the four Knights.


    "You show up here, acting like you''re something special, giving us false hope. Do you really think you can defeat Lady ine in her Eternal me form?" one of the Knights spat.


    Broken''s gaze hardened. "Let me make something clear," he said. "The decision to bring me here wasn''t mine-it was your leader''s. If you''re unhappy with it, take it up with ine, not me."


    The Faery Knight bristled. "We don''t need Lady ine''s permission when the fate of the entire tribe is at stake!"


    Broken clicked his tongue in frustration. "What kind of stupid nonsense are they spouting now," he muttered under his breath, clearly annoyed.


    He hated situations like this-needless confrontations that only wasted time. Broken wasn''t one to linger if it didn''t matter to him, but if forced, he''d retaliate hard. And right now, the Knights were pushing him dangerously close to that edge.


    "Damn!" Broken sighed, his frustration boiling over. "I try to help them, but they''re still testing me?"


    Ivana, standing quietly beside him, spoke softly. "Broken... I don''t think this is an order from Lady ine. Maybe it''s better if we try talking to them first, see if we can calm things down before this gets out of hand."


    "I''m not good at talking, Ivana," Broken muttered, still irritated by the situation. Despite his annoyance, Broken assessed the four Knights'' levels. They were all around level 210-a formidable challenge, especially if he had to face them all at once.


    The odds weren''t in his favor, but with Ivana by his side, he might still have a chance. Even so, the advantage of fighting on their home turf, where they knew the terrain, couldplicate things further.


    One of the knights suddenly called out. "Broken! The four of us challenge you to a duel of life and death. If you''re truly worthy of the task you''ve been given, then let our lives be the price of your victory."


    "You''re so stupid!" Broken retorted, his patience running thin.


    Ivana tugged gently on his arm. "Broken... maybe I can help talk to them?" she asked quietly. Broken took a deep breath and gave her a slow nod. "Go ahead, Ivana. But listen-I''m no pushover. If they push this, I''ll fight them," he warned.


    Ivana stepped forward, addressing the knights with calm determination. "Everyone... I understand you have doubts about his capabilities, but consider the trust Lady ine has ced in him. She''s worked hard to build this faith in Broken. Wouldn''t it disappoint her if you disregarded that trust?"


    One of the knights replied, "We understand, and we''re fully aware of the risks. That''s why we cannot stand by and remain silent."


    They continued, their voice resolute. "Lady ine, in her Eternal me form, is stronger than all of usbined. If Broken fails to defeat her, every faerie in this tribe will be at risk. Do youprehend the gravity of this situation?"


    "But you''re doing this without Lady ine''s order," Ivana countered. "Do you really believe this is something you should do without her approval?"


    "We''ve already exined our reasons," the knight shot back.


    Ivana knew Broken well-he was not the type to back down once he set his mind on something. And even though the knights'' threats were clear, she was certain that Broken


    would stand his ground. But if this confrontation escted into a fight, it would only damage their fragile rtionship with the faeries.


    She turned to him, her voice soft but resigned. "Broken... I will support whatever decision you


    make."


    "Are you sure this is the right course of action, Ivana?"


    "I''m not certain," she admitted. "But I''m trying to believe in this approach."


    Broken''s expression hardened. "People like them won''t back down, no matter how convincing our arguments are. The only way this ends is by fighting, until one of us is destroyed," he said, his tone resolute.


    This turn of events waspletely unexpected for Broken. He could already sense that this was going to end badly. But it was their own fault. The destruction that would follow was a result of their own foolishness. And he wasn''t the type to take such things lightly.


    "Ivana, we''ll do it like we always do," he said.


    "I''m used to this by now," she replied.

 Chapter 502: Chapter 502 - They Underestimated Him

    Chapter 502: - They Underestimated Him


    ?


    Broken nced at Cedric and Cecilia, both trapped and clearly distressed. Cedric''s face burned with anger as he pounded his fists against the barrier that confined him, while Cecilia, wide- eyed and panicked, darted her gaze around as if imagining the worst possible oue.


    Broken took out the Wavebreaker Spear, and equipped his Invincible Paragon under his Obsidian Shroud.


    Ivana gave a firm nod, summoning a shield in her left hand, a clear sign that she, too, was ready for the battle ahead!


    "Ivana," Broken said, "focus on the Mage first. His Constitution Stat is the lowest, so he''ll be easier to bring down. I''ll break through his protective barriers with my initial attack. Your job is to defend me while I go in."


    "Understood," Ivana murmured.


    Broken decided to hold off on summoning Gaia for now, saving it for when they truly struggled against the Faery Knights. Unfortunately, Pawpaw wasn''t with them, leaving him short on one valuable ally this time.


    But it wasn''t a huge concern-unlike the closed-off trial domain where they fought Gremory, this was an open area. If things became too overwhelming, they could retreat with Polly and regroup for a counterattack.


    Still, retreat wasn''t his first option. Broken knew the key to turning the tide in their favor was eliminating one of the Knights quickly. The sooner he could take one down, the better their chances of survival and victory.


    The Faeries swiftly formed a tight defensive formation, while the Mage Knight positioned himself at the rear, safely shielded by the others.


    "Do you truly believe that your limited experience can match ours, who have lived for centuries?" one of them taunted.


    Broken responded slowly. "I''m almost surprised that with all those centuries, your intelligence remains so...cking. You can''t even grasp something as simple as this."


    The Knight sneered. "You seem to be quite skilled with your words. As the Champion of Sloth, you''re weak, no doubt because you''ve spent more time honing your sharp tongue than your strength. It''s the only thing you seem to take pride in."


    Broken''s eyes narrowed, his grip tightening on the Wavebreaker Spear. "Test me all you like ¡ªyou''ve already dug your own grave."


    Broken spun his Wavebreaker Spear expertly, activating all his protective skills in an instant, his body glowing withyers of defense.


    "I''ll distract two of them," Ivana said.


    "Good n," Broken replied.


    The four Faery Knights stood ready-one a mage, another an archer, a swordsman, and a heavily armored tanker.


    "I''ll handle the swordsman," Broken said firmly.


    Without wasting a second, he activated his dash and shot forward. Arrows rained down from the archer knight, but Broken darted through the storm of arrows, avoiding each one with precision.


    Ivana kept pace beside him, then with a swift motion, hurled her shield backward toward the archer. The shield struck with incredible force, and in a blink, Ivana vanished, reappearing behind the archer with a crushing blow.


    Broken, now face-to-face with the swordsman knight, wasted no time. He spun his spear and delivered a powerful strike, sending the knight flying backward. But the swordsman quickly recovered and charged again, his movements swift and calcted.


    The sh began-each strike from the swordsman met with a block from Broken''s spear. The swordsman''s attacks were fast and precise, but Broken held his own, parrying each blow with practiced ease. The sound of metal shing against metal echoed in the air as the two warriors tested each other''s limits.


    Polly maneuvered through the battlefield, dodging the repeated magic attacks from the Mage Knight, her agility and resistance to magic proved crucial. The Mage Knight, cloaked in a protective barrier, fired off magic missiles relentlessly, but Polly seemedrgely unaffected by the damage.


    Meanwhile, Broken unleashed the full power of his Wavebreaker Spear, activating his Water Domain. A massive surge of waves erupted, swirling toward the Faery Knights. The rushing water threw them off bnce, and momentster, dozens of water spears rained down from above, piercing the ground and striking their targets. The sheer force of the waves caused the knights to falter, momentarily losing their focus.


    Seizing the opportunity, Broken dashed forward, closing in on the swordsman knight. Heunched a flurry of attacks, aiming to press the advantage.


    "So, you''ve got some decent defense, huh?" the swordsman taunted, blocking a series of spear strikes. "But my sword will cut through all of that."


    Even though the Water Domain was supposed to slow him down, the swordsman moved with impressive speed, his de cutting through the water as if it were nothing. His strikes were quick and precise, forcing Broken into a defensive position, parrying each blow as best he could.


    On the other side of the battlefield, Ivana kept the archer and the shielder at bay, her movements quick and agile. She leaped from one knight to the other, disrupting their attempts to cast skills or regain control. Her relentless pressure left them unable to focus on any coordinated attacks, allowing her to dominate the battlefield with clever maneuvering. Broken had initially been trying to gauge just how strong the knights truly were. He was starting to get a clear idea-these Faery Knights weren''t going to be easy to defeat. Although Ivana was doing a good job distracting two of them, dealing a finishing blow seemed like it would be much harder than anticipated.


    The swordsman, despite seemingly dominating the fight, hadn''t used any real skills yet. He was toying with Broken.


    Damn it, Broken cursed to himself.


    It was bing evident that these knights weren''t just experienced-they were vastly underestimating him, treating him like a mere novice. Their dismissive remarks earlier were now backed by how they fought-holding back, not seeing him as a true threat.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    If Broken hadn''t been able to bnce out the fight with his stats, he would have likely been overwhelmed by the swordsman alone.


    I need to go all out, he thought.


    This had to end quickly-if it dragged on, things would get worse. Perhaps ine might intervene if she realized what was happening, but he couldn''t count on that.


    Whatever the oue, Broken had reached his limit. He was fed up with these faeries. While he had genuinely intended to fulfill ine''s request, they were throwing away the one chance he had to help her.


    The swordsman''s attacks grew more brutal, each strikeing with increased force. Broken knew this was the moment-if he didn''t go all out, he might not survive their full power.


    "I summon you, Ga-" Broken began, preparing to call forth Gaia, but before he could finish, a massive explosion shook the ground violently.


    The sound of the st roared through the battlefield, making the earth tremble beneath their feet. Broken instinctively leaped backward, repositioning himself and scanning the area to figure out what had just happened.


    The air around them trembled with a deafening boom, and thick plumes of smoke spiraled upward from the distant volcano.


    The Faery Knights immediately turned in unison, their previously confident expressions now


    reced with panic.


    "Emergency!?" one of them shouted.


    Broken''s gaze shot to the volcano, where the unmistakable sound of rocks tumbling down filled the air. A low, reverberating roar echoed from the volcanic depths.


    Then, another massive explosion ripped through the sky, causing the ground beneath them to


    shake violently. From the direction of the volcano, enormous rocks were flung into the sky, raining down with terrifying force.


    But what truly stole everyone''s attention was the figure that emerged-a massive, wolf-like beast wreathed in roaring mes, charging toward them with unstoppable fury.


    [Eternal me Fang Lv. 237]

 Chapter 503: Chapter 503 - Strike Together and Don’t Hesitate

    Chapter 503: - Strike Together and Don¡¯t Hesitate


    ?


    Fang, the Eternal me Faebeast, charged toward them, its body aze with moltenva that dripped from patches of its scorched fur. Every stomp of its massive paws caused the ground to tremble.


    "We need to control him!" one of the Knights shouted as they sprinted toward Fang,


    seemingly forgetting about Broken and Ivana entirely. Their focus had shifted to stopping the rampaging beast.


    Broken quickly noticed that in their panic, the Knights had left Cedric and Cecilia unguarded, and the barrier around them had dissipated.


    "Ivana, Polly, follow me," Brokenmanded. The three of them raced toward Cedric and Cecilia.


    Cecilia stood frozen in shock, her eyes wide with disbelief as she watched their father, Fang, tearing through thendscape.


    "Father..." she whispered.


    Cedric, though shaken, was moreposed. "Father has incredible power," he said grimly. "I don''t think the Knights can handle him on their own."


    "Cedric, Cecilia, you two need to get on Polly and escape immediately. This ce is too dangerous, and your levels are too low to stay here," Broken urged.


    But Cecilia shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "No... I can''t leave. Father needs help. We can''t just run!"


    "Cecilia, there''s nothing we can do!" Cedric grabbed her arm tightly. "I know he''s our father, but he doesn''t remember us. He''s lost to the curse. Please, Cecilia, we have to go!"


    "No, Cedric," she sobbed. "If we leave, they''ll hurt him. They''ll kill him!"


    "That''s exactly why we need to call Lady ine! If we don''t, the Knights might die trying to stop him."


    Cedric quickly lifted Cecilia onto Polly''s back, holding her tightly from behind to keep her from resisting. She struggled weakly, her tear-filled eyes still locked on the distant figure of Fang.


    "Mr. Broken," Cedric called urgently, "you shoulde with us."


    "I''ll join you shortly," Broken responded, giving Polly a pat on the nk. With a powerful


    leap, Polly soared into the sky, taking Cedric and Cecilia to safety.


    Broken and Ivana remained on the ground, watching as the four Knights readied themselves for the inevitable sh with Fang.


    "That creature has impressive attributes."


    "Should we help them? They''re going to struggle against Fang, aren''t they?"


    "No," Broken replied nonchntly. "After what they pulled on us, it''s best we stay back and observe. Let them handle their own mess."


    Ivana''s voice softened as she nced at him. "Broken?"


    He gave a small, calcting smile. "We just have to wait and see. Who knows, we might be able to take advantage of the chaos."


    Fang''s massive form loomed over the battlefield. With a thunderous howl, the wolf shook himself, sending stters of magma in all directions.


    The knights surged forward. The first knight, a mage, hurled a barrage of magic toward Fang, but the beast reacted instantly, leaping to the side with incredible speed. With a roar that shook the ground, Fang lunged at them, his jaws snapping with deadly intent.


    "Attack from another angle!" another knight yelled.


    The second knight, armed with a shield, stepped forward bravely, shing at Fang with his sword. But the wolf was too quick. Fang dodged the strike and, with terrifying precision, sank his teeth into the knight''s arm. The knight screamed in agony as his sword ttered to the ground, leaving him defenseless.


    "Focus on your movements! Attack together!" came the desperate shout from one of the remaining knights.


    Fang continued his relentless assault. Every leap, every dodge, was executed wlessly. When his powerful jaws connected, they easily crushed bones, leaving the knights struggling to keep up with his overwhelming speed and strength.


    "Try to control him! Slow him down!"manded one of the knights.


    The mage knight stepped forward, casting a powerful spell. A shimmering aura enveloped Fang, and for a brief moment, the giant wolf staggered, his movements slowing under the spell''s influence. But it wasn''t enough. Fang shook off the magic''s effects with a growl, his sheer force and power too much for the spell to fully contain.


    Despite their best efforts, the Faery Knights were no match for Fang. The gap in strength was clear. Fang, the Eternal me Faebeast, was far too fast, too strong-and too angry.


    Suddenly, ine appeared from the distance, floating gracefully in the air. Behind her, Morel ran, struggling to keep up.


    Broken turned his gaze to the same scene. "ine''s here."


    "Yes, hopefully this can be resolved soon. It''s already gotten too bad."


    Broken''s expression remained grim. "It''s beyond repair, Ivana. This situation is ruined."


    "You think so, Broken?" she asked


    "Yes," he said coldly. "I''m not going to be forgiving enough to overlook their mistakes." Ivana nodded, understanding his mindset.


    "Are you against my decision?"


    "No... I understand how you think, Broken. I might have approached things differently, but that''s my personal way. And here, I''m following you," she replied.


    ine''s eyes scanned the chaotic battlefield, her expression frantic. With a quick motion, she pointed her finger at Fang. A bright sh of light shot from her hand, and a transparent cubic barrier materialized around Fang, suspending him in mid-air, trapping him.


    The Knights pressed their attack, desperately trying to control Fang. Despite being trapped within ine''s barrier, the wolf thrashed violently, its strength still enough tosh out and cause havoc around him.


    ine, breathing heavily but holding firm, struggled to maintain the barrier. Her face was tense, beads of sweat forming on her brow.


    "I can''t hold him back for much longer. We have to find a way to defeat him. There''s no other


    option."


    Morel shouted in disbelief, "How did Sir Fang escape his confinement?!"


    The Knights turned their using eyes toward Broken. "It must have been him! He was here when this all started," one of them spat.


    "We can''t think of any other exnation," another addedn/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But ine cut through their usations. "I know what really happened here. And... this breaks


    my heart!"


    Before Broken could respond, one of the Knights barked, "Broken! Now you must prove your strength. If you''re truly worthy of the task Lady ine has given you, then defeat that wolf!"


    Broken smiled sarcastically, but he remained silent. He had no intention of dignifying the Knights'' usations with a response.


    "My Lady ine, I believe this is the perfect opportunity to prove whether that human is of any real use to us!" one of the Knights dered.


    ine''s voice was unwavering as she responded, "I have made up my mind. You will heed my


    words!"


    "My Lady ine," they replied, "we are only trying to protect this tribe. We don''t doubt your judgment, but we must ensure that this mission is carried out as efficiently as possible. We cannot rely on that man-he''s too weak. What could he possibly do to help us defeat this


    curse?"


    ine''s gaze hardened as she interrupted them. "Save your exnations for another time. Our priority now is to contain Sir Fang."


    Despite being trapped within her barrier, Fang continued to thrash violently, his fiery form throwing powerful attacks toward ine. Each time his attacks met her magic, they were deflected, reverberating harmlessly against the transparent walls of his prison. ine, still focused on maintaining the barrier, gave a firmmand to the Knights. "Prepare your strongest attacks. The moment I remove this barrier, strike together and don''t


    hesitate."

 Chapter 504: Chapter 504 - Where is Cedar?

    Chapter 504: - Where is Cedar?


    ?


    ine was visibly struggling to maintain her hold on Fang, the strain etched on her face. The Faery Knights, sensing the urgency, began preparing their strongest attacks. Any moment now, the barrier would fall, and the fiery wolf would be unleashed once again.


    Broken watched the scene unfold, his mind racing.


    If they''re struggling this much against a single Eternal me wolf like Fang, what does that say about ine in her Eternal me form?


    If ine was even stronger than this, it wasn''t hard to see why the Faery Knights doubted his ability to defeat her. Their concerns seemed reasonable, but their rash actions had only driven them into chaos and left Broken feeling unjustly cornered.


    If only they had been more open. If they had expressed their doubts and worked together instead of treating me like an enemy from the start. Perhaps we could have prepared better. Maybe they don''t trust humans at all...


    Broken sighed inwardly. After all, it was a human who had caused their suffering for so many years, the curse that had turned their friends and family into beasts. Their bitterness and distrust had festered over centuries of loss, their anger deepened by time.


    But still, it wasn''t his fault. He wasn''t the one who had brought this curse upon them. And yet, they acted as if he were to me, casting their doubt and frustration upon him without truly knowing his intentions.


    "Idiots," he muttered to himself. If they had just put aside their pride and asked for help instead of making usations, we might not be in this mess.


    The wolf let out a deafening howl, its body twisting violently as it finally broke free from ine''s barrier. In an instant, Fang leaped into the air,nding on a nearby boulder. It stood there for a moment, its fiery eyes scanning the battlefield beforeunching off the rock with terrifying speed.


    The Faery Knights, regaining theirposure, rushed to corner the beast, attacking in unison to contain its rampage once more. But Fang moved too quickly, evading their strikes with raw power.


    Ivana turned to Broken. "Broken, how can we defeat that wolf? We need to do something."


    "I don''t think we stand a chance, Ivana. The biggest risk I can''t ept is losing you in the process."


    "But... those faeries, and ine... they''re in danger."


    Broken sighed. "At least now we know the raw power these high-level Faebeasts hold. It''s clear that only an organized raid party could defeat something like Fang. If the Knight Commander is this strong, then ine in her Eternal me form... she''d be even more dangerous."


    Fang''s relentless movements finally broke free from thest remnants of ine''s magic control. The massive wolf bolted, escaping ine''s weakened restraint entirely.


    "This is bad!" one of the Faery Knights shouted.


    Fang moved with terrifying speed, bounding toward ine and securing her tightly in his massive, burning embrace. A low growl vibrating from his chest as his sharp teeth hovered dangerously close to her face.


    "Lady ine!" the Faery Knights shouted in unison, rushing to her aid. But when they saw her trapped in Fang''s deadly grip, they hesitated. Their hands froze over their weapons, too afraid to act, knowing one wrong move could cost ine her life.


    The Knights stood frozen, their expressions filled with dread. The sheer force and presence of Fang crushed their courage, their hopes fading as they realized how powerless they were against his overwhelming might.


    "Attack with all your strength!" one of the knights yelled, panicking.


    "Wait! We can''t act impulsively!" another urged.


    "We''re running out of time-Lady ine is in danger!" a third knight shouted.


    "Broken, we must do something to save her!" Ivana said.


    Broken tightened his grip on his spear, his mind racing as he weighed his options. Should he intervene to save ine? Would Fang really strike her, or was something else happening here?


    The situation had backed him into a corner. If he attacked Fang, the Faery Knights might turn on him, exploiting the moment to attack Broken as well. They were already suspicious of him, and this could escte into a bigger mess.


    If things get worse, I''ll have to summon Gaia, he thought, his resolve hardening.


    Of all the faeries here, only Cedric, Cecilia, and ine had shown him any kindness. The rest... they didn''t matter to him. He didn''t care about these knights-they were nothing but a hindrance, already showing they were powerless against a single Eternal me wolf.


    The five Knights surrounded Fang, weapons drawn, their focus channeled for what they hoped would be a decisive strike. But Broken could see the truth-they were helpless. They could barely hold their ground against Fang.


    Suddenly, something happened that caused everyone to freeze in ce.


    Fang, locked eyes with ine. Molten magma dripped from its body, sshing onto ine, burning away parts of her garments.


    The massive wolf''s jaws,rge enough to engulf inepletely, inched closer to her face. Yet, there was no immediate attack. Fang was frozen in ce, his gaze fixated on ine, as though some part of his former self was still fighting against the curse that consumed him. "Wait!" Morel shouted. "Look!"


    "Are we all seeing the same thing?" one of the knights murmured in disbelief.


    It was as if something in Fang recognized ine.


    Fang raised his head to the sky and let out a powerful howl, the force of it sending shockwaves that sted everyone in every direction. As the soundwaves ripped through the air, Fang leaped away from ine, distancing himself from her.


    Fang released another earth-shaking howl, but this time, its body began to twist and warp, as though being sucked into a spinning vortex. In mere moments, Fang vanished from sight.


    "He''s gone?" Broken murmured. "Could Fang still retain some of his own consciousness?" "Is it possible that the Faeries'' hopes are real, Broken? That they might still have a chance of regaining their true forms?"


    "Fang didn''t harm ine at all. There must be something behind that, whether it''s due to some magic skill of ine''s or something else."


    The Faery Knights immediately rushed to ine. Morel gently lifted her, checking her


    condition.


    "Lady ine... Are you alright?"


    "I''m fine..." ine whispered.


    One of the knights eximed with relief, "Sir Fang still recognized Lady ine as our leader! I''m sure he still has some consciousness left within him."


    Morel, his voice resolute, said, "We must pursue him. We need to capture Sir Fang and return him to his cage, or he might return here and endanger the other faeries."


    ine, though clearly exhausted, nodded in agreement. "Yes, we must devise a n to bring Sir Fang back before he causes any more harm."


    "I will gather the troops and organize a hunt immediately."


    Amidst the fleeting celebration, as hope cautiously began to take root in the hearts of the


    Faeries, a realization struck.


    "Where is Cedar?" one of the knights asked, suddenly rmed, referring to the mage faery


    knight.


    Before anyone could respond, a piercing scream tore through the air.


    "Help!!!"


    All eyes whipped in the direction of the shout, and there, they saw Cedar standing, his eyes wide in shock, his body frozen. A sword protruded from his back, blood seeping from the


    wound.


    Behind him stood Broken, the de in his hand, thrust into the knight''s body.


    The scene fell into a chilling silence as the Faery Knights, still reeling from Fang''s disappearance, stared in disbelief.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 505: Chapter 505 - We can still be Friends

    Chapter 505: - We can still be Friends


    ?


    Broken had thrust his spear into Cedar, the Faery Mage Knight, from behind a fatal blow that would surely end the knight''s life.


    Cedar, already weakened from the earlier battle, hadn''t had the chance to recover, and now he was paying the price. The others had forgotten that they had left someone behind-someone they had wronged, and Broken had not.


    The spear pierced through Cedar''s back, and Broken''s smile deepened as he watched the shocked expressions on the remaining Faery Knights.


    "What have you done, Broken?!" Morel shouted. "He was already gravely wounded, barely able to recover, and you struck him from behind? What kind of disgusting act is this?"


    "You forget, Morel," Broken said calmly, "he was one of those who pushed me into this corner in the first ce. You all doubted me, ridiculed me, and now you''re shocked that I''ve taken action?"


    Cedar''s body shimmered, breaking apart into a cascade of glowing pixels before vanishing from sight. The faery knight was gone, leaving nothing but silence in the wake of his death. Broken spun his spear in his hand, then drove it into the ground with a cold smile.


    Ivana, now standing beside Broken, raised her shield, pointing it directly at the other faeries.


    The knights, still in shock, stared at the two of them, their sense of victory quickly dissolving into dread.


    "Whether he was heavily wounded or not," Broken said, "you challenged me to a life-and- death battle. Have you forgotten?"


    "Damn it! You''re so deceitful! All humans are deceitful!" one of the Knights spat.


    ine sighed softly, her expression heavy with regret as her eyes lowered. Her face was frozen with sorrow.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "This is all my fault," she murmured, shaking her head as if trying to deny the weight of her own words. "I should have been a better leader... none of this would have happened."


    One of the Knights stepped forward. "My Lady... he intended to hunt us from the beginning. That was always his n. They see us as nothing but prey."


    "They''re too greedy," another knight said. "They don''t care about the generosity we''ve shown them."


    "Generosity?" Broken scoffed. "You must be joking."


    ine suddenly raised her voice, "It''s my fault, Broken! It''s my fault."


    "Enough!" one of the Faery Knights roared. "He''s crossed a linemitted an unforgivable mistake!"


    "You''re not leaving this ce alive," another knight growled


    As the remaining Faery Knights prepared themselves, their faces twisted with rage, their seriousness clear.


    Ivana stepped forward, her shield gripped tightly. "I''ll hold them off while you look for an opening to strike, Broken."


    "I trust you, Ivana," Broken replied.


    A loud ng echoed as Ivana mmed her shield into the ground with great force, bracing herself for the iing assault. The three faery knights rushed toward her, ready to attack in unison.


    Ivana reacted swiftly, raising her shield just in time to meet one of the knights'' strikes. The impact sent the knight flying backward with a powerful thud. She then swept her leg under another, knocking them off bnce and sending them crashing to the ground.


    "You should appreciate our good intentions!" Ivana said firmly. "After all, we''re trying to do the right thing."


    "Humans are hypocrites when they speak of good intentions!" one of the knights spat. "They say one thing and do another."


    "Everything we''ve suffered for hundreds of years, all this pain, is because of humans!" another knight shouted.


    The other faery knight lunged with his sword, but Ivana was ready. She swiftly smashed her shield into him, blocking the attack and forcing him back.


    "Stop! Cease this at once!" ine''s voice boomed through the air.


    The faery knights instantly realized their mistake, and, in response to hermand, they began to retreat.


    Ivana, sensing the shift, lowered her shield and returned to Broken''s side.


    "Lady ine," Morel spoke. "I fear this situation has gone too far. If we allow him to leave, he may bring allies andunch an attack on us. We cannot risk it."


    Hearing this, the three faery knights bowed before ine.


    "Lady ine, we apologize for acting rashly, but Sir Morel is right. The situation is too dangerous. We must kill them both now, before it worsens," one of the knights dered.


    Morel added, "That yer, Broken, will revive after we kill him, but we can at least permanently eliminate his knightpanion."


    ine''s face was unreadable as she listened, the weight of their words hanging in the air. Then she spoke. "Respect my decision. If you cannot, then I would rather die right now and end this all."


    Her words were met with a tense silence. The faery knights, shaken by the gravity of her statement, lowered their heads in submission and stepped back.


    ine took a deep breath, her gaze dropping to the ground before she slowly looked up at Broken. Without hesitation, she began walking toward him.


    "Lady ine!" one of the knights cried out in rm, but Morel raised his hand, signaling them to stay where they were.


    ine walked slowly toward Broken, while the faery knights stood back, no longer daring to intervene.


    Are they really not afraid their leader could be killed by me? Broken thought, a faint smile forming on his lips.


    The faery knights had clearly lost their sense of reason. Perhaps living so long and isting themselves from the outside world had dulled their minds.


    ine stopped just a few steps away from him, tilting her head upward to meet his gaze. Her eyes held a soft, weary expression.


    "Is there any chance this good rtionship can be repaired, Broken?" she asked gently, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Broken''s smile faded. "I''m sure your knights know the answer better than I do, ine. I heard them threaten to kill me... and Ivana. That''s not something I can overlook. No one, and I mean no one, touches Ivana. They''ve made a mistake I won''t forgive unless they pay for it with their


    lives."


    The faery knights bristled with anger at Broken''s words, their fists tightening at their sides, but they held their tongues.


    ine, still calm, nodded solemnly. "I can only me myself for what has happened. I failed to treat you as honored guests and ensure your safety."


    Broken remained unmoved by her apology, knowing that trust had long since been broken.


    "Lady ine," Ivana said gently, stepping forward, "it''s important to remember that not everything has to turn out the way we expect. I hope you don''t carry regret for what''s


    happened."


    ine nodded at her. "Thank you, Ivana. I''d really like to get to know you better. I still hope we can be friends, despite everything."


    Ivana smiled. "Of course. We can still be friends, and I''m d you weed us into your


    home."


    "You''re very kind," ine said.


    The tension between them seemed to ease slightly, but the uncertainty remained. Could this


    really mean the conflict wouldn''t have to continue? Would Broken and Ivana be able to leave Moonlight Land peacefully, or would the Faery Knights push harder and reignite the battle?


    "I will let you leave Moonlight Land, Broken," ine said. "I hope this can serve as an apology on my part."

 Chapter 506: Chapter 506 - A Strategic Retreat

    Chapter 506: - A Strategic Retreat


    ?


    "You don''t need to apologize, ine," Broken said calmly as she finished speaking. "It all happened."


    ine''s face remained tense, unsure of what Broken would say next.


    "And if you still hope for me to continue the mission you gave me..." Broken paused, letting his words hang in the air, watching as the tension among the knights deepened.


    "If you still want me to take on this mission," he continued, "I must insist on one condition: I will kill all your knights first. Only then might I consider putting my trust in you and this tribe again."


    The impact of his words sent a wave of shock and anger through the faery knights.


    "It''s clear what he was after all along!" one of the knights shouted.


    "Humans will always try to exploit us!"


    "He came here with the intent to kill us and take whatever he could."


    "We must eliminate these two humans now!"


    But ine shook her head. "No one speaks but me!" she said firmly


    The knights fell silent, though their eyes still burned with fury and distrust. ine''s authority, however, was clear.


    Morel stepped closer to ine, stopping just a few paces from her. "My Lady, for your safety, I strongly advise you to withdraw. Let me handle this and put an end to it."


    Broken smirked, his suspicions confirmed. Until now, only four of the faery knights had confronted him directly, and Morel had stayed out of it. But now, it was clear that all of them ¡ªincluding Morel-had been working to corner him. This only made Broken more confident, knowing their true intentions.


    ine shook her head. "Please, give me a chance to speak."


    "My Lady," Morel pleaded, "at least move away from him. Or, if you won''t, allow me to stand by your side."


    "Please, let me talk!" ine repeated.


    Morel stopped in his tracks but kept his eyes locked on Broken.


    ine''s desperation showed as she searched for a solution. No clear answer came to her mind, and the tension between them continued to rise. She turned back to Broken.


    "I can imprison them," she offered. "Would that be enough for you, Mr. Broken?"


    This moment¡ªthe chance to break the curse-was one she had awaited for so long, and now, it all hung in the bnce. Her connection with Broken had grown in such a short time, a fragile bond that could shatterpletely because of the rash actions of her knights.


    "No," Broken said. "I demand that everyone who resists me dies by my hands. I will ept nothing less."


    ine''s face fell as she nodded in resignation.


    But then Broken spoke again. "Or..."


    ine looked back at him.


    "I will offer you my word," Broken continued, "that I will do everything in my power to save your tribe... if you kill them all now, in my presence."


    "My Lady!" Morel shouted, his voice filled with disbelief and anger.


    ine stood frozen for a moment, her expression nk as if she couldn''t process what she had just heard.


    "I-I am sorry... I cannot do that."


    It was clear that this was a line she could not cross, no matter the cost.


    The Knights advanced steadily toward ine. They were determined to end this, to eliminate Broken and Ivana without hesitation. Their minds were made up-there was no turning back, no room for negotiation. This had to end now.


    Broken said. "ine... I don''t enjoy exining myself. I made a decision that I believed was the right one, and I stand by it. I have no regrets."


    ine lifted her gaze, her eyes searching his face.


    "I don''t need to exin myself to those who trust me," he continued, "and I certainly don''t need to justify myself to those who don''t."


    ine nodded slowly. "Yes," she said cautiously. "I trust you, so I can understand your reasoning. I am grateful for your words. Even with all my centuries of life, this is something I was never able to grasp until now."


    A system notification shed before Broken''s eyes.


    [ine was enlightened by your words once again, regaining her trust in herself and the choices she has made. Your connection to ine has grown to a staggering 76%.]


    ine spoke softly. "I hope to see you again, Broken."


    Broken nodded and muttered softly, "Gaia! I summon you!"


    In an instant, a burst of green energy erupted from his ring. Vines twisted and leaves spiraled into the air, forming the ethereal figure of Gaia, a woman made entirely of nts, her body almost glowing with life.


    "I am ready to receive your orders, Master," Gaia said softly.


    One of the Faery Knights sneered. "Look at that spirit! Does he think he can defeat us with such a weakened summon?"


    "He must be out of his mind! Does he think he can do whatever he pleases here?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    But Broken remained unbothered by their words. He quietly activated Nature Conjuring and the ground rumbled beneath them. Twelve nature monsters-each made of thick vines, bark, and moss-rose from the earth.


    "Attack those faery knights brutally!" Brokenmand.


    Morel''s face twisted in fury as he shouted, "Don''t let him cast any more skills! Kill him now!"


    The Faery Knights rushed across the battlefield with their swords raised, shields up, moving with practiced precision. But the nt monsters, conjured by Broken, met them with a thunderous roar. Vines twisted and limbs contorted as the nature beasts mmed into the faery knights, engaging them in a fierce battle.


    [Nature''s Wrath (Active Skill)]


    Ten immense vine tentacles erupted from the ground,shing out wildly, entangling the knights in a frenzied assault. The faery knights struggled to maintain their footing as the monstrous vines whipped through the air, seeking to overwhelm them.


    From afar, the figure of Polly darted toward Broken. Without hesitation, Broken and Ivana leaped onto her back, and


    "We need toe up with a new n to handle this. I don''t want to be forced to log out before we leave this ce."


    "Yes," Ivana replied, understanding the urgency.


    Broken realized that continuing the battle in this state was a risk he couldn''t afford. If he had


    to log out mid-fight, Ivana would be left behind to face the Faery Knights alone, which was far too dangerous. The enemy was too numerous, and they would need a solid strategy to


    strike back.


    Right now, his goal was simple: create chaos among the faeries and get Ivana out of Moonlight Land safely. This was a strategic retreat, and one that would give them the time and space needed to regroup and n their next move.


    As Polly flew swiftly toward the exit of Moonlight Land, Ivana held on tightly to Broken from behind, the wind rushing past them.


    "I won''t be able to stay with you all the time. I''ll have to log out from this world frequently," he said. "And I wouldn''t feelfortable leaving you here unless I trusted thempletely."


    Before he could finish, Ivana interrupted. "Broken, you said yourself that you don''t need to exin to those who trust you. Well, I trust youpletely, so you don''t need to exin


    anything to me either."


    Broken paused, then nodded. "Let''s regroup with the others and discuss this further. There''s


    still something we can do to resolve this situation."


    "Are we still going to help ine with her problem?"


    "That''s the second priority," Broken replied. "My primary concern is gathering the materials I need to craft my new item."

 Chapter 507: Chapter 507 - Follow the Plan or Kill us All

    Chapter 507: - Follow the n or Kill us All


    ?


    ine returned to her room, her mind spinning with everything that had happened¡ªthe disobedience of her Knights, Fang''s escape, and Broken''s sudden escape.


    She knew the situation was dire, but she was determined to reunite the Knights and devise a n to recapture Fang and restore order to her tribe. As she sat on her throne, the door to her room opened, and a wave of relief washed over her as Morel and the three remaining Knights entered.


    ine stood up and walked toward them. "Morel, are all the troops ready?"


    "Yes, My Lady," Morel replied.


    Behind him, the Fairy Troops marched into the room, their hands gripping their swords tightly. Their faces were determined, but there was an unease in the air that ine couldn''t quite ce.


    "Good," ine said. "So, everyone is prepared. Let us leave immediately to track down Sir Fang."


    But just as ine was about to turn, she noticed something strange in Morel''s expression. He stepped forward, drawing his spear and gripping it tightly, but there was no sign of excitement or loyalty in his eyes-only a grim determination.


    "My Lady ine," Morel began, "it really pains me to make this decision."


    "Morel? What do you mean?"


    "My Lady," Morel began, "as Knight Commander, it is my duty to assume leadership in times of crisis. It has be clear that the current tribe leader is unable to guide us to victory, and therefore, I must take over as leader until this situation is resolved."


    "Morel, what are you saying? I made a mistake, yes, but we can resolve this together. Trust me-please."


    Morel shook his head. "Your judgment has beenpromised, My Lady. Your feelings for this human, Broken, have clouded your decision-making. For the good of the tribe, I must take control." His tone grew colder. "I must ce you under confinement until this crisis is over." "No, Morel! You can''t do this! I can help. You need my power to recapture Sir Fang!"


    "For the sake of the tribe, I cannot allow you to continue leading us. Please understand-this is necessary. Our problem now isn''t just Sir Fang but Broken and hispanion. We cannot let them go. If they return with reinforcements from the kingdom, we will face extinction," Morel dered.


    "No! Broken would never do that!" ine protested. "He genuinely wants to help us." "And that''s exactly the problem, My Lady," Morel responded. "You''re blinded by your feelings for him. You can''t see the danger clearly. Your judgment has beenpromised." Morel''s words were met with nods of agreement from the other faery knights in the room.


    "Let me see Broken and talk to him," she insisted. "I''m certain he will understand. We can work this out."


    "My Lady," Morel said, "you have two choices: ept our counsel and stand aside, or take matters into your own hands and fight us. Even if it means killing us all, should you choose to resist."


    "You need to listen to me!" ine shouted, her voice trembling with a mix of desperation and authority. "I am still the leader!"


    In response, the knights and soldiers raised their swords toward her, ready to act if necessary. Morel then took out tworge bracelets, magically connected, clearly intended to bind ine''s power.


    "You have no other choice," Morel said coldly. "Come with us willingly, or kill us all."


    "You know I can''t fight you..." ine said, shaking her head.


    "My Lady," Morel replied, "this is the best course of action we can take. Please, trust me. My only concern is the survival of our tribe."


    Morel stepped toward her, gently taking her right hand and locking it into one of therge bracelets. He did the same with her left hand. The bracelets, designed to seal a faery''s magic, made it impossible for ine to use her powers.


    These same restraints were often worn by the faeries on the night of the full moon to prevent one of them from transforming into an Eternal me Faebeast.


    With her magic sealed, Morel escorted ine to a secure room, locking her inside.


    "You will stay here and ept whatever results wee to," Morel said. He bowed slightly. "Entrust this all to me, My Lady."


    ine stood in silence, watching as Morel walked away, leaving her behind.


    **


    Broken and Ivana remained on Polly''s back as she soared through the skies, racing to escape the Wildwood forest. They knew they had to get out of faery territory quickly-Broken had only a few hours left before he''d be forced to log out.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Flying this high makes us an easy target for the faeries to spot," Broken said, ncing over his shoulder. "Plus, Polly can run faster on the ground, and it''ll conserve her stamina."


    "I agree," Ivana replied.


    Polly dove down, her wings spread wide as they cut through the air, descending rapidly toward the forest floor. Just as they were about tond, a swarm of arrows suddenly shot up from below, darkening the sky with deadly precision. The sunlight caught on the sharp edges of the arrows, making them gleam as they rained down on them.


    "Damn it! They''ve found us!"


    He raised his spear, bracing himself for the barrage as Polly dodged the iing arrows with agile movements, her powerful wings slicing through the air. The situation was growing more dangerous by the second, and Broken knew they were running out of time.


    Ivana reacted swiftly, raising her hands to form a protective spherical barrier around them, shielding Polly from the iing arrows.


    Polly, despite the assault, flew with agility, twisting and turning in mid-air, her wings beating hard as she banked left and right, narrowly dodging the projectiles.


    "We have to go down and fight them! If we stay in the air, they''ll keep attacking us with no resistance!"


    Polly kept flying, dodging more arrows that rained down from the forest. Some struck the barrier Ivana had conjured, but none breached it-yet.


    "My barrier has a limit," Ivana warned.


    Understanding the urgency, Polly began descending, wings straining as she lowered them toward the forest floor where Broken and Ivana could confront the aggressors head-on.


    But before they couldnd, the air was suddenly filled with hundreds of glowing magic spheres, each one pulsing with energy and shooting toward them like a swarm of angry bees. "Magic attacks!" Broken shouted, his eyes narrowing as he watched the spheres leave trails of sparkling dust in their wake, each one guided by an unseen force straight toward them.


    Polly dove sharply, but the magic spheres moved with incredible precision, closing in on them with terrifying speed. Broken readied himself, gripping his spear tightly as they prepared to face the iing assault.


    "Ivana, can your shield withstand this onught?"


    "I''ll try my best, Broken."


    Polly flew with all her might, her wings beating hard against the air, but the magical spheres were fast and relentless, chasing them in a dazzling flurry of white light. No matter how sharply Polly twisted and dove, the spheres closed in.


    The spheres collided with the barrier. There was a deafening explosion-a blinding sh of light and intense heat engulfed them all. The force rocked the air, sending shockwaves


    rippling outward.


    The barrier cracked under the strain, flickering desperately as Ivana struggled to hold it together. But the sheer power of the magical attack was overwhelming, and for a moment, everything was consumed in the blinding light of the explosion.

 Chapter 508: Chapter 508 - He’d Return to Deal with them

    Chapter 508: - He¡¯d Return to Deal with them


    ?


    The deafening roar of the explosion echoed across the sky as the magical spheres collided with Polly. The force of the st threw her off bnce, her wings no longer able to catch the air. They were plummeting rapidly, and nothing could stop their descent.


    Ivana struggled to maintain the shield, but even with her efforts, the situation was slipping out of control. Both she and Broken reached out, trying to grab hold of Polly, but it was toote.


    "Master... I''m sorry. I can''t keep going," Polly groaned, her voice filled with exhaustion. Her stamina waspletely depleted from the earlier battles. In a sh of fading light, Polly''s body vanished, leaving Broken and Ivana suspended in midair.


    They were falling fast, the wind rushing past them as they tumbled uncontrobly. The ground loomed closer with each passing second.


    "Ivana!" Broken shouted desperately, lunging forward, his hand reaching out for hers. They managed to grasp each other''s hands in the chaos. But they were still falling at a terrifying speed, and Broken knew the impact could be fatal for both of them.


    "Can you endure the impact of this fall?!" Broken yelled.


    "I can do it, Broken, I can!" Ivana shouted back.


    Just as they braced for the worst, Ivana summoned her magic once again. A protective bubble formed around them, another barrier that shielded them from the air and gave them a momentary reprieve. But their troubles weren''t over yet-the magical spheres were still shooting up from below, racing toward them.


    As they plummeted toward the ground, the protective barrier around them flickered under the relentless assault, holding strong but weakening with each strike. The next wave of magical spheres hurtled toward them, their radiant blue and purple energy casting an eerie glow across the sky.


    "What can I do? If I die here, Ivana will be left vulnerable. I can''t let that happen," he thought, panic gnawing at him.


    The magic spheres drew closer, faster, their light growing brighter with every passing second. Without hesitation, Broken pulled Ivana tightly against him, pressing her face to his chest. "Damn it! They''re not backing down," he muttered, his voiceced with frustration.


    The vibrant orbs of energy raced toward them with deadly precision, their glow intensifying as they closed in. Broken quickly summoned his strength, casting a skill from the Wavebreaker Spear.


    Magic circles formed beneath them, and within moments, water spears erupted into the air, shooting upward like a fierce torrent, intercepting the iing magic spheres.


    Explosions filled the sky as the water spears collided with the orbs, detonating with blinding shes of light and deafening booms. The sheer force of the sts disoriented Broken, making it hard for him to see clearly. The light from the explosions flickered violently, making the battlefield a chaotic storm of brightness and sound.


    But the onught was relentless. The faeries were clearly going all out,unching wave after wave of attacks, determined to see Broken and Ivana dead before they even touched the ground. It was a merciless barrage, designed to overwhelm them.


    As another wave of magic spheres mmed into the protective barrier Ivana had conjured, a massive explosion rocked the air. The impact was so powerful it seemed to shake the very sky. The force rattled through their body, his grip on Ivana tightening as he braced for the next


    wave.


    Despite the strength of their defenses, the overwhelming number of attacks pushed them closer to the brink. Broken could feel the magic around them beginning to wane, and he knew they couldn''t endure much longer.


    "Ivana, we must hold on!" Broken shouted, tightening his grip around her as the st reverberated through the barrier.


    "Broken," she responded, "I can handle it, but I''m worried about you."


    "I will revive. But I won''t let anything happen to you!"


    The air trembled as more magic spheres collided with the shield, each strike threatening to tear through.


    As they plummeted toward the ground, Broken held onto Ivana tightly, refusing to let go. "We''re going to hit the ground soon!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Don''t worry, I''m confident my barrier will absorb most of the impact."


    Broken cast every protective skill and buff he had. As they fell, he shifted his body, making sure his own would take the brunt of the impact against the ground. Ivana remained silent in his embrace.


    "Damn it!" He thought, rage surging through him. "I won''t let this go unpunished. Those faeries are going to pay for this!"


    The relentless explosions continued, each one sending their bodies spinning and tumbling wildly through the air. It became impossible for Broken to gauge how much longer they would fall, the sheer chaos of the moment disorienting him as the sts kepting. Still, his arms stayed locked around Ivana, shielding her as best as he could. "We will survive, Ivana!" he shouted over the roar of the explosions.


    Momentster, with a thunderous crash, they mmed into the earth. The ground beneath them trembled violently, shaking from the force of their fall. A massive cloud of dust erupted into the air, obscuring the surroundings as shards of rock and debris flew in every direction. When the dust settled, both Broken and Ivana quickly got to their feet, checking themselves for injuries.


    "Ivana, are you okay?" Broken asked, relief washing over him as he realized she had survived the brutal assault. "We made it, thanks to your barrier."


    "I''m just d you''re safe too, Broken," she replied with a soft smile.


    "We have no time to waste," Broken said urgently. "We need to get out of this forest right away. I''m sure they''re hunting us. This is their territory-it''ll be hard to fight back if we don''t know the terrain."


    His thoughts raced back to Morel. He vividly remembered how the Knight Commander had summoned dozens, if not hundreds, of monsters to attack them a few days ago. If Morel decided to unleash another horde like that, they''d be in serious trouble-especially now, with their stamina depleted.


    Ivana''s stamina was clearly drained, and his own stamina bar had dropped to critical levels, shing red. The relentless onught they endured in the air had taken a heavy toll on both of


    them.


    Still feeling the pressure of their situation, Broken gripped Ivana''s wrist.


    "I''ll heal your wounds so we''re ready to face whateveres next."


    "No, Broken. You don''t need to worry about me. I have fast regeneration, and I can heal


    myself."


    "Really? I had no idea. You''re truly incredible, Ivana."


    Broken knew he had provoked the faeries by killing one of their knights. But in his mind, it


    was justified.


    Their strength had been drastically reduced with the loss of that knight, giving him a slight


    advantage.


    The misunderstandings between him and the faeries weren''t going to be resolved with simple


    apologies. No!


    Even though his affinity with them had grown to a decent level before, and despite him no longer holding a grudge against what Morel had done to him and hispanions, the faeries still found reasons to doubt him. Worse, they attacked him relentlessly.


    Broken tried to summon Pawpaw, but there was no response. Where is that little kitten? he


    thought.


    Maybe Princess Alora is pampering him, Broken mused, imagining Pawpaw lounging in luxury, doing whatever he pleased without a care for the chaos surrounding them. Or perhaps he''s drained his Mana, realizing that the little kitten might have used up too much energy, leaving


    him unable to answer the call.


    Regardless, Broken wasn''t in the mood for forgiveness. Not anymore. If the faeries kept pushing, he wouldn''t hesitate to obliterate them all. But not today. His priority was Ivana. He needed to ensure her safety first, and once she was safe, then he''d return to deal with the


    faeries!

 Chapter 509: Chapter 509 - They’ve allied themselves with demons

    Chapter 509: - They¡¯ve allied themselves with demons


    ?


    Amidst the dense forest, a deafening explosion shattered the silence, sending shockwaves through the trees. A towering figure rose-a monstrous creature made entirely of wood, standing nearly three meters (9.8 feet) tall. Its gnarled branches twisted and contorted as it emerged.


    [Elite Tree Stalker Lv. 239]


    Perched between the thick, twisted limbs of the tree monster was Morel, the Faery Knight Commander.


    "He will not leave this forest alive," Morel dered.


    He issued hismand, the sound of his voice filling the ears of every faery present.


    "Attack the human from all sides. Surround him, give him no chance to escape. This forest is our domain. We reign here, and it would be foolish for any human to believe they can flee from us."


    Morel''s expression hardened. "The beasts I''ve summoned will show them just how powerful the Moonlight Fae Knight Commander truly is."


    With a nod, the faeries fanned out, swiftly moving through the trees, intent on surrounding Broken. Their resolve was unwavering-they were not only protecting their territory but their tribe, their Tribe Leader, ine.


    "I never thought humans could be this cunning. They seemed so kind, but they killed one of our knights in cold blood," one faery muttered.


    "I thought that girl, Ivana, was different. But she was just like the rest, pretending to be kind while hiding their true intentions."


    "Humans can''t be trusted. I regret ever thinking they could be our allies."


    "We have to protect each other. We must kill them. If we don''t, they will return with reinforcements and attack us."


    "Whatever it takes. We will finish this mission, no matter the cost."


    "We cannot allow them to escape this forest!"


    The faeries moved in perfect unison, swiftly closing in on Broken and Ivana, their familiarity with the forest giving them a distinct advantage. No matter which direction the pair ran, there were faeries waiting, prepared to cut off any possible escape route. This was their home, and they would not let their quarry slip away without a fight.


    Broken and Ivana rode on Petal Charger, the horse galloping swiftly through the dense forest, its hooves pounding against the ground as they raced against time. Desperation fueled their every movement, the shadows of the forest closing in around them as the faeries pursued.


    "I only have thirty minutes left!" Broken curses. "We need to keep moving and avoid any fights, Ivana. I won''t leave you behind in this forest."


    Ivana, holding on tightly, "I''ll survive, Broken!"


    The forest loomedrge ahead, and every second counted as they continued their desperate flight, knowing the faeries wouldn''t stop until they were caught.


    But soon, their frantic escape came to an abrupt halt. A group of faeries materialized in front of them, blocking their path. Morel stood among them.


    "Why are you running so quickly, human?" Morel sneered. "Won''t you y with my pet here? They loves crushing human bones."


    Broken clenched his fists. "I guess I don''t have a choice!"


    He turned to Ivana. "We must finish them all in less than ten minutes," he said firmly. "If not, I''ll be forced to log out, and you''ll be left here alone without me."


    They had to fight, and they had to win quickly-there was no room for hesitation.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The faeries surrounding Broken and Ivana readied their bows, arrows notched, and magic crackling in the air, prepared to unleash an onught. They had the upper hand, positioning themselves strategically in every direction, making it nearly impossible for Broken and Ivana to fight back effectively.


    "Ivana, we will strike together. Focus on the weakest line first and break through!"


    Though his mana reserves were depleted, leaving him unable to cast any wide-area attack spells or summon Gaia beasts, Broken was determined. He needed to fight his way through and find an opening for their escape. He was out of options, but giving up wasn''t one of them. "I''ll do my best to protect you, Broken. You attack, and I''ll cover your blind spots." Without hesitation, Broken dashed toward the faeries. Arrows and magical spheres rained down on them in response, but Broken was undeterred.


    [Summon the Guardian (Active Skill)]


    In a burst of energy, Broken summoned Dendros to help them weather the storm of attacks. Water spears descended from the sky as Broken wielded his Wavebreaker Spear, sending the faeries scrambling to dodge the area of effect.


    But as he fought through the chaos, frustration gnawed at him. "Damn, they''re stalling for time!"


    The faeries were clearly dragging out the fight, trying to weaken him further, knowing his resources were running low.


    Ivana stayed close by his side, skillfully blocking iing attacks and ensuring Broken had the space to keep pressing forward. Their situation was dire, but they fought with everything they had, desperate to break free of the faery trap closing in around them.


    The giant tree monster, under Morel''smand, rapidly extended itsrge limbs. From every direction, thick tree branches lunged at Broken and Ivana, attempting to ensnare them.


    The faeries continued their assault from a distance, using long-range attacks to harass them, while Broken and Ivana struggled to fend off the relentless barrage. Every time they managed to close in on the faeries, the enemies would retreat, maintaining their distance and keeping


    the advantage.


    "I can''t believe they know I''m running out of time!" Broken said through gritted teeth. "This is why I hate the Immortal Legacy''s rules; they''re torturous."


    His time was running out-fast. "I only have five minutes left!" Broken added desperately, This grip tightening on Ivana''s wrist as he surveyed the battlefield.


    They had been fighting tirelessly, doing their best to inflict even the slightest damage on the faeries, but the progress was painfully slow. Every move they made was countered by the enemy''s evasive tactics, leaving them in a frustrating stalemate.


    "This is so annoying." Time was slipping away, and the sense of urgency only grew as he realized they were trapped in a losing battle with no way out in sight.


    "Broken, I don''t want you to suffer because of me. I can protect myself. Don''t worry."


    "No, Ivana. We still have enough time. We need to keep pushing and try to take out at least half of them before I log outpletely."


    "Yes."


    "Now, let''s summon ze and re and force our way through their defenses."


    Without wasting a second, they summoned the two Demon Beasts, ze and re-skeletal horses wreathed in mes. The ground beneath them sizzled as the fire beasts materialized. Broken and Ivana swiftly mounted them.


    The sight of the Demon Beasts sent shockwaves through the faeries.


    "That''s... Demon Beasts!"


    "How can theymand such creatures?"


    The sight only fueled Morel''s anger further. His face twisted in rage.


    "They''ve allied themselves with demons! They came here to destroy us from the start! If we


    don''t kill them now, they''ll return with a full army of demons!"


    As ze and re burst into motion, the ground beneath them ignited. mes trailed behind them as they galloped with incredible speed, burning through the faeries'' defenses.


    But the faeries weren''t about to let them go so easily. Even as one line fell, more faeries rushed in to regroup and block their path again, determined to stop them at all costs.

 Chapter 510: Chapter 510 - They Arrived just in Time

    Chapter 510: - They Arrived just in Time


    ?


    ze and re raced through the dense forest, but the faeries skillfully used their advantage in the terrain, vanishing and reappearing, constantlyunching long-range attacks.


    The relentless assaults couldn''t be avoided and began to wear down the two fiery steeds. Surrounded on all sides by faeries attacking from afar, Broken and Ivana were forced to stop, scanning desperately for a way to escape.


    The faeries knew exactly what was happening-Broken was running out of time, and they were exploiting that fact. They understood yer behavior all too well, using their intelligence to manipte the situation to their advantage.


    Damn, these faeries are far more dangerous than any brainless monsters!


    The pressure mounted, and Broken could feel the ticking clock. He was nearly out of time, with no clear path to escape.


    As he and Ivana searched for a way out, a sudden explosion echoed from one side of the forest, not far away. Broken''s head snapped toward the sound, and he saw thick smoke rising in the distance. More explosions followed in rapid session, and before long, both Broken and Ivana were engulfed in a dense cloud of smoke.


    "It''s an ambush!" The faeries shouted. "Don''t let them escape, keep attacking!"


    But just then, a figure emerged from the smoky haze-a massive panther, its sleek ck fur shimmering as it charged toward them. Broken''s eyes widened in surprise.


    It was Kingsley!


    "Broken, Ivana! Climb onto my back quickly! Melliandra will provide cover from a distance."


    Without hesitation, Broken and Ivana unsummoned ze and re and leaped onto Kingsley''s back. Relief washed over Broken-he had sent word to Elincia about his situation, but he hadn''t expected reinforcements to arrive this quickly.


    Kingsley bolted through the forest, his powerful muscles propelling them forward with speed and agility. Melliandra had already begun picking off faeries from her hidden vantage point, creating chaos in their ranks.


    "Kill that human!" the faeries screamed, panic spreading among them.


    "Help! My friend is in critical condition!"


    "Retreat! Get to a safe distance! The humans have brought reinforcements!"


    As Kingsley evaded their attacks with swift, instinctual movements, the difference in control was clear. While ze and re were fast, Broken and Ivana had to direct them. But Kingsley? He knew exactly how to maneuver through the dense forest with precision, his years of experience showing through.


    In mere moments, they managed to break free of the faeries'' encirclement, leaving the chaotic scene behind. In the distance, they could hear the sounds of battle-explosions, lightning crackling through the air.


    "Did I just hear a lightning bolt? Is Elincia here as well?"


    "Yes," Kingsley confirmed. "The three of us stayed in the area because Maylock and Elincia sensed something suspicious about the faeries."


    "Really? Suspicious? But Maylock didn''t tell me anything."


    "He mentioned something along the lines of... ''every prediction I make tends to fall apart when Broken is involved.'' So we decided to stay close and make sure things didn''t spiral out of control."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Well, I''m thankful you arrived just in time."


    As they rode, the sounds of battle began to fade into the distance, but Broken knew they had narrowly escaped a much worse fate.


    "Elincia and Melliandra can both flee easily," Kingsley informed Broken as they sped through the forest. "The others and I will take Ivana to a secure location. I''m certain we can arrange something to resolve this issue. How much time do you have left?"


    "Forty seconds," Broken murmured, checking his time.


    "Alright," Kingsley said calmly. "I''ll take Ivana to a safe ce, and Elincia will meet you in the same area within the next 24 hours of Yunatea Time."


    "Got it," Broken replied.


    "Maylock mentioned that, based on the data he gathered, faery activity is rare in the area we''re heading toward, so most likely, we''ve left their territory."


    "Thanks, Kingsley."


    "No need to worry. We''ll handle the rest."


    They sprinted away, leaving behind the chaos they had just barely escaped. For now, Broken could finally feel a sense of relief- he had managed to retreat safely, and his priority, Ivana, was now in trusted hands. Knowing she was safe allowed him to finally rx.


    He took a deep breath, his mind easing as he prepared to log out.


    "Well then, let me log out from here," Broken said, giving a final look at Ivana. "Bye, Ivana, bye, Kingsley."


    With that, Broken''s form faded away, leaving Ivana and Kingsley to continue their escape in his absence.


    **


    Leon opened his eyes, his breath still ragged, and his body drenched in sweat from the tension he''d just experienced in the game. Cold sweat trickled down his face, mixing with the warm air of the game room. He wiped his forehead and slowly exited his capsule device, muttering to himself, "Damn, that was close."


    Walking out into the living room, he found Lily lounging on the couch, looking rxed as always.


    "Hi, Leon," she greeted him with a smile. "Everything is fine?"


    "Yeah," Leon replied, dropping into the seat next to her. "Kingsley and the others showed up just in time."


    Lily giggled softly. "Good thing you had backup. So, what do you want for dinner?"


    Instead of answering right away, Leon leaned his head against her shoulder, letting out a tired sigh. "I''m so exhausted..."


    "Well, you''ve been in the game for a whole day," she chuckled. "But seriously, what do you want to eat?"


    "Anything''s fine," he mumbled.


    Broken leaned back on the sofa, ncing at the television show his sister, Lily, was watching. After a moment, he sighed and said, "Lily... I think I''ll go out for a bit and do some jogging. Maybe I''ll be gone for about two hours."


    Lily looked at him, surprised. "You said you were tired, and now you''re in the mood for a


    jog?"


    "Yeah," he replied casually. "It helps me blow off some steam from the game. Keeps me from getting too tense."


    Lily smiled and sat up. "In that case, I''lle with you."


    Broken looked at her, clearly not expecting that. "Really?"


    "Well, it''s just the two of us here. You''ve been spending so much time on your game that we hardly chat anymore. And since you haven''t gotten married and given me a sister-inw to hang out with, I''m just stuck here being lonely while you''re off in your virtual world."


    Leon grinned and yfully pinched his sister''s nose. "You''re not a kid anymore; go find a boyfriend or hang out with your friends. Didn''t you say you have more friends now than


    before?"


    "I do have friends, but most of them are girls, and I''m not interested in having a boyfriend


    yet. So no."


    "Then y with them. Oh, and Hazel hasn''t been over here in a while."


    Lily''s eyes narrowed. "Just admit you want to see Hazel, huh?!"


    Leonughed. "She''s the only one of your friends I know, so I don''t have any other names to


    mention. Don''t me me for that."


    "Yeah, well, you''re too flirty with Hazel. I''m afraid you''ll mess up somehow. She''s still a


    minor, you know."


    "She''s 18-definitely not a minor anymore."


    Lily gave Leon a shove, pushing him to his feet. "Just go jog already. I''lle too. Give me a


    minute to get ready."

 Chapter 511: Chapter 511 - Come Visit Us in Korea!

    Chapter 511: - Come Visit Us in Korea!


    ?


    Broken logged back into Immortal Legacy, reappearing in the forest where he hadst parted ways with Kingsley and Ivana.


    His eyes scanned the surroundings, cautious in case the faeries were still hunting him. However, as others had anticipated, this area was now outside the Moonlight Fae territory. Broken waited for a while, his eyes scanning the surroundings as if expecting someone. Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a familiar figure logging in¡ªa mage girl, her blue tight-fitting outfit perfectly matching her vibrant blue hair. She spotted him almost immediately and, with a bright smile, quickly ran over to him.


    "Hi, Broken."


    "Hey, so it''s just you? Did everything go smoothly? No one ran into any serious trouble, right?"


    "Why don''t we get out of this forest first?" she suggested, ncing around. "We can talk about everything on the way."


    "Sounds like a n." He nodded and called for Polly.


    Polly appeared in an instant, transforming into herrger form. Broken walked over and gently stroked her jaw, a soft smile on his face.


    "Hey, Polly, I want to thank you for your hard work yesterday. Have you recovered?" Polly lowered her head slightly. "Master, I failed to protect you... I left you too early." Broken shook his head firmly. "No, Polly. You did your best. None of this would have turned out the way it did without your help. We escaped Moonlight Land in time because of you."


    "Thank you, Master," Polly whispered.


    Broken turned to Elincia, curious. "Where are we headed next, Elincia?"


    She smiled warmly. "Maylock has something important to take care of his wife is in the hospital. So we decided to gather at Deadbay City. And don''t worry, Ivana has already arrived safely with the others."


    "Maylock? His wife is in the hospital? Is everything okay?"


    Elincia nodded reassuringly. "He''ll let us know if something serious happens. For now, he''s managing, but his focus is on her recovery."


    Broken nodded slowly, taking a moment to reflect on how everyone had their own real-life struggles beyond the game. Even in Immortal Legacy, the real world continued on, where friends, family, and personal challenges awaited them.


    Gently nudging Polly, Broken mbered onto her back. "Alright, Polly, let''s get going."


    As Polly took a few steps forward, Broken asked Polly to stop and nced back at Elincia, who was still standing in ce.


    "Elincia?"


    Elincia took a deep breath before responding with a teasing tone, "Why on earth would you abandon a woman in the middle of a forest like this, Mr. Broken?"


    Broken chuckled. "You can fly, right?"


    "Yes, I can, but flying with my own skill takes a lot of focus and energy. It gets pretty tedious if I have to keep doing it. Why don''t you give me a lift on Polly?"


    "Oh," Broken said. He gestured for Polly to turn around, and she walked toward Elincia. Extending his hand, he added, "Come, mydy."


    Elincia smiled, ncing at his outstretched hand. But instead of taking it, she gracefully floated up and settled herself behind Broken, her legs draped sideways on Polly''s back.


    Noticing she didn''t take his hand, Broken awkwardly withdrew it.


    "Don''t be too kind to every woman, you know," Elincia giggled.


    "You were the one who asked to ride with me.".


    "Let''s just get out of this forest. I''m bored of being here," she said with a sigh.


    "Alright then. Let''s go, Polly!"


    With that, Polly dashed forward through the forest, her paws gliding smoothly over the ground as they sped toward Deadbay City.


    As they rode through the forest, Broken took the opportunity to check the item he had obtained after defeating Cedar, the mage faery knight. He pulled out a ring with beautiful green and blue hues and, without hesitation, slipped it onto his left finger. Now, his left hand bore five rings:


    The Unbreakable Heart Ring, a gift from thete King ndorr. The Kiss of Fortune Ring, which he had earned after defeating Melliandra. Queen Gaia''s Fate Ring, obtained through his contract with Gaia. The Ring of Fate, a reward for winning a prestigiouspetition in the Dissidia Kingdom. And now, thetest addition, The Ring of Unlimited Skillz, the souvenir from killing Cedar.


    "A new ring?"


    Broken nodded. "Yeah, I killed one of their knights, and he left me this as a parting gift," he said, a yful grin on his face.


    Elincia giggled at his nonchnt tone. "You sure know how to seize opportunities, huh?"


    "Not a bad thing, right?"


    "True. It shows you''re qualified-and maybe a bit overambitious."


    She leaned closer. "So, what''s the grade of this little treasure?"


    "Hm... it''s a Unique-grade," Broken answered casually.


    Elincia raised an eyebrow. "You''ve been handling so many Legendary-grade items that you''re


    now talking about Unique-grade like it''s nothing, huh?"


    Broken chuckled. "Oh, yeah? Guess I didn''t notice until now."


    [The Ring of Unlimited Skillz]


    [Grade: Unique]


    [Mana Regeneration +20%]


    [Durability: 47/100]


    [Weight: 10]


    [Skills:]


    Grants its wearer the ability to use any skill without consuming mana, with a 5% chance of


    sess.


    [User Restriction: 500 Intelligence]


    Broken gasped in awe after inspecting the ring''s stats. "I think any mage would be ecstatic to


    know I have a ring like this."


    "Really? Let me see what skills it offers."


    Broken shared the details of the ring with her, and she gasped.


    "Darn it!" she eximed. "A five percent chance of triggering the effect, and it lets you use


    skills without consuming mana? That''s insane!"


    She giggled. "I''m sure Goldrich would trade his beloved car for this ring without a second


    thought."


    "It really seems like something any mage would die for, huh?" Broken mused.


    "For sure," Elincia agreed. "For a mage who relies on spamming spells, this ring is a game- changer. With the right luck, they could stay in battle way longer without running out of


    mana!"


    Sheughed softly. "I think the goddess of luck is really looking out for you, Broken."


    "Is there a goddess of luck in this world, Elincia?"


    Elincia''s tone turned yful. "Nope, but there is a Goddess of Sloth in this world. And I


    suspect she''s your patron, isn''t she?" she teased.


    Broken went silent for a moment, his expression unreadable.


    "So... you''re saying that Maylock''s wife is sick?"


    "Yes," Elincia nodded. "His wife is currently being treated in the hospital, so he might be


    offline for a few days. You can wait for him in Deadbay, though. We still have about two weeks


    of Yunatea time until the full moon, right?"


    "Yeah," Broken confirmed. "Two more weeks until Tribe Leader ine changes into her


    Eternal me form, ording to what she said."


    After chatting for a bit, Broken couldn''t help but wonder. "How serious is Maylock''s wife''s condition? Is this too personal to ask?"


    Elincia answered calmly. "No, it''s fine. Maylock is pretty open with people he trusts. He may seem tough, but he''s actually a good guy. His wife is in the hospital, receiving treatment, and


    we''re all hoping for her sessful recovery."


    "I see..."


    Elincia continued, "My idiot brother and I just visited the hospital where his wife is being


    treated."


    "Wait, really? Do you live in the same city as Maylock? Or... in the same country?"


    Elincia giggled and replied, "No, I''m actually from South Korea. But it''s still possible to fly to


    the United States, even when we''re ying Immortal Legacy online."


    "What?!" Broken eximed in shock. "Since when do airlines provide capsule devices for


    online use?"


    "Oh, since someone has their own private jet."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Wow!" Broken said, amazed. "Are you the daughter of the president of South Korea or


    something?"


    Elinciaughed, "Why don''t youe to South Korea and visit your stupid friend, Booba, then? I''ll treat you to the most exquisite banquet."


    Broken chuckled. "That actually sounds like a great idea. I''ve never been on holiday abroad


    before."


    "Cool, there''s also Starfall in Korea. We can hang out there too."


    As Polly trotted through the dense forest, her four tails swaying gracefully behind her, Broken and Elincia continued their casual conversation.


    "So," Elincia said, shifting the topic, "you mentioned you needed something crafted with the


    help of a jeweler, right?"


    "That''s correct. I need the assistance of a jeweler to craft a special item. An Expert rank


    jeweler."


    "Awesome," Elincia said with a smile. "We can definitely find one in Deadbay City."


    Broken nodded. But then, something clicked in his mind-he remembered the cape he had received from ine. With everything that had happened recently, he hadn''t had the chance to check its details yet. Curious, he quickly opened his inventory and pulled up the information on the cape.

 Chapter 512: Chapter 512 - Moonlight Barrier Cape

    Chapter 512: - Moonlight Barrier Cape


    ?


    [Moonlight Barrier Cape] [Grade: Unique]


    [Movement Speed +10%


    Intelligence +50


    Stamina +50]


    [Durability: 83/100]


    [Weight: 190]


    [A shimmering cape woven from the magic of the Moonlight Fae. It glows with a faint green hue under the moonlight, offering both protection and grace to its wearer. The cape''s ethereal fabric enhances movement and intelligence, while its mystical powers create barriers in times of need.]


    Broken examined the cape he had received as a gift from ine. From the name alone, its identity was clear-Moonlight Barrier Cape. A Unique-grade item, no less-truly remarkable. Judging by its durability, it had been used before. Could it have been by ine herself?


    The stats were impressive. A 10% boost to movement speed, along with bonuses to both Stamina and Intelligence. Broken felt an excitement at the extra Intelligence bonus, especially now that he needed more magic damage than before.


    As for the skills, the cape came equipped with three of them.


    [Moonlit Veil (Conditional Active Skill)


    The wearer bes invisible under moonlight for 90 seconds. During this time, enemies within 10 meters experience a slow debuff (movement speed reduced by 25%).


    Mana: 290


    Cooldown: 10 minutes]


    Moonlit Veil, the skill granted the user invisibility for 90 seconds. While it wasn''t his first invisibility ability, this one had an added perk-a slow debuff on enemies, making it incredibly valuable in its own right.


    And that slow debuff? It wasn''t a joke-25%?! Damn!


    The downside, though, was that it was a conditional skill, only usable under moonlight. A bit of a drawback for such an impressive crowd control ability.


    The other invisibility skill Broken had ess to was Stealth Mode from his Woond Ranger Armor, but that only made him invisible for 5 seconds. There was also Forest Camouge from the Verdant Whisperte, which not only granted invisibility but also boosted his evasion by 50%-again, for just 5 seconds. But the most impressive invisibility ability belonged to Pawpaw, who could turn up to three people, including himself, invisible for as long as he had enough Mana to sustain it.


    Still, in situations where Pawpaw wasn''t around-like now-this cape''s invisibility skill would be an incredible backup.


    But speaking of Pawpaw... where was he? He hadn''te back yet.


    Just as Broken thought of him, the familiar figure of the cat appeared, clinging securely to Polly''s back.


    "Broken... Why did you call me?" Pawpaw said.


    Broken smiled and reached out to pet the kitten. "Hey, having fun with the Princess?"


    "Yes... she took me hunting. Not monsters... but humans!"


    "Really? Is that why you didn''t respond when I called you yesterday?"


    "I had no Mana... sorry."


    Broken was a little taken aback. Pawpaw had never apologized before. What had changed him? Was it his time with Princess Alora?


    After that, Pawpaw returned to his pocket dimension, and Broken resumed reading about the cape''s next skill.


    [Lifewarden''s Gift (Conditional Active Skill)


    [Automatically restores 35% of max HP to the wearer when health drops below 30%.


    Cooldown: 5 minutes]


    Oh... the second skill would automatically restore Health for 35%-definitely useful. But the cooldown? Wasn''t 5 minutes a bit too long?


    Well, considering this cape had three skills, it was already pretty remarkable. Let''s just treat this second skill as a nice little bonus.


    Time to move on to the third one.


    [Moonlight Dome Barrier (Active Skill)


    [A dome-shaped barrier forms around the wearer, protecting up to 5 people. The barrier deflects magical damage and increases defense for all allies inside by 20%. Strengthens under the moonlight, doubling the defense bonus.


    Mana: 590


    Cooldown: 2 hours


    Duration: 30 seconds]


    Broken nodded slowly after analyzing the third skill, and this time he truly felt that this was the main highlight of the cape. It could create a barrier that deflected magic damage for 30 seconds, while also increasing defense by 20%.


    He paused, reflecting on how much easier things could have been if he''d activated this skill during the attack by the faeries when he and Ivana were airborne yesterday.


    "Damn," he cursed himself silently for being so careless, for not inspecting the cape''s abilities sooner.


    Then again, in such a frantic situation, it had been hard to think straight. Everything had happened so fast-the fall, the relentless attacks. There had barely been time to defend himself.


    At least now he resolved to be more thorough. He needed to master all the skills he had ess to. But that was the problem-he had too many skills to keep track of. Each piece of equipment and every weapon he owned brought with it new abilities. He was constantly acquiring powerful items, yet hadn''t had the chance to fully optimize their use in battle.


    Should he focus more on crafting new items and golems? Or should he prioritize honing his skills so he could better utilize everything he already had?


    Even after working so hard, it didn''t feel like enough. Maybe he had to push himself even harder than before. With a deep breath, Broken solidified that mindset, nting it firmly in


    his mind.


    After traveling on Polly''s back, Broken and Elincia finally arrived at Deadbay City, a bustling seaside town. Polly quickly transformed into her smaller form and leapt into Broken''s arms, where he cradled her as they made their way through the city streets.


    The sight of the city in daylight stirred old memories for Broken. He had spent a lot of time here in the past, and it felt oddlyforting to return.


    "My Lord Broken!" A distant shout caught their attention. Turning his head, Broken spotted three women and two men approaching-Ivana, Melliandra, and his three knights: Karl, Yann, and Anna, all dressed in casual attire.


    Anna broke away from the group, running ahead with an excited, cheerful expression. She grabbed Broken''s right hand, practically bouncing with joy.


    "My Lord! I''m so happy to see you again... I missed you so much," she beamed.


    "Hey, Anna, I see you guys are doing well too."


    Elincia, standing beside him, couldn''t resist ament. "You sure are a ma for women,


    aren''t you, Broken?"


    "Anna, please show some decorum in front of our Lord!" Karl called out.


    Anna stepped back, still grinning widely. "Ah, sorry, hehehe," she giggled, not hiding her


    excitement.


    "So, I see you guys are quite enjoying living in this city?"


    "They almost forgot their duties, Broken," Ivana giggled in response.


    "No.... Ms. Ivana..." Anna answered. "You know that we didn''t get any rest after that big battle


    against those monsters, right? Don''t make our reputation bad in front of My Lord Broken..."


    "Broken!" Melliandra said, pointing a finger at him. "I''ve helped you countless times. Now


    let me y with Polly!"


    "Melliandra. Thank you, you''ve done a lot for me."


    "Don''t talk to me, you stiff pervert!"


    Broken remained silent, but he then focused his attention on Polly, who was in his arms. "Do


    you want to y around, Polly?"


    Polly twitched her ears, then quickly jumped out of his hand.


    "Polly..." Melliandra ran towards Polly, but the small fox was already running away.


    Melliandra followed her in pursuit.


    Elincia gave a warm smile and said, "Alright, have a nice day, everyone." Then she added,


    "I''ll let you know when we are ready to discuss the Moonlight Fae." With that, she turned and


    began to walk away.


    Broken addressed the knights, "I''m going to meet Mr. Fokil. You guys can take a break here in


    this city; there''s no need to be burdened, okay?"


    Anna cheered happily, "Yes! We get the day off!"


    "My Lord," Karl continued, "we''ll still be hunting monsters this afternoon, so it won''t be a


    full break."


    "My Lord, thank you, but we''ll remain on standby if you need us at any time," Yann said.


    "It''s okay, take your time. You all deserve it," Broken reassured them.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    They bowed, then the three knights turned and walked away.


    "I want to eat a ton of seafood..." Anna said.


    "Anna, please remember you''re a Knight! Show some respect for your duty," Karl added.


    "But didn''t our Lord say we could take the day off?"


    "Hunting monsters is also a kind of day off," Karl replied firmly.


    Yann chimed in, "You''ve gotten stronger, haven''t you, Anna? Now show us how much you''ve


    grown."


    "You''ll be surprised!"


    Broken turned to Ivana. "Would you like to apany me to meet Mr. Fokil, Ivana?"


    A smile lit up Ivana''s face as she quickly nodded. "Yes, sure..." Together, they began strolling through the lively streets of Deadbay City, side by side.

 Chapter 513: Chapter 513 - Equipment Upgrades beyond Normal

    Chapter 513: - Equipment Upgrades beyond Normal


    ?


    Broken and Ivana walked along the streets in Deadbay City, but there was something a little different about Ivana today. She seemed quieter than usual.


    "Are you still thinking about what happened with ine?"


    Ivana turned to him, looking at his face for a moment before offering a small smile and a nod.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "When I heard what you said about her situation-the cruel fate that was forced on her and her tribe-I couldn''t help but feel deep sympathy for her. She had been waiting for this moment for hundreds of years, and in the end, it was ruined by her own people. It''s such a terrible fate for her... or for anyone still cing their hopes on her."


    Broken nodded slowly. "If we consider the faeries who attacked us," he said, "one thing stands out¡ªine wasn''t there. This suggests that Morel, the Knight Commander, acted without her approval. Somehow, ine didn''t step in to stop them."


    "It''s really heartbreaking to think that someone with power, like ine, might not have her voice heard," Ivana said. "But Broken, what do you think has happened to ine now? Don''t you think she could havee to stop those Knights?"


    "Most likely, she''s unable to do that, either because she''s been prevented or held back by them."


    "Do you mean the knights acted without ine''s consent, and they might even be holding her against her will?"


    "That''s a possibility. Otherwise, ine would have easily appeared among us. With her power, she could have stopped the faeries."


    Ivana hesitated for a moment before asking, "Do you still believe ine is on our side, then?"


    Broken thought for a moment, checking his affinity with ine, which hadn''t dropped-it was still at 76, second only to Polly''s 79%. That was enough to reassure him.


    "I still believe she''s not behind this. If ine wanted the knights to keep pursuing and attacking us, I think she would''ve made her stance clear by now."


    Ivana nodded slowly. "I still feel like we need to do something for ine, Broken."


    Broken remained silent for a moment, reflecting on Ivana''s words. He harbored a deep grudge against the faery knights, though perhaps he could still show some mercy to the faeries who had been misled by their leaders. But looking at the situation as a whole, it was clear that he''d have to return and deal with them.


    If he thought about it from their perspective, the faeries did have their reasons. They knew he woulde back for them, seeking vengeance, and they likely saw no other choice but to try and kill him and Ivana before that happened.


    But that was the issue-they had started it. They were the ones who doubted him, attacked him first, and provoked the conflict. They''d gone to extreme lengths, even trying to kill him and Ivana as they flew on Polly, leaving him with no real choice but to retaliate.


    "I need the Eternal me Eye," Broken said. "And if possible, a Soul Stone from the faeries too."


    "So, you''re nning to go back and take vengeance on them for the soul stone?"


    "That''s probably what I''m going to do."


    Ivana smiled at his words. "You''re really determined once you set your mind on something, aren''t you?"


    Broken shrugged slightly. "At least I have a good reason this time. They tried to harm us, so I think it''s justified to take revenge. And if we can save ine, Cedric, and Cecilia in the process, then that''s a bonus."


    "Do you think ine would still ept your help if it means killing some of her own people?"


    "If she refuses, then I''ll focus on saving Cedric and Cecilia. But if they all refuse, well... I''ll just finish my hunt and leave them to their own fate."


    Ivana hesitated, then added, "But, Broken, if you fail to lift the curse, won''t Cedric and Cecilia also turn into Eternal mes?"


    Broken nodded. "Yes, that''s what ine exined to me. So, the n is to deal with those who are rebelling first. It might also give me a chance to collect soul stones from the knights. Then I''ll try to save the tribe from the curse. After that, it''s up to the remaining faeries to decide their fate."


    "That sounds like a solid n."


    "I know it won''t be easy," Broken replied, nodding slowly. "I''ll discuss it further with the others or even Princess Alora, since the faeries fall under the Dissidia Kingdom''s domain."


    Ivana smiled again, reassured by his determination.


    Broken and Ivana finally arrived at Fokil''s Smithy. Broken gave a few knocks on the wooden door, and it soon opened, revealing Fokil.


    "Hey, kid..." Fokil greeted casually before turning back inside.


    "You seem pretty busy, Mr. Fokil," Brokenmented as he stepped in, taking a seat on a wooden chair near the forging tools. Ivana stood quietly behind him.


    "You''ve got a cksmith ss, but you''re always off traveling, killing monsters."


    "Well, I''m gathering materials for a new item, sir," Broken replied.


    "You should make sure your knights are well-equipped with good weapons and armor."


    Broken hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Yeah, I''ll do that. It''s something I''ve been nning. But my expeditions have also been to find materials for crafting the Unseen Universe Ne, so I think I''m still following the path of my cksmith ss."


    "So... you''ve visited theirnd?" Fokil asked.


    "The Faery Land? Yes."


    "If that''s the case, you need to upgrade and soul engrave all your gear. It''s embarrassing that you have such high-grade equipment, but you''re not treating them with the respect they deserve," Fokil remarked bluntly.


    "That''s exactly why I came here today, Mr. Fokil," Broken replied. "I want to learn more


    about cksmithing from you."


    "Do you know about equipment upgrades?"


    "Yes, sir. I understand that every piece of equipment can be upgraded up to +18."


    But before he could finish, Fokil interrupted with a louder voice.


    "+27!" Fokil eximed. "Everyone believes +18 is the limit because they don''t know


    equipment can be upgraded beyond that point."


    "Wow, really? That''s news to me... I''ve never heard of that."


    "Tell me more about what you know regarding equipment upgrades."


    Broken continued his exnation, "Upgrading equipment doesn''t just enhance its stats, it


    also adds visual effects, like an aura that makes the gear looks cool."


    "That''s a ridiculous way to judge an equipment upgrade," Fokil retorted bluntly.


    "Okay, sorry," Broken replied with a sheepish smile.


    Upgrade to +27? Was this information really that rare, or had he just been out of the loop? Maybe the top yers already knew about it, but if Fokil was talking about it, that must mean he knew how to do it. If that were true, Broken''s decision to visit Fokil today was even more fortunate than he''d thought.


    Upgrading an item to +18 was already a daunting challenge. The process was costly and risky. In fact, the highest-upgraded item he had was his Wavebreaker Spear, which was only at +15. The idea of pushing past that to +27? It sounded almost impossible.


    "Alright," Fokil said, "your task is to show me at least one piece of equipment with +18 that you have upgraded by yourself."


    Broken swallowed hard at Fokil''s words. He knew well that upgrading to +18 required an enormous amount of funds and resources. But at least he already received the quest!

 Chapter 514: Chapter 514 - Enchant Your Equipment to +18

    Chapter 514: - Enchant Your Equipment to +18


    ?


    [Enchant Your Equipment to +18]


    [Rating: A]


    [Fokil, the Master cksmith, wants you to prove your worth, Broken! He has challenged you to enchant your equipment to +18. Don''t let him down, or you''ll end up with a dusty hammer and some seriously bad jokes!]


    [Clear Conditions: Enchant any equipment to +18.]


    [Clear Rewards: The secret to enchanting your equipment to an even higher realm.]


    [Quest Failure: No punishment for failure, but don''t take too long-Fokil might get angry and cancel the quest.]


    While NPCs and most yers referred to it as Equipment Upgrading, the yers had started using a different term: Enchantment. It was just a suggestion from their system, but the meaning was the same. However, since "upgrade" was easier to say, many yers stuck with it, just like the NPCs.


    Broken felt a surge of excitement as he read through the quest details. Whoa... the secret to upgrading equipment to +27?


    Before he could get too caught up in the moment, Fokil cut in with his usual stern tone. "Now, now, kid. Don''t talk too much. Go get the materials you need and start working on that quest. I''ve got other things to do."


    Broken nced at Fokil. As always, he thought with a slight smirk. Every time he visited, it seemed like only a matter of seconds before Fokil found a reason to send him away.


    But this was an A-rated quest, and the rewards were too good to pass up. He could hardly wait to get started. Turning to Ivana, he grinned. "Ivana, let''s go. We''ve got a fun mission from Mr. Fokil!"


    Ivana smiled and looked back at Fokil. "I''lle backter with some food for you, okay?"


    "Take your time, Ivana," Fokil replied gruffly.


    Ivana nodded, acknowledging Fokil''s words. Without hesitation, Broken grabbed her hand, and the two of them left the smithy.


    "Mr. Fokil may not show it, but I''m sure he was delighted to see you," Ivana said once they had been outside the Smithy.


    "Really? I''ve never seen him look cheerful or even crack a smile."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Ivana chuckled. "Aren''t you the same way?"


    Broken paused, thinking over her words before offering a t, awkward smile.


    "I can still be friendly and smile-look, my smile''s sweet."


    Ivana giggled. "That''s the best smile I''ve ever seen!"


    "Thanks... But maybe you shouldn''t be getting too close to Freya. You''re starting to sound as sarcastic as she is."


    Ivanaughed as the two continued making their way down the streets of Deadbay City, heading toward the central za.


    "So, what do you need to do to fulfill Mr. Fokil''s task?"


    "Well," Broken began, "Equipment Enchanting-or upgrading-is a way to boost the stats of gear. Most people only know about going up to +18, but Fokil hinted that it''s possible to go even higher than that."


    Ivana nodded thoughtfully. "I''ve heard a lot of yers bragging about their weapons glowing with an aura after they''ve paid tons of money to enchant them," she said. "I''d bet most members of the Ass Guild have weapons with high enchantments, right, Broken?"


    "Most likely," Broken replied. "I''d guess most of them have +18 weapons at least."


    His mind then turned to the blueprints he had ess to.


    [Enchanting Stone Blueprint]


    [You can use this stone to enchant any kind of equipment up to +9.]


    [Requires a small quantity of Iron to forge.]


    Broken had crafted these stones before, back in Slumdon Town, but his current stock was still there. He had only brought a few with him, meaning he''d need to craft more to continue upgrading his gear.


    [Blessed Stone Blueprint]


    [You can use this stone to enchant any kind of equipment up to +18.]


    [Requires a small quantity of Iron and Steel to forge.]


    He''d definitely need these as well for the higher-level upgrades.


    "So, with these two items, I can upgrade my equipment up to +18," Broken said softly. "It takes three Enchantment Stones for each upgrade up to +3, six for +6, and nine stones to reach


    +9."


    "Wow... that''s a huge amount," Ivana replied, clearly impressed.


    "And the same goes for the Blessed Stone," Broken continued. "Three Blessed Stones per upgrade up to +12, six for +15, and nine to reach +18."


    "No wonder they say the cost is so high," Ivana said. "It seems like only people with a lot of money can afford this."


    "Yeah, this game really feels like pay-to-win," Broken agreed. "The higher the upgrade, the lower the sess rate. Sometimes, the upgrade level even drops if it fails."


    "Pay-to-win?" Ivana asked, tilting her head in confusion.


    "That''s when someone can spend a lot of money on the game-or, well, in this world-to be more powerful," Broken exined.


    "So... does that mean you''re also very rich outside there?"


    "Uh..." Broken paused for a moment, then chuckled awkwardly. "I don''t think that applies to me... No, I''m an exception," he said, shing a smile. "I''m just Broken, hehe."


    Ivana smiled and asked, "So, are only cksmiths able to enchant equipment?"


    Broken shook his head. "No, every yer can enchant their gear. But only cksmiths can forge the Enchantment Stones. That''s how they make money-they sell the stones."


    He paused before continuing. "But here''s the thing-some yers believe a cksmith has a better chance of sess when enchanting. So, cksmiths offer their services to do it for others. And, well... Some scam yers by lying about how many stones they use, or if the enchantment fails, they refuse to take responsibility. Like I said, luck ys a huge role in this, and that''s why a lot of people get frustrated and give up on upgrading their weapons."


    "That''s really sad for some yers," Ivana said softly.


    "You care about other people too much, huh?" Broken chuckled.


    "So, does this mean cksmiths can get rich more easily here?"


    "It depends," Broken replied. "cksmithing can be tedious. You''re doing the same repetitive actions over and over, and not everyone has the patience for that. Plus, they need to gather the materials, which isn''t always easy. And with the risk of failure, they can lose money instead of making it. But if someone''s skilled, any profession here can be profitable." "That sounds fun," Ivana answered. "But I see you can easily produce high-grade items."


    "Do you really see it that way?"


    Ivana smiled and nodded.


    "Well," Broken continued, "you could make a lot of money with your cooking skills, Ivana."


    "I never really thought about that. For me, just sharing my food with others is enough to make me happy," Ivana replied, biting her lip thoughtfully. "But do you think I need to start


    saving up a lot of money too, Broken?"


    "I think everyone has their own reasons to be content. But yeah, you''ll need money eventually. Don''t worry, though-I''ll share the loot from our hunts with you, or at least give


    you some of the money, so you can buy whatever you need."


    Ivana hesitated for a moment. "No, you should take everything."


    "Alright, then I''ll just buy you whatever you might need. How about that?"


    "That sounds nice..." Ivana giggled softly.


    "Come on," Broken said, grabbing Ivana''s wrist and gently tugging her along. "I want to get


    this quest over with quickly."


    Just then, a notification popped up in front of him.


    [You''ve got a mail from Starfall]

 Chapter 515: Chapter 515 - Were your Parent Gods?

    Chapter 515: - Were your Parent Gods?


    ?


    Broken paused mid-step and opened the email from Starfall.


    [Dear Broken,


    I have sent most of your loot, especially the armor and weapons from the hunt, to Slumdon Town. I''ve also sold some of it, and here are the results.


    I tried to sell at a fairly high price, so I apologize if the value doesn''t match your expectations.


    -Starfall.]


    [9 Gold Coins]


    Broken read through the email with a furrowed brow, but his eyes widened when he saw the final line: "9 Gold Coins."


    Starfall had truly helped him by selling off the gear he no longer needed, and the prices had been more than fair.


    "Broken?" Ivana asked, sensing his distraction.


    "Ah, yes..." Broken nodded, snapping out of his thoughts.


    "I wanted to offer to cook something for you. I''m sure you''ll be hungry after all the work you''re going to do. Would it be alright if I go ahead and prepare something?"


    "Ah, yes... Ivana, do whatever you want, I don''t mind," Broken replied absentmindedly, still holding her hand.


    Ivana nced down at her hand. "Uhm..." she mumbled.


    "What? Do you need gold to buy groceries?" Broken asked, looking at her.


    "No, it''s okay," she replied quickly. Taking a deep breath, she offered a different suggestion. "Broken, I just want to cook. I won''t leave. If it bothers you, I can cook at Mr. Fokil''s smithy." Suddenly realizing he was still holding her hand, Broken let go. "Ah... sorry."


    Ivana smiled warmly. "Bye... I hope to see your weapon at +18 soon," she said with a softugh, then turned and began walking away.


    Broken quickly returned to Fokil''s Smithy and got straight to work in the forging area, preparing to craft Enchanting Stones and Blessed Stones. Heid out several Iron Bars and Steel Bars beside him, ready to begin.


    "Have a good time, kid," Fokil said, standing nearby with a wooden cup in hand, offering it to Broken.


    Broken epted the drink with a nod. "Thanks, Mr. Fokil. I''m going to use the smithy''s facility again."


    "Do as you please," Fokil replied, "just make sure you don''t disappoint me with the results."


    "I won''t, sir. I''ll do my best¡ªand hopefully, luck will be on my side," Broken said with a grin.


    Fokil


    I gave a thin smile before turning to leave. "Luck seems to always favor you. I''m starting to suspect your parents were gods."


    "We yers alle from the same world, sir," Broken said, chuckling.


    "Less chit-chat, more work." Fokil waved his hand as he walked away.


    Broken began by heating the Iron Bar, pounding it with his hammer to shape it into an Enchanting Stone, following the blueprint''s specifications.


    As usual, he becamepletely absorbed in his work, hammering away relentlessly without taking a break. It had been a while since Broken had focused on cksmithing-when was thest time he crafted something? It was before his journey to Hell.


    He really needed to start his next big project soon, maybe after dealing with the faeries.


    After some time, Fokil approached, watching Broken at work.


    "Why are you taking so long to finish each stone? And why are you leaving them half- finished, stacking them up like that?"


    "Ah..." Broken looked up with a smile. "I like doing the finishing process all at once. It feels more satisfying when you see all the results together."


    Fokil crossed his arms. "Enchanting Stones and Blessed Stones don''t have grades like equipment. They have quality: Low, Medium, and High. The more High-Quality stones you produce, the more valuable they are. But naturally, you''ll need more High-Quality stones than Low-Quality ones if you want higher upgrade values."


    "Yes, sir. Understood."


    Broken focused intently as he moved on to the final stage of crafting, bringing down his hammer with precision toplete each Enchanting Stone. The sound of the strikes echoed through the smithy.


    [You''ve sessfully forged a Medium-Quality Enchanting Stone.]


    "Not bad..." Fokil muttered with a faint smile.


    [You''ve sessfully forged a Low-Quality Enchanting Stone.]


    "Low-Quality... That''s pretty normal, kid. Don''t be disheartened. It''s tough to even get Medium-Quality, let alone High-Quality. It takes time," Fokil reassured.


    [You''ve sessfully forged a Medium-Quality Enchanting Stone.]


    Fokil raised an eyebrow. "Beginner''s luck, maybe. Don''t expect that kind of result again."


    [You''ve sessfully forged a Medium-Quality Enchanting Stone.]


    "Damn, something''s off with your work."


    "What''s wrong, sir?"


    "Eh, no need to worry. Just keep going."


    [You''ve sessfully forged a Medium-Quality Enchanting Stone.]


    "Damn, how are you getting more Medium-Quality than Low?" "It just... happened," Broken shrugged with a grin. "Your luck won''tst forever."


    [You''ve sessfully forged a High-Quality Enchanting Stone.]


    [You''ve sessfully forged a High-Quality Enchanting Stone.]


    [You''ve sessfully forged a High-Quality Enchanting Stone.]


    Fokil stared at Broken in disbelief. "Kid, are you sure your parents weren''t gods? Damn, lucky bastard! No wonder you can craft legendary pieces so easily. Did you have some kind of tragic life before, to end up with that much luck?"


    Broken gave a stiff smile, unsure how to respond to Fokil''s words. "Well, I''m not sure, but my life in the other world was pretty miserable, sir."


    "Oh yeah, I bet the gods felt sorry for you. That''s probably why your luck''s a bit higher than most people''s," Fokil said with a smirk.


    Broken continued crafting, managing to produce around 180 Enchanting Stones. The results were astonishing: 63% of them were medium quality, 19% high quality, and only a small


    portion were low quality.


    "That''s... beyond reason," Fokil muttered, shaking his head. "How did you end up with the lowest amount of low-quality stonespared to the others?"


    "I think the results are pretty good, sir?"


    "That''s not just good-it''s ridiculous," Fokil said. "But remember, upgrading armor is easier than upgrading weapons. The sess rate is higher with armor, but if you manage to upgrade your weapons, the reward is greater since it''ll boost your damage. If you''re unsure about your luck, you could start with armor."


    Broken nodded, understanding the strategy but still itching to test his luck with weapons.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "I''m very tempted to upgrade my weapons, sir," Broken said confidently. "So I''m willing to


    use every stone I''ve forged on them."


    "Cool. So, are you nning to do the upgrade now?"


    "No, sir," Broken replied. "I''m going to keep forging Blessed Stones so I can upgrade


    everything all at once."


    "That''s too ambitious. You''ve got time, don''t rush everything," Fokil warned.


    Broken smiled and nodded, but in the back of his mind, he knew the urgency. If he had to


    return to the Moonlight Fae and face whatever fierce battles awaited him, he needed to be fully prepared. The quickest way to boost hisbat readiness was through equipment


    enchantment.


    "And..." Broken continued, "my Wavebreaker Spear is already at +15, but I want to upgrade all


    my gear at once, so I''ll need a ton of stones."


    "In that case, focus on the Blessed Stones and push that +15 spear to +18. But be warned,


    you''re going to need a lot of resources for that."


    "All right," Fokil muttered, before turning back to his work.


    At that moment, there was a knock on the door. Both Broken and Fokil turned their heads in


    the same direction.


    "Who''s there?" Fokil called out.

 Chapter 516: Chapter 516 - I’ll take full responsibility for her

    Chapter 516: Chapter 516 - I¡¯ll take full responsibility for her


    ?


    The door to the smithy creaked open, and a girl with long blonde hair stepped inside, carrying a wooden basket under her arm.


    "Hey, everyone!" Ivana called out cheerfully.


    "Oh ho ho... I sure miss your delicious cooking, Ivana!"


    "I brought plenty, Mr. Fokil."


    Broken raised his head, spotting Ivana. She waved at him with a friendly smile. "Hi there. Hungry?"


    "Yes, definitely!"


    Ivana set the food on the table, and soon the mouthwatering aroma of her cooking filled the smithy, blending with the earthy scent of fire and iron.


    Fokil, already eager, walked over and took a seat at the table, motioning for Broken to join him.


    "Come on, kid. This young girl has cooked a lot for us; don''t just leave her hanging."


    Broken smiled, setting down his tools. He sauntered over to the table and joined them for dinner.


    The three of them enjoyed their dinner, with Ivana''s lively chatter and jokes filling the room. Fokil, in an unusually jovial mood, listened and responded to Ivana''s stories with heartyughter.


    "Listen, Mr. Fokil..." Ivana began. "There was this one guy, super powerful, who showed up with his whole guild and challenged the entire city. He specifically wanted to duel Broken. But Maylock, the smartest in the Ass Guild, told Broken it wasn''t a good idea to ept. If you were in that position, what would you do?"


    Fokil scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Well, I''d never be in that position, because I''m not one to work with others. But... I''m not sure what I''d do."


    Ivana giggled and continued, "Well, Broken epted the challenge! He walked right outside the city gates, took the guy on, and defeated him easily. Ha ha ha!"


    Fokil''s eyes widened with interest. "So, what did his guild mates do?"


    "They all came out, ready for a full-on war. But in the end, their Guild Master apologized and left without a fight," Ivana exined. "And to think, the Ass Guild was already gearing up for an all-out battle!"


    "Hmph," Fokil grunted. "If I were that Guild Master, I''d definitely be seeking revenge. Losing like that would wound my pride deeply."


    Broken chuckled quietly, listening to the banter between the two.


    Time passed quickly at the dinner table. Ivana''s light chuckles and cheerful presence lit up the atmosphere. She covered her mouth with her hand as sheughed, then turned to Broken.


    "Are you going to continue your work, Broken?" she asked softly.


    "Yes, thanks for the meal, Ivana..."


    Fokil chimed in. "You should treat her properly, kid. Look at everything she does for you."


    "Mr. Fokil... I do it because I want to," Ivana said with a smile.


    "Sure, Mr. Fokil... She''s my responsibility," Broken added as he stood up.


    Fokil muttered under his breath, raising an eyebrow. "Responsibility?" Then, ncing back


    at Ivana, he asked, "Don''t tell me you''re pregnant with his baby?"


    "Uh..." Ivana''s face turned bright red at both Broken''s words and Fokil''s sudden, unexpected question.


    "No, Mr. Fokil... you''ve misunderstood..."


    "So, he doesn''t want to take responsibility for the baby in your womb?" Fokil continued.


    "No, no, I''m not pregnant," Ivana quickly rified.


    Fokil, looking puzzled, rubbed his chin. "Then why does he think you''re his responsibility?" he murmured to himself as he wandered back to his working area.


    Ivana took a deep breath and smiled, then walked over to Broken, sitting on a wooden chair near him as he worked.


    She watched him quietly for a moment, then clenched her fists yfully and said, "Ganbatte, Broken!"


    Broken turned to her, slightly startled. "Where did you learn that?"


    "Livelywood often teaches me foreignnguages," she giggled.


    "Ah... I see," he chuckled, amused at hearing her use Japanese. "I think you should keep learning new things from everyone around you."


    Ivana nodded, still smiling. "I will!"


    After spending several hours at the forge, Broken finallypleted another set of Blessed Stones. The results were impressive-32% of them were medium quality, 37% were high quality, and the rest were low quality.


    Fokil''s face twisted with annoyance as he realized Broken had crafted more High-Quality Blessed Stones in a single session than Fokil typically managed in a week.


    "You really are an annoyance, Kid."


    Ivana smiled warmly at thement. "He definitely seems to be your most prized apprentice, doesn''t he, Mr. Fokil?"


    "I really wish I hadn''t taken him on as an apprentice," Fokil replied with a sigh.


    Broken, meanwhile, carefullyid out his most-used weapons.


    "The higher the grade of the weapon, the smaller your chance of sessfully upgrading it,


    Kid," Fokil stated firmly.


    Broken nodded slowly, fully aware of the risks involved. He began arranging his weapons in order, ready to push his luck and take on the next challenge.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    [(Legendary) +15 Wavebreaker Spear]


    [(Legendary) +12 The Moonvine Knuckles - Guardian Treant Lv. 210 (Growth Type)]


    [(Legendary) The Scorchyer]


    [(Legendary) Abyssbreaker]


    [(Legendary) +6 Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe]


    [(Unique) +12 Gravestone Greatsword]


    [(Epic) +9 The Bow of Artemis]


    Broken carefully arranged his weapons in order of priority for upgrading. As he looked at them, he realized just how many powerful items he had umted. To his own amazement, five of them were Legendary-grade!


    Fokil raised an eyebrow. "What on earth have you been doing, kid? Did you rob a noble family and steal their heirlooms? How do you have more Legendary-grade items than even a king in a kingdom might possess?"


    Ivana giggled. "Yes, Mr. Fokil, Broken even invited me to join him on this robbery spree."


    Fokil turned to Ivana with a sigh. "I''m starting to think it was a mistake leaving you in his


    care, Ivana."


    "me Broken for this, Mr. Fokil."


    Broken smiled at the banter. "Mr. Fokil, you shouldn''t jump to conclusions after hearing just one side of the story. You''d be shocked to know how much Ivana enjoyed herself when we ''took down'' this noble family. A young master, and even the head of the household..."


    "Ivana?" Fokil turned to her.


    "Mr. Fokil," Ivana said with a smile, "Broken mentioned that they were demons, so it wasn''t


    that bad."


    Fokil sighed heavily, shaking his head. "One day, he''ll have you taking out other races, and I''ll have even more reason to worry about you both."


    Turning to Broken, he added, "You''re being a terrible influence on her, kid."


    Broken chuckled. "Don''t worry, sir. I''ll take full responsibility for her."


    "You better," Fokil said with a serious tone. "Otherwise, I''ll curse you for the rest of your


    life."


    Broken shifted his focus back to the list of weapons he wanted to upgrade.


    "Do you know that upgrade levels can be transferred, right, kid? Only a fool would try upgrading five Legendary-grade weapons at once. You''ll end up broke if you waste that many resources."


    Broken nodded, fully aware that upgrade levels could be transferred between weapons. However, the results varied-sometimes it seeded without any penalty, other times the level dropped, and in the worst-case scenario, the transfer could fail, lowering the level


    significantly.


    "Surely you''re not nning to fight using all those different types of weapons, are you?" Fokil added, raising an eyebrow. "Knuckles, sword, spear, greatsword, bow and even a


    pickaxe? That''s just stupid."


    Broken paused, considering Fokil''s words. He needed to decide which weapon he would rely on most in battle. Using so many different types was impractical. He had to pick a main weapon to prioritize for upgrades, something versatile that could adapt to various situations. He looked over his collection, weighing his options.

 Chapter 517: Chapter 517 - Broken’s Ridiculous Luck

    Chapter 517: Chapter 517 - Broken¡¯s Ridiculous Luck


    ?


    So far, Broken had relied on the Wavebreaker Spear as his main weapon inbat. Its massive area-of-effect skills and passive abilities Oceanic Blessing made it a powerful tool in battle. Additionally, the spear skills from his Super Novice ss allowed him to both block and attack efficiently with minimal Mana use, making it his go-to weapon for direct confrontations.


    The Moonvine Knuckles, on the other hand, could function almost autonomously. By summoning Dendros, Broken could let the spirit wield the knuckles for up to 15 minutes- plenty of time to finish most battles. This made the knuckles a solid secondary weapon that worked well alongside the spear.


    Next was the Bedrock Breaker, a unique pickaxe with two massive area-of-effect attacks. Broken typically used this weapon to open fights, delivering devastating damage torge groups of enemies. It was more situational, but when used right, it could clear the field in an instant.


    The Gravestone Greatsword was a unique weapon with a special ability to reduce the durability of enemies'' equipment. It was especially useful in prolonged battles where Broken could steadily weaken his opponents, punishing them over time. This tactic allowed him to deliver not just a physical defeat but also a psychological blow, as their prized weapons crumbled under pressure.


    He had employed this strategy effectively against the Champion of Gluttony from... Horde of Hell? By using the Gravestone Greatsword, Broken had caused the champion''s cherished weapon to break mid-battle. It wasn''t just the defeat that was satisfying-seeing his enemy''s favorite weapon destroyed added an extrayer of victory, making it all the more devastating for his opponent.


    Lastly, there was the Bow of Artemis. Although Broken wasn''t focused on rangedbat, the bow came with two powerful area skills-Sniper''s Focus and Explosive Arrow-that allowed him to deal significant damage when needed. Still, Broken preferred close-rangebat, so the bow was more of a situational tool.


    Next in his arsenal were two new additions: The Scorchyer Sword and Abyssbreaker Greatsword, both of which he acquired during his expedition to Hell.


    The Scorchyer was a remarkable weapon, dealing both physical and fire elemental damage. It had a versatile skill set, great for both single-target and area-of-effect attacks. One of its standout abilities was Scorching Fury, which activated when the wielder''s health dropped below 35%. The sword engulfed its wielder in mes, boosting attack speed by 60% and adding 250% to both Physical Attack and Fire Element Magic Damage with each strike. Additionally, it reflected 30% of iing damage as Fire Damage.


    This made The Scorchyer a devastating weapon, but he intended to reserve it for special asions, especially when operating under his Void Reaper identity. This dual-life approach allowed him to unleash the sword''s wild and brutal potential without tarnishing his reputation as the Baron of Slumdon.


    Then there was the Abyssbreaker Greatsword, a monstrous weapon with powerful crowd control abilities and massive area damage. Its shadow element granted the wielder the ability to break free from crowd control effects, making it invaluable inrge-scale battles. Despite its immense potential, Broken hadn''t yet fully tapped into everything this greatsword could offer. It remained a weapon of immense promise, one that required further mastery to unleash its true power.


    Both weapons were incredibly powerful, but they demanded a certain level of precision and timing, which made Broken cautious about when to use them.


    [Spend 3 Enchanting Stones to Upgrade The Scorchyer to +1?]


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading The Scorchyer to +1.]


    "The first +3 is a 90% sess rate, so you won''t have much trouble with it," Fokilmented.


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading The Scorchyer to +3.]


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading Abyssbreaker to +3.]


    "Good... Anyone can manage that with their eyes closed, kid. But the next stages? Not so easy. Failing once or twice is normal."


    Broken nodded, focusing as he began upgrading the weapons in sequence.


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading The Scorchyer to +6.]


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading Abyssbreaker to +6.]


    Much to Fokil''s surprise, Broken managed to upgrade both weapons without a single failure. Now, the weapons emitted a faint, bright blue aura.


    "Beginner''s luck, I guess," Fokil muttered.


    Ivana giggled softly, amused by Fokil''s remark. Broken, as usual, just smiled and kept moving forward.


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading The Scorchyer to +7.]


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading The Scorchyer to +8.]


    [You have failed in your attempt to enchant The Scorchyer, and its upgrade level has dropped to +7.]


    "Damn..." Broken muttered, frustrated by the setback.


    Fokil gave him a faint smile. "That''s perfectly normal, kid. Don''t be discouraged. Keep


    going."


    Ivana chuckled softly. "You seem rather cheerful, Mr. Fokil."


    Fokil shrugged. "I''m just trying to be encouraging. Failing is part of the process."


    [You have failed in your attempt to enchant The Scorchyer, and its upgrade level has dropped to +6.]


    "Damn it!"


    Ivana watched tensely, knowing how valuable The Scorchyer was.


    "It''s a legendary-grade weapon," Fokil reminded him. "The chances of sess are less than five percent, even with all nine high-quality enchanting stones you used."


    Broken took a deep breath and pressed forward once more.


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading The Scorchyer to +9.]


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading Abyssbreaker to +9.]


    He finally seeded, the weapons glowing with a stronger, more intense aura. Broken let out


    a relieved sigh, and even Fokil''s usual gruff expression softened.


    "Damn... you only used those few enchanting stones to upgrade your two weapons to +9,"


    Fokil remarked, shaking his head.


    "Do you think that''s a good result, Mr. Fokil?" Ivana asked, curious.


    "I really don''t know how to answer that anymore."


    Broken raised his sword high, admiring the changes. The Scorchyer, once cloaked in a solid dark aura with a hint of fire, now had a cool dark blue glow around it, making it look even more powerful. He smiled broadly, taking in the sight.


    "You''re satisfied too quickly, kid."


    Broken grinned. "This is the first time I''ve had a +9 sword, sir. Let me enjoy this for a


    moment."


    Ivana giggled at their exchange.


    "Alright, let''s move on to the next stage."


    "From +9 to +18, you''ll need Blessed Stones, and a lot of them."


    Broken nodded. "I think I''ll try with the bow first."


    Without wasting time, Broken began upgrading the Bow of Artemis with the Blessed Stones. After numerous attempts, with both failures and sesses, he finally achieved what he was


    aiming for.


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading The Bow of Artemis to +12.]


    Broken felt a wave of satisfaction as the bow shimmered with new power.


    "With the upgrade to +12, the attack power of your weapons'' stats will increase by about


    30%," Fokil exined.


    "That''s an impressive improvement!" Ivana responded.


    "Exactly! That''s why equipment upgrading is crucial," Fokil replied.


    Broken felt a deep sense of satisfaction as he gazed at his Bow of Artemis, glowing with its


    faint yellow aura. This bow was a gift from Freya, and while its grade was Epic, far behind some of his other Legendary weapons, it held great sentimental value. It had been the highest-grade weapon he owned at the start of his journey.


    He wondered if he could use the Item Grade Enhancer Ticket to upgrade the bow''s grade, elevating it to match his more powerful gear. But for now, he decided to save that thought forter, for a time when he might truly need it.


    Another option was soul engraving the bow, a process that would allow it to grow with him, ensuring it could still hold its own alongside his increasingly powerful weapons. Fokil, however, shook his head. "I get your enthusiasm, kid. But doing all the upgrades in one


    go isn''t wise. Many people have burned through all their resources by rushing and failing. It''s better to take it slow, be patient, and make sure each piece of equipment gets properly


    upgraded."


    Broken nodded, understanding the advice but still eager to push his luck. "Can I just try it one


    more time?" he asked.


    Without waiting too long, he proceeded:


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading The Scorchyer to +12.]


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading Abyssbreaker to +12.]


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe to +12.]


    Fokil massaged his forehead in frustration, "Damn..." as he walked away, clearly needing an/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    break from witnessing Broken''s ridiculous luck.


    Ivana pped her hands excitedly. "Congrattions, Broken! +12 is really impressive!." "Thanks! But I''m not done yet. I want to get all of them to +18 right away," he dered. "Let


    me keep going."


    [(Legendary) +15 Wavebreaker Spear]


    [(Legendary) +12 The Moonvine Knuckles - Guardian Treant Lv. 210 (Growth Type)]


    [(Legendary) +12 Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe]


    [(Legendary) +12 The Scorchyer]


    [(Legendary) +12 Abyssbreaker]


    [(Epic) +12 The Bow of Artemis] [(Unique) +12 Gravestone Greatsword]

 Chapter 518: Chapter 518 - I want that +18 right away!

    Chapter 518: Chapter 518 - I want that +18 right away!


    ?


    Broken ced his weapons in a row, admiring the thin yellow aura that now surrounded them.


    He took the Moonvine Knuckles - Guardian Treant Lv. 210 (Growth Type) and grabbed six more Blessed Stones, ready for another upgrade.


    The sound of a hammer striking echoed through the smithy, followed by a small explosion as the aura around the knuckles grew stronger.


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading The Moonvine Knuckles - Guardian Treant Lv. 210 (Growth Type) to +13.]


    "Yes!" Broken eximed.


    Ivana pped softly. "You can do it, Broken."


    Suddenly, a notification appeared.


    [Congrats! You have achieved many sessful weapon enchantments in a short time, and your Luck Stat has increased by a whopping 20 points!]


    "Woah..." Broken was stunned as he saw his Luck stat jump to 55.


    Damn, he thought, imagining how powerful this would make him. His confidence surged-he felt like his streak of sess was far from over.


    "I think luck is still on my side," he dered.


    He continued the enchanting process, and once again, sess followed.


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading The Moonvine Knuckles - Guardian Treant Lv. 210 (Growth Type) to +15.]


    Broken took a deep breath, his enthusiasm burning bright. "Just three more upgrades, and it''ll be +18," he said, his eyes gleaming with excitement.


    "But wouldn''t it be better to postpone it and wait a while, like Mr. Fokil said, Broken?" Ivana gently reminded him.


    Broken paused, his hands trembling with excitement. "I''m trying, Ivana... but I really want to push forward. I want to use all the Blessed Stones at once, just go all out!"


    However, things didn''t go as nned. After several attempts, the results were disappointing. Failed. Failed. Failed.


    Broken had tried, only to end up failing three in a row. He sighed deeply, his face showing the weight of his disappointment.


    "I think Mr. Fokil was right."


    Ivana offered a soft smile. "You can try again another time."


    Broken nodded slowly. "Yeah... and now I''ve used up all my Blessed Stones. I need to find more Steel Bars to make some recements."


    He stood up, carefully cing his weapons back into his inventory.


    He stepped out of the smithy, Ivana following close behind. As they walked down the busy streets, Broken absentmindedly shadowboxed, practicing his Muay Thai movements with his knuckles, which now gleamed with their +15 upgrade.


    Ivana raised an eyebrow, wrinkling her eyes in disbelief. "You''re not trying to show off your new +15 upgrade, are you, Broken?"


    "No," Broken replied nonchntly. "Just practicing my martial arts."


    "But..." she continued, ncing around at the curious onlookers, "do you have to do it here, on the street, when there are so many people around?"


    "Why not? Makes the practice more fun," he replied, throwing a yful jab into the air.


    As Broken walked down the street, more and more people began to notice the Legendary Knuckles he was carrying.


    "Isn''t that the Legendary Knuckles?" one yer muttered.


    "Yeah... Damn, it''s already +15?"


    "I thought the higher the grade, the harder it is to upgrade?"


    "Yes, and he must''ve spent a fortune to get it that high."


    "Woah... I want those knuckles. A Legendary-grade and +15? If I had that, I could probably retirefortably!"


    "Damn, I hate to admit it, but those knuckles are so beautiful."


    Some yers even took things further, approaching Broken directly.


    "Broken, that''s so cool!"


    Another yer leaned in closer. "These are amazing... so beautiful. Hey, can I get punched by those knuckles? Just once?"


    Broken nced at the overly eager yer, who shed him a suspicious smile. Without missing a beat, Broken quickened his pace, trying to avoid any more bizarre requests.


    Ivana, walking beside him, smiled to herself as she watched everyone''s admiration for his weapon.


    "This is the first time I''ve seen you keep your weapon out for so long instead of putting it back in your inventory, Broken," Ivana remarked quietly.


    "I just want to admire its beauty a little longer," Broken replied casually, still enjoying the sight of his newly upgraded knuckles.


    From a distance, they spotted a girl with blonde hair in two ponytails running toward them. It was Melliandra,ughing and chasing after Polly.


    "Polly... Come y with me again!" Melliandra called out, her voice full of cheer.


    Polly, however, immediately jumped into Broken''s arms, seeking refuge. Melliandra stopped in front of them, her eyes catching sight of the knuckles. Her gaze lingered for a moment before she burst outughing in her typical teasing manner.


    "Woah... is that a +15 upgrade? Ha ha ha..." she chuckled mockingly. "So, you must be t


    broke after getting that to +15, huh? Did you sell your kidney to afford it? Hahaha!"


    Broken smirked at her teasing, not letting it get to him.


    "Look... that''s Melliandra," one of the onlookers whispered. "What could the members of the


    Ass Guild be doing here?"


    "Who knows, maybe they''re gearing up for another battle?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Wow... Melliandra''s so cute!"


    "Hey, knock it off. She''s only fifteen!"


    "Ivana''s gorgeous too, though," another observer added.


    "It looks like something interesting is going down in this little town."


    "Yeah, could a big event being soon? We should let the others know and get them to


    Slumdon Town, just in case," someone else suggested eagerly.


    The crowd continued to murmur in excitement as they watched the group, specting about


    what might happen next.


    Melliandra continued teasing. "That''s so cute... a +15 upgrade is adorable!"


    She then pulled out her sniper rifle, which shimmered with a golden aura. "This is an +18 sniper rifle. Now this is what''s cool! Ha ha ha!" Her loudughter echoed through the streets.


    "Wow..." people around them murmured in awe. "I can''t imagine how much money she spent


    on a +18 weapon."


    "They really are a bunch of rich yers."


    Ignoring the attention, Broken turned away, unfazed by Melliandra''s showmanship. "I don''t care," he muttered, continuing down the street.


    Melliandra, clearly irritated, called out after him, "Hey, you pervert! Don''t ignore me!" She huffed. "Let me y with Polly!" she demanded, running after him.


    Broken reached out to Freya to confirm that the items he''d ordered were on their way.


    [Freya: "Don''t worry, Mr. Incredible. I''ve sent plenty of iron and steel bars to Deadbay, along with a good supply of Enchanting Stones and Blessed Stones. You should thank Danko for discovering those mining fields for you."]


    The next day, Broken wasser-focused on his task, barely acknowledging Fokil when the cksmith tried to speak with him.


    "What''s going on with him?" Fokil asked Ivana, who had just arrived with food.


    "Huh?" Ivana said slowly, ncing at Broken. "I think he''s as determined as ever. He wants it


    so badly, and he''s been working so hard for it."


    Fokil clicked his tongue, shaking his head. "He''s still a child in some ways. He can''t just force his way into something better. He needs to be told, Ivana-he won''t get anywhere by just pushing himself. It takes patience, one step at a time."


    Fokil walked away, leaving Ivana with her thoughts.


    By early morning, three dayster, after what seemed like endless nights of relentless work,


    Broken had finally crafted over 1,000 Blessed Stones, boosted by the shipment from Freya. He


    stood there, tired but satisfied, his face a blend of exhaustion and triumph.


    Fokil and Ivana approached him just as hepleted his final stone.


    "I want that +18 right away!" Broken dered confidently.

 Chapter 519: Chapter 519 - A Three-Hour Flight

    Chapter 519: Chapter 519 - A Three-Hour Flight


    ?


    Fokil and Ivana quickly gathered around Broken, ready to support and watch as he prepared


    for another round of Equipment Enchantment. He confidently pulled out his weapons, cing them side by side. This time, he focused solely on three:


    [(Legendary) +15 Wavebreaker Spear]


    [(Legendary) +15 The Moonvine Knuckles - Guardian Treant Lv. 210 (Growth Type)]


    [(Epic) +12 The Bow of Artemis]


    With the Wavebreaker Spear and Moonvine Knuckles safely at +15, Broken had a bit more confidence. At that level, he wouldn''t risk the upgrades dropping if things went wrong. The Bow of Artemis, though only Epic-grade, was his backup n¡ªjust in case he had to keep pushing for +18 but ended up failing on the Legendary items.


    "How confident are you about getting them to +18, kid?"


    Broken raised his head and met their eyes. "I just have to keep trying, over and over, until I seed. Isn''t that how everyone does it?" He grinned. "Persistence is key."


    "You''re right... and also wrong. But go for it!"


    "Ganbatte, Broken!" Ivana cheered.


    Broken immediately began the upgrade process, starting with his Bow of Artemis.


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading The Bow of Artemis to +13.]


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading The Bow of Artemis to +14.]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    [You have failed in your attempt to upgrade The Bow of Artemis, and as a result, its upgrade level has dropped to +12.]


    Unfortunately, every time he got close to a breakthrough, the upgrades would fail, setting him back. He began to sweat, frustration creeping in.


    "It felt easier yesterday..."


    "That''s normal, kid. Upgrading a high-grade weapon is never easy. You just have to keep at it."


    Broken nodded slowly, gathering his focus before continuing.


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading The Bow of Artemis to +17.]


    Ivana pped softly. "That''s incredible, Broken...!"


    Fokil swallowed hard, wiping his brow. "That went too smoothly. But don''t get too greedy- you could drop back to +15 if you push too hard."


    Broken looked at both of them, considering Fokil''s advice.


    "My suggestion," Fokil continued, "is to hold at +17 for now and test your luck on the other weapons. Experiment a bit before pushing further."


    Broken nodded, turning his attention back to his work. There was still much to do, and he needed to approach it carefully.


    After exhausting all his Blessed Stones and enduring countless attempts, Broken finally achieved the results he had been aiming for, even if it wasn''t the optimal oue he had hoped for:


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading The Wavebreaker Spear to +16.]


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading The Moonvine Knuckles - Guardian Treant Lv. 210 (Growth Type) to +17.]


    [You have aplished a remarkable feat, being the first yer to sessfully enchant a Legendary Weapon up to +16. As a reward, you will be receiving 20 Stat Points.]


    [You have done the impossible! You are the first yer to have sessfully enchanted a Legendary Weapon to +17, and for your aplishment, you will be rewarded with 20 Stat Points.]


    "Bow +17, Knuckle +17, and Spear +16," Broken said, exhaling slowly. "In addition," he added with a wide smile, "I umted a total of 40 Stat Points."


    "Cool," Fokil responded. "This is already quite extraordinary. I doubt anyone else has managed what you''ve just done. Getting a Legendary-grade weapon to +17 is an incredible feat. And you still have time and resources to make even more attempts."


    "Thanks, sir," Broken replied. For now, he could savor this moment, knowing he had achieved something truly remarkable.


    "+16 will increase the stats by around 53%, and +17 boosts them to about 57%," Fokil exined.


    "Wow... that''s such a huge improvement!" Ivana said.


    Broken nced over his weapons, inspecting the final results. The Wavebreaker Spear, Moonvine Knuckles, and Bow of Artemis all gleamed with their upgraded auras, and their enhanced stats were nothing short of impressive. Despite not reaching the optimal goal he had set for himself, seeing them all powered up to this level brought a sense of satisfaction.


    [+16 Wavebreaker Spear]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Attack Power: 1638-1802


    Stamina +151


    Constitution +226


    Strength +151]


    [..]


    [+17 The Moonvine Knuckles - Guardian Treant Lv. 210 (Growth Type)]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Attack Power: 841-924


    Attack power +31% Under the Moon


    Agility +345)


    [..]


    [+17 The Bow of Artemis]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Attack Power: 408-471


    uracy +31


    Attack Speed +15


    Movement Speed +23]


    The stats had truly increased drastically, especially for the Moonvine Knuckles, which now boasted an Attack Power +31% Under the Moon. It was a remarkable boost, almost absurd in


    its potency.


    "The stats... they''re incredible," Broken muttered.


    "That''s why everyone chases the highest upgrades they can get," Fokil said. "Even if the cost


    is steep."


    All the weapons in front of Broken shimmered with a golden aura, though the +17 weapons glowed with a more intense, richer hue than the +16.


    He stood up and picked up his knuckles, which had a green base color now elegantly adorned with that golden glow. Holding them, he could still feel his hands trembling, his heart pounding from the adrenaline of the upgrade process. It wasn''t the optimal oue he had hoped for, but it was more than enough to give his performance a significant boost for now.


    "These are so beautiful..."


    "Cool... Now take your time, kid. Take a break. I''m tired of seeing you stuck in this ce for so long."


    Broken nodded. "Thanks, sir."


    He strapped the Bow of Artemis onto his back and slipped on the Moonvine Knuckles. Then, with Ivana following behind him, he exited the smithy.


    "Broken..." Ivana called softly, watching him walk ahead. "I''m sure you just want to practice using your weapons and your martial arts, right?"


    "Yes, I just want to see how the aura of this weapon looks under the sun," he said casually.


    The people on the streets of Deadbay City couldn''t help but stare in shock as Broken walked


    by, his weapons glinting under the sunlight.


    "Damn! Are my eyes deceiving me? Those are Legendary Weapons, and that bow... they''ve


    been upgraded so highly!"


    "How high do you think the upgrade is? +18?"


    "No way," someone else chimed in. "Judging by the aura, they''re probably +17 or +16. Still,


    that''s insane."


    "Isn''t he afraid someone will try to hunt him down just to steal those weapons? Damn,


    walking around with them out like that... he''s so arrogant."


    "I don''t think anyone would dare hunt him down. He''s friends with the Ass Guild, after all."


    "Yeah, and he''s strong too. I''ve heard stories."


    "Really? I''ve never actually seen him fight."


    Melliandra approached from a distance, with Kingsley following close behind. The moment she spotted Broken, she quickened her pace, running over to him.


    "Hey, pervert!" she called out. "What are you doing, walking around unting your weapons


    like that? Are you trying to show off?"


    "Melliandra?" Broken greeted her casually, unfazed. "Good morning to everyone here..." He then gave Kingsley a friendly nod. "Have a wonderful day, Kingsley." Without missing a beat,


    The continued to walk away.


    "Hey, that''s not +18, right? I''m sure it''s not +18!" Melliandra shouted, chasing after him.


    "I''m certain those weapons are +18 grade, Mel," Kingsley said calmly. "Just look at the glow."


    Melliandra frowned, clearly unconvinced. "I''m almost positive they''re only +15! And I seriously doubt he has enough money to upgrade all those weapons to +18!"


    "I''m sure he has the money."


    Melliandra scowled. "Don''t tell me you used the money we contributed to you to upgrade


    your weapons, you pervert!"


    "Didn''t he just win a prize from apetition recently, Mel?"


    "That''s not enough! +18 for just one weapon costs a fortune, let alone two!" she retorted.


    **


    Leon blinked open his eyes, the lingering feeling of spending the whole day on Immortal Legacy still fresh in his mind. Stepping out of his room, he found Freya and Lily sitting in the main room, their suitcases packed and ready to go.


    "Hey, Mr. Crazy Rich," Freya greeted him with a smirk. "I''ve got three ne tickets, and we''re leaving in two hours." She paused, watching for Leon''s reaction before continuing. "It''s only about a three-hour flight to get there. To the hospital where Maylock''s wife is


    being treated."


    Leon nodded, taking in the information. "Give me ten minutes," he said. "I''ll be ready."


    Thest time Broken was in Deadbay City, he still hadn''t seen Maylock log back in, which left him feeling uneasy. As nned, he and Freya decided they would visit Maylock in person, hoping to offer some much-needed moral support.


    Plus, this would be the first time Leon would meet a member of the Ass Guild in real life, aside from Charmelyn, who he''d already known from before.

 Chapter 520: Chapter 520 - Faery Forest Guardians

    Chapter 520: Chapter 520 - Faery Forest Guardians


    ?


    Morel, the Faery Knight Commander, stood before the cage where ine, their Tribe Leader, was imprisoned, her hands bound tightly together. She lifted her head to meet his gaze, her eyes burning with defiance.


    "Morel!" she shouted. "I order you to release me right now! You''ve overstepped your authority-let me handle this!"


    Her voice was firm, her eyes sharp, a far cry from the usual gentle expression she wore. "Release me now, or I will not hold back my fury!"


    Morel calmly opened the barred door and stepped inside, causing ine to take a step back.


    "My Lady... we are still in a dire situation," he began. "I assure you, this is a matter of utmost urgency. The humans have escaped, and I''m certain they will return to massacre us. That is how grave the situation is. The tribe is in serious danger."


    ine''s eyes narrowed. "I will make the decision. Let me bear the responsibility for this tribe!"


    "No," Morel said, his voice resolute. "I cannot let you take the lead. In this state, you might transform into your Eternal me form, and that could put us all in jeopardy. It''s not an easy choice for me, but I am doing what I believe is necessary."


    He knelt before her. "My Lady, I know there wille a time when I must act, and I believe that time has arrived. May I summon those who will fight to defend us?"


    ine''s eyes shed with anger. "What are you saying? We will not resort to such measures! Especially if you intend to attack the humans. The ruler of Dissidia Kingdom has done so much for us-do not forget that!"


    Morel took out a small, golden cup and held it up, letting ine see it clearly.


    "What are you nning to do? Don''t take this too far," she warned, her voice tense. "You''ve already gone beyond what is eptable."


    Ignoring her, Morel produced a knife and, with a swift motion, shed ine''s wrist, catching the blood that dripped into the golden cup.


    "Morel!" ine shouted, her voice sharp with rm. "I''m warning you. You must not do this. You must not bring great harm to humans!" She struggled against her bonds, trying to pull away and stop the bleeding, but it was toote-Morel had already gathered what he needed.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "My Lady..." Morel said softly, watching her with a calm yet determined expression. "I don''t want everything you''ve worked so hard for to be in vain. I also can''t bear to see our tribe fall victim to this situation."


    "You''ve crossed a line. You havemitted a great deal of sin, and I will see to it that you are punished for it with my own hands."


    "You can decide my punishment after this is all over, my Lady. I will ept whatever consequences you see fit. Even if it costs me my life, my only goal is to save this tribe. That is what I intend to do, even if it''s thest thing I do."


    With that, Morel stepped out of the cage and closed the door behind him, locking her inside once more.


    "Morel!!!" ine screamed, her voice echoing off the walls. "I''m warning you, stop all of this right now! Don''t do it! Morel!"


    But Morel did not turn back. He simply walked away, leaving ine behind, her pleas unanswered.


    Some timeter, Morel and the rest of the Knights stood in a vast, abandonedndscape that resembled ancient ruins. The area was heavily wooded, with towering trees casting shadows across the ground. In front of them stood three statues, each depicting a creature with a nt-like, bestial form: a massive standing gori, a human-like figure with the head of a crow, and a tall, slender monkey draped in a mage''s robe.


    Nearby, Cedric and Cecilia were being held by another Knight, their hands tightly bound and their mouths gagged. The two struggled against their restraints, but it was clear they were overpowered and unable to break free.


    Morel stepped forward, holding the golden cup filled with ine''s blood. Without hesitation, he flung its contents toward the statues. As the blood sshed across their stone surfaces, a magic formation instantly manifested around them. The lines of the formation stretched out across the ground, connecting to the bases of the statues, and a low hum echoed through the forest.


    "I, Morel, Knight Commander of the Moonlight Fae," he proimed, "do hereby dere that I am assuming leadership of this Tribe. In ordance with my new duties, I summon the Moonlight Guardians to rise and fulfill their duties! I demand that you avenge this Tribe and punish those who have dared to threaten its very existence!"


    Cedric and Cecilia''s eyes widened with horror. They struggled desperately, Cedric trying to wrestle his way free from the Knight''s grip. In a moment of sheer determination, he managed to break loose, but before he could do anything, one of the Knights drove a boot into his stomach, sending him sprawling onto the ground.


    "Cedric!" Cecilia screamed, having managed to free the gag from her mouth. Her voice was filled with desperation, but despite her cries, she was still tightly restrained, her body unable to move as she watched helplessly.


    The earth beneath them began to tremble, sending ripples through the ground. The statues crackled with light, the once-still figures now flickering as if infused with energy. The magic formation pulsed, brightening with each passing moment.


    Cracks spread across the statues, starting at their bases and crawling upward like creeping vines. Small fragments began to fall away, revealing hints of glowing eyes and shimmering patterns underneath. The vines and grass around the statues started to move, coiling and twisting as if they were waking from a long slumber.


    The massive gori statue was the first to stir. Its eyes glowed, and with a groan, it took a step forward, shedding chunks of stone that fell to the ground with heavy thuds.


    [Epic - Faery Defender Forest Guardian Lv. 260]


    Next, the human-like creature with the crow''s head came to life, its beak opening slightly, emitting a strange, resonant croak that seemed to echo unnaturally. Feathers of ckened, leafy texture fluttered as it shook off the stone remnants, and the air around it grew cold, mist gathering at its feet.


    [Epic - Faery Spellweaver Forest Guardian Lv. 253]


    Lastly, the slender monkey figure shuddered, its robed form glowing with faint light. Its hands, once locked in a motionless pose, now began to move, conjuring patterns in the air. The grass beneath it twisted, forming intricate symbols as a faint breeze swept through the area, carrying the scent of magic.


    [Epic - Faery Shaman Forest Guardian Lv. 275]


    Morel''s lips curled into a satisfied smile as he watched the three Faery Forest Guardians fully awaken, now standing before him. He and all the other knights around him bowed deeply, a


    gesture of respect.


    "We all wee the awakening of the Faery Forest Guardians," Morel dered. "We have a great request for the three of you."


    While the Faery Knights wore expressions of eager anticipation, the same couldn''t be said for Cedric and Cecilia. Their faces showed growing horror and panic, a clear sign that something disastrous was about to unfold.

 Chapter 521 - First-class Seats

    Chapter 521 - First-ss Seats


    "Who are you?" The Defender Guardian, the gori-like figure, bellowed in a bold, resounding voice that echoed across the ruins. "Why have you awakened us from our slumber?!"


    "It''s me, Morel," Morel replied firmly. "I bring grave news for the tribe. This is ourst effort to avoid extinction. We have only one request¡ªwe need your assistance to destroy everything in your path."


    The Defender Guardian let out a deafening roar, shaking the ground beneath them. "Why should we follow your orders? You are nothing, not even the Tribe Leader!" Morel raised his hand, revealing a ring with a sparkling green stone. "I don''t think I need to exin why I have this ring, do I?"


    The Defender Guardian roared again, louder this time. "You are cunning! You have defied the orders of your Tribe Leader! A great curse wille upon you for this betrayal."


    A smirk yed on Morel''s lips. "A great curse has gued this tribe for hundreds of years already," he said confidently. "I''m not afraid of any curse. I''m willing to die for the actions I''ve taken. Everything I''m doing is to protect this tribe from extinction."


    The knights behind him shifted uneasily, and one of them spoke up. "But, Sir Morel... wasn''t it said that Lady ine lost the ring a long time ago?"


    Another knight said, "So it was you who took the ring all along?!"


    Morel turned to them. "My Lady ine is too kind-hearted. She would never summon the Faery Guardians, not even in times of crisis. So I made sure this ring was put to use for the right purpose." The knights fell silent once more after hearing Morel''s firm voice. He then turned back to the three guardians. "I may not be the Tribe Leader, but I have the authority tomand you. And with your strength, we will crush those who threaten our existence."


    The Defender Guardian''s eyes burned even brighter. "You dare speak of purpose and strength while defying your leader''s orders?" it thundered. "Very well. We shall obey¡ªfor now. But know this, Morel, betrayer of your own kin: should you fail, the curse you fear will pale inparison to the wrath you will face."


    Morel''s smile remained steady. "I understand," he said. "As long as this tribe is protected, I will bear any consequences."


    ROARRR!


    The Forest Guardians bellowed in fury, shaking the forest with their rage.


    "Kek! This world is developing at a painfully slow pace," said the Shaman Defender, who took the form of a monkey and wore a mage''s robe.


    "What do you mean?" asked the SpellWeaver, the one with the crow''s head.


    "The average level of those around us is so low. Who dares to threaten the Moonlight Fae? Whoever it is, they will face a heavy punishment."


    Morel''s lips curled into a faint smile as he turned around and approached Cedric, pulling out a knife. The moment Cedric saw the de, panic washed over his face, and he tried to break free, struggling to escape.


    Morel''s eyes flicked to Cecilia, "Let her speak." He then gripped Cedric''s arm tightly.


    Instantly, Cecilia screamed, "Please, don''t do anything to Cedric! Please!" Her voice was filled with desperation. "Please, let Cedric go."


    Cedric tried to meet Cecilia''s eyes, as if he was about to say something, but his mouth was covered, silencing him.


    Without hesitation, Morel plunged the knife into Cedric''s shoulder, and a torrent of blood poured out. Yet, even as the pain surged through him, Cedric continued to shake his head furiously at Cecilia.


    "Cedric... No... don''t do it, please don''t," Cecilia cried out.


    "You have only one job, Cecilia," Morel said. "I''m sure you understand what it is."


    "Please, release Cedric, don''t hurt him, please don''t," Cecilia continued to beg, her eyes brimming with tears.


    Morel drove the knife into Cedric''s other shoulder, eliciting a fresh gush of blood.


    Cedric''s pain was evident¡ªhis eyes reddened, and his body trembled as he fought against the agony. But still, he shook his head violently at Cecilia, as if to say, Don''t do it. Don''t listen to him. Let me die, Cecilia. Don''t do it! But the words could not escape his lips.


    "I''ll do it, I''ll do it," Cecilia finally said.


    "Good girl," Morel replied, releasing Cedric, who slumped to the ground.


    As soon as Cecilia was freed, she immediately ran toward Cedric, but Morel caught her by the arm.


    "Please, let me check on Cedric," Cecilia pleaded.


    Cedric struggled to his feet, his body drenched in blood. "Let go of Cecilia, you traitor, Morel!" he shouted, but the other knights held him back.


    "Cedric, no... please, don''t hurt him," Cecilia begged, her voice trembling.


    "Cecilia!" Morel snapped. "You only need to do one thing, just one. Do your job properly, and I promise I''ll let both of you go free," he said.


    Cecilia was the only Faery among the group with a high affinity for the Ancient Dimensional Element, a rare power that allowed her to create long-distance portals linking one location to another. Although the Moonlight Fae themselves couldn''t use the portal due to being trapped in their realm within the Moonlight Land, the Faery Guardians could. If this portal was sessfully created, it would grant them the ability to send the Guardians and a massive army of monsters anywhere Morel wished. Cecilia slowly raised her hands, her movements heavy with reluctance.


    "Cecilia, don''t do it, Cecil¡­" Cedric began to shout, but he was silenced once more as his mouth was forcibly covered.


    Two of the Faery Knights moved closer to Cecilia, channeling their Mana to support her, ensuring the portal could handle arger capacity. They had been preparing for this, and this was meant to be a gateway capable of transporting an overwhelming force.


    A vortex of energy began to swirl and gradually expanded, growingrger andrger.


    Morel approached Cecilia, "Make sure the portal opens close enough to those pesky humans."


    Cecilia nodded slowly, and through the shimmering portal, the outline of a city wall and a small coastal town appeared in the distance.


    ***


    Leon, Freya, and Lily walked in line to board their ne, it was nighttime.


    "Lily, is this really your first time flying?" Freya asked, chuckling softly.


    "Yeah... Freya, how on earth could we have managed to buy ne tickets before? We were so poor," Lily replied.


    Once inside, they took their seats in the front row.


    "So, this is the most exclusive seat on the ne¡ªfirst ss!" Freya said, her tone bright and cheerful.


    The three of them settled in, each taking in their surroundings.


    "Wow... these first-ss seats must be so expensive, right? I mean, I know they are. How did we afford this? Did Leon pay for it?" Lily asked with enthusiasm.


    "Don''t worry," Freya responded, equally excited. "Your brother is quite wealthy now."


    "Is it really wise to spend your money on these tickets, Leon?" Lily asked.


    "I''m not the one who paid for it," Leon said.


    "Then who did?" Lily pressed.


    "I''m not sure either," Leon replied, ncing over at Freya. "Who was it?"


    "Goldrich," Freya answered with a yful giggle. "He''s a major shareholder in thepany that owns this airline. He arranged these flights for us."


    "Oh, my goodness... you''re sure making some cool friends these days, Leon," Lily said, amazed.


    As the ne took off, they continued to chat, enjoying the beginning of their journey.

 Chapter 522: Chapter 522 - These are Daddys friends

    Chapter 522: Chapter 522 - These are Daddy''s friends


    ?


    "We''ll be staying there for about three days," Freya said from Leon''s left, while Lily sat on Freya''s other side. "After visiting Maylock, we can use the time to go sightseeing and do some snorkeling around the inds," she added. "Yes, it''s close to the beach and some great tourist spots."


    "What''s with you always thinking about vacations?" Leon chuckled.


    Freya yfully tapped Leon''s hand. "As a manager, I''m just doing my best to optimize our time, you know. That way, we won''t miss out on anything-we can visit Maylock and also get a little bit of rxation in. Isn''t that right?"


    "Yeah... that sounds like a really good idea."


    After a moment, Leon spoke up again. "I heard from Elincia that she has a private jet with a Capsule Device installed on it."


    "That doesn''t surprise me. Elincia is always online, even though she''s so busy, and she knows how to make good use of her time."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Lily then asked, "Are you thinking of doing the same, Leon? Buying a private jet?"


    "No," Leon replied. "I don''t have that kind of money. I just want to experience using the Capsule Device while flying. It sounds like it would be an interesting experience."


    "Then why don''t you ask Elincia to take you for a flight on her private jet?" Freya suggested. "That way, you can easily try it out."


    "Isn''t flying on a private jet super expensive?" Lily asked.


    "Yes, it''s very expensive, about the same as a set of Unique-grade equipment, I think?" Freya said, giggling.


    "Woah..." Lily responded. "Wouldn''t I also share in the privilege of his friends? Can I really enjoy this without any consequences?"


    "You''re his sister. As long as you don''t have a husband of your own, you can still take advantage of him, right?" Freya said with a lightugh.


    "I don''t want to take advantage of Leon... I want to earn my own money, Freya," Lily replied.


    "You''re smart, Lily," Leon said. "You don''t need to worry about that."


    "And you''re beautiful too," Freya added. "Soon, you''ll have a hard time turning down all the men chasing after you."


    "I haven''t really thought about that yet; I''m still so young!"


    "Why not? Your brother already has plenty of potential wives," Freya teased.


    "But that''s just in the game. Outside of the game, you might be the only potential candidate I know for him right now," Lily answered.


    "Oh, surely you know I''m of exceptional quality, Lily," Freya said with a yful grin.


    "Yes, you''re beautiful, smart, and loyal to him, right?"


    "Don''t tell me you''re blushing because we''re talking about this, Leon?" Freya teased, poking him in the side.


    Leon sighed, amused by their conversation. "I''m just thinking about what I want to do with everything I have in the game," he said, grinning.


    Several hourster, the nended, and they quickly hopped into a taxi, heading straight for the hospital where Maylock''s wife was being treated. As they neared the hospital and stepped out of the taxi, they spotted a man whose face was immediately familiar to them.


    It was a man with blonde hair and sses, looking to be in his thirties.


    "Leon?" the man said. It was clear this was Maylock, as they shared the same facial features and even the same hair color. The only difference was that here, he wasn''t wearing sunsses.


    "And you''re Maylon?" Leon replied.


    Maylon and Leon had already been in contact over the phone before this meeting, so they were familiar with each other''s names.


    Maylon chuckled softly. "Haha, wee," he said as he stepped forward and embraced Leon. "Thanks foring."


    They then turned to face each other. "How was the flight?"


    "The best flight I''ve ever had in my life."


    "Is that because it was your first time flying?" Maylon chuckled.


    "You seem to know more than you should, huh?" Leon said.


    Maylon then turned to the others. "Hi, Freya..."


    "Hi, nice to meet you."


    "And this is Lily, Leon''s sister," Lily introduced herself.


    "Hi, Lily..." Maylon said, studying her for a moment. "I think I''ve seen you in the game."


    Sssshhh, Lily subtly signaled to him. "No, that''s not me."


    Leon nced over at Lily. Had Maylon seen her in the game? Leon still had no idea what role Lily yed there.


    Maylon then led them inside the hospital and to the room where his wife was being treated, though they could only see her through the ss window.


    Freya asked quietly, "So, she has cancer?"


    Maylon nodded slowly and began to exin her condition, detailing the ups and downs she had been through.


    Leon listened in silence, nodding gently as he absorbed the story. It was a stark contrast to the strong, strategic, and resilient image of Maylock they were used to seeing in the game. Here, in the real world, they were faced with a different side of him-the reality of his wife''s


    suffering.


    "She was getting better before," he said, his voice low. "But recently, her condition started to decline."


    A heavy silence fell over the group, each of them quietly trying to grasp the depth of his


    sadness.


    Not long after, a five-year-old girl approached with her babysitter by her side.


    "Daddy..." the girl called softly.


    Maylon crouched down with a warm smile. "Hey, Maylene, these are Daddy''s friends."


    Maylene nced shyly at Leon and the others. Lily waved and said, "Hi... My name is Lily."


    "I''m Maylene," the little girl replied.


    They made their way to the hospital caf¨¦, walking at a rxed pace. Lily sat beside Maylene, and the two quickly formed a bond, chatting and giggling softly. Meanwhile, Leon, Freya, and Maylon took seats close together.


    Soon, their orders arrived, and they sipped coffee, letting the warmth of the drink ease the tension of the night as they continued to talk.


    Maylon began tentatively, "So, uh... about the Moonlight Fae..."


    But Leon quickly cut in, "Let''s not worry about that right now. You have your wife to focus on, and we can sort everything outter."


    Freya nodded in agreement.


    "Let me summarize everything, and I''ll send the details to youter," Maylon said.


    Just then, their attention was caught by therge television in the corner of the caf¨¦. The


    screen was disying a live broadcast.


    "It looks like something big is happening in Immortal Legacy," they all eximed.


    "Is it a monster horde attack? An emergency event? Oh, I want to log in right now!" someone


    nearby said.


    Leon and the others turned to look at the screen.


    "Is that Deadbay?" Leon muttered, his expression suddenly tense.

 Chapter 523: Chapter 523 - The Sirens of Deadbay

    Chapter 523: Chapter 523 - The Sirens of Deadbay


    ?


    Ivana and the three Knights were hunting in the forest near Deadbay when Anna suddenly spotted a Wild Boar in the distance.


    "Monsters! Let''s go, kill them all! Ha ha ha!" she shouted, immediately charging forward.


    Karl called out after her, "Anna, don''t be too reckless! Pay attention to your surroundings!" But it was toote. Another monster had already appeared from a different direction and charged at Anna. She managed to parry the attack, but the power behind it was overwhelming, forcing her back slightly. The boar''s level, over 200, was clearly higher than theirs.


    Karl quickly ran over, his momentum perfect as he cast a skill, swinging his sword with great force and delivering a deep wound to the monster. The beast staggered backward, weakened. An arrow shower rained down from the sky, piercing the ground around them.


    Anna regained her footing, spinning her greatsword in a wide arc, drawing the attention of two more monsters at once. Karl maneuvered skillfully, taking advantage of the opening and finishing off the remaining threats.


    They dealt with the monsters rtively easily, but before they could catch their breath, Yann spotted more enemies approaching from another direction.


    Without hesitation, he released an arrow, slowing the oing group of five monsters. "Stay sharp! More monsters areing!" Yann shouted, his voice urgent.


    Meanwhile, Ivana was seen sprinting from a distance, carrying her massive new shield-sorge it was nearly the size of her own body. She moved with incredible speed, hurling the shield toward the monsters. The shield spun through the air, smashing into every monster in its path.


    Ivana suddenly appeared right where the shieldnded, catching it effortlessly. With swift, fluid motions, she mmed the shield into one of the monsters, then darted with surprising agility, despite the shield''s size, and mmed it into another.


    The other knights stared in disbelief, their mouths agape.


    Ivana continued, mming the shield in all directions, forcing the monsters to retreat. She then charged forward, delivering a final, devastating blow with her shield, finishing off the monsters in a matter of seconds!


    "Oh,e on, Ms. Ivana..." Anna protested, a yful pout on her lips. "Wasn''t it my turn to kill those monsters?"


    Ivana''s expression was tense as she replied, "I think we need to head back to town, and soon."


    Anna frowned, confused. "Why? We''ve only been hunting for a few hours. Shouldn''t we hunt until night?"


    "No," Ivana said firmly. "I have a feeling Deadbay is in danger. We need to head back."


    Karl nodded in agreement. "Let''s go back."


    With that, Ivana took the lead, and the others quickly followed.


    Anna, still puzzled, tried to press further. "What danger? Aren''t there a lot of adventurers in the city? And the Knights of Deadbay? There''s Lady Elincia, Lady Melliandra, and Lord Kingsley... are we really needed there?"


    Karl cut in sharply, "Stopining, Anna, and do as Ms. Ivana says."


    Anna giggled. "I''m just asking..." she said, but she picked up her pace and followed without further protest.


    ***


    A loud siren red through the control room of Golden Age Company, prompting Marco, the CEO who almost never left his office, to sprint down the hall and burst into the room. "What''s the emergency?" he asked, his face a mix of panic and urgency. This was no ordinary rm¡ªit signaled a high-level crisis, and knowing that alone was enough to set everyone on edge.


    "Morel, the Knight Commander of the Moonlight Fae, has ordered the Faery Guardians tounch an attack on Deadbay City," one of the staff reported.


    They all turned their attention to the screen, where a massive horde of monsters could be seen, hundreds-no, even over a thousand-charging in the same direction.


    "Arthur!" Marco shouted. Arge screen on one side of the room lit up, disying a unique pixel-like graphic, and a voice responded.


    "I''m here, Marco." It was Arthur, the AI responsible for monitoring developments in Immortal Legacy.


    "What is the projected damage from this attack? What are the chances of Deadbay City surviving?"


    "Analyzing the current situation," Arthur AI began. "The chances of Deadbay City surviving this attack are currently at 3%."


    Marco''s face tightened as Arthur continued, breaking down the dire situation.


    "First, the city is mainly popted by low-level or new yers. Theyck the skills and high- level gear necessary to defend against the monsters.


    "Second, there''s little to no major guild presence. The only activity detectedes from a few scattered members of the Ass Guild, but their numbers are too small to make a real


    difference.


    "Third, we have a handful of Special NPCs active in the area, but theirbat abilities aren''t enough to sway the oue.


    "Lastly, several high-level yers who could make a difference are stuck under Time


    Penalties. They can''t log in to help."


    Arthur paused, then delivered the grim conclusion. "Without immediate and significant reinforcements, Deadbay City is expected to fall."


    Marco''s expression shifted to shock as he processed the news. He immediately turned to his employee.


    "We need to issue an Emergency Quest," he said. "Send it to all yers near Deadbay City, instructing them toe to its defense. Do it immediately!"


    "Yes, sir," the employee responded.


    "And make sure this announcement reaches all yers who are currently logged out," Marco continued, his tone insistent. "If their characters are near Deadbay City, they need to log in and help defend it right away."


    He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "There are numerous critical quests taking ce in Deadbay City. If it falls, a lot of major plotlines will be disrupted, and the Dissidia Kingdom will be in serious danger. Now, what''s the status of Elincia, Maylock, Broken, Melliandra, and the other top yers around the city?"


    "Broken and Elincia are currently under Time Penalty, sir," the employee replied. "And Maylock hasn''t logged in for several days. ording to what we''ve heard, it''s because his wife is in the hospital, so he likely won''t be able to join the game."


    Marco''s expression grew more serious. "We need to take action," he said firmly. "In a


    situation like this, we really need someone like Maylock. I have to think of a way to resolve


    this."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "But sir, there is one top guild near Deadbay, though I''m not sure if they''ll be able to get closer in time."


    "What guild?" Marco asked, his tone urgent.


    "Sexy Killers."


    "They''ve got Lust Champion with them. Contact them immediately and reach out to anyone who can assist us in this situation," Marco ordered.


    The room was in a state of controlled chaos, with everyone working frantically to analyze all possible scenarios. Notifications and emergency quests were quickly issued to yers through multiple channels: in-game alerts, emails, official announcements from thepany, and even a live broadcast nned to rally more yers toe to Deadbay''s aid. After some time, Marco spoke again. "There is only one way to solve this problem." Everyone turned to him, their eyes filled with concern. They all knew how critical the situation was, and they understood the weight of the risks they were about to take on.


    "We need those with the greatest potential to help defend Deadbay," Marco continued, "and


    to do that, we must lift the Time Penalty rule for yers."


    His words immediately created a wave of tension throughout the room.


    "We need to call an emergency meeting with allpany stakeholders," he said firmly. "I''m going to address this issue right now."

 Chapter 524: Chapter 524 - Monsters at the Gate, Votes on the Line

    Chapter 524: Chapter 524 - Monsters at the Gate, Votes on the Line


    ?


    A raucous re of horns echoed through the streets of Deadbay City, sending waves of panic across the crowd. People frantically scrambled, searching for shelter as the ground trembled beneath their feet, hinting at the approach of hundreds of monsters from the distance.


    Everyone seemed to be in a state of chaos.


    "There''s a huge attack, a massive disastering!"


    "We''re all going to die, run! Find shelter!"


    "No, we can''t run. There''s nowhere to escape!"


    "What the hell is going on here?" some yers shouted, bewildered.


    "It''s an emergency event, a big one. We''ll get huge rewards!"


    "Well then, call everyone-tell them to get online. I know we''re going to need all the help we can get."


    "But the monsters... their levels look really high. I''m worried we won''t be able to handle them," another yer said.


    Melliandra and Kingsley stood on the fortress, their eyes fixed on the approaching horde of creatures. Some were human-sized, while others towered five to ten timesrger.


    "Damn, what is that? Is this an emergency event?" Melliandra said.


    "I think we need to stop those monsters from reaching the city, Mel."


    "No matter how much I want to gain experience from killing them, I don''t think we can take them all out. This is insane," Melliandra continued. "I''m not built for area attacks; we need Elincia here, damn it. This is so stupid, the game developer haspletely lost their minds. Are they seriously trying to destroy the city with this many monsters?"


    "If those monsters break through the fortress, the entire city could be wiped out."


    "And I''m sure that will be the oue of this stupid event!"


    "I''m going to the front lines, and you handle them from a distance, Mel, like we usually do. We''ll hold out until the others arrive."


    "This is insane! Your damage isn''t enough to handle that many monsters, Kingsley! We need Elincia!" Melliandra snapped.


    "But Elincia is still under a time penalty. That''s why we have to hold them off for as long as we can," Kingsley insisted.


    "Stupid, this is so annoying. Why the hell do I have to be stuck in this city right now? This is all that idiot Broken''s fault! Ugh, damn it!" Melliandra growled.


    The Knights and troops of Deadbay City quickly moved to their designated posts. Long-range fighters positioned themselves atop the fortress, while the close-range fighters lined up in formation outside, ready to meet the oing threat head-on.


    "Those knights and troops won''tst long," Melliandra muttered.


    Meanwhile, waves of yers streamed out from the city gates, eager to join the Emergency Event. Their shouts fill the air.


    "Let''s go! We''re gonna get so much experience!!!" they yelled.


    "Let''s y as many monsters as we can. I love this kind of event!" They cheered.


    "Those poor, clueless yers are going to get themselves killed so fast," Melliandra remarked coldly. "Don''t they realize how powerful those monsters are? Their levels are pathetic-disgustingly low. Honestly, I''d be doing them a favor by killing those brainless idiots myself before they get torn apart by the monsters."


    Max and Tora were in Deadbay City when the incident unfolded, and they quickly broadcasted it live on their YouTube channel. The broadcast was picked up by global televisionworks, spreading the news far and wide.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Well, everyone, we''re here for you, bringing live coverage of this super, super, super unexpected emergency event happening right now in Deadbay City of the Dissidia Kingdom," Tora began.


    "It looks like there are hundreds of monsters heading this way, and their average level is extremely high," Max added, her tone serious.


    The two of them were stationed at a fortress a safe distance away, providing a clear view of Deadbay''s troops preparing for the oing attack.


    "This is unbelievable!" Tora eximed. "This is one of the biggest events to ever happen in Immortal Legacy, and we''re capturing it all on camera. It''s a rare moment, folks!"


    "I urge anyone near Deadbay to log into the game right now and help defend the city!" Max called out.


    "The CEO of Golden Age Company has dered an emergency, and I''m sure there will be great rewards if you manage to stop this massive attack," Tora added, leaning closer to the camera


    with a grin.


    The inte quickly buzzed with a flurry ofments as news of the major event spread like wildfire.


    "Wow, I wish I could be there!"


    "I''d love to participate, but why does it have to be held in the Dissidia Kingdom?"


    "The game developer is really giving Dissidia special treatment. Why are all the cool events happening there?"


    "Well... I''m close to Deadbay, so I''m gonna log in and join the event. See ya!"


    "I''m sure Deadbay won''t be the same after this. The number of monsters is just too massive."


    "Deadbay is a small town full of newbies. Is it really fair to subject them to such a huge monster attack?"


    "This game is getting too chaotic. I grew up in Deadbay. I don''t want to see it get destroyed." "The game developer doesn''t seem to have a handle on this game anymore. It''s turning into a big mess."


    "Yup, this attack should''ve been aimed at the capital. The battle would have been way more exciting there, with all the powerful guilds around."


    **


    "Why must we lift the Time Penalty Rule?" someone shouted during the Emergency Meeting of Golden Age Company, held online.


    The faces of the participants appeared on screens in therge conference room, with Marco seated alone, visibly tense.


    "The reasons you''ve provided are not adequate justifications for this decision, Marco!"


    "This is the result of a series of events that have brought us to this critical point," Marco said


    gravely.


    He continued. "There are numerous major quest triggers stored in Deadbay City, and if we don''t act quickly, the city will be destroyed. Losing Deadbay would mean missing out on significant moments and crucial information tied to the game''s past. I believe we''re facing an


    urgent crisis."


    "If the city was so important, why didn''t you station more experienced yers there?" someone interjected.


    "I don''t think now is the time to debate what should or shouldn''t have been done," another


    voice cut in.


    "But we can''t just lift the rule. Many parties will feel disadvantaged if we do," one person


    remarked.


    "We only need to lift it for today, during this special event," others chimed in.


    "I''ve been against this rule from the start. We should at least reduce the Penalty Time. Eight


    hours is just too long."


    "This decision will impact many aspects of the game; we need to weigh all potential oues and consult with stakeholders," added another.


    "Will temporarily lifting the Penalty Time be enough to save Deadbay?"


    Marco responded, "Currently, the chance of the city''s survival is only three percent. But if we


    allow yers to log in, even those under penalty, that chance could rise to ten percent."


    "Damn, even ten percent is still too low! Did the AI not make a more thorough prediction? How did ite to this?"


    "We''re running out of time. We have toe to a decision now, and we need to do it by voting," someone replied, pushing for urgency.


    "So everyone cast your vote."


    "Yes!"


    "No!"


    "No!"


    "Yes!"


    The voices echoed through the screens as the stakeholders cast their votes.

 Chapter 525: Chapter 525 - Kingsley and Melliandra Lead the Charge

    Chapter 525: Chapter 525 - Kingsley and Melliandra Lead the Charge


    ?


    Leon clenched his fists as he watched the news about the events unfolding in Deadbay City. Freya gently asked, "Leon, are you currently under Time Penalty?"


    Leon nodded, a sigh escaping his lips. "Yes... but Fokil, Ivana, and the knights are there. I can''t just stand by and let the city be destroyed..."


    Maylon spoke up softly, "I will log in."


    Freya quickly interjected, "Maylon, I''m sure your wife needs you more right now, don''t you think?"


    Maylon hesitated for a moment before replying, "But Elincia and the others also need me."


    Leon slowly nodded, understanding the inner conflict Maylon was grappling with. It had to be an incredibly difficult situation for him. Maylon was deeplymitted to the Ass Guild, but at the same time, he was also a husband and father. His wife was in critical condition, and his daughter needed him now more than ever with her mother unable to be there for her.


    Just then, Maylon''s phone rang. He answered it, and after a brief conversation, he said, "I need to go. Let me know if you need anything here. If you require any capsule devices, I''ll make sure to provide them."


    Leon nodded again, this time with a reassuring smile. "We don''t want to impose on you. Just focus on your wife."


    Maylon then walked over to Maylene and lifted the five-year-old girl into his arms. "Thanks foring by."


    "Bye, everyone..." Maylene waved.


    "Bye, Maylene!" Lily replied enthusiastically, waving back with a bright smile.


    After Maylon had walked away, Freya shook her head slowly. "No matter how brilliant Maylon is, he''s still just a regr person dealing with his own struggles."


    Leon nodded quietly. "Yes, and I''m sure this situation is incredibly tough for him. He feels responsible, both for his wife and the guild."


    "I can understand that, but I think he should prioritize his wife, don''t you?" Freya said softly. "Yes, that should be his priority," Leon agreed. But even as he said it, he knew the dire situation in Deadbay meant that any help, no matter how small, would be desperately needed. "Freya. You can log in, can''t you?"


    "Yes, but I''m not in Deadbay, dumbass."


    Freya pulled out her cell phone and started scrolling through her messages.


    "I just got word from Golden Age that they''re trying to make an important decision about whether to lift the Time Penalty restriction and allow yers to log in."


    "So, they really do see this as a crucial issue. But where can we find capsule devices to ess the game? Is there any Game Center nearby?"


    Freya paused, thinking it over. "Wait..." she began. "There are a lot of game centers around here, but none of them are open 24 hours. They all close at 10 PM because of local regtions. But... I think I might have an idea to work around this."


    "I guess we came at the wrong time," Leon said quietly. "I just hope Maylon won''t be overwhelmed by all this news."


    He sighed, then continued, "I need to be more disciplined with my time in the game to avoid this kind of situation in the future. Damn, I got too caught up in upgrading my weapons, and it ate up all my y time."


    He knew he wouldn''t be able to log in because they were visiting Maylon, and his next chance would onlye after the reset. So he''d spent all his online time that day before their trip, anticipating this.


    "Why don''t you go online and check things out, Freya?" Lily said softly, echoing Leon''s earlier suggestion. "I mean, just to make sure everything''s okay?"


    "I can''t, Lily," Freya replied, shaking her head. "My character is in Slumdon because I''ve been handling all his responsibilities there... And even if I were in Deadbay, I wouldn''t be able to help. I''m useless when ites tobat."


    **


    Hundreds of monsters were rapidly advancing, while thousands of yers stood ready, bracing themselves for the imminent battle.


    "Everyone is ready!" Max shouted. "I''m sure they''ll give it everything they''ve got!"


    "Oh, you can just feel the excitement in the air," Tora added. "If only I were as brave as they are, I''d be right there on the front lines too."


    "But, Tora, what do you think the oue of this battle will be?" Max asked. "Do you think they''ll be able to hold off the monster attack?"


    Tora paused, then smiled. "Seeing their enthusiasm, I''m sure they can pull through. After all, in times like this, all we can do is hope for the best, right?"


    A roar of cheers erupted from the yers as they surged forward, charging toward the


    monsters in unison.


    "Let''s attack them!"


    "Take out those monsters!"


    "Yohoho, I''m gonna level up like crazy!"


    "I''m gonna get a super rare drop!"


    But then, the ground beneath the yers began to tremble violently, and countless vines suddenly burst from the earth. The vines spread rapidly across the battlefield, snaring and tripping up most of the advancing yers.


    Before they could regain their footing, thousands of deep red flowers sprouted, and in an instant, they bloomed, detonating in multiple areas.


    Explosions rippled across the field, one after another, reducing hundreds of yers to pixels that disappeared from sight in a sh.


    "Damn! I can''t believe it!" Max eximed. "Hundreds of yers, gone just like that?"


    "I''m sure there are still many high-level yers left," Tora said, trying to sound hopeful. "We still have a chance."


    Meanwhile, the inte was buzzing with reactions as viewersmented on the unfolding


    chaos.


    "What a bunch of idiots, those low-level yers!"


    "I wasughing so hard watching hundreds of those fools get wiped out before the fight even


    began!"


    "But if the number of yers keeps dropping, will anyone be able to stand against those


    monsters?"


    "I''m sure the low-level yers won''t be much help anyway."


    "Will the remaining yers really be able to take on so many monsters?"


    "Who cares? I just want to see an epic battle!"


    "So, who are the high-level yers still there?"


    "I''m not sure, but I heard there were members of the Ass Guild. The only ones I recognized were Kingsley and Melliandra."


    Melliandra, perched atop a sleek ck panther, leaped off and sprinted toward the battlefield. Kingsley, still in his panther form, followed close behind. As the two of them charged ahead, the cameras quickly zoomed in, making them the center of attention, with countless pairs of eyes fixed on their every move.


    Melliandra spun around, her expression fierce, and shouted, "You foolish yers! Do you not know what to do when faced with monsters like these? Watch and learn!" She gestured to the camera, signaling that she was ready to show them how it''s done.


    She thrust her sniper rifle into the ground, took aim, and fired a shot that streaked across the battlefield.


    A tremendous explosion followed, shaking the ground and sending a shockwave through the air. The st obliterated a huge swath of monsters, leaving nothing but a trail of destruction. Melliandra had managed to take out arge number of monsters in a single, devastating blow. "See?!" Melliandra shouted, ncing back at the camera with a smirk. "Take that into yourn/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    thick skulls!"


    Kingsley then dashed onto the battlefield, and as he got closer, he transformed into a massive ck bear. With a powerful roar, he mmed his body into the horde, crushing the monsters beneath his weight, and used his massive ws to tear them apart.


    Kingsley''s loud roar echoed across the battlefield, instantly boosting the morale of the


    yers around him.


    "Attack!"


    "Destroy them!"


    "Rake in as many experience points as you can!"

 Chapter 526: Chapter 526 - The Bear, The Sniper, and The Storm

    Chapter 526: Chapter 526 - The Bear, The Sniper, and The Storm


    ?


    Kingsley, in his massive bear form, charged wildly into the battlefield, his roar echoing across the chaos. His huge paws mmed down with immense force, crushing a monster into the ground before flinging it far into the distance.


    Roar!!!


    He moved with savage fury, as if he were the true monster on the battlefield. He struck with speed, kicking and scooping up monsters from the ground, then hurling them into the air!


    A beast, nearly asrge as Kingsley, charged at him with a deafening roar. Without hesitation, Kingsley barreled forward, colliding with the creature head-on. The impact was brutal,


    sending the beast crashing into a cluster of smaller monsters.


    While Kingsley''s normal height was already an imposing 215 cm (7''1"), in his full bear form, he towered at 549 cm (18''), nearly three times his usual size. He was an unstoppable force, barreling across the battlefield, leaving yers staring up in awe as he trampled everything in


    his path.


    However, despite his immense size and power, Kingsley''s focus in this form was pure defense. He didn''t deal the most lethal damage, but that''s where the brilliance of hisbination with Melliandra came into y.


    High above, Melliandra stood on a floating tform, well beyond the monsters'' reach. Perched with her sniper rifle, she provided lethal support. Every few seconds, the air was pierced by the thunderous crack of her shots, followed by explosions around the massive Kingsley. Each shot delivered devastating damage to the monsters surrounding him, softening them up for Kingsley''s rampage.


    Kingsley, charged through the battlefield, he stomped, kicked, and crushed monsters, his immense ws tearing through any that came too close. Alone, he stormed the center of the fight, fearless and unyielding.


    This was Kingsley''s renowned reputation in action-a veteran tanker from the Ass Guild who could charge into the heart of any battle, standing tall and unstoppable, unshaken by even the fiercest of enemies.


    After Melliandra and Kingsley had joined the fray, the battle seemed to take a turn for the better. Yet, despite their efforts, most of the yers were still falling in battle. More and more brave warriors perished, and the full strength of their enemies had yet to be unleashed.


    "Tora, can you see those monsters that seem to be themanders there?"


    "Yes, I see them. A gori, a crow-headed creature, and some kind of strange mage? They''re all high-level, and it looks like they''re just... waiting for something?"


    "Does that mean this massive battle hasn''t even reached its climax yet?" Max questioned. "They''re still idle, not making any moves. And I''m sure the waves of monsters are still increasing."


    "I''m certain Melliandra has taken down a lot of those monsters, but the situation remains unchanged. It''s only the low-level monsters that are being defeated," Tora continued.


    "Oh, we really need a miracle here!" Max eximed.


    The floating camera in the air zoomed in on Kingsley''s rampage across the battlefield. But it became clear that the number of monsters surrounding him was overwhelming-many leaped onto his massive form, clinging to him in an attempt to bring him down.


    Sensing the shift in momentum, Kingsley quickly transformed back into his sleek panther form. He darted and weaved with agility, slipping through the gaps between the monsters to find a better position.


    Another massive explosion echoed nearby as Melliandra unleashed another barrage, expertly targeting the creatures surrounding Kingsley.


    Melliandra''s aim was wless, covering Kingsley''s blind spots and taking down the monsters that clung to him. Their teamwork was impable, the kind forged through countless battles. It was as if they were in perfect sync, each knowing exactly how toplement the other''s strengths and weaknesses.


    The heroic disy by Melliandra and Kingsley only fueled the yers on the battlefield, inspiring them to fight even harder.


    However! However! The sheer number of monsters was overwhelming! They needed massive area damage to deal with the endless waves!


    "Where are the other yers?!"


    "We need help!"


    "This ispletely out of our control!"


    Tora said, "Oh Max, I didn''t start this broadcast to witness the destruction of Deadbay. I don''t know if there''s any hope left."


    Max replied, "We''re still tracking the movement of yers heading this way, Tora. We''ve got to hold on to every bit of hope we can!"


    At that moment, the sky suddenly darkened as clouds swirled rapidly, and the rumble of thunder echoed from all directions. Almost all the yers looked up at the sky, trying to figure out where the sudden lightning hade from.


    Tora turned to Max and asked, "Are you thinking what I''m thinking, Max?!"


    "Absolutely!"


    They pointed to a single spot in the sky, and the camera zoomed in on a woman in a tight blue outfit hovering above the battlefield. Her body was surrounded by crackling blue lightning, exploding and surging around her.


    "It''s Elincia!" They said in unison.


    Her arrival was met with wild cheers and a surge of enthusiasm that swept across the battlefield.


    "Elincia... She''s here!"


    Massive thunderps roared through the sky, like the beating of war drums. Over and over, lightning crackled across the heavens, dozens of bolts streaking down and striking the battlefield at random.


    With each deafening explosion, chaos erupted. The lightning bolts crashed into the monsters, sending them flying, burning, and tearing them apart. This was the massive area damage everyone had desperately needed!


    The yers, emboldened by the devastation, charged forward with renewed brutality. The reinforcements they had been waiting for had finally arrived.


    "The Guild Master of The Ass Guild is here!!!"


    "Attack!!"


    "We''re not alone!" they shouted, their spirits soaring.


    [Melliandra: "Aren''t you in Time Penalty, Elincia?"]


    [Elincia: "Almost! I only have a few more minutes left. Hopefully, I can get something done


    during this short time."]


    [Goldrich: "Oh ho ho... I really wish I could be in Deadbay at this moment."]


    [Jovina: "What about Broken? Can he really not make it?"]


    [Elincia: "I guess so. Maylock said he''s visiting him right now."]


    [Melliandra: "Damn, if you only have a few minutes, what can you even do, Elincia? That''s so


    useless."]


    [Elincia: "We can only hope the Golden Age gets it right this time. This massive monster


    attack is insane!"]


    Elincia hovered in the air, her eyes glowing with crackling blue electricity. Her body moved swiftly, arms raised as if she were leading a grand orchestra in the midst of the battlefield.


    "Feel the power of my greatest area magic-Storm of Eternity!"


    The rumbling thunder and crashing lightning weren''t just symbols of destruction for their enemies, but the very soundtrack of the battle-a reminder to everyone that the fight was far


    from over.


    The yers knew they had to see this war through, to secure victory for Deadbay and everyone involved in this massive conflict.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Below, Kingsley let out a powerful roar, his massive bear form once again tearing through the battlefield as lightning bolts exploded around him. His enormous ws gripped monsters in both hands, crushing them effortlessly, while Elincia hovered just behind him, conducting the chaos like a maestro of destruction in this symphony of war.


    Melliandra, too, floated in the air, her sniper rifle locked onto targets. With brutal precision, she took out enemies one by one.

 Chapter 527: Chapter 527 - Melliandra’s Misfire

    Chapter 527: Chapter 527 - Melliandra¡¯s Misfire


    ?


    The force of Elincia''s lightning shook the ground, and yers felt a surge of electricity run through their bodies. Some shielded their eyes from the blinding intensity, struggling to tear their gaze away from the sheer spectacle of the storm.


    Dozens of blue lightning bolts crackled across the sky, converging in the center of the battlefield. A massive explosion followed, a brilliant sh of light and a deafening boom that sent shockwaves through the ground.


    "I''ve never seen a spell that powerful before!"


    "She''s absolutely divine! No wonder she''s the Guild Master of the Ass Guild. No one elsepares when she''s around."


    "How did she get so strong?"


    "Money?"


    "I know a lot of wealthy yers, but none of them can influence a battle like this."


    "I know plenty of rich people, but there''s only one Elincia!"


    [Elincia: "There are three of the Guardians here! I need to take down at least one before I''m logged out!"]


    [Melliandra: "I''ve been trying to snipe them from a distance, but those stupid beasts aren''t even acknowledging me! Damn it!"]


    [Elincia: "Goldrich, are you finished with the analysis? What took you so long?"]


    [Goldrich: "Come on, this should be Maylock''s job. Please, have some mercy on this old man."]


    [Jovina: "Shut up, old man! Give us the analysis, now!"]


    Goldrich, Jovina, Charmelyn, Starfall, and Skywarden were still in Slumdon Town, gathered in the meeting room at the House of Slumdon. In front of them, a floating screen disyed the unfolding war scenes from Deadbay City.


    Goldrich began, "So... There are three Guardians on their side-the Gori, the Monkey, and the Crow. The Gori is a close-range physical fighter, the Crow is a mage, and the Monkey is a debuffer and support."


    He continued, "The Gori is a powerhouse with high physical defense and strong magical resistance. It''s incredibly strong, but it moves slower than the others. It''s basically a bulldozer in battle, smashing through everything and barely flinching from the damage it takes."


    "And its level is 260," he added. "It''s going to take a lot of time and effort to bring it down. For now, we should focus on keeping it upied. Let Kingsley engage it in a prolonged battle, but he''ll need someone to support and heal him to help himst longer."


    "Oh man," Jovina groaned. "This is going to be a serious challenge."


    Goldrich nodded and shifted to the next target. "In contrast, the Crow is the weakest in terms of level, at 253. However, it deals the most magical damage in the battle. Its Magic Shield is thick, but it can be broken with sustained physical attacks. Melliandra can focus on attacking the Crow from a distance, while Kingsley keeps the Gori from getting too close. We need to bnce both threats."


    Goldrich continued, "Now, as for Elincia... I believe you can take on the Monkey in a one-on- one duel. It''s equipped with every crowd control and debuff spell a mage could wish for, but I''m confident you can at least weaken it. All we can do now is hope the higher-ups at Golden Age Company make the right call."


    Jovina rolled her eyes and shot back, "That''s so basic, old man! Give it some more depth, like Maylock used to do."


    "Damn it, I''m a person who relies on data, not gut feelings like Maylock! Give me more time!"


    "You''re so useless even though you''re old."


    "What''s that supposed to mean? What does age have to do with analysis?"


    "You''ve had more time to learn, haven''t you?"


    Goldrich huffed. "I have plenty of experience and knowledge to make sound decisions. That''s more than enough!"


    Melliandra immediately shifted her focus to the Crow Guardian. Her projectiles shot through the air, colliding with a powerful explosion around the Guardian. However, it quickly became clear that the magical shield surrounding the Crow remainedpletely unaffected. Seeing that it was being attacked from a distance, the Crow Guardian turned its attention elsewhere. The beast opened its beak wide, releasing a piercing screech. Vines burst from the ground, spreading rapidly across the battlefield, slowing everyone''s movements. Explosions followed, wreaking havoc among the yers.


    "Damn it, Goldrich! That stupid old man! Why isn''t my attack working? I used my most expensive projectile! Damn it!" Melliandra shouted in frustration.


    She then noticed a group of yers nearby, who were busy filming her. Rage red within her, and in an instant, she turned her rifle on them.


    "Who gave you permission to film me, you pathetic, broke yers?!"


    "Oh, Melliandra, we just wanted to capture your cool moves!"


    "Shut up!" Melliandra growled, firing her rifle at them in anger.


    "Oh no! Please forgive us, Ms. Melliandra!" they cried, their bodies vanishing as they were hit. Suddenly, Melliandra found herself under attack. The nearby yers were targeting her unintentionally, as her name had now turned red due to the yer killing she hadmitted. "Ah, damn it, I forgot!" she muttered angrily. "Don''t attack me, you idiots!"


    "We can''t help it. You''re gged now. You should be the one to leave, or you''ll keep getting hit by other yers'' attacks," they replied.


    In arge-scale battle like this, several friendly fire settings can be adjusted within the game. These settings allow yers to target only opponents, anyone outside their guild, or even enable friendly fire within their own guild. The feature is sophisticated enough to auto- adjust, though manual settings are also possible.


    However, once a yermits a yer Kill, their name turns red, making them fair game for anyone to attack. This also disables the safety of the friendly fire feature. Melliandra, now furious, sprinted toward the stronghold as her health bar continued to drop from the attacks of nearby yers.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!" she cursed loudly. "I don''t care anymore!"


    [Elincia: "Melliandra! If this city is destroyed, Broken might be disappointed and won''t want to be friends with us anymore. And you won''t get to be friends with Polly either."]


    [Melliandra: "Shut up, Elincia! I want to help, but not for that reason! Just watch, and I''ll show you how powerful I am!"]


    [Jovina: "Look at this stupid chibi, in the middle of a war and she goes andmits yer kill, hahaha!"]


    [Melliandra: "Shut up, Jovina, you jerk! Come to me and fight instead of hiding behind group


    chat!"]


    [Jovina: "Oh, you''ll be dead before I arrive, taken down by low-level yers, hahaha!"] [Elincia: "Mel, take cover and stick to your role from a safe spot!"]


    [Jovina: "She won''t. She''ll just lose it every time someone identally hits her, haha!"]


    The Slender Monkey jabbed its Magic Staff into the ground and then began to leap wildly in a strange dance. From the tip of the staff, a barrage of fast-moving, torpedo-like magic spheres shot out, all aimed at Elincia, who hovered in the air.


    Elincia quickly tried to dodge, flying desperately to escape the relentless barrage.


    "Damn it!" she cursed, as several of the magic spheres mmed into her.


    Though Elincia was capable of dealing massive damage, her defenses were weak, a consequence of her focus on pure damage. The Monkey Guardian''s attacks could prove fatal if


    they continued to target her.


    "If I keep getting hit like this, I won''t be able to deal any damage!" she muttered in


    frustration.

 Chapter 528: Chapter 528 - Kingsley vs. The Gorilla

    Chapter 528: Chapter 528 - Kingsley vs. The Gori


    ?


    Elincia swiftly dodged the iing magic attacks, her body wrapped in a crackling blue aura as she maneuvered through the air with incredible agility. She dove low, weaving between monsters as the magic spheres chasing her fizzled out and crashed into the ground behind her.


    "Melliandra, can you please focus on attacking that monkey!" Elincia called out over the Guild channel.


    "Do you think I''m just fooling around here, Elincia?!" Melliandra shouted in frustration. "I''m doing my best, but its magical barriers are so thick! I''m getting really annoyed."


    "I''ll try to get closer to that monster and draw its attention," Kingsley offered.


    "No, Kingsley, your role is critical where you are. Stay on your post," Goldrich quickly responded.


    "Why aren''t those yers being more helpful?! So many of them have already died! This is ridiculous!" Melliandra grumbled.


    Elincia was struggling to make full use of her spells. Despite her immense magical power, her low Constitution made her vulnerable, and the relentless attacks were too much for her to handle while trying to cast her magical shields.


    "Their levels are too high, and my magical damage is heavily reduced because of their magic resistance."


    "Elincia, step back for a moment and recover," Goldrich advised.


    "Damn it, this is so stressful... but I really need to recover first," she sighed, reluctantly pulling back.


    Elincia attempted to retreat from the battle, and after several more attempts at casting her spells, a torrent of lightning bolts rained down from the sky, wreaking havoc upon the battlefield.


    Meanwhile, Kingsley, in his massive bear form, charged wildly through the chaos, his ws tearing deep into the ground with every m. He was preparing to confront the Gori Guardian head-on. This was going to be a brutal battle, but only Kingsley had the strength to hold on such a creature.


    "Several guilds with healers and support roles are close by to assist you, Kingsley," Goldrich said urgently. "Just make sure you don''t take fatal damage."


    With a roar, Kingsley charged at the Gori Guardian. The towering beast responded with a roar of its own, pounding its massive fists against its chest in a show of strength.


    The two giants stood nearly the same height, both roaring as they barreled toward each other, their enormous footfalls shaking the earth beneath them.


    Kingsley threw a powerful punch with his right paw, but the Gori Guardian ducked swiftly, ramming its body into Kingsley and knocking him slightly off bnce. Kingsley recovered quickly, retaliating with another fierce strike, and the two shed, trading blows in a fierce battle.


    The sheer intensity of the fight between these two colossal creatures drew the attention of everyone on the battlefield, as the ground quaked with every hit theynded. It was clear that this titanic duel was something no one could ignore.


    The Gori lunged at Kingsley, swinging its massive arms with wild force. Kingsley was thrown effortlessly, mming into the ground with a thunderous crash, hisrge body crushing several nearby monsters in the process.


    The Gori leaped again, aiming both massive fists at Kingsley. But in a split second, Kingsley transformed into his panther form, darting out of the way just in time. As he leaped into the air, his body shifted back into a massive bear, and with a tremendous impact, he mmed into the Gori, knocking it back slightly.


    Despite Kingsley''s relentless efforts, his attacks barely left a mark on the Gori Guardian, which seemed almost impervious to damage.


    "I can only hold this thing off," Kingsley muttered. "I don''t have enough power to deal any real damage."


    "You''ve done great, Kingsley," Elincia replied.


    "You sure are useless, Kingsley, haha," Jovina chimed in.


    "Shut up, bitch!" Melliandra snapped angrily.


    The Gori Guardian''s movements were sluggishpared to Kingsley, who deftly used his transformations to maneuver quickly through the battle. But one powerful blow from the Gori''s massive arms sent Kingsley flying violently to the ground. Without hesitation, the Gori leaped back, attacking wildly with both arms,nding several heavy strikes on Kingsley. This time, Kingsley couldn''t dodge in time and took the full brunt of the attack. In response, Kingsley quickly transformed again, shifting into the form of a massive hawk- This wingspan wide enough to seemingly lift even the enormous Gori Guardian. With powerful beats of his wings, Kingsley swooped upward and then dived sharply, his talons locking onto the Gori''s shoulders with a fierce grip. The Gori thrashed in resistance, but with each powerful p of Kingsley''s wings, the massive beast was slowly lifted off the ground.


    Suddenly, a massive explosion rang out from a distance, hitting the Gori square in the chest. The impact caused the Gori''s body to jolt violently as debris scattered from the st.


    In his hawk form, Kingsley let out a piercing screech and opened his beak wide. The Gori was nowpletely airborne, its massive arms iling in an attempt to strike back. But Kingsley, with sharp reflexes, kept shifting his grip from one talon to the other, dodging the Gori''s desperate attempts to grab hold of him.


    Suddenly, dozens of magic spheres shot toward Kingsley from the distance. The attack came so fast that Kingsley had no time to dodge. Forced to release the Gori Guardian, he dropped the massive creature to the ground.


    Kingsley was bombarded by the relentless barrage of magic spheres, and two massive explosions erupted-one from the impact on Kingsley, and the other from the Gori crashing to the ground.


    Kingsley was violently thrown to the ground, his massive body crashing hard into the dirt. He struggled to get up, shifting back into his human form, but something shocking happened- the Gori Guardian, seemingly unaffected by the earlier attacks, stood up again and charged straight at Kingsley.


    Just as the Gori was about tond a devastating punch, Kingsley shifted into his panther form, but it was toote. The Gori caught the panther with its massive left hand and


    mmed Kingsley into the ground with brutal force.


    The Gori prepared to strike again, but Kingsley quickly transformed into his massive bear form and threw a powerful punch at the beast. However, the Gori blocked the blow with its left hand, then swung its right fist, mming into Kingsley''s body with unstoppable power.


    This brutal exchange repeated, with the Gori overpowering Kingsley blow after blow. It was bing painfully clear-Kingsley was being overwhelmed, and the difference in their strength was bing more and more apparent.


    People watching the battle voiced their despair, stunned by the turn of events.


    "If even Kingsley can''t do anything against that monster, what chance do the other yers


    have?"


    "I don''t see even the slightest hope in this battle. Deadbay will be destroyed soon."


    "This is truly terrible. An attack of this magnitude, and even Elincia couldn''t do much!"


    "Elincia has done a lot! But they aren''t a full team. Without that, they can''t unleash their best


    potential."


    "I don''t think Kingsley willst much longer. He''ll die soon!"


    "If even one of the toughest tanks in the game struggles against that monster, there''s no


    hope left for us."


    "This isn''t a war-it''s a massacre!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Kingsley struggled to rise, he was clearly at a loss, as the Gori Guardian relentlessly


    pummeled him. His health bar was dropping fast.


    "I''m sorry, I can''t do this anymore," Kingsley said.


    "What are you talking about, Kingsley?!! You''re not that weak!!!" Melliandra shouted in frustration. "You can survive this! Why are you a tanker if you can''t even protect yourself? Go heal yourself! You can''t die, Kingsley! I need you to keep fighting!!!"


    "I was permanently stunned. I... can''t move!"


    Just as Kingsley braced himself for what seemed like the final blow, a loud scream and an


    earth-shaking roar echoed across the battlefield. Arge, ck object spun rapidly through the chaos, smashing into every monster in its path. The spinning force cut through the horde, sending shockwaves across the battlefield.


    The ck object hurtled toward the Gori Guardian, striking it with such brutal force that the massive beast was knocked off its feet. The impact shook the ground, and the Gori Guardian crashed into the earth with a thunderous boom.


    "What on Earth is that?"


    "Help ising? But who could it be?"


    "What is that?" Goldrich eximed.


    "A shield?" Jovina muttered softly.


    As the spinning object finally slowed, its form became clear-it was a massive ck shield. Momentster, a blonde-haired woman d in heavy armor appeared out of thin air.


    She caught the shield mid-flight. Then, with a graceful descent, shended on the ground, the shield clutched tightly in her hands.


    "Kingsley, am I toote?" Ivana asked, offering a calm smile to the massive bear.

 Chapter 529: Chapter 529 - The Shield Maiden’s Stand

    Chapter 529: Chapter 529 - The Shield Maiden¡¯s Stand


    ?


    Kingsley stood up and looked gratefully at Ivana. "Ms. Ivana, thanks for helping me out." Ivana stepped closer and cast a shield buff, surrounding Kingsley in a glowing silver aura. "This will reduce the damage you take by thirty percent and shorten the duration of any debuffs," she said with a smile.


    "You''re such an angel, Ms. Ivana," Kingsley replied.


    "Ivana?!" Elincia said in the guild channel. "Oh my goodness, I''ve never been so relieved to see her!"


    "What''s that?" Jovina muttered softly. "A new shield? That''s so cool."


    "Ah, one of the wife candidates has arrived! Khi khi khi," Goldrich chuckled.


    "How can you stillugh at a time like this, you fool!" Jovina snapped.


    "But now the real question is," Goldrich continued with a smirk, "who will be Broken''s first wife? Ivana or Princess Alora? Who do you think is more suitable?"


    Jovina smacked Goldrich on the head. "This is not the time for that kind of discussion, you moron!"


    "But..." Jovina added, "I''d rather see Broken marry them both at once. That''d be way more fun, hahaha."


    "Khi khi khi... I can already imagine what his first night will be like!"


    Jovinaughed. "But isn''t Broken also dating Freya in the real world?"


    "I''m sure Freya will understand," Goldrich said, chuckling. "After all, in the game, the breeding is just fantasy. But Broken can do the real thing outside the game, wouldn''t that be fun?"


    Melliandra shouted at them, "You''re all so stupid! Don''t you realize there are minors listening here!!!"


    The moment Kingsley was nearly defeated had caught the attention of everyone. But with Ivana''s arrival, hope was reignited across the battlefield. Her powerful strikes were enough to push the Gori Guardian back, though it was clear that the battle had only just entered a new phase.


    Ivana raised her left hand, and a massive golden magic formation appeared in the sky. It expanded rapidly, spreading like a giant glowing te that covered the entire battlefield. For a moment, it seemed as though the very sky had been overtaken by the radiant formation.


    Then, golden droplets began to fall, raining down gently over the battlefield. As each drop touched the yers below, a warm glow enveloped them.


    Goldrich cursed loudly, "Damn! It''s a massive defensive spell!"


    Skywarden, who had been silent for some time, mmed his fist onto the table. "This is outrageous! How can an NPC have such an overpowered defensive spell?!"


    Goldrich added, shocked, "That''s an ancient spell! A high-tier one!"


    Skywarden, still in disbelief, eximed, "Damn! Who is this girl, really?!"


    All the yers on the battlefield were astonished as their bodies became enveloped in a shimmering golden aura. Upon inspecting their stats, they discovered their Defense had increased by 25%, along with a Protective Shield equal to 20% of their total Health.


    "Damn, what kind of spell is this?! This is too incredible."


    "This skill... it affected all of us! I''ve never seen anything like it before."


    "Ivana cast the spell! She''se to save us!" someone shouted.


    "Ivana... I love you!" another yer eximed.


    Tora turned to Max. "Can you believe it? We both got the same buff. Have you ever seen something like this before?"


    "No, Tora," Max replied, equally in awe. "This is absolutely incredible. I''ve met Ivana before, but I never imagined she was this powerful."


    "Can any yer possess the same level of extraordinary prowess as Ivana?" someone on the inte asked.


    "I''m not sure. This spell has a massive area of influence and is incredibly potent. It could turn the tide of the war."


    "I didn''t know Ivana was that powerful."


    "Who is that girl, anyway? Isn''t she somehow connected to Broken?"


    "From what I''ve heard, she used to just sell food in Deadbay City."


    "Are you serious? Does she have any special lore or something extraordinary in her background?"


    "She''s just an ordinary girl, the daughter of a miner."


    The Gori Guardian stood up once more, its colossal body towering over the battlefield. With


    a thunderous m of its fists into the ground, the earth erupted, sending dirt flying in alln/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    directions.


    "Kingsley, I will help distract him," Ivana said.


    "Thanks, Ms. Ivana," Kingsley replied.


    Ivana muttered quietly to herself, "Mr. Fokil mentioned that most monsters have weak spots, either on their chest or head. Let''s aim for the head first."


    Gripping her shield tightly, her teeth clenched in determination, Ivana hurled the shield with all her strength. It spun rapidly through the air, almost leaving an imprint as it sliced through the sky. The shield rocketed forward and crashed into the Gori''s face with a resounding


    bang.


    In a sh of light, Ivana vanished, only to reappear momentster in mid-air, catching her shield effortlessly.


    "You have caused destruction in thisnd!" Ivana shouted fiercely. "You must be stopped immediately!"


    Ivana''s shield glowed brightly as she swung it with immense force toward the Gori Guardian. The shield shed against the Gori''s head with a resounding ng, but the massive creature seemed unfazed. It responded by swinging its giant fist toward Ivana.


    Ivana swiftly maneuvered mid-air, flipping and deflecting the Gori''s punch with her shield. She leaped onto its arm and, with a powerful strike, mmed the shield into its face once more. This time, the Gori Guardian staggered back slightly, feeling the impact.


    Kingsley quickly followed up, delivering massive blows to the Gori''s body. He pummeled the creature repeatedly, but the Gori managed to block with both hands, letting out a thunderous roar as it pushed Kingsley back.


    Ivana, now back on the ground, swung her shield upward with precision, striking the Gori Guardian squarely on the chin just as it exchanged powerful hits with Kingsley. The battlefield echoed with the sounds of the two titanic beings shing, but it was clear that Ivana''s well- timed strikes were ying a crucial role in supporting Kingsley.


    From a distance, it looked like two giants were locked in a brutal brawl, with Ivana darting between them, providing crucial support.


    People on the inte were going wild as they watched the intense battle unfold.


    "Damn, this is a full-on, incredible battle!"


    "This Special NPC is unbelievable."


    "Oh my God! Ivana, she''s so amazing!"


    "Ivana is my waifu, I want to marry her."


    "I think Ivana and Kingsley together are enough to take down that Gori."


    "Damn, what an incrediblebination!"


    "But in my opinion, they''re just buying time. It''s clear the Gori hasn''t taken any significant


    damage yet."


    "Woohoo!" Jovina eximed excitedly. "Broken''s wife candidate never fails to impress!" The Gori Guardian roared and retaliated with a fierce counterattack. Stumbling from the force of Kingsley''s strikes, the massive creature momentarily lost its bnce. Ivana, now floating in the air, seized the opportunity and mmed her shield into the Gori once again. But in that moment, the Gori Guardian adapted to theirbined attacks. Its massive arms


    were poised to m down on Ivana.


    "She''s going to get hit by that monster!" Jovina eximed.


    "No, she can escape," Goldrich responded.


    Ivana''s shield began to glow brilliantly, illuminating the air as she swung it with immense


    strength. The shield shot into the sky.


    In the blink of an eye, just as the Gori''s enormous arms pped down, Ivana''s body vanished, disappearing from the Gori''s deadly grasp just before it could strike her!

 Chapter 530: Chapter 530 - Entrapped by Vines, Freed by Daggers

    Chapter 530: Chapter 530 - Entrapped by Vines, Freed by Daggers


    ?


    Ivana narrowly dodged the Gori Guardian''s devastating attack, reappearing mid-air, her body gracefully floating. At the same time, the airborne spirit beast-a hawk-captured the moment on camera, zooming in on Ivana''s blonde hair flowing in the wind and her perfectly focused expression. The shot was wless, instantly grabbing the attention of everyone watching.


    "Damn! She is so lit!"


    "Ivana, my new favorite waifu!"


    "From now on, I dere myself a loyal follower of Ivana!"


    "We seriously need to start an Ivana Fan Club ASAP."


    "This girl is absolutely precious."


    "Who would''ve thought in this massive battle, a Special NPC would steal the spotlight like this?"


    "I''m not downying Elincia and Kingsley''s performance, but Ivana here seriously took over the show!"


    "Ivana, I love you, I love you, I love you!"


    Kingsley transformed back into his massive bear form, charging toward the Gori Monster with raw, unstoppable power. His strikesnded hard, causing the creature to stumble and lose its bnce. This time, the force of Kingsley''s attacks was starting to show, but it was clear the battle was far from over-this foe wouldn''t go down easily.


    From above, a massive ck shield spun through the air with incredible speed. It whirled toward the Gori Guardian, mming into its head with a resounding thud, enough to knock the massive creature off its feet, crashing into the ground with a loud, bone-rattling impact. The shield flew back into the air, and Ivana, appearing almost out of nowhere, caught it mid- flight. Gritting her teeth, she wasted no time, darting toward the Gori Guardian. With a powerful swing, she brought the shield down onto the creature''s head. The resulting crack sent a shockwave through the ground, dust and debris flying in all directions.


    This time, Ivana''s strike had clearly done damage, her face determined as she held her shield firmly, now visibly leaving an impact on the Gori Guardian''s head. The tide of battle was slowly turning.


    Goldrich shook his head in amazement. "Oh my, oh my... Ivana..." he chuckled. "Did she fight with such finesse when she fought the faeries a few days ago, Starfall?"


    Starfall shook her head. "No, not even close," she replied. "Back then, she focused on protecting us, casting her barriers while everyone else fought the monsters. I don''t know... but I think it''s because of her new shield?"


    "Yes, I think the shield is quite remarkable. Who crafted it for her? Was it Broken?"


    Elincia, chiming in from afar, responded, "I don''t think so. He''s been too busy upgrading his weapons. I believe the shield was crafted by a dwarf cksmith in Deadbay."


    "Wasn''t he the dwarf who taught Broken about cksmithing?" Goldrich snickered. "Khi khi khi... Broken really knows a lot of extraordinary people in this game."


    "Max! I was holding my breath watching how intense that fight was. Oh, this is truly epic!" Tora shouted hysterically as he watched the battle between Ivana and Kingsley against the Gori Guardian.


    "Yes, Ipletely agree," Max replied. "That was an extraordinary performance, wasn''t it?"


    "Absolutely," Tora responded. "Thebination between Ivana and Kingsley against that massive Gori monster is really something amazing."


    "Can we crown this as the bestbat so far in this massive battle, Tora?"


    "I want to, Max. But we need to remember, this battle is far from over."


    "Oh,e on... I''m sure all the yers are motivated by Ivana''s arrival. They can turn the tide of this fight. Let''s give them some encouragement!"


    Elincia and Melliandra were still locked in their fierce battle against the Monkey and the Crow Guardians. Melliandra''s final attack managed to shatter the Crow Guardian''s powerful magical shield.


    "You did it, Melliandra!" Elincia shouted.


    "Elincia, now it''s your turn! Don''t waste my effort!" Melliandra yelled back.


    Elincia continued dodging the barrage of magic spheres being hurled at her, before raising both hands toward the sky. She reached into her inventory and used a single-use item, a token that would allow her to cast her spell instantly. Snapping the token in her hand, she felt its power surge through her.


    Immediately, the sky darkened, swirling with stormy clouds, as a massive lightning bolt crackled across the horizon and struck the ground with immense force. The bolt hit the Crow Guardian directly, triggering a colossal explosion that shattered windows throughout the city and split the earth beneath them.


    The ground shook violently, and every eye on the battlefield turned toward the source of the devastating attack. They all knew-only one person could unleash such destructive power: Elincia.


    "Damn, my time''s up. I''ll leave the rest to you guys," Elincia said before logging out.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    In the blink of an eye, Elincia''s figure vanished from the sky.


    Everyone held their breath, hoping Elincia''s devastating attack had been enough to defeat at least one of the Guardians. But to their horror, the Crow Guardian was still standing tall, with only part of its head destroyed.


    The Crow Guardian opened its beak and let out a terrifying screech, the sound spreading across the battlefield, a piercing noise that grated in everyone''s ears.


    "Max... Elincia''s time has finally run out!"


    "Tora... I think this is a bad sign."


    "I hoped her final attack would''ve taken one of them down, but it seems we''re still far from victory, Max."


    "This is really bad. Without Elincia, things are about to get even worse."


    The Monkey Guardian sprinted toward the Gori Guardian and raised its left hand. In an instant, vines erupted from the ground, wrapping tightly around Ivana. They coiled around her, trapping her in a suffocating grip.


    Ivana struggled with all her might, but the vines only tightened. Her shield slipped from her grasp and ttered to the ground.


    Kingsley saw the danger and immediately charged toward the Monkey Guardian, but the Gori mmed its massive fist into him, sending him crashing to the ground with a


    deafening thud.


    A protective barrier quickly formed around Ivana, encasing her in a shimmering shield. But before she could react, a relentless barrage of magic spheres shot from the Monkey Guardian''s staff. The magic missiles struck her shield in rapid session, each impact followed by a small explosion. The sts were relentless, and Ivana struggled to hold herself, unable to retaliate as the shield took continuous damage.


    Tora''s voice trembled with fear. "Oh my God, Max... The two Guardians are ganging up on Ivana... If she dies, I don''t know what will happen to the war."


    "We really need a miracle, Tora..."


    "I''m sure a lot of yers are going to be furious if something happens to her. Ivana is so


    precious."


    yers on the battlefield tried to rush to Ivana''s aid, but they were too upied with their own battles. Some attempted to get closer but were quickly struck down by the intense


    combat between Kingsley and the Gori Guardian.


    Jovina''s voice cut through the tension, "Melliandra, hit that Monkey already!"


    Melliandra shouted back, "Shut up, bitch! You think I haven''t been trying?! That damn Crow is


    making it impossible to get a clean shot!"


    The Crow Guardian waved its magical staff, and a massive, ominous magical formation materialized above Ivana. The light radiating from it crackled with dangerous energy,


    promising to unleash devastating harm.


    Jovina mmed her fist on the table. "Damn it! Someone has to save her!"


    Everyone in the room stood, eyes glued to the screen.


    Suddenly, someone dashed across the battlefield with incredible speed, moving gracefully as


    they dodged the magic spheres aimed at Ivana. The figure moved like a blur, swiftly maneuvering through the vines that bound Ivana in mid-air.


    With fluid precision, they shed through the vines with swift dagger strikes, freeing her in moments. Ivana quickly cast her magic shield, forming a protective dome around the small


    area.


    The figure wasnding smoothly on the ground. One thing stood out immediately-her show-white short hair, and her rabbit ears, twitching slightly as the camera zoomed in. The sight of her agile rescue instantly caught everyone''s attention.


    In the distance, atop the fortress, a woman with short blonde hair and pointed ears pressed two fingers of her right hand to her temple.


    "Mira and I have arrived, my Lord. Apologies for the dy," she said. "And I see you''ve


    logged in as well. I''ve been waiting for yourmand."


    Just then, a notification popped up in the Guild Chat, sending a shock through everyone.


    [Maylock has logged into the game.]


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Check out their illustrations in thements!

 Chapter 531: Chapter 531 - A Tear for Laura, A Plan for War

    Chapter 531: Chapter 531 - A Tear for Laura, A n for War


    ?


    A few minutes earlier, in the real world, Maylon waited anxiously in front of the room where his wife was being treated. His hands trembled, and his forehead was furrowed with worry. After what felt like an eternity, the door finally opened, and the doctor stepped out.


    "Doctor?" Maylon muttered softly, his voice tense.


    "There''s been an immune failure, but her condition has improved," the doctor replied. "You can see her now."


    Maylon entered the room once the nurses had left, and he quietly sat in a chair next to his wife''s bed.


    "Laura..." he whispered.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Laura, her face pale but wearing a soft smile, turned to him. She reached out, holding his hand gently, pressing his palm against her cheek as she closed her eyes for a moment.


    When she opened her eyes again, her smile returned. "Where''s Maylene? Is she asleep already?"


    Maylon nodded slowly. "She''s fine. She just got home, so she should be asleep by now." Laura smiled once more. "I heard from the doctor that your friends came by earlier?"


    "Yes..." Maylon answered quietly.


    "Are they your friends from the game, too?"


    "It was Broken and Freya..."


    "Oh... Broken, is he the ''Main Character'' you always talk about? He came, even though you''ve told me he''s an introvert?"


    "Yes... he came briefly to visit because they heard you were being treated here."


    "Oh... why didn''t you let them see me? I want to meet the people who''ve captured my husband''s interest."


    "Once you''re feeling better, I''ll make sure they meet you."


    Laura smiled and nodded slowly. "I''m d you have so many caring friends around you now."


    "I''ve always had a bunch of friends. I''m very popr."


    Laura giggled softly. "You''re incredibly intelligent, and not many people can understand you. Even I have troubleprehending your way of thinking sometimes."


    "It''s me who''s made the effort to understand you, Laura," he said, his voice softening. "I was born this way, and I''m usually right about everything I do. I''m the best husband you could ever have... and..." His voice trailed off for a moment. "You''re the best wife I could have ever asked for. You''ll be okay. Your condition will improve."


    Laura giggled again. "And you''re also stubborn. You forgot to mention that."


    "If I weren''t so stubborn, you wouldn''t have ended up marrying me."


    She smiled warmly. "It''s definitely the best decision I''ve ever made in my life."


    Maylon squeezing her hand affectionately.


    Laura reached for the TV remote next to her bed and clicked it on. The screen lit up, immediately showing a scene from Immortal Legacy.


    "Laura... you need to rest," Maylon urged, but Laura gently held his hand.


    "I heard what was happening earlier..." she said softly.


    They both turned to the television, watching therge-scale battle unfold within the game.


    "Isn''t that Elincia?" Laura asked, noticing the figure on the screen. "She''s so beautiful."


    Maylon nodded. "Yes, that''s her."


    "They seem to be struggling. Not everyone is in the same ce?" Laura observed.


    Maylon nodded again. "Yes, it was a sudden attack..." He paused. "I had a feeling something


    like this would happen..." Another pause. "But not on this scale."


    "Do you think they''ll make it through?" Laura asked, turning to look at him.


    Maylon shook his head slightly.


    "They need you," Laura said softly.


    "They''ll be fine. They''re strong."


    "And that other girl-she''s beautiful too. She arrived just in time," Laura added.


    "That''s Ivana, Broken''s wife."


    "Really?" Laura asked, intrigued.


    Their attention shifted back to the screen as they watched Elincia leave the battlefield. Though Maylon said nothing, Laura could feel the tension in his hand as he held hers, sensing the weight of his unspoken worries.


    "You need to go," she repeated gently.


    "They''ll be fine."


    "I''ll be fine. You''ll only be gone for a little while. I''m sure they truly need you this time," she insisted.


    "Laura..."


    Laura squeezed his hand. "They need you! Your friends need you!" she said again.


    Maylon shook his head, trying to hold back the emotions welling up inside him. This time, a single tear escaped, sliding down his cheek. He quickly tried to hide it, keeping his expression stoic.


    "I''ll be okay. The doctor told me so. But I really think they need you now," she said, her tone firm.


    Maylon nodded slowly. "I''ll be back soon, Laura."


    "Yes, honey," she replied with a soft smile.


    **


    Maylock stood atop the fortress of Deadbay City, d in his light armor-a blend of white leather clothing with a few pieces of armor protecting key parts of his body. His signature sunsses rested on his face, a calm expression beneath them. Beside him stood Elowen, a blonde woman with short hair and pointed ears.


    "You always have such remarkable foresight, Lord Maylock," Elowen remarked, ncing at him. "You asked Mira and me toe here without a clear reason. Now, I''m grateful we can make even a small contribution to this massive battle."


    Maylock smiled. "I need your telepathy ability to ry mymands to everyone I need on the battlefield. You may have to push your abilities to the max."


    Elowen nodded. "I know this is the city where Lord Broken began his journey. It''s an


    important ce for him, so yes, I''ll do my best here."


    The members of the Ass Guild watching the incident unfold on their screens were astonished, fully aware of what Maylock had sacrificed to be there. Though they remained silent, the relief on their faces was undeniable.


    "He''s here! He''s here with us!" some yer screamed hysterically.


    "Maylock is here!" They cheered.


    "The Brain of the Ass Guild has arrived!"


    Maylock quickly spoke over the guild channel. "Mel, target the Monkey Guardian-attack his stomach. Focus all your attacks there."


    "What?! Why the stomach?"


    "It''s his weak spot."


    "How do you know?"


    "I watched his movements on the television. He''s been overly focused on defending that area.


    It''s clearly his vulnerable spot."


    "What?! That''s so strange."


    "Just trust me, and hit it."


    "Khi khi khi, wee back, the brain of the Ass Guild," Goldrich teased with a chuckle.


    Jovina responded, "Yeah, the backup brain wasn''t braining. This old man was getting


    useless."


    Maylock responded, "I knew you couldn''t handle this without me, which is why I came at the most critical moment. This should be the best entrance of the entire battle."


    Jovinaughed. "Well, Elincia and Ivana had their grand entrances too. But yeah, I''ll let you


    be a little arrogant this time, Maylock. The stage is yours!"


    "Just give the rightmands," Melliandra added sharply. "I don''t want to waste my


    resources, Maylock!"


    "We can only minimize the damage as much as possible while we wait for something bigger -the decision from Golden Age Company," Maylock said calmly.


    "Those stakeholders only care about their money," Goldrich said. "Should I buy a massive


    chunk of their shares too? Khi khi khi."


    Maylock turned to Elowen. "Elowen, tell Mira to retreat. She won''t hold out much longer. And


    tell Ivana to..."


    He continued to outline his detailed strategy, a n he had meticulously thought through, even while sitting beside his wife earlier. Every move was calcted, and now it was time to


    execute.

 Chapter 532: Chapter 532 - A Colossal Spear, A Turning Tide

    Chapter 532: Chapter 532 - A Colossal Spear, A Turning Tide


    ?


    Maylock intently scanning the battlefield. His eyes darted from one point to another, identifying yers he needed to connect with. Each time he spotted someone, he pointed them out to Elowen, who would then establish telepathicmunication. She even mimicked his tone perfectly.


    "This is Maylock. Don''t question why my voice is that of a woman," Elowen said, rying the message. "You, yes, you''re the Guild Master of Cute Baby. I know you. You''re good at leading your guild, even though your numbers are small. I need your cooperation."


    On the battlefield, a swordsman froze in surprise. "Maylock? From the Ass Guild? How? Yes, what should I do?"


    "Have your members focus on attacking the Crow Guardian," Elowen continued in Maylock''s voice. "Keep it upied, blocking your attacks. That''ll make it harder for the monster to cast its spells."


    "Eh, yes, sir!" the man replied, excitement in his voice. "Ah... and I am a fan, haha."


    "Stay focused on the task," Elowen ryed smoothly, keeping him on track.


    Elowen smiled afterpleting another connection. So far, she had reached dozens of yers, and the strain was starting to wear on her.


    "Are you still holding up, Elowen?"


    "Yes, Lord Maylock, don''t worry. I''ll keep going until I pass out," she replied with a grin. "I might just take you up on that¡ªuntil you actually copse," Maylock said casually. Elowen giggled. "But how do you seem to know so many people on the battlefield? You even know personal details about them. Like when you praised one person, spoke more bluntly to another, or even pushed a different one harder. How?"


    Maylock sighed. "You probably don''t realize it, but I''m not the talkative type. I prefer to observe. And without even meaning to, I''ve ended up watching over too many people- especially those who seem insignificant at first nce."


    "Insignificant, but proving to be useful in situations like this, correct?"


    The battle continued to rage on, with more and more monsters falling under the relentless attacks of the yers. Despite the overwhelming strength of the Three Guardians, their movements were noticeably slower and less agile than they had been at the start of the fight. "Max, is this a good sign?" Tora asked nervously. "Are we finally making some progress?"


    "I think so, Tora... I really hope this great war ends soon," Max replied.


    "But things have been improving ever since Maylock arrived."


    "Yeah, Tora, but we''re running low on people, and we''re going to need more damage to finish this fight."


    Maylock crossed his arms, his face growing more tense as the battle raged on. He sighed deeply before speaking into the guild channel.


    "Goldrich, what about support from the other guilds? Can we get more reinforcements?"


    "Most of them have already arrived, but it seems the enemies we''re facing are too strong."


    "This is truly frustrating," Maylock muttered. "It won''t be long before the city walls copse, and when that happens, the monsters will flood into the city."


    "So... is destruction inevitable?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Just momentster, parts of the fortress began to crumble, and monsters began pouring through the breached walls into Deadbay City.


    "Max, I think the townspeople are in danger!" Tora shouted.


    "Most of the Knights and Troops are focused outside the fortress! The people inside need immediate help!" Max responded.


    The air was filled with the sound of terrified screams as monsters rampaged through the streets, smashing everything in their path.


    "This situation is dire! We need to get more people inside the fortress now!" Tora eximed.


    "This might be the most impressive war I''ve ever witnessed, but also the most devastating one I''ve ever seen."


    Monsters had begun pouring into the streets of Deadbay City, smashing everything in sight. The townspeople, hiding in their homes, were gripped with panic. Some, ovee with fear, started fleeing into the open.


    Suddenly, from above, someone leaped down onto the street where a horde of monsters was rampaging. The figure was shorter than most, but stocky and powerful-a dwarf wielding a massive hammer. It was Fokil.


    "Fuck off! You''re interrupting my work!" Fokil roared. Without hesitation, he charged forward, swinging his hammer with immense force. The blow sent a monster flying through the air.


    With a grunt, Fokil jumped and mmed his hammer down again, smashing the creature to pieces on impact. He spun around swiftly, releasing the hammer in a wide arc. It shot forward like a missile, obliterating another monster on contact.


    Raising his right hand, the massive hammer shot back into his grip effortlessly. Fokil wiped his brow and nced toward the city gate. "Ivana?" he muttered, eyes narrowing in that


    direction.


    On the battlefield, Ivana fought holding off the Gori Guardian while Kingsley engaged the surrounding monsters. Her swift movements and powerful strikes were keeping the massive creature on edge, preventing it from counterattacking effectively.


    But in a single moment, the tide turned. The Gori Guardian managed to grab Ivana, snatching her out of the air. Her shield ttered to the ground as the beast''s enormous hand squeezed her tightly. The Guardian then mmed her repeatedly into the dirt, leaving her struggling to break free.


    Kingsley, seeing Ivana in peril, immediately shifted into his panther form and dashed toward her with incredible speed. But before he could reach her, a hammer came whirling through the air, striking the Gori Guardian''s head. The impact caused the Gori to stumble, losing its bnce momentarily-but it wasn''t enough to make it release its grip on Ivana. She was still trapped, and the situation remained dire.


    From a distance, Fokil sprinted forward. He raised his right hand, and the hammer flew back into his grasp.


    "Don''t you dare hurt her!" Fokil roared, charging at full speed. But just before he could reach Ivana, a bright projectile shot through the air, mming directly into the Gori Guardian''s chest. The powerful hit sent the giant beast stumbling backward, forcing it to release its grip on Ivana, who fell to the ground.


    Fokil rushed forward, quickly catching her.


    "Who did that?" they all wondered, looking around for the source of the projectile. Then, as if on cue, they all turned their gaze upward, searching for the mysterious savior in the sky.


    Tora pointed to the sky in shock and eximed, "Max, what is that?!"


    Everyone gasped as a massive magic formation appeared, lighting up the sky. All eyes were fixed in the same direction.


    A sharp gasp echoed across the battlefield as the tip of a colossal spear slowly emerged from


    the clouds. Yes it was a colossal Spear!


    Max muttered, "A massive spear?! Could it be another reinforcement?"


    Online viewers were quick to react,menting wildly, "Hey... look over there! Someone''s


    riding a Pegasus?!"


    "What are you talking about, are you stupid?!"


    "No, seriously! Zoom in! It''s someone riding a Pegasus!"


    Tora''s eyes widened as he began to realize the same thing. "Max, do you see that too? Is someone riding a flying horse?"


    Max nodded in disbelief. "Yes, Tora, I see it... but it''s not a Pegasus."


    As the camera zoomed in, the truth became clear. It wasn''t a Pegasus-it was a white fox with four tails and wings, gracefully hovering in the sky. Riding the majestic creature was a figure wielding a massive bow, charging not an ordinary arrow, but a spear! He was using a spear as


    his arrow.


    Meanwhile, another colossal spear began to emerge from the clouds, its size growing clearer by the second.


    "What is that?!"


    But then, someone shouted, "It''s Broken! It''s Broken! Broken has arrived!"

 Chapter 533: Chapter 533 - Northstar to the Rescue

    Chapter 533: Chapter 533 - Northstar to the Rescue


    ?


    A few minutes before Broken appeared in the game...


    With heavy breaths, Marco stepped out of the meeting room. He had a lot on his te, including exining the major phenomena unfolding in Deadbay City, and the ripple effects that would follow today''s events. Comints were inevitable, and many would scrutinize every decision.


    Marco entered the control room, gathering his team.


    "Today, we''re giving all Immortal Legacy yers two additional hours of game time, usable over the next two days. Announce to the world that this is a gift to all yers, as Immortal Legacy is on the verge of big changes. This includes updates to the regtions around Penalty Time."


    "Yes, sir." The team members immediately returned to their posts, preparing for the announcement.


    Marco muttered softly, "There will be many who feel wronged. Comints, demands- especially from those who''ve spent a fortune on this game. Their dissatisfaction is certain." He nodded slowly. "But no matter the challenge... the game must go on."


    Marco took a deep breath. "In this situation, all I can do is hope that they-the people we''re counting on-can solve the problem."


    As the announcement spread worldwide, reactions flooded the inte.


    "Damn, is this all because of the Emergency Event in Deadbay City?"


    "Is the situation so bad that the Golden Age had to make this drastic move?"


    "This just shows how ipetent they are."


    "Exactly, they messed up and now they''re scrambling for a dumb solution."


    "Isn''t it their job to maintain bnce in the game?"


    "I''m pretty sure this massive monster attack isn''t part of the main storyline."


    "Yeah, they''re probably panicking about what''ll happen if Deadbay gets destroyed." "Is Deadbay really so important that they had to go this far?"


    "I''m starting to lose faith in thispany."


    "A game supposedly managed by Super AI, and a huge screw-up like this happens! It''sughable!"


    **


    Leon, Freya, and Lily had been anxiously waiting in the cafe, their tension building as they hoped for a breakthrough. Freya stayed glued to her phone, scanning the inte for updates and monitoring direct messages from the Golden Age Company.


    Then, suddenly, her eyes lit up, and she leapt from her seat, shouting in excitement.


    "They did it! They finally made a decision!" she eximed with pure joy.


    Her outburst caught the attention of everyone in the cafe, and some people shot them angry res.


    "This is a hospital! Keep it down!" one of them snapped.


    Freya grinned apologetically, quickly grabbing Leon by the hand and pulling him toward the exit. Lily followed close behind, giggling as they dashed toward the deserted car park at the back of the hospital.


    "Freya? We need a capsule device. How are we supposed to get one?" Leon asked.


    Freya nodded, a sly smile on her face. "Yes... I know... Just look over there," she said, pointing toward the distance.


    The sound of helicopter propellers filled the air, and as they turned their heads, they saw a chopper approaching, arge box dangling beneath it. The sight was enough to draw attention from passersby.


    "Hey, what is that? A helicopter?" someone in the parking lot murmured.


    "Wait, there''s a Northstar logo on it," another added, squinting to get a better look.


    Leon turned to Freya. "Northstar? But how?"


    Freya shrugged yfully, her grin widening. "Save your questions forter," she said. "We''ve got a game to get back into."


    When the helicopter arrived, a few individuals wearing ck suits descended using ropes. After that, arge box was lowered to the ground.


    They hastily opened the box, and inside was a capsule device. The helicopter soon soared away, and the people in ck suits hastily circled the capsule device.


    "Who is that guy?" someone asked curiously. "Why did Northstar bring the capsule device to this ce?"


    "Is this really that urgent? Is this rted to the Emergency Event in Immortal Legacy?"


    "That man must be someone important."


    "Is he Maylock?"


    "No," someone else answered, "the guy is too young for a Maylock."


    Freya immediately stepped forward, pushing Leon closer as he stood there, still trying to process what was happening.


    "Northstar, Freya? Do you mean Northstar sent all of this... for me?" Leon asked, baffled.


    Freya giggled, avoiding his question with a mischievous smile. She gave no answer, leaving him even more confused.


    One of the crew members from the helicopter approached Leon and spoke professionally, "The capsule device is ready. You can enter it now."


    Freya nudged Leon forward. "No need to worry, I''ve handled everything. Just get inside- plenty of people are waiting for you."


    Leon nodded, trusting Freya''s words despite his lingering confusion. He climbed into the capsule device, the door closing with a soft hiss. As he settled inside, the familiar hum of the machine surrounded him, and within moments, he was logging back into Immortal Legacy, ready to rejoin the battle.


    Not long after, a luxury car approached and entered the area. As the door opened, a figure seated in a wheelchair emerged-a woman with long blonde hair and an elegant, striking


    appearance.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Lily,e with me," Freya said.


    "Wait... Who is she, Freya?"


    As they got closer, the blonde woman waved her hand with a gentle smile. "Hi, Freya... And you must be Leon''s little sister, right?" She turned to Lily.


    "Hi..." Lily replied softly.


    "My name is Juliette," the woman introduced herself.


    Freya chimed in, "Her in-game name is Pussycat. She''s the CEO of Northstar Company."


    Juliette giggled modestly. "Oh, you can''t be serious. I just help my father run thepany."


    Freya grinned. "You really know how to stay humble, Juliette."


    With a yful smile, Juliette responded, "I heard you needed two capsule devices, Freya? Is


    that correct?"


    "Yes, I do," Freya confirmed.


    "But isn''t your character in Slumdon?"


    Freya shook her head. "Not for me. They''re for someone else."


    Freya then patted Lily''s shoulder.


    Juliette smiled warmly. "No worries, another capsule device is already on the way."


    As if on cue, the distant sound of helicopter des filled the air once again, signaling the arrival of more reinforcements.

 Chapter 534: Chapter 534 - Upgrading the Bow of Artemis

    Chapter 534: Chapter 534 - Upgrading the Bow of Artemis


    ?


    As soon as Broken stepped into Deadbay City, chaos greeted him. People were running in panic, while monsters rampaged through the streets, tearing apart everything in their path.


    He was torn should he prioritize saving the city or focus his resources on the battle outside the walls against the three Guardians?


    If left unchecked, the destruction within the city would only grow worse. But if he didn''t help take down the Guardians, more yers would fall, and that would be an even bigger disaster.


    Elincia would likely return soon, thanks to the lifted time penalty, and more yers were expected to arrive. This was the moment-he had to capitalize on it and end this war quickly with a decisive strike. Broken knew he needed to upgrade himself immediately, pushing for a risky, high-stakes move that could potentially turn the tide.


    Without wasting any more time, Broken activated one of his skills.


    [Nature''s Herald (Active Skill)]


    [You''ve summoned Tiger Lily.]


    A massive nature beast resembling a tiger appeared instantly. As if it already understood its orders, Tiger Lily dashed through the streets, spreading out to confront the rampaging


    monsters.


    "Pawpaw, we''ve got plenty of food here. Go wild!" Broken called out, summoning another of his beasts.


    Energy, swirling with red and ck hues, crackled before him as a small kitten with two horns materialized. Its tiny form didn''t look like much, but the menacing grin on its face told a different story.


    "Food... I''ll eat a lot," the kitten purred ominously.


    The kitten melted into the shadows, vanishing, and then darted off across the city, ready to cause havoc.


    "ze, time for you to rampage too!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ze-the skeletal horse wreathed in mes-appeared with a fiery snort. It reared up on its hind legs and then bolted down the streets, leaving a trail of fire in its wake as it charged into the fray.


    Broken was faced with a tough choice, but deep down, he knew what needed to be done. As he nced over, he noticed a merchant hurriedly trying to lock up his Equipment Materials Store.


    "I''ve got a pretty solid n," he murmured to himself. "But I''m going to need to make a few small gambles."


    Without hesitating, Broken sprinted toward the store, quickly dispatching the monsters that were trying to break in. Once inside, he spotted the shopkeeper, trembling in a corner.


    "I need Blessed Stones. You got a thousand of them?"


    The man''s eyes went wide with fear. "What are you doing? Please, don''t hurt me!"


    "I''m not here to hurt you. I just need some Blessed Stones."


    Panicking, the merchant threw a few stones in Broken''s direction before scrambling to his feet, babbling, "Please, don''t! You''re just taking advantage of this chaos to rob me, thief!"


    "Do you have more?" Broken asked, urgency creeping into his tone. "I need a thousand-no, make that a hundred, and I need them now."


    "Get out! Don''t hurt me!" the man shouted, his face pale with terror.


    "How much for these? I''ll pay you right away!"


    But the merchant had already disappeared into the back room, leaving Broken standing alone in the store.


    "I''lle backter to settle the payment, sir!" Broken called out.


    Ignoring the silence, he pulled out the Bow of Artemis and carefully attached nine Blessed Stones to it.


    "Please, make it +18," he whispered.


    [You''ve seeded in upgrading the Bow of Artemis to +18.]


    [Congrattions, you''ve sessfullypleted the quest...]


    Broken skipped the notification from the Quest and continued on to the next thing he was going to do.


    [+18 The Bow of Artemis]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Attack Power: 423-489


    uracy +32


    Attack Speed +16


    Movement Speed +24]


    Though it wasn''t easy, upgrading an Epic-grade item was still much simpler than a Legendary-grade one. And now, for the first time, he had seeded-and in just a single try.


    He had the bow with a +18 enchantment. With that in hand, Broken was ready to move forward with something else he had been nning for a long time. He reached into his inventory and took something out.


    [Item Grade Enhancer Ticket]


    [With the Item Grade Enhancer Ticket, you can take one of your boring items and upgrade it to something much more exciting! It''s like a magical lottery ticket, with a 70% chance of winning an Epic-grade item, a 10% chance of winning a Unique-grade item, and a tiny 1% chance of winning a Legendary-grade item! So take a chance and let the Ticket do its thing - you never know what you''ll get!]


    He had earned the ticket bypleting the ''Crafting Epic Equipment for the Hero'' quest, and now felt this was the perfect moment to use it.


    "One percent chance of getting a Legendary item. It''s worth a try!"


    Besides, he knew he''d have to use the ticket eventually, and it felt like the ideal match for the Bow of Artemis. After all, he wasn''t nning on abandoning the bow for something else


    anytime soon.


    There was still a 70% chance the bow would remain in its current state-at least he hoped for a Unique-grade¡ªand he knew any upgrade would be significant, especially since he had two sets of bow skills that could deal massive damage.


    Without a second thought, he tore the ticket in half. Instantly, a glowing aura surrounded the bow, and a flood of notifications began to fill his vision.


    [Item Grade Enhancer Ticket used.]


    [Determining the oue...]


    [You will need to wait for 10 seconds to find out the results.]


    [10]


    [9]


    "Damn, are you kidding me?!"


    [1]


    [Congrattions! You have seeded in getting the most optimal results you can get; damn


    you, lucky bastard!]


    [Your bow has been upgraded to a Legendary-Grade +18 The Golden Bow of Artemis!]


    [An incredible feat has been achieved! You are the first yer to sessfully, albeit


    indirectly, upgrade a Legendary Weapon to +18.]


    [As a reward for this outstanding aplishment, you have received 20 Stat Points.]


    [You have also been awarded 2 Luck Stat points.]


    Broken stared in disbelief at the notification. He had done it-the impossible had actually


    happened.


    The Bow of Artemis had truly been upgraded to Legendary-grade!


    His curiosity got the better of him, and he quickly checked the new skills now attached to the


    bow.

 Chapter 535: Chapter 535 - The Golden Bow of Artemis

    Chapter 535: Chapter 535 - The Golden Bow of Artemis


    ?


    The Bow of Artemis had truly ascended to Legendary-grade! Damn! Broken couldn''t wait to show this off to Freya-after all, she was the one who had given him the bow in the first ce.


    Now it had a new name: The Golden Bow of Artemis, and it was not only his first Legendary- grade weapon but also enhanced to +18! The bow now shimmered with a golden aura, its appearance even more stunning with subtle enhancements that made it look more powerful and majestic.


    Eagerly, he checked the status of the bow, barely able to contain his excitement to see what kind of upgrades it had gained.


    [+18 The Golden Bow of Artemis]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Attack Power: 1004-1105


    uracy +48


    Attack Speed +319


    Movement Speed +226]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 532]


    [An ancient longbow forged from dark, silvery metal, adorned with crescent moon carvings. The bow can unleash multiple projectiles at once, detect hidden threats with enhanced vision, and fire any weapon as an arrow, applying its unique effects. Itsbination of strength and uracy makes it a formidable weapon for skilled archers.]


    Broken could hardly believe his eyes as he stared at the word "Legendary" where "Epic" had once been. The bow''s stats had skyrocketed-Attack Power had surged dramatically, and the bonuses to uracy, Attack Speed, and even Movement Speed were impressive.


    At a nce, the bow now seemed incredibly powerful, making him feel like he wanted to focus solely on using it. But the next exciting discovery? The bow now had three skills, up from the original two. Surely it had gained a new skill, he thought, eager to see what kind of ability had been added to this already formidable weapon.


    [Tempest of Annihtion (Active)


    Fire an arrow that splits into ten projectiles, passing through obstacles and enemies. Each projectile deals 500% physical damage. On impact, each arrow creates an explosion that deals AoE damage, inflicting 300% damage to all nearby enemies. Critical hits extend the explosion''s radius by 20%.


    Mana Cost: 400


    Cooldown: 20 seconds]


    The first skill appeared to be an upgrade of the previous Piercing Arrows, which originally fired five projectiles. But now, it unleashed ten projectiles, with enhanced damage and an area-of- effect impact. Even better, if a critical hitnded, the arrows triggered an explosion with a significant radius.


    It was exactly the kind of powerful skill expected from a Legendary-grade weapon.


    And damn!-the mana cost was low, and the cooldown was short. This skill was making it perfect for taking on multiple enemies at once. He could already feel how devastating this would be in battle.


    [Eagle Eye of Eternity (Passive)


    Passively enhances your vision, allowing you to detect traps, and magical disturbances with perfect rity. After firing an arrow, your movement and attack speed increase by 10% for 5 seconds. Each critical hit marks the enemy, increasing your damage against them by 20% for 5 seconds.]


    The second skill was an upgrade of Hawk''s Eye, but this version came with a powerful twist. Every time Broken fired an arrow, his speed increased by 10%, and critical hits dealt even more damage to enemies for 5 seconds.


    While the skill still functioned passively to enhance his vision, its true impact would be felt in the heat of battle, giving him a serious edge.


    What an incredible passive ability, he thought, realizing how much of a game-changer this could be.


    But that wasn''t all-the skill could also detect traps and magical disturbances? He knew he''d need to experiment with that aspect to fully understand its potential.


    [Apex of Arsenal (Active)


    Fire any weapon as an arrow, applying its full stats and activating both passive and active skills on impact. Mana cost is based on the active skills of the weapon used. Legendary-grade weapons and above trigger an explosion on impact, dealing 300% AoE damage to nearby enemies. The farther the projectile travels, the more powerful it bes, gaining up to 20% bonus damage based on distance. Visual effects intensify with the weapon''s grade.]


    [User Restriction: Level 220 and higher.


    900 Agility.]


    And then there was the new, standout skill-the true highlight of this Legendary-grade bow. His jaw dropped as he read the description.


    What the fuck is this? Using any weapon as an arrow? How?!


    This skill was like... tantly made for him. Most yers had strict limitations on the types of weapons they could use certain weapons were restricted by ss or required specific stats. But for Broken, none of that mattered. He had no such restrictions, meaning he could wield any weapon, regardless of ss, as ammunition. Sure, there were level requirements, but they barely affected him at all.


    And the most mind-blowing part? When a weapon was fired as an arrow, the skills attached to that weapon would activate upon impact as projectile effects.


    Damn!


    The stronger the weapon, the more intense the visual effects became. And what is this?


    As if that weren''t enough, the skill offered a bonus: up to 20% increased damage the farther the projectile traveled. Broken couldn''t help but marvel at the sheer insanity of this ability. There was no more time to waste-He needed to end this war, and fast.


    He was still wearing the Obsidian Shroud-a cloak that granted him +10 Agility and +10 Intelligence, and the Obsidian Sovereign Crown, which gave him +10 Intelligence and +10 Strength. The dark crown sat firmly on his head.


    He quickly equipped the Woond Ranger set, knowing he would soon rely on the Super Novice''s two powerful bow skills for the opening strike of the battle.


    Without hesitation, he dashed out of the store. As he moved, Polly materialized beside him.


    "ze, get back to your ce!"


    ze sprinted toward him and disappeared in a sh.


    "Pawpaw, let''s go-we''ve got more enemies outside."


    "Meow!" Pawpaw approached and seamlessly vanished into his shadow.


    Without missing a beat, Broken leaped onto his four-tailed fox mount. In an instant, they soared into the sky.


    As they flew, Broken drew his Golden Bow of Artemis and unleashed a volley of arrows at the monsters below. Some of them fell with a single strike, while others barely survived. "Damn!" he shouted, grinning wildly. "This Legendary Bow is unreal! And it''s +18!" The power coursing through him was nothing short of exhrating.


    At the same time, Broken noticed several arrows slicing through the air, striking down more monsters. From the distance, he saw three figures sprinting toward the horde of monsters.


    "My Lord..." Anna called out, waving her hand as she approached.


    "Kill as many monsters as you can!"


    Polly flew high and far, gliding over the fortress until they hovered above the raging battle below. Surveying the scene, Broken''s sharp eyes locked onto a specific target amidst the


    turmoil.


    "I''ve found my primary target!"


    He let out a deep sigh. "Let me check how many stat points I''ve got avable," he muttered,


    opening his status window.


    "Wow, I have 160! I didn''t expect it to be that many. Alright, time to use these stats wisely."


    Broken paused for a moment, weighing his options carefully. Finally, after a thoughtful silence, he nodded.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Alright, here''s my decision," he said, ready to allocate the points and take the next step in


    the battle.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Every time I create new equipment, I always spend a lot of time making sure everything is bnced and refined. Sometimes, I even generate illustrations to go along with them.


    I know you can see the effort I put into this from the end result, and honestly, I enjoy the


    process.


    So far, there are already 62 pieces of equipment featured in this story, with over 100 skills- both from Broken personally and from the equipment itself. Pretty insane, right?


    Well, if you want to revisit all the equipment and skills I''ve introduced in the story, feel free


    to visit the Discord server.


    Url: tinyurl/gnteodiscord Thanks for the continued support!

 Chapter 536: Chapter 536 - Apex of Arsenal

    Chapter 536: Chapter 536 - Apex of Arsenal


    ?


    [Name: Broken]


    [Level: 138]


    [ss: Unique - Super Novice | Unique - Royal cksmith | Unique - Rift Digger | Unique - Elemental Forger]


    [Health: 4,320 | Mana: 6,228]


    [Strength: 910 | Agility: 575 | Intelligence: 612 | Constitution: 418 | Stamina: 438]


    [Charisma: 100 Luck: 57 | Dexterity: 50 | Survival: 30 | Perception: 20]


    [Avable Stat Points: 0]


    [Weight: 2,641/5,460]


    That was the final status of Broken, fully equipped with the Woond Ranger set and wielding the Golden Bow of Artemis.


    He gripped the bow tightly as Polly soared through the sky. With [Eagle Eye of Eternity (Passive Skill)], his vision sharpened, allowing him to zoom in on any part of the battlefield below. It was like he could focus on every detail, no matter how distant.


    There, in the chaos, he spotted his target. Ivana was locked in a fierce struggle against a creature nearly four times her size, its hulking form towering over her. She was clearly in trouble, while the others seemed preupied with threats around them.


    The moment the monster grabbed Ivana and mmed her repeatedly into the ground, rage ignited in his chest.


    "Don''t you dare touch her, you bastard!" he growled through gritted teeth.


    [Precision Aim (Passive Skill)]


    The skill from the Woond Ranger Gloves increased his bow damage by 15% and reduced the time needed to draw and release arrows by 10%.


    [Sniper''s Focus (Active Skill) Lv. 4]


    Without wasting a second, Broken began charging his arrow-an Epic-grade Iron Piercer Arrow.


    His stock of Epic-grade arrows was running dangerously low, and he''d need to craft more soon.


    Gritting his teeth, he focused on the 2-second charge, which felt agonizingly slow. He had already calcted the distance perfectly, ensuring that this long-range shot would trigger the 20% bonus damage for his next skill.


    The arrow flew from the bow, cutting through the air with precision. Thanks to his enhanced vision, he tracked its path clearly as it hurtled toward the gori-like monster. The impact was powerful, hitting its mark and forcing the creature to release Ivana.


    Broken noticed Fokil was also there, just within range.


    Now was the moment! He swiftly pulled out his Wavebreaker Spear and, in a move both absurd and extraordinary, ced the spear on his bow, positioning it as an arrow!


    Damn, this was one of the wildest things he had ever done, and he knew it was going to be incredible.


    [Apex of Arsenal (Passive Skill)]


    [Explosive Arrow (Active Skill) Lv. 4]


    The stats from the Wavebreaker Spear applied to him directly. Not only that, but [Oceanic Blessing (Passive Skill)] also kicked in, surrounding him in a blue aura.


    This aura made his attacks ignore 50% of the enemy''s defense and reduced all iing damage by 20%. On top of that, there was a small chance the ocean itself would summon a spear to strike, dealing an extra 200% damage. Each attack would also slow the target''s attack speed by 20% for 0.5 seconds.


    His updated stats shed before his eyes.


    [Strength: 1,061 | Agility: 575 | Intelligence: 612 | Constitution: 644 | Stamina: 589]


    [Weight: 4,221/6,366]


    The charging time for the Explosive Arrow skill, originally set at 5 seconds, had now been significantly reduced thanks to Precision Aim-leaving only 4.5 seconds remaining.


    And then, something extraordinary happened. Out of nowhere, the sky above him seemed to split apart, and through the parting clouds, the colossal tip of the Wavebreaker Spear appeared, gleaming in its massive, colossal form!


    The spear materialized just as the charge time for Explosive Arrow started.


    [Ocean''s Wrath (Active Skill) activated.]


    [800 Mana used.]


    [Sea of Storms (Active Skill) activated.]


    [The Ring of Unlimited Skillz passive effect triggered: Sea of Storms will not consume any mana.]


    [Boar''s Flood (Active Skill) activated.]


    [600 Mana used.]


    Amid all this power surging through him, a sudden question popped into his mind: What would happen to the spear after he released the shot? He hadn''t even considered that


    possibility.


    Do I need to retrieve it manually? That would be such a hassle.


    But his focus remained sharp-he had a clear target and knew exactly who he wanted to take


    down first.


    [Projectile''s Kiss (Active Skill) activated.]


    [The Ring of Unlimited Skillz passive effect triggered: Projectile''s Kiss will not consume any mana.]


    "This is the most precious skill-it doubles my projectile damage. And thanks to the ring''s passive skill trigger, I don''t even have to worry about the mana cost!"


    Everything was falling into ce for what would surely be the most devastating strike he''d ever unleashed.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Dozens of magic circles materialized above him. This time, the tips of water spears began to emerge from each one-manifestations of the Sea of Storms skill.


    [Maylock: "Broken, the Gori Guardian''s regeneration is awful-aim for the head. That''s its weak spot. Even if you don''t kill it, you''ll cripple itsbat potential."]


    When the charge time finished, he narrowed his eyes, gritting his teeth in concentration. With a sudden release, he let the Wavebreaker Spear fly, unleashing it with a burst of raw force. The spear tore through the air like a ravenous beast.


    From above, the colossal spear-its massive copy formed from the clouds-descended, falling swiftly toward the battlefield. Both the original spear and its enormous duplicate shot forward with such velocity that the recoil jolted Broken, causing Polly to momentarily stagger mid-flight.


    Simultaneously, the dozens of water spears streaked downward, cutting through the sky like relentless missiles, their sharp points gleaming with deadly intent. But that was only the


    beginning.


    A titanic surge of water followed, as if the very ocean had been unleashed from the heavens. Massive waves cascaded through the air, crashing downward as if the sky itself had split open, spilling the sea onto the battlefield. The colossal spear hurtled down amidst this watery deluge, surrounded by torrents of water raining down alongside it.


    Suddenly, another explosion echoed through the air. From within the downpour, a monstrous water boar erupted, seemingly running through the sky itself. The creature charged at blinding speed, racing toward the ground with ferocious power, following the spears into battle. The sky was alive with chaos, the sheer magnitude of Broken''s assault overwhelming everything in its path.


    Everyone who looked up from the battlefield could only stand in awe, mesmerized by the sheer disy of power. It was beyond extraordinary-it was divine.


    "Oh the heck, what is that?!"


    "Could this be... a sign of divine intervention?" someone whispered.


    "Broken! He''s like a god! He''s absolutely incredible!"


    "God Broken! He is God Broken!"


    "God Broken hase to save us all!"


    The colossal spear cast a massive shadow across the battlefield, as if an eclipse was


    approaching. All eyes were fixed on the enormous object and the tidal wave of water magic crashing down with it. Soldiers, monsters, even spectators online-all were left speechless, jaws hanging open as they watched the impossible unfold before them.


    "I hate to admit it, but this is absolutely incredible."


    "I detest him, but... this is too cool to ignore!"


    "Wow, the visual effects of his skill are breathtaking! I can''t even begin to imagine how much


    damage that''s going to cause!"


    Max patted Tora''s shoulder repeatedly, trying to snap him out of his shock. "Tora, what are


    we even looking at?"


    "I don''t know, Max," Tora replied, still awestruck. "But one thing''s for sure... this is


    beautiful!"


    The Gori Guardian, frozen in ce, seemed powerless as the massive spear crashed into him. The resulting explosion was deafening, sending gravel, dust, and debris flying into the air. The shockwave rippled outward, shaking the earth and creating tremors that could be felt


    across the battlefield.


    And that was only the beginning. The dozens of water spears followed in rapid session, piercing the creature from every angle. The water boar, charging with unstoppable force, mmed into the monster like a tidal wave. Then came the ocean itself-a massive surge of water pouring from the sky, flooding the battlefield.


    Thebined force of the explosion and the crashing water created a massive, rolling wave that swallowed everything in its path. It was as if the battlefield had been submerged in the


    fury of a storm.


    Now, the question remained-was it enough to defeat the Gori Guardian?


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Broken''s got a fan club calling him "God Broken." I mean, can you me them? Dude''s over


    here turning the battlefield into an aquatic apocalypse.


    It''s like the game developers went: "How much OP is too much OP?" and Yes said, "Broken!"


    (Illustration is inment section.)

 Chapter 537: Chapter 537 - Vines, Spears, and Vampires

    Chapter 537: Chapter 537 - Vines, Spears, and Vampires


    ?


    The atmosphere in the Golden Age Company was thick with tension as everyone fixated on the screen, watching the spectacle unfold. What they were witnessing was nothing short of


    breathtaking¡ªa fusion of Legendary-grade items and skills that no one had expected to be this awe-inspiring.


    "Damn, I never imagined that thebination of skills could be that magnificent."


    "Damn, Broken! After this, he''s bound to gain a huge following," another added with a chuckle.


    "Yeah, and his life will never be the same again after this."


    "But... Did that attack do enough to destroy the Gori Guardian?"


    "Maylock was smart to have Broken focus on this one," another voice chimed in. "The other guardians have trickier ways of defending themselves."


    "True. That crow guardian would''ve ignored the damage a few times-this attack wouldn''t have worked on it."


    "Yeah, that would''ve been a nightmare."


    Everyone held their breath as the torrent of water spears and the colossal spear crashed into the earth, obscuring the screen with massive waves and swirling debris.


    "This is super magnificent.


    "What a spectacle."


    Marco, standing silently among them, nodded slowly, a faint smile on his lips. "The tide of the battle has finally turned," he said quietly.


    People on the inte flooded thement sections with a frenzy of excitement.


    "Holy crap, did you see that?! Broken just unleashed a freaking storm on the battlefield!"


    "I can''t even begin to calcte the damage behind thatbo!"


    "BROKEN IS A GOD!"


    "There''s no way anyone is topping that performance."


    "Give him the crown now!"


    "This is hands down the best action I''ve ever seen in a game."


    "Man, I was skeptical about him at first, but after this? Count me in as one of his new fans! #GodBroken"


    "I swear that attack looked like something straight out of a god-tier anime boss battle!"


    "I can''t believe this is happening in a game!"


    "I need a breakdown of the skills and items he''s using. Right now!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "This is just... legendary in every sense of the word."


    "Broken just took it to another level!"


    "That was the most beautiful destruction I''ve ever witnessed. Respect."


    "Elincia has joined us on the battlefield, and even more yers are arriving!" Broken eximed, his voice buzzing with anticipation. "Let''s go, Polly! Let''s make the most of this war!"


    Polly responded instantly, her wings beating with incredible force. It was like they were bullets fired from a gun, descending rapidly and with intense speed. Broken gripped tightly onto Polly as they plummeted toward the ground, exhration rushing through him. The air around him felt like freedom itself.


    In one swift motion, Broken leaped off Polly''s back mid-air, falling quickly through the sky. In a blink, Polly duplicated herself, sending multiple versions of her flying off in different directions, ready to engage in other battles.


    Max and Tora, both caught up in the energy of the moment, shouted in unison, "This is it! This is it!"


    Tora, brimming with excitement, continued, "The real Hero has arrived-Broken! The Golden Age Company made the perfect call bringing him in at this time. We should apud their decision. This is truly extraordinary!"


    Max nodded in agreement. "I always knew his cksmithing skills were impressive, but hisbat abilities... they''re beyond anything I ever imagined! He''s so powerful!"


    "Let''s all focus our attention on Broken and see what he can do on this battlefield!"


    There was no death notification for the Gori Guardian. Damn, it had survived the attack. But the damage was undeniable-its body was cracked, with most of its left sidepletely obliterated, leaving only its right arm intact. This battle was far from over, but it would be easier now.


    At the same time, the Crow Guardian raised his magic wand, unleashing a barrage of magical missiles aimed directly at Broken. Dozens of glowing magic spheres raced toward him, their intent clear: to tear him apart.


    "He probably thinks I can''t dodge because I''m falling without any flight skills," Broken mused with a faint smile.


    As the missiles closed in, he swiftly switched to his Moonlight Barrier Cape and activated Moonlight Dome Barrier. The magical missiles crashed into the shimmering dome surrounding him, but the impacts were absorbed effortlessly, leaving Broken untouched.


    Broken drew his Moonvine Knuckles. He fired the knuckles using the Golden Bow of Artemis in a unique fashion, an odd sight even for him.


    [Nature Warp Strike (Active Skill)]


    [Vines of Torment (Active Skill)]


    [1,000 Mana used.]


    [Summon the Guardian (Active Skill)]


    [The Ring of Unlimited Skillz passive effect triggered: Summon the Guardian will not consume any mana.]


    The onlookers could only watch in amazement as the Moonvine Knuckles flew rapidly toward the Crow Guardian, now cocooned in a flurry of wild, twisting vines. In the blink of an eye, a knight-like figure, made entirely of vines, materialized and seized the knuckles from the air. Dendros brought the knuckles down in a devastating strike, sending shockwaves across the battlefield and causing the earth to tremble.


    As the ground shook from the impact, Ivana moved swiftly. She spotted the Wavebreaker Spear, grabbed it, and tossed it toward the still-plummeting Broken. Without missing a beat, The caught it mid-air with effortless precision.


    A blue cape, shimmering like water, suddenly appeared and adhered to his back-it was the Flowing Tide Cape.


    Following Maylock''s strategy, Ivana would continue holding off the Gori Guardian, while Broken focused on taking down the Crow Guardian, the real threat with its devastating area damage. This magic-casting menace had to be dealt with first.


    [Water Domain (Active Skill)]


    A massive surge of water erupted around Broken, forming a rapidly expanding sphere-shaped domain. In an instant, he mmed down in front of the Crow Guardian, the force of his arrival


    sending ripples through the battlefield.


    "Pawpaw! Time to go on a rampage!" he shouted.


    "Meow." The shadowy form of Pawpaw appeared, instantly blending into the chaos,


    scattering across the battlefield.


    Broken pulled out the Vampiric Command Card and grinned.


    [Vampiric Swarm State (Active Skill)]


    Suddenly, hundreds of vampiric bats swarmed the battlefield, their wings slicing through the


    air as they emerged from the swirling darkness. The ominous shadows were amplified by Pawpaw''s Crimson Eclipse skill, engulfing the battlefield in a cloud of terror. [Maylock: "Broken, you''ll need to keep up relentless pressure on this Crow. It can dodge attacks over and over, so make sure to hit it with raw, brutal damage-physical is best."] "Alright!" Broken replied, a wicked grin spreading across his face as he readied himself.

 Chapter 538: Chapter 538 - Sexy Killers Enter the Fray

    Chapter 538: Chapter 538 - Sexy Killers Enter the Fray


    ?


    [Awaken the Nature Goddess (Active Skill)]


    The ethereal form of Gaia materialized behind Broken, her spirit of nature following him. [Nature Healing (Active Skill)]


    This skill immediately activated, continuously healing Broken and freeing him from any debuffs.


    [Nature''s Wrath (Active Skill)]


    Ten colossal vines erupted from the ground, spreading across the battlefield. Broken was no stranger to this skill, and with so many monsters on the battlefield, he only needed to direct the massive vines into a rampage, striking anything that came within range.


    [Nature Conjuring (Active Skill)]


    Twelve nature beasts suddenly appeared, unleashed onto the battlefield. Each beast took its role in the fight with brutal efficiency.


    The Thorn Ox charged relentlessly, crashing into anything in its path.


    Truffle Boar and Tiger Lily leapt forward, attacking viciously, while Moss Goat and Bark Hound tore into enemies with ferocity.


    Chili Pepper Rooster leapt into the fray,unching massive fire cannons in every direction, setting the battlefield aze.


    Creeper Monkey hurled banana bombs and set traps.


    Elder Dragon Tree soared above, unleashing powerful magic damage in area attacks while simultaneously healing allies below.


    Fern Rabbit darted across the field, healing the wounded.


    Petal Charger charged into the battlefield. Meanwhile, Poison Ivy Rat, and Vine Serpent unleashed deadly poisons, spreading venomous chaos across the enemy ranks.


    Broken had gone all-out. This was perhaps the first time he had unleashed nearly everything in his arsenal in front of such a massive audience. Despite the scale of the battle, where so many skills and abilities ovepped, it was hard not to notice the sheer power and intensity of his presence.


    "Damn, what just happened?"


    "Why has the battle gotten even crazier since Broken showed up?"


    "Is it possible that all of this chaos is because of him?"


    "No way!"


    "What''s that massive darkness descending onto the battlefield?"


    "And those creatures floating in the air? Is that a freaking dragon?"


    "What the hell is that?!"


    "And Broken-damn! What is this guy made of? How did he get this strong in such a short time?"


    "There''s no way he''s just a regr yer."


    "Could he be one of those Divine Champions?"


    "Has he been hiding this kind of power all along?"


    [Broken: "Maylock, who are we summoning from Slumdon?"]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Maylock: "It''s a tough choice, Broken, but considering the situation, we need a physical damage dealer and a tank who can hold their ground in a prolonged fight."]


    [Broken: "And then?"]


    [Maylock: "I''m torn between Livelywood or Optimus."]


    Broken nned to summon Golem ckthorn from Slumdon Town onto the battlefield. Because of this, one of the members of the Ass Guild currently stationed in Slumdon Town could hitch a ride within ckthorn and be summoned alongside it.


    [Maylock: "Okay, Optimus it is."]


    [Broken: "Is he ready?"]


    [Maylock: "Yes, Broken! He''s ready!"]


    Amidst the chaos, where a swarm of monsters raged across the battlefield, a violent rift suddenly tore open, swallowing dozens of them in the blink of an eye. From the void stepped a figure¡ªa being seemingly formed of shadow and twisted vines, its head shaped like that of a gori, wielding a massive greatsword.


    The Golem ckthorn had arrived. Once a harmless statue in Slumdon, a popr photo spot for tourists, it now stood as a terrifying force on the battlefield.


    But the true threat emerged next. From within ckthorn''s chest, a figure stepped out-a massive warrior d in light martial arts armor. This was Optimus, one of the strongest fighters in the Ass Guild.


    Everyone watching online shot to their feet, some even spitting out their drinks in shock,pletely thrown off by what they were seeing.


    "How the fuck?!"


    "That''s the gori statue from Slumdon!"


    A popr influencer, currently live-streaming, was visibly furious on camera. His in-game name was Gaara.


    "That! That! The fucking golem that killed mest time! No one believed me, but now you see! That damn statue is alive-it''s a golem! All of you who used me of making it up, look! The truth is right in front of your eyes!"


    "Damn, how the hell did they summon that statue from such a distance?"


    "You idiot, golemancers can summon their golems from far away."


    "But who owns this one?"


    "Optimus appeared alongside the golem. Could he be the owner?"


    "Are you kidding me? Optimus is a fighter, you dumbass!"


    "I didn''t know anyone in the Ass Guild was a golemancer."


    Broken refocused on the Crow Guardian. He''d already gathered some information from Maylock about this opponent-though the Crow Guardian hadn''t yet revealed its full power, there were a few crucial things to watch for.


    [Maylock: "Broken, be careful. It can cast what seems like unlimited magic missiles. But with your unlimited regeneration skill, I think you can handle it."]


    Now, the Crow Guardian was trapped within Broken''s Water Domain. It screeched loudly, opening its beak in a high-pitched wail as magic circles formed behind its body. In a sh, it unleashed a barrage of magic missiles, all targeting Broken at point-nk range.


    Damn!


    Broken had no choice but to tank the hits. His health fluctuated wildly, swinging between taking direct damage and the relentless regeneration from his healing skills. He dashed forward using Dash, shing at the Crow, but-what?! It teleported!


    The Crow Guardian reappeared behind him,unching another wave of relentless attacks. Dendros, who was fighting alongside Broken, tried to strike from another angle, but the Crow kept teleporting away-dodging, reappearing, and attacking from different positions. This fight was even more chaotic than when Broken had fought uros.


    "Maylock?!" Broken shouted in frustration.


    "No, Broken, that isn''t teleportation! The Crow ces copies of itself in various spots around


    the battlefield, and each one takes turns appearing and attacking you."


    "What?! How do I stop it? Can''t we surround it with more fighters?"


    "No, that would be fatal. This monster deals massive magic damage. I doubt many could


    survive against it."


    Damn! Broken cursed, his frustration mounting.


    Even with the boost to movement speed and attack speed from his Bloodborne Frenzy skill, granted by the Vampiric Command Card, it wasn''t enough to keep up with this elusive beast. Broken continued to strike at the Crow Guardian with brutal intensity, asionallynding hits, but it wasn''t enough to bring the beast down. His frustration was mounting as the creature seemed untouchable.


    Maylock''s voice came through again. "We need to attack the beast at eight different spots simultaneously¡ªthose are where its copies are located. And we need to do it with physical


    damage."


    "How the hell are we supposed to pull that off?!"


    He nced at his Vampiric Command Card skill, knowing it only had 1.5 minutes duration, and


    sure enough, the boost was about to fade. As the skill wore off, the exhaustion hit him hard, making him feel like the Crow Guardian was toying with him.


    "That beast''s level is too high. It''s going to take a major effort and big skills to bring it down," Maylock continued. "The problem is, it''s so damn hard to hit!"


    "I need reinforcements!" Broken shouted.


    "Wait," Maylock cut in quickly. "Goldrich just said something. I''ll update you as soon as I get


    the details."


    Tora, who had been observing the battle from a distance, suddenly spoke up. "Max, I think we


    just got some good news."


    "And what''s that, Tora?"


    "One of the guilds with a Divine Champion just joined the fight. I think we''re about to get


    some serious backup."


    "Tell me, Tora, which guild is it?"


    Just as they spoke, Broken received a sudden notification in front of him.


    [SexyGrill Lv. 203 has sent you a friend request]


    [SexyBloom Lv. 53 has sent you a friend request]


    At the same moment, something caught his eye-five swords, floating and darting through the


    air, simultaneously striking the Crow Guardian at multiple spots.


    "What is that?" Broken muttered.


    [Maylock: "Broken, they''ve arrived."]


    Broken dashed backward, keeping his distance as two figures descended slowly from above,


    landing right in front of him.


    Two women. The one on the left-SexyGrill-had wavy brown hair and wielded a sword


    identical to the five that had been slicing through the air moments ago.


    Was she the one controlling them?


    The other woman, with short blonde hair and a sword in hand, was SexyBloom.


    Both of them wore light armor, a mix of white fabric and dark brown-ck protective gear.


    From their appearance, it was clear they were sword magic users.


    The short blonde girl nced at Broken with a grin, instantly shocking him.


    "Hi, Brother... we''ve arrived."


    SexyGrill, also turned toward Broken. "Hi," she said, giggling. "I love that shocked


    expression-totally worth it. Hehe, I''m satisfied."


    "What the fuck are you two doing here?!"


    "SexyGrill, Master of the Sexy Killers Guild and also the Lust Champion, ready to assist you,"


    she added with a confident smirk.

 Chapter 539: Chapter 539 - Bond of Desire

    Chapter 539: Chapter 539 - Bond of Desire


    ?


    A massive explosion echoed across the battlefield. The Gori Guardian was hurled to the ground, crashing into several smaller monsters in its path. The impact sent nearby yers scrambling to distance themselves, desperate to avoid the massive damage they feared would follow.


    Though the ckthorn Golem was already an imposing figure, it still paled inparison to the sheer size of the Gori Guardian. Even Kingsley, in his massive bear form, towered over ckthorn, with the Golem standing only as high as their shoulders.


    Kingsley charged forward with startling speed, pinning the Gori Guardian beneath his massive weight. Heunched a barrage of brutal blows aimed straight at the Guardian''s head, relentless in his attack.


    But suddenly, the Gori Guardian let out a deafening roar, so powerful that everyone nearby was sted back, the very ground trembling beneath its fury. Kingsley was thrown aside.


    Without hesitation, ckthorn, shrouded in a shadowy aura, charged forward. Its greatsword gleamed with dark energy as it swung the weapon with incredible force.


    [Abyssal Cleave (Active Skill) is activated.]


    The greatsword cut through the air, slicing with such power that it tore open a dimensional rift, damaging everything in its path.


    The strike was immense, and the Gori Guardian, caught off guard, raised his right hands to block it. Even so, the Guardian''s feet dug deep into the earth as it struggled against the overwhelming force.


    Suddenly, a spinning shield appeared beside the Gori Guardian''s head. In the blink of an eye, Ivana materialized, her hand gripping the shield with fierce determination.


    "You end here!" she growled through gritted teeth.


    She maneuvered swiftly, delivering a strike to the back of the Gori Guardian''s head. Thebined impact of ckthorn''s attack and the disruption of the Guardian''s bnce triggered a powerful explosion around the massive creature.


    Ivana was flung backward by the force but, with incredible agility, she hurled her shield into the air just before her body could hit the ground. In a blink, she teleported to the floating shield, catching herself mid-air, effortlessly avoiding the fall.


    This epic battle was captured clearly by the cameras! And this time, it wasn''t just one camera. Multiple feeds showed various angles of the intense fight from different spots on the battlefield.


    Meanwhile, on top of the city wall, Maylock stood, observing the chaos below, apanied by a short-haired blonde elf. Though he remained away from the direct conflict, he was busy orchestrating the battle from his vantage point. His strategic oversight was remarkable, bringing a sense of control to the war as hismands gradually began to turn the tide.


    Elincia had also reappeared, causing havoc as she unleashed devastating area magic damage, obliteratingrge swaths of monsters on the battlefield.


    And Optimus-one of the newer fighters-was locked in a fierce one-on-one battle against the Monkey Guardian, aided by long-range support from Melliandra.


    "Brother, ept the friend request now. And! Call me Bloom, okay?! If you mess it up even once, I swear I''ll never see you in this game again."


    Broken could hardly believe it-he almost chuckled in the middle of the intense battle. It was Lily and Hazel standing before him. But wait, Lily''s level was still so low. Wasn''t it dangerous for her to be here?


    With a slight hesitation, Broken epted their friend request.


    [SexyGrill has sent a party invitation.]


    He turned to SexyGrill, who was smiling eagerly at him. "Please ept the party invitation," she urged. "Let''s take down this antagonist''s pawn together."


    Broken hesitated, unsure.


    "Brother," SexyBloom urged.


    "Yes, Sexy- No, I mean Bloom!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    SexyBloom pouted at his slip-up. "I warned you!"


    "Yes, Bloom?"


    Lily-no, SexyBloom-knew everything about Broken''s secret. She understood that he was the Sloth Champion, and why he was so intent on keeping that hidden. But why had SexyBloom, with her low level, ventured into such a dangerous ce?


    And then there was SexyGrill. She had mentioned being a guild leader-and the Lust Champion?


    Did they know something Broken didn''t? Doubts swirled in his mind, but deep down, he wanted to trust his sisterpletely. He knew she would never do anything to harm him.


    Whatever was happening, he had to believe in her.


    "Lil-" He caught himself. "Bloom. Tell me."


    "Brother, ept the party invitation. Grill will exin everything as we go. No need to worry. Trust me."


    "But-"


    Before Broken could protest further, he saw the Crow Guardian preparing for another attack. He took a deep breath and epted the party invitation.


    [Broken has joined the party.]


    [Party - Sexy Family]


    [1. SexyGrill - Lv. 203 (Party Leader)]


    [2. SexyBloom - Lv. 53]


    [3. Broken - Lv. 138]


    "Sexy Family?"


    Broken finally joined the party-something he hadn''t done in a long time. Thest time was months ago, when he and Freya were on their way to rio Town. It felt like a lifetime ago. SexyGrill stood to his left, and SexyBloom to his right. Around them, the five floating swords that had been attacking the Crow Guardian now danced gracefully in the air, moving freely around the group.


    "I''m the Lust Champion with an ability that''s... well, a bit of a cheat!" SexyGrill said with a yful smirk.


    "It''s not something that affects me directly, but the people I choose." She spoke quickly, and Broken tried to process the flood of information.


    "My ability lets anyone I contract with receive a temporary level-up to match mine-level 203. So, if you''re level 138 right now, you''ll get the stat points for 65 additional levels. The catch is that once I make the contract, one of my limited slots is used."


    She paused for a moment before continuing, "In exchange, when I activate this skill, you''ll have to share one of your abilities with the rest of us. You won''t get to choose the skill yourself, though¡ªI''ll be given two chosen options from your abilities, and I can only pick one."


    Wait. Broken tried to absorb what she was saying.


    First, she could boost someone''s level to match hers. Which meant Broken would receive a boost of 650 stat points! Damn!


    "The skill you share will be usable by everyone in the party," SexyGrill exined. "Like the floating skill that let Bloom and me float earlier. That''s one of her skills from her Epic-grade ss. So, if you ept the contract, you''ll be able to use that floating skill too."


    "No," she quickly corrected herself. "Don''t get it wrong-the floating swords are my skill, from my Unique-grade ss."


    What?! An Epic-grade ss for SexyBloom? And SexyGrill had a Unique-grade ss? A Divine Champion with a Unique-grade ss-wasn''t that too... imbnced?


    Broken turned to look at SexyBloom, and she gave him a yful wink. "Let''s do it together,


    brother."


    [SexyGrill the Lust Champion is offering you a contract to be her Bonded Ally.]


    [You will be granted the grace of Bond of Desire.]


    [Bond of Desire: This skill allows you to temporarily level up to match the level of the user.]


    [Everyone in the party will gain ess to one of your chosen skills from two random options.


    [The skill could be active or passive, and will be chosen based on the current needs of the


    party, benefiting the entire team.]


    [ept the contract?]


    The Crow Guardian began to rise again, casting its magic as a glowing magic circle formed behind it. Meanwhile, SexyGrill floated effortlessly in the air, five swords swirling around her like wings, while she gripped another sword firmly in her hand.


    SexyBloom floated beside her, holding her own de, her body glowing with a radiant silver aura. Her hair seemed to lift with the energy coursing through her.


    "My Lust Champion abilities let me observe someone''s level," SexyGrill exined. "It wasn''t Bloom who gave me your details. And don''t worry, you can count on me."


    A boost of 65 levels and 650 stat points, along with the potential to share a useful skill with both SexyGrill and SexyBloom-that was a power few could dream of.


    On top of that, Broken felt a sense of reassurance knowing that SexyBloom was now fighting beside him at level 203, a level that would typically take someone nine years Yunatea Time of dedication to Immortal Legacy to achieve. But she had reached it through the blessing of Lust


    from SexyGrill.


    Broken nodded as he clenched his fists.


    Suddenly, the notification popped up.


    [Broken has epted the contract.]


    [Bond of Desire has been activated. You have received a temporary level boost for 10 minutes.]


    [Level Up.]


    [Level Up.]


    [Level Up.]


    [Level Up.]

 Chapter 540: Chapter 540 - The Burning Blade: Broken’s Final Move

    Chapter 540: Chapter 540 - The Burning de: Broken¡¯s Final Move


    ?


    [SexyGrill has picked Nature Healing from the two avable skills in your arsenal.] [Nature Healing (Active) is now avable to the party.]


    [Aetherial Lift (Active) is now avable.]


    [Grants the ability to float. While floating, movement speed is increased by 20%.


    Mana Cost: 7 Mana / Second.]


    SexyGrill had made the perfect decision by choosing the Nature Healing skill, the one Broken gained whenever he summoned Gaia from the ring. This skill allowed Broken and the party to stay fully healed while also clearing any negative effects that could have otherwise crippled them.


    A message from Maylock appeared in his vision.


    [Maylock: "I''m just going to stay quiet and avoid any responsibility for whatever decisions you make, heh!"]


    Broken couldn''t help but smile at the message.


    He now had 650 stat points at his disposal-a massive boost. And the best part? He could reallocate them each time the skill was activated. The possibilities were already flooding his mind.


    Another message from Maylock popped up.


    [Maylock: "Grill and Bloom should be able to handle the Crow with their abilities. Those flying swords will help them locate the real body. So, my bet? You need to focus on your highest damage skill to finish it off once they do. I''m thinking of that skill you used earlier to flood the battlefield. You can wield any weapon with it, right? Pick the one with the biggest single-target damage and go for the kill."]


    SexyGrill darted through the battlefield. The five flying swords dispersed in all directions, relentlessly striking wherever the Crow Guardian appeared. With each rapid movement, she expertly closed in,nding precise and devastating blows.


    The Crow Guardian was finding it harder to counter as SexyGrill''s relentless movements boxed it in, leaving little room for escape.


    The creature struggled tounch a barrage of magic missiles, but SexyGrill and SexyBloom remained unfazed. Thanks to the Nature Healing skill from Gaia, their health fluctuated wildly but recovered just as fast, negating the heavy damage from the Crow Guardian''s relentless attacks.


    With the pressure on the Crow Guardian, Broken realized he could rely on them to buy him the 7 seconds he needed to finish this beast.


    "Spend everything into Strength," Broken murmured to himself.


    [Name: Broken]


    [Level: 203]


    [ss: Unique - Super Novice | Unique - Royal cksmith | Unique - Rift Digger | Unique - Elemental Forger]


    [Health: 4,320 | Mana: 6,228]


    [Strength: 1,560 | Agility: 575 | Intelligence: 612 | Constitution: 418 | Stamina: 438]


    [Charisma: 100 | Luck: 57 | Dexterity: 50 | Survival: 30 | Perception: 20]


    [Avable Stat Points: 0]


    [Weight: 2,641/9,360]


    Broken knew this was his moment-the crucial gamble. He had to use the most powerful skillbination at his disposal, a single strike that would ensure the Crow Guardian was wiped out in one devastating blow.


    There was no room for hesitation. He understood that putting everything into Strength was the best strategy here, maximizing his attack power to its fullest potential. This was the only way to guarantee that the finishing hit would erase the Crow Guardian in a single, overwhelming strike!


    Several notifications shed on his vision.


    [Winds of the Arcane has been activated.]


    [Your movement speed has increased by 30%. You gain a 15% boost to magic damage for 20 seconds.]


    [Mana Infusion has been activated.]


    [Your mana regeneration has increased by 30% for 60 seconds.]


    [Arcane Convergence has been activated.]


    [Your critical hit chance has increased by 10% for 60 seconds.]


    He quickly realized that all these skills were being cast by SexyBloom.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    So her Epic-ss really is a support ss? There was no way she could have this many buff skills without being focused on support.


    But then again, why was she wielding a magic sword?


    It was such a uniquebination¡ªa support role, yet using a sword typically suited forbat sses.


    The sheer number of boosts he received after joining the party was staggering. His movement speed, magic damage, mana regeneration, and even critical hit chance had all been enhanced. It was clear just how much of an advantage there was in being part of a well-synchronized


    team.


    Broken''s mind raced as he quickly weighed his options, deciding which weapon would deliver the perfect finishing blow. He had a vast arsenal of Legendary-grade weapons, but which one would be the right choice?!


    Was the Wavebreaker Spear the best option? Or did he have a better alternative?


    Broken leaped backward, floating mid-air. To his surprise, he could use the floating skill effortlessly¡ªit was as if just imagining the movement was enough to make his body respond.


    [Sniper''s Focus (Active Skill) Lv. 4]


    He drew an arrow and activated Sniper''s Focus, his body steady as he charged the skill. Time seemed to slow as he scanned his list of weapons, considering the possibilities.


    Out of all the weapons at his disposal, Broken knew he needed to pick the one that offered the most devastatingbination of single-target damage and AoE impact-the weapon with the highest percentage damage umtion!


    However, he realized he might need to set aside certain options like Rockfall Barrage from the Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe and Sea of Storms from the Wavebreaker Spear. The falling boulders and water spears from those weapons would hit enemies randomly, meaning only one or two projectiles might actually strike the target.


    Time was running out, and he had to make a decision quickly. His eyes scanned the list of weapons and skills again, every second precious.


    [+12 Abyssbreaker]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Attack Power: 2129-2342


    Strength +156


    Agility +52


    Shadow Element Damage +52%]


    Abyssbreaker was undeniably powerful, with immense Attack Power, Strength, and Agility. However, its AoE skill had rtively low percentage damage, despite the advantage of a short cooldown. Given the high stakes of this moment, Broken knew he couldn''t rely on a weapon thatcked the sheer burst damage he needed.


    Reluctantly, he decided to set the Abyssbreaker aside.


    Broken knew exactly what he needed a weapon with the highest percentage damage and a full set of offensive skills. His eyes locked onto The Scorchyer.


    [+12 The Scorchyer]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Attack Power: 1046-1151


    Strength +195


    Agility +130


    Stamina +195]


    [Wrath of the Infernal King (Active Skill)]


    [Effect: Unleashes abo of six rapid strikes, each dealing 350% Physical Attack and 350%


    Fire Element Magic Damage. The final strike explodes, dealing 700% Physical Attack and 700% Fire Element Magic Damage to all enemies within 10 meters and stuns them for 2 seconds. If the final strike kills an enemy, the wielder gains a 60% increase in Fire Element Magic Damage for 30 seconds.]


    The Wrath of the Infernal King had incredible potential for single-target devastation, with the explosive final strike making it a lethal finisher.


    Though The Scorchyer boasted other powerful skills-like ze Nova, which delivered


    600% physical and 600% fire element AoE damage, totaling 1200%, with an extra 200% for 10 seconds. Also, Doomfire sh, which hit for 800% physical and 800% fire single-target damage with a 500% AOE effect-Broken knew what he needed.


    For this moment, where everything hinged on delivering a finishing blow, Wrath of the Infernal King was his best bet.


    The charge time for Sniper''s Focus wasplete.


    Broken released the arrow, and it sliced through the air, striking the Crow Guardian with pinpoint precision. The impact sent the creature spiraling uncontrobly through the air, struggling to regain its footing. The skill would decrease its defense by 40% for 10 seconds. Relief washed over him-SexyGrill and SexyBloom''s efforts were paying off, giving him the opening he needed for his next move.


    "Buy me 5 seconds!" Broken shouted.


    SexyGrill nced over her shoulder, giving him a quick wink. "I''ll give you a bonus-1 extra


    second."


    She''s still joking at a time like this?


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    I''ll list out the updated status and skills of each weapon in thements so you can help Broken double-check if choosing The Scorchyer was the right call. But remember, he''s working under intense pressure with only a short window to decide-so let''s not be too hard


    on our boy!


    But if you''re not into crunching numbers and just here for the action, go ahead and let our boy


    do his thing! Haha. Good luck, Broken!

 Chapter 541: Chapter 541 - Bedrock Fury: The Pickaxe Unleashed

    Chapter 541: Chapter 541 - Bedrock Fury: The Pickaxe Unleashed


    ?


    SexyGrill and SexyBloom''s health bars were dangerously low, the relentless damage from the Crow Guardian overwhelming even the effects of Nature Healing.


    The battle had reached its breaking point, and Broken knew this was it. He had already made his decision-everything rested on this final move. He could only hope it was the right one, the strike that would unleash the greatest damage and end the fight.


    A message from Maylock popped up:


    [Maylock: "No pressure, just to let you know, more monsters have entered the city."]


    [Broken: "That definitely feels like pressure."]


    [Maylock: "Haha!"]


    But just as Broken was about to pull The Scorchyer from his inventory, he paused. Scanning through his arsenal again, a realization hit him-The Scorchyer''s damage was split between physical and elemental magic, and his magic damage wasn''t bnced enough to fully capitalize on it. That meant he wasn''t getting the full potential from the weapon''s percentage-based damage.


    But then, another option caught his eye. Yes!


    [+12 Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Attack Power: 1379~1751


    Strength +130


    Agility +130


    Constitution +130


    Stamina +130]


    Terra Fury: 2000% single-target + 1000% aftershock AoE.


    Rockfall Barrage: 200% physical damage, 2 boulders hit (AoE).


    Summon Desert Worm: 6000% AoE damage.


    The Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe had a higher percentage damage overall, especially with Terra Fury''s powerful single-target strike and the massive Summon Desert Worm AoE attack. This could deliver devastating damage to the Crow Guardian and everything around it.


    Yes! This weapon has the sheer percentage damage I need. And the AoE will have a greater impact on the battlefield around the Guardian!


    He drew out the Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe, gripping it tightly before nocking it onto his bow as if it were an arrow.


    [Apex of Arsenal (Passive Skill)]


    [Explosive Arrow (Active Skill) Lv. 4]


    As the skill charged, a massive copy of the pickaxe materialized behind him, spinning fiercely in the air, ready tounch toward its target. The sheer size and power of the spectacle instantly caught the attention of everyone on the battlefield.


    The sheer size and power of the spectacle instantly caught the attention of everyone on the battlefield.


    **


    A sleek, sophisticated home bus was parked on the hospital parking lot. Its side featured a massive screen broadcasting a live event from Immortal Legacy, capturing the attention of onlookers. In front of the crowd, several men in ck suits stood in line, while a girl with long blonde hair sat in a wheelchair, Freya standing close by.


    As the minutes passed, more people gathered, their eyes glued to the live stream.


    "Go Broken!!! You can do it!"


    "Take down those monsters!"


    "He''s so cool! I love him!!!"


    "God Broken! He''s like a god! So powerful!"


    "Oh my god, he''s so cute! I want him!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Freya raised an eyebrow at thement and smirked. "Seems Lily''s brother is getting quite popr with thedies."


    Juliette, the girl in the wheelchair, giggled softly. "You could say that... I''m one of his many admirers too."


    Inside the hospital, Maylon''s wife, Laura,y in bed, her pale face softened by a smile as she watched the same stream. She leaned back, her expression proud.


    "I''m sure he''s having a good time," she said, her gaze drifting to the screen showing her husband''s serious face.


    "This game... it''s like a second life for him," she continued softly. "He works hard, not just to be powerful and influential in the game, but to still be there for me and our daughter." Meanwhile, the noise from the crowd had drawn the attention of some hospital staff, who were upset by the loud cheering. As they approached themotion, they were stopped by the ck-suited men standing guard.


    "Hey! Are you all out of your mind? Yelling near a hospital?!" one of the staff members shouted.


    One of the men in ck coolly stepped forward. "Is there a problem?" he asked calmly, towering over the hospital staff.


    Caught off guard by the intimidating presence, the staff member stammered, "Uh... N-No, we just... wanted to watch the live stream too."


    Marco stood with his arms crossed, watching intently as the massive battle in Deadbay City unfolded on the screen. A faint smile crept across his face as Broken continued to make a


    significant impact on the battlefield.


    "Yoo... Broken! You''re officially my number one idol, hahaha!" one of the employees shouted, clearly swept up in the excitement.


    "Let''s go, Broken! Yes, yes, pick the pickaxe, pick the pickaxe!"


    "How can he be so good with a spear? Doesn''t it take years of practice to fight with that kind


    of agility?"


    "Does he have a martial arts background? Like, did he train in spear fighting or something?"


    "He does, but only for a few months," someone chimed in.


    "Damn, no way! How is that even possible? He''s so Broken!"


    "Yeah," another agreed with a grin, "he really nailed it with that name-Broken is literally broken!"


    Marco chuckled softly at thements, before muttering to himself, "Do we need to give him a special reward for saving us from all this trouble?" A faint smile tugged at his lips.


    Then, his expression softened.


    "Your son... Arthur..." he whispered under his breath.


    "How did he grow into someone so extraordinary? I can see your determination and


    unyielding spirit in him."


    **


    [Terra Fury (Active Skill) activated.]


    [850 Mana consumed.]


    [Rockfall Barrage (Active Skill) activated.]


    [790 Mana consumed.]


    [Summon Desert Worm (Active Skill) activated.]


    [400 Mana consumed.]


    The ground beneath the battlefield trembled violently, centered around Broken as he floated


    in mid-air, charging his skill.


    The earth shook as if an earthquake had hit, andyers of soil lifted upward. Above, dozens of massive magic circles formed in the sky, summoning colossal boulders that slowly emerged, ready to rain down destruction.


    In the center of it all, a giant circr maw appeared-seemingly the mouth of a massive worm, its jagged teeth ready to devour the battlefield whole.


    3 seconds left.


    Broken''s focus remained sharp as he watched SexyGrill and SexyBloom continue to keep the


    Crow Guardian distracted. He knew this was his one shot-he couldn''t let the opportunity


    slip. This had to end now.


    2 seconds left.


    The Monkey Guardian charged forward, desperate to assist its ally and strike at Broken. But


    before it could get close, massive shields shot into ce around him.


    Ivana appeared in a sh, casting a protective barrier that enveloped Broken.


    1 second left.


    Elincia darted through the air, casting a barrage of lightning attacks to keep any threats at


    bay, making sure no one would disrupt his focus.


    Kingsley grappled with the Gori Guardian, their massive bodies shing as they fought for


    control. ckthorn joined in, hammering the Gori Guardian with devastating blows, keeping it from interfering.


    This was it-the final moment. Every ally on the battlefield had staked everything on this one


    attack.


    The charge time wasplete!


    [Projectile''s Kiss (Active Skill) activated.]


    [The Ring of Unlimited skillz passive effect triggered: Projectile''s Kiss will not consume any


    mana.]


    With a fierce grit of his teeth, Broken unleashed the pickaxe, firing it from his bow. It tore through the air with unimaginable speed, the full force of his power behind it.


    The final strike had begun.

 Chapter 542: Chapter 542 - The Fall of the Crow

    Chapter 542: Chapter 542 - The Fall of the Crow


    ?


    Everyone held their breath as the massive pickaxe spun through the air, racing toward the Crow Guardian.


    SexyGrill and SexyBloom remained relentless, pushing the beast into a corner.


    At the same time, 200 enormous boulders began to plummet from the sky like a storm of meteors, spinning and hurtling toward the battlefield. Hundreds of streaks of lightning apanied this magnificent chaos, striking the ground around the falling boulders, creating a thunderous symphony of destruction.


    From below, the earth rumbled as the ground lifted, revealing what looked like the massive, gaping mouth of a colossal worm, ready to devour a chunk of the battlefield.


    Then, the pickaxe struck.


    BA-BA-BOOM! BOOM!


    A chain of explosions erupted, lifting the ground and shattering the earth beneath it. The impact was so massive that it felt as if the world itself was being torn apart. Darkness consumed the area as the giant worm''s mouth surged up from below, swallowing everything in its path, including some of the Crow Guardian''s forces.


    GRRRRRRUMBLE!


    The 200 massive boulders hit the earth in a devastating sequence, sending monsters flying, exploding on impact, and tearing the ground apart.


    KRA-KA-BOOM!


    RUMBLE-CRACK!


    Hundreds of lightning strikes followed, brutally hammering the battlefield. The sound of roars, cries, and sheer devastation filled the air as the destruction spread.


    Though the damage was only affecting the monsters, the environmental effects of the cataclysmic explosion didn''t spare everyone. yers caught within the quake-like shockwaves were thrown into the air, feeling the earth beneath them tremble as the battle reached a level of chaos none could have anticipated.


    The sheer magnitude of the attack was undeniable. It was a supermassive area of destruction, and Broken could immediately see the devastating effects. Hundreds of monsters perished instantly. Even SexyGrill and SexyBloom leveled up rapidly from the chaos, their stats rising quickly.


    Broken, however, couldn''t help but feel a pang of frustration. Of course, I''m the only one who didn''t level up. He sighed but quickly reminded himself that, thanks to SexyGrill''s Lust Champion blessing, he''d been able to unleash such devastating damage in the first ce. That alone was worth it.


    He shot into the air, as did SexyGrill and SexyBloom, both flying upward to escape the clouds of debris from the massive impact that obscured their vision.


    But something gnawed at him. There''s no way... He thought, scanning the battlefield desperately.


    I haven''t seen the notification for the Crow Guardian''s death yet. After that huge attack?


    Just then, SexyGrill''s message shed on his vision, confirming his fears.


    [SexyGrill: "The attack hit the Crow. It''s in bad shape now, but we need to finish it off before it recovers."]


    The Crow Guardian was still alive, barely holding on-but time was running out.


    Without wasting a moment, Broken swiftly switched to the Wavebreaker Spear and donned his Invincible Paragon armor set.


    [Berserker Rage (Active Skill) activated.]


    Immediately, he felt a surge of power as 80% of his Constitution stat transferred into his Strength.


    [Health: 980 Mana: 6,228]


    [Strength: 1894 | Agility: 575 | Intelligence: 612 | Constitution: 84 | Stamina: 438]


    [Weight: 2,641/11,364]


    Broken floated toward the battered Crow Guardian, his spear spinning rapidly in his hands. As he closed in on his target, he unleashed a powerful sh with the Wavebreaker Spear, sparks flying as his de collided with the Crow Guardian''s magical barrier.


    In response, the Crow Guardian''s hands moved with lightning speed, summoning transparent discs that encircled it. These discs formed an imprable shield around the Guardian, rendering it immune to Broken''s physical attacks.


    "So... are you fast enough to withstand all my attacks?"


    Suddenly, the Crow Guardianunched into a flurry of movements, its body seemingly vanishing in a blur of speed, only to reappear on the other side of the battlefield.


    In the next instant, arge and imposing shield came flying from a distance, spinning through the air at incredible speed. It was aimed directly at the Crow Guardian, but instead of letting it go unchallenged, the Guardian met the blow head-on. The impact sent it crashing to the ground with a deafening thud.


    Before Broken could react, Ivana appeared out of thin air, catching the massive shield in her hands with a practiced ease.


    After that, five flying swords streaked through the air, repeatedly shing at the Crow Guardian as it reappeared at different locations. SexyGrill and SexyBloom flew closer,


    hovering near Ivana.


    "Hi, Ivana..." SexyBloom greeted with a yful smile. "I''m Broken''s sister out there, it''s nice


    to finally meet you."


    "Hi..." Ivana replied, a bit caught off guard.


    "Bloom! Call me Bloom," SexyBloom quickly corrected.


    "Hi Bloom, you''re so cute... can you be my little sister too?" Ivana asked, grinning.


    "Do you mean sister-inw?"


    "Ah, I think that''s a great idea too," Ivana chuckled.


    Cough! Cough! SexyGrill interrupted, floating nearby. "Bloom, don''t forget, I''ll be your sister-


    inw too, okay?"


    "I didn''t hear that."


    "Hi, Grill," Ivana greeted.


    "Hi, Ivana," SexyGrill grinned. "Let''s finish off this trash, and t nen can talk more a


    everything."


    "Yes, sure."


    The three girls darted swiftly, joining Broken in his battle with the Crow Guardian. It was clear the enemy was on the verge of destruction, its strength waning with every blow. The relentless attacks had worn it down significantly.


    The Crow Guardian kept vanishing and reappearing, but Ivana was quick. She hurled her shield with precision, sending the Guardian crashing to the ground. In an instant, Broken followed up with a rain of spears falling from the sky.


    "Do you think monster crow meat is edible, Ivana?" Broken asked with a grin.


    "I''ve never tasted it before, but if you''re interested, I can roast its head for you."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "I don''t think it''s a good idea, but I''m curious enough to let you try," he said excitedly. Suddenly, Dendros lunged from the side, his knuckles finding its mark as it attacked through the Guardian''s neck.


    Broken didn''t hesitate. With immense speed, he thrust his spear forward, aiming for the Crow Guardian''s neck. In a sh, the crow''s head was severed clean from its body. As his water domain began to fade and cascaded back down to the earth.


    "It''s over!" Broken eximed. "It''s really over!"


    The sound of thunder and lightning echoed across the battlefield, the remnants of Elincia''s immense power rippling through the air. She was pouring every ounce of Mana and Stamina into her final attacks, leaving the battlefield awestruck by her sheer strength. Meanwhile, Melliandra, Optimus, and Kingsley sessfully defeat the Monkey Guardian, marking a turning point.


    The yers and residents of Deadbay City had won the great battle of the day.


    "We did it! We did it, brother, we did it!" SexyBloom screamed hysterically as she flew toward Broken, hugging him tightly and bouncing with joy. "We did it!"


    She released him, grabbed Ivana''s hand, and pulled her into the embrace. Ivana also hugged


    Broken, followed by SexyGrill, who joined in the group hug, surrounding him with


    excitement.


    "We did it, we won!"


    Elincia approached and joined the celebration, wrapping her arms around the others.


    "We did it! We won!"


    "We won!" they all cheered in unison.


    In the distance, they saw thest of the monsters, still ferociously attacking, copse and wither before falling to the ground. Victory was finally, unmistakably theirs.


    Melliandra descended from above, but her attention was suddenly diverted when a stray


    attack from other yers identally hit her.


    "You idiots, be careful with your attacks!" she yelled, snapping her sniper rifle up and firing a


    barrage of brutal shots toward them.


    "Melliandra, please forgive us!"


    "We didn''t mean to!" Broken and the others nced her way and couldn''t help butugh at the scene.


    The battle was over, and despite the chaos, the joy of victory was palpable.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Phew! Writing this whole Dissidia battle arc was no joke! It''s been a wild ride. I really hope you all enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed bringing it to life.


    That was one epic finish! We had massive pickaxes, a storm of falling boulders, lightning


    storms, flying swords and shields-and let''s not forget the giant worm that could eat half the


    battlefield!


    Honestly, we might need to rename this chapter to "Broken and the Girls Who Could Destroy


    the World."

 Chapter 543: Chapter 543 - Hero of Deadbay City

    Chapter 543: Chapter 543 - Hero of Deadbay City


    ?


    [Congrattions to Broken, the Great Moonlight Guardian yer! With your victory against the powerful Forest Guardian of the Moonlight Fae, you have earned the esteemed title of ''Fae Fighter Extraordinaire'' and the reward of increased damage by 10% against the Moonlight Fae.]


    [You have triumphed in your battle against the Epic - Faery Spellweaver Forest Guardian Lv. 253!]


    [Congrattions to Broken, the Unstoppable Guardian of Deadbay City, for repelling the attack from the Moonlight Fae Forest Guardians!]


    [We thank you for your heroic actions that have saved the city. In recognition of your valiant efforts, we proudly bestow upon you the title of ''Defender of Deadbay City'' -you have certainly earned it!]


    [As a reward for your achievement, you receive 50 stat points.]


    [Your reputation in Deadbay City has increased dramatically. Merchants will offer you discounts of up to 20% on their merchandise and will wee you with grand celebrations upon your arrival.]


    [You now have ess to important information from Deadbay''s leaders and the loyalty of the city''s inhabitants.]


    "A 20% discount? That sounds interesting. Plus, ess to important information? That could really help meplete key quests in this city. And 50 stat points? That''s a solid bonus!"


    Broken grinned, knowing the rewards would prove invaluable in his journey.


    A flurry of notifications filled his vision as the Crow Guardian''s body disintegrated into pixels and vanished. Left in its ce were one green and one gold item, which floated toward him. Only then did he realize that despite SexyGrill being the Party Leader, the loot settings were arranged for the drops tond on him.


    [You have obtained (Unique) Enchanted Raven Helm]


    [You have obtained (Legendary) Spellweaver Chrono Booster]


    "Legendary and Unique items, that''s amazing!" SexyGrill winked at him.


    "Looks like we got lucky this time," Broken replied with a grin.


    "This is all because of your contribution. Without you, the monsters would''ve destroyed this


    city, and there would have been many victims," she said enthusiastically.


    "Thanks, Grill." Broken still found it surreal, talking to them like this-especially considering Lily and Hazel had suddenly appeared on the battlefield with their game


    characters. He smiled, still adjusting to the situation.


    "Take those two items, I''m fine with it. Just share some monster cores with me and Bloom," SexyGrill said. "Besides, we only showed up near the end."


    SexyBloom turned toward Broken as well. "Yes, brother, don''t overthink it. Grill would be more than happy to give you even more to support you, so you better take advantage of that."


    "Yes, everything," SexyGrill added, winking yfully at SexyBloom.


    "Everything? Broken, aren''t you taking too much from this poor girl?" Ivana chimed in with a


    smirk.


    "No, I''m the one being bullied here!" Broken protested. "So don''t side with them, Ivana!" "So, Broken, are you going after minors now?" Elincia teased with a yful grin. "No, she is not."


    "Yes, I''m legal age already," SexyGrill replied with a smirk. "But he''s been close to me since I was under 18."


    Elincia giggled. "That sounds exactly like Broken. And you-Guild Master of Sexy Killers, Lust Champion, and a Unique-grade ss holder. Looks like you''re bing a bit too much like our Main Character here, taking quite a bit for yourself, huh?"


    SexyGrill gave a slight bow. "I feel humbled before someone like you, Elincia. Just paying my respects to the Ass Guild, known for its powerful members. Even with only a few of you on a battlefield like this, you''ve all made a huge impact on the oue."


    Broken deliberately postponed reading the detailed stats of the two items he had just


    obtained, despite his curiosity about the skills they contained.


    Notifications continued to flood his vision, while around him, yers celebrated their monumental victory and exchanged excited conversations.


    [Congrattions! You have distinguished yourself from the rest by contributing to the defense of Deadbay City, a cornerstone of the Dissidia Kingdom.]


    [As a reward, you''ve been awarded the title of ''Hero of Deadbay City'', and representatives from the Kingdom will soon be visiting to present you with a special gift. We salute you and thank you for your heroic deeds!]


    After a moment, with no more notificationsing in, Broken took a breath and nced around, seeing yers lost in celebration. Then, from a distance, he noticed several people running toward him.


    "Polly!" he called out as the four-tailed fox swooped down andnded near him. The fox brought its head closer to Broken, opening its mouth wide to reveal several glittering stones.


    "Master," Polly eximed, "I have in many monsters and collected a great number of monster cores and monster soul stones. Please, take all of these."


    "Good job, Polly."


    Without missing a beat, he climbed onto Polly''s back. "How about we go somewhere morefortable to talk? Let''s go, Ivana." Ivana smiled, before hopping onto Polly behind him. The fox pped her wings and quickly took off into the sky.


    SexyGrill, SexyBloom, and Elincia flew into the air as well, trailing behind Polly, following as they soared away from the battlefield.


    "Broken! I want to interview you!" Max''s voice echoed from below, but by then, Broken had already disappeared into the sky.


    Ivana chuckled softly. "They want to celebrate the victory with you, but you''d rather keep your distance."


    "I''m not a fan of being the center of attention."


    Elincia, SexyGrill, and SexyBloom all flew off in different directions, agreeing to talk more during their next login. As they departed, a question suddenly formed in his mind: How did Lily manage to log into the game?


    He was sure there was only one Capsule Device outside. Did she somehow find another way?


    As Polly flew over the inner city, the extent of the destruction from the monster attack became more apparent. Ruined buildings and debris were scattered across various points of Deadbay.


    "Deadbay..." Ivana murmured softly.


    Broken, gazing down at the damage, whispered, "Let''s find out how much destruction wasn/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    inflicted."


    As they descended, the ruins seemed even more severe.


    Soon, they spotted Karl, Yann, and Anna, who were happily waving from the ground. Polly


    glided down andnded gracefully nearby.


    "My Lord, we won!" Anna eximed, her excitement still palpable.


    But Broken furrowed his brow. "What was the aftermath of the attack? How many were


    affected?"


    Anna''s face fell, and she shook her head sadly. "It was your mentor who saved us... Thankfully, because of him, the damage wasn''t as severe as it could have been."


    "Mentor?"


    "It was Mr. Fokil, My Lord," Karl added.


    "Thank you all for your hard work. You can rest now."


    Polly flew into the air again, carrying them toward Fokil''s Smithy. When they arrived, Fokil was seated in front of his smithy, casually sipping from a wooden mug as if the recent citywide battle had barely disrupted his day.


    Broken approached the cksmith, who sat calmly amidst the ruins of the city, sipping from a wooden mug as if the chaos hadn''t fazed him. Earlier, Broken had caught a glimpse of Fokil saving Ivana during the battle, but after that, the cksmith had vanished, likely to protect


    the city and check on the damage.


    As Broken stood before Fokil, curiosity got the better of him. For the first time, he nced at the cksmith''s stats- and what he saw left him stunned.


    [Name: Fokil]

 Chapter 544: Chapter 544 - The Mystery of Fokil

    Chapter 544: Chapter 544 - The Mystery of Fokil


    ?


    [Name: Fokil]


    [Level: ???]


    [Strength: 1,323 | Agility: 338 | Intelligence: ??? | Constitution: ??? | Stamina: 878]


    No way! Broken stood there, stunned as he nced at Fokil''s stats-1.3K Strength? Almost 900 Stamina? He tried to estimate Fokil''s level based on those numbers. Easily over level 300, right? he thought to himself.


    But then a realization struck him. With stats that high, shouldn''t Fokil have been able to take down the Fae Guardians more easily? Yet, instead of joining the frontlines, Fokil chose to fight within the city.


    His mind raced to make sense of it. Fokil''s ss is cksmith, he reasoned. That means he probably doesn''t have manybat skills, but still, that raw power...


    Even Broken, with the Lust Champion blessing and Berserker skill activated, had only barely surpassed Fokil''s Strength stats earlier. And yet, even with all that power, taking down the Fae Guardians had been incredibly difficult.


    It makes sense, Broken realized, why Fokil stayed inside the city to defend against weaker monsters. His strength alone is impressive, but without advancedbat skills, those Guardians would''ve been too much of a risk.


    Despite Fokil''s efforts, the city had still suffered heavy damage. The attack had been brutal, a coordinated strike of overwhelming force. If they had been even slightly slower, Deadbay City might not have survived.


    Ivana walked toward Fokil with a smile of relief. "I''m d you''re okay, Mr. Fokil," she said softly.


    Fokil nced at her and then at Broken. "Hey, kid. So, you killed those monsters?"


    "Yes, sir," Broken answered slowly.


    "Good..." Fokil replied nonchntly. "Did you get any rewards for killing them?"


    "Yes, sir, I got a Unique-grade Helmet and a Legendary-grade Device."


    "Good... make good use of it," Fokil said as he stood up, turning to Ivana. "I''m going to rest now." With that, he casually made his way back into the Smithy.


    As he disappeared inside, Broken turned to Ivana. "Have you ever seen Mr. Fokil inbat?" Ivana paused, her expression unreadable for a moment, before shaking her head.


    "Mr. Fokil is very private, so I don''t know much about hisbat abilities. But earlier, he saved me from the Gori Guardian with a hammer. After that, he disappeared again. Is there something you''re worried about?"


    "No, not really," Broken replied.


    One thought kept circling in his mind: What is someone like Fokil doing in a ce like this? His level was incredibly high, and he was even a Master cksmith.


    There was no way Fokil was just an ordinary craftsman. From what Broken knew, Fokil had been in Deadbay for a long time-decades, perhaps, having been friends with Gia''s husband many years ago.


    Why stay here, a dwarf among humans? He must be lonely.


    "Does he rarely sell his creations to anyone?" Broken continued.


    "I''m not sure," Ivana replied. "But I know he doesn''t take orders. He''s the one who crafted my armor and weapon. I''ve tried to pay him, but he always refuses."


    Would Fokil ever consider leaving this ce? He wondered aloud.


    "Do you think he''d be willing toe with me to Slumdon Town and help me develop the city?"


    Ivana paused, considering his question. "You should talk to him about it. I think he''d at least be open to the idea."


    "I''ll give it a try," Broken nodded.


    "But please, don''t be disappointed if he refuses," Ivana added gently.


    Broken nodded in understanding. "Alright, Ivana. I''m satisfied with the results of today''s battle. I''m logging off now. See youter," he said with a small smile.


    "Take care, Broken," Ivana replied, waving as his figure began to fade from her view.


    Once he was gone, Ivana stood quietly for a moment. Softly, she murmured to herself, "I wonder if we Yunateans are able to visit their world as well? Theye and go from Yunatea so easily... Can we do the same?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ***


    Leon abruptly opened his eyes, startled by the loud cheering and shouting. His game name echoed through the air. Stepped out of the capsule device, he immediately spotted Lily and Freya nearby, but there was also a woman in a wheelchair, someone he hadn''t noticed before he logged in.


    "Hi, Leon," the woman greeted him with a warm smile. "I''m Juliette. Nice to meet you."


    "Hi," Leon replied, walking closer.


    "I''m PussyCat," Juliette added with a yful grin.


    "Ah!" Leon chuckled, realizing who she was. "So it''s you, the CEO of Northstar, visiting this ce in person. I''m truly honored."


    Juliette giggled. "Where did you learn to tter people like that, huh?"


    "I guess you''ve been hanging around RememberMe too much if you think my genuine words are just ttery," Leon teased with a grin.


    Juliette giggled again. "Alright, how about this-why don''t you join us for a casual dinner? Sounds good?"


    It was nearing midnight, but Leon, Lily, Freya, and Juliette continued their conversation, gathered at a luxurious restaurant by the beach. Despite the snow softly falling around them, the serene atmosphere and the captivating music made the evening feel lively, especially after Leon''s big win in the game.


    Juliette smiled fondly, recalling their first encounter in Immortal Legacy.


    "It was such a ridiculous meeting," she began, "because RememberMe challenged Leon to a duel. But despite that, he managed to beat RememberMe easily."


    Leon took a casual sip of his drink and replied with a smirk, "You sure are happy to bully the


    weak, huh?"


    Julietteughed, covering her mouth with her palm. "I can''t really defend myself," she admitted. "I didn''t exactly try to stop RememberMe. But hey, because of that duel, we got to know each other, right?"


    Freya chimed in, "It seems like most of the people who are friends to him now originally tried to bully him-just like Elincia and Melliandra did."


    "Elincia didn''t just bully me. She actually killed me with a single, overpowered spell." Leon


    chuckled.


    Juliette giggled again, adding to theughter around the table.


    "But Juliette..." Lily chimed in, "Do you also live around here? You came at just the right time


    when we really needed help."


    Juliette smiled gracefully. "How can I answer this... Uhm... I don''t stay in one ce for long.


    I''m always busy helping with my father''s business. I just happened to be nearby when Freya


    called and said she needed help."


    "Juliette... you''re really friendly," Lily said, sounding a bit surprised.


    "Oh... really?" Juliette''s face brightened. "Then, would you like to be my friend?"


    "Oh..." Lily was taken aback. "Friend?"


    "Why do you look so surprised?" Juliette teased.


    "No... it''s just... I never expected to be sitting at the same table with someone as influential as


    you. It''s really amazing."


    Juliette smiled warmly, and the conversation soon flowed easily between them, helping them get better acquainted as the night went on.


    "This has been a very enjoyable meeting," Juliette said after some time. "I hope we can meet more often in the future. By the way, Leon, did you like the Home Bus? If you have any


    feedback to improve it, please let me know."


    Leon nodded appreciatively. "I really appreciate that, Juliette. If I think of any improvements for the Home Bus, I''ll be sure to pass them along."


    After their conversation, Leon and the others made their way to the cottage they had rented


    near the beach for the next two days. The view was breathtaking, with the moon and stars


    reflecting off the ocean.


    But despite the beauty of the scenery, Leon was too exhausted to enjoy it. As soon as they reached the cottage, he headed straight to his room and passed out, letting sleep take over quickly after such an eventful day.

 Chapter 545: Chapter 545 - Sexy Killers

    Chapter 545: Chapter 545 - Sexy Killers


    ?


    The following day, as was Leon''s routine, he went for a morning jog along the beach road. By the time he returned, the sun was just beginning to rise. The group gathered for breakfast near the cottage pool, though swimming wasn''t the best idea in the chilly weather.


    "We confirmed that the Moonlight Fae sent the Forest Guardians, right?" Freya asked as they enjoyed their breakfast.


    "Yes, they sent the Forest Guardians to attack Deadbay City, and I''m certain Morel was behind this."


    "They''re supposedly unable to venture far from their territory, aren''t they?" Lily chimed in, joining the discussion.


    Leon paused, looking at Lily with a new perspective now that he knew about her game character. He couldn''t help but grin.


    "Lily! Why are you only showing up now, after everything that''s happened? Turns out you have an Epic-grade ss."


    "Stop talking about it!" Lily pouted.


    Freya chuckled, amused by her reaction.


    "Did you know about this already, Freya?"


    Freya shrugged with a mischievous smile. "I''ll let Lily exin."


    Lily sighed. "Hazel practically forced me to create an Immortal Legacy character-and to put ''sexy'' in the name-by promising to share her blessing with me."


    "So that''s why?"


    "I didn''t like it... I didn''t want people to know it was me," Lily admitted, her cheeks flushing. Freya chimed in. "I think it''s a little toote for that, Lily. You and Hazel showed up at the most critical moment, and then helped Leon take down the toughest enemy on the field. Prepare to have a lot of fans after this!"


    "I don''t want to log into the game ever again," Lily muttered, her face still red.


    Leon just smiled, clearly entertained by her embarrassment.


    At least now he knew that she''d been diving deeper into the game than he''d realized. Without him knowing, she had been spending much more time logged in, perhaps while he was too immersed to notice the other capsule in their room being used by her as well.


    Her level had advanced quickly in a short time, no doubt thanks to Hazel''s help with leveling. And with Hazel''s blessing temporarily boosting her level, Lily could take down high-level monsters and level up even faster.


    "Seeing what happened to Deadbay, I''m sure the kingdom won''t remain silent," Freyamented.


    Lily nodded. "Does that mean Princess Alora might join the attack on the Moonlight Fae with you, Leon?"


    Leon considered it for a moment. "I''m not sure. But if she joins with her Knights, the chances of sess will definitely be higher. Especially since we may have to face ine in her Beast Form, which I don''t even know the full extent of."


    He turned to Lily thoughtfully. "If Hazel could join the assault, our chances would improve even more."


    Lily sighed. "I''m not sure about that. She seems to have other nsing up, but you could talk to her."


    Leon paused, thinking. "I saw how powerful Fang was in his Eternal me form, and I''m concerned about what ine might be capable of if she shifts into her own Eternal me form. I''d rather not risk it."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    With that, they carried on with their ns for the day, enjoying their time by the beach. And by afternoon, Leon was already making his way back to the cottage, eager to dive back into Immortal Legacy.


    ***


    Broken returned to Deadbay City, where citizens were busy repairing the destruction left by the monster attack. Today, he had a meeting arranged with someone who had contributed a lot in thest battle.


    As he entered the inn and made his way to the caf¨¦ area, something unusual caught his eye. In the room with about eight tables, every single one was upied by groups of yers- mostly, no, entirely, women.


    One of them noticed him immediately. Standing up and waving enthusiastically, a girl with long, wavy brown hair jogged over and stopped in front of him.


    It was SexyGrill-Hazel, Lily''s friend from school.


    "Hi, Broken," she greeted, her usual cheerful smile lighting up her face. She giggled. "I''ve been waiting for you, and uhm..." She looked behind him and tilted her head. "I don''t see Bloom?"


    "You should know from the guild info that she''s offline, right?"


    She giggled again. "Oh, I was just making conversation, you know, trying to keep things natural."


    Then, taking his hand, she led him further into the room, and at once, every woman there turned to look at him.


    SexyGrill stopped, raising Leon''s left hand and waving it to the others.


    "Hi, everyone! Meet Broken, sort of like the guy version of Bloom," she said with a yful


    smile.


    "Hi, Broken..."


    "Nice to meet you, Broken!"


    "Broken, I saw you in action yesterday- you were amazing!"


    The group responded with smiles and greetings.


    Are they all SexyGrill''s friends? Or members of her guild?


    "Hi, nice to meet you all," he replied, nodding politely. "Thank you for looking after my


    sister."


    "Bloom is so adorable; she''s got the kindest heart, like a little angel."


    "Yes, she''s pure and sweet."


    "Don''t worry-we love Bloom and take good care of her," they assured him.


    Their words made Broken smile.


    SexyGrill led Broken to a separate table away from the others, and they quickly settled in. After cing a few orders, they began their conversation. Broken was genuinely curious to hear what SexyGrill had to say, especially since he wanted to learn more about her, her guild, and Lily''s role within it.


    As they began eating, SexyGrill giggled. "This feels so surreal and exciting. We''re finally meeting in the game."


    "Yes, and with quite the dramatic entrance-it was memorable, to say the least."


    She beamed. "I know, right? I keep reying it in my head-how Bloom and I showed up just when you needed backup, turning the battlefield around. Isn''t that just epic?"


    "It was epic," Broken agreed. "You two were incredible assets in the battle yesterday." SexyGrill giggled again, then leaned forward. "So, go ahead-anything you want to ask me? I bet you''re curious. You probably didn''t expect me to be a Divine Champion and have a Unique-grade ss, right?"


    Broken nodded, surprised at how openly she shared.


    "Your guild?"


    She nodded. "Yes, I built this guild from scratch. Things really took off after I got my Divine Champion blessing and my Unique-grade ss. But as you can see, every member is a woman. We have around 93 members. Out of those, only five, including me, are above level 200. We''ve got about twenty more yers at level 180 and up, and the rest are scattered, some below level 100 like Bloom, and others just starting out."


    Broken nodded slowly, now understanding that while Sexy Killers had arge number of guild members, only a small portion were above level 200. Reaching that level took an immense amount of time and dedication-something only the most invested yers could achieve. So it made sense that only a few had reached such heights.


    "And about my level?" he asked, a bit curious.


    SexyGrill smiled, nodding. "Yes, that''s part of my ability as the Lust Champion. I can easily


    see anyone''s level. But I do know enough to guess that..."


    Does that mean SexyGrill doesn''t know I''m the Sloth Champion? He wondered.


    At this point, he didn''t mind as much if it was revealed-it seemed like it was only a matter of


    time before others would find out.


    "Don''t worry, you can trust me," she said softly, sensing his thoughts.


    Broken nodded, satisfied for now. "And you mentioned that you needed my help with


    something, right?"


    SexyGrill''s expression shifted slightly, her yful demeanor turning serious. She nodded.

 Chapter 546: Chapter 546 - The Last Stand of Vensalor

    Chapter 546: Chapter 546 - The Last Stand of Vensalor


    ?


    [SexyGrill: "I need your help for an expedition that might take quite a bit of time, but trust me -it''ll be worth it."]


    "Oh... Bloom-if it weren''t for yesterday''s battle, she probably would''ve never agreed to meet you in-game," SexyGrill said, giggling.


    As she chatted with him, Broken nced down at his private messages and saw the message she''d sent, contrasting with her casual tone.


    Is this meant to be a private conversation? he wondered, and decided to follow along, letting her continue.


    [SexyGrill: "I stumbled upon an extremely rare quest. It''s an SS-rated quest."]


    His eyes widened slightly, catching her mischievous grin, though her message was anything but lighthearted.


    An SS-rated quest? He''d never seen anything that high before; his own top-rated quests were challenging enough at S-rank, and even those were far fromplete due to their immense difficulty:


    [Deity Bane Quest I - Take Possession of The Sword of Dissidia]


    [Deity Bane Quest II - The Dragon Princess'' Call]


    [Path of the Legendary cksmith]


    [Can You End the Suffering?]


    Each one of these was only an S-rated quest, yet each demanded monumental effort. But she had discovered a quest at SS-rated?


    [SexyGrill: "Have you ever heard of the Vensalor Kingdom?"]


    Broken''s heart skipped a beat as he read her message. He looked directly at SexyGrill, feeling a rush of recognition. Vensalor Kingdom, the floating ind... It was a name he hadn''t heard in ages, yet it struck a deep chord in his memory.


    [Broken: "The floating ind?"]


    [SexyGrill: "How do you know?"]


    Broken paused a moment before replying.


    [Broken: "I heard about it when I was a kid?"]


    [SexyGrill: "What? Really? How? That''s... interesting. Could this just be a coincidence? So, do you want to know more about this quest?"]


    Broken nodded in response to her question.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He paused, trying to organize the flood of memories suddenly rising in his mind. Vensalor- he''d heard this name long ago, and the memory was still vivid.


    When he was a child, before his parents left, his mother would often tuck him in at night with stories of an elven kingdom on a floating ind. She described a vast realm, suspended in the sky, where the elves lived in harmony, hidden away from the rest of the world.


    The idea of an ind in the clouds had captivated young Leon''s imagination, filling him with wonder and fascination. He''d spent hours drawing it out, imagining the lush forests, the glittering towers, and the magic that held the ind aloft.


    It was a story that stuck with him-one that had colored his childhood dreams. And now, hearing its name in Immortal Legacy was nothing short of surreal.


    Wait, could this really be a coincidence? The name Vensalor... it had to havee from somewhere. But still, there was no guarantee it was the same Vensalor from his mother''s stories.


    As he puzzled over the connection, SexyGrill gave him a knowing smile and sent over the quest information.


    [The Last Stand of Vensalor]


    [Rating: SS]


    [The long-forgotten elven realm of Vensalor has sent a desperate plea. Their ancient floating kingdom, hidden for centuries, now faces an imminent threat from the demon horde. Protect the kingdom from this dark invasion, defend the floating ind''s sanctity, and ensure the survival of the elven legacy.


    The elves of Vensalor promise great rewards, but only if you prove yourself worthy. Will you stand as their shield against the demons and bring victory to the lost kingdom?]


    [Clear Conditions: - Protect the Vensalor Kingdom and its floating ind from the demonic invasion.


    - Hold off the demon forces until the elven defenses are secure.


    - Destroy the demon portals to cut off reinforcements.


    - Secure key locations across the kingdom as directed by the elven forces.]


    [Clear Rewards: - Rewards will be determined by your final performance and contribution to the defense.


    - Potential rare items, legendary equipment, or exclusive elven enchantments await those who ensure victory.]


    [Quest Failure: -]


    Broken was silence, his mind racing. The details of this quest felt too familiar-too perfectly aligned with the stories told to him as a child.


    How?


    The elven kingdom, Vensalor, was under threat from demons who aimed to destroy it, seeking to harness the kingdom''s power and its legendary floating ind.


    How could this be?


    "Broken, you look a little spaced out," SexyGrill said, smiling. "What do you think? I''ve already pinpointed a rough location for the ind."


    She shared the map coordinates with him again, and as he opened the location, he felt a genuine shock. The ind was marked in the middle of an ocean, between the Central Continent, the South-West Continent, and the West Continent-a vast, uncharted area that no yer had ever explored.


    "You''ve got to be kidding me," he muttered.


    SexyGrill giggled. "Come on, trust me. I know this is going to be an amazing experience, and I don''t want to miss it without you by my side. Who knows, maybe on the journey, we''ll develop something special to strengthen our bond." She winked,ughing again.


    Broken paused, thinking hard. He wasn''t one to run from a challenge-especially not one promising an adventure as grand as this. Of course he was intrigued. But there were too many loose ends he had to handle before setting out. Tasks like crafting, unresolved matters with the Moonlight Fae, Dissidia Kingdom, and other responsibilities pulled at his attention.


    He looked seriously at SexyGrill.


    She then responded. "No, we won''t do it anytime soon. There are things I need to wrap up first. It''ll take some time--maybe four to six months of Yunatea Time. Could be faster, could be slower. But I can guarantee it won''t be happening right away."


    She was quiet for a moment, then nodded. "Well, at least that gives us time to face the Eternal Challenge event together first. What do you think?"


    The Eternal Challenge. Yes, that wasing up soon, and he''d already nned on dedicating some time to it.


    "I''m not asking for an answer right now. But I''m really hoping you''ll agree to help me... because..." She leaned in, smiling wider. "I bet you''ve be addicted to the level boost from my blessing, haven''t you? It''s pretty tempting, you know." She giggled. Vensalor Kingdom. The very name stirred something deep within him, reminding him of his mother. The curiosity gnawed at him, and he knew he wouldn''t turn down this request. Especially since this was an SS-rated quest¨Da rare type that allowed sharing, meaning all who participated would receive rewards.


    But a journey across the open ocean would take time-weeks, maybe months. And once they reached the ind, who knew how long they''d be there? It was clear they wouldn''t want to bring NPCs along on such a taxing expedition; that would only slow them down. But if things got critical, he could always summon someone like Ivana from afar using the ckthorn


    Golem.


    He nodded.


    [Broken: "I''m in. I''m definitely interested-just keep me updated on any new details."]


    SexyGrill shed a victorious smile. "Aye... I bet Bloom will love hearing about this too," she


    added, switching topics with a grin.


    After a while, the conversation drifted into more casual topics.


    "So, aren''t you curious about my Unique-grade ss?" SexyGrill asked suddenly, grinning.


    "You''re surprisingly open about everything, huh?"


    "That''s only for you."


    "Aren''t you worried I might exploit that?"


    "Oh really? Go ahead," she giggled, teasing him.


    "Alright, spill it-I''m definitely curious."


    SexyGrill leaned in with a smirk. "I can wield six swords at once and apply any stats and


    passive skills from all those swords simultaneously. Cool, right?"


    "Damn! That''s ridiculously overpowered."


    "You''re thest person who has any right to call something overpowered," she pouted,


    crossing her arms.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Well, well, well... Leon''s childhood bedtime stories turning into real-life quests?


    Who would''ve thought Mama Leon was foreshadowing a legendary quest line in Immortal Legacy?! So, what do you all think? Coincidence or fate?


    And SexyGrill''s got some serious charm, doesn''t she? Would you team up with her or steer


    clear?


    Also, I want to know: who''s your top waifu candidate for Broken so far? Drop your thoughts in


    thements-let''s see who''s leading the race! ??


    If you enjoyed this chapter, hit that Golden Ticket like you''re swinging a Legendary


    Wavebreaker Spear! C

 Chapter 547: Chapter 547 - Spellweaver Chrono Booster

    Chapter 547: Chapter 547 - Spellweaver Chrono Booster


    ?


    Broken left the inn and headed toward Fokil''s smithy, intending to discuss a few matters with the cksmith. SexyGrill was walking with him through the bustling streets of the city.


    As they walked, she casually mentioned that her base wasn''t actually in the Dissidia Kingdom but on the South-West Continent.


    So she''s even from a different continent? She''d traveled all the way to the South Continent just to meet him¡ªperhaps because she needed his help with the quest?


    "It''s honestly disappointing that you aren''t in any guild at all," she teased.


    "I have a n," he replied nonchntly.


    "What if you joined my guild?" SexyGrill grinned. "I''ll even let you take the Guild Master role and lead Sexy Killers to greatness," she added with augh.


    "I know you''re only half-joking, Grill."


    She smiled and shrugged. "So, you''re nning to build your own guild?"


    "Most likely, yeah. I have a lot of friends who aren''t in a guild yet-Freya, Booba, RememberMe, PussyCat, and Forev."


    "That''s just a handful! Meanwhile, I have myself and even your sister in Sexy Killers."


    "You''re kidding."


    "Half-joking, half-serious." She gave him a sly smile. "There are beautiful, rich women in my guild-I bet you''d love all the attention."


    "That''s a weird kind of obsession."


    "Don''t start when you''re the one who might marry Princess Alora, or Ivana, or maybe even both, huh?" she replied, nudging his shoulder yfully.


    "You''re starting to sound like Maylock, throwing out wild guesses based purely on instinct," he muttered.


    As they walked to Fokil''s Smithy, Broken took a moment to inspect the items he''d obtained after defeating the Forest Guardian. The first item caught his eye-a helmet shaped like a crow''s head.


    [Enchanted Raven Helm]


    [Grade: Unique]


    [Intelligence +50


    Stamina +50


    Magic Resistance +5%]


    [Durability: 45/100]


    [Weight: 183]


    [Skills:]


    [Warp Dodge: Grants a 20% chance to avoid any iing damage by teleporting a short


    distance away.


    Cooldown: 3 seconds]


    [User Restriction: 500 Intelligence]


    "Damn!" Broken eximed in awe as he read the headgear''s description.


    This Unique-grade item was truly extraordinary. It provided a massive stat boost of +50 Intelligence and +50 Stamina, along with 5% magic resistance.


    But what truly set it apart was the passive skill: a 20% chance to avoid attacks by performing a short teleportation-just like the Crow Guardian had done during their battle.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Wait... wasn''t this skill a little different from the Crow Guardian''s? Yes, he realized, the Guardian had both teleportation and the ability to create duplicates of itself. No wonder it had been so difficult to defeat.


    Even with just one skill, this headgear was remarkable. That 20% chance wasn''t trivial either. In a desperate situation, it could mean the difference between life and death, providing more opportunities to escape or dodge multiple attacks.


    With a 20% chance, if he was being hit by five attacks, one might just miss entirely. And that teleportation ability would make it hard for enemies to follow his movements ornd consecutive hits.


    Good. This item is really, really good. He thought, grinning with satisfaction.


    "Show me the new item you''re inspecting those things, aren''t you?" SexyGrill asked with a curious grin.


    Broken shared the details of the two items with her.


    "This is cool..." SexyGrill remarked, clearly impressed.


    "I''m curious," Broken said, raising an eyebrow, "with the six swords you control, can you also activate each sword''s active skills?"


    "Uhum!" She nodded enthusiastically. "Luckily, my ss is in the Sword Magic subss, so I can boost my Intelligence Stat too. I don''t worry about running out of Mana in battle because, well, I can fight up close and use multiple skills at the same time."


    "And what about controlling all those swords? You can do that with just your mind?"


    "Yes!" she responded, giggling. "Cool, right?"


    "Very cool¡ªand overpowered."


    "Shut up, Mr. Broken yer!" she shot back yfully.


    Broken then inspected the new Legendary-grade item he''d obtained. It was a Device item, simr to the Vampiric Bat Card he''d gotten in Hell.


    [Spellweaver Chrono Booster]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Mana +3,500]


    [Durability: 85/100]


    [Weight: 37]


    [The creation of a brilliant wizard who mastered the bending of time and space! This extraordinary device allows you to cast any spell instantly-no casting time required. Join the ranks of the world''s most powerful mages,manding the battlefield with unmatched


    precision.]


    [Skills:]


    [Chrono Casting: Instantly cast any spells without casting time.


    Duration: 10 seconds.


    Cooldown: 120 seconds.]


    [User Restriction: 500 Intelligence]


    What made this item truly special was its 3500 Mana boost-an incredible amount. Just


    equipping it in battle would give Broken a massive Mana reserve.


    But the skill attached to it? That was the real game-changer: a 10-second duration where any


    spell could be cast instantly, bypassing cast time altogether.


    This item was insanely powerful! For a Mage, it would be game-breaking.


    Though for Broken, whose abilities were primarily physical, it wouldn''t directly impact him since he had no skills with cast time.


    Charging time was different; it only applied to certain bow''s skills, while casting time affected Mages and their subsses, especially for high-tier spells where casting could take up to ten


    seconds.


    With this device, a Mage could unleash any spell instantaneously, provided they had enough Mana. The sheer potential was staggering-imagine someone like Elincia, with her array of devastating spells, able to chain her entire arsenal in rapid session for ten seconds.


    It was almost brutal. He had to admit this was shockingly overpowered for a Legendary-


    grade item.


    He nodded slowly, knowing that Elincia and Goldrich would absolutely love this item. Still, he wasn''t nning on giving it to them-at least not permanently. Who knows? Maybe he''d use it for his own Mage ss in the future.


    But in a major battle involving them both, he''d dly lend it to Elincia. In her hands, this device would be devastating, allowing her to unleash a flurry of high-powered spells without dy. The impact would be incredible, and he could already imagine how it would turn the


    tide of any fight.


    After receiving the Royal cksmith ss from Fokil back then, Broken gained five


    cksmith skills.


    The first, cksmith''s Craftsmanship, allowed him to master the craft of cksmithing itself. Then there was cksmith''s Path of Legend: if he sessfully crafted a total of five Legendary-grade items, he would transcend into a Legendary-grade cksmith-he only needed to craft one more to achieve this.


    He also gained cksmith''s Appraisal, which enabled him to uncover hidden features in blueprints or equipment he found, and cksmith''s Repair, allowing him to restore any equipment''s durability and potentially even upgrade its grade.


    Lastly, there was cksmith''s Soul Engrave, a skill he''d already tested to great effect, providing significant boosts through the engraving process.


    After the recent battle, Broken had collected plenty of Monster Soul Stones, and he nned to


    sort them and engrave his equipment with their power. This would undoubtedly boost his


    performance to new heights.


    "Will Bloom join us for the expedition, Grill?"


    "I''ll let her decide, but I think we have enough time to raise Bloom''s level a bit higher before


    then," SexyGrill replied.


    Shortly after, SexyGrill mentioned she had other tasks to attend to, and they parted ways. Broken immediately headed toward Fokil''s smithy-there was something important he needed to discuss, especially concerning his quest that involved upgrading his item to +18.

 Chapter 548: Chapter 548 - Prestigious Hero of Deadbay

    Chapter 548: Chapter 548 - Prestigious Hero of Deadbay


    ?


    "So, since you sessfully upgraded your weapon to +18, I believe I owe you a reward," Fokil said the moment Broken stepped into the Smithy, not giving him a chance to say a word. "That''s why you came here this morning, isn''t it?"


    "Yes, sir, I came to hear about that important information."


    This would be huge-if he could upgrade his Legendary Weapon beyond +18! He imagined the power boost, especially if he could apply it to the Golden Bow of Artemis. With its damage amplified, it would be a devastating weapon inrge-scale battles. Combining it with the Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe would give him even more powerful area damage.


    Fokil continued. "Since you have a talent for mining, I''ll tell you this: to upgrade any equipment past +18, you''ll need rare materials that are not easily obtained. The main material is Mithril."


    "Mithril?"


    Mithril-it sounded like something straight out of a fantasy novel. Broken had heard of it before in other games and stories but hadn''t encountered it in Immortal Legacy.


    "Could you tell me more about it, sir?"


    "Mithril is a rare and precious alloy," Fokil exined. "It''s lighter than steel but far more durable than iron."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "How do I get the materials, sir? Where can I mine it?"


    "That''s the quest, kid. You''ll have to figure out how to obtain it yourself. Then, I''ll teach you how to upgrade equipment beyond +18. Now go, don''t waste my time," Fokil concluded.


    [You have been given a new mission from Master cksmith Fokil.]


    [Hunt Rare and Valuable Resources]


    [Rating: A]


    [Fokil has entrusted Broken with a quest of great importance: to locate the source of Mithril Ore and mine it! Known for its magical properties, Mithril is a highly sought-after material for enhancing equipment beyond its current limits. ]


    [Clear Conditions: Find and mine Mithril ores.]


    [Clear Rewards: The secret to enchanting equipment to an even higher level.]


    [Quest Failure: There is no penalty for failure, but don''t take too long-Fokil might grow impatient and cancel the quest.]


    Broken massaged his temples, feeling the weight of yet another quest added to his list before he''d even finished the others. He sighed, knowing that he loved the thrill of adventure and challenge. But would he ever have a moment to catch his breath?


    Maybe it was time to consider something like Elincia''s approach-she managed to travel abroad and visit new ces while still spending time in-game. Perhaps he could use the Home Bus Northstar more strategically to blend real life with his gaming activity.


    Mithril. Hopefully, information about this rare material wouldn''t be as elusive as finding Moonstone had been. At least now he knew enough influential yers who might be able to share some valuable intel, making this quest a little easier.


    "The reward and quest failure are exactly the same as thest one." He nced back at Fokil. "But, sir, I''d like to learn more about-"


    Fokil cut him off abruptly. "Yes! Fetch me the Mithril, ande back here." With that, he gave Broken a firm push out the door, shutting it decisively behind him.


    Broken sighed. "It''s not that I''m not interested in tracking down these resources. I just don''t think I''ll have the time for it anytime soon. Maybe I need to put it on hold for a bit?"


    He took a deep breath, trying to organize his priorities. "I need to finish things one at a time. There''s way too much on my te!"


    Thinking it through, he considered his options. "The full moon is still a few days off, so I''ve got time to work on upgrades. I could craft new equipment, or even focus on leveling Polly and Gaia. Or maybe start scouting for clues on where to find Mithril."


    He then remembered the royal envoy would soon be arriving in Deadbay.


    "While I wait, I can casually enchant the rest of my equipment and focus on armor that''s still below max level. Who knows, maybe I''llnd another +18."


    Broken needed a substantial amount of Enchanting Stones and Blessed Stones, but time was running short if he tried to forge them himself. So, he opted to buy them directly from merchants.


    Money wasn''t an issue-he had more than enough-but he rarely spent it, preferring to save as much as possible. Though he''d thought about buying a permanent home in the real world, for now, he was just staying in a hotel room he could only keep for a year.


    As he wandered into the city za, scanning for merchants who might have the items he needed, people around him seemed to take notice. Some looked on with curiosity, others with wary nces. Finally, he arrived at a shop he''d visited before to pick up Blessed Stones right before his battle with the Forest Guardians.


    "Robber! There''s a robber!" someone inside the shop suddenly shouted, rushing out and pointing directly at him.


    "What are you talking about?" Broken replied, taken aback. "I''m here to pay for the Blessed Stones I borrowed yesterday."


    Almost instantly, a small crowd gathered around him, keeping their distance due to his known power.


    "Aren''t you the Defender of Deadbay City?" someone in the crowd asked.


    But the shop owner shouted loudly, "He looted my shop, took Blessed Stones, and didn''t pay, right during the monster attack!"


    "I needed those Blessed Stones, and I came here to pay," Broken said calmly. "If I were a robber, I wouldn''t havee back at all."


    "No, that''s not what I call fair! You robbed my store! Now, pay me ten times the price!" the merchant demanded.


    Broken sighed, realizing this merchant was trying to scam him. Meanwhile, the crowd was growing, drawn to the scene. He knew that city residents often took sides with one another, especially when it came to holding yers, especially high-ranking ones.


    "He''s yed a huge role in defending Deadbay City. We ought to be grateful to him," a few of them murmured.


    "Just because he did something big doesn''t mean he can push us little people around."


    "Exactly. We work hard, so why should they use their power to oppress us?"


    This was really getting on his nerves. Did Broken seriously need to brush up onmunication skills, maybe throw in some effort to make himself look better in their eyes? Apparently, his Charisma stats alone weren''t enough to win over these NPCs.


    Broken clicked his tongue, frustrated by the crowd''s misjudgment. But then again, he wasn''t


    one to bother exining himself.


    Out of nowhere, a girl''s voice rang out from a distance. "He''s not a robber-he''s a hero! I''ll stake my reputation on it."


    The people froze, startled, and turned to see where the voice hade from.


    They quickly parted, making way for a young woman who looked around neen. She wore a fitted suit of light armor in deep blue, with her knees exposed at the front and brown hair flowing down behind her.


    It was Oriana, the daughter of Viscount Sean, Lord of Deadbay City.


    The young woman stopped in front of Broken and smiled at him.


    "I hear you''ve been in Deadbay for a while now. It''s an honor to finally greet our prestigious Hero of Deadbay in person," she said gracefully.

 Chapter 549: Chapter 549 - Lady Oriana Meets Mr. Broken

    Chapter 549: Chapter 549 - Lady Oriana Meets Mr. Broken


    ?


    Oriana turned to the crowd, her voice firm. "You should appreciate this man. He''s done a great deal for our city-you should be grateful, not throwing usations at him like this."


    "But the shop owner ims he looted his store during the monster attack," some persisted.


    "Then, did he act recklessly?" Oriana challenged. "He''s right here. Do you really think he''d stand by quietly while you insult him, especially knowing his strength?"


    The crowd started to waver, murmuring among themselves as they began to disperse. "Let''s just go..."


    The shop owner, left standing, bowed to Broken, his expression contrite. "I''m sorry, Mr. Broken, for using you. My grief got the best of me, and I wasn''t thinking straight."


    Broken reached into his Inventory, took out some coins, and handed them over. "This is for the Blessed Stones, and for the rest, I''ll take as many Enchanting Stones as you have."


    With shaking hands, the shop owner epted the coins. "Of course, Mr. Broken. Please,e inside the shop."


    Broken shifted his gaze to Oriana, studying her briefly.


    "Well, I know I arrived at just the right time," she said with a smallugh. "Who knows what might''ve happened if they''d kepting at you like that, huh?"


    Oriana tried to keep herposure, though her face softened just a bit.


    But Broken only frowned, looking puzzled. "Who are you?"


    "What?!" Oriana''s eyes widened as she clenched her fists. "You don''t know who I am?! How can you not know me?!"


    "Yeah, sorry I don''t know everyone in Deadbay City. Are you someone important?"


    Her face flushed with frustration, but she quickly forced herself to regain herposure. "Ahem... forgive me for not introducing myself properly." She cleared her throat, steadying herself. "I am Lady Oriana, daughter of the Viscount of Deadbay City. I hold considerable influence here, and I''m certain that if we build a good rtionship, you would gain a lot from


    She stopped short, realizing Broken had already vanished into the shop before she even finished her sentence. Oriana clenched her fists, feeling her irritation rise at hisplete disregard.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Damn it!" she muttered, frustration evident on her face. This man had the nerve to ignore her like that. "I''ll make sure he understands how valuable I can be as an ally! Yes, I have to earn his favor, build a connection with someone as important and influential as him."


    Oriana marched into the shop, and the shopkeeper immediately hurried over to her. "Good day, Lady Oriana! Is there anything I can assist you with?"


    "No," she waved her hand. "Shoo, shoo, get away from me," she said, brushing him aside before making her way over to Broken, who was intently focused on upgrading his armor. "Whoa... that armor is incredible! Where did you get it?" she asked. "I''m sure it must have cost a fortune-no wonder you can handle those monsters so easily."


    But her irritation only grew as Broken continued to ignore her.


    "Upgrading armor can be tough," she tried again. "But I believe in you! Most people give up when they hit obstacles, but I know you won''t."


    By the time Broken had sessfully upgraded both his Invincible Paragon Armor and his Woond Ranger set to +9, he finally turned-only to look right past Oriana and address the shopkeeper. "Give me all the Blessed Stones you have."


    The shopkeeper''s eyebrows shot up. "Sir, are you sure you want to buy all of my Blessed Stone stock?"


    "Yes. How many do you have?"


    "Uh... roughly 1,000 Low-Quality, 600 Medium-Quality, and 400 High-Quality Blessed Stones, sir."


    Oriana''s eyes lit up as she thought, ''This is my chance!'' Surely, he wouldn''t have the money for all of that.


    She cleared her throat and spoke loudly, "I am Lady Oriana, daughter of Viscount Sean. If you need assistance, 2,000 Blessed Stones is no trouble. I''ll-"


    But suddenly, she stopped short as Broken poured a small fortune of gold coins onto the counter.


    "Forty-five gold coins, right? Here. Give me the Blessed Stones," he said, his tone


    nonchnt.


    Oriana stood frozen, her confidence shattered as she stared at the mound of coins. "Eh?!"


    Broken didn''t attempt to push all his armor to +18, knowing it would demand an exhausting amount of resources and time. His goal was more realistic: enchanting his Invincible Paragon set to +15 across all five pieces.


    "A sensible target," he murmured to himself.


    He then started upgrading, focusing on each piece one at a time. Slowly but surely, each reached +14. Satisfied, he smiled, noting that he still had enough Blessed Stones left for another round, giving him a confident edge to attempt his final upgrades.


    "I bet if I had more High-Quality Blessed Stones, the results could''ve been even better," he remarked thoughtfully.


    Meanwhile, Oriana had been observing from the sidelines, her astonishment growing with each sessful upgrade.


    "Damn!" she muttered under her breath. "How is he doing this so effortlessly? Is there some secret technique he''s using? Can armor upgrades really be this easy?"


    [+15 Invincible Paragon Gloves]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Strength +72


    Attack Speed +101


    Defense +290]


    [+15 Invincible Paragon Helmet]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Health +725


    Mana +1160]


    [+15 Invincible Paragon Armor (Chest)]


    [Grade: Unique]


    [Health +5800


    Defense +870


    Stamina +72]


    [+15 Invincible Paragon Armor (Pants)]


    [Grade: Unique]


    [Health +6525


    Defense +580


    Stamina +290]


    [+15 Invincible Paragon Shoes - Sun Beetle Lv. 205 (Growth Type)]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Movement Speed +217


    Defense +362


    Constitution +145]


    Broken smiled as he admired his Invincible Paragon set, now fully upgraded to +15. The satisfaction was real, and he briefly considered taking his Woond Ranger set to +15 as well, though his stash of Blessed Stones was nearly depleted. The sheer amount of resources he''d burned through made him wonder just how much gold he''d spent in such a short time. "Yes!" he murmured, eyeing the five pieces of armor before him, each one glowing with a thin, golden-yellow aura. He began to equip each piece, feeling a swell of pride as he adjusted to the powerful weight of his upgraded gear.


    "Let''s take a look at my stats with this set equipped," he whispered to himself.

 Chapter 550: Chapter 550 - A Celebration in Deadbay

    Chapter 550: Chapter 550 - A Celebration in Deadbay


    ?


    [Name: Broken]


    [Level: 138]


    [ss: Unique - Super Novice | Unique - Royal cksmith | Unique - Rift Digger | Unique -


    Elemental Forger]


    [Health: 16,880 | Mana: 7,388]


    [Strength: 972 | Agility: 419 | Intelligence: 554 | Constitution: 563 | Stamina: 762]


    [Charisma: 100 Luck: 57 | Dexterity: 50 | Survival: 30 | Perception: 20]


    [Avable Stat Points: 50]


    [Weight: 3,860/5,832]


    Broken shook his head in awe after equipping the Invincible Paragon set. The set provided a massive health boost, making it an ideal choice for a closebat fighter in need of serious protection.


    With this much health and the defensive skills granted by the Invincible Paragon, he could now fight up front with brutal endurance, even on his own.


    Additionally, he now had new options to further enhance his resilience, including ways to conserve Mana with the Ring of Unlimited Skillz. Combined with the Spellweaver Chrono Booster a device that boosted his Mana by an impressive 3.5K-he could now unleash a range of skills with far less concern about draining his reserves.


    Yes, this was truly overpowered.


    He thought about pushing his upgrades even further, aiming for +18. That would be incredible. But seeing his remaining Blessed Stones, he wasn''t sure he''d be able to pull it off. Maybe it''d be better to focus on boosting his Woond Ranger set to +15 instead?


    He sighed, realizing just how much gold these upgrades really drained. Even the merchant was running out of stock on Blessed Stones. Apparently, there were plenty of yers who spent serious money on the game too.


    "Ahem..." Oriana said, attempting to catch his attention. But Broken seemed oblivious, stepping out of the shop with heavy footsteps. The door shut behind him with a thud that echoed through the room.


    "Eh?! What? Did he really not see me standing right here? This guy-seriously?!" Oriana muttered in disbelief. But surely no one could ignore her presence like that.


    "Maybe I need to be more humble... speak to him more gently. That''s it! Then he''ll be willing to talk to me," she decided, frowning in frustration.


    "Lady Oriana, please let me know if there''s anything you need," the shopkeeper offered.


    "Quiet!" she snapped, storming out of the shop.


    Broken strutted along, decked out in his Invincible Paragon armor-a pitch-ck base with intricate blue patterns, glowing with a golden-yellow aura. As he drew his Wavebreaker Spear, he noticed something new: thin, wave-like blue patterns appeared across his armor, shimmering like ocean currents.


    "I didn''t realize this armor could do that. Must be a feature that kicked in after reaching these upgrade levels," he mused, continuing his stroll down the streets of Deadbay City.


    The moment he stepped out, every eye turned his way, drawn to the impressive glow and distinct colors of his high-level gear. People gaped, fully aware that getting armor with this level of upgrades required a small fortune.


    From behind, Oriana called out, "Lord Broken..."


    She approached with a friendly smile, stepping in front of him and stopping him in his tracks. Standing only as tall as his neck, she had to look up to meet his gaze.


    "Lord Broken, I wanted to talk to you. There''s something important I''d like to say. My name is Oriana. I am the daughter..."


    "Lady Oriana, is there anything I can help you with?" he asked kindly, interrupting her flow.


    "Uhm... I''m the daughter of..."


    "Yes, you''re the daughter of Viscount Sean, right?" he said with a slight nod.


    Her eyes widened. "How do you know that?"


    "You''ve mentioned it a few times now."


    Oriana''s expression softened as she giggled. "Ah, so you did hear me. I thought you hadn''t noticed I was even there."


    "Yes, I saw you, but... you didn''t actually say anything to me," Broken replied.


    "I did! I tried to have a whole conversation with you."


    "Alright, then. Do you have some business with me?"


    "Lord Broken," she said in a gentle tone, "I''m inviting you to a celebration dinner tonight at Deadbay City''s town hall. We''ll be honoring the victory we all achieved together, and others who helped defend the city will be there as well."


    "Tonight?"


    He hesitated. Parties weren''t his thing-too often a waste of time and full of nobles he preferred to avoid. He paused, weighing the invitation.


    Oriana quickly added, "You don''t need to worry. We''ll have the finest food and a grand banquet. This is a small way we can show our gratitude."


    "I''ll consider it," Broken replied.


    "You shoulde!" Oriana insisted, then softened her tone. "Oh, all right, I''d be delighted if you could join us. I''ll see you this evening, Lord Broken."


    "See you this evening..." Oriana bid him farewell, bowing gracefully. But as she looked up, Broken had already disappeared.


    **


    In the evening, Broken finally yielded to Elincia and Ivana''s persuasion, epting the invitation to the celebration at the town hall. Both women had already chosen their dresses for the asion.


    It was the first time he had seen Ivana in such attire, and she looked absolutely stunning. She wore a gold dress with elegant ck patterns, giving her an air of sophistication and grace.


    "Don''t stare at Ivana too long, Broken," Elincia whispered with a smirk.


    Ivana smiled warmly. "Do you like it, Broken?"


    "Yes, you both look... gorgeous," he replied.


    Broken himself wore a ck suit with thin silver stripes along the seams, and his Slumdon cape draped over his shoulders, adding a rugged touch to his formal look.


    That evening, Broken, Ivana, Elincia, Kingsley, Melliandra, Optimus and Toberry were seated in the VIP section, alongside other notable yers. Unfortunately, SexyGrill couldn''t attend, as she''d mentioned she needed to leave Deadbay City soon, and SexyBloom was off somewhere, enjoying a vacation.


    The town hall was alive with celebration. Music yed, and dancers moved across the floor, creating an atmosphere of joy. Tables overflowed with food and drinks, avable for everyone


    to enjoy.


    Yet one notable absence was Maylock, who had been instrumental in the recent monster defense. He couldn''t attend due to his wife''s poor health.


    Ivana sat to Broken''s right, while Elincia was on his left. Surrounded by the two radiant


    women, he looked as though he were nked by royalty, their grace and beauty drawing


    admiring nces from everyone around.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Broken..." Elincia whispered from his left.


    "What?"


    "Why don''t you ask Ivana to dance? I''m sure she''d be happy to ept," she said, ncing toward the center of the room where several couples were already moving to the music.


    "I don''t know how to dance," he admitted, hesitant.


    "You just need to hold her close and move with the rhythm. No fancy skills required," she encouraged with a gentle smile.


    Ivana had overheard their conversation and looked over with a soft smile. "I''d love to dance if you asked me, Broken," she said warmly.


    "Uhm...." Broken was momentarily speechless, taking in Ivana''s elegance and beauty in a way


    he hadn''t before.


    "Don''t regret it if someone else asks Ivana to dance first, Broken," Elincia teased.


    Just then, someone approached-a man in a magnificent blue suit. It was Orion, Viscount Sean''s eldest son and Oriana''s older brother. He strode forward with confidence, a benevolent


    smile on his face.


    ***


    (Author''s Note):


    Wow, it''s already the end of October 2024. Time has truly flown by, and honestly, writing


    from morning till night has made me lose all track of it! I feel like I''ve beenpletely immersed in this story.


    First off, thank you so much for all your support this month-thanks to you, Broken hit rank 16 on the best-seller list! That''s incredible!


    Second, the current volume isn''t quite finished yet. As you might have guessed, there are still major threats lurking ahead for Broken and his friends.


    A little teaser: Broken and Princess Alora will be teaming up again soon! And check thements section-I''ve posted sneak peek illustrations to give you a glimpse of what''sing in the next few chapters.


    Plus, tomorrow (1st Nov), I''ll be releasing 6 chapters. I hope you''ll check them out!


    See you next chapter!


    Thanks a ton!

 Chapter 551: Chapter 551 - Eyes That Speak of Love

    Chapter 551: Chapter 551 - Eyes That Speak of Love


    ?


    All eyes in the room, from the party guests to the residents of Deadbay, were fixed on Ivana. She radiated a captivating beauty that night; her stunning dress and graceful presence made her the undeniable center of attention.


    "Damn, she''s absolutely gorgeous," someone murmured in awe.


    "That Broken must feel lucky, being right between Elincia and Ivana."


    "That lucky bastard! I''d do anything to be in his ce."


    "Ivana''s not only powerful in battle; she''s so beautiful, she looks like a princess."


    "I wish I could marry her. I can''t stop looking at her."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Just look at that smile. It''s so... calming."


    "She''s so kind yet so strong."


    "She really is the perfect girl."


    A figure in a magnificent blue suit approached Broken and hispanions¡ªit was Orion, Viscount Sean''s eldest son and Oriana''s older brother. He moved with a confident stride and a benevolent smile, though his thoughts were fixed on one thing: Ivana must be mine.


    Orion had yed a crucial role in the recent battle, leading Deadbay''s knights and troops. In his mind, his leadership had been indispensable to their sess. Despite being only twenty- five, his skill was undeniable-his level had already reached 200. Orion was widely celebrated as Deadbay''s pride and considered the city''s likely future leader.


    No woman was immune to his charms-his good looks, power, and charisma were a maic force. That was simply the truth, and he took pride in it. Whenever he walked through the streets, young women were mesmerized by him, and young men admired him, drawing inspiration from his example.


    I had no idea a woman as enchanting as her was right here in Deadbay, he thought to himself, perplexed. How did I not notice? She''s been in Deadbay since she was a child... she must be thrilled to receive my attention.


    Orion walked directly toward Ivana, and she noticed his gaze immediately. Though she recognized him well, this attention made her feel slightly ufortable, and she lowered her eyes.


    When Orion reached them, he bowed courteously. "Good evening, Lady Ivana," he greeted with a respectful smile.


    Ivana rose at his approach. "Good evening, Lord Orion," she replied.


    "I would be honored if you''d grant me this dance," Orion continued smoothly. "It would be a gesture of my respect for all you''ve done as a citizen of Deadbay City. Your dedication and bravery are truly valued-not only by the people but by us, the city''s leaders."


    Everyone at the table turned to watch, curious about what Broken would do with another man approaching Ivana so directly. Elincia nced at Broken, a teasing smile ying on her lips.


    "My Lord Orion..." Ivana began, but before she could finish, Broken took her hand, standing firmly.


    "Apologies, Lord Orion," Broken said with a calm smile. "But she doesn''t dance with anyone except me."


    Without waiting for Orion''s reaction, he guided Ivana onto the dance floor, leaving Orion momentarily taken aback.


    Orion stood frozen in shock, left alone as Broken walked off with Ivana. Everyone at the table averted their gaze, feigning ignorance of what had just happened.


    "Phew..." Elincia sighed softly, crossing one leg over the other and ncing away from Orion as if entirely disinterested.


    Orion''s expression hardened, his fingers curling into tight fists. Does he really think he''s untouchable just because he''s momentarily the public''s hero after that monster attack? he thought bitterly.


    Broken and Ivana moved gracefully across the dance floor, his arms wrapped securely around her waist as they swayed in sync with the music. "Broken..." Ivana whispered softly. "You know what you did, right?"


    "What?"


    "You''ve once again created an enemy for yourself."


    "What? How? Who?"


    "I don''t think Lord Orion was too pleased with what you did earlier."


    "Are you worried, Ivana?"


    Ivana smiled, taking a slow breath. She shook her head. "No, I''m okay."


    "You don''t have to go along with everything I do or say," he added. "If you think I''m going too far, you can always speak up."


    "I don''t think you''re the type to change your mind just because someoneins."


    "At the very least, I''ll listen," he replied simply.


    Broken matched the rhythm as if dancing came naturally to him.


    "You''re not bad at dancing, you know," Ivana said, smiling as she looked up at him.


    "That''s because of you," he replied, smiling back. "You''re guiding me through the steps, so I can keep up."


    They held each other''s gaze, the world around them blurring into the background as the music carried them along. He felt himselfpletely immersed in the moment, savoring every second.


    "I''m not exactly skilled at dancing either, you know..." she admitted with a soft smile.


    "Well, I don''t care what people think of our dancing," he replied. "As long as we''re both enjoying it."


    "Yes, I''m enjoying every moment I spend with you," she replied gently.


    Broken tightened his hold on her slightly, feeling a warmth he couldn''t quite exin.


    "I can see the envy in your eyes, Broken," Ivana teased with a soft giggle.


    "Really? Now you''re iming you can read people''s eyes too, Ivana?"


    She giggled again, and he couldn''t help butugh lightly.


    "But this time, I have to admit... you''re right. I get annoyed when someone tries to approach


    you right in front of me. And I won''t let it happen."


    "Oh... that sounds like something... well, that could be said with a better, simpler word," she


    teased with another smile.


    "Love? Is that what you mean?" he replied, smiling.


    "Why ask me, Broken? You''re the one feeling it."


    "Then tell me, Miss Eye-Reader," he said with a grin, leaning in slightly, "does this look in my eyes say ''love'' to you?"


    She held his gaze, her expression softening. "It''s the look of wanting me deeply... of wanting to protect me. And maybe... a little bit of fear of losing me," she whispered.


    Broken fell silent, her words resonating in his mind.


    "That''s exactly how I feel toward you."


    "You really do want it all, don''t you?"


    "Not as much as I want you, Ivana."


    Ivana blushed, her gaze dropping as a soft giggle escaped her lips.


    Ivana lifted her head. "So... is this a confession of love?"


    "Did I get caught?"


    She shook her head. "And what about Her Highness, Princess Alora?"


    Broken tilted his head, puzzled.


    "I saw the same look in your eyes for her. Have you confessed your feelings to her too?"


    "So, you really can read people''s eyes, Ivana?"


    "Tell me, Broken... who do you love more? Her Highness Princess Alora, or me?" she asked


    softly.


    Broken paused, caught off guard by her question. But before he could respond, Ivana giggled


    and waved it off.


    "Sorry..." sheughed gently. "I was just teasing. You don''t have topare everything.


    Besides, you could im both of us if you wanted."


    "I sound like a heartless person, don''t I?"


    "You''d only be heartless if you abandoned one of us for the other. So, my advice? Marry Princess Alora and thene back to me," she said with a smirk.


    He sighed, shaking his head. "I don''t understand how any of this seems so normal to you."


    "Why wouldn''t it be? Isn''t it normal where you''re from?" Ivana asked, smiling. "You could even marry Freya too, and I wouldn''t mind. I like Freya-she''s so kind and always looks out


    for me. And I know she cares about you too."


    "You''re taking this eye-reading skill a bit far, Ivana," he said with a chuckle.


    The music gradually faded, finally stopping altogether. From the opposite side of the room, a


    man in his fifties entered, nked by several knights. It was Sean, the Viscount of Deadbay City.


    "Greetings, everyone," he announced, his voice carrying clearly across the room.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Well, well, well... Broken''s got himself into a situation, hasn''t he? Poor guy barely confessed his feelings, and now he''s got Ivana casually suggesting a royal Harem arrangement![] And did anyone else feel that dagger-eyed stare from Orion? Something tells me our suave lord isn''t going to take rejection lightly... []


    So, let me know, team Ivana or team Alora? And what would you do if you were in Broken''s shoes? Let''s hear your love advice for our hero in thements![]


    Oh, and don''t forget to drop the Golden Ticket if you''re loving the drama. More tangled hearts and noble politics await in the next chapter![]

 Chapter 552: Chapter 552 - Baron of Boredom vs. Lord of Drama

    Chapter 552: Chapter 552 - Baron of Boredom vs. Lord of Drama


    ?


    Viscount Sean approached Broken, who stood side by side with Ivana in response to his arrival.


    "Good evening to the hero," Sean greeted.


    "Thank you, Viscount Sean," Broken replied quietly.


    Sean lifted Broken''s right hand high, turning to address the crowd. "Behold! This man-the hero-who yed a pivotal role in defending our city during thest monster attack!"


    The hall erupted into apuse as the crowd celebrated the recognition bestowed upon Broken. He bowed slowly, epting their appreciation with humble grace.


    Turning back to Broken, Sean spoke in a firm tone. "Though you''ve only recently entered the royal circle as a Baron appointed directly by the king, your contributions to this kingdom are undeniable. I am deeply proud to wee you among the kingdom''s top officials, Lord Broken."


    "Lord Sean, your words are most generous."


    "Tonight, I hope you enjoy the feast prepared in your honor, and that this small token of gratitude expresses, even in part, how much we appreciate your bravery."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Sean leaned closer to Broken and whispered, "If you need more women to apany you, I can arrange as many as you wish." He chuckled, then straightened up with a smile. "Let us all give a round of apuse for our hero, Lord Broken!"


    Turning to Ivana, Sean continued, "I''ve heard many voices praising your contributions, Ms. Ivana."


    Ivana smiled and bowed gracefully. "Lord Sean, it''s my duty as both a citizen of the Dissidia Kingdom and a resident of Deadbay City to defend it whenever my strength is needed."


    Sean gave her an approving nod. "You are indeed humble and gracious, Ms. Ivana. I didn''t expect to find someone with your talent in such a small town. My eyes have searched far and wide, yet rarely have I seen skill as impressive as yours."


    With that, Sean moved on, making his way toward the other yers who had also made significant contributions to the city''s defense.


    The festivities continued with lively dancing and singing, Viscount Seanfortably seated with his three wives at his side. Broken and Ivana had joined the others, with Broken focusing on his meal and silently hoping the night would soone to an end.


    Suddenly, Orion strode to the center of the room, raising his hand to signal for silence, and the music came to an abrupt halt. The crowd exchanged curious whispers.


    "What''s going on?"


    "Why does Lord Orion look so angry? Did something happen?"


    "I heard he asked Ivana to dance, but Lord Broken stepped in and stopped it."


    "Oh no, this could turn ugly, don''t you think?"


    "It was just a dance, though. Why wouldn''t Lord Broken allow it?"


    "Are you dense? If I were Lord Broken, I wouldn''t let anyone else touch Ivana either."


    Orion cleared his throat, drawing the room''s attention. "We should all take a moment to acknowledge our achievements," he began, his gaze sweeping over the room until it fixed on Broken.


    "Each and every one of us has fought hard and given our all. Many have fallen in the recent battles against the monster attacks, their sacrifices helping to secure our city''s survival."


    Orion paused before continuing. "As many of you know, a certain someone has been essential in holding back the monsters-a person who has made an immense contribution. Any guesses who that might be?"


    After letting the tension build, he gestured proudly toward himself. "It was I who led the knights and troops, who held the line against the monsters. I fought fiercely in thest battle, and I am proud of it!"


    The guests and townspeople offered polite apuse, and Orion basked in it, his expression radiating satisfaction. As the pping died down, he turned, pointing directly at Broken, drawing every eye in the room.


    "Not only our esteemed Lord Broken, Baron of Slumdon, deserves recognition, isn''t that right?"


    Orion''s voice took on an edge. "He arrived toote, once most of the monsters were already dealt with and the Forest Guardians were worn down. While he imed the final kill, should we really be offering him so much praise for merely finishing off what others had already weakened?"


    Murmurs spread through the crowd, as people exchanged skeptical nces and whispered opinions.


    "It''s a bit much to think that Broken single-handedly took down a Forest Guardian." "Exactly. Elincia and the others had already engaged the Guardians before he even showed


    up."


    "He''s just greedy for all the glory."


    "Right. No way he''s that powerful."


    "Don''t forget, Ivana was there helping him. He didn''t do it on his own."


    "Plus, he had backup from those two girls from the Sexy Killers Guild."


    Viscount Sean continued sipping from his ss, his face unreadable as Orion spoke, while the three women seated beside him remained equallyposed.


    Then Oriana, dressed in a striking blue gown, walked toward the center of the room, capturing everyone''s attention once more.


    Damn, a family drama with the viscount''s family, people murmured to each other, fully engrossed in how far this might escte. Some guests even recalled seeing Oriana talking with Broken earlier that day, fueling further intrigue.


    "We know you did a lot, Orion," Oriana said, facing her brother. "But everyone also knows that those efforts would have been for nothing if the Forest Guardians hadn''t been defeated. So, the praise given to Lord Broken is well-deserved-his arrival turned the tide and secured our victory."


    "Can you keep quiet, Oriana?" Orion shot her an icy re. "You shouldn''t interrupt your older brother when he''s speaking. Show some respect."


    "If you''re upset just because Ms. Ivana refused to dance with you, I''d say that''s a bit childish, Orion," she replied firmly.


    Orion swiftly drew his sword from its sheath the moment Oriana finished speaking.


    "You underestimate me, Oriana," he sneered. "You''ll never understand what goes on in a man''s mind. This is about self-respect. And tonight..."


    He pointed the sword directly at Broken, his expression tense. "I challenge you to a duel-just the two of us."


    "I''m doing this to show everyone that you''re not as powerful as they believe. While the rest of us defended the city, you swooped in at the end and imed all the glory," he continued. "You took all the rewards, including the Legendary Item, didn''t you? Tell me, was that for the good of the people? No, you did it for yourself."


    He red at Broken with disdain. "So now, face me. Fight me. I''ll prove to everyone here that you''re utterly worthless."


    Broken smiled faintly at the challenge posed by a stranger. Ivana sensed the growing tension and gently wrapped her arm around his, giving him a reassuring look-but it didn''t seem to


    hold him back.


    "Damn, a Legendary Item?" someone murmured.


    "I think Lord Orion has a point," another voice chimed in. "Broken should share some of the rewards with others."


    "Yes," agreed another, nodding. "A lot of people lost property, homes were damaged, people suffered losses... but he''s the one who walked away with the biggest prize."


    Elincia sighed and leaned closer, whispering, "If you win against him, I''ll throw in an extra reward, Broken. How about a free flight on my private jet? Tempting?"


    Broken let out a sigh of his own, feeling a tinge of boredom-until the tension in the room stirred him back to focus. Setting down his food, he stood up, and the room collectively held


    its breath, eyes locked on him.


    He walked over to where Orion and Oriana stood.


    "My Lord Orion," he began with a faint smile, "I feel quite ttered by all this special attention. But I don''t engage in duels without a worthwhile reward. So, tell me what''s in it for me if I utterly defeat you?" His tone was light. "I don''t waste my time unless the prize is


    truly worth it."

 Chapter 553: Chapter 553 - Blazing Phoenix Slash!

    Chapter 553: Chapter 553 - zing Phoenix sh!


    ?


    Broken stood firm before Orion, who was now openly challenging him to a duel. He took a quick moment to check his status.


    [Name: Orion]


    [Level: 208]


    [Strength: 745 | Agility: ??? | Intelligence: 756 | Constitution: ??? | Stamina: ???]


    Level 208 with bnced Strength and Intelligence stats?!


    From thatbination alone, it was clear that Orion was a melee magic type, blending physical and magical attacks¡ªmost likely a sword mage or something simr.


    But seriously, this young lord had the backing to support his arrogance. Just look at those bnced Strength and Intelligence stats; that alone showed he hadn''t trained casually.


    And at such a young age, too. Level 208 was impressive-extraordinary, even. Perhaps it was that very achievement that made him a bit arrogant. No, not a bit... Orion was truly arrogant. Orion was openly underestimating Broken, a fellow noble-a Baron in the Dissidia Kingdom who had done more than his share for this city. This young lord was overdue for a lesson, the hard way.


    Broken also noticed Viscount Sean''sck of response; he remained seated with his drink, watching the unfolding scene as if it were a stage y, even as his own children were directly involved in this standoff.


    What was the Viscount thinking?


    The reputation of Viscount Sean, Lord of Deadbay City, was actually quite good-known for defending the interests of the city''s people, and he had even joined the frontline during the recent battle to defend the city. Yet all of this made little difference to Broken, who was inwardly enjoying the thrill of being challenged like this. There was something satisfying about delivering a blow to someone''s ego with precision, right in their face.


    Was it possible he''d developed a taste for something extreme? No, not really. He simply enjoyed a good fight. He had grown into someone who relished challenges and the sh of a hard-fought battle.


    "I need a more interesting wager," Broken said. "Give me something that''s actually worth my time if I''m going to take you on. I mean, this should be an interesting fight, don''t you think?" Orion smirked. "Are you sure you''re prepared for the wager I have in mind if I win?"


    Broken bowed slightly, smiling. "Please... I''m sure the people of Deadbay would love to see firsthand just how powerful their future leader is."


    Orion''s expression turned serious as he gestured toward Ivana. "If I win, you leave Ivana alone. She belongs to Deadbay."


    At that, all eyes shifted to Ivana, who looked suddenly stunned, ncing nervously toward Elincia beside her.


    Broken, without needing to turn to see where Orion was pointing, understood his intent.


    "She isn''t some prize for your petty wagers," Broken replied. "And that statement only makes me more eager to start this duel."


    Viscount Sean, who had been seated in his chair, suddenly rose to his feet, drawing everyone''s attention. He moved with a light and jovial air, smiling as he approached the center of the room.


    "It is truly a delight to see the youth of this city filled with such ambition," Sean said. "Especially when the proud son of Deadbay City seeks to prove himself before his people."


    "Father..." Orion muttered, casting a nce his way.


    "Lord Broken," Sean continued, giving a small bow. "I have an interesting proposition for this duel. Should you prevail against my son, I will grant you his service."


    "Father?!" Orion eximed.


    "A duel is hardly engaging without something meaningful on the line, wouldn''t you agree?" Sean said. "The greater the stakes, the more thrilling the fight."


    "But to serve him?! Why should I?" Orion retorted.


    There was a brief pause as Orion clenched his fists, his gaze locking onto Broken. "I won''t lose, so any bet is meaningless to me."


    Sean turned back to Broken with a calm smile.


    "I am confident that Orion will be a worthy opponent for you, Lord Broken. But are you prepared to offer something equallypelling if my son wins? For instance, you could cede all the des from yesterday''s victory to us-including the Legendary Item you received from the Crow Guardian. Now that would be an intriguing wager, wouldn''t you agree?" Broken remained silent, carefully considering Sean''s offer. If he won, Orion would be bound to serve him a potential asset, given Orion''s impressive battle skills. Orion as a Knight, possibly even as a Knight Commander, could be a powerful ally.


    But for Viscount Sean to wager his own son... What exactly was he thinking?


    Broken turned to Sean. "Lord Sean, you''ve certainly made an extraordinary offer," he said, a slight smile on his lips. "It''s not something I can refuse. I find it more than eptable on my end."


    [Quest Notification: You''ve received a new quest from Viscount Sean.]


    [Duel with Orion - Risk it All]


    [Rating: A]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    [You have been challenged to a duel by Orion, son of Viscount Sean. If you seed in defeating him, he will owe you his services. However, if you lose, you must surrender all the des and rewards from yourst battle to Viscount Sean. Best of luck! May the best


    duelist win!]


    [Clear Conditions: Win the duel against Orion.]


    [Clear Rewards: Orion will be bound to serve you.]


    [Quest Failure: All recognition and rewards from thest battle, including the Legendary Item, will be forfeited to Viscount Sean.]


    Viscount Sean, Broken, and Orion proceeded outside the Town Hall, where an arena awaited, with rows of seats quickly filling as people gathered to witness the duel. The arena was spacious, with the audience positioned at a safe distance-but considering the scale of Broken''s potential area damage, even this space might be at risk if he went all out.


    Broken and Orion climbed into the arena, followed closely by Viscount Sean, while the crowd buzzed with excitement, eager to witness this unexpected sh.


    "Can you tell me," Broken said, "under what conditions one can be said to have won this


    duel?"


    Viscount Sean replied, "The fight ends when one of you yields to the other."


    "So, does that mean killing your opponent also counts as victory? Interesting," Brokenmented.


    "Better shut your mouth," Orion snarled. "Because right now, I''m more than willing to kill


    you."


    Sean merely shrugged. "Have fun." With that, he left the arena, leaving them to the fight. Broken calmly equipped his Invincible Paragon armor and drew his Wavebreaker Spear. Orion scoffed, watching him prepare. "A warrior who hides behind armor doesn''t deserve the title of ''fighter.'' You''re nothing but a coward afraid of getting hurt."


    Broken raised an eyebrow. "In a real battle, you can''t whine and beg your enemy to take off


    their armor, can you?"


    Orion gritted his teeth at Broken''s taunt, his grip tightening around his sword. With a fierce shout, he swung his de, channeling all his force into the strike.


    "zing Phoenix sh!"


    "Oh," Broken muttered, "calling out skill names during an attack? Quite an unusual way to


    fight."


    As Orion''s sword sliced through the air, a massive ze erupted from the sh. A gigantic phoenix of fire shot forth, racing across the arena toward Broken. The roaring mes were immense, as if they could incinerate anything in their path.


    Orion dashed forward within the fiery attack, merging with the phoenix''s fierce energy. His


    lips curved into a confident smirk, certain of his impending victory. "You won''t even have the chance to retaliate, Broken," he dered.

 Chapter 554: Chapter 554 - Orion’s Big Mistake

    Chapter 554: Chapter 554 - Orion¡¯s Big Mistake


    ?


    Orion unleashed his long-range spell as his opening move-a powerful magic skill that clearly marked him as a magic swordsman. The attack was swift, covering arge area with fierce fire-elemental damage.


    This was surely his signature move, designed to overwhelm opponents with its speed and coverage.


    "You''ve made a grave mistake choosing me as your opponent, you fool!" he dered.


    However, what ran through Broken''s mind was, What was Orion thinking, attacking with such reckless confidence? Did he truly underestimate me that much?


    The skill''s massive Mana cost indicated Orion was certain it wouldnd perfectly to its target. "But I don''t need to take this head-on. I can simply dodge."


    Broken watched the zing phoenix spell hurtling toward him, then swiftly activated his Dash skill. Just as the fiery phoenix was about to engulf him, he darted aside, narrowly escaping its scorching path.


    Orion''s eyes widened as his spell missed, and fury twisted his expression. With a roar, he charged at Broken.


    "Don''t think you can dodge my attacks forever!"


    [Water Domain (Active Skill)]


    In an instant, a shimmering dome of water expanded from his body, encasing both him and Orion within its boundaries.


    With fluid precision, he drew his bow and fired an arrow crafted from his Moonvine Knuckles. [Summon the Guardian (Active Skill)]


    The Moonvine Knuckles arrow whistled through the air, striking Orion, and immediately, a vivid figure of a nt-based Knight materialized,nding an additional blow.


    [Vines of Torment (Active Skill)]


    Five massive, twisting vines erupted from the ground of the arena, coiling around Orion and binding him tightly, rendering himpletely immobilized.


    "Damn it!" Orion shouted.


    [Sea of Storms (Active Skill)]


    Without dy, Broken raised his Wavebreaker Spear high. Dozens of magic circles appeared in the sky, each summoning a spear formed from water. As they hurtled downward, the spears adjusted their trajectory upon entering his water domain, homing in on Orion. In rapid session, every spear struck its target, hammering Orion''s body relentlessly.


    The crowd watched, wide-eyed and silent, mesmerized by the incredible disy of skills Broken unleashed.


    Orion had a range of closebat skills, butnding a hit on Broken was proving impossible. Broken kept his distance, relentlessly attacking from afar and avoiding any close-range confrontation.


    "If you''ve got the nerve,e at me head-on!" Orion shouted in frustration.


    Ignoring his taunt, Broken pressed on, chaining his crowd-control skills while maintaining his distance.


    Dendros, the summoned nt-based Knight, kept up its relentless assault, distracting Orion while thick vines continued tosh out, constraining his movements.


    Casually, Broken notched another arrow and fired, keeping up his attacks with practiced ease and using his agility to dodge Orion''s attempts to retaliate.


    This was the first time he''d fully utilized his Bow skills in a duel, and he found himself enjoying the strategy of rangedbat.


    If I can master this approach, it might be worth using ranged attacks more often, he thought.


    Before Orion could regain his footing, his health bar plummeted, and he staggered, coughing up blood. His once-pristine clothing was torn to shreds, leaving him in a severely weakened state.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Surrender and beg for your life," Broken taunted, provoking Orion further.


    The crowd, tense and breathless, watched every move in the duel with rapt attention. They were finally seeing just how powerful Broken truly was in the arena-fighting with almost casual ease, while Orion seemedpletely outmatched, as if Broken were toying with him. "No way! Broken is actually this strong!"


    "Sure, Orion''s just an NPC, but he''s no ordinary one. He has huge potential and a high level too."


    "Yeah, but even Orion looks like he''s being yed by Broken."


    "I think his victory against the Forest Guardian was no fluke after all."


    "Clearly, he''s controlling this fight. And he hasn''t even shown his full arsenal yet."


    "Honestly... it doesn''t seem like Orion has any chance against Broken."


    "Damn! I hate to admit it, but I''m starting to admire him."


    Dendros continued to keep Orion distracted,nding strikes and preventing him from reaching Broken. Seizing the opportunity, Broken swiftly pulled out his bow-the Golden Bow of Artemis-and loaded it with his Wavebreaker Spear. The onlookers gasped in disbelief.


    [Explosive Arrow (Active Skill) Lv. 5]


    The skill had leveled up, now boasting a shorter charging time of only four seconds. Oh ho... Broken thought with satisfaction. This skill just became ridiculously overpowered.


    In a secure position, Broken could easily cast this skill for devastating damage. His Super Novice Unique-grade ss truly held extraordinary potential-he began to wonder if it might even have a Legendary-grade upgrade.


    The sky itself seemed to split as a colossal spear appeared from the dark, pointing down toward the arena. The crowd''s eyes widened in shock.


    "He''s not actually going to kill Orion, is he?"


    "Will Orion even survive this attack? The Gori Guardian took a huge hit from this skill... will


    the arena itself be destroyed?"


    "This is insane!"


    "I''m sure Broken isn''t trying to put Orion''s life at risk... right?"


    "But Orion could always surrender. It''s his choice."


    "Yes, but let''s hope Broken reins it in. He wouldn''t want to make an enemy out of Viscount


    Sean."


    Broken said in a nonchnt manner. "I''m sure you''re aware of the consequences that would befall you if that giant spear were to hit you, right?"


    "I just want to make it clear," he said, "that I''m not just making empty threats. I will actually


    launch this spear."


    [Vines of Torment (Active Skill)]


    The five massive vines closed in around Orion, restraining him once again, locking him in


    ce for a crucial two seconds. It was all Broken needed toplete his skill''s charging time


    with ease.


    His Mana reserves were wearing thin, preventing him from casting every skill within his Wavebreaker arsenal. But that hardly mattered-this was more than enough.


    As the charge nearedpletion, Orion felt a surge of panic rise within him. From afar, Oriana watched with growing anxiety, casting nces at her father, silently wondering if he would


    step in.


    "That stubborn brother..." she muttered. "Will he really choose pride over his life?"


    The knights around the arena shifted tensely, their hands on their weapons as Broken


    prepared to release the spear at Orion.


    Broken grinned, clearly relishing the fact that Orion hadn''t begged for mercy.


    In one fluid motion, he released the bowstring. The spear shot forth from his bow, cutting through the air. Simultaneously, a second colossal spear descended from the heavens, casting a shadow over the arena like a massive pir crashing down from the sky.

 Chapter 555: Chapter 555 - A Duel, A Deal, and A Royal Arrival

    Chapter 555: Chapter 555 - A Duel, A Deal, and A Royal Arrival


    ?


    All eyes widened in shock as Broken released his Spear. The crowd held their breath, bracing for the sheer scale of destruction they knew this attack could unleash. They''d witnessed his power before, but seeing it firsthand in the arena filled them with both awe and dread.


    Orion stood helpless, still ensnared by the vines as the spear barreled toward him. But just as it was about to strike, a dome-shaped energy shield materialized, surrounding and protecting him.


    The spear collided with the shield, setting off a massive chain of explosions that rippled outward in shockwaves. Pirs copsed, people were thrown from their seats, and knights struggled to brace themselves against the force, bodies pushed back by the violent energy


    waves.


    The arena erupted into chaos as spectators screamed, scrambling for safety.


    But the assault wasn''t over. Another colossal spear plummeted from the sky, striking the arena with earth-shattering force. At that moment, Viscount Sean appeared in a blur, charging into the arena. Shield raised, he stood firmly between Orion and the descending spear, shielding them both.


    The impact triggered an even greater explosion, obliterating the entire arena as gusts of wind, rocks, and debris sted outwards. Everyone squeezed their eyes shut, their bodies mmed backward by the force of the detonation.


    The st lingered for a few moments, debris and smoke clouding everyone''s vision as the remnants of the arena settled.


    When the dust finally cleared, Viscount Sean stood in the center of the wreckage, shield raised, while Orion sat slumped on the ground, eyes nk and defeated. Broken, meanwhile, remained in his original position, unscathed.


    "I didn''t realize that outside interference was permitted in a duel, Lord Sean," Broken said calmly.


    "Lord Broken, I must sincerely apologize to you," Viscount Sean replied. "Without undermining your honor, I must acknowledge that my son has been defeated. You are the undisputed victor of this duel."


    Sean took a deep breath, visibly steadying himself as he addressed Broken. From his vantage outside the arena, Sean had carefully analyzed the entire battle, noting how Broken had precisely calcted Orion''s strengths and deliberately avoided engaging him up close.


    Orion''s closebat abilities were formidable, boasting an impressive Strength stat that could have easily inflicted severe physical damage and, under different circumstances, overwhelmed Broken.


    However, Broken had wisely chosen a long-range strategy, wearing Orion down while denying him any opportunity for a counterattack. And though Sean suspected Broken was more than capable of facing Orion in close quarters, he also recognized that Broken had exercised restraint, refusing to unleash his full potential in this duel. In his own way, Broken had shown mercy to Orion.


    Viscount Sean recognized Broken''s remarkable strength and intelligence. He knew that his son, Orion, could gain much from learning under Broken''s guidance-it would help ground Orion''s ego and cultivate the humility and discipline needed to lead Deadbay City effectively one day.


    Turning to Orion, Viscount Sean spoke firmly, "Orion, ept your defeat and fulfill your promise."


    "Father... you''re the one who made that promise, not me. I won''t ept this defeat," Orion protested.


    In response, Viscount Sean delivered a swift, powerful punch to Orion''s face, sending him crashing to the ground.


    "Don''t return to this city until you''ve grown into someone worthy of leading it. Serve Lord Broken and fulfill your obligations."


    "Father, you never told me how long I have to serve him. Is this for eternity? This is too much! I''ll fight for my freedom," Orion argued.


    "Serve him, earn his trust, and learn from him. Allow him to guide you," Viscount Sean replied, then turned to Broken.


    "Lord Broken, thank you for this invaluable lesson. May you continue to grow stronger," Sean said with a respectful bow. "Now, if you''ll excuse me, I shall take my leave."


    With that, he turned and strode out of the arena, leaving Orion in stunned silence.


    [Congrattions, Broken! You have won the duel against Orion, and he will now serve as one of your Knights!]


    [Orion''s affinity for you may be low at 12%, but you''ve still managed to secure his loyalty through this duel. Now, you can show him who''s truly in charge! Keep guiding and challenging him to improve his skills and character as he serves under you.]


    "Orion," Broken said firmly.


    Orion remained still, his head lowered, refusing to meet Broken''s gaze.


    "Prepare yourself. I may need your assistance on my next expedition," Broken said casually.


    "Yes... Broken," Orion replied hesitantly.


    "Lord Broken," Broken corrected him.


    "Yes, my Lord," Orion quickly amended.


    "And apologize to Ivana for what you said about her."


    Obediently, Orion rose and made his way toward Ivana, who was standing nearby with Elincia. Stopping before her, he bowed his head in shame, his fists clenched.


    "I apologize for my inappropriate words, Ms. Ivana."


    Ivana nodded gracefully. "Lord Orion, you have great potential for the future. You''ve proven that with your contributions to this city. And I''m certain you''ll redeem yourself through your service to Broken. Thank you for expressing your remorse; I hold no anger or grudges against you."


    Orion bowed once more. "Thank you for your kindness, Ms. Ivana."


    Broken walked away from the arena, followed closely by Ivana, Elincia, and the other members of the Ass Guild. The crowd was still reeling from the shocking oue of the duel, but a collective sigh of relief swept over them as they absorbed the final result.


    "I''d say you''ve been handsomely rewarded for everything you''ve done for this city, Broken," Elincia said cheerfully.


    "And don''t forget-you promised me an extra reward."


    "Oh,e on! So greedy! What did I promise you again?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "You said you''d invite me on your private jet and let me use the Capsule Device while we''re in


    the air."


    "Ah, that''s easy! Consider it done; just tell me when and where you''d like to go," she responded, adding, "Actually, no-I''ll let Freya know and have her arrange everything."


    "Could Boobae along too?"


    "No way! That jerk is not getting on my private jet."


    Melliandra let out a frustrated huff. "If I were dueling that idiot Orion," she said, "I''d have shot him in the head until his skull emptied its contents all over the ce." Kingsley shook his head. "Mel... you know that''s not how this game works, right?" Meanwhile, Broken had ended the night with an impressive reward: a level 208 subordinate, and best of all, he didn''t have to pay him a single coin. Not bad at all.


    As the son of a Viscount, Orion came fully equipped with quality armor and weapons, meaning Broken didn''t even need to spend on upgrades. It was an absolute bonus. Now, his main task would be guiding Orion into epting his defeat-and who knew what that might unlock in


    him.


    A few dayster, Broken logged back into Immortal Legacy. All of Deadbay City was alive with excitement, eagerly awaiting the arrival of representatives from the Dissidia Kingdom.


    In the distance, royal carriages appeared, making their way toward the city. The citizens gathered eagerly, lining the streets.


    From the lead carriage stepped a figure dressed in a striking blue-and-red gown. Her red hair and snow-whiteplexion were unmistakable. It was Princess Alora Rogwyn, the crowned princess of the Dissidia Kingdom.

 Chapter 556: Chapter 556 - Royal Recognition and Rising Tensions

    Chapter 556: Chapter 556 - Royal Recognition and Rising Tensions


    ?


    n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    In the heart of bustling Deadbay City, a crowd had gathered around the grand stage, where Princess Alora Rogwyn stood, nked by her Knight Grand Crosses, Lionell and Mercy.


    "I apologize for the Kingdom''s dy in responding to the disaster that has befallen this city," Princess Alora began. "Yet I am grateful for your efforts in defending it. Let us be proud of our sess together."


    Apuse and cheers erupted from the crowd in response to her words.


    Then, her tone grew resolute. "The Kingdom will not sit idly by! First, we will aid in the restoration of this city. And second, we are taking a firm stance against those who attacked us. We will go to theirnds and demand they pay for the destruction they have caused."


    The crowd''s cheers grew louder, swept up in her words.


    Broken, Ivana, Elincia, and the others stepped up onto the stage, with Broken taking his ce on the far right, and the others following in order ording to their contributions to the city.


    Princess Alora approached him, holding a badge shaped like a shield and sword against the royal g of the Dissidia Kingdom.


    "This is the Hero of Deadbay City badge, awarded to those who have made outstanding contributions," Alora announced. "Today, I am honored to personally present this to you, Baron Broken, in recognition of your service to the Dissidia Kingdom."


    "I ept this award with gratitude, Your Highness," Broken replied, bowing respectfully.


    Alora''s smile as she carefully pinned the badge to his right chest, sealing the honor before the assembled crowd.


    [Congrattions! You have been awarded the coveted gold badge of "Hero of Dissidia Kingdom" in recognition of your outstanding achievements.]


    Following Broken''s honor, Princess Alora presented golden badges to Ivana and Elincia for their achievements, while the other contributors received silver and bronze badges.


    Turning to the crowd, Alora''s voice rang out with pride.


    "With these badges, the Heroes of Dissidia will always be granted priority in defending the Kingdom. They will participate in key decision-making meetings, with their votes considered in determining the Kingdom''s future, alongside our top officials."


    The title of Hero of Dissidia Kingdom holds a prestige equal to the Kingdom''s highest- ranking officials. Though Heroes do not possessnd like nobility, theymand immense respect from Dissidia''s citizens.


    Additionally, they receive frequent invitations to major events and enjoy opportunities to influence the Kingdom''s path. Unlike the Knights, bound by duty to the Kingdom, Heroes enjoy greater freedom to make their mark independently.


    Alora then turned back to the crowd. "In recognition of all those involved in defending this city, let me assure you the Kingdom will not overlook anyone''s contribution, big or small, including the efforts of other yers who fought valiantly here. Rewards will be distributed periodically by my Knight Grand Cross."


    [New Title Acquired: Hero of Dissidia Kingdom]


    [Status: Higher standing in the Dissidia Kingdom, granting priority ess to the royal pce and confidential information.]


    [Role: Active defender with opportunities to influence Kingdom matters.]


    [Stat Boost: Overall damage increases by 10% when defending the Dissidia Kingdom.]


    With their new standing in the Kingdom, defending Dissidia woulde with exceptional rewards. The opportunities were already opening up.


    Princess Alora then stepped forward, her gaze settling on Broken.


    "You have shown great dedication to the Kingdom, Baron Broken," she said firmly, "both by joining the Kingdom''s elite and through your work in building up Slumdon Town and defending Deadbay City.


    "In recognition of this, the Kingdom will be sending fifty skilled workers to Slumdon Town to assist in its development over the next five years."


    Broken gave a respectful nod, "I am honored to ept this award, Your Highness."


    Alora offered him a warm smile before moving on to speak with Ivana.


    Receiving fifty workers for Slumdon Town was a massive boon for Broken. Even better, the Kingdom would cover their wages. He felt a broad grin forming-it was a remarkable opportunity for his town''s growth.


    The other yers at the event couldn''t help but voice their thoughts.


    "I think Broken really made out well with this one."


    "Yeah, he scored a Legendary item, a new knight, and now he''s getting Kingdom support to develop his city!"


    "Damn, I want to be that close to Princess Alora. Imagine being able to smell her perfume up close."


    "She''s so beautiful. I feel like I could die just watching her from afar."


    "Oh my God, if only I could marry her!"


    "Isn''t there a rumor that Broken has a special rtionship with Princess Alora?"


    "That''s a lie! No way that could actually happen."


    "I swear, I''ll kill Broken if he gets any closer to Princess Alora."


    As the awards ceremony concluded, Princess Alora turned her attention to a more urgent matter: responding to the recent attacks by the Moonlight Fae. In arge conference room in Deadbay City, she assembled her two Knights, Viscount Sean, Broken, and the other members of the Ass Guild.


    They were now preparing to face their most pressing threat: the Moonlight Fae, who had grown uncontroble and had stirred up chaos right within Dissidia Kingdom''s borders. All eyes in the room were on Broken as he began recounting the events that had recently unfolded in Deadbay City. He provided a timeline of the key moments, carefully omitting a few crucial details he''d previously discussed with the leaders of the Ass Guild.


    He concluded, "So... the Moonlight Fae have indeed found themselves in a difficult position due to the curse affecting them. However, I''m uncertain how they''ve managed to extend their reach andunch attacks outside their territory. All I can say for certain is that I cannot guarantee we won''t see another attack."


    Princess Alora''s expression turned serious. "We cannot ignore this issue. The Moonlight Fae have trespassed onto Dissidia Kingdom''s territory, and we must take appropriate action to


    address it."


    She paused before continuing, "I recognize the importance of avoiding open conflict between races whenever possible; such wars often lead to greater hostilities. However, given their aggression and the threat they pose to the sovereignty of the Dissidia Kingdom, we have no choice but to respond decisively."


    She scanned the room and asked, "Are there any other concerns beyond what we''ve discussed


    here?"

 Chapter 557: Chapter 557 - Packing for Moonlight Fae Territory

    Chapter 557: Chapter 557 - Packing for Moonlight Fae Territory


    ?


    As Broken had foreseen this oue, Princess Alora was ready to take decisive action against the attacks by the Moonlight Fae.


    Broken had also outlined the potential strength these opponents possessed, so with any luck, she would deploy her two Knight Grand Crosses, along with additional knights and troops, ensuring that this campaign would be carried out with more than enough force to guarantee


    sess.


    ine had previously warned him about the full moon''s impact for the Moonlight Fae-not only would she herself transform into the Eternal me beast, but another faery would as well. Broken knew the power that came with this form, remembering how Fang, the former Knight Commander, managed to withstand attacks from the Fae Knights and ine on his own.


    If Morel, too, transformed into his Eternal me form and still carried his grudge against Broken, this mission would be anything but simple. And there was always the possibility of more Eternal mes waiting, ready to unleash further chaos.


    What if they still had additional Fae Guardians hidden away, like the three they encountered before? This challenge wouldn''t be a small one by any means.


    Scanning the room, Princess Alora asked, "Are there any other concerns beyond what we''ve discussed here?"


    Elincia raised her hand, and upon a nod from the Princess, she began to speak.


    "When we consider the power they''ve demonstrated-even with only a few guardians crossing into ournds-it''s clear they can wreak great havoc. We should assume that their forces within their territory are even stronger. The Ass Guild can onlymit a maximum of five or six members, so I believe we need additional support for this mission, Princess." Princess Alora nodded. "That''s a valid point, Elincia. I''ll dispatch more troops from the Kingdom to reinforce our forces, and my two Knight Grand Crosses and I will form the core of the team."


    She nced around the room, and continued. "Given everything we''ve discussed, I believe we should prepare immediately. With the full moon approaching, time is not on our side. Let''s finalize our strategy to leave at first light tomorrow."


    Princess Alora disyed amanding presence as she spoke, a stark contrast to the casual ease with which she''d conversed with Broken outside such a serious forum. Her decisive approach to addressing the Kingdom''s threats impressed everyone present.


    Despite her youth, she carried herself with a pride and authority befitting not only her status as a crowned princess but also the formidable title of Princess of the Battlefield. That name echoed in the minds of many, and today, she was proving just how well-earned it truly was.


    "I will lead this attack myself," she concluded, her words signaling the end of the meeting.


    The room filled with movement as everyone stood to leave, but as Broken was about to follow, Princess Alora turned to him.


    "Baron Broken."


    "Yes, Your Highness?"


    "I need to discuss the new gear I require you to craft," she continued. "Do you have time for a conversation?"


    Broken nodded, watching the others file out until the door shut, leaving only him, Princess Alora, and her two knights.


    "Lionell mentioned you had something specific you wanted to discuss?" Alora asked.


    Broken had already spoken with Elincia about the location of Mithril, and she had informed him that this rare ore was closely connected to the elves.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Elincia suggested he bring the matter up directly with Princess Alora, given her Half-Elf heritage and deep ties to the elves.


    "Yes, Princess," Broken began. "I''ve received a quest to locate Mithril and gain the ability to mine it. Elincia mentioned that the Forest Elves have significant knowledge about this ore."


    "Oh, Mithril..." Alora murmured. "That does bring back memories. Yes, we forest elves are well acquainted with this ore."


    In Yunatea, there are three distinct types of elves widely known: High-Elves, Forest Elves, and Dark Elves. Although they all share the same elven lineage, they differ significantly in physical traits, lifestyles, and growth potential.


    High-Elves are regarded as the strongest elven race in Yunatea. They are typically taller than most humans and possess greater strength than other races, thanks in part to their queen, who holds the title of Champion of Pride.


    The High-Elves rule a powerful kingdom on the Central Continent, one of thergest in Yunatea. Despite the small elven poption, this kingdom isrgely inhabited by humans who benefit from High-Elven protection and leadership.


    Forest Elves, Princess Alora''s lineage, prefer life in remote and secluded areas, deeply integrated with nature. These elves reside in dense forests and rarely venture beyond, making


    their inclusion in adventurer parties a rare privilege.


    Forest Elves are also believed to inhabit the Floating Ind, Vensalor-the very ce


    SexyGrill mentioned in a quest discussion a few days ago.


    Lastly, Dark Elves resemble humans in size but have distinctive dark skin tones, ranging from blue to purple and sometimes gray.


    Princess Alora continued, "Actually, I have ns to visit my tribe''s homnd in theing months to attend to some matters."


    "Would I be able to find Mithril there, Princess?"


    "I can''t guarantee it," Alora replied. "However, my tribe used to have a Mithril mining site there. If we gain their approval, they may grant us ess to information on its location-or even permission to mine these ores. What do you think?"


    "I would be deeply grateful for the opportunity to visit a ce where I could obtain these ores, Princess."


    Alora nodded, then turned to Lionell, who stepped forward with a respectful bow.


    "Your Highness," Lionell said, "either I or Mercy should apany you on this journey, at the very least."


    Alora nodded thoughtfully, then turned back to Broken. "I''ll keep you updated once we''ve dealt with the Moonlight Fae. When we meet the Forest Elves, I''m certain you''ll find the


    information you''re seeking."


    "Thank you, Princess," Broken replied quietly.


    "For me," she added, "a journey outside the royal boundaries of Dissidia Kingdom isn''t


    something I can openly announce to many."


    "Does that mean this mission is top secret?"


    "Yes," Alora admitted. "I suppose I trust you more than I should. If your intentions toward


    me were questionable, I could be in serious trouble."


    "My advice? Don''t trust others too far, Princess."


    "Yes, especially if that advicees from you." She smiled.


    He still hadn''t found a clear-cut way to acquire Mithril. But at least, he''d made some progress, however small it was.


    Meeting the forest elves? Now that was something that never failed to spark his interest. Especially if the expedition meant he''d be going with Princess Alora. Who knew what they might discover out there together?


    With fresh resolve on his Mithril quest, Broken took his leave, heading off to meet with Elincia. There was someone he was set on meeting that day.


    "So, what kind of surprise have you nned for me?"


    "Come with me," Elincia replied enthusiastically as they made their way toward a tavern in the town center. "I''m sure they''ll be thrilled to meet you. They''re siblings-a brother and his younger sister. The brother is a big fan of yours, and the sister... well, she''s someone you''ll


    want to meet."


    "What exactly are you talking about? And who are they?"

 Chapter 558: Chapter 558 - The Necklace Quest and a Streamer’s Bargain

    Chapter 558: Chapter 558 - The Ne Quest and a Streamer¡¯s Bargain


    ?


    "So..." Elincia began as she and Broken strolled through the streets of Deadbay City. "Broken, tell me, what''s the minimum rank of the jeweler you need to craft that ne?"


    "Ah, the ne..." Broken replied slowly, realizing she was asking about the Unseen Universe Ne he''d been gathering materials for. "It requires at least an Expert rank jeweler."


    "And what about the level?"


    "Level 1 should be fine since there''s no level requirement, just the rank. But finding someone with an Expert rank is already hard enough, right?"


    "Then I think you''ll be pleased with the jeweler I found for you," Elincia replied with a hint of excitement. "She''s a genius-a high-ranking expert who''s kept her skills under wraps. I get the feeling she''s only interested in real challenges and doesn''t care much about fame."


    Elincia paused, ncing at him. "Honestly, you and she share a lot of simrities. She''s relentless, always pushing herself to reach her best. She''s a yer jeweler with an Expert Rank -Level 3."


    "Expert Rank, Level 3? No way!" Broken replied, surprised. "I thought Lanceshot was the highest-ranking yer crafter out there!"


    "See? Impressive, right?" Elincia grinned as she opened the door to the tavern.


    Inside, Broken immediately noticed a familiar face-Tora, the popr Immortal Legacy streamer who''d recently covered the monster defense in Deadbay City. Seated next to him was a young woman with an Asian appearance and dark hair.


    "Hello... Broken..." Tora greeted, stepping over with a cheerful smile. He took Broken''s hand in an enthusiastic shake. "Wow, the Hero of Deadbay in person-this is unreal!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Hello to you too, nice to finally meet you," Broken replied with a polite nod.


    They all sat at a nearby table, and Tora gestured to the young woman beside him. "This is Toya, my sister."


    Toya had short, shoulder-length ck hair and an expression that was sharper and more serious than her brother''s.


    "Hi, Broken. Hi, Elincia," Toya greeted them with a small smile that softened her otherwise focused expression. "I''m excited to hear more about the proposal you mentioned."


    "Of course. Let''s go over everything here," Elincia replied. "I''ve filled Broken in, so if you''re on board with the agreement, we''ll leave the rest to you."


    Broken nodded, turning to Toya. "I''ve been searching for an Expert Rank jeweler to craft a specific part of a Blueprint I have. So, I''d like to request your help with this."


    Toya smiled, and replied. "Crafting something for someone as powerful and renowned as you would be an exciting project. Plus, this is my first time seeing a Blueprint requiring


    coboration between two production sses-and at Expert Rank, no less. I think it''s going to be a fun challenge."


    Broken continued, "Could you tell me how much your services will cost? And is it possible to begin sometime soon?"


    Toya nodded. "I''m very interested in taking on thismission. As for the payment, I''m sure you''re familiar with the cost range for production ss work at this level. However," she nced at her brother, "Tora here has a proposal he''d like to discuss with you."


    Broken and Elincia turned to Tora, only for him to look back at Toya instead.


    "Toya, listen," Tora began gently. "You don''t need to worry about me, okay? Just take this opportunity and use it for yourself. You need the funds to support all that research you''ve been nning, right? Focus on your work and don''t concern yourself with me."


    Toya took a slow, measured breath. "Tora, listen. I know how to earn the money I need. Meanwhile, this is your best chance your only real shot."


    Broken, intrigued by the back-and-forth, tried to piece together what was happening between the siblings. They reminded him a bit of himself and Lily. After hearing them go in circles a few more times, he decided to interject.


    "Tora, please, just tell me what you need. Money isn''t an issue for me; I''ll cover the cost as long as I get the help I need. If you''d rather be paid some other way, I''m open to suggestions."


    Toya nced at her brother, then spoke up with determination. "My brother wants to join you on the expedition," she said.


    "Toya..." Tora began, but Toya continued, undeterred.


    "He wishes to be part of the mission against the monsters-the one Princess Alora spoke about. If you grant him permission to join you and allow him to broadcast the expedition on his channel, I''llplete yourmission to the best of my ability and won''t ask for any payment at all."


    Toya looked at Broken intently. "Please forgive me for being so forward, Broken, but I hope you''ll consider this proposal."


    Broken turned to Elincia and whispered, "Seeing them reminds me of the closeness between you and your brother."


    "Shut up, Broken."


    Broken chuckled, then looked back at Tora and Toya.


    He thought to himself that if Freya were here, she''d probably demand a hefty fee for allowing Tora to broadcast the expedition. However, he had grown to like the sibling pair-they clearly cared deeply for each other. And Toya''s hard work and achievements in reaching Expert rank while staying under the radar impressed him. He was even curious if they knew things that might be valuable to him down the line.


    He nodded. "Tora, you cane along with us, but you have to understand that this expedition might be extremely dangerous. I can''t guarantee your safety, especially since we may be up against some formidable opponents.


    "I''m sure there''ll be plenty of high-level monster attacks. If anything happens to you, it''s on you. You''re free to record as you like, but I''ll still pay themission I requested from Toya. Consider it a goodwill gesture for this new partnership."


    He added, "However, I may ask you not to record certain things, should the need arise."


    "No, don''t do it. I''ll do it for free-please," Toya insisted firmly. "I don''t agree to any payment for this."


    "She''s very stubborn, Broken," Tora exined with a slight grin.


    Elincia, seated nearby, let out a smallugh. "She''s just like you, Broken-very stubborn."


    "Shut up, Elincia," Broken replied with a sigh.


    "All right, then," Broken thought there was no point in arguing further. He''d already decided he would reward the girl in his own way. "In that case, I''m in on the deal," he said, extending his hand toward Toya.


    Toya''s grin widened, and she shook his hand with a firm grip. "Thank you, Broken. I hope your sess keeps growing¡ªand maybe I''ll get moremissions from you in the future."


    "Thank you for your kindness, Broken," Tora added.


    Broken left the tavern with Elincia by his side. "So, what''s next on the agenda, Broken?"


    "I want to talk with Orion. He''s incredibly talented and has huge potential. I want to make sure he''s fully under my control," he replied resolutely.


    "Phew... You really do have a way with people," Elincia teased with a smirk. "You even


    manage to win over all these powerful allies and some beautiful hearts along the way. And


    yet, you keep saying you''re not good with people."


    "I''m just not a fan of socializing or making small talk," he said. "But that''s how it has to be."


    Elincia chuckled. "You just need to start giving yourself a little more credit."

 Chapter 559: Chapter 559 - Red Cheeks and Relentless Ambitions

    Chapter 559: Chapter 559 - Red Cheeks and Relentless Ambitions


    ?


    Broken and Elincia made their way down to the beach, where Orion and the other knights were waiting for them. Among the group were Elowen, Mira, a few Beastkin, and Elves who stood by, ready. As soon as Broken approached, the Knights rose in unison and bowed respectfully.


    Orion, who seemed to be adjusting to his new responsibilities over the past few days, avoided making eye contact with Broken and remained silent.


    Anna''s voice broke the quiet. "My Lord, are we preparing to go on another hunt?!"


    Broken smiled and shook his head. "No, I didn''te here today to send you out on another hunt. I wanted to let you know that I believe it would be best for you all to rest and restore your strength today. We''ll be setting off on our expedition tomorrow."


    He then turned to Elowen and Mira. "I didn''t get a chance to properly thank you both yet. My appreciation for your contributions in thest monster defense."


    Elowen smiled and bowed slightly. "Without Lord Maylock''s order for us toe, it might not have happened, my Lord. But I''m d we could be of help."


    "We''ll be heading into another big battle soon," Broken added. "I trust you''ll be ready."


    Elowen nodded with a slight smile. "Couldn''t be worse than sacrificing my life to kill the Ranked Demon, right?"


    "We can all hope so," Broken replied with a faint smile.


    Broken then turned to Orion, who seemed to lower his gaze slightly.


    [Name: Orion]


    [Level: 208]


    [Strength: 745 | Agility: 234 | Intelligence: 756 | Constitution: 324 | Stamina: 546] [Job: Guard]


    [Battlefield Commander (S) - Bravery (A) - Charge Resistance (B) - Spell Mastery (B) - Sword Mastery (B) Intimidating Presence (B)]


    Orion possessed an impressive set of talents that seemed to perfectlyplement one another. His S-rated Battlefield Commander talent alone would be invaluable to Broken as he looked to expand his army in the future.


    Igor also had the Battlefield Commander talent, though his was rated at B. That difference alone made it clear that Orion had far greater potential when it came to leading his own war troops.


    His potential was immense, with abilities that bnced each other seamlessly. Spell Mastery and Sword Masterybined with his choice of the Sword Magic ss-made him a force to be reckoned with.


    And Bravery? Broken smirked; that one could easily have been called Arrogance instead.


    As the son of a well-respected Viscount, Orion carried the weight of many people''s expectations. Broken hoped he''d rise to meet them.


    But seriously, he still couldn''t believe it-Orion was practically a perfect setup, with stats and talents so ideally aligned. Damn, he was lucky to have Orion on his team.


    "Orion," Broken said in a firm tone.


    "Yes, my Lord," Orion replied.


    "I want you to understand something-I''m someone who puts in tremendous effort and makes rapid progress, both inbat and every skill I pursue. With my hard work and talent, I''m confident I''ll grow very powerful in a short time."


    Orion looked momentarily stunned by Broken''s words, but he recovered and responded, "Yes, my Lord, I recognize your remarkable talents."


    "I''m sure you want to challenge me to another duel, to prove that you won''t stop here, right?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    At this, Orion''s expression tightened, his jaw clenched.


    "But," Broken went on, "make sure you''re worthy of the challenge. If it doesn''t excite me, you know I won''t be interested. So, make it aspelling as possible for me. I won''t wait around for you-work for it, or there won''t be any duel at all."


    As Orion felt his heart pounding, his breathing in heavy, he clenched his hands into tight fists.


    "My Lord," he said with fierce determination, "I swear to you, I will train relentlessly, leaving no time for anything else. I''ll make sure I can put up a meaningful fight for you in our next duel. I''ll give it everything, as if my life depends on it."


    [Orion felt an intense drive to push past his limits, to reach new heights and prove he was not someone to be underestimated. Every moment from now on would be devoted to training, rising to his fullest potential.]


    [Your affinity with Orion has increased to 45%.]


    Whoa, the affinity jumped up that fast? From 12 to 45 just like that? What happened? No way that was just because of Broken''s words, right?


    "You are now the Knight Commander, and you''re in charge of Karl, Yann, and Anna. You''ll likely have more knights under yourmand soon enough."


    Orion straightened. "I will give it my all, My Lord."


    Broken smiled and, without another word, turned to leave, Elincia quickly falling into step behind him.


    "Orion!" Karl called out as Broken and Elincia walked off. "Remember, I''m your rival too. Don''t get toofortable, because I can easily surpass you."


    "Shut up, Karl!" Orion snapped back. "Keep dreaming. Don''t think for a second you can outdo me! I''m your Knight Commander, and I''ll make sure you have a hard time under mymand. Hah!" With a huff, he strode away.


    Anna, grinning with enthusiasm, ran after Orion, spinning around to walk backward so she could look him in the face.


    "Orion...your cheeks are so red! Are you blushing because of our Lord''s charm? Oh, Lord Broken is so charismatic that he''s even won over Orion-the same Orion who challenged him to a duel in front of everyone a few days ago!"


    "Shut up, Anna, or I''ll punish you hard!" Orion muttered, turning his face away.


    Anna onlyughed in response.


    "How did youe up with that approach, Broken?" Elincia asked as they walked side by


    side.


    "What approach?"


    "The way you motivated that jerk, Orion," she continued. "You were so confident and provoking with him, but he took it to heart and seemed genuinely inspired. How did you do


    it?"


    "I''m not sure what you mean, Elincia. I was just saying what was on my mind."


    Elincia''s eyes lit up. "You have a natural gift for leadership! Do you realize your own


    potential?"


    Broken pondered this for a moment before asking, "So, are you saying I could do the same with all the guild members who might follow me someday?"


    Elincia giggled. "Well, you do seem tomunicate differently with each person, don''t


    you?"


    She went on, "And that''s exactly what I mean. You''re able to influence people in a natural way -look at how you barely tried with Maylock, yet he already admires you deeply. That''s real


    leadership."


    Broken considered her words thoughtfully. "So, do you think I could lead others?"


    "Try it," Elincia replied warmly. "I''ll be there to support you."


    "I''ll talk to Freya about this," he said after a moment. "See you tomorrow, Elincia."


    ***


    Leon stepped out of the capsule and realized night had already fallen. They were still at the beach cottage, but the ce seemed empty as he moved from room to room. Finally, he headed out to the backyard, where the swimming pool shimmered softly in the fading light.


    Freya was seatedfortably on a nearby sofa.


    "Hello..." Freya greeted him, turning around and waving. "What''s wrong? You look


    exhausted."


    Without a word, Leon slowly made his way to the sofa and sank into it, closing his eyes. Freya gently stroked his cheek and pulled him closer to her shoulder.


    "Rest here," she murmured. "You''ll be amazed at the serenity Freya''s shoulder can bring."


    Leon rxed, letting his head rest on her shoulder as he took a slow, deep breath of the clean evening air. The tension and fatigue that had weighed on him began to melt away.


    "There''s something I want to talk to you about," he whispered.


    "I''m here," Freya replied softly. "Go ahead; I''m listening."

 Chapter 560: Chapter 560 - Conversations Brewed in Cappuccino

    Chapter 560: Chapter 560 - Conversations Brewed in Cappino


    ?


    Leon had been mulling over this idea for a while. Leaning back on the sofa, he looked out at the calm swimming pool.


    "I''ve decided to start my own guild," he said finally.


    Freya chuckled. "Ah, so you''ve made up your mind atst? You should''ve done this ages ago!"


    "I''d be truly grateful if you-someone very special to me-could help me with the endless tasks of running a guild."


    Freya raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Oh, I see what''s happening here. Look at you, trying to charm me into doing all the boring admin work you don''t want to do yourself!"


    Leon turned to her. "But I thought you liked the managerial stuff?"


    Freya let out a softugh, giving his nose a yful pinch. "I do enjoy it. But I didn''t do it just for me; I did it to help you."


    Her expression softened. "But don''t worry-keep up the good work, or even improve, and I''ll be more than happy to handle the mundane stuff."


    "Thanks," Leon replied with a grin.


    "So, what''s your n with Elincia and the other members of the Ass Guild?"


    "I''ll persuade them to join my guild."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Freyaughed. "That''s exactly what I expected from you, Leon. I''m surprised you actually decided to take this step! So how are you going to convince them?"


    "I''ll just ask them. I don''t have any special tricks up my sleeve. Maybe it sounds arrogant, but I want them in my guild-so I''ll just go for it."


    "Nice..." Freya replied. "So when are you going to ask them? Right away?"


    "No," he said, considering it. "I''ll do it after I''m done with Moonlight Fae."


    Freya''s smile widened. "Alright, I''ll get everything ready."


    After a pause, Leon looked over at her. "Freya, I''m thinking of making coffee. Want some?"


    Freya frowned. "It''s the middle of the night. You trying to keep me up till morning?"


    "A little coffee won''t stop you from sleeping, right?" He stood up and grabbed her wrist. Freya let him lead her.


    They walked into the kitchen, and Leon began prepping the espresso machine, heating the milk with practiced care. With steady hands, he poured the milk into the espresso, finishing the cappino with a graceful swantte art.


    "I don''t drink amateur-made cappinos like yours," Freya teased,ughing softly.


    "Doesn''t matter how it tastes; just appreciate the effort I put into making it." He handed her the cup. "Here you go."


    Freya took the cup in both hands, examining the art for a moment before taking a sip. "Damn, this is really good. I don''t even want to know where you learned how to do this."


    "I learned how to make a cappino from..." he began, but Freya quickly cut him off.


    "No need for an exnation. Just enjoy it." She smiled, then walked into the living room and turned on the TV.


    Leon and Freya settledfortably on the sofa, discussing thetest news surrounding Immortal Legacy.


    "So, what do people think about the Golden Age decision from a few days ago?"


    "Many aren''t happy," Freya replied. "They''re calling on the Golden Age to make major adjustments to the Time Penalty rules."


    "Let me guess they want the 8-hour penalty removed?"


    Freya shook her head. "Not quite that extreme. The Time Penalty was set up to keep yers grounded in reality, so they can''t just disappear into the game and neglect their real lives." "Fair," Leon agreed. "But they''re socializing, working, and living inside the game too." Freya looked at him, her expression serious. "But imagine what would happen if people could stay in-game all the time. We''d see a future where people are physically deteriorating- bodies weakening, diseases on the rise from inactivity, people relying on supplements to stay functional. That''s a reality I don''t want to see."


    "Honestly, this just goes in cycles," she continued. "In the beginning, there were no restrictions; then problems got bad, so the limits were added. Then, whenever something big goes wrong, yers want the restrictions dropped again."


    Leon smiled. "I didn''t know you could be so serious."


    Freya gave him a resigned smile. "Well, you can thank your coffee for that. Now I''m wide awake, and you owe me a chat until morning!"


    "Sure, why not?" Leon chuckled.


    "Oh, I didn''t know you were such a talker now, Leon. You''ve changed a lot, haven''t you?"


    "Not really, Ms. Freya." He smirked. "You might want to take a look in the mirror sometime. In our conversations, you usually dominate 95% of it while I just listen, so no, your point doesn''t hold. It''s not that I don''t like talking; it''s that you don''t give me the chance."


    "Oh..." Freya''s eyes sparkled with excitement. "So, are you saying you actually enjoy our long conversations? And you like listening to me talk-is that what you''re hinting at? Are you maybe developing some personal feelings for me? Remember, we''re just colleagues, okay, and I''m way too rich for you!"


    "Not much choice in the matter. Since you''ve done so much for me, this is my way of showing a little gratitude," he replied. "But don''t make reckless assumptions-you might just trap yourself with your own words."


    With a huff, Freya lunged forward to pinch his waist, but before she could make contact, Leon had already sidestepped, causing Freya to stumble forward. Laughing, he caught her swiftly, his arm wrapping around her waist to keep her steady.


    "I think you''re underestimating my reflexes, Ms. Freya."


    "No, Leon, you''re not escaping this-I''m not letting you win this argument with me."


    "Well, you can try your hardest, but I''m not letting you win either."


    Freya tried tounch another yful attack, but Leon quickly leapt out of her reach, darting around the sofa as they chased each other in circles.


    Just then, the door to Lily''s room creaked open, and she peeked out, watching the two with a


    tilted head.


    "Don''t they realize it''s already midnight?" she muttered to herself.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    So, who''s with me on this-do we need a "Leon and Freya''s Late-Night Chats" spin-off? []

 Chapter 561: Chapter 561 - When Teasing’s a Sign of Trust

    Chapter 561: Chapter 561 - When Teasing¡¯s a Sign of Trust


    ?


    Broken logged into Immortal Legacy at the break of dawn in Deadbay City. The first thing he noticed was a private message from Kingsley, asking to talk. They agreed to meet by the city gate to wait for the rest of the team.


    "So, Broken, you know I can transform into a panther, right?" Kingsley said.


    "Yes," Broken replied slowly, curious where this was going.


    "I can run at high speed in that form. Probably the only one who could keep up is Polly." "And...?"


    Kingsley continued, "But can Polly carry three people on her back at once?"


    "Adults? I''ve never asked."


    At that moment, Polly, the white fox, appeared beside him, immediately jumping onto hisp.


    "Master..." Polly murmured softly.


    "Polly, can you carry three people at once on your back?"


    "I''ll do it, Master. I''ll do anything you ask."


    "I''m not asking if you''re willing-I''m asking if it''s possible."


    "Yes, Master," she replied instantly.


    "Would there be any penalties, like a reduction in movement speed or something?" "Master, I can fix this."


    "So... your movement speed would be affected, then?"


    "Yes, Master, but I still want to do it."


    "It''s okay." He gave her a reassuring pat on the head. Then he turned to Kingsley. "Polly can carry three people, but it would affect her movement speed. So, what''s the issue, Kingsley?"


    "So, Broken," Kingsley began to exin, "I''m sure that Ivana will be with you very often, riding Polly with you. But, if something happens and Princess Alora also needs a ride for some reason, I beg you, can Princess Alora stay with you and ride Polly? I''m okay with Ivana staying with me."


    Broken frowned. "I''m not sure I understand what you''re trying to say, Kingsley?"


    "Broken... a lot of people idolize Princess Alora. Many people are crazy about her," Kingsley exined. "Do you know what they will say if another man approaches her? I know I''m just a ride, but I don''t have the courage to let Princess Alora ride me in my panther form."


    "That''s..." Broken paused for a moment before continuing, his chuckle.


    "That''s certainly an interesting proposition, Kingsley. But yes, I don''t think it would be too much trouble. If it''s pressing, Princess Alora can apany me, and Ivana can follow you."


    "But..." Broken continued, "I actually have other ride options, two, even three if we count Ivana''s as well. I mean, I can summon the Gaia Beast separately-it just consumes a lot of Mana, so it''d be ast resort."


    "Ivana has her own mount? Wait, are you talking about those two fiery beasts from when you were being chased by the faeries?"


    "Yeah... though we try to keep the two beasts we contracted in Hell under wraps in front of others."


    "I didn''t know about this."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "But no worries, I don''t think it''ll be an issue."


    "Thank you," Kingsley replied, giving him a kind smile.


    "Why don''t we go meet the others?" Broken suggested. "I''m sure they''re ready."


    Princess Alora and her knights awaited them, alongside Elincia, Melliandra, Livelywood, Starfall, Orion, Oriana, and the other knights, all assembled for the journey.


    "Good morning, Princess Alora," Broken greeted calmly as he approached her.


    "What do you think about joining me in my carriage, along with Ivana and Elincia?" she suggested. "There are some urgent matters I''d like to discuss, and I think we''d be able to speak more freely there."


    Broken nodded, agreeing, and followed Princess Alora into her carriage, with Ivana and Elincia joining them. And with that, the expedition officially began.


    Princess Alora took a seat next to Ivana, while Elincia settled in beside Broken. The atmosphere in the carriage soon turned lighthearted as Ivana started a conversation, with Elincia enthusiastically keeping pace. Princess Alora, dressed in her battle armor, watched them with a hint of amusement.


    "You all don''t look like people heading off to war," Broken quipped with a smirk, interrupting the chatter.


    Elincia raised an eyebrow. "Must be fun at parties, huh, Broken?" she teased, nudging his waist.


    At that moment, Broken summoned two of his beasts, who had likely been waiting impatiently. In a sh, a small cat and a fox-not exactly small-appeared before them.


    "Roar... I''ve got lots of food here. I''ll eat Polly... and Ivana, too! Hahaha!" Pawpaw dered, then dashed around the carriage as if on a yful rampage.


    Alora caught the kitten mid-air, holding Pawpaw firmly as she looked him in the eyes.


    "Hey, Pawpaw... you told me you''d work on being a good lord, remember? A good lord always shows proper manners and behavior in front of others."


    "Roar... how boring," Pawpaw grumbled. "But I guess you''re right, Princess..."


    Elincia sighed at the exchange. "Looks like Princess Alora can handle this kitten, too. You''re


    the only one still struggling with him, Broken"


    Ivana giggled. "Pawpaw''s boundless energy makes him cute, if you ask me."


    "Not even slightly cute to me, Ivana," Elincia replied.


    "Roar... you lowly mage, be silent in my presence," Pawpaw retorted.


    Elincia sighed but yed along. "Alright, Pawpaw, it''s only because I know you''ll contribute tremendously in battle that I''m humoring you."


    Ivanaughed softly. Polly nestled quietly in Broken''sp, watching the scene unfold from a safe spot.


    Pawpaw began hopping yfully from Ivana''sp to Princess Alora''s and back again, keeping everyone amused. Soon, the conversation resumed.


    "So, do you think the Moonlight Fae will still allow you to form a bond with their tribe leader after all the casualties they''ve suffered?" Alora asked.


    "It''s in their best interest," Broken replied. "They came to me, after all, asking for help to lift the curse that''s gued them. But there are some among them who are still skeptical about ine''s intentions, and that''s what''s led to all these conflicts." He sighed.


    "ine truly is a good tribe leader," Ivana added. "I don''t know her well, but I can assure you none of this has happened because of her will."


    Princess Alora leaned forward, her gaze focused on Broken. "So, what''s your n?"


    "My priority is to obtain the Eternal me Eye and, if possible, a Fae Soul Stone. That''s the main goal. After that, I intend to make them pay for daring to threaten me like this," he replied. "I''ll kick their asses so hard they''ll be begging for mercy."


    Ivana stifled augh. "Broken, I think you might have forgotten you''re speaking in front of Her Highness Princess Alora."


    Alora giggled, joining in on the teasing. "Oh, Ivana, I''m sure you understand Broken better than I do. He always acts differently when no one else is around. Wouldn''t you agree?"


    Ivana paused, a little taken aback. "Oh... yes, I thought he only did that in front of me."


    Elincia sighed. "With all due respect, Princess Alora, has Broken done anything even more outrageous than what happenedst time in your tent?"


    "I think we agreed not to bring that up again, Elincia," Broken murmured.


    "That was nothingpared to what he did afterward," Alora replied.


    Broken sighed in resignation. "You''re far too good at making me forget you''re a crowned


    princess, Your Highness. Makes me want to curse, if I''m honest."


    "See?" Aloraughed. "It''s almost too easy to draw out the true character of this ''hero'' we all


    admire."


    Ivana couldn''t help butugh as well.


    "Maybe it was a mistake to join this carriage," Elincia muttered under her breath.

 Chapter 562: Chapter 562 - Natures Herald has Leveled Up

    Chapter 562: Chapter 562 - Nature''s Herald has Leveled Up


    ?


    News of Princess Alora''s expedition to confront the Moonlight Fae spread rapidly across the inte as Tora streamed the event live on his private channel. The broadcast captured a huge audience, as this was the first time many would witness Princess Alora leading such arge- scale battle.


    "I can''t wait to see Princess Alora in action!"


    "This is going to be intense-especially with Broken, Ivana, Elincia, and the rest of the Ass Guild involved."


    "I could watch Ivana fight all day."


    "Livelywood''s sword skills are impressive, too. He''s such a promising talent-this is going to be epic."


    "Go, Princess Alora! I love you!"


    "Don''t forget Princess Alora''s Knight Grand Crosses, Lionell and Mercy-they''re insanely strong, too!"


    By midday, Princess Alora''s entourage reached the small vige where they would leave their carriages and continue on foot. The vigers had already gathered along the roadside, eagerly awaiting her arrival.


    "Wee, Princess Alora!" they called out.


    The carriages came to a stop, and everyone disembarked, including Princess Alora, who greeted the vigers with a warm wave. She stepped closer to the crowd, allowing them to approach as Lionell and Mercy took up protective positions nearby.


    "I''ll be leaving my carriages here for a few days while I carry out a mission in the forest," she announced kindly.


    They had a few minutes to rest and prepare, and Broken used this time to feed his Beasts. Stepping away from the others, he summoned ze, Pawpaw, and Polly.


    "I want food... I''m hungry..." Pawpaw immediately started rolling around and mewling. "Haven''t you eaten plenty already?" Broken sighed. "You need to watch your diet, Pawpaw- only eat monsters that will actually help your growth."


    "I''m hungry!!" Pawpaw protested, bouncing around and asionally leaping onto Polly, though by now Broken understood it was mostly just the kitten''s way of ying.


    Since the Moonlight Fae''s attack on Deadbay City, Broken had gathered a good collection of Monster Soul Stones, most of them nt-type monsters.


    "I see you''re eyeing this, Gaia," he said, holding up a gleaming soul stone.


    [Epic - Ironbark Treant Soul Stone Lv. 225]


    "That looks delicious, Master. Give it to me," Gaia''s voice echoed in his mind.


    It was by far the best Monster Soul Stone Broken had obtained-Epic grade, nature-element, and a high level. Without further dy, he fed the soul stone to the ring, which absorbed it immediately.


    He had fed Gaia several high-quality soul stones in the past, but he hoped this one would lead to a significant upgrade.


    A vibrant green energy pulsed from the ring, confirming his suspicions.


    [Queen Gaia - Nature Goddess Spirit has received a significant boost and is currently developing an upgrade.]


    [Upgrade in progress-this process will take some time.]


    "This upgrade couldn''t havee at a better time," he muttered with satisfaction.


    While waiting, he fed another Monster Soul Stone to Polly, holding off on giving any to Pawpaw since he knew the kitten had already eaten plenty from his own hunting sprees. "Broken, give me food... roar!"


    "We''ll be fighting plenty of monsters soon, so you can fill your stomachter."


    "Oh, really? Is there good food there? I only want good food," Pawpaw insisted.


    Broken patted the kitten''s head with a chuckle. "Yes, there''ll be high-level food waiting for you, so get your stomach ready, alright?"


    "Roar... Pawpaw loves good food!" the kitten mewed, darting off to chase after Polly with renewed energy.


    Polly didn''t show any immediate upgrades-likely because she had recently unlocked the ability to fly.


    "Master, I believe there''s something we should discuss," Gaia talked to him.


    [Please select a path for Gaia''s upgrade:]


    [1. Strengthen the Gaia Beast]


    [2. Enhance Survivability]


    [3. Increase Damage Output]


    Broken paused, considering his options. "If I choose the first option, will it reduce the summoning cost for the Beast? Or... would it allow me to summon more beasts?"


    "That path will likely lead toward a reduction in summoning costs," came the response. "I think that''s the best choice. I''ll go with the first option," he decided. "The Beasts are incredibly versatile and adapt well to different situations-but the summoning cost is just too high right now. Sure, the 200 Mana isn''t huge, but having to cast it every 5 minutes is a hassle, especially since I can''t just release the beast for autonomous hunting."


    Broken selected a suitable Monster Soul Stone for ze. The zing skeleton horse seemed pleased as he fed it a high-level, Elite-grade soul stone. Broken could see the mes surrounding ze grow more intense, flickering with newfound strength.


    "Take it easy, ze. Keep leveling up steadily-you''re doing well. We''ll feed re, too,


    later."


    Just then, a notification appeared.


    [Congrattions! Gaia has sessfully received an upgrade.]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Nature''s Herald (Active Skill) has leveled up!]


    [Nature''s Herald (Active Skill) Lv. 2]


    [Connected to Nature Conjuring, this skill lets the summoner call forth a single powerful creature from the same beast group, summoning them one at a time instead of all at once. Summoning a new creature will cancel the previous one.


    Mana Cost: 500


    Cooldown: 10 seconds]


    Broken examined the upgrade details carefully,paring it to the previous version.


    The Mana Cost had risen from 200 to 500, but... the skill had no duration limit anymore? Oh, damn-this is seriously impressive.


    The beasts previouslysted only 5 minutes, but with this upgrade, they could likely endure


    much longer.


    An exceptional upgrade, indeed. This was exactly what he needed.


    [Epic-grade Sporew Bear Lv. 220]


    [Epic-grade Bloodblossom Serpent Lv. 218]


    [Epic-grade Nightshade Wraith Lv. 221]


    [Epic-grade Fungal Gargantuan Lv. 215]


    [Epic-grade Thornmantis Lv. 205]


    Broken still had five Epic-grade Monster Soul Stones saved up, and he nned to use them to enhance his equipment through Soul Engraving. His strategy was to prioritize stones with skills that couldplement specific items, maximizing synergy.


    However, he hadn''t yet fully analyzed the potential skills from each type of monster or how well they might sync with his equipment. For that reason, he would proceed carefully, onlymitting to engraving once he had a clearer sense of each stone''s optimal cement. But as it turned out, the team was already gathering and preparing to depart. Once all members of the attack force hadpleted their preparations, they gathered to listen closely to Princess Alora''s finalmand.


    "This mission is one of the utmost importance, filled with danger and peril," she announced. "We''ll face monsters fierce enough to tear us apart and legions of wild Faebeasts lurking in the depths of the forest. Our goal is clear: tounch an attack on the Moonlight Fae stronghold, eliminate all resistance, and ensure every one of us returns home safely." Her words echoed in their minds, and the team held on to her every word.


    "For this mission, the primary team will include myself, Baron Broken, Ivana, Kingsley, Melliandra, and Elincia. Lionell and Mercy will operate autonomously, adapting to any situation that arises. Additionally, we have the support of the Ass Guild, who will respond to the battlefield conditions as needed," she concluded.


    With that, the expedition officially began.


    None of them realized, however, that the Moonlight Fae had also been preparing for this


    encounter.


    "Release all of the Faebeasts,"manded Morel, the Fae Knight Commander. "Let them see


    that we are not to be taken lightly."

 Chapter 563: Chapter 563 - A Warm Welcome

    Chapter 563: Chapter 563 - A Warm Wee


    ?


    Broken and Princess Alora led the group through the dense forest. The journey was anything but smooth, as they encountered frequent monster attacks. Thankfully, each one was easily handled by their formidable team.


    "Have you lived in the kingdom since childhood, Princess?" Broken asked as they resumed their path.


    "Yes," Alora replied. "A Forest Elf should live deep within the woods. This ce should have been my home, but as the kingdom''s sole heir, I had no other choice."


    The reason King Alorik had only one child, Princess Alora, remained a mystery. He''d never been able to father a child until his marriage to an elf, and after their union, they were blessed with a daughter, Princess Alora, bringing renewed hope to the kingdom.


    "As a fellow warrior who enjoys the thrill of battle," Broken continued, "I know our situations are different. I can be reborn after I die, but not the Yunateans. Still, I''m guessing you enjoy the challenge ofbat, don''t you?"


    Alora giggled. "I wouldn''t go so far as to call myself a battle maniac."


    "Ironic, considering you''ve been at the forefront of nearly every recent conflict in the kingdom."


    "That''s because of duty, not a love of battle," she rified with a small smile.


    Tora aimed his camera deliberately at Broken and Princess Alora, who appeared to be sharing a conversation that had unexpectedly brightened her mood, even though the words were out of earshot.


    "Hey, everyone," Tora grinned, addressing his viewers.


    "I know you''re all eagerly tuning in to catch every moment of Princess Alora on this expedition, right? Well, here she is, smiling and chatting happily with Broken. So, Princess Alora fans, brace yourselves you may be heartbroken seeing her enjoy her moment with someone else!"


    "Damn this Broken! I hate it! I''m so jealous!"


    "This cannot be allowed!"


    "Broken, you bastard! How dare you flirt with my Princess Alora! She''s my waifu, nobody else''s!"


    "I''m sure even more people are gonna hate him now for this."


    "Can''t lie, though... I wish I were in Broken''s position."


    "Ugh, it kills me to think anyone could get close to Princess Alora like that!"


    Toraughed bitterly as he scrolled through the flood ofments online.


    "You''re really working on giving Broken more haters, huh?" Elincia teased, nudging his waist as she walked beside him.


    "Oh,e on," Tora grinned. "Broken was born for this kind of spotlight. Besides, he''s not the type to care about other people''s opinions or bullying-I''ve seen it firsthand. No matter how much people try to hate him, they end up amazed by his determination and relentless attitude. I can say that confidently... because I''m one of his fans, haha!"


    As they continued their journey, a thunderous roar suddenly echoed from afar, so powerful it seemed to shake the very air and make the ground tremble.


    Instinctively, everyone froze, eyes wide as they scanned for the source. The sky dimmed, a heavy tension filling the atmosphere as the roar reverberated through the trees.


    Broken took out his Wavebreaker Spear with a smirk. "Well, it seems they''ve been considerate enough to extend us a warm wee."


    Alora drew her sword. "Ready for another spectacr battle, Broken?"


    "Always ready, Princess," he replied with a grin.


    Previously, they''d faced monster ambushes on multiple asions, but this time, the sheer numbers were far more overwhelming than anything they''d encountered before. It reminded Broken of the terrifying onught Morel had orchestrated in the past.


    Yann dashed to the front line, stopping beside Broken. "My Lord! We''re under attack from multiple directions-the monsters are closing in fast!"


    Elincia, Livelywood, and Starfall quickly joined them at the front.


    "We''ll stick to the n we discussed," Broken said.


    "This time, I''m sure I won''t be the first to die," Livelywood added, grinning.


    "Anna''s much stronger now. You don''t need to worry about her," Starfall said.


    "Alright, everyone-prepare yourselves and get ready for battle!" Brokenmand.


    Alora responded swiftly to Yann''s report, her voice ringing out over the team. "Let''s use our resources wisely and bring this monster attack to a quick and decisive end!"


    Chaos erupted from all directions-the sound of trees crashing down, and roars from every angle. In an instant, they found themselves surrounded by an uncountable number of monsters converging from all sides.


    "Their average level is above 200," Broken said gravely.


    Evening had fallen, increasing the difficulty of fending off the relentless assault. Without hesitation, each team member took their positions: tankers and close-range fighters lined up along the outer perimeter, forming a solid defense, while long-range fighters positioned themselves at the center. Almost immediately, they were met with a fierce attack from all directions.


    A powerful energy barrier formed around them, encasing the team in a dome and slowing the monsters'' advance. It was their chance to counterattack. Everyone unleashed their abilities in sync,unching a series of coordinated strikes with impressive precision.


    Meanwhile, Lionell and Mercy charged toward the distant group of monsters. With swift, decisive swings of their swords, they sliced through the creatures effortlessly, leaving a path of destruction in their wake.


    Livelywood seemed fearless as he darted away from the main group, weaving effortlessly through the swarm of monsters. Each leap and twist was graceful, almost like an aerial dance, and with every sh, another monster fell, instantly vanquished.


    The dense forest, once filled with towering trees, now looked as though it had been ttened under the endless waves of monsters closing in from all sides. Broken focused on conserving as much stamina as possible, bracing for an evenrger battle that could break outter in the


    night.


    He and Princess Alora ran to meet the advancing onught, shing through the front lines with efficiency.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Realizing that eliminating such a vast horde would take significant time--and that the number of monsters seemed endless-Broken knew this would be one of the hardest fights


    he''d ever faced.


    As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, one creature caught everyone''s attention. Amidst the chaotic flood of monsters, a single figure charged forward-a massive, ck-furred wolf with patches of cracked, moltenva running along its body.


    [Eternal me Fang Lv. 245]


    "No way¡ªthe biggest problem yet has just shown up," Broken murmured under his breath.

 Chapter 564: Chapter 564 - A Fateful Encounter with Morel

    Chapter 564: Chapter 564 - A Fateful Encounter with Morel


    ?


    It was Fang-the Eternal me Fang! And even worse, its level had surged to an astonishing 245!


    "Last time I encountered him, he wasn''t nearly this high in level," Broken muttered.


    As soon as Princess Alora spotted Fang in the distance, her expression shifted drastically. Broken said to Alora. "Do you think Lionell can take him down?"


    "I think he''s our only hope right now," Alora replied with resolve.


    Broken nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude for Alora''s assistance here. Without her and her knights, fending off this relentless wave of monsters would''ve been nearly impossible.


    Lionell seemed to understand his task instantly. He dashed forward, intercepting the massive wolf andunching into a brutal sh, Lionell was drawing away from the main group in their fierce struggle.


    Broken swallowed hard, watching as Lionell managed to hold his ground against the wolf- even with Fang''s insane level increase.


    "Broken, I don''t think we can stay here much longer!" Elincia shouted from above, her voice strained as she continued casting spells to fend off the attacking monsters.


    Broken took a quick, careful assessment of their situation and knew what had to be done.


    "We have no idea how many more waves of monsters areing or how long this willst. We can''t afford to stand here and wait to defeat them all. We need to take action."


    He turned to Alora, his gaze serious. "Alora?"


    Alora was momentarily surprised that he''d addressed her without her title, but a smile touched her lips as she continued cutting through the monsters with agility and precision.


    "Yes, tell me what you think," she responded.


    "We need to split the team," Broken said firmly. "Some will stay and hold off the monsters, while the rest press on. We should prioritize those with strong mobility to ensure we keep moving forward."


    "Please make the call, Broken," Alora replied, nodding.


    "You and I will ride Polly," he continued. "Melliandra and Ivana can go with Kingsley, and Elincia will follow from the air. We''ll divide into two teams: the main team will push toward our destination, while the others stay behind to hold the line."


    This action was necessary; if they stayed here much longer, their chance to confront ine and eliminate her while she was in her Eternal me Form could slip away.


    They were caught in an endless monster assault, and if they didn''t push forward, the situation for the others would grow increasingly dire. It was beginning to look like the battle could drag on until morning, just like the exhausting battle they''d faced before.


    But if they could handle ine, they''d have a real hope of weakening the enemy''s forces. Morel''s whereabouts were also unknown, and whatever he might be nning behind the scenes remained a mystery. But one thing was certain: Broken had to reach Moonlight Land and find the volcano where the full moon ritual would take ce and time was running out.


    Lionell continued to swing his sword in every direction, showing no signs of exhaustion. He sprinted toward Fang, who responded with a fierce leap, but Lionell deftly dodged and countered with a swift sh from the opposite side. His agility was nothing short of remarkable.


    "Your Highness, leave this to me!" Lionell called out.


    Orion, nearby, shouted, "You appointed me as Knight Commander for a reason, My Lord! Go on, I''ll hold this line until I die!"


    "Broken, leave the monsters here to us," Livelywood chimed in. "Trust us-we''ve got this. I''ll keep Anna and the others safe."


    Wait... why was Livelywood specifically mentioning only Anna?


    "My Lord!" Anna''s face was shining with enthusiasm. "I''m really enjoying myself here. I know you can solve this mission without a hitch."


    Everyone''s resolve was clear, and with one final nod, Broken left them to handle the horde.


    Polly darted toward him, and without hesitation, Broken jumped onto her back. Princess Alora followed, taking a seat just behind him. Meanwhile, Kingsley, in his bear form, shifted into a sleek panther, allowing Ivana and Melliandra to hop onto his back.


    "Anything else on your mind, Broken?" Alora said.


    "No!" Broken shook his head resolutely, and Polly took off in a burst of feathers, leaving the monster horde behind.


    Kingsley bounded nimbly between the trees, leaping over the monsters like they were little more than obstacles.


    Above, Elincia, surrounded by a blue aura, flew in pursuit, her lightning striking down with deafening explosions, carving a path of destruction beneath her.


    And there was one more unexpected addition following them. Among the throngs of monsters, someone moved with surprising agility, leaping gracefully from one creature to the next, even soaring briefly in the air beforending and hopping again. It was Tora, who waved enthusiastically at Broken, his face lit with excitement.


    "I knew where the real action would be!" he shouted over the chaos.


    Broken couldn''t help but smile, impressed by the archer streamer''s surprising determination. Tora''s agility and maneuverability were impressive, suiting his profession well-and as it turned out, his level was over 180, more than high enough for someone whose primary focus wasn''tbat.


    They surged forward, cutting through the horde of monsters, asionally offering support to fend off creatures closing in on Tora.


    "Please, don''t worry about me-pretend I''m not even here! I''ll manage on my own!" Tora shouted.


    "I''m just making sure I get a good shot for your video, so don''tin," Elincia shot back from above.


    Broken then turned to Alora. "I remember ine mentioning that Morel couldn''t sustain these monster hordes endlessly," he said, noticing how the monsters seemed to keep attacking from every direction, their numbers seemingly infinite.


    "It seems only Morel could manage something of this scale," he added thoughtfully.


    "Is it possible ine was hiding something?" Alora asked.


    "No, I don''t believe ine was lying," he replied.


    "Then what do you think is going on?" Alora inquired.


    "I''m certain there''s another reason for the relentless appearance of these monsters."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "How is Morel doing this? Where are all these monstersing from?" Broken muttered, still deep in thought.


    He kept a watchful eye on Kingsley below, simultaneously fending off nearby monsters with his Moonvine Knuckles and summoning wild vines to block any creatures trying to close in. Elincia provided aerial support, ensuring Kingsley could continue running without any


    interference.


    They pressed on, pushing past the relentless barrier of monsters until they finally broke through. Polly descended to the ground, running alongside Kingsley, both deftly dodging


    trees despite the dimming light.


    Surprisingly, Tora kept pace with them, sprinting alongside.


    Damn, what kind of Archer ss does he have? Did he deliberately build up his speed and mobility just


    for situations like this?


    "We''re approaching the entrance to the Moonlight Fae territory," Broken called, his voice


    nearly lost in the wind as they sped forward.


    "Someone''sing!" Kingsley shouted abruptly.


    Without a second''s notice, Polly and Kingsley dove to the side, and Broken instinctively tightened his grip as Alora, holding onto him from behind, nearly lost her bnce. Just then, something plummeted from the sky and struck the ground with a heavy impact, missing them


    by inches.


    A dark, armored figure rose from the crater left by its fall, embers flickering off the fiery armor. The figure towered over them, standing almost as tall as Kingsley in his full bear form.


    [Eternal me Morel Lv. 243]

 Chapter 565: Chapter 565 - The Scorchslayer Descends

    Chapter 565: Chapter 565 - The Scorchyer Descends


    ?


    Broken, Alora, Ivana, Elincia, Melliandra, Kingsley, and, at a safe distance, Tora-the archer streamer-had gathered, bracing for what was shaping up to be an epic confrontation. Tora''s instincts were in overdrive; he sensed the scale of the battle ahead and maneuvered skillfully to capture every intense moment on camera, knowing this would be one for the ages. Their opponent was no ordinary creature. It was a massive... What was it again? An Eternal me Fae Beast! And its level-243? Damn!


    "Bro... ken!" the beast''s voice boomed.


    Wait! Wasn''t this Beast supposed to be mindless? How did it know Broken''s name? Tora felt a sh of doubt was the information he''d gathered about these creatures wrong?


    Broken and the others immediately prepared for an all-out battle. Just from the beast''s level alone, they knew this opponent would be far from easy.


    "So, you remember me?" Broken said, gripping his Wavebreaker Spear. "Or is there still a shred of consciousness left in your head?"


    "Youe with thatughable bravery of yours," the creature thundered, its voice so powerful it wasn''t just loud-it seemed to shake the ground around them.


    "I''ll crush that pathetic bravery of yours into the ground, until nothing''s left," Morel roared. "I''ll kill everyone you brought here today. I''ll make sure you see thating here tonight was a monumental mistake!"


    ording to ine''s exnation, this creature should have lost all awareness. Broken had once suspected that Fang retained a trace of consciousness when saving Cedric and Cecilia, but Morel''s case seemed far different. He was holding onto his awareness at an even deeper level.


    Here, Morel clearly knew Broken, and was articting his intentions with striking rity.


    Was his hatred for humans so strong that even after transforming into an Eternal me Beast, he still held onto it?


    Had his resentment fused with his power to produce a form honed solely for revenge?


    But Broken merely let a faint smile cross his face. The more conscious Morel was, the better. Facing a mindless creature would be a bore. This challenge, on the other hand, might actually prove interesting.


    "Let''s finish him as quickly as possible," Broken murmured to the team.


    There was no need for aplicated strategy. Each member of the team possessed immense power with incredible potential damage. They only needed to hit Morel with everything they had, relentlessly. With everyone focused on a single target, this was their chance to go all- out.


    "Elincia, time for you to experience the might of this Legendary-grade device." Broken gave a faint smile, tossing an hourss-shaped item her way. It was the Spellweaver Chrono Booster, allowing the user to cast any spell without casting time for 10 seconds.


    "Oh, you really enjoy torturing me by lending this, don''t you, Broken?" Elincia smirked as she caught it. "What if I decide not to return it?"


    "Up to now, I trust you enough, unfortunately. So go on, try betraying me if you feel like it," he replied with a grin.


    "That''s the bestpliment I''ve had today." Her body surging with crackling blue electricity as she levitated off the ground.


    Kingsley transformed rapidly from human form, his body expanding into a massive bear, matching the towering size of the Fae Beast they faced.


    With a determined sigh, Melliandra leapt up, conjuring transparent tforms beneath her


    feet so she appeared to glide through the air. Ivana readied her shield, and Alora gripped her sword tightly, d in her formidable ck and red Invincible Paragon armor.


    "On yourmand, captain," Alora said, grinning.


    Broken smirked, switching into his Woond Ranger Outfit. "Unleash your most powerful skills. Crush him quickly."


    He drew his Wavebreaker Spear to cast Sniper''s Focus, nning to follow it with his Scorchyer for a devastating Explosive Arrow strike.


    Kingsley let out a thunderous roar and charged fiercely at Morel, who blocked with his spear. But before he could react further, Ivana appeared behind him, mming her shield with full force into the back of his head.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Morel screamed in fury, but suddenly, a torrent of sword shes rained down on him from another angle. Alora darted up Morel''s massive body, leaping into the air to unleash a relentless flurry of shes, each strike delivering a crushing impact.


    Then, with a deafening explosion, the sky zed, momentarily turning night into day. It wasn''t the sun-just the sheer power and scale of Elincia''s lightning barrage, bolts so massive and unending they looked like divine retribution.


    DAM-DAM-DAM-CRACK-CRACK! The relentless strikes blinded and overwhelmed, the intensity nearly unbearable to the senses.


    This was what happened when a mage like Elincia unleashed all her most devastating spells without casting time-truly the epitome of overwhelming power.


    Finally, a massive spear thrust downward, driving straight into Morel''s chest and pinning him to the ground with brutal force. Thebined assault had left Morel stunned, his mighty form visibly shaken as the onught continued without mercy.


    From a safe distance, Tora, streaming the battle live, could only swallow hard at the sheer disy of power unfolding before him. The brutality and precision were astounding; each member of the team executed their role wlessly, dealing massive amounts of damage that a yer like him could only dream of achieving.


    The live chat was exploding with shocked and ecstatic emotes, withments pouring in expressing pure awe at the spectacle they were witnessing.


    "OMG, this is insane! ???"


    "Did you see that lightning strike?! Elincia is a BEAST!"


    "Alora''s sword skills are unreal! "


    "Tora, are you even safe out there?! || Respect for getting this footage!"


    "That lightning turned the night into DAY! Elincia is scary AF!"


    "Every hit looks like it could end Morel, but he''s still going?!"


    "The teamwork here is... PERFECT. No other word for it."


    "This puts all other guilds to shame. I feel bad for Morel, tbh []"


    "Kingsley as that giant bear is just too epic. GO KING!"


    "I can''t blink, or I''ll miss something incredible!"


    "Ivana''s shield bash gave me chills! Imagine getting hit with that!"


    "Never thought I''d see something this legendary on a live stream!"


    "Morel, meet karma! These guys aren''t messing around!"


    "I''ve never seen skills this powerful... I''m 100% a Broken fan now!" Morel took each brutal strike, seemingly absorbing the raw impact of every attack into his body. Without pausing, Broken cast his next skill, Explosive Arrow, using The Scorchyer.


    He signaled to Tora, warning him not to film directly on him while he wielded this sword.


    [Explosive Arrow (Active Skill) Lv. 5]


    As soon as he activated the skill, a new visual unfolded. It was as if the sky itself split open, revealing a hellishndscape aze with fire, casting an intense, scorching glow over the


    battlefield.


    Emerging from this fiery rift was not just the sword itself-but a massive, demonic hand gripping the colossal version of The Scorchyer.


    With the skill fully charged, Broken released the arrow-and in perfect sync, the giant sword in the sky descended in a devastating sh. The ground exploded as the fiery de struck, followed by a massive zing wave that tore across the earth, as if aiming to split it in two. Tora swallowed hard, quickly activating a secondary camera to capture the scene in pristine detail-a recording he''d pass on to Broken to use however he saw fit. But as the fierce glow began to fade from the battlefield, one question lingered: would this incredible attack be enough to finish their formidable foe?

 Chapter 566: Chapter 566 - Morel’s Fury and the Flames Beyond

    Chapter 566: Chapter 566 - Morel¡¯s Fury and the mes Beyond


    ?


    The forest, trees, and everything in the surrounding area were engulfed in a massive explosion, with debris torn from the ground and hurled far into the air. Even the cameras struggled to capture the scene as it truly was, overpowered by the sheer scale of the destruction.


    Tora shielded his eyes as the st wave forced him back a few steps. "Damn, this is a truly devastating attack-it''s insane to witness it firsthand."


    "I can''t even see what''s happening anymore," Tora told his viewers. "What you''re seeing is a blend of monster attacks- and I think it''s safe to say that this time, Morel is facing true monsters in the form of humans."


    For a split second, it was as if time itself paused. The relentless lightning strikes from Elincia continued to crash down like judgment from above. Tora had positioned himself far enough back to avoid the full environmental effects of the devastation. Still, even as a bystander, it was challenging to keep his footing to record the unfolding chaos.


    "Cameraman here-I just hope I survive to bring you all of this, ha ha!"


    Thement section was flooded:


    "Oh my god, is anyone even alive after that?!"


    "Morel just got absolutely WRECKED! Broken''s team is unstoppable!" "I''m screaming! BROKEN IS THE ULTIMATE BOSS HERE, not Morel!" "Did anyone else feel that shockwave, or is it just me going crazy?"


    "Tora, yourmentary is everything right now-stay safe, we need you to record the rest!"


    As the debris and shockwave from the attack began to fade and the effects of the Spellweaver Chrono Booster wore off, the team realized one grim fact-Morel wasn''t dead. No death notification had appeared.


    Before them stood Morel, his towering form riddled with cracks, parts of his body nearly shattered. And then, something rming happened-beams of light began to shoot from his body, spreading waves of energy in all directions in rapid, pulsing sts. It happened so quickly that none of them had a chance to respond.


    "Take cover!" Broken shouted.


    They all knew what this meant-Morel was attempting a final, desperate act: self- destruction.


    Elincia, hovering in the air, hesitated, ncing down at Broken and the others.


    "Everyone, go! We''ll be fine!" Broken called out loudly.


    "Damn, this is infuriating!" Melliandra shouted, still sprinting across her transparent tforms, casting a worried nce back. "That st will kill Ivana and Princess Alora! Broken, you''d better take responsibility if anything happens to them!"


    Without hesitation, Broken equipped the Moonlight Barrier Cape, a gift from ine.


    [Moonlight Dome Barrier (Active Skill)]


    Instantly, a dome of shimmering energy materialized around Broken. Ivana and Alora dashed toward him for protection, while Kingsley, still in his massive form, shifted into a hawk and took flight.


    Polly tried to fly closer. "Master!" she cried, but they didn''t have enough time for Polly to carry all three of them to safety.


    "Polly, go! We''ll survive, trust me," Broken called firmly.


    "Master!" Polly cried onest time before her form vanished into the air.


    Ivana then activated her own protective shield skills,yering her barriers on top of Broken''s dome.


    One by one, the shields and barriers stacked, creating a fortified dome around the group as they braced themselves against Morel''s final, devastating attempt to destroy them all.


    It all happened in a blinding instant-a massive explosion, so intense that for a moment, time itself seemed to freeze, sucked into the silent void of impact.


    Then, with terrifying force, the explosion erupted outward, sending towering mes surging in every direction, consuming everything in its path as if devouring the forest itself.


    The shockwave rippled with devastating power. Elincia, hovering above, was thrown backward, her body spinning wildly in mid-air as she fought to regain bnce. Kingsley, still in hawk form, took a direct hit and was flung violently into the distance. Melliandra, unable to hold her footing, plummeted from her tform in the air.


    But before she could hit the ground, someone caught her-Tora, who had somehow sprouted a pair of ethereal wings on his shoulders. pping furiously, he steadied Melliandra in his arms, whisking her safely away from the st.


    The explosion continued to roar, mes licking at the dome barrier Broken had conjured. The protectiveyers glowed under the relentless assault, their surfaces flickering as the firestorm tried to tear them apart.


    Broken braced himself, feeling the strain against the Moonlight Dome Barrier as it absorbed the impact. Ivana''s shieldsyered upon it, straining under the intense force, as Alora held her stance, her eyes fixed on the walls of fire pressing in on them.


    Around them, the once-lush forest was transformed into a zing inferno. The ground shook, and the searing heat reached even through the barrier, its intensity a brutal reminder of Morel''s final desperate strike.


    Those few seconds had stretched into what felt like an eternity, filled with fear, tension, and uncertainty. As the mes and smoke cleared, Elincia, Kingsley, and Tora rushed back toward Broken''s position, anxious to confirm the safety of their teammates.


    Nothing could have happened to them, they all silently vowed-it just couldn''t.


    When they drew close, their worries were finally eased. Broken, Ivana, and Princess Alora stood there, unharmed and intact. Somehow, whatever skills or tactics they had used had been enough to shield them from the explosion''s devastating impact. They had survived.


    "Put me down, now!" Melliandra said, still being carried by Tora.


    "Oh, right, sorry," he said with a grin, gently setting her down.


    And Morel? Morel''s towering Fae Beast form had faded, leaving him back in his original Fae body, his frame battered and broken, with parts of his armor shattered. His gaze was hollow, filled with a desperate emptiness.


    What had just happened?


    Broken approached the Fae Knight slowly, his Wavebreaker Spear in hand.


    "That... that cape... Lady ine''s... how... dare you..." Morel managed, his voice weak and


    trembling with barely-contained anger.


    Broken moved closer, the tip of his spear leveled at Morel''s neck.


    "You won''t seed in this mission," Morel rasped, his voice fading. "Your fate is sealed...


    death wille for you-if not by my hand, then by the hands of others."


    "Your foolishness has brought ruin upon your own tribe, Morel. If only you had followed ine, none of this would have happened."


    "Shut up and prepare to face your own destruction, Broken!" Morel retorted fiercely.


    "You''re the cause of your tribe''s downfall," Broken replied coldly. "Your people have been ughtered, and soon they''ll all be wiped out. All of this is the result of the hatred you fueled


    yourself."


    "You''re just lost in your own delusions, Broken. Everything is over for you!" Morel spat back.


    "No, not for me-but for you, and for your tribe." Broken''s mouth curved into a faint smile. "I had thought of letting you live just long enough to see your people fall, but I think it''s time you took this regret with you to the grave."


    "My decisions have never been wrong. From the beginning, I knew you intended to destroy us. But no, that''s not going to happen," Morel dered.


    "We wouldn''t have even survived to face you if you hadn''t sent those Forest Guardians our way, and left a Legendary-grade item with me. Oh, and thanks for the ring dropped by Cedar, that poor Knight. I killed the Forest Guardians with this ring''s power. It''s the perfect scenario -one that''ll strip away everyst shred of your pride."


    "You will die... my tribe will live... you''ll all be- " Morel''s words were cut short as Broken''s spear sliced through his neck, separating his head from his body in one swift motion.


    A death notification appeared, signaling the end of the battle. Everyone exhaled in relief, the tension easing slightly as they realized they had cleared yet another daunting obstacle. But their relief was short-lived-the rm went off again, and Kingsley immediately shifted back into his Bear Form, readying himself. They turned to see multiple figures approaching from various directions.


    A figure cloaked in a ck veil leapt forward, twin longswords spinning as itnded on the


    ground.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Eternal me Shadow Lv. 211]


    Another-a massive bat with enormous wings-swooped down, letting out an ear-piercing


    screech that rattled the air.


    [Eternal me Nightwing Lv. 208]


    And the count didn''t stop there. One by one, more of these Eternal me beasts closed in


    until a total of five surrounded them.


    Time was running thin; they couldn''t afford to be stalled by this new wave of Eternal me


    foes!

 Chapter 567: Chapter 567 - Voices from the Darkened Forest

    Chapter 567: Chapter 567 - Voices from the Darkened Forest


    ?


    Everyone held their ground, watching as the five Eternal me Fae Beasts prepared to attack, their movements measured, as if calcting their next move.


    Melliandra scowled irritably. "Damn, why are there so many of them? Damn these Fae, damn it!"


    "They might have had a better chance if they''d shown up with Morel earlier," Elincia muttered bitterly.


    "Lucky for us, they didn''t," Broken replied.


    "I thought Faebeasts were wild and relentless. Why aren''t they attacking yet?" Kingsley asked, still in his Bear form.


    "Could they be holding us here on purpose?" Alora wondered aloud.


    "What''s the n, Broken?" Kingsley asked.


    "Oh, we should definitely take them out as quickly as possible!" Melliandra insisted.


    Broken paused, thinking it over. "I''ve noticed that since these attacks began, many of the Fae we''ve encountered have only recently transformed into Eternal me forms."


    Elincia nced over at him. "Care to exin that in simpler terms?"


    "I''ve memorized some of their names," Broken exined. "ording to what ine told me, only one Fae should be cursed to undergo the Eternal me transformation per month. But this time, it''s different-many Fae have been transformed in just one night."


    This was anything but normal. If what ine had said was true, only one Fae, besides herself, should have transformed into an Eternal me. Morel had already taken that slot. Yet Broken clearly remembered a few names among these Fae Beasts. Even now surrounding them-one of them was the Fae Knight who''d attacked him before.


    Something highly unusual was happening, and it had to be connected to ine. This anomalous transformation event hadn''t urred in hundreds of years, yet now it was all unfolding in a single night.


    Was Morel responsible for this too?


    Even if it was Morel''s doing, he was now dead, yet the chaos continued. Their biggest problem remained unresolved, and Broken knew they had to reach ine without dy.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Oh, then this is truly a disaster," Melliandra muttered.


    "We don''t have much choice but to defeat them quickly, Broken," Elincia said. "Do you have any other ideas?"


    Broken nodded. "It''ll take time to kill all five of them, and running isn''t an option. If they catch one of us alone, it''ll be too dangerous."


    "Then let Melliandra, Kingsley, and me handle them," Elincia suggested.


    Ivana spoke up, "I think I should stay too." She looked at Broken. "There are too many of them, and they''re strong. I''ll be more useful here, keeping them from overwhelming everyone."


    Broken nced back at the Eternal me Fae Beasts surrounding them. "Fang and Morel have already broken free of Moonlight Land, and they were the most challenging of the group. Now with five more of these Fae Beasts..."


    He took a deep breath. "I only hope ine is the sole one I''ll have to face inside Moonlight Land. So yes, Ivana, I think staying here is the right call. Let''s make it happen."


    Defeating five Eternal me Beasts would be a challenging and time-consuming task. With Kingsley holding the frontline alone, it was risky-he''d need Ivana''s support to bnce the fight. Meanwhile, Melliandra and Elincia would have to focus on ranged attacks to assist from a safe distance.


    Broken, however, could only bring onepanion for his mission into the Moonlight Fae territory. He chose Princess Alora.


    "Alright. Let''s go find ine and figure out what''s really going on with her."


    Melliandra huffed, "Just get out of here, you fool! You''re wasting my time!"


    Broken gave her a small nod and, without another word, jumped onto Polly, Alora quickly following and settling behind him. Polly immediatelyunched into the air. The Fae Beasts attempted to pursue them, but Kingsley struck hard, throwing them off bnce and keeping them at bay.


    Polly''s wings glowed as they soared through the night, lighting up the sky, while the ancient trees below bathed in the moon''s warm glow. Alora leaned closer, and Broken could sense the tension in her posture.


    "Are you anxious about something? Is it about the Fae?"


    "ine is their leader, but as you''ve told me, she''s in an impossible situation. Her people have lost faith in her and turned against her," Alora replied. "I think that''s the most dreadful fear any leader could face."


    "So... having good intentions doesn''t always earn you appreciation, right, Princess?"


    "Yes, but a true leader can''t hold back simply out of fear of betrayal. That''s something every ruler muste to understand."


    "What would you do if the same thing happened to you? Have you ever thought about it?"


    "I don''t have the answer to that... for now."


    "Do you think your situation is simr to ine''s, Princess?"


    "Which part?"


    "I''m not sure. But it seems like you both try to do the best for your people, despite whatever they might think of you."


    "So, are you saying that''s a bad thing?"


    "I don''t know." Broken paused, mulling it over. "I think everyone has a different way of leading, and I don''t know what the right answer is. Maybe if it happened to me, I''d take a different approach-but I can''t be sure it would end well either."


    If Broken were in ine''s position, he''d ensure everyone under hismand was aligned with his vision. And if they weren''t, he''d make certain they posed no threat.


    Is that authoritarian? He didn''t know, and he didn''t care.


    Even a Crowned Princess, who should naturally inherit the throne, still faced challenges and contention. People were raised this way-greedy and power-hungry.


    Polly darted swiftly through the air, her wings beating as they neared the cliff where the entrance to Moonlight Landy hidden.


    "We''ll be there soon. The only way into Moonlight Land is through their portal-I''ll guide you through it," he assured her. "Jump off Polly, and we''ll enter their realm."


    "Sure, it''s not like I''m afraid of this or anything," Alora replied with a smirk.


    "We''re here," Broken murmured, reaching for her wrist. "Now, it''s time, Princess," he said, giving her the signal.


    Polly flew lower and lower, and Broken quickly jumped off her back, pulling Alora with him. Alora instinctively wrapped her arms around him as they descended rapidly through the dark night, wind rushing past. In seconds, they had passed through the portal, entering Moonlight


    Land.


    The full moon illuminated their surroundings, but the sight that met them was eerie. All around, the once-vibrant trees were withered and bare, their trunks scorched and cracked, as


    if ravaged by fire.


    The ancient forest stretched before them, deste and lifeless, more like a barren wastnd


    than the vibrant realm it once was.


    "Is this ce really in such a condition?"


    "No, it''s never looked like thi. It seems something catastrophic has happened here. We should


    find out what."


    Polly reappeared beside them, and without a word, Broken and Alora climbed back onto her.


    Polly set off swiftly through the forest.


    "I think I know where we might find ine," Broken said.


    "Mr. Broken!" a voice called out, cutting sharply through the silence.


    Polly stopped as Broken whipped his head around, scanning the area for the source of the


    voice.


    "Where did that voicee from?"


    "What is it?" Alora asked, sensing his sudden focus.


    "I can hear Cecilia''s voice!"

 Chapter 568: Chapter 568 - The Cages of Despair

    Chapter 568: Chapter 568 - The Cages of Despair


    ?


    "Mr. Broken..."


    The faint, desperate sound of his name echoed again, and Broken searched frantically for its


    source.


    "It''s Cecilia," he murmured. "But... where is she?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Broken? Did you hear something?"


    "I did. A voice-did you hear it too?"


    Alora shook her head slowly, straining to listen. "No, I didn''t hear anything."


    "Mr. Broken..." The voice reached him once more.


    "Cecilia, is that you? Where are you? Where is ine?" he called out, unsure if his words would reach her.


    "Mr. Broken... Lady ine needs help. She''s suffering terribly, and it''s all my fault. Please, help her, Mr. Broken," the voice pleaded, raw and desperate.


    "Cecilia, where are you?"


    He could hear the strain in her voice, thick with emotion, as though she was weeping heavily.


    "Cecilia, tell me exactly where you and ine are."


    "We''re in the volcano, the ce we showed you before," she replied.


    "Alright, I''ll be there soon," Broken replied. "Let''s go, Polly."


    Polly shot forward, her wings slicing through the air as their destination became clear. But doubts crept into Broken''s mind. If Morel was dead, shouldn''t ine be free? Why hadn''t she freed herself? Or was she truly trapped, unable to act?


    Midnight was approaching, and with it, ine''s full transformation into her Eternal me form. But hadn''t the Eternal mes they encountered already achieved that form, even before midnight?


    Just what kind of chaos was unfolding in this ce?


    "You said Cecilia was the only one among them who could open the remote portal, didn''t you?" Alora asked.


    "Yes," Broken replied slowly. "She''s likely the one who allowed the forest guardians to reach Deadbay City and cause all that destruction."


    "So, she might be in a situation where someone is forcing her to do that?"


    "I think so," he said firmly. "It seems they''re willing to go to any lengths to get revenge on me. And the only one bold enough to push her like that was probably Morel. But he''s dead now."


    At that moment, Polly began to sprint, her steps so light and swift they barely seemed to touch the ground as she weaved through the withered, moonlit trees.


    In the distance, a burst of red fire red against the night sky, zing from the direction of the volcano.


    They arrived at the barrennd near the volcano, and the sight that met them was shocking. A deste field stretched out before them, with the volcano looming in the distance, spewing mes into the night sky, the full moon casting an eerie glow over thendscape.


    Dozens of iron cages lined the field, each containing a creature of various shapes and forms!


    Broken murmured in a low, shaken voice, "They''re the Fae. I can see most of them have already transformed into Eternal me."


    As Polly moved closer, the creatures within the cages roared and thrashed as if driven mad, their eyes zing with a relentless fury.


    "They''ve all turned," Alora whispered. "Almost every Fae has taken the Eternal me form- just as you suspected."


    Broken nodded grimly, "The Moonlight Fae confine all Fae on full moon nights, just in case any transform into Eternal me, so they can be contained. That''s why they''re all in iron cages."


    He paused before continuing, "But it looks like tonight has brought their worst nightmare to life. Every single Fae has transformed. There isn''t a single one left in their normal form."


    "This... this is a truly devastating reality," Alora said.


    Broken called out again, "Cecilia?" hoping desperately she would respond, but only silence filled the air.


    Polly sprinted past each iron cage, finally stopping before two cages holding figures Broken immediately recognized.


    In one cage was Cedric, his body nearly consumed by a dark, shadowy energy. His eyes were pitch ck, and his teeth had sharpened into fangs. He pounded furiously on the iron bars, roaring with a rage that seemed to shake the cage itself.


    In the adjacent cage, Cecilia was shrouded in white fur, mid-transformation into a beastly form, her features distorted. Her eyes, however, still glistened with tears, and she continued to wail softly, her voice filled with despair.


    Both of them had unmistakably transformed into their beast forms.


    Broken dismounted from Polly, with Alora following, her face tense as she took in the heartbreaking scene.


    He knelt to level himself with Cedric and Cecilia, who were both sitting within their cages, though each reacted in starkly different ways.


    Cedric thrashed violently against the cage bars, snarling and throwing himself forward in a frenzy, his rage-filled voice echoing as he tried to attack, mming his own body into the


    iron bars repeatedly.


    Beside him, Cecilia wept loudly, tears streaming down her face as her body, now covered in white fur, trembled. Her once blonde hair had transformed to pure white, matching the rest of her beastly form.


    "Cecilia!" Broken called out, his voice firm yet desperate. "It''s me, Broken! Can you hear me?"


    He turned to Cedric, trying to reach him through the rage. "Stop attacking if you recognize me, Cedric!"


    But it was clear-they no longer seemed aware of their surroundings.


    "Cecilia, can you hear me?!" he pressed, trying once more to reach through her despair.


    "Tell me where ine is! Tell me how I can save you both!"


    They didn''t answer. Not a single response. Even Cecilia seemed unable to reach out to him in the strange way she had before.


    "Cecilia! You''re the one who brought me here-tell me how to save you!"


    His desperation grew as he spoke, realizing this was more urgent than ever. He had to act, and


    quickly.


    Morel had reverted back to his normal form aftering close to death. He thought, clinging to the hope that Cedric and Cecilia could undergo the same transformation.


    Around them, the air filled with the roars and thrashing of the other Fae Beasts, their anger echoing through the area. Broken sensed that the overwhelming noise was drowning out whatever connection he''d shared with Cecilia before.


    "Mr. Broken... get out of here immediately... leave now..."


    A voice-a faint, desperate echo-sounded in his ears once again.


    It was Cecilia''s voice, but the Cecilia before him, tear-streaked, showed no recognition, only


    endless, helpless weeping.


    "Cecilia?! Tell me, where is ine?" he called again, gripping the iron bars.


    "Leave here immediately..."


    "Everyone will not be safe..."


    "Mr. Broken... get out of here at once..."


    "This is my fault..."


    "Everything will be destroyed..."


    Cecilia''s voice repeated, desperate and fractured, over and over.


    "How could she bemunicating with you if she''s clearly lost consciousness?"


    Broken shook his head. "I''m not sure myself, Princess."


    "Will their curse really be lifted if we kill ine? Is it possible for them to revert to their


    original form?"


    "ine only said that no more Fae would turn into Eternal me if the curse was lifted," Broken answered, "but I don''t know what would happen to the ones who have already


    transformed."


    Realizing there was no time to spare, Broken made a quick decision to search for ine. He


    had a faint idea of where she might be.


    "Let''s go, Polly," he said, urgency in his voice.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Whew, this chapter was tough-Cecilia''s pleas, Cedric''s rage, and Broken caught in the


    middle.


    Sometimes, even heroes can''t save everyone... but maybe, just maybe, Broken can find a way to break the curse for those he cares about.


    If you''re feeling the emotional toll but still want to see if Broken can pull off a miracle, let me know with a Power Stone and Golden Ticket.


    Stay tuned, everyone. The darkest moments often lead to the brightest victories... or the


    hardest lessons.??

 Chapter 569: Chapter 569 - The Final Gamble: Fae Bonding

    Chapter 569: Chapter 569 - The Final Gamble: Fae Bonding


    ?


    Polly pped her wings and soared into the air, flying swiftly toward the volcano as the roars and screams of the Moonlight Fae on the ground grew louder.


    Polly skillfully dodged the bursts of magma and fiery sparks shooting from the crater, the heat intensifying with every second.


    This time, however, the volcano''s eruptions were even more fierce than before. It was as if the volcano itself had been stirred into rage, its fiery wrath reflecting the chaos unfolding that night.


    "Princess, can you handle the heat?" Broken asked.


    "Yes, I''m fine," she replied.


    As they reached the volcano''s interior, they spotted an iron cage to one side, surrounded by a barrier of pulsing purple energy.


    Pollynded at the edge, and Broken quickly dismounted, his eyes fixed on the figure within the cage.


    Inside the cage, a Fae with tangled blonde hair and tattered clothes hung suspended, her arms stretched out, hands sped in opposite directions. It was ine, motionless, and still in her original form.


    "ine," Broken whispered, rushing to the iron cage.


    A nce at his Affinity status with ine showed a reading of 72%.


    "I think there''s still a chance."


    He approached the iron cage, noting the bars were as thick as his thigh, yet spaced widely enough for him to slip through. A mysterious energy barrier enveloped the cage, blocking entry and escape alike.


    "ine... Can you hear me?" he called softly.


    ine stirred, her face lifting slowly. Her pale, tear-streaked face came into view.


    "Broken... you finally came," she whispered, her eyes bruised and swollen, evidence of how long she''d been crying.


    Alora stepped closer to Broken, inspecting the barrier surrounding the cage.


    "Broken, we need to find a way to bring down this barrier."


    But before she could finish, Broken had already managed to slide between the bars and step inside the cage effortlessly, ignoring the protective barrier.


    Alora''s eyes widened in shock as she reflexively touched the barrier. A sudden, intense force erupted, sting her backward several feet.


    "Princess, don''t!" Broken spun around, attempting to warn her, but it was already toote. "Are you alright?"


    "Yes, I''m fine," she replied with a sigh, brushing herself off. "I forgot that you can slip through things like this." She managed a small smile. "Alright then, good luck there."


    Broken turned his attention back to ine.


    Both of her hands were tightly cuffed, pulled in opposite directions, and her body hung limply, her face drawn and weary, shadowed by a deep frown.


    "Broken..." she murmured softly. "Did youe to take revenge for what the Moonlight Fae did to you?"


    He stepped closer, standing directly in front of her now. For a moment, he was silent, searching for the right words.


    "I''m sorry for everything that happened, Broken..." she whispered again.


    "Did you know that all the Faeries outside have turned into Eternal me, ine?" he finally said.


    Her eyes widened slightly. "I don''t know what''s happening outside, but... I can feel them. I can sense them calling my name, hoping for my help."


    Her face was rmingly pale, her expression pained.


    "But I''mpletely helpless here," she said, her voice breaking. "I''m the most useless


    leader to them... I brought this curse upon them... this misery..."


    Broken was silent for a moment, then pressed on. "Is it true that Morel orchestrated all of this without your approval? Where were you when they sent the Forest Guardians to attack my territory?"


    ine shook her head slowly, her face filled with regret. "I was powerless... unable to do anything," she replied.


    "I surrendered when they forced me to oppose them... I couldn''t stand against them," she admitted.


    "So now all of the Faeries have turned into Eternal mes, including Morel, Cedric, Cecilia," he continued. "But you told me only one Fae could turn each full moon. Do you have any idea how to fix this, ine?"


    ine shook her head. "This has never happened before, Broken... this is the first time all the Fae have transformed into Eternal me. I don''t know how to stop it," she said quietly. "What if we do the Faery Bonding, and I end your life while you''re in the Eternal me state? Do you think that might save the others?"


    "I''m willing to try anything if it might save the Moonlight Fae," she replied.


    "Then we''ll do it," Broken said. "I believe this is the only way."


    Broken''s final words came with a heavy weight, as if something deeply unsettling gnawed at his heart. The situation was devastating-Cedric and Cecilia had already transformed, and he didn''t know if there was still hope for them.


    And ine... within minutes, she, too, would be taken over by the Eternal me. If he failed to form the Bonding before that happened, things could end in disaster-worse than anything he''d yet faced.


    This was the only chance he could think of, his one shot at possibly saving them all. The pressure was immense, but he knew he had to try.


    ine shook her head slowly. "You still came here, even though we betrayed your trust. You


    came to save us... risking yourself..."


    "Not exactly," Broken replied quietly.


    ine''s expression turned curious, searching his face.


    "There''s something I need from the Fae, and I''ll be rewarded if I seed in this mission. So, you could say I''m doing this for my own benefit," he continued.


    ine paused, her gaze locking with his for a moment.


    "I''m not saying it to make you feel any less regret. It''s just the truth, ine-I''m only doing what benefits me."


    A faint smile tugged at her lips. "You''re honest with your words, Broken... I admire that."


    Keeping an eye on his Affinity with her, Broken watched it tick up, hoping it would reach eighty percent before time ran out.


    But before he could fully assess the increase, a loud explosion echoed behind him. He spun around to see three Eternal me beasts advancing, with levels averaging around 200.


    "Princess Alora?!"


    Broken called out, realizing the urgency of the situation. He was cornered by the grim


    decision should he continue the Bonding process with ine or assist Alora against the


    advancing beasts?


    Gritting his teeth, he whispered, "Polly, Pawpaw, ze... do everything you can to protect then/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    princess!"

 Chapter 570: Chapter 570 - An Affinity Race Against Time

    Chapter 570: Chapter 570 - An Affinity Race Against Time


    ?


    Broken watched as Polly, ze, and Pawpaw darted forward, taking their ces to shield the Princess.


    "Don''t worry about me, Broken! I''ve got this-do what you need to. We don''t have much time!" Alora called out to him.


    Three Eternal me beasts, each over level 200. Should he summon Gaia too? No, he had to trust her. She was built for this. Alora could handle it, especially with Pawpaw at her side.


    "Roar, you lowly beasts! Don''t you darey a finger on the Princess! I, the mighty Hell Lord, will bring judgment upon you!" Pawpaw''s voice rang out.


    In that moment, the Vermilion Dusk element surged from Pawpaw, wrapping itself around the kitten. He leapt back,nding on Alora''s shoulder just as a fierce, dark-red me cocooned the Princess in its protective heat.


    Alora, her sword glowing with a zing red aura, stood ready, her stance fierce and steady. Pawpaw''s Vermilion Dusk energy pulsed alongside her, merging into a powerful shield.


    "Broken, I''m ready!" Alora called out.


    Damn, Broken shook his head in awe, watching as Princess Alora transformed, embodying a figure that was both graceful and fierce-a breathtaking sight to behold.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He nodded, cing his full trust in her.


    Alora dashed forward with incredible precision, striking her foes with swift, calcted movements. Shebined agility and raw power in a way that was both graceful and devastating. Each leap and stomp shook the ground, and every swing of her sword sent her opponents flying back with astonishing force.


    Her focus was razor-sharp as she engaged all three of her enemies, staying keenly aware of threats from every angle-even her blind spots.


    Polly quickly spread out to draw other beasts'' attention, while Pawpaw darted around with unmatched speed, channeling his Vermilion Dusk energy to keep their foes upied. This strategy bought them precious time, giving the Princess the opening she needed to take each enemy down, one by one.


    "Damn," Broken murmured, awestruck as he watched her fight.


    She truly lived up to her formidable reputation. Alora was not only a princess and the sole heir to the kingdom-she was also a master inbat.


    "She''s even better with a sword than Livelywood," he mused quietly.


    Livelywood''s fighting style was fluid, almost dance-like, while Alora''s was built on precision and raw power. Every movement she made was perfectly calcted, striking with a force that was both graceful and unyielding.


    It wasn''t the first time he''d seen Alora fight; they''d even battled demons side by side. But watching from the outside was an entirely different experience than being in the thick of it with her.


    Quickly, he opened his console and issued amand: "Activate recording."


    A transparent frame appeared, and Broken aimed it at Alora. A small red circle at the corner shed, signaling that it was now recording.


    Broken shifted his attention back to ine, frantically searching for a way to strengthen their bond, which was now hanging by only a few fragile threads. Time was running out.


    "ine, what can I do to earn even more of your respect and trust? Please, tell me."


    "Broken..." ine''s voice trembled with hesitation. "I do trust you. I trust you with all my heart."


    "We need more than this."


    "I''m trying to trust you with all of my being..."


    "It''s still not enough." Broken muttered under his breath, realizing this approach wasn''t going to work.


    His gaze shifted to the iron bars that held ine captive.


    He gripped his spear, trying desperately to break the lock, but it wouldn''t budge.


    Wait-he had the Puzzle Smacker skill from his Unique-grade Rift Digger ss. He could use it to shatter the lock on this cage.


    But no. This cage was specifically crafted to restrain ine if she transformed. Breaking it could destroy his only way to control her if things took a dark turn.


    If ine transformed, the cage would be his only way to restrain her, and end her life if it came to that. He couldn''t risk breaking it now.


    But he''d already been away too long. The others were likely out there fighting for their lives against the beasts. He had to find a way to help them... and fast.


    Killing ine wasn''t the solution. There had to be another way to lift this curse. But if every Fae had already turned into a beast, would breaking the curse even make a difference? Maybe he didn''t need to form a contract with ine after all.


    But no! There was still Cedric and Cecilia. There was still hope. They could be brought back to who they once were. He couldn''t give up on them yet.


    Broken sent a desperate message to everyone on his friend list, hoping they could help him figure this out.


    [Broken: "I need to raise my affinity with ine to 80%. I''m still 8% short. Please, what can I do to earn her trust faster? How do you make a woman trust you deeply?"]


    The replies flooded in almost instantly.


    [Elincia: "Women value genuine connections and emotional bonds. Honestly, a loving kiss might be the best way to show her how much she means to you."]


    A kiss? Seriously?


    Freya read the message andughed. "Kiss her with passion, Broken," she added. "That''s how you''ll make any woman happy."


    Another suggestion for a kiss? This was getting awkward.


    Booba, too. "Women are a mystery, my friend," he typed with augh, "but from what I know, they''re into, you know, close physical contact. So yeah, maybe a kiss... or even a bit more, if you get my drift! Hahaha!"


    This was absurd. Did no one have a serious suggestion?


    [Charmelyn: "Um, Broken... why don''t you try a deep conversation with her? Talk through things honestly from both sides?"]


    No, there wasn''t time to sit down for heart-to-heart talks right now.


    [Goldrich: "If you''re talking about rtionships. My advice is that nothing strengthens a connection like a good, healthy dose of... y''know, Segss. Khi khi khi."]


    Broken sighed. Was Goldrich seriously suggesting he do that here, of all ces?

 Chapter 571: Chapter 571 - The Bond Forged in Flame

    Chapter 571: Chapter 571 - The Bond Forged in me


    ?


    Broken muttered a curse under his breath as he read through the messages, then nced at ine, a conflicted look in his eyes.


    "Broken?" she whispered. "Is there anything I can do to help solve this? I''ll do whatever it takes."


    He hesitated, mulling over the ridiculous suggestions his friends had given him.


    Kissing... Could that really work?


    But then he remembered... ine, despite being hundreds of years old, looked no older than a teenager. Was this even legal?


    But was he really going to let technicalities stand in his way? After all, in a situation this desperate, nearly anything was fair game. Even life-and-death battles were justified in emergencies like this-so why should a kiss be any different?


    Kissing is fine! Besides, ine''s actually older than some of the people who lived during the medieval ages back on Earth!


    Now, what year was that medieval age, anyway? Well, generally, the medieval era spanned from the 5th to thete 15th century.


    More messages poured in, each with its own take on how to win ine''s trust.


    [Starfall: "Broken, I think women really appreciate honesty and sincerity. Show her how much you care, and you''ll surely win her heart."]


    [RememberMe: "Master, you''re already a pro at making a woman''s heart race. Just some sweet words and thoughtful gifts should do the trick."]


    [Forev: "Women respond to genuine feelings, Broken. Just be honest and show her you care. That''s what will reach her."]


    [PussyCat: "Women like men who stand by their actions and values. Show her you have strong morals and integrity."]


    [Melliandra: "Ugh, you''re a disgusting, idiotic pervert! Stay away from me!"]


    Broken stood frozen, his hands trembling slightly. He moved his face closer to hers... but not too close.


    The sight of ine''s pain-stricken expression kept tugging at his thoughts, making him hesitate.


    "Broken?" she asked.


    How the hell was stealing a kiss in this kind of situation supposed to solve anything? If anything, it might just make ine furious, pushing her to transform into her Eternal me form right away just to smack him for it.


    He paused, diving deep into his mind, searching for where he might have gone wrong. He sifted through all the possible approaches, rethinking everything he''d done.


    And then, atst, an idea surfaced a solution he hadn''t tried yet.


    Yes, he finally understood where he''d gone astray all along. Decision firm, he looked into ine''s eyes, his gaze filled with sincerity.


    "Broken?" she murmured. "What can I do to help?"


    "ine..." he began, his voice almost a whisper. "To form a Faery Bond with you, we need a high value of affinity between us. That''s why I went to such lengths to earn your trust."


    He took a deep breath, focusing intently, pouring out everything he felt and thought,ying it bare. This time, he was determined to be purely honest-no holding back, no second- guessing.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "But... I see now that I''ve only been treating you like a task toplete. I tried to earn your trust through calcted actions, without really thinking about you as a person."


    ine shook her head slowly. "No, Broken... You''ve done so much for me. You sacrificed so much of yourself."


    He continued. "I''ve struggled to trust people for as long as I can remember. Growing up, the constant pressure to seed pushed me away from others. It felt safer to keep everyone at a distance than to risk disappointment or getting hurt."


    ine looked up at him with a soft gaze. "I can understand that, Broken. More than you know."


    "I didn''te here just for the reward," he continued, his voice trembling. "I came to save you, to end the agony you''ve been carrying all this time. I truly want to help you, ine... I care about you!"


    ine''s tears fell freely now, each one reflecting her own pain and relief.


    "I came here because I didn''t want my friends suffering as they fought all those monsters outside. It tore at me to see Cedric and Cecilia trapped in their Eternal Forms..." His voice faded, thick with emotion.


    "Broken..."


    He reached out, gripping her shoulders firmly.


    "ine, we have to end this curse. Now. So many people are depending on us¡ªmy friends are risking everything against those monsters. The faes are all suffering, and so are you. You shouldn''t have to bear this any longer."


    ine shook her head, her tearsing faster as she struggled to speak through her sobs. "Broken..." she choked out. "Yes, let''s end this, once and for all. I was ready to die for them long ago... Please, help me bring this to an end."


    "I will," he replied. "I''ll give it everything I have."


    [For the first time in hundreds of years, ine felt warmth bloom within her heart. The deep pain she had carried for so long seemed to be finally fading, touched by Broken''s genuine


    sincerity.]


    [Your affinity with ine has increased to 82%.]


    "ine," Broken said, "we can start the Faery Bonding now."


    ine smiled softly, nodding. "Yes... we can," she replied, her voice trembling.


    "Thank you... you''re the first person I''ve ever been able to trustpletely. I''m so grateful for this meeting, and I''ll hold you in my heart always, even if I don''t remain in this world after all this. Thank you..."


    Broken gripped her shoulders tighter, as if to hold her there a little longer. "I will," he said firmly. "I''llplete this task to the very end..."


    To kill her in her Eternal me form.


    ine straightened. "I, ine, Tribe Leader of the Moonlight Fae, offer you my life and service. This Faery Bonding will grant you the right tomand me, with punishment on


    myself should I refuse. Through this Bond, I will unlock the hidden potential within me. A strength that will also be yours."


    Broken nodded as a series of notifications lit up before him:


    [Quest Completed: "Connecting with ine"]


    [You have now gained ess to form a Faery Bonding with her.]


    [Rewards:


    40 Stat Points


    Permanent Buffs: +20% Mana Regeneration, -20% Spell Casting Time]


    [Unbreakable Heart Ring Update:]


    [A powerful new connection has been detected between you and ine.]


    [New Bonus: +10% overall damage boost when fighting alongside ine.]


    [New Ability Unlocked: A skill based on ine''s characteristics.]


    [Eternal me Form]


    [This form embodies ambition and resolves burning within one''s soul. By merging one''s deepest desires with their spirit, they can intensify the Eternal me within, causing it to ze ever brighter and stronger.]


    [Only those with unwavering determination can achieve this form, tapping into their truest


    dreams.]


    [The Eternal me Form held a promise, a chance to wield the very power ability, a power rooted in ambition and resolve, fed by the fire of their shared purpose.]


    [This wasn''t just any skill. It was a testament to the bond they had forged and the resolve they


    both carried forward.]


    [Skill Unlocked: Conditional Active Skill - Eternal me Form (Grim Reaper)]


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Alright, Broken, you got the trust and the power boost, but what about the romance we all


    wanted? Look, a deep, heartfelt confession is nice and all... but a kiss could''ve really sealed the deal! Anyone else agree?

 Chapter 572: Chapter 572 - The Dance of Death and Fire

    Chapter 572: Chapter 572 - The Dance of Death and Fire


    ?


    Broken gazed down at the ring on his left hand-the Unbreakable Heart Ring, a gift from King ndorr uponpleting the Trial Domain. Until now, the ring had never disyed any special abilities or effects. But at this moment, it gleamed with a newfound brilliance,


    radiating energy as if awakened atst.


    "Eternal me Grim Reaper?" he murmured.


    He''d unlocked a new skill, Eternal me Form. Could he actually transform into an Eternal me too?N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Broken checked the updated description of The Unbreakable Heart Ring and saw that he had acquired a new skill.


    [The Unbreakable Heart Ring]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Partners - 1


    ine]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 12]


    [This Unbreakable Heart Ring is an extraordinary piece of jewelry, designed to remain steadfast and resilient through countless battles and rtionships. It possesses unique powers that grow stronger with eachpanion who joins you inbat.


    [The more partners you have, the more powerful you will be, unlock the potential of the ring by having up to three partners.]


    [First ability: For every partner who joins you in battle, your stats increase by 10%, up to a 30% boost max.]


    [Second ability: You gain a unique skill or ability derived from one of your partner''s special traits.]


    [To unlock the first ability, you must achieve 80% affinity with a partner of the opposite gender. For the second ability, you need to form a special bond with them.]


    [The partner has to belong to one of the seven major races in Yunatea.]


    [Skills:]


    [Eternal me - Grim Reaper


    You can now transform into the Eternal me - Grim Reaper, gaining terrifying powers to vanquish your foes with precision and speed.


    Movement Speed Increase: +30%


    Attack Speed Increase: +20%


    Strike swiftly and relentlessly, eliminating enemies before they even sense your presence.


    New Weapon Unlocked: Legendary Grade - The Soul Drainer Scythe.


    A weapon of immense power, The Soul Drainer allows you to sap the life force of your


    enemies, but beware, it can drain your own soul if not wielded carefully.


    Warning: This ability is highly draining on Stamina and should be used with caution to avoid exhaustion.


    Conditional Activation: Only usable under the light of the Moon.]


    [User Restriction:


    Level 200 or higher.


    3 Slots of Fingers]


    A 30% boost to movement speed was remarkable on its own, not to mention the 20% increase in attack speed.


    This wasn''t just any upgrade-it was a serious power spike. But with a skill this powerful, it made sense there would be limits. Activating Grim Reaper required moonlight, a condition that kept its immense potential in bnce.


    And beyond the incredible speed and agility, this skill granted him an entirely new form-the Grim Reaper itself. His appearance would transform.


    But wait, would he lose control if he transformed into Eternal me? What if, by activating this power, he identally turned on his own allies?


    There was no way... right? After all, this was a skill he could control. Unlike the Fae, who were forced into Eternal me under the curse, this transformation was his tomand.


    The Grim Reaper form would also grant him ess to a Legendary-grade weapon, The Soul Drainer, which he could only wield in this state. A weapon of this caliber, crafted specifically for the Grim Reaper form, was bound to be extraordinary.


    This was definitely no ordinary skill; it was a game-changer.


    But... a scythe?


    It wasn''t exactly what Broken was used to. He''d trained with a wide range of weapons, but a scythe was something entirely new.


    Could he wield this Legendary-grade weapon effectively right after activating the skill?


    Now that The Soul Drainer was avable in his Eternal me form, it made sense to master it ¡ªespecially since it was crafted specifically for this transformation''s power.


    Sure, he could still rely on his current weapons if needed, but he knew the scythe would be unmatched in this form. It was time to see what this weapon could truly do.


    Let''s see what this weapon offered for him. But, How does he ess the description of the weapon?


    Suddenly, ine''s body went rigid, as though seized by an unbearable pain. Her face twisted, and a piercing scream tore from her throat, her teeth clenched tight as something dark surged from within her.


    "ine?" Broken called.


    "Arghhh... Arghhh..." she screamed, her voice rising to a shrill, agonized pitch.


    Slowly, shadow energy began to swirl around her, creeping over her body. Then, horrifyingly, dozens of tiny spiders crawled out of her mouth, spilling down her chin and onto the ground.


    What...?!


    The swarm of spiders wove around her, their dark forms merging with the shadow energy to create somethingrger, something monstrous. Her body began to twist and reshape as the shadowy mass expanded, coiling into massive limbs that sprouted grotesquely from her back. Broken''s instincts kicked in immediately. He gripped his spear, bracing himself to face whatever monstrous transformation was emerging from her Eternal me form.


    Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Alora still locked in fierce battle with the three Eternal me beasts from earlier.


    She called out, "Broken! You did it, right?"


    He gave her a quick nod, but his focus was glued to ine.


    With a violent surge, ine extended her arms, shattering the chains that had bound her. She copsed to the ground, curling up, her screams piercing the air as her transformation


    continued.


    "Is it time to end her?" He muttered to himself. "The quest said to kill her in her Eternal me form... so I''ll wait. It''s nearly time."


    Broken squinted, trying to make out ine''s face, but her features were twisted in pure


    agony.


    Then, with a sudden, horrific ripping sound, the back of her clothes tore open. A sharp, ck appendage, almost like a de, jutted out from her back. It twitched and flexed, cutting through the air like a sword.


    One by one, more spider-like legs emerged, long, spindly, and dark as night, each jointed like


    a spider''s limb.


    Five pairs of these grotesque limbs extended from her back, shrouding her form in a swirling aura of dark energy. When she finally lifted her head, her eyes zed with a crimson light, intense and unnatural.


    At that instant, the three faebeasts that had been fighting Alora froze. Their gazes shifted to ine. They bowed their heads submissively and scrambled away, retreating into the shadows as if they were fleeing from death itself.


    Broken wasted no time, he sprang out of the iron cage,nding beside Alora, who had already


    rushed over to join him.


    Together, they watched as ine straightened, her form now towering and fierce. Her five


    spider-like limbs mmed into the ground, splintering the earth beneath her. With a single, powerful stomp, she shattered what remained of the iron cage, sending shards of metal


    flying.


    ine began advancing toward them, her movements slow and deliberate. Her crimson eyes burned with rage, fixed on Broken and Alora, as if nothing else in the world existed but her


    two opponents.


    [Eternal me ine Lv. 255]


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    From deep emotional connection to... giant spider legs of death?


    ine''s transformation is truly terrifying, and it''s clear this is the ultimate test for Broken''s Grim Reaper form. Will this new power be enough to save them all, or are they in over their


    heads?

 Chapter 573: Chapter 573 - Unleashing the Grim Reaper’s Flame

    Chapter 573: Chapter 573 - Unleashing the Grim Reaper¡¯s me


    ?


    Alora stood shoulder to shoulder with Broken, both of them gripping their weapons firmly. Alora held the Cragstorm Sword, the Legendary-grade de that Broken had crafted for her, while he wielded his trusted Legendary-grade Wavebreaker Spear.


    Each of them wore the Invincible Paragon armor set, their matching armor making them look like a perfectly united pair of warriors. Broken''s armor gleamed in shades of ck with touches of blue, while Alora''s was patterned with ck and fiery red.


    "Level 255..." Alora muttered under her breath. "Your first wife is this furious, what exactly did you do, Broken?"


    "Very funny, Princess," he replied.


    "So, how did it feel to kiss a Faery as cute as her?"


    "I didn''t kiss her."


    "I saw it."


    "Saw what?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "You leaned in close. Don''t deny it."


    "Nothing happened," he insisted. "The kiss didn''t happen."


    "So you''re saying you nned to kiss her, then?"


    "I refuse to answer that."


    "Well," Alora said, stifling a grin, "I think she''s mad because you didn''t kiss her."


    "Are you suggesting that if I had kissed her, she wouldn''t have transformed into Eternal me?"


    "Who knows?" Alora shrugged, gripping her sword a little tighter. "Toote now. We''d better end this as quickly as possible. I''ve got a feeling she''s going to be one of the toughest enemies we''ve ever faced. And with that level and aura... I''m not sure if the two of us can handle her alone."


    "Agree."


    "So, do you have any n on how we''re supposed to kill her?"


    "I''m afraid not, Princess. I''m not exactly the strategic type. I mostly rely on brute force." He shrugged. "Sorry to disappoint."


    "Nah," she grinned, "I know you''re good at a lot of things, just not words, apparently."


    "Oh, that''s my favorite kind ofpliment, Princess," he replied with a smirk.


    Then Broken remembered he''d actually gotten something after defeating Morel. A Legendary-grade item, if he recalled correctly. A bracelet, in fact.


    "Let''s take a quick look at that."


    [Abyssal Shatter Cuff]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Constitution +200]


    [Durability: 89/100]


    [Weight: 56]


    [The Abyssal Shatter Cuff is a dark, enigmatic bracelet forged from a rare alloy of obsidian and enchanted silver, with faint glowing runes etched around its circumference. Known as a weapon ofst resort. Only those with an unbreakable will can master its power, as the bracelet channels the wearer''s own vitality into a final, cataclysmic act.] [Skills:]


    [Self-Destruction: Abyssal Reckoning (Active Skill)


    Effect: Upon activation, the bracelet consumes 99% of the wearer''s current Health and releases it as an explosive wave of destructive energy.


    All enemies within a 25-meter radius receive damage equal to 500% of the wearer''s total Health.


    Cooldown: 24 hours.


    Activation Requirement: Can only be activated when Health is below 50% but above 10%.] [User Restriction: 1000 Constitution]


    Oh, so this was the bracelet Morel had used for his self-destruction. Definitely a useful skill for mass destruction, though Broken wouldn''t be using that skill anytime soon. Still, the +200 Constitution bonus was incredible, and he quickly equipped it.


    "Oh, almost forgot to mention," he said, "I unlocked a new skill. After securing the bond with ine, I can now transform into Eternal me form."


    He then gave Alora a quick rundown of his new abilities.


    Alora raised an eyebrow. "You said the Eternal me form reflects a person''s soul, right? So... deep down, you''re actually an executor, Broken? That''s... kind of adorable."


    "Thanks for thepliment, Princess," he replied with a slight smile.


    Meanwhile, ine seemed to be gathering her strength, her aura intensifying with clear intent to attack.


    "This is it!"


    ine charged toward them, running on her feet, while the five spider legs protruding from her back flexed, clearly ready to strike. They looked almost like weapons, simr to Spiderman''s Iron Spider suit?


    "Princess, stay back and look for an opening. I''ll take her head-to-head," he said, tightening his grip on his spear and bracing for impact.


    [Flowing Tide Cape]


    The blue cape draped over Broken''s shoulders glowed brightly, contrasting with the fiery colors zing around the area.


    [Water Domain (Active Skill)]


    Gripping his spear, Broken readied himself to face ine and her lethal spider legs. With the spear''s longer reach, he managed to fend off some of her initial strikes, each thrust and sh a desperate attempt to keep her at bay.


    [Oceanic Blessing (Passive Skill)]


    A soft blue aura wrapped around him, amplifying his control over the battle.


    He swung his spear with all his might, blocking ine''s relentless assault, but it was clear he was struggling to keep up. Her movements were relentless, and soon, she started


    overwhelming him.


    Alora darted in from a different angle, moving fast to get in a quick strike. But ine countered in an instant, swatting Alora back with one of her spider legs and sending her


    crashing to the ground.


    "Damn!" Broken gritted his teeth.


    The cramped area left them little room to maneuver, and one misstep could easily send them tumbling into the magma below.


    "This is exactly the kind of situation where I wish Ivana was here..." he muttered.


    [Sea of Storms (Active Skill)]


    Dozens of water spears materialized above, raining down on ine the moment they entered his water domain. But ine''s speed and precision were staggering. She twisted and dodged, slicing through each spear with terrifying ease.


    "Damn, ine... I think we''re going to need more backup if we want to stand a chance against


    her!"


    Broken struggled to fend off ine''s relentless attacks with his spear, while Alora darted around, looking for an opening to strike. Every so often, Alora managed tond a hit, only for ine to block her with one of her spider legs, deflecting her de.


    Frustration mounting, Broken made his decision.


    "I''m going to try my Eternal me form!"


    [Eternal me - Grim Reaper (Conditional Active Skill)]


    A dark wave of energy erupted from his body, shadowy tendrils swirling around him and mingling with the zing heat of the volcanic chamber. The energy wrapped around him like


    a tattered robe, forming a hood that cast his face into shadow, obscuring his features


    completely.


    In that instant, he had transformed into his Eternal me - Grim Reaper form.


    This skill could only be activated under the presence of moonlight, but as long as he remained within its luminous rays, he could unleash its full potential.


    "A 30% boost to movement speed and 20% increase in attack speed. I couldn''t have asked for


    a better skill!"


    Alora''s eyes widened as she took in his transformed appearance.


    "That''s so sick, Broken! You look even more like a viin than ine," Alora said with a grin. "Now let''s see if you can actually do something with that cool outfit!"


    Now moving with incredible speed and precision, Broken closed in on ine, his movements sharp and fluid. With his newfound agility, he managed to fend off five pairs of ine''s spider


    legs in a single strike.


    [Enchanted Raven Helm]


    As he engaged, Broken equipped histest piece of gear-the Enchanted Raven Helm. The one


    The got from the Crow Guardian.


    The helm transformed his head into the sleek, dark likeness of a ck crow. It granted him a 20% chance to perform a short teleport when attacked, giving him a crucial edge against ine''s relentless strikes, allowing him to evade with split-second precision. With these two new upgrades, could he actually make a difference in this fight?

 Chapter 574: Chapter 574 - The Soul Drainer Scythe

    Chapter 574: Chapter 574 -The Soul Drainer Scythe


    ?


    Broken was starting to track ine''s movements more urately, his reflexes sharpening as he adjusted to her relentless attacks. But despite this, he still struggled tond a solid hit. He kept using his Wavebreaker Spear, feeling hesitant about switching to the scythe without fully mastering it.


    "Even with all these skills and equipment, ine still feels impossible to beat," he muttered.


    Meanwhile, Alora kept up her relentless attack pattern, darting around ine with impressive speed, striking and retreating to maintain her position.


    Pawpaw joined in, repeatedly attempting to restrain ine''s movements. But ine''s spider legs were deadly-they sliced through any restraint with ease, serving as both weapons and an imprable defense against crowd control.


    ine''s Eternal me form was formidable; even without using any special skills, she fought solely with her enhanced body, and that alone made her an overwhelming threat.


    Broken knew that if Princess Alora weren''t here to split her attention, he''d have already fallen. Together, they alternated their attacks from different directions, but those spider legs kept them constantly on guard, each strike deadly.


    Broken quickly darted to the side, aiming a blow toward her waist, then shifted away just as fast to deliver another strike from a different angle. But even with his Water Domain active, his attacks barely made a dent.


    They needed a new n, or something to shift the bnce in their favor, because ine wasn''t going down easily.


    Despite transforming into a Grim Reaper, Broken still hadn''t dared to use his new weapon: the Soul Drainer. It wasn''t that he didn''t want to, it was just that he had zero experience with a scythe. So, in the corner of his vision, he was secretly ying a YouTube video titled "How to Fight with a Scythe."


    He kept speeding up the video, only to hear the instructor drone on about why he personally loved scythes.


    Damn it, I need a tutorial on how to fight with a scythe, not a sales pitch!


    He quickly tried with new keywords: Animation of the Grim Reaper in battle. Or maybe Anime fights using Scythe? Finally, he found a video of two stick figures locked in an intense scythe duel.


    "Perfect," he muttered with satisfaction. "Exactly what I needed."


    He watched the video, quickly picking up some useful pointers.


    Using a scythe in battle wasn''t entirely different from using a spear, but it required unique techniques due to its curved de.


    First, the scythe was perfect for sweeping attacks. Its wide arc allowed him to sh through multiple enemies or limbs in one broad swing, which would be ideal for dealing with ine''s spider legs.


    Second, the hooked shape of the de meant he could pull or catch his opponent mid-attack, potentially dragging ine off-bnce or trapping her limbs, creating an opening for follow-up attacks.


    The scythe was also surprisingly effective for mid-range control. Its curved de allowed him to strike from a distance while keeping foes at bay, perfect for staying out of reach of ine''s attacks while stillnding blows.


    Lastly, although it wasn''t meant for close-rangebat, Broken could use the scythe''s handle for quick jabs or spins, helping him maintain distance or block attacks in close quarters.


    That was the quick summary he''d managed to gather, but damn! Understanding the theory was one thing, but using it in realbat was entirely different.


    Broken kept his distance, focusing on how to summon his new scythe. This weapon wasn''t stored in his inventory; it was an extension of his Eternal me form. Remembering the technique for activating most skills, he visualized the scythe in his mind, focusing on its shape and feel.


    Suddenly, a swirling vortex of ck energy appeared in his hand, coalescing and stretching out. The energy solidified into a scythe, its de curved like a crescent moon and shrouded in shadowy ck mes.


    This was it! His new Legendary-grade scythe.


    [The Soul Drainer]


    [Grade: Legendary]


    [Attack Power: 937~1031


    Dark Elemental Magic Attack: 1,406~1,547]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 799]


    [Soul Reaper (Passive):


    Gain Soul Points for every kill of a member from one of the seven major races.


    Soul Points: 0/1,000]


    [Skills:]


    [Soul st (Conditional Active Skill):


    Spend all avable Soul Points to unleash a devastating attack on one target, with damage based on points used. Each Soul Point spent grants 40% Physical Damage and 60% Dark Elemental Magic Damage.


    Cooldown: 60 seconds]


    [Soul Stone-Harvesting (Conditional Active Skill):


    Spend 200 Soul Points to activate a buff that grants a 100% chance of obtaining a Soul Stone from your next kill. The buff expires after receiving the first Soul Stone.


    Soul Points Cost: 200


    Cooldown: 60 seconds]


    [User Restriction: Eternal me (Grim Reaper)]


    Broken quickly scanned the description of the scythe, absorbing the stats it offered. Not only did it boost physical damage significantly, but it also dealt a considerable amount of dark


    elemental damage.


    Whenbined, the damage values were even higher than those of his Wavebreaker Spear, despite the spear''s benefits to his Stamina and Constitution. In sheer offensive power, The Soul Drainer was on another level entirely.


    He reminded himself that each weapon type has its own standards for determining attack power. The weapon''s level requirement and grade heavily influence its overall value; the higher the grade and level, the stronger the weapon.


    Then he noticed the scythe''s passive ability.


    [Soul Reaper (Passive)]


    This ability allowed him to collect Soul Points every time he killed a member of one of the seven major races: Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Faeries, Giants, Demons, and Dragons. In Yunatea, these were the primary intelligent races, and each kill would grant him points he couldter spend on powerful abilities.


    "I wouldn''t be surprised if this weapon requires me to kill more to grow stronger," he muttered softly. "After all, I have the Grim Reaper form, right?"


    [Soul st (Conditional Active Skill)]


    Soul st was a single-target attack, but its potential damage was staggering!


    For each Soul Point used, it would deal 40% physical damage and 60% elemental damage. If


    his Soul Points were fully charged to 1,000, this skill would deliver a massive 40,000% physical damage and 60,000% elemental damage in a single strike.


    "This is absolutely insane," he muttered to himself.


    The potential destruction was enormous, but it would require a grim task. umting Soul Points through extensive killing. This skill could be game-changing in arge-scale battle, but he knew he''d have to save it for situations that truly demanded its devastating power.


    As much as he wanted to unleash Soul st against ine, he realized that using it now wasn''t practical. If only the Self Transcendence Blessing could grant him additional Soul Points, he might stand a better chance of overpowering her.


    [Soul Stone-Harvesting (Conditional Active Skill)]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The next skill, Soul Stone-Harvesting, allowed him to spend 200 Soul Points to guarantee a


    Soul Stone drop from his next kill.


    This skill was a strategic advantage. If he could use it against rare creatures, he could potentially obtain a valuable soul stone that would further strengthen him or his contracted


    beasts. However, the steep cost meant he''d need to fulfill his role as the Grim Reaper, umting Soul Points through continuedbat and kills.


    To reap the full benefits of this scythe, he realized he''d have to truly embrace the path of the


    reaper.


    [Hidden Feature Detected in The Soul Drainer: Unlocking New Skill from the Scythe]


    Damn?! Seriously?

 Chapter 575: Chapter 575 - Explosive Arrow at the Peak

    Chapter 575: Chapter 575 - Explosive Arrow at the Peak


    ?


    [Hidden Feature Detected in The Soul Drainer: Unlocking New Skill from the Scythe]


    [Reaper''s Call (Conditional Active Skill)


    Summon ghostly reaper apparitions that attack any enemy who harms you.


    Each apparition possesses 60% of the user''s Attack Power and 30% of the user''s Health and Defense. These specters will fight alongside you, targeting nearby enemies and providing additional support in battle.


    Soul Points Cost: 10


    Cooldown: 5 seconds]


    Reaper''s Call was a skill that allowed Broken to summon ghostly reaper apparitions to aid him in battle. Each apparition carried 60% of his attack power, a huge boost, even though they only had 30% of his Health and Defense.


    Still, with him wearing the full Invincible Paragon armor set, his health values would make the apparitions fairly resilient despite their lower defenses.


    While Reaper''s Call wasn''t ideal for facing ine in singlebat, it would be invaluable inrge-scale battles with multiple enemies. With each ghostly reaper dealing solid damage, he''d gain the edge needed to manage crowds and control the field more effectively.


    This scythe skill was shaping up to be a powerful tool for the kinds of high-stakes, massive skirmishes he often found himself in.


    Broken began attempting to wield the scythe; its elongated, curved form proved tricky to control at first.


    He initially used it mostly for blocking, which wasn''t too different from handling a spear. But soon he started incorporating spins to create arger impact area, adapting to the scythe''s unique reach.


    It was, in essence, like a spear. Only with an extra-long, curved de at the end.


    Thanks to the weapon''s swift movement and high attack speed, he was quickly getting the hang of it.


    While defending himself from ine''s relentless advances, he kept sneaking nces at YouTube videos on scythe techniques, studying every move and attack pattern.


    Alora''s constant, unrelenting attacks on ine from various angles also helped; she kept ine on her toes, making it harder for her to target Broken with full force.


    "Broken... that''s a really cool weapon."


    "Yes, but I''m still figuring out how to use it properly, Princess."


    "Well, from what I can see, you''re getting the basics down. Just focus on positioning, and take advantage of the scythe''s reach. You''ve got a much wider attack area now."


    "Thanks. I''m giving it my best shot!"


    After several tense moments spent purely on defense, blocking ine''s relentless attacks without finding any chance to counter, Broken realized that this cramped space was a dead end for them. Continuing to fight here would only drain their Mana and Stamina without making any real progress.


    This environment yed directly to ine''s advantage, giving her all the space she needed to maneuver her spider limbs, while limiting their own.


    They needed to find a better battleground-one that wouldn''t leave them cornered or drained.


    "Princess," he called out, "we need to get out of here if we want more room to take her on properly!"


    "Very well!" she shouted back. "Let''s get moving!"


    Alora nodded and quickly signaled to Polly, who dashed over to her. She leapt onto the white fox''s back as ine lunged forward to attack, her spider legs ready to strike. But Broken intercepted her, using his Moonvine Knuckles to summon vines that wrapped around ine, momentarily restraining her and diverting her focus.


    He moved swiftly, leading ine away from Polly to draw her attention. Once he had her locked onto him, Brokenunched a vine from the knuckles, whichtched onto Polly''s body.


    With a powerful pull, Polly yanked him out of ine''s reach, narrowly avoiding her deadly strike.


    Damn, that was close, he thought, catching his breath.


    As he expected, ine''s gaze snapped back to them, her eyes zing with rage. She saw them as enemies that needed to be eliminated, no matter what it took.


    In an instant, Polly shot into the sky, weaving expertly to dodge bursts of magma erupting from the volcano.


    Below them, ine scrambled desperately up the volcano''s rocky side, her five pairs of spider legs wing and scraping against the wall as she chased after them.


    Broken murmured to himself, "I need to spend all the stat points I have right now."


    He quickly pulled up his stats disy, counting, "Ny stat points... Alright, to maximize


    my damage output, I''ll allocate everything to Strength and Intelligence."


    He poured the points into these two stats, knowing they''d enhance both his physical attacks and magical abilities, which he''d need if they were going to take down ine effectively.


    [Name: Broken]


    [Level: 139]


    [ss: Unique - Super Novice | Unique - Royal cksmith | Unique - Rift Digger | Unique - Elemental Forger]


    [Health: 16,880 | Mana: 7,988]


    [Strength: 1,022 | Agility: 419 | Intelligence: 604 | Constitution: 763 | Stamina: 762]


    [Charisma: 100 | Luck: 57 | Dexterity: 50 | Survival: 30 | Perception: 20]


    [Avable Stat Points: 0]


    [Weight: 4,715/6,132]


    ine had already scrambled up the volcano wall with frightening speed, her spider legs propelling her upward, and now she was darting out of the crater, faster than they could have


    anticipated.


    "She''s out already... and she''s fast!"


    Broken took out both the Golden Bow of Artemis and the Wavebreaker Spear. Without hesitation, he loaded the spear as an arrow into the bow, preparing himself for whatevery


    ahead.


    "How did you be so proficient with so many weapons, Broken?"


    He shrugged. "Well, I am a cksmith. Comes with the territory, Princess."


    She raised an eyebrow. "No cksmith I''ve ever met couldpete with me in a fight using a sword, spear, and even a scythe."


    "Let''s just say I''m a... special cksmith blessed by the goddess," he replied, smirking.


    Alora smiled, amused. "Did you just imply you''re a Divine Champion, Broken?"


    "No, no, definitely not. And please, believe me on that one."


    "Oh, don''t worry. I trust youpletely."


    Broken smiled back, focusing as he charged up the skill, feeling the tension ease just slightly


    with their shared banter.


    [Explosive Arrow (Active Skill) Lv. 5]


    The night sky seemed to tear open as a massive spear descended from behind the clouds, slowly and majestically, while Broken charged up his skill. ine had already reached the volcano''s summit, unaffected by the intense heat of the magma around her.


    "I know this attack might not do significant damage to her," he murmured. "But let''s find out just how strong her defenses really are. If even this doesn''t faze her, we may need extra help to bring her down."


    He sighed, aware that they only had a limited time before ine might revert to her normal form. If they missed this chance, the curse would remain, and every Fae would be lost to the


    beast transformation.


    Polly pped her wings frantically in the air, holding steady as Broken released the bowstring. The colossal spear shot toward the volcano''s peak at breakneck speed, hurtling down on ine with devastating force.


    The giant spear struck the summit, triggering an enormous explosion that sent shockwaves and magma erupting from the volcano. Broken and Alora shielded their eyes, watching as the thick smoke from the st slowly cleared.


    The rumble of magma grew louder, and now, glowing streams of moltenva began to spill out from the crater, spilling down the sides in fiery rivers.


    "Quite an impressive disy of power, Broken."


    "Yes, and I''m hoping it''ll be enough to actually hurt her." Broken held his breath, waiting to see if ine had survived the impact.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 576: Chapter 576 - Soul Points and Sacrifice

    Chapter 576: Chapter 576 - Soul Points and Sacrifice


    ?


    Broken and Alora watched as ine''s figure emerged from the chaotic debris and thick clouds of smoke, still towering and fierce but now visibly damaged.


    Two of her spider legs had beenpletely destroyed, while another dangled, severed halfway. A shroud of dark energy cloaked her body, obscuring her true form and making her look even more menacing.


    She seemed even more monstrous now, the damage only adding to her terrifying presence.


    "Wait... the damage actually worked?" Broken said, surprised.


    "Yes, it looks like she''s vulnerable to long-range attacks like that," Alora replied. "If you can hit her with a few more of those skills, it might make her easier to bring down... or at least, that''s what I hope will happen."


    Just then, ine turned her gaze upward at Broken and let out a furious, ear-splitting scream. With her remaining spider legs, she darted down the volcano, heading straight for the row of iron cages where the other Faebeasts were imprisoned.


    "Broken, if she frees those Faebeasts, things could get a lot worse."


    "You''re right. But... Do you think they''d attack each other? Cedric and Cecilia are still in there."


    "This is a difficult decision, no matter how we look at it," Alora replied. "We''re not going to aplish anything by keeping ine trapped inside the volcano either."


    "At least if those beasts escape, they might scatter," Broken suggested. "Then we could focus on ine alone."


    "Do you really think that''s how it would y out?"


    "Princess, I need more opinions from you than just questions."


    "Well, I''m not exactly an expert at battlefield analysis either."


    "Looks like someone like Maylock is exactly who we need in a situation like this," Broken sighed.


    "Sorry, Baron Broken, I''m afraid I''m letting you down a bit," Alora replied.


    "No, Princess, I''m more than happy to have you here," he said with a grin.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Quiet, you. After all, you''ve already married someone else before me."


    "That wasn''t a marriage, just a bonding."


    "But the ring considers it marriage, you know."


    "Well," he shrugged, "it got me this incredible skill, so I''d still call that a win, Princess."


    They could clearly see the Faebeasts on the ground, roaring and thrashing about in utter confusion, as if they had no idea what was happening to them. The beasts moved erratically, crashing into each other and stumbling around,pletely disoriented.


    Broken sighed. "The Faebeasts are wild. If they''re freed, they''ll likely attack anything in sight. We should keep our distance."


    "But I doubt ine has the same n in mind," Alora said. "She seems dead set oning after us."


    "Right. Let''s stick to the n. Polly, let''s retrieve my spear."


    Without hesitation, Polly pped her wings and soared toward the volcano''s summit. Broken drew his legendary Moonvine Knuckles and shed the air, sending a vine shooting out to grasp the spear. With a quick pull, he yanked it back and caught it deftly in his left hand.


    Meanwhile, ine continued to rampage, her spider legs smashing through everything in her path. The iron cages she passed shattered instantly, releasing the imprisoned Faebeasts. Freed, the beasts roared and scattered across the ins, their calls blending with the sound of the erupting volcano.


    "This is not good," Broken muttered under his breath.


    "No, I can tell you''re thinking of something else."


    Broken scanned his surroundings, searching for any weakened Faebeasts that he could take down quickly. He needed to test his Soul Reaper skill and find out how many Soul Points he would gain from killing just one.


    Were Faebeasts still considered part of the seven major races of Yunatea? They''d once been Faeries, after all, even if their minds were now lost.


    There was only one way to find out.


    "Come on, Polly!" he called, pointing to a battered Faebeast that Alora had previously fought. Its body was covered in wounds and barely holding itself together.


    Without hesitation, Broken drew his Epic Grade Iron Piercer Arrow and nocked it to his bow, activating one of his powerful skills.


    [Tempest of Annihtion (Active Skill)]


    As the arrow shot through the air, it split into ten projectiles, scattering toward multiple Faebeasts simultaneously.


    [Vines of Torment (Active Skill)]


    In an instant, five thick vines erupted from the ground, wrapping around the weakened Faebeast and trapping it in ce. With both skills working in tandem, the Faebeast had no chance of escape. Within moments, Brokennded the final blow with his arrow shots.


    [You''ve killed Eternal me Bale Lv. 205]


    [You''ve acquired 28 Soul Points.]


    "Interesting," he murmured, satisfied with the result. 28 Soul Points... It wasn''t much, but it was a start.


    "It turns out I can still get Soul Points by ying these Faebeasts."


    Alora nced at him, raising an eyebrow. "Broken, what if they can return to their original form when the curse is lifted? ine would be furious if she knew you were killing them."


    "I''m aware of that," he replied. "That''s why I''ll only target the Faebeasts that attacked me thest time I was here."


    "Right... sounds like you''re just finding an excuse to kill them."


    "It''s still better than us getting killed, Princess."


    He nced down at the chaos below.


    Just how many beasts would I need to take down to reach 1,000 Soul Points?


    About 50 at this level should do it. Damn... that really is a massacre.


    ine was still charging around wildly, pursuing Polly as she soared through the air, but Broken stayed above, taking advantage of his aerial position. He released a rapid stream of arrows from above, each hitting its mark precisely.


    "Going down to face them directly doesn''t seem wise," Brokenmented. "ine could


    attack us at any moment, and I''d rather avoid that risk."


    "But you do realize that Polly can''t keep flying forever, right? Especially after she was involved in the battle earlier."


    "Well, damn, I hadn''t thought of that. We need to take down as many beasts as we can, and


    fast."


    [Soul Points: 139/1,000]


    "We''ve been here too long; we need to end this," Broken muttered, unleashing a relentless barrage of arrows from above.


    [Soul Points: 210/1,000]


    Finally, his Explosive Arrow skill''s cooldown finished, and he drew his Bedrock Breaker


    Pickaxe, preparing to use it for arge-scale strike.


    "This should deliver some serious area damage," he said. "But it looks like the other beasts


    are starting to catch on, they''re scattering!"


    "Damn it!"


    [Explosive Arrow (Active Skill) Lv. 5]


    "Alright, let''s go after a Faebeast with a higher level this time," Broken murmured as he


    charged the skill.


    He carefully scanned the area to ensure Cedric and Cecilia weren''t in the line of fire. Oddly enough, it seemed both of them had already vanished from the battlefield.


    The massive pickaxe spun in the air, gathering momentum, before plummeting toward the


    ground.


    A barrage of boulders rained down alongside it, crashing into the earth with thunderous impact. The ground shook violently, creating a powerful shockwave that sted outward, scattering the Faebeasts caught in its path.


    Those closest to the explosion were sent flying, clearing the way for Broken to finish off the


    rest with ease.


    [Soul Points: 421/1,000]


    "Alright, I think we''re ready. I can deal a lot of damage to ine, but we have to make sure


    she''s truly weakened first, so the damage will be enough to end her."


    He nced at Alora. "Let''s go all out one more time, Princess."


    Alora nodded firmly. "Yes, let''s do it!"

 Chapter 577: Chapter 577 - Akidia’s Not-So-Slothful Champion

    Chapter 577: Chapter 577 - Akidia¡¯s Not-So-Slothful Champion


    ?


    In a room filled with soft, natural light... not from any artificial source, but from the bright sunlight streaming in. The walls were painted a clean, serene white. The decor was


    minimalist, with sleek white tables and chairs, a ss pitcher, and a set of crystal-clear sses neatly ced on one side.


    Yet there was one particrly majestic feature that stood out: a luxurious bed.


    The bed itself looked irresistiblyfortable, with a thick, plush mattress wrapped inyers of soft fabric and piled high with pillows, each inviting a moment of perfect rest.


    Sunlight poured through therge window, illuminating the figure resting on this bed. A woman draped in a flowing white dress, her long silver hair cascading gracefully over part of her body.


    She was... the goddess of Sloth!


    Akidiay in the bed, her eyes slowly fluttering open. As she turned to her side, her gaze drifted to a massive window, revealing a breathtaking view of the world outside. A cascade of greenery, bathed in the soft, warm light streaming through the ss.


    "How long have I been asleep?" she whispered softly.


    There was something she wanted to do, a task rted to her only champion.


    Akidia had an enchanting presence, her silver hair cascading gracefully over her figure as she basked in the sunlight, which gave her skin an ethereal glow. With slow, delicate movements, she raised herself up and leaned back against the plush pillows.


    "Now, how do I do this?" she murmured to herself. "Oh, that''s right..."


    A transparent screen materialized before her.


    "Let''s take a look at how my beloved champion is doing," Akidia said, a sweet smile forming on her lips. "I wonder if he''s missed me?" She giggled softly.


    "Being the champion of Sloth isn''t an easy path. He must have faced many hardships... I wonder how his progress has been."


    Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she nced at the screen.


    "Hmm..." Akidia muttered, examining his status updates. "He''s collected this many stat points? Quite impressive... but isn''t this a little too high?"


    She tilted her head. "I thought I''d only slept a few days, if I remember correctly."


    She continued, "And his skills? I should review all of them to ensure he doesn''t stray from the right path. My expertise will be invaluable in guiding him."


    With a gentle swipe of her finger, aprehensive list of Broken''s skills appeared on the transparent screen. His ss Skills, Equipment Skills, and Title Skills all disyed in neat rows. Akidia scanned through them quickly... then closed the screen with a satisfied smile. "Oh, he''s grown so quickly," she murmured. "Yes, that''s enough. Knowing he has such a range of skills is plenty for now. I don''t need to examine each one in detail."


    "But why does he have ess to so many skills already? Isn''t this a bit too much for someone who''s only just begun as my Champion?"


    Akidia paused, reflecting for a moment. "Well... maybe he''s just a little less slothful than expected."


    "And what about his equipment?" Akidia mused, scrolling through the list.


    "Oh, good, good... this one''s still reallycking, though."


    She frowned, but then paused. "No... wait, this isn''t actually bad after all..."


    "Why does he have nothing truly bad equipment?" she muttered.


    She went on, inspecting his gear with a hint of pride. "Well, yes... he''s got a few Legendary items now. I think he''s ready for something even higher."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Giggling, she said, "Yes, yes... if he could wield a Mythic-grade weapon, things would get much more exciting."


    "Oh... he''s already had four sses? And all of them are Unique-grade?"


    Akidia shifted slowly, leaning her head and hugging a pillow to her chest. Her arms wrapped around it in a gentle embrace.


    "Why has he gone through so many upgrades in such a short time?" she murmured. "Isn''t he supposed to be the Champion of Sloth?"


    But then she giggled. "I suppose this is a good sign... Finally, I have a Champion who can show the world that we''re notzy. We''re just efficient."


    A warm smile crossed her face. "I''m so proud of him. He truly is my beloved champion. I made the right choice."


    "I wonder what he''s doing now." She tapped lightly on the screen. "Ah, good, he''s in a safe state for observation."


    Arger, transparent screen appeared in front of her, pulling back to show the full scene. Broken was fighting alongside a group, surrounded by monsters swarming from all directions.


    "Oh... a big battle, is it?" she murmured, leaning in with keen interest.


    Then, her gaze sharpened. "Uhm... a Divine Champion?"


    Akidia paused, observing the screen closely, where the chaotic battle unfolded, with monsters attacking from every direction. One figure in particr caught her attention.


    "The native kind of Divine Champion... Interesting..." she murmured.


    "Could my champion have befriended a native Divine Champion?" she whispered to herself.


    "And... Moonlight Fae," Akidia murmured softly. "That moon goddess. Why does she always target my champions? Couldn''t she pick someone else''s for a change? Next time I see her, I''ll give her a piece of my mind."


    She huffed, then hesitated. "But... she despises us, doesn''t she? Whoa, I should be careful... she even convinced ndorr to try and kill us once..."


    Akidia nced back at the screen, watching as Broken fought through battle after battle, now facing a newly transformed Faebeast.


    "That Faebeast''s stats are incredibly high," she murmured. "My poor champion is going to struggle to defeat her, even with ndorr''s granddaughter helping him..."


    She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Hmm... could I lend him a little help?"


    "Is it technically allowed?" she wondered. "As long as we follow the rules, surely we''re allowed a little creative assistance... right?"


    A small screen suddenly appeared beside Akidia, and she swiped through it with her finger.


    "Each Champion earns Champion Points for every achievement they aplish. And from those Champion Points, we can reward them appropriately."


    She paused, curious. "Let''s check... How many points has he collected? I imagine he''d be happy enough with just 50,000 points..."


    Her eyes widened as she saw the number. "Ah, here it is... 300,000 Champion Points? Should I


    be surprised or impressed?"


    Akidia''s fingers hovered over the screen as she muttered to herself, "Let''s see... what can I


    exchange this many points for? Hmm..."


    Then, a bright smile spread across her face as an idea struck.


    "Wait... I know just the thing! I think he''ll love my little gift!"


    She sighed, tapping her chin thoughtfully.


    "Alright, let''s write him a letter. I''m sure he''ll be thrilled to receive something directly from me. I''ll fill it with love and let him know how proud I am. It''ll make him even happier to have a


    goddess like me cheering him on."


    She started writing. "Hi, my beloved champion..."


    But then she frowned. "No, no, I''ve already written that before..."


    She tried again. "What about... ''Hi, my not-so-sloth champion''?"


    She cringed, shaking her head. "No, that sounds terrible. He''ll think I''m some cringe-worthy


    goddess. I have to keep my dignity!"


    She sighed, muttering to herself. "Writing this kind of letter is so hard for someone as


    introverted as I am..."


    Then, a thought struck her. "But... What if I take a little nap first? Maybe after resting, I''lle up with a brilliant idea for how to start it."

 Chapter 578: Chapter 578 - Soul Blast activated!

    Chapter 578: Chapter 578 - Soul st activated!


    ?


    Broken stood tall, his Grim Reaper-like form casting an imposing shadow, with Princess Alora right beside him.


    "Are you ready, Princess?" he asked, his voice steady as he spun his scythe into a poised, ready


    stance.


    "Yes," she replied, gripping her sword in preparation.


    In sync, the two of them quickly split off, sprinting in opposite directions and surrounding ine. The Faebeast let out a piercing roar that echoed painfully in their ears, her head snapping left and right as she tried to decide who to attack first.


    They circled her, carefully positioning themselves for a coordinated strike.


    However, the scattered Faebeasts nearby began to close in on them, forcing Broken and Alora to split their attention away from ine. Realizing the need for reinforcements, Broken quickly summoned Dendros, Gaia and Pawpaw. With their allies now at the ready, the real battle was set.


    "Princess, I''ll leave the other Faebeasts to you. I''ll do my best to keep ine distracted," Broken called out.


    "Understood, Broken!" Alora replied, already moving toward the iing Faebeasts.


    Holding his scythe with ease, Broken dashed toward ine and swung, spinning the de mid-strike before bringing it down with force. The two shed fiercely, but Broken moved with impressive agility, spinning his scythe andnding strike after strike, all while dodging her attacks with quick jumps and side steps.


    ine let out a furious shriek, charging at him with brutal speed, her spider legs thrusting toward him with relentless precision. Broken managed to read her movements just in time, retreating quickly before reengaging, searching for another opening.


    On the other side, Dendros attempted to strike at ine from a different angle, though his attacks seemed to have little effect on the monstrous Faebeast.


    "I''m starting to get the hang of this scythe," Broken muttered, his face focused and intense. "It feels different from wielding a sword or spear, but with a few adjustments to my movements, I know I can master it."


    ine lunged at him with terrifying speed, her spider legs shing toward him in rapid session. Broken spun the scythe like a propeller, deflecting each attack with precision. He leapt to the side, putting some distance between them, then quickly counter-attacked as she came after him again.


    But just as he moved in close, his eyes widened in sudden realization. "Damn!" he cursed, realizing his error toote.


    "I''m too close! I need to retreat!"


    However, ine''s movements were faster than he anticipated. Sheunched an attack with blinding speed, each strike sharp enough to cleave through him in a single hit. Unable to fully block the assault, Broken found himself vulnerable as her strikes closed in on him.


    [Skill Activated: Warp Dodge]


    [Conditional Passive Skill: The user dodges iing attacks by warping away from them.]


    "Broken!" Alora cried out, rushing toward him. But before she could reach him, he suddenly vanished and reappeared a short distance from ine.


    He blinked in surprise, but quickly recovered, regaining his stance.


    He immediately bolted, keeping his distance while mentally noting his positioning, determined to stay more focused and avoid another close call.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "It''s all right, Princess," he called out. "I got lucky. My passive skill triggered just in time."


    He continued his relentless assault, confident that if he maintained the momentum, they could defeat ine in time.


    "I''ll cover you!" Alora called out, sprinting to the opposite side with her sword poised for attack.


    Broken kept up his onught with the scythe, cornering ine in the middle. Her spider legs twitched in frantic movements as she tried to block attacks from both directions.


    Alora struck swiftly, delivering a powerful blow to ine''s back. The impact sent a shockwave outward, knocking ine to the ground.


    "That was awesome, Princess!" Broken shouted.


    "Thanks, but you''re pretty great too, Broken," she replied with a grin.


    Despite their teamwork, the battle was brutal. Even with all his Gaia Beasts summoned, they barely seemed to make a dent in ine.


    Broken considered using Alora''s Fierce Empowerment, the skill that would allow him to unleash every ability with a five-level boost. But he knew he''d need to fully control the flow of the fight first, otherwise, the skill''s duration would be wasted.


    The two of them ran together and assumed their positions once more. Just then, ine rose up again, her spider legs moving in a blur.


    Finding an opening to attack ine directly was no easy feat-they had to avoid taking any serious damage while coordinating their strikes. Fortunately, Alora was quick to assess each moment, skillfully alternating between offense and defense without hesitation.


    With a decisive stomp, Alora lunged forward andnded a powerful blow, shattering one of ine''s spider legs.


    "Great move, Princess!" Broken called out, seizing the opportunity.


    He followed up with a swift, brutal series of shes, inflicting deep cuts and wounds on ine.


    They continued their assault in a well-timed rhythm, trading attacks and retreats. Whenever Alora was nearly caught by ine''s deadly strikes, Dendros and Broken would intervene, delivering crushing blows to divert ine''s attention and keep her off bnce.


    "This is our moment!" Broken shouted.


    [Alora''s Fierce Empowerment (Conditional Active Skill)]


    As Broken activated her skill, he felt a surge of energy as every one of his abilities gained a five-level boost. It was now or never, this empowered state could tip the scales in their favor. They continued pressing ine, with Broken using every skill at his disposal, switching seamlessly from spear to pickaxe, and optimizing each single-target attack.


    Slowly but surely, theirbined assault began to take a serious toll on her. Half of her spider legs were gone, and her movements had lost their brutal force.


    "Is this it?" Broken wondered, sensing an opening.


    He dashed backward. "Give me two seconds!" he called out to Alora.


    Quickly, he drew the Golden Bow of Artemis and readied his Wavebreaker Spear.


    [Sniper''s Focus (Active Skill) Lv. 5]


    This skill would deal massive damage and reduce her defense by 30% for the next 10 seconds.


    As the skill charged, Broken aimed carefully. Once it was ready, he released the spear, which shot toward ine at incredible speed, striking her with a powerful explosion that unleashed a wave of water and a rain of spears around the impact zone.


    But ine, though still fast, was visibly losing her former brutality. Her movements were growing weaker, less precise, and more desperate.


    "Broken!" Alora shouted, noticing the same thing. "I think it''s time!"


    "I''ll distract her! You go in for the ultimate attack!" Alora called.


    Broken nodded, leaping backward to find the perfect opening for his final strike.


    "I''ve got four hundred Soul Points," he murmured, "which means I can deal sixteen thousand percent of my physical damage and twenty-four thousand percent of dark elemental magic damage. That''s the maximum damage I can deliver in a single hit. I can''t afford to waste


    this."


    With ine''s defense lowered by 30%, they had only seconds to act. It was now or never. Broken focused, channeling every ounce of his energy and determination.


    He began circling ine, moving swiftly and jumping to dodge her strikes. He gripped his scythe tightly, spinning it in wide arcs as he waited for the perfect moment.


    Then, when he saw the opening he''d been waiting for, he dashed forward, closing in on


    ine, his scythe raised and ready to unleash a devastating blow.


    [You have spent 421 Soul Points to cast the skill.]


    [Soul st (Conditional Active Skill) activated!]

 Chapter 579: Chapter 579 - Berserker’s Gambit

    Chapter 579: Chapter 579 - Berserker¡¯s Gambit


    ?


    Broken prepared to activate Berserker Rage, the powerful skill from the Invincible Paragon set. He knew this meant switching from the Enchanted Raven Helm back to the Invincible Paragon Helmet, sacrificing the crow helm''s teleportation perk. But if he was going all out, he needed every bit of strength he could muster.


    With resolve, he swapped the helmets and activated the skill.


    [Berserker Rage (Active Skill) Activated]


    Immediately, a surge of raw power coursed through him, boosting his strength to a new level. To ensure sess, he activated every defensive and protective skill he had, feeling Gaia''s regenerative abilities surround him like a shield, fortifying his endurance.


    This was it. Everything was riding on this final strike.


    [You have spent 421 Soul Points to cast the skill.]


    [Soul st (Conditional Active Skill) activated!]


    Suddenly, a massive surge of energy erupted from the scythe, and countless souls seemed to spill forth, their voices echoing in his mind with agonizing rity.


    "Protect Lady ine!"


    "Kill the humans!"


    "Please, let me die!"


    "Let me die, let me die, let me die!"


    The souls'' desperate cries filled his mind all at once, their final moments washing over him like a torrent.


    The overwhelming flood of emotions, the pain, and the despair of each spirit struck him hard, leaving him nauseated.


    Broken staggered, nearly ovee by the sickening sensation. The sheer intensity of it was unbearable, and for a moment, he had to fight to keep his focus, his stomach twisting.


    Damn, he thought, trying to steady himself. What an absolutely horrifying experience.


    Broken swung his scythe at ine, but she quickly spotted the attack and spun around, lunging at him with her spider legs. Just before she could strike, Princess Alora darted in, delivering a powerful blow to ine''s side that knocked her off bnce.


    Five massive vines shot up from the ground, wrapping around ine in an attempt to restrain her. But her spider legs shed violently, tearing through the vines with ease and freeing herself.


    Then, without warning, a surge of dark energy erupted from Broken''s body, expanding rapidly. The energy coalesced around his scythe, growing until it formed a shadowy de four times its original size. With a swift, deadly motion, the scythe descended toward ine, as if the Grim Reaper himself were iming her soul.


    "This... this should be enough, right?"


    The attack unleashed a powerful shockwave of energy in all directions, apanied by the anguished cries of the souls that had fueled its devastating power. The irony wasn''t lost on him¡ªthese were the very souls of her own people, now turned against her in this final assault.


    The recoil from the st sent Broken flying backward, but Polly braced herself, steadying him so he didn''t tumble even further. Alora, on the other side, was wrapped in the protective glow of Vermilion Dusk from Pawpaw, regaining her footing just as Broken did.


    The impact had split ine''s body in half, and she copsed onto the ground, her severed spider legs scattered around her. But to his shock, she wasn''t dead.


    There''s no notification of her defeat?! Damn it!


    "Damn it! She''s still alive!" Broken eximed.


    "We have to keep going, Broken!" Alora shouted. "She has to be more vulnerable now than ever. We''re not done yet!"


    Broken and Alora charged toward the remnants of ine''s body scattered across the ground. But before they could strike, a massive explosion erupted from her, sending them hurtling back as a shockwave sted outward.


    In the distance, a vortex of energy spiraled upward, and ine rose from the debris, her bodypletely restored.


    This time, however, the lower half of her form had transformed into that of a monstrous spider, with her human torso extending out from its armored carapace. Her hair had turned sharp and jet-ck, making her look even more terrifying than before.


    "She''s risen again," Alora murmured, a trace of dread in her voice. "And she''s even stronger than before... Is this her second form?"


    "Damn it," Broken growled. "This is exactly what I hate about boss monsters-never knowing how many forms they have! And if this isn''t even herst one... we''re in for a real nightmare."


    ine let out an ear-splitting roar, her voice booming with fury, "This is my final form! Get ready to face your doom! Prepare to suffer and die in agony!"


    She was even more terrifying now, and, to their shock, she was speaking clearly again. Just then, a notification appeared on Broken''s screen.


    [Warning: Your Stamina has dropped to 20%. Please restrain yourself to ensure you have enough stamina while you are away from the charging station.]


    "Not really the time for jokes, is it, System?" Broken muttered under his breath.


    "Can you do another attack like before?" Alora asked.


    He hesitated, then slowly replied, "I can... I can if I do another massacre, and gather enough Soul Points. This time, maybe I don''t need to hold back. I could fill the gaugepletely... no


    restraint."


    Broken scanned the battlefield and realized that all the Faebeasts from before had scattered, leaving only ine standing before them.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He murmured to Alora, "We need to track down those Faebeasts, Princess. I''ll need their Soul Points if we want to take her down."


    Just then, ine began shrieking, her voice filled with murderous rage. "Die, die, die... you will all die!"


    Broken replied dryly, "That''s exactly the kind of line I''d expect from a boss monster."


    "Broken..." Alora touched his hand, directing his gaze to the side.


    When he looked, he saw something rushing toward them-a familiar sight. Kingsley, in his panther form, was bounding closer, with Melliandra and Ivana riding on his back. And above, Elincia''s figure appeared, floating toward them until she gracefully descended beside them. Ivana immediately leaped down and rushed toward Broken. "Broken... Why do you look like this? You still have your consciousness, right?"


    "Yes, Ivana, don''t worry," he replied.


    Elincia nced at him, raising an eyebrow. "Phew... another form, Broken? How do you keep getting new upgrades every time I see you?"


    Melliandra, with a smirk, chimed in. "Honestly, I think he''s more suited to a slimy worm


    form, considering he''s such a pervert."


    Elincia nodded in agreement. "But a Grim Reaper look suits you perfectly, Broken. It''s a very...


    fitting form."


    Broken sighed, trying to keep hisposure as they teased him. "d you all approve," he


    muttered.


    They all turned to face ine as Ivana and Kingsley stepped forward, ready to stand at the


    front.


    "So, she''s changed to a new form? Is this the final one?" Elincia asked.


    "Yes, she said so," Broken replied.


    Elincia studied ine for a moment. "Well, I don''t think defeating her will be easy. Our


    numbers might becking, but that''s no reason to back down."


    Kingsley nced at her with a wry smile. "Did you forget Princess Alora is here, Elincia? She


    should be the one giving us that kind of rallying speech."


    Alora smiled warmly. "Not really. I didn''t say it like that."


    Just then, the dark energy surrounding Broken dissipated, his appearance returning to


    normal. He exhaled a deep breath, the exhaustion clear in his voice.


    "My stamina''s draining fast. I won''t be able to hold out much longer."

 Chapter 580: Chapter 580 - When the Flames Fade

    Chapter 580: Chapter 580 - When the mes Fade


    ?


    Broken knew his Stamina dwindled as his Eternal me form drained his energy rapidly, forcing him to deactivate it. But he still had plenty of ways to stay in the fight.


    "Your Eternal me form is incredible, Broken," Elincia said. "But it looks like you need to upgrade your Stamina stat even further, don''t you think?"


    "Yeah, I believe you''re right."


    "Well, then," Elincia said, her voice firm, "I don''t think we have any choice but to give it our all. Let''s take her down!"


    ine''s face twisted in fury, her deafening roar slicing through the air. And suddenly, she unleashed a stream of green liquid directly at them from her mouth.


    "Spread out!" Kingsley shouted, signaling everyone to scatter in different directions.


    Ivana and Kingsley sprinted in opposite directions, nking ine from both sides. Kingsley lunged at her with all his strength, while Ivana hurled her shield from a distance, causing ine to stumble slightly.


    Broken shouted, "Pawpaw! Polly! Head to the nearby area and take out as many Faebeasts as you can!"


    "Meow!"


    "Yes, Master!"


    The tide of battle shifted when two tankers joined the fray. Without hesitation, Kingsley, now in his bear form, charged at ine, mming into her with all his strength. His massive paws and ws struck her hard, but despite multiple shes ine inflicted on him, he pressed on, bearing down on her with his colossal form.


    However, ine''s fury only intensified, and her movements grew lightning-fast. Brutally, she drove her spider-like legs into Kingsley, dealing him heavy damage.


    "Kingsley needs help!" Broken shouted.


    A massive shield suddenly shot through the air, crashing into ine''s side, briefly staggering her. Ivana appeared, grabbing the shield mid-stride, teeth gritted as she swung it with full force, smashing into ine again.


    ine was sent hurtling to the side, freeing Kingsley from her relentless assault.


    Elincia and Melliandra unleashed a steady barrage of attacks from a distance, forcing ine to break her focus and hindering her ability to move optimally. Even so, her speed was astonishing; she managed to deflect Melliandra''s projectiles with her agile spider legs.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Slowly but surely, though, ine seemed to be struggling to fend off the relentless attacks from all sides. She darted and shed at Dendros'' conjured vines, only for new ones to grow andsh out at her again.


    "Damn it!" Broken muttered under his breath, quickly assessing his options, weighing which skills and maneuvers would give him the edge.


    His Mana was easy enough to replenish, but Stamina? That could only be restored with rest- something they had no time for now.


    This was theirst chance to bring ine down. If they failed, the consequences would be far


    worse.


    Ivana maintained her strategic positioning, making it difficult for ine to maneuver. With swift, agile movements, she used her shield to disrupt ine''s footing, forcing her back several paces.


    ine shrieked in fury,unching a spray of green liquid toward Ivana. But Ivana dodged swiftly, catching her shield midair and spinning around to deliver a powerful blow directly at ine.


    "Skywarden wouldn''t be too thrilled to see how Ivana fights," Elinciamented with a smirk from above. "Maybe we should invite her to the next raid party."


    "That Skywarden is a waste of space," Melliandra scoffed. "We should just get rid of him and his brainless antics."


    ine shrieked and roared, her piercing voice forcing everyone to take a cautious step back as she attempted to break free from Kingsley and Ivana''s relentless assault. She bolted toward Elincia, aiming for the source of the most damaging attacks.


    Elincia responded swiftly, unleashing a barrage of lightning bolts that hammered down on ine.


    "It seems this mindless creature has an impressive level of intelligence," she remarked. "She went after me, recognizing who was causing the most harm."


    Meanwhile, Alora moved with practiced grace, taking advantage of every opening. Her strikes were precise, each one delivering a calcted impact that left a mark.


    When ine suddenly turned her focus to Alora, charging at her with brutal speed, Alora quickly retreated. But before ine could strike, Ivana''s shield mmed down from above, driving ine hard into the ground.


    "Thanks, Ivana," Alora said.


    "My pleasure, Princess," Ivana replied, a hint of a smile on her face.


    Elincia sighed dramatically and remarked, "What a tragic fate for the first wife, getting


    thrashed by the second and third wives."


    "That''s so funny, Elincia," Broken replied.


    Melliandra, meanwhile, kept her distance, firing precise shots with her sniper rifle,


    unconcerned and focused.


    The battle raged on brutally, attack after attack aimed at ine. Her agility was astonishing, nearly impossible to contain, and even Kingsley struggled to keep up with her rapid, unpredictable movements, bearing the brunt of her attacks as sheshed out.


    Ivana, however, was relentless, continuously hammering ine with her shield to keep her within range of herself and Kingsley, making sure the two tankers held the line against ine''s vicious attacks.


    On the other side, Alora and Broken used their agility to their advantage, darting in and out, waiting for the perfect moment to strike and dealing damage whenever an opening appeared. Theirbined maneuvers kept up the pressure, steadily wearing down their foe.


    [Your Stamina levels are critically low, buddy. Down to 5%. Better take a breather, or you might end up losing your head to a monster!]


    Broken staggered to his feet, barely able to keep his position as the warning about his Stamina rang in his ears.


    He needed rest, but ine was closing in fast. She let out a piercing scream that shook the ground, her spider legs skittering toward him with terrifying speed. She could practically smell the weakness on him, and she wasn''t about to stop her attack.


    "Broken!" Ivana shouted, hurling her shield in a desperate attempt to distract ine. But the monstrous creature kept her focus locked on her target.


    A thunderous crack ripped through the air, shaking ine. Yet even with the strike''s impact, she continued her ruthless advance on Broken.


    Broken''s health had dwindled to the point where he could barely stand, his energypletely sapped.


    ine ensnared Broken with thick webs, binding his body tightly. In an instant, two of her spider legs lunged toward him, tearing into him with brutal force. He struggled, but the grip of the webbing held firm, and there was no one close enough to stop her vicious attack.

 Chapter 581: Chapter 581 - Eternal Flame Rekindled

    Chapter 581: Chapter 581 - Eternal me Rekindled


    ?


    ine''s brutal attacknded squarely on Broken, his Health bar plummeting from the devastating blows. But suddenly, a radiant white aura surrounded his body.


    [The conditions have been fulfilled, activating Ethereal Form.]


    In an instant, Broken''s form became ghostly and translucent, his entire body shifting to an ethereal state. ine''s strikes passed through him harmlessly, her attacks unable to connect as he drifted just beyond her reach.


    Ivana and Kingsley stepped in, forcing ine back and creating distance between her and Broken.


    Broken was flung backward with incredible force, tumbling across the ground before finally skidding to a stop. Catching his breath, he struggled to his feet.


    "My apologies, Broken! This was my fault!" Kingsley called out.


    "I''m okay... I survived."


    Meanwhile, Ivana continued to hammer ine with her shield, doing everything she could to keep her off bnce.


    Broken, however, there was nothing left. His Mana, Health, and Stamina werepletely drained. Once his Ethereal Form wore off, he''d be utterly defenseless.


    He had no choice but to retreat; staying any longer would only lead to his death, a sacrifice that would ultimately be in vain.


    Broken had been fighting for an exhausting amount of time. Not only that, but he had used numerous high-level, high-impact skills-even activating his Eternal me Form. Without that, he and Alora might not havested against ine''s relentless assault.


    Now, he was truly at his limit. This was critical-dire, even.


    With Broken out of the fight, a battle that was already difficult was on the verge of bing impossible.


    If he had to fall back... would they have to surrender?


    But just as the thought took hold, Melliandra darted forward, leaping between transparent tforms as she fired relentlessly at ine. Her brutal attacks forced ine back, away from Broken.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Landing directly in front of Broken, Melliandra red at him over her shoulder. "You stupid idiot! Why do you have to cause us so much trouble? Just get out of here! You''re only weighing us down!"


    Broken tried to stand, desperately searching for a solution, but he knew there was none.


    Stamina was ruthless like that-once depleted, the only way to recover it was through rest. If he forced himself to move, he''d just end up frozen in ce, helplessly absorbing attacks like a statue.


    No, he didn''t have a single skill to restore Stamina. Not one! Even his regeneration abilities only healed his Health, not his energy reserves.


    He watched hispanions continue the battle against ine, seeing Kingsley take increasingly brutal hits. The worst part? They had no true healer among them. Once Gaia''s duration expired, this fight would be over.


    Wait-Broken could still summon ckthorn, his golem! He had purposely saved it for an emergency just like this. Yeah, that could work...


    But then, suddenly, a notification shed across his vision:


    [You have received an email from Akidia, the Goddess of Sloth.]


    Broken was startled as a notification appeared before him.


    "Goddess Akidia?!" he whispered, feeling a surprising warmth in his chest just from saying her name.


    Could she be watching this battle from afar?


    He couldn''t contain his excitement as he quickly opened the message.


    There was no exnation in the email-just a single item attached.


    "Huh? That''s it?"


    He imed the item, and its details popped up:


    [Reset & Recharge Ticket]


    [Hit the ultimate do-over button! With this ticket, you get a total reset and a fresh recharge. Everything back to full, like you never even ran out. Perfect for when you need a second wind (or third... we won''t judge)!]


    Broken''s eyes widened in astonishment. This was exactly what he needed to turn the battle around.


    "Reset & Recharge Ticket?" he murmured, the words sinking in.


    A faint smile spread across his face as he realized just how perfectly timed this gift was. He couldn''t help but feel grateful to Goddess Akidia for knowing exactly when to intervene. There''s no way support like this could arrive at such a critical moment without her watching over me. She hadn''t abandoned him at all; she was simply waiting for the right moment to step in, ready to help when he truly needed it.


    [You have received an email from Akidia, the Goddess of Sloth.]


    A notification chimed, and Broken nced down at his screen.


    "Another mail?" he muttered, quickly opening it.


    [Message from Akidia:]


    [Allo... Broken,


    Sorry, I forgot to attach the message in the previous mail. A lot of love from me to you!


    So... how should I say...


    Uhm...


    The present I gave you is something you''ve earned from all the work you''ve put in up to this day. It''s totally legal, but please keep it to yourself. Don''t go around telling anyone, okay?


    But remember, I can''t always be there to help you. I''m very busy!


    Ah, I don''t know what else to say. Bye-bye!


    Akidia]


    Broken couldn''t help but smile. Despite her casual tone, he felt the warmth of her support.


    Without hesitation, Broken tore the ticket in his hand.


    [You have activated the Reset & Recharge Ticket!]


    [Your overall condition has been reset.]


    [Mana replenished, Health fully restored, Stamina at peak levels.]


    [Additionally, Soul Points have beenpletely filled.]


    "Huh?" Broken murmured, stunned. "That ticket... it just filled up all my Soul Points! Man, I''d


    love to know where I can find more of those."


    Out of nowhere, Melliandra dropped down beside him, her eyes zing. "You idiot, get out of


    here, right now, or you''re dead!"


    Broken rose to his feet, steady and unfazed, his calm unwavering.


    "Hey!" she shouted again. "Didn''t I tell you to leave? Stop being stubborn!"


    Broken turned to her with a faint smile. "No, it''s okay. I''m alright."


    She scowled. "Alright? How can you be alright when you''ve run yourself ragged? Do you want


    me to finish you off right here and now to end your suffering?!"


    At that moment, dark energy began to swirl around him, forming a shadowy robe that enveloped his body, obscuring parts of his face. His faint smile remained as he stood before


    Melliandra, power radiating from him.


    "What?! How is this possible?" she asked. "You still have Stamina left?"


    Without a word, Broken focused, unleashing every ounce of strength at his disposal. His skills


    and cooldowns reset, his powers fully restored.


    "Gaia, Dendros, Polly, Pawpaw-everyone! I summon you all!"


    ***


    (Author''s Note: Plot Armor or Sugar Mommy Armor?)


    Imagine having a goddess who drops in with a "hey, babe, saw you were struggling, here''s a


    lil'' reset so you don''t embarrass yourself out there" gift. That''s some serious Sugar Mommy Armor. Broken might be the Champion of Sloth, but Akidia''s out here making sure he''s not


    cking off too hard.


    Oh, and don''t forget to show some love for our girl, Goddess Akidia, the real MVP. Without her, Broken would''ve been nothing but spider-dinner!

 Chapter 582: Chapter 582 - Breaking the Curse

    Chapter 582: Chapter 582 - Breaking the Curse


    ?


    All eyes on the battlefield turned to Broken as he returned, somehow fully restored and brimming with energy.


    Elincia, hovering in the air, shouted, "Hey, what kind of power-up did you get, Broken?!"


    She tossed an item down to him, which he caught mid-air. Spellweaver Chrono Booster, an hourss-shaped artifact.


    "This item will boost my Mana even more," he said with a grin.


    Ivana''s face lit up as she watched him, clearly relieved. Alora, equally amazed, murmured, "How did he do that?"


    The team was nearing exhaustion; their previous battles with Morel and the Faebeasts had drained almost all their resources. Alora herself was running low on Mana and Stamina.


    "So..." Elincia quipped, narrowing her eyes. "Did you just level up? Only a level-up fully restores Mana and Health, right? But that doesn''t exin your Stamina! What kind of divine intervention did you get, huh? Stop hiding your Divine Champion status!"


    Broken just smiled in response, saying nothing.


    He withdrew his Golden Bow of Artemis in one hand and gripped his scythe tightly in the other.


    "I can do this," he murmured to himself. "This bow can shoot any item as an arrow, and the best part is, with my scythe, I don''t even have to retrieve it manually."


    [Alora''s Fierce Empowerment (Conditional Active Skill) activated]


    For the next five minutes, all skills have been boosted by five levels!


    [Sniper''s Focus (Active Skill) Lv. 10 activated]


    Broken charged his skill using the Legendary-grade Soul Drainer. As he did, a massive, circr portal appeared behind him, towering five times his height. From the portal emerged a Grim Reaper-like figure, clutching a scythe in its skeletal hands-a breathtaking visual effect of his skill.


    "Whoa!" Elincia eximed. "Why does your skill have such a cool visual, Broken? I want that, too!"


    "Pfft, that''s some!" Melliandra scoffed.


    Kingsley''s voice dropped to a whisper. "Incredible, Broken..."


    Alora''s face lit up with excitement. "I''ve never seen anything like it!"


    Ivana nodded along with the others.


    Broken released the bowstring, the Grim Reaper behind him lifted its scythe and hurled it toward ine in a sweeping arc. The scythe spun through the air with deadly precision, striking ine in an instant.


    The force of the impact radiated through her, and, just as quickly, the Grim Reaper and portal vanished, leaving only the echo of its terrifying power.


    [Invincible Shields (Active Skill) activated]


    [Invincible Force Reflection (Active Skill) activated]


    [Earth Skin (Active Skill) activated]


    [Earth Elemental Protection (Active Skill) activated]


    [Blessing of Health (Active Skill) Lv. 11 activated]


    [Nature Healing (Active Skill) activated]


    [Nature Conjuring (Active Skill) activated]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Miner''s Fortitude (Conditional Passive Skill) Lv. 8 activated]


    [Water Domain (Active Skill) activated]


    Broken immediately activated every defensive skill in his arsenal and charged at ine without hesitation, his body fortified byyers of protection. Spinning his scythe rapidly, he dashed forward, leapt, and brought it down in a powerful strike, then moved back, keeping up a relentless rhythm of attacks.


    With the support of his summoned allies surrounding her, ine waspletely overwhelmed, assaulted from every side. Broken moved with incredible speed, almost as if he were the Grim Reaper himself, fulfilling his deadly role with each swing.


    "I have to keep pressing her as long as I have the chance," he muttered. "I need to weaken her enough to set up my ultimate skill and end this!"


    His movements were precise, his focus sharp. He couldn''t afford a single mistake. He knew that if he slipped, ine would retaliate viciously. But for now, he had her cornered, his scythe slicing through the air with deadly intent.


    As he struck again, his scythe tore into ine, her blood spilling out and shimmering under the silvery moonlight, staining the ground beneath them.


    Elincianded gracefully beside Kingsley, Alora, and Ivana, all of whom were catching their breath, their Stamina nearly depleted.


    "Did we really need to be here from the start?" she asked with augh. "Just look at him. Why does he always hold back until thest possible second? He''s totally got a heroplex, doesn''t he?"


    "That idiot is just showing off," Melliandra muttered in frustration. "Acting like he''s run out of Stamina, only to jump back into the fight like he''s invincible."


    Elinciaughed, nudging her. "Come on, Mel. Can''t you cut him a little ck for once?"


    The cooldown for Sniper''s Focus had ended. Without hesitation, Broken switched to his Woond Ranger suit.


    "Dendros, everyone. Hold her down!" he shouted, and all his summons, including Polly and Pawpaw,unched coordinated attacks from all directions, creating the time he needed to


    prepare.


    [Sniper''s Focus (Active Skill) Lv. 10 activated]


    This time, he wielded The Scorchyer. As he charged the skill, the sky split open, and a colossal demonic hand appeared, grasping an evenrger version of The Scorchyer. When the charge finished, the enormous sword descended to the earth, engulfed in mes, creating a massive ring of fire as it struck. The impact pinned ine to the ground, drastically reducing her defense.


    Seeing the opening, Broken swiftly switched to his Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe.


    [Explosive Arrow (Active Skill) Lv. 10 activated]


    The massive version of the pickaxe appeared behind him, spinning. As the chargepleted, the earth shook, and dozens of massive boulders rained down, pounding the ground with deafening impacts. Each strike raised debris, filling the air with the sound of continuous,


    thunderous blows.


    Broken''s attacks unleashed catastrophic damage, while the others had wisely stepped back, avoiding the destruction that shattered the battlefield around ine.


    The damage was evident-ine''s body was visibly battered, her form barely holding together. Sensing this was his chance, Broken swiftly switched back to his Invincible Paragon


    armor.


    [Berserker Rage (Active Skill) activated]


    [Soul Stone-Harvesting (Conditional Active Skill) activated]


    [You have utilized 200 Soul Points to activate the conditional active skill, Soul Stone-


    Harvesting.]


    [You now have a one hundred percent chance to acquire a Soul Stone from the first Victim you


    kill in the next ten seconds.]


    ine was in a dire state, and Broken knew this was the moment to unleash his ultimate skill.


    [Soul st (Conditional Active Skill) activated]


    [You have spent 800 Soul Points to cast the skill.]


    Dark energy surged through him, amplified by his Grim Reaper form, though he could feel his


    Stamina quickly draining under the strain.


    "I''ll need a serious Stamina boost after this."


    Gripping his scythe firmly, Broken swung with all his might. A torrent of dark energy exploded


    from the scythe, cascading toward ine like a storm.


    "With this skill," he dered, his voice filled with intensity, "I can deal an incredible 32,000% physical damage and 48,000% dark elemental damage to her!"


    A powerful surge of energy erupted from him, enveloping the scythe as it grew to several times its original size. The air around him pulsed with energy, and shadows danced across the


    battlefield as he prepared to strike the final blow.


    "ine, please, let us end this."


    "You''ve endured this suffering for hundreds of years."


    "Your pain ends here, today."


    "Let the Fae who''ve suffered finally rest in peace."


    "Let me lift this curse from the Moonlight Fae... once and for all!"


    With a final, swift motion, he brought the massive scythe down upon her, pouring every ounce of strength, everyst Soul Point into the devastating blow aimed directly at ine.

 Chapter 583: Chapter 583 - Elaine’s Legacy

    Chapter 583: Chapter 583 - ine¡¯s Legacy


    ?


    The impact was colossal-the explosion sent debris and a brutal wave of energy in all directions. Broken held his ground, bracing himself against the chaotic force. Amidst the swirling dust and crackling energy, he saw fractures spreading through ine''s monstrous spider form, her body beginning to crumble and copse.


    Is this it? he wondered, preparing himself to strike again, but just then, a notification shed before him:


    [Mission Complete! You have sessfully eliminated Eternal me ine Lv. 255.]


    He exhaled deeply, a relieved smile breaking across his face.


    Good for you, ine, he thought, watching as the dark energy around her dissipated.


    As the chaos settled, he saw her true form emerging from the crumbling remains of her monstrous body.


    There she stood, restored-a faery with pointed ears, long blonde hair, and a tattered dress. Her body glistened faintly, as if bathed in a soft light, and her eyes, now calm, gazed back at him.


    "ine," he murmured, stepping forward, until he was standing directly in front of her.


    "Broken... you did it..." she whispered.


    "ine..." Broken said, realizing with a surge of hope that she was still alive, she could be saved.


    But as he looked closer, he saw her form beginning to dissolve, breaking apart into pixels that floated away like shimmering dust.


    Desperately, he cast a healing spell, extending his hand toward her.


    [Healing Touch (Active Skill) Lv. 11 activated]


    "ine, you can hold on. I''ll heal you," he said, pouring his energy into the spell, hoping to make a difference.


    He''d seen Ivana do this once, she had managed to save Elowen from the brink of death.


    "Ivana can help," he urged. "You can survive this."


    He nced behind him, scanning the area, searching for Ivana, desperate to bring her over before it was toote.


    "Broken..." ine whispered softly. "No, Broken."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Broken felt ine step closer, wrapping her arms around him and pressing her cheek gently against his chest.


    "ine?" he murmured, turning to look at her. She was... silently crying, tears slipping down her face.


    "It''s enough... it''s okay," she whispered gently.


    Broken hugged her back, still hoping this wasn''t a goodbye.


    [Healing Touch (Active Skill) Lv. 11 activated]


    But nothing happened.


    "ine, we can save you. Ivana can do something, there''s still a chance." ine shook her head.


    "I''ve lived long enough. I''ve fulfilled my purpose, protecting the Moonlight Fae. And you''ve done what you needed to by ending my Eternal me form. It''s... enough. I''m sorry I couldn''t be here longer after making a bond with you."


    Broken''s hands trembled as he felt her body slowly disintegrating, pixel by pixel. Half of her form was already gone, fading into light.


    "ine..." he whispered, his voice cracking.


    "Thank you... for everything," ine whispered. "You taught me so much in my final moments. Give my regards to those who survive. I saw some of them... they''re still surviving. They''ll stand by you and take my ce at your side."


    Broken held her tightly, feeling her presence slipping away as her form continued to dissolve. His arms slowly closed around nothingness.


    "ine! We can still save you!"


    But her fading voice reached him onest time. "Goodbye, Broken. I... love you." And with that, she vanishedpletely, her form dissolving into light, leaving him stumbling forward into the empty space where she had been just a moment before. "ine!" Broken gritted his teeth, shaking his head.


    He stood there, motionless, a hollow stillness settling over him. The ache of sudden emptiness wed at his chest, and for a long moment, he could do nothing but stare at the space she''d left behind.


    "She''s truly gone..." Broken murmured, his voice barely a whisper, still unable to fully ept what had happened.


    Yes, he hadpleted the quest. He had ended ine''s Eternal me form, lifted the curse, and freed the surviving Faes to return to their true forms. He had won, achieved everything he''d set out to do. But the cost... her sacrifice- it left an emptiness, a bitterness that victory couldn''t erase.


    The weight of it sat heavy within him. This wasn''t the triumph he''d imagined.


    He nced down at his ring, The Unbreakable Heart Ring. ine''s name had vanished from the list of partners, a painful confirmation that she was truly gone.


    But, to his surprise, the Eternal me form skill remained, asting gift from her.


    Her final strength and power, entrusted to him, still resided within. The form he''d unlocked through their bond was his to wield.


    Elincia, Alora, Ivana, and the others approached Broken slowly, stopping at a respectful distance to give him space.


    They could feel the sadness radiating from him, the hollow ache of a victory that wasn''t entirely a victory. So they waited, standing quietly, giving him a moment to grieve before they celebrated this hard-won oue together.


    For Broken, this victory was a bitter one. He had defeated the main viin, ended the curse, andpleted the quest. But in doing so, he had lost someone who had trusted him deeply, someone with whom he had built a rare bond. ine had been the first to reach an affinity of 82% with him¡ªsomething not even Polly had achieved yet.


    That level of trust and faith, the sacrifice she''d made, weighed heavily on him. This journey had led to betrayal, death, brutal choices, and ultimately, her sacrifice. It was victory, but not the ideal one he had hoped for.


    And yet, in the end, they had achieved their goal: the curse was lifted, the Fae were freed, and peace was within reach.


    Sometimes, the path to victory required sacrifices that would never fully heal.


    Broken turned to the others, a faint but genuine smile finally breaking through his somber expression. Seeing this, they moved closer to him.


    "We won," Elincia said softly.


    Broken nodded. "Yes, we did."


    They stood together in silence, letting the weight of the moment settle and slowly dissolve.


    After a few moments, Melliandra let out a deep sigh and sank to the ground. "I''m so tired."


    Kingsley offered a nod of admiration. "That was truly impressive, Broken. You''re really


    something."


    Ivana, standing by his side, gave him a warm smile. "You did it, Broken."


    Alora chuckled. "At this rate, the kingdom''s going to run out of resources trying to reward you


    for every great thing you do."


    "Congrats, hero!" Elincia added, grinning. "Once again, you stole the spotlight in this grand battle. Too bad Tora wasn''t here to capture it all on record!" She giggled.


    As the loot items materialized on the ground where ine had fallen, they glowed softly,


    then levitated and shot toward Broken, merging into him. He turned, startled, as the objects


    entered his inventory.


    Elincia''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Did I just see that correctly?"


    Melliandra looked equally shocked. "Two Soul Stones?! That''s impossible! How could that


    happen?"


    [You have obtained Eternal me Eye ine Lv. 255]


    [You have obtained Fae Soul Stone ine Lv. 255]


    [You have obtained Fae Soul Stone ine Lv. 255]


    Broken stared, astonished, realizing he had actually received two Soul Stones. The oue


    was due to the powerful effects of Soul Stone-Harvesting and Bountiful Harvest working


    together.


    [A remarkable event has taken ce, triggering a consequential reaction.]


    Elincia suddenly spoke up, her voice tense. "Wait! This feels like d¨¦j¨¤ vu. Is the same thing


    going to happen again? Do we need to run?"


    Melliandra''s eyes widened in rm. "Yeah, run! Run as fast as you can!" she shouted, already


    taking a step back.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Raise your hand if you''re not emotionally okay after that goodbye. ¡Á¡Á¡Á


    ine may be gone, but she left Broken with some seriously OP gifts... which he definitely


    earned.


    But now, two Soul Stones? That''s gotta mean something big, right? I mean, our boy is


    practically maized to danger. []


    Who''s ready to see what fresh chaos awaits our hero? Don''t forget to hit that Golden Ticket to send Broken some good vibes-he''s gonna need them!

 Chapter 584: Chapter 584 - Dormant Fae Seed

    Chapter 584: Chapter 584 - Dormant Fae Seed


    ?


    Two Soul Stones emerged from Broken''s Inventory, both floating in the air, spinning rapidly with a powerful vibration.


    "Broken, tell me. Will something like Gaia emerge from those Soul Stones?" Elincia asked urgently.


    "No!" Ivana replied immediately, stepping forward toward the floating stones.


    "Ivana?" Broken said, moving closer to her.


    "No, this won''t harm us," she assured him.


    For some reason, after hearing her words, Elincia and the others decided not to flee. Surprisingly, they trusted her.


    [Two Soul Stones with identical entities are undergoing a fusion process...]


    Broken received another notification, watching as the two Soul Stones seemed to draw closer, merging together as lines of energy formed a cocoon, wrapping around them both.


    "Could ine be reborn from these Soul Stones? Or maybe... will a spirit emerge, like what happened with Gaia?"


    Polly, still in herrge form, walked up to Broken and pressed her head against his face. Broken stroked the fox''s head gently.


    "Polly, are you okay? Where''s Pawpaw?"


    Polly gestured toward her back, where the little kitteny fast asleep.


    Broken carefully lifted the kitten and ced him into his pocket dimension.


    They turned their attention back to the two floating stones.


    "Master... I can hear a voiceing from over there," Polly said.


    "Will a spirit be born from this?" Broken asked.


    Polly was silent for a moment. "I don''t know."


    [A fusion process has stalled due to insufficient energy...]


    [The two Soul Stones, once in the process of merging, are now in a new form: a Dormant Fae Seed.]


    The floating stones had stopped vibrating, now fused into one and wrapped in a glowing green cocoon. Slowly, it drifted down to the ground.


    Broken stepped forward and picked it up, studying it closely.


    "A Dormant Fae Seed?" he murmured, pausing in thought.


    He looked over at Alora, Ivana, and then Elincia, hoping one of them might have an answer. "No, I don''t know. I''ve never heard of it," Elincia said, shaking her head.


    "This is new for me as well," Alora said. "I know Elves and Fae share the same ancestry, but we Elves have evolved, bing more human-like over time. The Fae, on the other hand, stayed closer to their ancient roots, especially in the ways they reproduce and grow."


    "I''ve heard something like that too," Broken replied.


    Broken examined the item, but there was no description or exnation. Taking a chance, he tried channeling some Mana into the Dormant Fae Seed, which caused it to glow faintly blue for a moment.


    "Does this need a Mana supply too, like Pawpaw''s egg, for it to hatch?"


    But there was still no response from the Seed, even as he poured more Mana into it.


    Could ine really be reborn from this?


    Broken decided to store the Dormant Fae Seed for now and figure it outter. He realized he''d missed a few notifications in his system and scrolled through, skimming the important


    points.


    [You did it! You totally crushed the quest "Can You End the Suffering?" with incredible sess. It''s like you were born to do it! Well done, you superstar!]


    [The rating of the Quest has been upgraded to SS.]


    [You have been awarded 100 Stat Points.]


    "Damn, 100 stat points?!"


    [Congrattions on sessfully lifting the curse that has gued the Moonlight Fae for centuries! Your affinity with them has risen to 47%.]


    [However, be aware that some may still hold resentment toward you. It''s up to you to decide how to handle them; most likely, they will follow and serve you as their new leader.]


    And the final reward... the Moonlight Fae. It seemed the curse had beenpletely lifted, and the Faes should have returned to their normal forms.


    Broken had seen Cedric and Cecilia escaping from here earlier in their Eternal me forms, and he hoped they''d both made it out safely.


    He let out a quiet sigh, then turned to face his friends, who were watching him eagerly for an update.


    "Well, the quest isplete, the curse is lifted, and I got a reward, another egg, I think," he said with a small smile.


    "Looks like you''re collecting babies faster than wives, huh, Broken?" Elincia teased with a smirk.


    Broken didn''t respond, but Alora and Ivana seemed to take the jab to heart. The two of them looked away, each trying to hide an awkward expression.


    [The time has almoste for the Moonlight Land to expire, and anyone who is currently within its borders will be forced to leave within sixty seconds.]


    "Well, they''re telling us to get out now. Let''s go," Broken said to the others, and they quickly started walking.


    "So... looks like you cleaned up pretty well in that whole battle, huh?" Elincia nudged his shoulder as they walked.


    Melliandra chimed in. "You should share some of that loot with us too, Broken!"


    "What exactly do you want, Melliandra?"


    "Craft me something! A new weapon," she said eagerly.


    "But, you know I''m a cksmith, right? I can''t just craft a new Sniper Rifle for you."


    Melliandra scowled and huffed, "Tsk! Well, then maybe you should learn whatever ss you need to make one, don''t you think?"


    Broken chuckled. "I promised I''d craft something for each of you after this expedition, and I''ll keep my promise. But learning a whole new ss? Might be a bit much to ask."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Ugh, you''re such a pain."


    Suddenly, a massive crack split open in the sky, and within seconds, more fractures spidered across its surface, as if reality itself were breaking apart. In a sh, everything around them


    seemed to shift.


    The forest had transformed dramatically; treesy toppled in every direction, and the scars of the recent battle were painfully evident.


    After a moment, Broken and hispanions noticed figures emerging in the distance. At the head of the group was Cedric, unmistakable, with perhaps a dozen Faes following closely


    behind him.


    Cedric stopped in front of Broken and held silent for a moment.


    "You have fulfilled the promise you made to our tribe, Mr. Broken," he finally said.


    Broken searched the group for Cecilia, but she was nowhere to be seen.


    Slowly, he asked Cedric, "How many from you survived?"


    "Fifteen, Mr. Broken," Cedric replied in a subdued voice.


    A heavy silence settled between them. Broken took a step closer, the unspoken question -"Where is Cecilia?"-hovering on his lips, yet he held it back.


    After a pause, Cedric lowered his gaze and murmured, "Cecilia didn''t make it. I failed to protect her." His fists clenched tightly as he struggled to hold back his emotions.


    The area fell still, and everyone could feel the weight of Cedric''s grief as he fought to contain


    his tears.


    Without a word, Broken stepped forward and wrapped an arm around Cedric, patting his back gently. No words were necessary.


    He had taken down several Fae Beasts in the battle, but he had made sure not to target Cedric or Cecilia. Yet, the chaos of the fight had been overwhelming, and in the end, the oue was beyond anyone''s control.


    After a moment, Broken stepped back, and Cedric lifted his face, trying to mask his sorrow.


    "You''re free now. So what do you n to do?" Broken said.


    Cedric met Broken''s gaze and answered firmly, "Allow us to follow you. Now that the curse is lifted, we can still shift into our Eternal me form and control it consciously, so we can be of use to you, Mr. Broken. Please, let us serve under your leadership."


    Broken nodded. "I have a small town in the southern part of the Dissidia Kingdom. Come with


    me and help me build it."


    The faeries smiled at the offer, clearly relieved. They had managed to return to their true Fae forms and could even control their Eternal me forms now. For those who had survived, it


    truly felt like a blessing.


    "Alright, let''s head back."


    After some time, the rest of the party finally arrived, including members from the kingdom, warriors from Deadbay City, knights loyal to Broken, and other members of the Ass Guild. To everyone''s relief and joy, their expedition had been a tremendous sess.


    As they began their journey back, Livelywood approached Broken.


    "Broken..."


    "Yes?"


    "I have something for you," Livelywood said, extending his hand to reveal an object.


    It was a Soul Stone.


    "Whose is this?" Broken asked, but Livelywood simply handed it over without a word.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Alright, folks, that''s a wrap! [Volume 4 - Blood on Enchanted Soil ends here! Hoorah! I couldn''t be happier (or more exhausted).


    I''d love to hear your thoughts and feelings on this volume. Drop ament, let me know


    what parts hit the hardest! And if you feel inspired, maybe leave a quick review? Nothing makes me happier than seeing your reactions, and who knows, it might even make me treat our dear MC a little better in the next volume.


    So, what''sing up? Eternal Challenge, anyone? Or perhaps it''s finally time for Broken to officially establish his Guild? And we can''t forget that little "toy" he''s been ignoring for a whole volume... Yes, I''m talking about that golem ss, xi xi xi xi xi...


    See you in Volume 5, and thank you for all your support![]

 Chapter 585: Chapter 585 - Snowfall and Small Talk

    Chapter 585: Chapter 585 - Snowfall and Small Talk


    ?


    What a tiring journey, what a grueling quest, but it was finally over. The troubles with the Moonlight Fae had been resolved, everyone had returned to their own ces, and peace had been restored.


    Leon spent the next two days catching up on things in the real world. He worked on his university assignments, resumed his training after skipping a few days, and remembered that it wasn''t really a vacation he''d been on, but rather a trip to visit Maylock''s wife, which had kept him away for a while.


    The unexpected "break" had stretched to five days, since Leon had been too caught up in the Moonlight Fae quest to focus on anything else until it was truly finished.


    He stepped out of the martial arts training center, where Freya was waiting for him in her car. It was the end of December, and the snow was piling up thickly on the streets.


    As he climbed into the car, she was already behind the wheel. "Oh, looks like I got VIP treatment today," he said, ncing at her with a grin.


    "Nope, you''ll need to pay me double for this ride."


    "Oh, right, I forgot how I begged you toe pick me up."


    "Yeah, don''t forget how much you owe me," she replied with a smirk. "Remember all I''ve done for you, okay?"


    "Yes, ma''am."


    The car moved smoothly as they settled into an easy conversation.


    "Cedric and the others are in Slumdon now," Freya said.


    "Do they like it there? It''s probably the first time they''ve seen so many people outside of the Fae."


    "Yeah, Cedric''s adapting quickly. He''s always been good with people," she replied with a smile.


    "I think Cedric''s the right choice to lead the faeries now that they''re without a tribe leader."


    "I agree," Freya nodded. "And Cedric has realbat prowess. He even mentioned wanting to join the Knights."


    Leon sighed. "Who knows how many years he spent by Cecilia''s side, his only family."


    Freya nodded thoughtfully. "He seems to be pretty good at hiding his feelings."


    After a few minutes, Leon spoke up. "What about Maylock, Maylon?"


    "He hasn''t logged in since the battle at Deadbay," Freya replied quietly.


    Leon nodded slowly. "This must be a very difficult time for him."


    He wondered if they should start visiting him regrly, to show their support.


    The car pulled up in front of the lobby, and Leon opened the door.


    "Want toe up for a bit?"


    "No, tired."


    Leon grinned. "Alright. Bye," he said, closing the door.


    As Freya drove off, Leon felt his phone vibrating in his pocket. He nced at the screen. "Olivia?"


    It had been a long time since he''dst heard from her. Thest time they''d been together was during the battle against the Named Demon Duke Gremory in Hell.


    Afterward, Laura had mentioned that Olivia was still there, lingering in Hell, though she hadn''t exined why. Laura herself seemed to have her own reasons for staying, though what


    exactly she was doing there remained a mystery as well.


    Had Laura really still left the Copy of Charmelyn in Hell?


    The phone rang, it was Olivia calling.


    Leon picked up the phone. "Hi, Olive..."


    "Oh... a famous person actually answered my call. I''m so happy," she replied, giggling.


    "Hi, long time no see. How are you?"


    "Oh, so you still remember me? And you even got my name right," she teased.


    "Yes, I''ve got you saved as Olivia - Marlene in my contacts, so don''t worry, that''s enough to jog my memory."


    "Oh, right. What''s your name again? I only remember everyone calling you Mr. yboy!" she shot back yfully.


    They went on, trading yful remarks back and forth.


    "I''m visiting your city in a few days for the New Year''s break."


    "There''s nothing here worth seeing. Go somewhere more interesting."


    "You''re there, so that''s all the entertainment I need."


    After a few more minutes, they wrapped up the call, just as Leon was walking through the hotel lobby.


    And there, he saw someone waiting. A woman with wavy blonde hair, and when she noticed him, she smiled and stood up.


    Leon walked over to her. "Laura? What are you doing here?"


    "Hi... sorry... umh, I sent you messages, but you didn''t reply, and... I figured you were at training, so I thought I''d wait here until you got back."


    "Ah, right..." Leon replied with a grin. "Sorry, I just finished up and got here."


    Laura lifted a box in her hands. "I was trying out some new recipes and thought maybe you''d


    want to taste-test. And... I made extra, so maybe Lily can try some too."


    Leon chuckled. "You came all the way here just to bring food? But hey, I appreciate it, and sorry, I didn''t see your message sooner."


    Laura smiled and nodded as Leon took the box from her hands.


    They stood in silence for a moment.


    "I should get going," Laura said with a small grin.


    "Are you driving? Want me to give you a ride?"


    "No, I''m good. I already ordered a taxi. Bye."


    Laura waved with a warm smile as she walked away, and Leon watched her go, sighing softly. He pulled out his phone again and noticed a string of unread messages blinking on the screen. Leon headed toward the elevator, thinking how it was Saturday night. Maybe he''d brought Lily to hang out at the rooftop caf¨¦, unwind, and catch up a bit.


    When he opened the door to his hotel room, he was greeted by a lively voice.


    "Leon!"


    To his surprise, someone else was inside, a girl with wavy brown hair, around Lily''s age.


    Hazel.


    Hazel started to run toward him, arms open as if to hug him, but Lily grabbed her arm, pulling


    her back.


    "Leon, I missed you..." she said with a giggle.


    "Hi, Hazel." Leon tapped her forehead gently before setting down his bag and Laura''s food


    box, then took a seat in the corner chair.


    "Didn''t know you''d be visiting."


    "See? Your sister is so heartless," Hazelined dramatically. "She kept trying to kick me out, even though I''m only here because I was lonely."


    "You look more like you''re here to flirt with Leon than because you''re lonely," Lily shot back


    dryly.


    Leon shared the food Laura had brought with them, and there was surprisingly quite a bit to


    go around.


    "Oh, this is really good..." Hazel said, taking a bite and giggling.


    "Yep, but you''ve got a lot of work to do if you want topete with all the other girls trying


    to win Leon over," Lily teased.


    "Oh, no worries. I''ve already bound him with the Bond of Desire," Hazel replied, leaningfortably against Leon. "After he''s experienced all those level boosts, he''ll keeping back for more, won''t you, Leon?"


    Leon chuckled. "Can''t deny it... that Lust Blessing of yours is pretty amazing, Hazel. But it does mean you''re kind of tied to others too, doesn''t it?"


    "More like I get others to follow my wishes," she replied with a smile, giving him a yful


    wink.


    They continued the evening with a board game, a strategic one that took quite a bit of mental


    effort to y.


    "You sure know how to wear me out, Lily," Leon sighed, having lost three times in a row.


    "Looks like challenging your brother with a game like this is the best way to beat him, huh,


    Lily?" Hazel chimed in, smirking.


    "Yeah, he''s better with his muscles than his brain," Lily teased.


    "That''s a harsh thing to say about your dear brother, isn''t it, little sister?"


    "You lost again, Leon!" Hazel announced, giggling.


    Leon sighed, epting his fate as the punching bag for the night. Yet despite the relentless


    defeats, he realized he was genuinely enjoying himself. Moments like this, justughing and having fun together, turned out to be exactly what he hadn''t realized he needed.


    ***n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    (Author''s Note:)


    Finally, a quiet night for Leon... or at least as quiet as things get with Hazel and Lily around to roast him! Gotta love their sibling energy.


    But with Olivia showing up soon, it feels like this peaceful moment is about to go poof. What do you think will Olivia bring more trouble, or could it be... romance?


    Let me know what you''re hoping for! And hey, if this chapter gave you augh or two, hit that Golden Ticket and keep the good vibes going!

 Chapter 586: Chapter 586 - The Legacy of Cecilia’s Soul

    Chapter 586: Chapter 586 - The Legacy of Cecilia¡¯s Soul


    ?


    Immortal Legacy.


    Broken had returned to Slumdon Town. Since the expedition to the Moonlight Fae Land, he hadn''t done much, having taken a few days off to handle things in the real world. But today, The sat in his study, reviewing the town''s progress.


    There was a knock on the door. After he granted permission, it opened, and two young women entered¡ªa girl with short orange hair in a maid dress, and another, a straight-haired blonde elf. Yara and Nimue.


    Yara, as usual, wore a bright smile, while Nimue, Elowen''s younger sister, kept her usual reserved and slightly shy expression.


    "My Lord, is there anything I can help with?"


    "Well, yes. I''d like to hear about the town''s progress from your perspectives and get an update on your magic training. How about we take a walk around the town? Are you both finished with your tasks?"


    "Yes, My Lord, we''d love to take a stroll with you."


    Broken stepped out of the House of Slumdon, noticing how the gardens were now filling with blooming flowers.


    "I like this ce more and more," he said, taking in the fresh, colorful scene. "Feels so much more alive."


    "My Lord, it''s all thanks to the seeds you provided us, and that rain-summoning ritual-it''s really helped bring life back to the town," Yara replied cheerfully.


    "Thank you for all your hard work, Yara. I love what you''ve done with the flower garden."


    "I''m nning to nt more flowers around town, my Lord. It''s something I love doing." "Just don''t overwork yourself, okay?"


    They continued down the town''s streets, with many people ncing their way. A few of them even bowed as they passed.


    The town had truly changed. It was no longer dry and barren; the streets were cleaner, free of the dust that once covered everything. Flowers were beginning to bloom in pots outside homes, and the number of people in the town was steadily growing, with more yers arriving each day.


    Yara chatted away, filling him in on all thetest town updates, while Nimue walked quietly by her side.


    "Since the Temple of Resurrection waspleted, we''ve had even more yers staying here," Yara continued.


    Broken suddenly remembered that he hadn''t yet set his revive point to this town. It was still set in Deadbay City. He''d need to change that soon.


    The marketce was also starting to flourish. Many townsfolk had begun setting up stalls, selling food, mined goods, and adventurer supplies. It was exciting to see the town slowlying together, piece by piece.


    The inn and restaurant established by PussyCat and RememberMe were filling up with visitors, too. As more facilities like these opened, the town''s tax revenue increased, which would help it grow even faster.


    One of the biggest attractions had be the Gori Statue in town square. Once people found out it was a real golem, visitors flocked there for photos, turning it into a bustling spot.


    While the Golemancer ss wasn''t umon-many yers had it-Broken was the only one in Immortal Legacy with a Legendary-grade golem.


    Then, a message from Freya appeared:


    [Freya: "Livelywood and Cedric are waiting for you at the HoS."]


    Ah, he''d nearly forgotten he had a meeting with Livelywood. With Yara and Nimue apanying him, Broken turned back toward the House of Slumdon.


    As they walked, Yara''s bright energy and Nimue''s quiet presence seemed to draw the eyes of everyone they passed. Broken couldn''t help but wonder if people were staring because he was walking with two striking maids-or if they were just paying more attention to him these days.


    There were fifteen Faes who had joined Broken, including Cedric, and each had found a role that suited their talents. Some worked as farmers or builders, and five of them, including Cedric, had even joined the Knights team.


    "Anna told me she had a lot of fun going on an expedition with you. Can Ie with you next time, My Lord?" Yara asked.


    Broken turned to her, raising an eyebrow. "What exactly did she do, and what does she mean by ''having fun''?"


    "Uh... maybe she got to taste lots of delicious food or hang out with the other Knights?"


    "You really should be more careful with what you hear, Yara," Broken replied, amused. "I''m sure you wouldn''t find it so interesting if you knew what Anna actually did when she came with me."


    "Oh, really?"


    "Yes, battles of life and death, no joke," he said, his tone firm. "Though maybe Anna found that exciting. Still interested?"


    Yara swallowed nervously, then grinned, clearly unsure but intrigued.


    Broken returned to the House of Slumdon and entered the living room, where Livelywood and Cedric were waiting.


    "Good morning, Broken," Livelywood greeted him with a friendly smile.


    "Greetings, My Lord... hahaha..." Cedric chimed in with his usual cheerful expression.


    "Hi..." Broken replied casually.


    The three of them took their seats on the soft, plush sofas in the living room. Broken had something important to discuss with them-specifically, the Soul Stone that Livelywood had given him at the end of the expedition a few days earlier.


    "So..." Broken began, turning to Cedric. "Livelywood found your sister''s Soul Stone."


    "Yes, My Lord..." Cedric replied, his expression calm but with his gaze slightly lowered.


    Livelywood then recounted the events of that night in the battle, and Cedric listened, his faceposed, clearly prepared to hear what had happened.


    The battle that night had been pure chaos. Many on their side had been wounded, fending off attacks from monstersing at them from every direction. The situation only worsened when Fang, the massive Eternal me wolf, entered the fray.


    Cedric''s expression tightened slightly at the mention of his father''s name.


    Fang was incredibly powerful. Without the presence of two Knight Grand Crosses, Fang could have easily wiped out many in their ranks. But just as they were barely managing to push Fang back, a new threat emerged¡ªa figure, Eternal me, a creature with white fur, walking on


    two legs.


    The creature let out a piercing scream-not just a cry, but a stunning wail that froze everyone in their tracks.


    Because of this Eternal me, several of the kingdom''s forces were killed, and even Starfall was severely wounded. Livelywood had been forced to push himself beyond his limits to break free from the creature''s crowd control and end her rampage.


    Cedric sat in silence as he absorbed the story. His sister, Cecilia, had gone all out to protect


    their father, nearly overwhelming the attackers single-handedly.


    After a moment, Cedric smiled faintly. "Cecilia did her best," he said.


    Broken nodded, considering his ns for the Soul Stone.


    "Tell me, My Lord, you mentioned you needed something with the Soul Stone, right?" Cedric


    asked.


    "Actually... I intended to use Cecilia''s Soul Stone to craft a new item."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "My Lord, with all my humility and respect, please use it as you wish; that''s your right," Cedric said firmly. "I''m sure Cecilia did her job well, and I know she wouldn''t regret any of it."


    Broken nodded slowly, moved by Cedric''s calm eptance.


    Cedric continued, "Cecilia fulfilled her role with honor, and I''m sure she would be d for her Soul Stone to serve a purpose for you." He gave a resolute nod.


    "And, my Lord," Cedric added, "there''s someone I''d like you to meet, if you don''t mind."


    "Someone?"

 Chapter 587: Chapter 587 - The Wolf’s Silent Vow

    Chapter 587: Chapter 587 - The Wolf¡¯s Silent Vow


    ?


    Broken rode on Polly with Cedric seated behind him. Beside them, a beast ran alongside, carrying a woman with short brown hair d in green and brown light armor. This was Jovina, an Enchanter and Beast Master, and also Goldrich''s frequent mission partner.


    They traveled toward the nearby forest outside Slumdon Town. After a while, they dismounted, entering the shadowed depths of the woods. Cedric moved ahead of the others and turned back to Broken. "Lord Broken, I have brought our guest to you."


    From behind the dense trees, there was a blur of movement, a shadow slipping between the trunks. Then, stepping out into view, emerged a massive wolf with a dark body streaked with cracks, as if magmay beneath its skin.


    "Fang," Broken murmured the name under his breath.


    A low growl rumbled from the wolf, then Fang lowered his body and pressed it to the ground in a gesture of respect.


    "Fang greets Lord Broken, Baron of Slumdon, the Savior of the Moonlight Fae," the wolf spoke in a deep voice.


    Broken stepped forward. "So, you''ve gained full awareness, Fang?"


    "It happened after the curse was lifted. I now have full control over this body. Only... I can''t return to my original form, like the others."


    Broken turned to Cedric. "Is it only the recently transformed who returned to normal, Cedric?"


    Cedric bowed slightly. "Yes, my Lord, only the Faes who transformed into Fae Beasts that night regained their original forms. My father... didn''t."


    Broken nodded slowly, a soft smile forming. At least Cedric could be with his father again, even if Fang had been unable to reim his true form.


    Broken looked back at Fang. "So, what''s the n now, Fang?"


    "My Lord," the wolf replied. "I have served the Moonlight Fae for as long as I can remember, and my heart remains with them. But we both know the tribe is no more. You freed us and lifted the curse. I wish to pledge my loyalty to you. Use this Eternal me wolf as you see fit."


    Curious, Broken checked his Affinity with Fang. It seemed that, thanks to the quest he''dpleted, his default affinity with any surviving Moonlight Fae started at a high value, 47%. Perhaps that was why Fang had made this decision so quickly.


    But there was a reason he had brought Jovina along today. Fang''s massive form would be a challenge to manage within the town. The wolf was toorge, and his appearance would surely frighten the townsfolk and even some of the visiting yers.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It wasn''t that Broken didn''t want to reveal Fang to the public, but with Fang''s immensebat potential, he''d nned to keep his ace hidden. He checked Fang''s stats again. Last he remembered, Fang had been around level 255... but now?


    Level 225?


    "What happened to your level, Fang? Wasn''t it higher?"


    "It dropped once the curse lifted. This is still lower than my original Fae level."


    Broken sighed. ssic game nerf. The game was always this harsh with yers. A boss


    monster that once required a full party to handle, or, in Fang''s case, two Knight Grand Crosses ¡ªwas now downgraded?


    Still, level 225 was nothing to scoff at, and Fang would be a powerful deterrent to anyone foolish enough to challenge Broken.


    And so, he''d keep Fang hidden. Better for people to underestimate his true strength. With a n already forming, Broken knew exactly how he''d use this advantage.


    Broken turned to Jovina beside him. "Jovina."


    "Don''t tell me..." she muttered, raising an eyebrow.


    "Yes, I need your help with this."


    "Wait, Broken. Have you lost your mind? Are you serious?"


    "I am. I want you to form a contract with Fang and take care of him."


    "No way! Fang is way too high-level, and his grade''s too high, too! He''d take up two slots in my beast roster. Besides, he''s insanely powerful. Are you really sure you want me to handle him?"


    "Yes. You''re the only Beast Master I trust."


    "What about Marlene? You spend way more time with her."


    "She''s... on the opposite side, remember?"


    Jovina sighed. "Broken, listen. If I contract Fang, he''ll be under mymand."


    "Yes, but this way, he''ll get proper care, and you''ll be able to keep him in your pocket dimension."


    Jovina sighed again. "And what if I betray you and use him to attack you?"


    "Please do." Broken smiled.


    "Where does that confidencee from, huh? I have no binding loyalty to you."


    "What if we make one after this?"


    "What kind of bond? I won''t form a contract! Make that clear."


    "Listen to me, Jovina. Form a contract with Fang, or don''t. But he needs care and a ce to


    stay out of sight."


    "I''ll do it... but I want rification."


    "Just do it!"


    "No, I won''t! I might be ambitious, but Fang needs to follow you alone."


    They debated back and forth for a while, with Jovina stubbornly refusing to contract Fang.


    "Fang would attract too much attention if we brought him into town," Broken said, trying to reason with her.


    "That''s obviously a problem," Jovina admitted.


    "Can you cancel the contract if it bes a burden?"


    "No way, having a beast as powerful as Fang is every Beast Master''s dream!"


    Broken considered his options. Perhaps he''d need to wait until he could form his own guild. This girl wasn''t going to be easy to convince.


    With no other options left, Broken resigned himself to dying things a bit longer. Perhaps Fang would need to wait a week, or maybe even a month. He turned back to the wolf.


    "Fang, stay in this forest, deep enough that the level is around 220 or higher. Not many people explore that far in. Wait for me just a little while longer."


    "Lord Broken, such a wait is nothing for one who has lived hundreds of years," Fang replied


    calmly.


    Broken gave a faint smile. Right.


    After that, they headed back toward Slumdon Town. As he walked, a subtle smile formed on


    his face, and he took a deep breath. He had a big project he''d been nning to start soon, one


    he could finally focus on.


    It was time to begin work on his long-dyed project, the Unseen Universe Ne.

 Chapter 588: Chapter 588 - First Collaborative Project

    Chapter 588: Chapter 588 - First Coborative Project


    ?


    Broken and Freya were waiting eagerly at the House of Slumdon when Tora and Toya finally appeared. Tora''s face was instantly bright with cheerful energy, while Toya''s expression was calm andposed.


    "Wee! How was the trip over? Come on, follow me," Broken greeted them warmly.


    They moved to the living room, settling into the soft sofa as Tora began to share his thoughts.


    "I''ve been to this ce quite a few times, and I can definitely tell things have changed around here."


    "Oh, really?" Broken replied.


    "Yeah," Tora nodded. "I''m a live streamer, so I make a point of exploring the continent and sharing lots of content for my viewers."


    Toya spoke up next. "Congrattions on your achievement with the moonlight fae. I watched the video, and it''s..."


    "Incredible?" Tora cut in with a grin.


    "...definitely not typical for a production ss," Toya finished.


    "Yeah, he''s not exactly ''normal," Freya teased,ughing.


    They then moved on to discuss the main reason they''d all gathered.


    "Alright, as we talked about before, are you ready to take on thismission, Toya?" Broken asked.


    "As long as you have the blueprint, materials, and workshop prepared, I''m ready to dive in right away."


    "I''ve set up two rooms for you both in this house, since we knew it would take a few days toplete. Besides, with the year-end holidays approaching, I imagine you''ll be busy, right?" "No, actually, the holidays give me more time to focus on my game," Toya answered.


    Freyaughed. "You two really are alike."


    "And I''ll be here with you too, lil'' sis," Tora said with a smile.


    "No one needs you here-go and do your own work," Toya replied.


    Tora justughed, shing a yful grin at her words.


    The House of Slumdon, where the cksmith workshop was based, had recently undergone a renovation. Now, it looked far tidier and more robust, with several new rooms added nearby to serve as specialized workshops depending on the project needs.


    Thanks to this setup, Broken and Toya would be working in adjacent rooms, making it easy to coordinate and split their tasks smoothly.


    They headed straight to the workshop, as Toya insisted on diving into the project without any dy.


    She studied the blueprint in front of her, tracing the intricate design with her eyes.


    "So, the cksmithing part of this ne isn''t as involved as the jewelry work, even though it needs a Master Rank cksmith to handle it."


    She looked up at Broken. "How did you manage to reach such a high rank, anyway? You really are extraordinary. I doubt there''s anyone else in this game who can achieve a level as high as yours."


    "Maybe I just got lucky," Broken replied with a casual shrug.


    Toya nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, luck has a way of making a difference. Hard work alone isn''t always enough."


    Broken and Toya began their work with palpable enthusiasm, and as Broken held the forging tool in his hands, a surge of energy flowed through him. He''d been waiting for this, and the feeling was electrifying.


    "I could stay here with this tool for the next few weeks and not feel an ounce of boredom," he dered, smiling to himself.


    By afternoon, Yara appeared in the workshop, her face tinged with concern. "My lord... you''ve been at this for hours. I''m worried. Please, take a break and rest a little. I''ve prepared some food and drink for you."


    But, as usual, Broken didn''t respond or even seem to register her words, his focus locked entirely on his work.


    With a sigh, Yara left, her face clouded with worry as she pondered how she might finally convince him to pause, if only for a moment.


    Just then, Ivana approached Yara, noticing the troubled look on her face.


    "Hey, Yara, why do you look so down?"


    "Ms. Ivana, I think Lord Broken is upset with me. I waste bringing him his meal. I made the best food for him, but I lost track of time, and when I finally brought it, he wouldn''t even listen to my exnation. I feel so guilty."


    Ivana chuckled softly. "Oh, Yara, listen. Lord Broken gets so absorbed in his work that he hardly hears anyone unless it''s about something he considers essential. And to him, eating isn''t all that important. So don''t worry yourself over it, alright?"


    "Really? I just want to do my best here."


    Ivana gave her a warm smile. "Of course. Tell you what, let me take the food to him this time, okay?"


    Inside the workshop, just as Broken was about to log out of the game, he set down his tools and stepped outside. He found Ivana and Yara standing by the entrance, their conversationing to a quiet halt as he approached.


    "Broken," Ivana greeted, "Yara''s prepared lunch for you."


    "Oh. Really? I like it," he replied. "Thank you, Yara. I''d like to eat it now."


    "Want somepany in the garden?" Ivana offered.


    He nodded. "That''s a good idea." Turning to Yara, he patted her shoulder lightly. "Thanks, Yara."


    With that, he started toward the garden, Ivana falling into step beside him.


    Watching them walk away, Yara murmured to herself. "Ms. Ivana said Lord Broken wouldn''t leave his work unless it was important, but he came right out when she showed up. Now I see just how much she means to him."


    Broken sat on an iron bench at the flower garden, Ivana beside him, beneath a sky heavier with clouds than usual-a rare break from the typically hot days. As he spooned Yara''s hearty meat soup, his thoughts drifted to the intricate steps required to forge his new ne.


    "So, have you settled on your next expedition, Broken?" Ivana asked.


    "Yes," he replied. "I need to find mithril, and the only way to get it is to visit the Forest Elves. Princess Alora has graciously offered me this opportunity, so I''ll be going with her."


    Ivana smiled. "Are you certain you don''t need my assistance on this expedition? You''ll be going alone with Her Highness Princess Alora, right?"


    "Uhm..." Broken hesitated. "Princess Alora has asked forplete discretion, so it''ll just be


    the two of us."


    He nced at Ivana, then continued, "But don''t worry. There will be plenty more expeditions for us in the future. You have my word."


    Ivana chuckled softly. "I thought so. Just be sure to summon ckthorn if you need any


    backup."


    Broken looked at her for a moment, absorbing her words, then nodded.


    After some time, Broken returned to his crafting, and once he hadpleted his part, he handed it over to Toya. His expectations were high, this was his first coborative project, and he couldn''t help but feel a sense of excitement for the final result.


    A few dayster, the moment ofpletion finally arrived. Unaware of what the final product would look like, Broken walked into the workshop, only to be pleasantly surprised by the gathering waiting for him.


    The room was filled with familiar faces, Elincia, Freya, Tora, and Ivana had alle to witness Toya''s finishing touches on the ne.


    Surprisingly, only Toya couldplete the final touches on this ne, leaving a question


    lingering in Broken''s mind: would his Quality Enhancement skill still have any effect throughN?v(el)B\\jnn


    this indirect process?


    The ne''s oue was only two, either it would emerge as Unique-grade or, if they were truly fortunate, Legendary-grade.

 Chapter 589: Chapter 589 - Unseen Universe Necklace

    Chapter 589: Chapter 589 - Unseen Universe Ne


    ?


    Everyone had gathered in the workshop to witness the final creation of the Unseen Universe Ne, a joint effort between Toya and Broken. Standing beside her, Broken watched as Toya carefully fitted the Eternal me Eye and Soul Stone, crafted with a striking blend of blood red and shimmering blue.


    His greatest hope was for a Legendary-grade oue. Had he perhaps grown too ustomed to sess, hoping this result would follow the same path? In reality, even Fokil, a Master cksmith himself, had only crafted a Legendary-grade item once in his entire


    career.


    As Toyapleted the finishing touches, a surge of green energy suddenly filled the room. Broken smiled and let out a breath, yet Toya remained motionless, her hands trembling slightly as she held the ne, head bowed.


    Yes, the oue wasn''t bad, but given that only Unique or Legendary grades were possible, this was the most expected result for such a creation.


    Everyone could see what was happening, Toya seemed filled with regret over the oue. Though she had never crafted a Legendary-grade item before, it was clear she''d ced immense pressure on herself because this was a coboration with Broken.


    "We did it," Broken said softly.


    Toya stayed silent, shaking her head slightly, saying nothing. Even Tora, standing nearby, offered a small, understanding smile and a bow toward Broken, as if sharing in her disappointment.


    "Without you, this project wouldn''t have been possible," Broken continued.


    Toya''s dedication to the project was clear; she was a hardworking and resilient young woman, the type who''d jumped straight into work on the ne the moment they arrived in Slumdon, only logging out when she reached the game''s time penalty limit.


    Still, she held onto the ne, her fingers wrapped around it as if shielding it from view, reluctant to reveal the result to everyone watching.


    Elincia approached and gave Toya''s shoulder a reassuring pat. "Hey, you did it. You''re the only Expert Rank crafter I know," she said warmly, before quietly leaving the room.


    Sensing that Toya needed a moment to process everything, the others gradually filled out as well, until only Broken and Tora remained to keep herpany.


    Toya finally looked up, murmuring, "I failed... What am I supposed to do? I failed you.'' "There was never a guarantee it would be Legendary-grade, even if I''d done it alone." "But you''ve managed to craft several Legendary items. I was the one who weighed you down," she said, her voice faltering. "What am I supposed to do... I was so sure of myself, I let you down."


    The truth was, Toya was an incredibly hard worker. But this setback seemed too heavy for her to easily ept.


    "Don''t let our sess be overshadowed by this oue. I''d put off finishing this ne for so long, and it''s onlyplete because of our coboration," Broken said.


    Slowly, Toya handed him the ne. Finally, he exhaled with relief, this ne had caused so many troubles to obtain, but atst, it wasplete!


    Though he couldn''tplete his Path of the Legendary cksmith quest just yet, he knew he still had an opportunity. In his possession was a Blueprint Creative Creation Ticket, and he intended to put it to good use. Now he just needed to think carefully about what kind of item he wanted to craft for himself.


    "I didn''t read any description of the ne," Toya said, finally giving a small smile. "I''ll take on anothermission from you for free, if you''ll let me. I insist."


    "Of course. I''m looking forward to our next coboration," Broken replied.


    He smiled, admiring the ne in his hands. It was truly a beautiful piece.


    With that, he quickly left the room, heading into the House of Slumdon. He hurried up the stairs and entered his study. Just as he was about to read the item''s description, a notification appeared before him.


    [Do you wish to im ownership of the Unseen Universe of the Moonlight? Only the first person to im this item can fully own it, so please ensure you are indeed the rightful owner.] He paused, realizing that Toya could have easily imed ownership herself, but she hadn''t.


    Even as a Unique-grade item, it held exceptional value, especially given the rare materials used, materials that had required a brutal struggle to obtain.


    [Unseen Universe Ne]


    [Grade: Unique]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 37]


    [Skills:]


    [The Unseen Universe of the Moonlight grants you a personal sanctuary-a hideout to escape the chaos and find peace under the tranquil night sky. However, if you''ve been in "Battle Mode" within thest 10 minutes, entry is off-limits!]


    [Use this pocket dimension as an extension of your inventory, almost like a magical fridge. You can easily retrieve and store food, drink, and any items you can lift, as long as they fall within your Weight Capacity. Just keep in mind-no living things allowed! So if you''re thinking about hiding something (or someone) in here, you might just end up in a real pickle.]


    [User Restriction: yer


    ]


    "The Unseen Universe of the Moonlight..."


    One key detail caught his attention: while he could enter the pocket dimension within the ne at will, he couldn''t do so if he''d been in battle mode within thest ten minutes. This limitation meant he couldn''t rely on it as a quick escape in the heat of a fight.


    Still, with the flexibility of the pocket dimension, his mind raced with the possibilities. The potential uses were endless.


    The name "Moonlight" intrigued him further; the ne should have held some connection to the Goddess of the Moon.


    Another remarkable feature of the ne was that it finally provided a solution to his limited inventory capacity. Now, with ess to an entire pocket dimension, he could use it as


    an expansive storage space.


    Though he wasn''t sure of the exact size of the dimension within the ne, its Unique- grade quality gave him confidence that the space would be more than sufficient for his needs.


    Broken stood in the center of his study, clutching the ne tightly. His own personal pocket dimension, contained within this ne, what an extraordinary thing!


    He could barely wait to see whaty inside. Even if it turned out to be just an empty space, it would still be incredible-a ce he could retreat to, or maybe even use as a dedicated space


    for crafting.


    "Alright," he murmured to himself, "let''s check out this pocket dimension."


    He only needed to focus, and he would be drawn into the world within. Suddenly, he felt himself pulled into an unknown vortex of energy, his vision swallowed by darkness for a few moments before a brilliant light shed before his eyes.


    The atmosphere in this new space was different. The air was cooler than in his study, and a gentle breeze drifted by, giving him the sensation of being in a lush tropical forest.


    As his vision cleared, he realized he was exactly where he''d imagined: before himy a vast, floating ind covered in dense forests, set against a sky filled with drifting clouds. He was standing on a cliff, with a clear view of thendscape below and the peak of the ind above


    him, all suspended in an otherworldly tranquility.


    [Wee to the Unseen Universe of the Moonlight.]

 Chapter 590: Chapter 590 - Broken’s Hidden Oasis

    Chapter 590: Chapter 590 - Broken¡¯s Hidden Oasis


    ?


    Being in this new ce reminded Broken a bit of Moonlight Land, with its simrndscapes and serene atmosphere. He had once wanted to linger there far longer, and now, he had a version of it all to himself.


    Thinking about the possibilities, Broken realized he could use some guidance on the features this dimension offered. Was there an assistant or guide who would exin things to him? He decided to wait, just in case.


    But there was something else he needed to test first. He murmured amand and summoned his spirits. Instantly, Polly and Pawpaw appeared.


    Polly wandered over to his feet and settled down, looking up at him. Meanwhile, Pawpaw bounded around in circles, leaping about energetically. "No monsters here!"


    "Master... where are we?" Polly asked, ncing around curiously.


    "This is a private pocket dimension, a space that''s mine alone," Broken replied. "Let''s wait here for someone who can exin exactly what this ce is and what we can do in it."


    A white energy vortex suddenly appeared before them, and from it emerged a young girl with shoulder-length blonde hair, dressed in a simple, knee-length white dress. She looked no older than fifteen, with a face nearly identical to Cecilia''s-only younger and with a more assured expression.


    "Hi, Master... I''ve been waiting for you," she said warmly.


    "Cecilia?" Broken murmured.


    The girl gave a small bow, still floating a few inches above the ground. "Master, I don''t have a name yet, but if you''d like to call me Cecilia, that''s fine with me."


    So, she hadn''t retained her memories from her past life? Yet her voice, her face-they were unmistakably Cecilia''s, although this version radiated a confidence that her original self hadcked, no longer timid or fearful.


    "Yes, let''s call you Cecilia," Broken agreed.


    The new Cecilia smiled brightly. "Master, I''ll take you on a tour of this floating ind and show you some of its exciting features. I think you''re going to enjoy what this ce has to offer," she exined.


    "Yeah, sure, but before we start, I have a question for you," Broken said.


    "Yes, Master."


    "So... are you still in the form of a Fae, or something else?"


    Cecilia smiled and gave a small bow. "Master, I was born here, given knowledge of this ind, and tasked with maintaining it. You could say I''m the guardian of this ce and will also guide you in building it. My purpose here is entirely tied to the ind."


    Broken nodded slowly, absorbing her exnation.


    "As for what I am now..." she continued, "I''m no longer a Fae like in my previous life. I am now a spirit."


    "Do you have any memories from your previous life?" he asked.


    "I can confirm that I was only just born, Master, so all I know is about the ind and my assigned tasks here."


    "Alright." So, she was no longer a Fae. This also meant that Broken had sessfully formed a pact with yet another spirit, one created from Cecilia''s Soul Stone.


    If Broken somehow found a way to bring others here, he couldn''t help but consider Cedric. Yet, knowing that his sister had been reborn as apletely new entity, with only a simr face and voice, he wondered if that would bring Cedricfort, or only deepen his sense of loss. In the end, he set the idea aside.


    For now, he needed to grasp the ind''s full potential. Thend stretched far and wide, with the edges of the ind bordered by a vast, cloudy blue sky, giving it a surreal floating effect.


    It was incredible. He could only imagine the possibilities this pocket dimension offered. What exactly could he build or achieve here?


    "Master, before I exin everything you can ess in this pocket dimension, would you like to look around first?"


    "Yes," Broken replied. "How can we do that?"


    "I can apany you on foot to explore this ce, but..."


    Before Cecilia could finish, Broken said, "Then I''ll ride Polly and fly around."


    "Yes!" Cecilia responded excitedly.


    Polly quickly darted off and transformed into herrger form. Without hesitation, Broken hopped onto her back, followed closely by Pawpaw, who leaped high and settled in front of him.


    With a p of Polly''s wings, she followed Cecilia''s lead and took off.


    From above, the floating ind was an extraordinary sight beyond words. A towering teau, like a mountain, dominated the center, with a powerful stream cascading down from it and splitting into rivers that flowed outward to the edges, where they fell into unknown depths below.


    The ind was densely covered in trees, interspersed with clearings that were easily visible from the air. Severalrge,ke-like pools dotted thendscape, their greenish-blue water crystal clear and glistening in the sunlight.


    Cecilia turned to Broken. "Master, what''s your first impression of the ind from up here?" "Magical!" Broken replied, his voice full of awe. "This ce is so... I''m not even sure how to describe it. I''m certain that andscape this beautiful couldn''t be found in my own world. Sure, there are dense forests on Earth, but none arranged so perfectly as this. Or maybe I just haven''t seen one like it before."


    Polly swooped down to a stretch of white sand near theke, and Broken jumped off,nding softly.


    The sand felt remarkably simr to beach sand beneath his feet, and he couldn''t resist slipping off his footwear to feel its warm, fine texture against his skin.


    He took a deep breath, gazing at the crystal-clearke, listening to the gentle sound ofpping water, the fresh scent of the forest filling the air. Strolling to theke''s edge, he found arge rock and settled himself on it, feeling at ease in the quiet surroundings.


    Cecilia floated in front of him, her face glowing with delight. "Master, you can take all the time you need here."


    "I certainly will," he replied with a small smile, "especially because I enjoy being alone." Broken suddenly leaped into the water, sshing his face and feeling the refreshing coolness. He let himself sink halfway in, enjoying the sensation as the clearke water enveloped him. Turning with a grin, he sshed water toward Polly and Pawpaw.


    "Master!" Polly dodged, darting out of range, but Pawpaw seemed thrilled, leaping eagerly into the water, paddling with only his head above the surface.


    "I didn''t know a kitten liked ying with water," Broken teased.


    "Roar! I''m the mighty Hell Lord! Not a kitten!" Pawpaw protested.


    Broken spent a long while there, resting his mind and letting his weariness fade away. He felt as though he could stay here indefinitely. Maybe he could even set up his crafting space here, this ce seemed perfect for it.


    And what if he invited the others? Ivana, Alora, Freya, and a few other friends?


    He hadn''t considered that other yers might have simr exclusive ess, or perhaps they were keeping it to themselves. But a floating ind this vast and beautiful, solely for him,


    was almost surreal.


    His thoughts raced with possibilities. He had his own town outside of this dimension, yet now he also possessed a private sanctuary, a ce as remarkable as this. "Cecilia," he asked, breaking his quiet thoughts, "can I bring more people here?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 591: Chapter 591 - Unseen Universe: First Steps

    Chapter 591: Chapter 591 - Unseen Universe: First Steps


    ?


    "Cecilia, can I bring more people here?"


    "Of course, Master, you can bring others here," Cecilia replied. "However, there are a few conditions that must be met first. I can exin those once you''re done exploring."


    Broken nodded, a faint smile ying on his lips. "I''m not done admiring this ce yet, but go ahead and give me the details."


    Cecilia''s eyes lit up, and sheunched into her exnation eagerly.


    "Alright, Master! This ce is a pocket dimension within the Unseen Universe Ne,


    essible exclusively by you. You can use it just like an Inventory space, storing and retrieving items easily at any time."


    She paused, letting the significance of it sink in, before continuing with even more excitement.


    "And while I''ll go slowly so you won''t be overwhelmed by just how amazing this ce is, I''ll start with this: you have the ability to build all sorts of structures here. But first, you''ll need to gather the necessary resources," Cecilia exined.


    Broken nodded. "Alright, tell me what I need."


    "Mana," Cecilia replied simply.


    "Mana?"


    "Yes, Mana," she confirmed. "To put it inly, you''ll need to collect as much Mana as possible and store it. Here, Mana acts as a currency, and you''ll use it to build and develop everything in this space."


    "What kind of things can I build?"


    "You can construct your own base here," Cecilia said with a smile. "You''ll be able to build troop barracks, defensive structures, magical towers, and much more."


    "Whoa... Really? I never imagined this pocket dimension would be this incredible. So I can essentially create a whole new type of base here!"


    "Yes, Master. There are so many possibilities waiting for you."


    Cecilia nodded slowly, and with a graceful wave of her hand, four items appeared in the air and drifted gently toward Broken. He reached out eagerly, taking them one by one.


    [You''ve acquired 1 Gatestone.]n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [You''ve acquired 1 Moonlight Passkey.]


    [You''ve acquired 1 Mana Crystal.]


    [You''ve acquired 1 Mana Reservoir.]


    "So, Master," Cecilia said with enthusiasm, "these are your four starter items. You''ll be able to obtain more in the future, but these will get you started. You can check the information on each item if you''d like, though I can exin them in detail as well."


    Broken nodded, ncing over the items, then began reading through each of their descriptions carefully.


    [Mana Crystal]


    [You can ce this crystal anywhere, and it will absorb Mana from the surroundings, channeling it into the Mana Reservoir. The Mana collection rate varies between 5 and 20 units per minute, depending on the quality of Mana in the environment.]


    [Mana Reservoir]


    [This reservoir stores the Mana collected by the Mana Crystals. Its maximum capacity is 3,000,000 Mana.]


    The crystal would continuously absorb Mana, transferring it to the reservoir, where it would be held until needed. These two items together would allow him to build up a powerful reserve of Mana¨Dessential for activating and expanding the ind''s hidden potential.


    "Come, Master..." Cecilia called, flying ahead while Broken followed. She stopped near a grove of trees, hovering in ce.


    "Master, you can set the Mana Reservoir here," she said.


    Nodding, Broken ced the green, egg-shaped object on the ground. It expanded, reaching the height of an average person. Its core was a transparent, egg-like structure surrounded by lush green leaves that spread out at the base like a nt.


    "This reservoir will store all the Mana collected by the Mana Crystal, which you canter use to build various structures in this dimension," Cecilia exined.


    "So, will this reservoir stay fixed here, Cecilia?" Broken asked.


    Cecilia replied, "Yes, Master, but don''t worry, you can always move it if you wish. When you have more Mana Reservoirs, you''ll probably want to ce them all together for efficiency." "Understood," Broken nodded. Then he held up the smooth, white stone-like object in his hand. "And this is the Mana Crystal."


    "Yes," Cecilia confirmed. "To activate it, you''ll need to ce it outside this pocket dimension. Once it''s set, it will start absorbing Mana from the surrounding environment. Just remember, the amount it gathers depends on the quality of the area''s Mana. So, depending on where you ce it, it will collect between 5 to 20 Mana per minute."


    Broken nodded thoughtfully and voiced his concern. "But why is the rate so low, Cecil? I mean, 5 Mana per minute doesn''t seem like much."


    Cecilia chuckled, shaking her head. "Master, building up this ce will take time, yes, but trust me, the rewards will be worth it. Plus, you''ll be able to acquire more Mana Crystals over time. This is a standard starting rate."


    "Right," Broken replied. "Now, tell me how to locate a ce with high Mana concentration, and exin exactly how this Mana Crystal works."


    Cecilia brightened. "Simply put, Master, areas with high Mana concentration are usually Ancient Locations, ces that have existed for centuries and haven''t been heavily used for Mana-driven activities. I''m sure you''ll find many such ces outside this dimension."


    She continued, "In contrast, areas where many adventurers gather or where battles are frequent-like towns or hunting grounds-will have a lower Mana concentration, so those aren''t ideal for cing the Mana Crystal."


    "I see. Anything else?" Broken asked.


    "The Mana Crystal will only gather Mana when it''s ced outside this pocket dimension. Also, if you''re inside here, the Mana gathering will pause," Cecilia exined. "You can carry it with you or ce it in a high Mana concentration area and leave it there."


    "So, if I''m inside this dimension, the Mana gathering process stops?" Broken rified.


    "Yes, Master," Cecilia replied.


    "I see... that means I shouldn''te here too often unless it''s really necessary," he


    concluded.


    Having grasped the use of the first two items, Broken understood he''d need to find an optimal spot to ce the Mana Crystal, where it could gather as much Mana as possible without


    interruption.


    "Right then, Master," Cecilia said cheerfully. "Shall we move on to the third item?"


    [Gatestone]


    [ce this item in a specific area, and it will serve as a stable gateway to exit the Pocket Dimension. Once established, its position cannot be moved; it can only be destroyed.]


    Broken furrowed his brow, contemting the item''s description. He thought he understood the concept, but he wanted to confirm it with Cecilia.


    "So, if I''m understanding correctly," Broken began, "this item acts as a sort of teleportation anchor? I can ce it anywhere I want, and I''ll be able to exit the pocket dimension and arrive


    there directly?"


    "Yes, Master, exactly!" Cecilia confirmed with a nod. "Once you ce the Gatestone, it creates


    a fixed gateway point from the pocket dimension. As long as the Gatestone remains intact, you can always return to that exact spot when you exit this ce."


    Broken nodded. This would allow him to establish a strategic entry and exit point, ideal for


    his adventures.


    Cecilia continued, "And if you acquire additional Gatestones in the future, you''ll be able to ce them in multiple locations. This will allow you to move between those points directly from within this pocket dimension, making travel incredibly efficient."


    "Interesting," Broken murmured, his mind racing with the possibilities.


    "With this, I can return from long expeditions without the hassle of traveling back on foot or


    wasting time. It''s probably the most valuable advantage I could have no one will anticipate my movements, which could make for some very effective surprise tactics. Truly amazing." Cecilia nodded, her eyes alight. "Shall we move on to the fourth item now, Master?"


    "Yes, let''s do that."


    ***


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 Chapter 592: Chapter 592 - Tower of Trials

    Chapter 592: Chapter 592 - Tower of Trials


    ?


    [Moonlight Passkey]


    [This Passkey grants a designated individual ess to enter the pocket dimension, provided you are present within it. Once granted, the Passkey is permanently bound to that individual. ess can be rescinded, though doing so will result in the permanent loss of the Passkey.]


    Broken nodded slowly as he absorbed the description of the fourth item, a small, silver ring- like key.


    "So, with this item, I can give someone ess to this ce, but they can only enter while I''m here?"


    "Yes, exactly, Master," Cecilia replied. "Once given, the bond is permanent, but if you decide to revoke ess, the Passkey will be lost."


    Broken thought about the possibilities, this would allow him to share this space with trustedpanions, offering both an advantage and a haven.


    He pondered carefully, considering who should be the first to receive the key, knowing he only had one. Freya came to mind initially, given her countless ways of supporting him. Yet he felt no pressing need to share the key with her right away.


    "Freya will be in Slumdon Town frequently for now, so I suppose I can wait until I acquire more of these Passkeys."


    Then he thought of Ivana. They''d shared many expeditions, and having ess to this dimension would give her a safe ce to rest or wait if he ever needed to log out of the game. With the key, he wouldn''t have to worry about leaving her on her own in potentially hostile environments, she could simply remain here until he returned.


    "Cecilia, would it be possible for me to bring someone here, log out, and have them stay in the pocket dimension?" Broken asked.


    "Yes, Master," she confirmed. "If you log out while someone else is here, they''ll still remain in the pocket dimension as if you were present."


    Thinking it through, Broken decided to hold off on giving the key to Ivana since he didn''t have any immediate expeditions nned with her.


    Then there was Princess Alora. She would be hispanion on the next expedition. If he ced the Gatestone in Slumdon Town, they could use thebination of the Passkey and Gatestone to return to the kingdom quickly and safely, should an emergency arise. It was the perfect solution.


    "Yes, that seems like the best choice," he concluded.


    Broken nced around, noting the brightness of the day, though there was no sun in sight. He wondered why this ce was called "Moonlight" when it seemed set in daylight.


    "Cecilia," he asked, "will it always be daytime here?"


    "No, Master," Cecilia replied. "This ce will adjust to the time outside. If it''s night in the outside world, it will be night here, too. You might notice, however, that while the sun isn''t visible, the moon is. At night, the moon you''ll see here is the same one seen outside."


    "So, this dimension mirrors the moon from the outside world."


    "Yes," she confirmed. "It creates a link between this space and the outside, reflecting the moonlight here even though the sun remains hidden."


    The concepts of Pocket Dimensions, Dungeons, and Trial Domains share simrities- they''re all fragment dimensions connected to the main dimension. ording to various quest lore within the game, these fragments are realms whose settings and rules can be modified based on the creator''s intent and objectives.


    In contrast, Hell, the Demons'' world, is not merely a fragment but a universe unto itself, vast andplex, rivaling Yunatea in scale. This realm serves as both home and prison to the Ranked Demons, sealed away from Yunatea.


    To the people of Yunatea, Hell is a ce of nightmares, for it is said that even a single Ranked Demon unleashed there could cause catastrophic destruction. Though Demons carry one of the Blessings of Sin, granting them immense power, they inhabit a world all their own, with abilities that extend far beyond the limits of any fragment dimension.


    "Okay, Cecilia, I think your exnation makes sense," Broken said. "But there''s one more thing I''d like to confirm. If I store something here from outside, where will it actually go? I''m curious about that."


    Cecilia let out a lightugh and replied, "Master, I can organize where everything goes. This ce is vast, so I don''t think you''ll need to worry about space for quite a while. But I have a suggestion for you."


    She floated a bit ahead, gesturing for Broken to follow. He trailed behind her to a small cave, its entrance warmly lit, making the interior clearly visible from outside.


    "Master, we could use this space to store your items," she said. "You won''t need to worry about organizing it, I''ll handle everything myself."


    "Great," Broken replied, looking around. "Looks like I''ll be able to store a lot here."


    "So, Master, as long as you remember what objects are stored here, you''ll just need to picture them in your mind, and you''ll be able to retrieve them from outside," Cecilia exined. "You can alsomunicate with me from the outside, so I can confirm or locate items for you as well."


    Broken had initially intended to handle all his crafting here in the pocket dimension, away from interruptions, with full focus on his work. But with Mana gathering only possible outside, he''d have to adjust his ns.


    Fortunately, his private workshop in Slumdon allowed him solitude whenever he needed it, and he had severalmissions to work on from the Ass Guild, including orders for members from Livelywood, Starfall, Elincia, and others.


    He turned back to Cecilia. "And how long until I can get another Passkey like this one?"


    Cecilia floated with enthusiasm. "Master, now this, this is another remarkable feature of the pocket dimension I''m excited to introduce."


    "Oh really? So there''s still more?" Broken replied, intrigued.


    "Yes! Come follow me with the flying fox."


    Broken hopped back onto Polly, and they flew toward the mountain in the center of the ind, descending at its base where a massive cave entrance loomed. He dismounted and followed Cecilia inside, marveling at the crystals embedded in the cave walls, which glimmered beautifully. The soft scent of moss and the sound of water dripping echoed through the space, giving the ce a fresh, natural feel.


    After a short walk, they reached a vast open chamber, a grand cavern with a towering structure in the center. The structure was cylindrical, multi-leveled, and reached up through the ceiling, almost like a tower piercing the rock above.


    "A tower?" Broken murmured, his eyes widening in amazement.


    [Tower of Trials]


    [A multi-tiered structure hidden within the depths of the Unseen Universe of the Moonlight. Each floor presents a unique challenge, growing progressively more difficult. Upon conquering a floor, the challenger receives a reward, with the value of prizes increasing as they ascend. Only the brave and relentless may reach the tower''s pinnacle, where the most


    powerful rewards await.]


    Broken turned to Cecilia, his curiosity piqued.


    "Wee to the Tower of Trials, Master," Cecilia said with a smile. "I believe you''ll end up spending a lot of time here, as I''m sure you''ll be eager to take on the challenges andpleten/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    each floor."


    "Oh? And what kind of challenges and rewards should I expect, Cecilia?"


    "There are 100 floors," she exined. "As for the nature of each challenge, I think it''s best if


    you enter and experience them firsthand. But I will say this, if you fail a challenge, you will die just as you would in the outside world, though you won''t drop any items. You''ll revive here,


    ready to try again."


    "Oh, so it''s serious," Broken murmured, feeling the weight of the task. "A real test."

 Chapter 593: Chapter 593 - Trial of Weapon Mastery

    Chapter 593: Chapter 593 - Trial of Weapon Mastery


    ?


    [Wee to the Tower of Trials, 1st Floor.]


    Broken found himself in a circr room, standing right at the center. All around him, massive doors loomed in every direction. He spun slowly, taking in his surroundings.


    "Cecilia?" he called.


    "Yes, Master..." Her voice echoed faintly, as if drifting into his ears from a distance.


    [All passive skills have been disabled.]


    [All active skills have been disabled.]


    [All equipment has been disabled.]


    [All inventory item usage has been disabled.]


    [Please choose your weapon toplete the challenge on the first floor.]


    Momentster, several weapons appeared floating in front of Broken-A sword, a spear, daggers, a greatsword, and more. The selection was surprisinglyplete.


    "Pick a weapon?"


    So, he''d have to fight using just one of these weapons, with no equipment or skills to rely on? Interesting.


    [There will be waves of monstersing to attack. Defeat as many monsters as possible within the time limit of 30 minutes.]


    Alright... this could be fun.


    It seemed the trials in this tower could be interesting, and he hoped the rewards would be worth it, too.


    In the next 30 minutes, he''d have to confront whatever monsters appeared, armed only with a basic weapon. It was a clear test of his pure skill with any weapon he chose.


    After a brief moment of thought, he decided to go with the weapon he used most often.


    "A spear?"


    He picked up the spear. It was a simple ck metal spear with a sharp tip-nothing special about it, no skills or enhancements embedded in the weapon itself.


    "Master..." Cecilia''s voice echoed softly. "If you lose and die within the 30-minute limit, normal death penalties will apply to you as a yer."


    "That makes me curious. What about native Yunateans who attempt these trials? Isn''t it dangerous for them?"


    "There are personalized adjustments made for each specific challenger."


    "Interesting. I wonder if I can invite others to try these trials as well."


    Once Broken felt ready for the challenge and had familiarized himself with the spear, he settled into abat stance, prepared for battle.


    "Please start the challenge."


    [Challenge of the First Floor: Trial of Weapon Mastery begins.]


    [Time limit: 30 minutes.]


    A rumbling roar echoed from one of the doors, and soon a massive boar charged directly at him. From another direction, arge, sinuous snake slithered swiftly his way, while yet another path revealed a ghostly figure floating toward him,unching spirit balls in his direction.


    Their levels were all above 180.


    "Oh really, three monsters at once? Alright then, bring it on!"


    Broken sprang into action, sprinting to draw the boar''s attention while dodging the ghost''s magic attacks.


    This was going to be tricky-no skills allowed at all.


    He sidestepped, jumped, ducked, and when the boar charged close, he slid low and drove the spear into its neck, dealing a solid hit. Quickly, he struck again before turning to leap away just as the massive snake lunged at him.


    Damn! This isn''t going to be easy.


    The monster waves didn''t stop there. A few minutester, after finally defeating the three monsters, another wave approached-this time with enemies at level 190.


    Oh, so the level goes up with each wave?


    Broken could feel the stark difference in difficulty without his usual arsenal of skills and equipment. He was so used to relying on his skill sets and powerful gear that, here, armed only with this simple spear, he felt almost clumsy. Several times, he barely dodged what could have been fatal hits from the monsters.


    Thirty minutes stretched into what felt like an eternity of gruelingbat. In the end, he barely managed to survive three waves by the time the countdown hit zero.


    [Time''s up. Calcting score.]


    Panting heavily, Broken copsed to the floor. "Damn!" For the first time, he felt truly powerless without his broken arsenal.


    [Score achieved: B]


    [If you''re willing to ept this score, you may proceed to the next floor. If not, you can repeat the challenge.]


    "Only B?"


    He supposed it was a fair score, considering how poorly he''d performed. He was still unustomed to fighting with only a spear. Usually, he could summon Gaia and rely on every protection skill he had.


    But battling without any defense or safeguards was an entirely different experience. One fatal blow, and he''d be dead.


    Still, he found this challenge strangelypelling. He was intrigued by the idea of pushing himself to achieve the highest possible score on each floor. Why not? It was only 30 minutes per attempt, and he had plenty of time.


    "What''s the maximum score, Cecilia?"


    "It''s S, Master."


    Alright. He stood up again, bracing himself mentally. He still had time for another two or


    three rounds. He''d try again.


    "Let''s go again!"


    [Score achieved: B]


    Broken copsed to the floor, frustrated. "Still a B? Damn it!"


    "Master, this challenge does require time to master," Cecilia''s voice echoed gently. "But I can


    say you made more progress than before."


    "I know, but it''s still not enough."


    He pushed himself back up. "One more try!"


    [Score achieved: A]


    This time, Brokeny sprawled on the floor, utterly exhausted, his hands trembling. "Damn, that was... actually fun. But I''m still not satisfied with this score."


    Finally, he dragged himself to his feet. "Alright, let''s leave it here for now. I''ll be back for


    another roundter."


    ***


    Broken returned into his study, and he spotted Freya sittingfortably, waving at him with


    a bright smile.


    "Hi, Broken..."


    "Hi..." he replied slowly, making his way to his chair and settling in.


    "So, have you explored the pocket dimension? What''s it like? Can I visit too?"


    He nodded, then exined, "Yes, you can, but not just yet. I''ll need to get an extra key to


    allow anyone else ess. For now, I only have one."


    "Oh, sounds intriguing... is it nice?"


    "Yes, it is. I took some videos and photos; I''ll send them to you."


    "No, not yet. It would just make me want it too badly. Just make sure you get those extra keys,


    okay?" she said with a grin.


    Broken chuckled and nodded.


    Freya then stood and walked over to his desk.


    "I have some interesting news for you," she said. "An invitation from the kingdom has arrived. They''re nning a celebration in the capital for the big victory of the Moonlight Fae expedition. And I''m certain that all the members of the Ass Guild will be in the capital at the


    same time."


    Broken nodded slowly, understanding the real intent behind her words.


    "Can you help me invite Booba, RememberMe, PussyCat, and Forev for that day, too?"


    "Of course... anyone else?"


    "Tora and Toya?"


    "Oh, I''m sure they''d be interested as well," she said, grinning. "So, is that day finally


    coming?"


    Broken took a slow breath, then nodded with determination. "Yes. I''m nning to officially announce the formation of my new guild on that day, too."


    Freya pped her hands slowly. "I''m sure they''re going to be thrilled to hear about this! Have


    you settled on a name for the guild?"


    "Yes, you don''t need to worry about that. I''m pretty good ating up with names," he


    replied confidently.


    She raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Somehow, I seriously doubt that. What kind of names


    have you thought of?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Well, I''ve got a few ideas... The Sovereign, The Supremacy, The Invincible, The Broken, or maybe something simr. I''m still mulling it over."


    "I think you should consider another name!"

 Chapter 594: Chapter 594 - Commanders of Slumdon

    Chapter 594: Chapter 594 - Commanders of Slumdon


    ?


    Broken sat in his room with Freya, holding a small ck stone he''d taken from his inventory. It was etched with a moon symbol and other mystical markings. It was a Gatestone.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "What''s that?" Freya asked.


    "This is a Gatestone. It lets me return here instantly, no matter where I am."


    "Sorry?"


    "I mean, I cane back from my pocket dimension to wherever I set this stone at." "Oh, wow! So that''s one of the perks of your new pocket dimension? That''s incredible!"


    "It''s not just incredible, it''spletely overpowered."


    Broken walked to the center of the room.


    "If you could allow others to enter your Pocket Dimension, it''d be even more amazing."


    "Yes..." he nodded thoughtfully. "And I agree, this is something I need to keep secret. Like you said, it could be a powerful tactic, making people think I''m somewhere else entirely, only to surprise them with an attack from here."


    [Do you want to use the Gatestone at this point?]


    "Broken..." Freya spoke up. "If something happened to this ce, would you still appear here? This is the top floor, after all."


    "Hm... I hadn''t thought that far ahead," he admitted, shrugging. "But I don''t think we need to worry. I can always get another Gatestone if I need to. I just like the idea of making this ce my save point... I mean, it''s hidden enough since it''s a personal space for me."


    He went on to exin to Freya some of the other features he''d discovered about the Unseen Universe of the Moonlight and mentioned his n to give the passkey to Princess Alora.


    "Yes, I think giving the key to Princess Alora was a wise choice," Freya responded. "But it might be even more useful if you had two exit gates. One here and one in the capital."


    "Yes, the capital and Slumdon. Those would definitely be my top priorities if I get ess to another Gatestone," he replied casually.


    [Gatestone set. Would you like to name this location?]


    "Yes, name House of Slumdon."


    He nodded to himself. "Alright then, I''ll make a few preparations before we head for the capital."


    Broken felt a surge of excitement with his new upgrades. The Gatestone, the Pocket Dimension-this was truly incredible. Now he no longer had to waste time traveling; he could return to Slumdon whenever he wished, bypassing lengthy journeys entirely. It was a huge advantage!


    Though some people had ways to move quickly, like Elincia, who could fly, instant travel was still a priceless asset. If more people knew about these abilities, there would undoubtedly be envy-and plenty who would want the same advantage.


    But he could always share his secrets with Freya. And with Alora and Ivana, who both had high affinity levels with him, he felt they could be trusted with the knowledge too.


    For the past few days, since Maylock''s wife was admitted to the hospital, he''d been absent from the game. This had been a significant setback for the members of the Ass Guild, who hade to rely heavily on his contributions.


    Maylock had also been thest person overseeing the Knights in Slumdon Town. Because of his absence, the progress of the Knights'' training had stalled as well.


    Everyone understood the gravity of his situation, with some even specting that he might retire from gaming altogether.


    No matter how passionate someone might be about this game, real life must alwayse first. Maylock had put in immense effort and strategy to reach his status here, but when his wife needed him most, his priorities naturally shifted.


    Broken was in the meeting room at the House of Slumdon when the door at the far end opened, and five people stepped inside: Igor, Orion, Elowen, Mira, and Cedric. The first four were Knight Commanders, while Cedric hade as a representative for the Fae, who had recently joined the Knights'' ranks.


    Truthfully, Broken had considered inviting Fang to serve as a Knight Commander too, but Broken was still weighing the risks of bringing the massive wolf into the city. Perhaps it wasn''t the right time yet.


    "So, everyone," Broken began. "I''ve gathered you all here to provide direction for our future goals and to reinforce your responsibilities as Knight Commanders."


    The room fell into a deep silence as they all turned their full attention to him.


    Broken stood up from his chair and announced, "I have chosen a core team for each of you as Knight Commanders. Damir and Ingrid will be under Igor. Karl, Yann, and Anna will be under Orion. Elowen will continue leading the elven knights, Mira with the Beastkin, and Cedric with the faeries."


    He nced around the room, his gaze steady.


    "Your first task is to ensure that your core team advances quickly in both level and skill," he said. "This core group needs to be the most dependable unit we have. A special force that could one day rise to the rank of Knight Commander or even higher."


    "Yes, my Lord!" they answered in unison.


    Broken continued, "Your second task is to maintain security and order in Slumdon Town."


    He paused, letting his gaze rest on each of them in turn.


    "I''ll be in the capital for a few days, and no members of the Ass Guild will be in town during that time either. So, I''m leaving the security of Slumdon entirely in your hands. I don''t need to spell out your duties. If anyone dares threaten the peace of this town... eliminate them without hesitation!"


    "I shall fulfill yourmands, my Lord," Igor dered with confidence.


    Broken knew Igor to be both wise and firm, someone who could even easilymand Orion''s respect.


    Orion, for his part, had shown remarkable growth. He was truly stepping up to his duties as Knight Commander, training his team... well, almost too rigorously, but Broken figured it was still within eptable limits.


    Then there was Elowen, the elven knight. She was sharp and cautious, never rushing into action. Broken knew she''d be a reliable support for Igor when it came to making decisions. Mira? She appeared the least confident of the group, but she was by far the most reliable when it came to carrying out her duties. Once she set her mind on something, she never wavered. And Cedric? He''d clearly inherited his father''s leadership abilities. Hemanded the respect of the faeries and had an inspiring presence among them.


    Yes, Broken had five Knight Leaders he could truly rely on.


    He then concluded the meeting. "There are five of you here. I''m giving Igor final authority over decisions in the city. However, in an emergency, if you need a second opinion, you may hold a vote. The majority vote will decide the action to take."


    Broken felt confident in this decision. His Knights had grown in both numbers and strength, and with the Gatestone set in Slumdon, he felt secure enough to leave the town for a few days to head to the capital.


    The following day, two carriages set off from Slumdon Town, bound for the capital of the Dissidia Kingdom. Broken rode in the same carriage as Freya, Elincia, and Ivana, while


    Livelywood, Starfall, Goldrich, and Jovina traveled in the other.


    The rest of the Ass Guild had already gathered in the capital, eagerly awaiting Broken''s grand announcement¡ªa major revtion that many had been anticipating for some time.

 Chapter 595: Chapter 595 - Countdowns and Conspiracies

    Chapter 595: Chapter 595 - Countdowns and Conspiracies


    ?


    Constantine, the Champion of Wrath and Guild Master of Sword of Justice, was hosting arge gathering that day in Vntar City-a city near the border between the Kesseon and Dissidia Kingdoms.


    In the same room were representatives from the highest ranks of the Vntar Guilds Alliance, a powerful coalition of guilds based in Vntar City.


    This alliance had previously attempted a raid on Slumdon Town, but their n had failed due to their members''ck of discipline. Now, after enforcing strict reforms, they were determined to return, stronger and more organized.


    Constantine rose from his seat. "I think it''s time we act. We can''t dy any longer," he began.


    "Constantine!" Lucy, Guild Master of FairyTool, scoffed. "Sounds like you''re just stalling. You talk a big game, but where''s the proof?"


    Constantine smirked confidently. "I may be silent, but someone as sharp as me always has the best strategy to defeat his opponents. You''ll soon see just how strategic I am."


    He leaned forward. "The members of the Ass Guild will be gone from Slumdon Town, and Broken is on his way to the capital. This is the perfect chance to attack that silly town and raze it to the ground!"


    "We''re not cowards who attack a town that''s been left undefended," Lucy countered. "We want views, attention. If we make it look too easy, people won''t even care."


    "No, you''re missing the point, Lucy," Constantine replied, pacing slowly in front of the group.


    He continued. "Our main goal is to provoke their fury, it''s to lure them to Vntar City. Then, we''ll have an all-out war between them and Vntar. With the city''s knights and ourbined strength, we''ll make them look like fools foring after us. That''s when we''ll im our real victory."


    Constantine''s true ambition was to provoke the Dissidia Kingdom into attacking Vntar City, setting off a war between the two kingdoms.


    Once that chaos began, he would position himself as the kingdom''s savior and seize control of the Kesseon Kingdom from its ipetent ruler. Every detail had been carefully calcted; all he had to do now was wait for his victory to unfold.


    "Then what kind of useless support are you offering here, huh? Do you think we can''t handle this ourselves?"


    "No, of course I''m not underestimating you," he replied calmly. "But I believe a little help from me might make things easier for you. What do you need? More troops? Or something else?"


    "Keep that offer for yourself. I''m not interested in taking part in your twisted scheme. We''re doing this of our own will," she replied sharply.


    Lucy sprang up from her chair. "We will have our revenge on Slumdon Town soon! We''ll bring it to the ground! And you can just watch from a distance."


    With a final nce at Constantine, Lucy and the others exited the room.


    "How foolish these people are," Constantine thought, watching the crowd he could manipte with such ease.


    ***


    In arge room in the capital of the Dissidia Kingdom, dozens of yers had gathered. One yer stood at the front, leading the meeting, his voice ringing with conviction.


    "I know we''re all here for the same purpose!" he dered passionately. "Because... we are the Princess Alora Fan Club!"


    The room erupted into cheers as members began voicing their fervent feelings.


    "We must protect Princess Alora''s purity!"


    "We must not allow anyone to touch Princess Alora!"


    "We''ll destroy anyone who dares to get close to Princess Alora!"


    "We love Princess Alora!"


    The group''s cries echoed through the room.


    The leader raised his voice from the front of the group.


    "Soon, Broken will be arriving in the capital, and there will be a party held at the Town Hall," he announced. "And we''re all in agreement, we will attack that party! Our one and only goal is to destroy Broken before he can even attempt to seduce our princess! We cannot let that happen!"


    "Yes, Broken has broken the rules we set as devoted followers of Princess Alora."


    "Exactly. He is just some neer hovering around her, and he''s not even a member of this fan club."


    "We need to send him a serious warning!"


    The room exploded in a chorus of agreement, filled with shouts of approval and


    determination.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    That day, two sizable mobs made their grievances and hostility toward him and his town known.


    Each group had its own distinct intention. One set on attacking Slumdon Town, the other focused on assassinating him directly. But it was clear they hadn''t fully considered one crucial fact: Broken was not someone to be underestimated.


    ***


    "Achoo!"


    Suddenly, Leon sneezed as he sat in the driver''s seat, rubbing his nose.


    "Uh, what''s up with you? Catching a cold?" Freya, who sat beside him, asked with a smirk.


    "No, my nose just started itching out of nowhere."


    "I think someone''s talking about him," Lily chimed in from the back, giggling.


    "Yeah, makes sense. He''s a rising star, after all," Freya replied.


    Leon gave an awkward smile. "I bet they''re talking about how amazing I am, right?"


    Freyaughed. "Oh, Leon, you should know. When someone rises, both fans and haters grow right along with them."


    "That''s... kind of sad," Lily added.


    The three of them were on the road in the Home Bus, speeding down the now-quiet streets. Their destination this time was a coastal area, where a long beach stretched along the shore- a popr spot for New Year''s Eve. It was the perfect choice for their night. Once they arrived, Leon quickly found the perfect spot near the beach, offering a great view of the shoreline at night as well as the fireworks that would light up the skyter. People were already arriving, some running along the beach while others set up for their evening feasts.


    They had arranged a setup on the roof of the Home Bus, where they could grill food and enjoy an unobstructed view of the fireworks. As they finished setting up and organizing everything, night began to settle in.


    The three of them gathered on the rooftop, excited for the festivities.


    Some people were so eager for the celebration that they''d already started setting off fireworks, even though midnight was still a while away.


    They spent the night waiting for midnight by grilling food, eating, and chatting casually. It was a wonderfully calm, rxing evening. The spot was more crowded than they''d expected, but watching peopleugh, run along the shore, and enjoy each other''spany made it all the more memorable.


    How long had it been since things felt this peaceful? Leon found himself reflecting on everything that had happened over the past year. Exactly a year ago in Yunatea Time, he had received the Blessing of Sloth. And in the real world, only four months had passed.


    One year in Yunatea, and he''d been through so much. From meeting the Ass Guild and managing Slumdon Town to expeditions into Hell and the ordeals with the Moonlight Fae.


    All of that in a year''s time there-just four months in the real world!


    "Let''s count down, Leon!" Freya said, grinning as she held up her party horn.


    The three of them stood together, bracing themselves with their noisemakers in hand.


    "Ten..."


    "Nine..."


    ...


    "Two..."


    "One!"


    As the fireworks burst overhead, painting the sky in vibrant colors, Leon couldn''t help but think to himself, This new year is bound to be even more interesting.

 Chapter 596: Chapter 596 - Will you stand with me?

    Chapter 596: Chapter 596 - Will you stand with me?


    ?


    The sun was setting, and the Town Hall of the capital was bustling with activity in preparation for the grand celebration that night.


    Meanwhile, across the city, Broken, Freya, Booba, RememberMe, PussyCat, and Forev had gathered in a spacious room at a well-regarded inn. Each of them understood the significance of the meeting.


    "All right, Broken. Let''s hear what you have to say," Booba said, opening the conversation as soon as everyone had settled in.


    RememberMe rose from his seat. "Ah, this is something I''ve been waiting for a long time to see, Master. I''m proud of you!"


    "Can you two please be quiet and let Broken speak?" Forev interjected, shooting them both a sharp look.


    Booba attempted to lighten the tension, chuckling. "Oh... Forev, why so stern? Can''t you feel our excitement? Come, join us in celebrating this fine moment! Ha ha ha!"


    "Just ignore her, she''s got no sense of fun, hahaha," RememberMe chimed in.


    "Will you both please be quiet? Broken needs to talk!" Freya eximed.


    Broken cleared his throat, ready to start. "Okay, so today I''d like to formally invite each of you to join the guild I''m going to create..."


    He barely finished before RememberMe leapt in, all enthusiasm. "Yes! I ept!" he eximed,ughing loudly. "There''s no need to even ask, Master-I''m already yours! Ha ha ha!"


    Forev''s patience snapped as she kicked his chair. "Shut up! I don''t want to hear another word from you!"


    RememberMe just grinned, clearly unbothered by her irritation.


    "All good by me, Broken," Booba chimed in. "You won''t regret bringing me into this guild of yours! I''m a fantastic sword wielder, you know! Ha ha ha."


    RememberMe opened his mouth to jump in again, but Forev immediately pointed a finger at


    him.


    "Enough! Give someone else a chance to talk!"


    Broken nodded, turning his attention to PussyCat and Forev.


    PussyCat, her long blonde hair framing her face, nodded slowly. "I don''t have much choice but to ept this offer. I''m grateful, Broken, for epting us low-level yers into your guild."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Forev spoke up, "Pussycat is right. We''re truly grateful for this opportunity. I may not feel particrly useful in this guild, but this is an honor not given to many."


    Freya added warmly, "You should remember, my level is also low, but I believe contributions to the guild don''t have to be only in the form of battle power."


    PussyCat smiled, nodding in agreement. "Yes, true. I know I can''t offer much to the guild... but I still want to be part of it."


    "Finally, the moment I''ve been waiting for!" RememberMe eximed, practically glowing with excitement.


    "Just don''t get too excited," Booba teased. "You''ll need to make sure your level is up there so you''re actually useful to the guild."


    "Level isn''t the most important thing in this game," RememberMe countered confidently. "I have plenty of other things I can offer him."


    After a few more minutes of friendly banter, Broken continued, "All right, it''s decided, then. Thank you all for your positive responses. Let''s wait for the others to join us before we start."


    PussyCat then spoke up. "Are you sure you want to include the Ass Guild in the n too, Broken?"


    RememberMe was about to reply, but Forev cut him off once again, pointing a finger sharply in his face.


    "Be quiet! Don''t waste time on unnecessaryments!"


    Broken nodded. "That''s the n, PussyCat."


    A few momentster, the door to the room opened, and one by one, the members of the Ass Guild entered: Elincia, Goldrich-who shot Broken a mischievous wink-Livelywood, and everyone else, even Skywarden. The only one absent was Maylock.


    Each person took a seat, wearing expressions that reflected a mix of emotions. They already understood the purpose of the gathering that afternoon, having been briefed by Elincia. But they all wanted to hear it directly from Broken.


    Before the meeting, they''d held an in-depth discussion, carefully considering their options if Broken really did propose for them to join his guild, a possibility Maylock had anticipated from the beginning.


    Broken''s n was, without a doubt, bold. Inviting members of a guild already ranked in the top 10, filled with yers who were exceptional in their own right, was a gamble. Anyone hearing of this n might think Broken was out of his mind. And yet, the fact that every single member of the Ass Guild had shown up that day was a powerful testament to the influence he held over them.


    Goldrich was the first to break the silence. "Come on, young man, we''re all waiting."


    Broken finally stood and began, "Thank you all foring."


    He cast a nce around the room, noting how intently everyone was watching him. His calmposure was evident to each member of the Ass Guild.


    "I''m not great with words," he began, "but I want to say that today, I''m officially inaugurating my guild in front of all of you."


    Light apuse broke out from Booba and RememberMe, their faces bright with enthusiasm.


    Goldrich smiled, nodding. "That''s what we''ve been waiting for, Broken. Congrattions." "Yes, congrattions, Broken," Elincia chimed in with a smile.


    Jovina leaned forward. "Yes, Broken! Now, get to the main point. Tell us why you invited us here!"


    "Don''t waste my time, you jerk!" Melliandra added, crossing her arms impatiently.


    Broken nodded slowly, aware of the weight of this moment. He needed to choose his words carefully, to convey his respect and purpose without seeming arrogant, while making it clear just how much he valued their presence in his new guild.


    He fully understood the significance of the people before him. They weren''t just anyone- they were individuals who had worked tirelessly to reach their positions. Over the past year in Yunatea Time, he''d shared countless adventures with them, though he knew he hadn''t yet gotten to know each of them as well as he''d like.


    But he genuinely wanted them by his side, united in his guild.


    "I have a dream, an ambition," Broken began, his voice steady, "so vast that I can''t even tell


    if it has any limits."


    His words immediately captured everyone''s attention. It was a powerful opening, one no one had expected from him.


    "I want to reach the highest levels possible in this game... or even surpass them," he


    continued.


    The intensity in his words left a deep impression on everyone in the room. The strength of his will and ambition would have seemed lightweight or trivial to anyone who didn''t know him.


    But Broken had already shown, through his relentless struggle and determination, that he didn''t speak lightly. He had the drive to back it up, and they all knew it.


    "And, without diminishing my respect for each of you," he continued, pausing to hold their gaze, a faint smile crossing his face.


    "And, with all due respect for each of you," he continued, pausing as he met their gazes, offering a small, sincere bow.


    "I''m inviting you to join the guild I''m creating, to share in this vision, to take on this journey together. To reach heights no one has ever achieved, to be the strongest in this game."


    His words were firm, stirring excitement among some, while others held back, waiting for someone else to respond.


    Broken''s voice softened as he finished. "Will you stand with me?"

 Chapter 597: Chapter 597 - One Guild, Many Voices

    Chapter 597: Chapter 597 - One Guild, Many Voices


    ?


    Broken''s voice softened as he asked, "Would you be willing to join me in this new guild?" Elincia rose from her seat, a gentle smile on her face.


    "Broken, I admire your honesty... and the courage it takes to invite us all to join your guild. I can see the confidence you have in what you''re building."


    She paused, then continued, "In fact, we''ve already discussed this among ourselves. While some have their doubts, I think everyone here has questions they''d like answered before making a final decision."


    Broken nodded in appreciation. "Thank you, Elincia."


    Elincia nced around the room. "Well, it''s gettingte, and the party will start soon."


    Everyone in the guild seemed to have questions-things Broken would need to address thoughtfully, as each answer could impact their decision. Broken was actually excited to hear from each of them, curious about their thoughts and concerns.


    "I''m sure we can start with you, Melliandra," Elincia suggested with a slight smile.


    Melliandra groaned. "Why should I be the first to speak?! This is so annoying!"


    She turned to Broken. "Hey, pervert. I need a new sniper rifle. Are you nning to get the Gunsmith ss anytime soon so you can help me with that?"


    Broken paused before responding, "I haven''t decided yet, Melliandra. I''m not sure of the ss''s full potential, so I can''t make any promises, but I''m not ruling it out either."


    Melliandra sighed, rolling her eyes. "Tsk. So annoying." She looked away, "I don''t care who the guild master is as long as Elincia''s there. I''m okay. Enough from me, next."


    Next, Kingsley turned to Broken, giving him a steady look.


    "Broken, I''ve been on a few expeditions and battles with you, and I know you''ve got a lot of courage and determination. So, if no one else objects, I''m willing to go along with it. I''m sure that adventuring with you will be something special, and I enjoy those moments."


    "Thanks, Kingsley. I really appreciate that," Broken replied sincerely.


    Livelywood then took his turn, his young age belying the poise and confidence of a sword- fighting prodigy. He always maintained a positive attitude and gave his best for the team.


    "Broken, I don''t have any major concerns. But will you still prioritize crafting my sword?"


    "I''ll keep my promise, Livelywood."


    "Very well, then. I''m content," Livelywood concluded with a nod.


    Next up was Starfall, a skilled mage and famous celebrity in Korea, who was also Livelywood''s teammate.


    "I''ve been on a few expeditions with Broken, and I believe he''s capable of making the right decisions in critical moments. I think he can lead the team sessfully," she said with a thoughtful nod.


    "But there is one condition," she added.


    "Yes?" he asked.


    "Come to my concert one day, will you?"


    Broken smiled, nodding. "Absolutely. I''lle to Korea and be right there in the front row."


    Starfall smiled back, satisfied. "Then I''m okay with it."


    Next, it was Jovina''s turn to speak. "Well, I think I was the first one to suggest this revolutionary idea, so no objections from me! I''m with you, Broken. As long as you keep stirring up trouble and giving me plenty of entertainment, I''m in! I thrive on confrontation, so I''m sure I can count on you for that."


    Broken smiled. "Thanks, Jovina. But... trouble?"


    "Yes! Like Maylock said, big trouble just seems drawn to you, it''s part of your charm. Hahaha." Sheughed, clearly enjoying the thought.


    Goldrich was next to share his thoughts.


    "So, young man, khi khi khi," he began with his signature chuckle, "this seems like the perfect time to ask, because I''m sure you won''t dodge my question now. Tell me, what''s your furthest goal at this moment? I don''t care how unreasonable it sounds. I just want to know how far you can dream."


    All eyes turned to Broken, who nodded slowly in acknowledgment. He took a deep breath and responded.


    "I can''t share all the details yet," he said, his voice steady, "but my goal is to take over a kingdom and be the first yer to be crowned as king in this game."


    "Wahahaha...!" Jovina burst intoughter. "That''s exactly the answer I was hoping you''d say, Broken."


    "Impressive... I''m satisfied with that answer, too," Goldrich replied with a nod.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "That''s so unrealistic, you idiot!" Melliandra eximed.


    Elincia leaned forward with a smirk. "What about marrying a lot of women, Broken?" "I''m pretty sure it''s not your turn to ask questions yet, Elincia." Broken said and smiled.


    Broken gradually opened up to them, sharing things he had previously kept hidden. He realized that to build a strong guild, he needed to start trusting his teammates fully.


    Next, it was Optimus''s turn to speak. Although he was usually outspoken, Broken had never had the chance to really talk with him.


    However, during the recent battle to defend Deadbay, Optimus had shown up piloting the Golem ckthorn, making a huge contribution to their victory.


    "So..." Optimus began, "I don''t have any questions. I''m actually quite thrilled with this decision, so I''m on board."


    He then nced over at Trison. "Hey, buddy, what about you? Got anything to add?"


    Trison, usually known for his excessive drinking, appeared unusuallyposed today. He nodded slowly, offering Broken a friendly smile.


    "I can see you have ambition and big aspirations, Broken. Your enthusiasm is admirable, and I''d be happy to follow you."


    "Thanks, Optimus, Trison," Broken replied gratefully.


    "Phew..." Jovina chimed in with a grin. "I''m amazed to see this fool manage to stay sober today."


    Next, it was Toberry''s turn to speak. As an Alchemist and Maylock''s partner on the team, he spoke up with enthusiasm.


    "Broken, I''m thrilled to ept this offer. We both have production sses, though I''m sure you have plenty of unique traits that help you excel across the board... including winning the


    hearts of women! Hahaha..."


    "Thank you, Toberry," Broken replied.


    Toberry added. "As for Maylock, I''m sure Elincia can better exin what he wants to convey."


    Charmelyn was next to speak. As the guild''s only assassin, she was known for her quiet demeanor, yet shepleted missions with unwavering resolve. After a brief bow, she stood, appearing slightly hesitant.


    Charmelyn hesitated for a moment, clearly a bit nervous, before finally speaking.


    "Uhm... I don''t have any concerns... nothing much to say, really. I fought alongside Broken in a major battle against a named demon, and I know he''s an exceptional fighter," she said. "He even managed to defuse the tension between me and Marlene back then. Though he says he''s not great at speaking torge groups, he''s shown he can humble himself, listen, and find real solutions to the issues at hand. I support this decision."


    She quickly sat back down, and Goldrich gave her an approving smile and nod.


    "Thank you, Charmelyn," Broken said, smiling. "I look forward to another big battle with all


    of us fighting side by side again."


    Three people remained who had yet to speak: Skywarden, Elincia, and Maylock, for whom Elincia wouldter stand in. It was now Skywarden''s turn, and he was known to be the most


    resistant to Broken''s ideas from the start.


    Everyone understood that if even one person rejected this decision, the Ass Guild''s integration into Broken''s guild would face obstacles. The room grew tense as Skywarden fixed Broken with a firm, unyielding stare, clearly prepared to express everything on his mind.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Hi, to refresh your memory. I provideplete character arts for everyone who attended this


    meeting, from the Ass Guild original members, and others.


    Checkments.


    Or simply join the Discord Server, tinyurl/gnteodiscord

 Chapter 598: Chapter 598 - Vensalor Guild

    Chapter 598: Chapter 598 - Vensalor Guild


    Skywarden, d in his signature white armor, fixed Broken with a firm, unyielding gaze. He had always been vocal about his disapproval of Broken''s presence, and today was no exception; he was here to voice his concerns about Broken''s invitation to the Ass Guild to join his new guild.


    "Broken!" he said sternly. "I still don''t trust youpletely."


    A thick tension settled over the room as everyone turned to watch the exchange.


    "However, you have shown courage, and I respect that. But I cannot ept a leader who breaks their promises," he continued.


    "What promise do you expect me to keep, Skywarden?" "You said you want to be a king?" "Yes."


    "Then I''ll ept this offer. But if you don''t follow through with your words, I will no longer be a part of this guild," Skywarden dered firmly.


    Broken met his gaze, unflinching. "I didn''t answer Goldrich''s question to prove anything to anyone, honestly. And this isn''t about avoiding your demands. If I disappoint you, that''s your judgment to make... but that responsibility lies with you, not me."


    He paused, then added, "But whether I be the King or not¡­ I''ll continue on the path I''ve chosen." He gave Skywarden a respectful bow.


    Skywarden considered this, then gave a slow nod. "That''s fair enough for me."


    Broken smiled, nodding back. "Thank you."


    Jovina let out a sigh. "Oh, Skywarden¡­ you just had to make a point about his capabilities. As if you had any other reason to doubt him."


    "Shut up, Jovina!" Skywarden snapped, though his tone carried less bite than before.


    Elincia smiled, feeling a sense of relief. Seeing someone as stubborn as Skywarden acknowledge Broken''s abilities was a reassuring sign.


    Broken wasn''t the type to seek respect, yet people were naturally drawn to him, as though he had a maic force that pulled others in.


    Elincia stood up with a gentle smile. "I''m sure Maylock left a message about this offer, Broken."


    Broken nodded slowly. "I''d like to hear it, Elincia."


    "To my surprise, the most opinionated among us left only a trumpet emoji," Elincia exined with a bemused smile.


    Jovinaughed. "So, I''m taking that as a ''yes''?"


    "Agreed," Goldrich added, chuckling.


    Elincia nodded along with her friends. "I''m certain Maylock is one of the most enthusiastic supporters of this idea," she continued, "so we can only hope his wife makes a full recovery and he''ll be able to join us again soon."


    Broken''s expression softened. "Thank you, Elincia. I hope his wife recovers fully. Familyes first, always. Maylock''s been a rock for us all, and he deserves to be there for her without any worry. Whenever he''s ready to return, he''ll have a ce here, waiting for him."


    Elincia was thest to make her decision, having carefully listened to the opinions of her guild members. As their Guild Master, deciding to entrust the guild¡ªand all the responsibility that came with it¡ªto someone else was no small feat. It required humility and a deep respect for the person she would be entrusting it to.


    "So, Broken," Elincia began.


    "I know this isn''t easy for any of us¡­ myself included. I want you to know, and I want everyone to understand, that being Guild Master hasn''t exactly been my passion."


    Her words sparked aughter through the room, lightening the tense atmosphere.


    "No one wanted this position," Elincia admitted with a smile. "In the end, I had to take it. Maylock, our most strategic member, imed he was too logical for leadership, while Goldrich, our dear old pervert, was more interested in his research than leading anything."


    She paused, her gaze settling on Broken. "I know you''re a strong-willed person, Broken. But I also know you''re deeply responsible. You don''t hesitate to stand up for what you believe in, and you have the courage to protect those who need it."


    Elincia looked around at her guildmates, then back at him. "So, if there are no more objections or concerns, my final decision is¡­. yes. We ept your offer, Broken!" she dered, a smile breaking across her face.


    The room exploded with thunderous apuse, cheers, andughter.


    "Yesss! Finally!" Booba shouted, pumping his fist in the air.


    "I love you, Master!" RememberMe eximed dramatically.


    "Congrattions, Broken," Kingsley said.


    "Good luck, young man," Goldrich added with a smile.


    "I still want you to learn the Gunsmith ss, pervert!" Melliandra huffed.


    "Tell me the guild''s name, Broken," Jovina asked.


    "You''d better not choose something weird, jerk!" Melliandra added, crossing her arms.


    "Make sure you think it over before deciding, Broken," Freya chimed in.


    "Do you have a better name than our current one?" Elincia asked, smiling.


    Booba snickered. "Your guild''s name is the best, Elincia... hahaha."


    Elincia shot him a sharp look. "Do you want to die?"


    Broken remained silent after hearing the question. Everyone then focused their attention on him, eager for his response. After a few moments, he finally murmured softly.


    "V, E, N, S, A, L, O, R. Vensalor," he answered.


    "Vensalor? What does that mean?" Melliandra inquired.


    "The name is cool. I don''t care what it means. I''m good with that." Jovinamented.


    "Yeah, I think the name is really nice," Freya replied.


    "What does Vensalor mean?" Elincia asked.


    "Floating Ind," Broken said, breaking the silence. Everyone turned to look at him.


    "Vensalor Kingdom¡ªthe homnd of the Elves, the strongest race in the world before the Demons destroyed it. It was said to be a magnificent ce."


    "What is that? Forest Elves?" Elincia asked, frowning. "I''ve never heard such a story."


    Broken added. "I once heard this story from my mother¡­ It''s one of the most cherished memories I have from my childhood, so¡­" He trailed off, slightly uncertain.


    Goldrich chimed in. "That''s beautiful, Broken. Vensalor is a great name."


    In truth, Broken knew Vensalor was a name already present in the game, connected to quests Hazel, no but SexyGrill had hinted at. But Vensalor had been in his mind long before SexyGrill mentioned it. It was a name that held a deep, personal meaning¡­ a memory of his mother.


    With a faint smile, he nodded to himself. Yes, Vensalor it would be. The name that reminded him so much of her.


    "Cool," Elincia said with a satisfied smile. "I think I really like that name, Vensalor Guild."


    "Vensalor Kingdom!" RememberMe chimed in. "That''ll be the name of our future kingdom! And King Broken, the King of Vensalor! Hahaha!"


    Forev frowned, her expression sharp. "Enough, RememberMe! Too much talk. It''s getting annoying."


    Just then, the door at the end of the room creaked open, and Tora and Toya stepped in. Tora''s eyes sparkled with excitement as he looked around. "Oh, sorry we''rete! Has the guild name been chosen yet?"


    "Vensalor Guild!" RememberMe proimed, unable to contain his enthusiasm.


    It didn''t take long for everyone to agree on the name Broken had chosen. He immediately opened the Guild menu, created the guild, and sent invitations to everyone in the room.


    "Broken¡­" Elincia spoke quietly, catching his attention. "I know it''ll take a lot of time to raise the guild''s level, so I''m offering to transfer all the Experience Points from the Astral Sorcery Squad Guild to Vensalor Guild, so it can start out at max level."


    Broken nodded, deeply appreciative. "Thank you, Elincia. I truly appreciate that."


    [Congrattions! You have sessfully created a new guild: Vensalor Guild.]


    [Broken has been appointed as the Guild Master.]


    [Booba has joined the Vensalor Guild.]


    [¡­]


    [Vensalor Guild has received Experience Points from the Astral Sorcery Squad Guild and has reached Max Level.]


    Meanwhile, news was already spreading. Curiosity rippled across the server as yers noticed an unexpected change in the rankings. The top-ten guilds list had been updated, and the Astral Sorcery Squad Guild was mysteriously absent¡ªits ce now taken by the newly formed guild, Vensalor Guild.

 Chapter 599: Chapter 599 - A Guildmaster’s Revelation

    Chapter 599: Chapter 599 - A Guildmaster¡¯s Revtion


    ?


    The ranking of guilds in Immortal Legacy is determined by various criteria, including the Combat Power of its members, Achievements, Quests, and more. The Astral Sorcery Squad Guild, despite its rtively small sizepared torger guilds spread across Yunatea, had previously held an impressive 10th ce ranking.


    But that night, the Ass Guild''s name suddenly vanished from the rankings, sparking immediate interest and spection. Some yers even logged into the game specifically to investigate what had happened to the Ass Guild, who, as it turned out, were gathered in the capital of Dissidia Kingdom at the time.


    "Do you think it''s possible that the Ass Guild disbanded? It''s hard to believe. I really respected them."


    "My friend has a friend in the guild, and they said the members joined a new guild."


    "Yeath, Vensalor Guild."


    "Vensalor? Who''s the Guild Master?"


    "Found it! A new guild has just registered. Vensalor, led by.... Broken?"


    "That''s insane. How did the Ass Guild end up joining Broken?"


    "This is unreal. Can Broken really handle leading the Ass Guild''s members? Is he smart enough to match someone like Maylock?"


    "I''m so curious about what led to this decision. I need to know why the Ass Guild members all chose to join Vensalor!"


    Several journalists had gathered outside the inn, where the former members of the Ass Guild were gathering, with Broken also in attendance. The breaking news was quickly picked up by several television stations.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Hello, viewers," began a female journalist. "We are reporting live. As you can see, crowds have gathered, eager for more details on the disbanding of the Ass Guild and the formation of the new guild, Vensalor."


    She continued, "As we know, Broken, whose name has gained poprity recently, is the founder of this new guild and has somehow convinced the Ass Guild to join him."


    She turned to the crowd. "So, what do you think about this development?"


    A man standing beside her shook his head. "It''s unbelievable. Who is Broken? Sure, he''s a rising star, but his capabilities haven''t even been tested! There''s no way they''ll survive against therger guilds in Immortal Legacy."


    Another person in the crowd scoffed. "Honestly, it''s disappointing. The Ass Guild had a solid reputation, and now they''re throwing it away by joining some new guild? It makes no sense! Are they just giving up on ying seriously?"


    A third voice joined in. "The Ass Guild joining Vensalor is like a pro team suddenly deciding to y for an amateur coach. I doubt they''llst a month before regretting this."


    "This reeks of desperation. Maybe Broken managed to win them over with promises, but leading is a whole different matter. What happens when he has to make real, tough decisions?"


    An older man chimed in. "This has to be a publicity stunt. The Ass Guild has been in the top ten for ages. They wouldn''t join some neer unless there was some catch. Either they''ve lost interest, or they''re nning something we don''t know about."


    The journalist nodded, capturing the crowd''s reactions as more skeptics voiced their doubts.


    **


    Broken and the others stayed gathered in the room, showing no sign of leaving just yet. It was clear that each of them still had countless questions for him.


    "So, Broken... I think everyone here has the same question for you," Elincia began with a knowing smile.


    Broken had deliberately configured the guild settings so that members'' Levels and sses were hidden on the roster. Naturally, this made everyone curious about his own Level and ss, something usually shared among guildmates.


    "Come on, Broken," Jovina prodded. "You''re not going to leave us all hanging, are you? Now that we''re officially your guild members, are you really nning to keep it a secret?"


    Goldrich leaned in with a faint smile. "You have no way out, young man. It''s time to reveal the truth. Khi khi khi..."


    Freya chuckled at everyone''s reactions.


    "I know the reason!" RememberMe shouted.


    "Shut up, RememberMe!" Forev snapped. "Let Broken exin it himself!"


    Broken waited, letting the room settle down before finally speaking. "All right, I''ll show you my Level and... my ss. No, I mean my sses."


    "Yeah, show us!" Jovina chimed in, grinning. "Don''t worry, it''s a secret. Only for Vensalor members, haha."


    "Oh, damn!" Tora eximed. "This is like a blessing! Let me and Toya join your guild too, Broken."


    Freyaughed. "Don''t worry, Tora, you''re already the official private documentarian for Broken."


    "A great experience awaits us," Tora said with a grin.


    "Enough talk, you idiot!" Melliandra cut in. "Stop stalling and show us your sses already!"


    Broken tapped the transparent screen a few times, and the Levels and sses of the guild members finally appeared for everyone to see.


    "Damn!!!" Melliandra was the first to react. "What the hell is this?!"


    "What the fuck with your level, Broken?!" Jovina shouted. "It''s even lower than this idiot


    Booba''s!"


    "Forget the level. Look at the sses," Goldrich murmured. "Khi khi khi..."


    Toberry mmed his fist on the table, clearly stunned. "What have you done, Broken? Four Unique-grade sses?! Damn!"


    "I thought SexyGrill was overpowered with her Lust Champion and a single Unique-grade ss, but you have four of them?!"


    The room erupted as people jumped from their seats, some kicking over their chairs in shock.


    "This is so broken!"


    "You really are the epitome of a broken yer."


    "Hahaha! As I''ve been saying, he''s the Legendary Broken yer! Hahaha!"


    "How the hell did you manage this, Broken? Out of all the Unique-grade sses in Immortal Legacy, you''ve got more than half of them?!"


    "Broken, tell me where you live. I''ming over to punch you right now!"


    Laughter and disbelief filled the room as everyone tried to process what they were seeing. Broken smiled, relieved to finally reveal this information. After all, he no longer had any reason to keep secrets. They had chosen to trust him, and it was only fair for him to do the


    same.


    Vensalor was now under his leadership, a guild he was determined to drive forward with full force. He was confident he could achieve great things with the people standing by his side. They were, each and every one of them, exceptional.


    Goldrich raised an eyebrow. "Isn''t the Golemancer supposed to be an Epic-grade?"


    "I think he has a way to upgrade all his sses to Unique-grade," Elincia said with a giggle.


    "Freya, you knew about this, didn''t you?" Jovina asked.


    "Oh?! Why me?" Freya shrugged, grinning innocently.


    "I trust Maylock''s theory more. That Freya''s a Guardian sent by the Golden Agepany because Broken is an elite yer or something. I mean..." Elincia trailed off. "Yeah, I knew it," Jovina added, then nced over at Charmelyn. "Charmelyn, you know Broken outside the game, don''t you?"


    Charmelyn''s eyes widened in surprise, and she looked nervous, suddenly quiet. Optimus then said. "So... does that mean you''re one of the Divine Champions, Broken?"


    Hearing this question, everyone turned to look at Broken, their eyes filled with anticipation. The clues were all there, and most were already convinced that he was a Divine Champion, but they waited for him to confirm it himself.


    In the Vensalor Guild, there was already one confirmed Divine Champion: Charmelyn, the


    Champion of Envy.


    But Broken?


    Would he finally reveal the truth to everyone?

 Chapter 600: Chapter 600 - Legendary Broken Player (Special Chapter)

    Chapter 600: Chapter 600 - Legendary Broken yer (Special Chapter)


    ?


    Broken stood up with a small smile. He took a deep breath, looking as if he was about to speak, but paused for effect, leaving everyone hanging.


    "Damn it! Don''t waste our time!" Melliandrained.


    Finally, Broken broke the silence. "We won against ine that time because I received a special item... directly from the Goddess Akidia."


    The room erupted.


    "Oh, damn it!"


    "He really is the Sloth Champion!"


    "Hahaha!"


    "Broken is the Sloth Champion!"


    Everyone''s curiosity was finally satisfied, and theyughed and cheered in relief.


    "Legendary Broken yer!" RememberMe shouted.


    "Oh, hearing this is such a blessing!" Tora eximed.


    "What kind of blessings did the Goddess of Sloth even give you, Broken? Damn!"


    "I bet the Goddess was toozy to pick five champions. She just picked one and gave him all the blessings!" anotherughed.


    Goldrich''s eyes gleamed with interest. "Could it be... she gave you the Self-Transcendence Blessing, Broken?"


    "What?! The same one that King ndorr has?"


    "Damn, this all makes sense now!"


    With a calm gesture, Broken brought the room to a gentle silence. The eager, excited faces of everyone present turned toward him, watching intently.


    "All right," he began. "I think that wraps up our meeting. Thank you to everyone for being here. I''m proud that we managed to get everything done so smoothly."


    Everyone nodded in agreement, but his expression grew more determined.


    "I want to make it clear: I am set on reaching the highest level in this game, the most extreme challenge it has to offer. So, I invite each of you to join me on this journey. Let''s reach that goal together!"


    "Yoy!"


    "Yoha!"


    "Ayee!


    "We need a battle yell, Broken!" Jovina suggested with a grin.


    "I''ll think of something," Toberry replied with a chuckle.


    "Wait, I have ideas!" RememberMe chimed in.


    "Skip any ideas from RememberMe and Booba on sight!" Melliandra said with a smirk.


    Broken grinned, shaking his head. "Let''s hold off on battle yells untilter, shall we? Right now, I think Princess Alora is waiting for us at the celebration. Let''s go!"


    "Yoha!"


    "Let''s go!" The members cheered.


    With a confident smile, Broken took out the Slumdon Cape and fastened it, and with a determined stride, he led the Vensalor Guild members out of the room, ready for what awaited them.


    Arge crowd had gathered outside the grand inn where the Vensalor Guild was inducting its new members.


    As Broken emerged, the crowd''s buzz of curiosity grew louder. Draped in his cape, and with the former members of the Ass Guild nking him, Broken quickly became the center of attention.


    He walked confidently at the front, nked closely by Kingsley and Optimus, the tworgest members of the guild, who towered at his sides like imposing bodyguards. The sight drew murmurs of admiration and disbelief from onlookers.


    As he stepped forward, journalists and yers rushed toward him, eager to get a word.


    "Broken, can we ask you some questions?"


    "What kind of offer did you make to convince the Ass Guild to join Vensalor?"


    "Many people are doubting your qualifications. What do you have to say about that?"


    "What''s the secret behind the Ass Guild''s surprising decision?"


    Despite the flood of questions, Broken remained calm.


    "Broken, you''re not very well-known yet. Do you have any special secrets that helped you be so popr so quickly?"


    "You were practically unknown just a few months ago. What''s your background that''s brought you to prominence so suddenly?"


    Broken answered with a calm smile. "I invited them to join because I wanted them, and they epted my offer."


    The questions kepting. "Did you promise them anything? Money?"


    Heughed, shaking his head. "They''re much wealthier than I am. There''s no way money could influence them."


    "So what''s your n for this new guild?" someone else called out.


    "To challenge the game, of course," he replied.


    "Broken, are you aware there are many guilds who oppose the Ass Guild? Are you prepared to


    face them?"


    "Yes," he said confidently. "I''m ready to fight whoever stands in our way."


    "Broken, why are you so close to Princess Alora?"


    Broken gave a respectful nod. "Well, she''s the Crowned Princess of the Dissidia Kingdom, and


    I have a great deal of respect for her."


    Elincia, Goldrich, and Freya watched in amazement as Broken responded to the barrage of questions with an unusual level ofposure and confidence.


    "How can he change so fast?" Elincia said.


    "Khi khi khi... as if he''s suddenly be so sure of himself," Goldrich mused. "And


    answering each question with such conviction?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Yes," Elincia continued, "I''ve never seen him act this way before. Usually, he tries to avoid interviews entirely, making up any excuse he can."


    Freya smiled thoughtfully. "He really is peculiar. It''s like... the moment he decides to pursue something, he fully embraces it. Just look at him. He went from uncertain to Guild Master, and now he''s like an upgraded version of himself."


    Goldrich chuckled. "Then tell me, is there anything he can''t do? I''m almost afraid to think of what he''d be if he ever set his sights on being a shameless yboy or, dare I say... a harem king. Khi khi khi...."


    Elincia shot him a look. "Why do I feel like you''d actually want him to try that, you old


    pervert?"


    When Broken had answered enough questions, Kingsley and Optimus moved in to gently usher the journalists aside, clearing a path for him. The royal party was waiting. That evening, the town hall was alive with excitement, packed with citizens eager to celebrate. The festivities included food, music, dancing, and other entertainment. A joyful tribute to the heroes of Dissidia for their recent victory over the Moonlight Fae.


    Leading the way, Broken strode forward in elegant white attire and his signature Cape of Slumdon. Beside him walked Ivana, dressed in a stunning gown of gold and ck thatplemented her flowing blonde hair and bright blue eyes.


    Behind them followed the members of the Vensalor Guild, each with a reputation that resonated both in the game and beyond. The crowd watched them with admiration, drawn to the strength, mystery, and renown of this remarkable guild.


    That night, everyone present had toe to terms with the surprising reality: the members of the renowned Ass Guild had pledged their loyalty to the newly formed Vensalor Guild, under the leadership of Broken-a rtively unknown figure whose background and capabilities were still a mystery to most.


    The town hall was alive with music, dancing, and an atmosphere of celebration. Princess Alora stood at the heart of it all, radiant in a striking gown of ck, and red thatplemented her fiery red hair, enhancing her beauty even more. Two royal knights stood by her side as she warmly weed the Vensalor Guild.


    "Good evening, Your Highness, Princess Alora," Broken greeted, stepping forward.


    "Good evening, Lord Broken, Baron of Slumdon, Hero of Dissidia, and Master of the Vensalor


    Guild," Princess Alora replied with a warm smile, her beauty glowing under the hall''s light. "This grand celebration is to honor our collective sess and the invaluable contributions you''ve made to the Kingdom."


    As Broken walked, nked by the elegant Princess Alora and the stunning Ivana, the sight left everyone in awe. Heads turned, and admiration filled the room as they watched, captivated by the extraordinary presence of the trio.


    Princess Alora joined Broken and hispanions as they took their seats at the table prepared


    for them.


    That evening, all eyes were unmistakably on him, who had be the center of conversation due to his remarkable achievements and the mystery surrounding him.


    The crowd whispered in curiosity and spection: how had he convinced the prestigious Ass


    Guild to disband and follow him into his newly established guild? And what exined his apparent closeness with Princess Alora?


    However, amidst the festivities, Broken might still be unaware that tworge groups were approaching from afar, threatening him from a side he may not yet suspect.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Ah, the gamer dream, right? Broken''s living the fantasy, power, prestige, a guild that


    worships him, and two stunning princesses by his side. Not to mention, a cheering crowd and


    a whole hall throwing a celebration in his honor.


    Alora and Ivana''s poprity rankings are neck and neck in the novel profiles, and I know each of you has your favorite between the two.


    So, let''s make it official: are you Team Alora or Team Ivana? Drop your vote in thements


    and show your support for your fave! And hey, don''t forget to toss Power Stone and Golden Ticket to help boost your chosen waifu!

 Chapter 601: Chapter 601 - Enemies at the Gate

    Chapter 601: Chapter 601 - Enemies at the Gate


    ?


    Meanwhile, near Slumdon Town...


    "How do you think Broken could possibly stop us tonight? Any chance at all?" Lucy, the Master of the FairyTool Guild, asked with a smirk.


    Around her stood 130 yers, all prepared tounch a devastating assault on Slumdon Town. Their mission was clear: topletely raze the town and leave nothing in its wake.


    "I think even 130 people might be overkill for one abandoned town," she added.


    The yers split into several groups, positioning themselves around Slumdon Town to attack from multiple angles. They were confident that tonight would bring them a decisive victory. "Is everyone online yet?"


    "Give it a few more minutes. I''m sure they''ll all be here soon," her friend replied.


    "Damn it! Don''t they understand the meaning of discipline?" Lucy snapped. "This is the perfect chance to humiliate Broken right after he dered his new guild."


    "Yes, exactly!" her friend replied, his grin widening. "With everyone''s attention on us, our name will explode in poprity once we seed in wiping this town off the map."


    "Absolutely," Lucy said with a spark in her eye. "After tonight, our alliance''s name will be on everyone''s lips. We''ll grab tons of attention... and tons of sponsors."


    "No Elincia, Goldrich, Charmelyn, or anyone else here to stop us," her friend added, smirking. "Just a few low-level Knights..."


    "This mission will be over in a sh," Lucy dered. "But maybe we should drag it out, make the livestreamst a bit longer. Maximize the views and the money."


    She turned back to her friend. "But first, call everyone in. I want everyone online right now!"


    **


    In a secluded corner of the capital city of the Dissidia Kingdom, a group of forty individuals gathered, preparing to carry out an important mission that night.


    "Damn that Broken," one of them muttered angrily. "He even managed to absorb the Ass Guild into his own guild!"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "We hold Princess Alora in high regard and aremitted to protecting her from deceitful men like Broken!"


    "With each passing moment, I feel more certain that we''re doing the right thing," someone else chimed in.


    "That''s right," the first one continued. "We''ll infiltrate the party at the town hall, and our mission is simple: kill Broken while he''s off guard!"


    "We can''t let anyone get close to Princess Alora!" dered a fourth. "Especially not some upstart like him!"


    "Listen, everyone!" the leader dered. "We don''t care how serious the risks might be. Tonight, we''ll show our defiance and utter hatred for Broken. No matter how many of us fall, it will all be worth it if we seed in killing him in front of a crowd. Especially in front of Princess Alora!"


    "We must protect Princess Alora''s purity! Nobody can get close to her!"


    Unbeknownst to them, someone was observing their every move from a high vantage point. Far above, Forev watched through the eyes of her spirit beast as it flew silently through the night sky.


    "They''re absolute idiots," Forev muttered. "Utter freaks!"


    **


    The Dissidia Kingdom was alive with excitement as the capital celebrated Princess Alora and the Heroes of Dissidia''s sessful defense against the Fae attacks.


    Broken sat at arge table with his new guild members and Princess Alora, who had joined them to sample the special drinks prepared by the royal chef. The atmosphere was warm and lively, withughter filling the air as the new allies celebrated their recent victory.


    "Lord Broken," Princess Alora said, breaking thefortable buzz of the crowd. "I believe many people here would love to hear you speak. Don''t you think it''s your duty to fulfill their wishes?"


    Freya, sitting to Broken''s left, nudged him with a grin. "Go on, Master," she teased. "You should be ready to be the star of the night, right?"


    Broken gave a small nod to Princess Alora, who rose gracefully from her chair. Instantly, all eyes in the room turned to her and Broken as they moved to the center of the hall.


    "I am sure you are eager to hear of the heroic deeds of the Heroes of Dissidia, who were able to vanquish the threat from the enemies and put an end to the destruction that gued Deadbay City," Princess Alora announced.


    Her words were met with resounding apuse from the assembled crowd.


    "And for that reason," she continued, "I have asked Lord Broken, Baron of Slumdon Town, to join us tonight, so that I may extend my sincerest gratitude and appreciation for his and his team''s remarkable contributions to this victory."


    The audience erupted into apuse. Some of Slumdon Town''s residents, filled with pride, cheered his name.


    "I will give Baron Broken time to share his stories and offer all of you the chance to ask him questions about that night''s events," Princess Alora announced, then gave Broken a knowing smile.


    "Damn! I really can''t dodge this," Broken muttered softly as he stepped into the spotlight. "I am deeply humbled and honored by Princess Alora''s kind words," he began. "But I can''t take all the credit for our sess. It was the result of coboration between many groups, including the Princess herself, her knights, and the members of the Ass Guild, who are now part of the Vensalor Guild."


    "He is our new Lord!" one of the Slumdon Town residents shouted proudly.


    "I''m sure Slumdon Town will be flourishing in no time under his guidance."


    "I want to see how far Broken can go," a yer added. "I hope his sess doesn''t fade quickly. I want to see just how high a yer can rise in this vast game."


    Just then, Broken felt a small vibration, receiving a message from Forev.


    [Forev: "Broken, there are quite a few of them, but I''m sure you''ll handle it with ease."]


    Broken took a slow breath, realizing just how relentless they were in stirring up trouble. They even had the nerve to n chaos at an event like this.


    He nodded to himself, then whispered quietly, "Pawpaw, I''m sure you''re ready to join the party, aren''t you? I won''t hold you back."

 Chapter 602: Chapter 602 - The Knight and the Cat

    Chapter 602: Chapter 602 - The Knight and the Cat


    ?


    At the front of the group stood their leader, a figure d in heavy white armor who named himself TheKnight.


    "All right, let''s move. Blend in with the crowd and strike when the opportunity arises!" TheKnight ordered.


    The forty yers marched through the unusually quiet streets of the capital. Most citizens were either at the town hall celebrating or upied with their own routines, leaving the roads eerily still.


    As they continued, their steps slowed. Something strange appeared in the distance, catching their attention.


    "What is that?"


    "Monster?"


    Ahead of them, in the middle of the street, stood... a cat? A little cat? Or so it seemed at first nce. But there was something unnatural about it. Tendrils of shadow curled around its form, and its glowing red eyes stared directly at the group.


    "There are no monsters in the city, you idiot!" TheKnight snapped. "It''s probably just some stray cat. Don''t waste time, keep moving!"


    As they drew closer, the little cat became clearer, capturing the attention of the group.


    "Why are we stopping?" someone asked.


    "It''s just a little cat," another replied.


    "Look at it! So cute."


    "That''s a spirit beast, isn''t it?" someone suddenly eximed. "That''s got to be someone''s spirit!"


    "But this one has horns... and it''s kind of adorable."


    "Do you think the spirit''s here to attack us?"


    "Why should we hesitate just because of a single spirit?" another dered. "Even the spirit''s owner doesn''t seem brave enough to show themselves!"


    "Can we capture this spirit?"


    "Of course not, dumbass!"


    TheKnight stepped forward. "Tell me, who is your master?"


    The cat raised its head slightly and, to everyone''s shock, replied, "My master said I can kill you all without mercy."


    TheKnight''s eyes widened, more amused than afraid. "Woah... A talking cat? Let''s take a closer look at this kitten. I think someone''s ying a hero here. Tell me, where is your master? If they''re so brave, let them face us!"


    He leaned closer, bending over to look the cat in the eye. "Hey, little kitty, why don''t youe with us instead? Aren''t you ashamed to belong to such a cowardly master?"


    But TheKnight was oblivious to what was happening behind him. As he admired the cat, a notification appeared in front of him. His heart sank as he realized something horrifying-his party members were disappearing one by one.


    "What the...?"


    Looking behind, he was greeted by a terrifying sight. Countless shadows had risen from the darkness, dragging his friends into the abyss, their screams muffled by the engulfing void. "Damn!" he shouted, spinning around.


    But it was toote. The little cat had opened its mouth impossibly wide, revealing rows of shadowy teeth, and in one swift motion, it swallowed him whole.


    **


    That night, Constantine stood near Slumdon Town, exuding confidence as he oversaw the assault. He fully grasped the magnitude of the operation but remained assured of its sess. "There''s no one in this stupid town," he said. "All the members of the Vensalor Guild are in the capital, naive and foolish enough to leave their townpletely unguarded."


    He didn''t even need to personally participate in the assault, content to observe from a safe distance while others carried out the n he had meticulously designed.


    "Nothing can thwart my ns tonight. Nothing!"


    "The n is simple! Let''s reduce Slumdon Town to ashes!"


    As a Champion of Wrath, Constantine was blessed with an extraordinary gift: Wrath Incarnate. This blessing allowed him to transform into a giant-sized version of himself, dramatically increasing his size and strength for a limited time.


    In this mode, not only did his physical strength skyrocket, but his stats received a massive boost. Wrath Incarnate also enabled him to wield multiple types of weapons simultaneously, making him nearly impossible to counter.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Constantine was a force to be reckoned with, capable of adapting to any situation and taking on any opponent with ease.


    Unlike other Divine Champions who often showcased their abilities in public, Constantine kept the full extent of his powers a closely guarded secret. This left many guessing, and often underestimating what he was truly capable of.


    While he openly admitted his ability to utilize multiple sses and weapon types, anyone who had faced him in battle quickly learned the truth. No one who had encountered Constantine''s wrath first hand would dare to challenge him a second time.


    That night, Constantine didn''te alone. He had brought several of his guild members to ensure that this mission, theplete destruction of Slumdon Town, would go off without a


    hitch.


    Constantine turned to hispanions. "I want that stupid alliance tomence their assault immediately."


    "Allright, I''ll let them know."


    **


    [Pawpaw has killed Bakuking Lv. 118]


    [...]


    [.....]


    [Pawpaw has killed Zazuke Lv. 129]


    Broken was sipping his beverage when a flurry of notifications materialized in front of him. As the information provided by Forev had suggested, the yers had an average level that was not exceptionally high, making it a simple task for a Demon Beast as powerful as Pawpaw to eliminate them all.


    As Broken returned to the lively gathering, he noticed Goldrichughing heartily, clearly enjoying the festivities. Nearby, Elincia sat with a rxed demeanor, listening to Freya''s jokes and the friendly chatter among the group.


    Despite the cheerful atmosphere, Broken couldn''t shake the nagging feeling that something was amiss. His instincts screamed that an unounted-for threat was looming-one he


    hadn''t anticipated.


    When he nced at Freya, he caught her slightly startled expression.


    Leaning closer, Freya whispered, "Broken... something''s wrong in Slumdon..."


    His suspicions were confirmed. An assault on Slumdon Town was underway. Realizing the


    gravity of the situation, everyone gathered closer to discuss the matter.


    "So, you have faith in the Knights to handle this, Broken?" Elincia asked.


    Broken knew he had to act, but he also understood the value of real experience for the Knights. Allowing them to face this challenge head-on would provide significant growth. He didn''t want to coddle them-that would only hinder their development in the long run. "I''ll give the Knights the opportunity to handle this assault," Broken suggested. "It will be a valuable chance for them to hone their skills and prove themselves."

 Chapter 603: Chapter 603 - Slumdon Under Siege

    Chapter 603: Chapter 603 - Slumdon Under Siege


    ?


    Lucy, the Master of the FairyTool Guild, had reached a pivotal point in her life. Gaming had been her passion since she was a teenager, and with Immortal Legacy standing as the pinnacle of her hobby, she was determined to prove that her passion could also be a viable career.


    With her marriage on the horizon, Lucy was driven to ensure that her future husband wouldn''t bear the sole financial burden in their rtionship.


    She had a clear and bold n in mind: she would broadcast a live stream of her guild and the alliance as they razed Slumdon Town to the ground.


    This would not only boost their fame but also establish their dominance, especially since Broken and the Vensalor Guild were the center of attention that night.


    "All right!" Lucy dered firmly. "Let''s start the live stream!"


    The camera zoomed in on her confident and passionate face as she addressed her audience. "Hi, everyone!" she eximed. "As I mentioned earlier, tonight, we, along with the Vntar Guilds Alliance, will do something monumental: we''re going to destroy this small town, the proud home of Broken and his newly formed Vensalor Guild!"


    "We are one of the strongest guilds in Vntar City. For those of you who y Immortal Legacy, you know how challenging this game can be. Our sess wasn''t handed to us, we''ve earned it through hard work and dedication, unlike some guilds that rely on throwing money around to get ahead."


    Lucy gestured dramatically toward the distant Slumdon Town.


    "We''re here to prove that the owner of Slumdon Town is unworthy of it," she dered confidently. "They''ve failed to properly maintain it, and tonight, we''ll reduce it to rubble!" Her words were met with loud cheers from the assembled group.


    "So don''t forget to send your donations and support us!" Lucy added with a sly grin. "We''re about to put on a show you won''t want to miss!"


    Lucy felt no concern about the knights and troops stationed in Slumdon Town, they posed no real threat. As for the yers living there? They were too intimidated to intervene or risk standing in the way of the alliance''s ns.


    "I can''t believe Broken was so careless," Lucy murmured. "He''s too young to appreciate the luxuries he''s been given. If I had what he has, I''d make far better use of it."


    The live chat section of the stream immediately lit up as viewers began flooding it with their reactions.


    "Weren''t these people beaten by the Ass Guild before?"


    "Yes, but there''s no one in Slumdon Town except a few Knights."


    "But isn''t this practicallymitting suicide? The Vensalor Guild won''t just sit by if their town is destroyed, will they?"


    "It''ll cost them a fortune to recover if the town is destroyed."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Money doesn''t seem to be an issue for them. But they won''t get another shot at owning a town in Immortal Legacy."


    "Vensalor Guild will definitely take revenge for this."


    "However, the Vensalor Guild would have to think twice before retaliating."


    "Their enemies are from the neighboring Kesseon Kingdom, and Vntar is a major city. Kesseon Kingdom isn''t small either, so Vensalor won''t be able to seek revenge easily. Especially if Kesseon intervenes."


    "Broken and his guild members are all in the capital of Dissidia Kingdom right now. There''s no way they expected this attack."


    Igor, Ingrid, Damir, and five other Knights marched from the Slumdon Town, prepared to confront the enemies who had dared to attack the town that night.


    "Sir Igor," one of the Knights asked hesitantly, "are you sure the eight of us are enough to face them? They''ve brought a group of about twenty people."


    Igor''s voice was steady. "It is the duty of a Knight to guard the town they serve. Whatever challengese our way, we shall face them with courage."


    As the group of yers approached, Igor''s expression hardened. "You''vee here with malicious intent. The Knights of Slumdon stand to protect the peace and serenity of this town. We will not allow your actions to go unchecked."


    One of the yers snickered. "Look at this! These are the NPCS Broken left to guard his town? Ha ha ha."


    "Just get rid of them already! They''re nothing but scraps!"


    Meanwhile, Orion, Karl, Yann, and Anna departed from Slumdon Town''s city wall as well.


    Orion, in particr, seemed exhrated. After weeks of managing his unruly knights during training sessions, he was ready to unleash his pent-up frustration in the heat of battle. This was his chance to demonstrate his strength and draw blood.


    "I''m not taking responsibility if any of you die!" Orion said.


    "Oh, Orion... do you really think we''re so weak?" Anna replied with a grin, her massive greatsword slung over her back.


    "I''ll make sure I take down more enemies than you tonight, Orion!" Karl said confidently.


    "Hah! You''re all dreaming if you think you can outdo me!" Orion retorted with a smirk. "Don''t forget, I''m yourmander!"


    Orion had lost a duel against Broken and, as punishment, was forced to serve under him. However, he refused to let this setback define him. Instead, he viewed it as an opportunity to grow stronger and further refine his skills.


    Prideful as he was, Orion vowed to carry out his punishment with dignity, determined to uphold his honor even in defeat.


    With his remarkable talent and natural capabilities, many expected him to one day ascend to the position of Lord of Deadbay. His level far surpassed that of most yers, sure he was not someone to be taken lightly.


    "Listen up, all you idiot yers!" Orion bellowed. "Are you prepared for the horrific death that awaits you tonight?!"


    One of the opposing yers sneered. "What a shame. This dog, who lost so miserably to Broken, is now just licking his boots like a ve. How pitiful."


    "Shut up, because I''m about to beat you so hard you''ll never daree back to this ce ever again!" Orion dered firmly.

 Chapter 604: Chapter 604 - It’s just a single Faebeast

    Chapter 604: Chapter 604 - It¡¯s just a single Faebeast


    ?


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Igormanded a well-rounded team: a shielder, short-range attacker, long-range attacker, mage, and support. Knowing they were outnumbered, Igor had prepared and refined multiple strategies over the years for battles just like this.


    "Stay in the formation we practiced, and attack!" Igormanded as he rushed toward the enemy.


    The opposing yers roared, "Surround them and take them all out!"


    Igor, a master swordsman with an A-rating in Sword Mastery, took swift control of the battle. His movements were calcted and precise.


    Behind him, Damir unleashed powerful magic attacks, providing vital support from the rear.


    Ingrid darted through the fray with dual swords, her high agility stats allowing her to parry and counterattack with extraordinary finesse.


    The team followed Igor''s lead with wless coordination, executing their strategy with precision. Long-range attackers unleashed a steady barrage of projectiles. Meanwhile, the support role ensured the team''s safety, providing vital buffs and maintaining a protective shield aura that strengthened their defenses.


    "Be on your guard!" one yer barked. "Don''t let any of us fall! We outnumber them, act smart!"


    Despite having the team with the lowest potentialpared to Orion, Elowen, or Mira, Igor remained undeterred. He struck down another opponent with fierce resolve, "I ammitted to developing my team to its fullest potential!"


    Elsewhere, Karl was double-checking, he turned to Orion, "What''s our strategy?"


    Orion responded with a sinister grin. "Strategy? Only the weak need strategy! All I care about is that you kill as many of them as possible, that''s all that matters."


    Karl frowned. "I don''t think you deserve to be a Knight Commander, Orion!"


    Orion''s smirk deepened. "Then take it up with our Lord, who appointed me as yourmander."


    "I''ll take your ceter!" Karl dered.


    Anna, gripping her greatsword, stepped between them. "Can we save this bickering forter? We have opponents to face. And let''s be honest, we''re all just trying to see who can rack up the highest kill count, aren''t we?"


    As the battle began, viewers watching the live streams voiced their shock and doubts in the chat.


    "The number of knights is so small!"


    "Yeah, there are only two groups trying to defend the town, while the Vntar Alliance is attacking from almost five different directions at once."


    "They have no hope!"


    "The knights'' efforts will be in vain. We already know how this will end."


    "I think Orion and his team have potential, but their numbers are too few. Even though Orion


    is strong, there are just too many yers attacking, and they''reing from all over the


    ce."


    "Igor''s team is fighting with skill and strategy. He clearly has the potential to be a great Knight Commander, but... I fear tonight might be hisst stand."


    "Damn, didn''t anyone alert Broken about what''s happening?"


    The Vntar Guilds Alliance''s assault was more devastating than anyone had anticipated. Squads spread out across Slumdon Town, with two groups sessfully breaching the city walls and surging toward the town center.


    Panic consumed the residents as they fled their homes, their screams echoing throughout the streets.


    "Run for your lives! Save your families!" voices shouted in distress as people scrambled for safety.


    "Destroy their houses!" one of the attackers bellowed, as chaos erupted around them.


    Knights stationed inside the town rushed to confront the invading yers, but they were hopelessly outnumbered and outmatched. Despite their efforts, the attackers'' sheer strength and numbers overwhelmed them.


    "Head to the city center!" one of the attackers ordered. "We must destroy the town hall, their farnd, and everything else Broken and his allies have worked so hard to build."


    From the fleeing townsfolk, anguished cries filled the air:


    "Our Baron will repay you for this... You are truly heartless!"


    "Please, help me find my child... someone save my child!"


    "Head downtown quickly, join forces with the others, find somewhere safe to hide!"


    "Where are the knights when we need them? Where is our Baron?"


    The town was gripped by fear and chaos, the attackers growing bolder with every moment. Meanwhile, Lucy''s squad, stationed closer to the inner city, appeared hesitant to advance. "Do you think we should also kill the townspeople?" Lucy asked, ncing toward the camera. "It would be so easy, wouldn''t it? But honestly, I don''t think it''s necessary. Do you?" She continued, "Our goal is to show the Vensalor Guild that they''re not invincible, that they have vulnerabilities. All we need to do is destroy this town and let the people evacuate."


    "I will not harm the townspeople," she dered firmly. "We will only engage the knights who resist us. Our mission is to confront the Vensalor Guild, not tomit senseless massacres." "Alright, everyone," she said with a confident smile. "There''s no reason to dy any further. Let''s move forward and enter the inner part of the town. It''s time to bring this small town to its knees."


    As they approached the inner part of Slumdon Town, their march came to an abrupt halt. From a distance, they saw arge figure moving toward them, its body engulfed in mes that flickered in the darkness of the night.


    "What on earth is that? A monster?"


    "It''s a wolf!"


    "Wait... is that... a Faebeast?"


    Lucy squinted at the ming figure, a recognition sparking in her mind. "Could it be?" she


    wondered. "Is that the same wolf Princess Alora''s knights fought before?"


    She shook her head in disbelief. "No way. That wolf was killed, wasn''t it?"


    "Who cares? Kill that thing!" another yer yelled, raising their weapon. "It''s just a single Faebeast!"


    It happened so quickly-


    Lucy was left in stunned silence as she watched the enormous wolf tear through her guildmates with terrifying efficiency. In mere moments, their lives were ended, leaving her


    the sole survivor.


    Her eyes widened in horror as she stared at the towering beast before her. She trembled, her voice shaky as she tried toprehend the situation.


    "I... I had no idea something so powerful was protecting Slumdon Town... Even when Broken and the others aren''t here," she murmured. "Why is it that every time I try, I fail? I just wanted to fight for my own sess..."


    She fell to her knees, her face pale with terror. "Please, let me live," Lucy begged. "If I die, I''ll lose even more than I''ve already lost. Please, don''t take my life."


    Fang gazed down at her. Without a word, he raised his massive paw and brought it crashing down. In an instant, Lucy''s figure exploded into pixels, vanishing into the night.


    "They''re too weak," Fang muttered.


    Without pausing, the massive wolf turned and sprinted back toward the heart of the town, ready to deal with the remaining invaders who dared to threaten Slumdon Town. "Cedric said they didn''t need my help to handle this attack... but would Lord Broken mind if I took action anyway?" Fang mused to himself.


    "He did say toe to Slumdon if I thought the town needed assistance."


    The number of enemies flooding into the town continued to grow, far outpacing the limited number of knights defending it. Fang knew the situation was bing dire-there was no other option. If he didn''t act now, more lives would be lost, and the town could be overrun.

 Chapter 605: Chapter 605 - I am the Wrath Champion

    Chapter 605: Chapter 605 - I am the Wrath Champion


    ?


    As Constantine made his way back to Vntar City, his carriage abruptly halted at hismand. He had just received word of the defeat of several members of the Vntar Guilds Alliance in the assault on Slumdon Town.


    Frustration etched across his face, he stepped out of the carriage.


    "They were beaten... by a handful of knights?" he muttered. "Could they truly be so ipetent?"


    One of hispanions approached him. "Constantine, should we assist with the assault directly?"


    Constantine''s eyes narrowed, his expression darkening as he assessed the situation.


    "I think we''ll have to take matters into our own hands. If this attack fails again, the entire n will copse, and I won''t allow that to happen. I don''t think we can let this slide any longer. Those stupid alliances have proven to bepletely useless."


    Hispanions nodded, sensing the weight of his anger.


    Everyone knew that the Vntar Guilds Alliance was responsible for therge-scale assault on Slumdon Town. As a result, any retaliation by the Vensalor Guild would typically target Vntar.


    Therefore, even if Constantine chose to get involved, he could still protect his reputation.


    As Constantine gazed toward Slumdon Town, he noticed a figure approaching in the distance. Narrowing his eyes to get a clearer view, he took in the eerie sight.


    It was someone cloaked in a ck robe that seemed to absorb the light around it. They carried a massive scythe that gleamed even in the dim light.


    "What the hell is that?" Constantine hissed. "Some idiot cosying as a grim reaper?"


    Constantine and his group stood still, waiting as the grim reaper-like figure drew closer, eventually stopping right in front of him.


    "Out for a little midnight stroll?" Constantine asked, a thin smile ying on his lips.


    Suddenly, the ground behind the grim reaper figure began to shift. From the earth, a massive ck cat emerged, its sheer size dwarfing the figure-standing at least four times taller.


    As if that wasn''t terrifying enough, another form materialized from the shadows: a wolf shrouded in swirling darkness, its presence just as menacing as the cat''s.


    Constantine''s throat tightened as he swallowed nervously.


    This wasn''t just any yer. This was something far more dangerous.


    "They look... pretty intimidating," one of his guildmates muttered.


    "Is that who defeated the Vntar Alliance?" another asked.


    "A yer with a censored name, and a weird beast."


    "We should get out of here!"


    "Log out! Just log out right now!"


    "We can''t! We''re already in battle mode!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Constantine forced himself to remain calm andposed. There''s nothing to fear, he reassured himself. He was confident in his capabilities, but he wasn''t the type to charge into a battle unless he was sure of victory.


    This person might have been connected with Slumdon Town, potentially an ally of Broken or someone closely aligned with the town''s defense.


    Yet, there was also the chance that this figure had no ties to Broken at all. They could simply be a wandering yer who had stumbled upon the attack and decided to intervene out of annoyance or principle.


    His mind raced as he assessed his situations. After all, he and his guildmates had only been passing near Slumdon Town-they hadn''t directly participated in the assault. Surely, there was a way to use that to his advantage.


    Constantine''s grip tightened on his weapon as he weighed his next move.


    "Good evening, Mr. Grim Reaper," Constantine murmured, with a faint and calm smile. Constantine studied the figure before him. If this Grim Reaper wasn''t affiliated with any guild, it could present a rare and valuable opportunity. Recruiting someone with two beasts as threatening as these would be a significant asset.


    His mind whirred as he considered the possibilities. The perks and riches he could offer from his guild might be more than enough to sway even the most independent yer.


    After all, who could resist the allure of privilege and wealth in Immortal Legacy?


    But before he could speak further, the Grim Reaper''s cold, resonant voice cut through the night. "What are you doing here, in the middle of the night, so close to Slumdon Town?" Constantine''sposure faltered for just a moment before he regained his calm demeanor. He chuckled softly, "Merely passing through. It seems we''ve had the misfortune of being mistaken for troublemakers. Surely you can see there''s been a misunderstanding, yes?" The Grim Reaper stood silent.


    Constantine stepped forward with deliberate calm. "Well... I''m Constantine," he began smoothly.


    He gestured slightly as he continued, "By chance, or perhaps by destiny, I have been blessed with extraordinary power. You see, I am one of the Divine Champions: the Champion of Wrath. That is who I am."


    Constantine paused, before adding with a faint smirk, "You may not have heard of me before. My reputation is mostly within the Kesseon Kingdom, where I am quite well-known. Though it seems my fame hasn''t reached this region yet."


    Now, he mused to himself, am I leaving you in awe after disclosing my identity?


    What kind of yer doesn''t react to the presence of a Divine Champion?


    "My guild and I happened to be traveling near this area when we heard reports of a major disturbance in this tiny town. It was quite... concerning," he said.


    He gestured vaguely toward Slumdon Town and continued, "Apparently, certain guilds from Vntar City were nning to cause destruction here. A truly rming situation, don''t you think?"


    Turning back to the Grim Reaper, he continued, "Let me ask you this: are you part of those reckless guilds? Do you also intend to devastate this small town?"


    He paused, staring intently at the cloaked figure, searching for any reaction. The Grim Reaper remained silent.


    This stupid Grim Reaper guy... I''ve put in so much effort to get his attention. He better be useful to me and not as brainless as Lucy and her ridiculous alliance.


    As Constantine shifted his focus, he discreetly nced at the live streaming from the Vntar Guilds Alliance. His expression soured as he watched the events unfold on the screen.


    His gaze sharpened as the live stream panned to a massive wolf tearing through Lucy''s forces. His heart sank as he realized the connection-the same imposing wolf stood before him now. This guy was the reason Lucy''s alliance had failed so miserably.

 Chapter 606: Chapter 606 - The Grim Reaper Guy

    Chapter 606: Chapter 606 - The Grim Reaper Guy


    ?


    Constantine paused for a moment, carefully considering his next move. The grim reaper cosyer standing before him had single-handedly decimated the Vntar Guilds Alliance, and it was clear he hade here suspecting Constantine''s involvement in the attack on Slumdon Town.


    But suspicion alone wasn''t enough-there was no concrete evidence or justification for an attack. For now, the grim reaper figure remained silent, perhaps unsure of whether to act or simply watching, waiting.


    Maybe he''s too cautious or just too stupid to make a move, Constantine mused.


    "So..." Constantine broke the silence. "Did you lend a hand to the town in driving off those attackers? It''s obvious you share the same drive and devotion to helping others as I do."


    He continued smoothly. "Assisting them even when their lord was absent shows true character. May I know your name? I''d like to learn more about you... something tells me we might have a lot inmon."


    The silence stretched awkwardly as Constantine waited for any sort of response. His patience, already on thin ice, was starting to crack.


    "Did you know," Constantine went on, "I am someone closely connected to the King of Kesseon Kingdom. People there call me a hero, though I don''t feel I truly deserve the title. If you join me, you''d have a special ce in the kingdom. We''d feast on the finest food and engage in fascinating conversations."


    He leaned in slightly. "On top of that, I am the Master of the Sword of Justice guild. Justice and truth are my guiding principles, and I have no doubt you''d feel at ease with me."


    The Grim Reaper guy finally broke his silence, "I''m just a solo yer who enjoys ying with death."


    Constantine blinked, momentarily taken aback. "Oh, that''s... so cool! I, uh, love killing too... of course, killing injustice, haha!"


    The Grim Reaper guy replied, "Not really. I kill whatever I want, whenever I want. No permission needed."


    "Hahaha... I''m sure you had your reasons, like wiping out those idiotic guild alliances, right?"


    Even as he spoke, he sent a message to his guild chat: "Get ready. We''re going to kill this guy until he''s nothing but pixels."


    Leaning back with a smug grin, Constantine said. "You see, I have it all. Money, power, beautiful women... both in-game and in real life. Don''t you want to experience the ultimate pleasure of teaming up with someone like me?"


    The Grim Reaper''s reply came cold. "I take pleasure in every kill. But I doubt you''ll offer me anything worthwhile when you''re dead."


    Constantine''s grin faltered, his expression twisted into one of barely contained rage. "You think you''re better than me, don''t you?!"


    With a single, fluid motion, Fang seemed to dissolve into the darkness, his form glowing faintly amber as he surged forward with breathtaking speed. His massive ws cut through the air, unleashing a shockwave that hurled enemies backward.


    Meanwhile, Pawpaw was shrouded in thick shadows. Tendrils of darkness snaked out, ensnaring the enemies and trapping them in an unrelenting prison of shadow. With a swift, seamless leap, he lunged forward, ws extended and gleaming in the dim light.


    "Activating full speed mode!" Constantine muttered under his breath. "I need to get out of here, no matter what it takes!"


    But even with his efforts, the Grim Reaper''s strike was merciless and unerring, cutting through him with a single, decisive blow. "No... this can''t be..." he whispered.


    ***


    News of the Vntar Guild Alliance''s devastating defeat in Slumdon Town spread across the inte like a wildfire, sparking countless discussions and theories.


    The following day, some members of the Vensalor Guild returned to Slumdon to assess the damage firsthand, while others stayed behind in the Capital or carried on with their own missions.


    "Do you think the Vensalor Guild will retaliate against Vntar City?"


    "That would be so thrilling!"


    "I doubt it. Broken is no ordinary guild leader. He''s a high-ranking official in the Dissidia Kingdom. An attack on Vntar would risk igniting a war between nations."


    "Can you imagine if Yunatea got dragged into a full-blown war? That would be an epic event!"


    "Not happening. The kingdom wouldn''t stand for it. Starting a war without the royal family''s approval is treason. Anyone who tries it would be punished harshly."


    "Ugh, so boring," the first groaned. "I want the Vensalor Guild to strike back! Sitting around and doing nothing is such a letdown!"


    Hundreds of yers packed the grand hall in the capital of the Dissidia Kingdom, their voices rising in heated debate over an issue of immense importance.


    At the front of the room stood TheKnight,manding attention as he addressed the assembly.


    "That night," TheKnight began, "our mission was sabotaged! A single spirit beast blocked our path and brought about our defeat!"


    The room erupted into a mix of anger and bewilderment. Their carefullyid ns to disrupt the party in the capital had seemed wless.


    "We must devise a strategy to exact revenge on Broken," someone dered.


    "Broken''s Gamer Name turned red at the exact moment that spirit struck us down. The spirit has to belong to him!"


    "But is it even possible for Broken to control a spirit with that kind of power from afar?"


    "We need to reconsider where we''re directing our anger," a cooler head suggested. "Should we really keep aiming it at Broken?"


    "Absolutely!" someone else shouted. "Does anyone here intend to just stand by while Broken monopolizes Princess Alora''s attention?"


    "No way! I won''t let that happen!"


    "But Broken has formed a formidable team," one voice cautioned. "He''s not someone we can take lightly. Even ex-members of the Ass Guild are now following him."


    "We don''t need a direct confrontation," another countered. "We just have to make his journey through this game as painful as possible!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Allies! What we need are allies who also have a grudge against Broken."


    "How about we team up with the Shadow Wolves?"


    "Are you serious? The Shadow Wolves want to take the throne from Princess Alora! That


    makes them our enemies too," came a swift rebuttal.


    The room buzzed with dissent, ns and counterns shing as the group struggled to settle on a course of action.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Ahhh, it''s so satisfying to finally unleash the name Vensalor Guild into the chaos of this story!


    After so much tension and buildup, their presence feels like a mic drop moment. ??


    Whether it''s taking down alliances, gaining enemies (by the dozen), or sparking heated debates across the yer base, they''re the guild to watch.

 Chapter 607: Chapter 607 - A Familiar Face at Dinner

    Chapter 607: Chapter 607 - A Familiar Face at Dinner


    ?


    Leon woke up in his cozy bed and breathed a sigh of relief as he realized it was Saturday morning-a rare chance to unwind.


    The calendar disyed January 5, and the past few days had been a whirlwind of activity. Leon had spent time exploring the city with Olivia and even tried his hand at cooking with Laura. But today, he had made up his mind: this day was for Lily.


    Later that evening, they also had an invitation from Uncle Ben to look forward to.


    Their day was filled with simple joys: dining out, watching a movie, and ending the day at a charming restaurant in the heart of the city. As they chatted, Lily brought up a flood of random topics, her animated voice carrying the conversation effortlessly.


    "Do you remember, Leon," Lily said, "when we were kids, we used to y in the park? There was this one time you stood up for a little girl who was crying because some bullies were picking on her. Do you remember that?"


    Leon tilted his head, thinking. "I think so..."


    "She was so cute," Lily said with a smallugh. "Do you remember her name?"


    "That was ages ago," Leon replied with a shrug. "I doubt she even remembers it. Besides, wasn''t she some rich kid? She''s probably busy running her family''s big business by now or focused on higher education and all thates with it."


    Lily paused, tapping her chin. "Hmm... I''m pretty sure I still remember her name."


    She smiled softly and said, "You know, that was the first and only time I ever saw you so close to a girl. You looked genuinely happy ying with her, Leon."


    "Really? Are you saying I''m not usually that happy, Lily?" he teased with a chuckle.


    "Yes," she replied with a grin. "I could see how different you were when you were with that girl."


    "And why are you suddenly bringing up this topic?" Leon asked, raising an eyebrow. "Now tell me, what was her name?"


    Lily paused, her gaze drifting upward. "Wait... I think it started with an F... or maybe a V... Uhm..." she murmured.


    Before she could finish her thought, a cheerful voice interrupted. "Hi there!"


    Leon and Lily turned their heads. It was Freya.


    "Am I interrupting your time together?"


    Leon chuckled, shaking his head. "Not at all. We were waiting for you."


    Freya settled into her seat, ncing between Leon and Lily with a yful smile.


    "I really feel like an intruder here," she teased. "Why did you even invite me today? And it looked like you two were talking about something serious. Care to fill me in?"


    "Leon''s childhood crush," Lily answered without missing a beat.


    "That''s not true," Leon cut in quickly.


    "Oh, really?" Freya said. "This sounds like a fascinating topic, Leon! So, tell me, did you ever get close to a girl when you were little?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Freya turned eagerly to Lily. "Spill the details, Lily. Was she his first love? Does he even remember her? Are they still in touch?"


    Lily grinned. "Well, when we were kids, we used to y in a small park near our homes. It was a popr spot for all the neighborhood children. Leon, though, was usually off in his own little world, busy building sandcastles."


    "Hm..." Freya mused. "That sounds so much like him. Some things never change, do they?" "Yes," Lily nodded. "I don''t remember much, but I do know Leon was close to that little girl. They used to y together often and would even meet regrly at the park afterward."


    "Oh, that''s such a sweet childhood story," Freya said with a smile. "Do you have any photos of them together?"


    Lily let out a deep, steady breath and shook her head. "Unfortunately, no. We don''t have any pictures of Leon and that girl. But the memory of that time is still vivid in my mind."


    "Do you remember her name?"


    "I was so close to remembering it. If you had arrived just a few minutester, I think I might''ve figured it out."


    As Leon continued eating his meal and sipping his fruit juice, his eyes wandered to Lily and Freya, who were still animatedly discussing their topic.


    "So..." Freya eventually shifted her attention back to him. "Did you know your name has beening up a lot in the online Immortal Legacy forumstely, Leon?"


    Lily chuckled softly before Leon could respond. "He''s been causing quite a stir, hasn''t he? Honestly, I don''t find it surprising."


    Leon shrugged. "I''m sure they''re all talking about the many cool things I''ve done, right?"


    Freya smirked. "Maybe. But no matter how much you try, Leon, there will always be people judging you negatively. It''s practically one of your defining traits."


    Leon leaned back in his chair. "I think I''ve gotten used to that kind of thing, Freya. Maybe it''s the very thing that''s made me so lucky in the game now."


    Freya chuckled lightly at his words.


    Lily chimed in with a grin. "Well, all that effort is bound to pay off, especially now that so many beautiful girls seem to be gravitating toward you, Leon."


    Freya nodded. "Exactly! Like me. A beautiful girl who''s already close to you, Leon. So why let a little negativity bother you?"


    Leon couldn''t help but smile as their yful banter continued. It felt good, sharing this kind of moment with them.


    "RememberMe has shared an update about the team he''s forming," Freya began, steering the conversation in a new topic.


    "Oh, really? That''s good to hear."


    "He wants you to meet each potential team member individually and convince them to join."


    Leon frowned slightly. "Wait, isn''t RememberMe the team manager? Why do I have to meet them one by one?"


    Freya smiled as she exined, "RememberMe insists that, as the team captain, it''s your responsibility to meet the members personally."


    Leon raised an eyebrow. "Captain? I don''t recall ever agreeing to that. When did this decision get made, and why wasn''t I consulted?"


    Freya couldn''t help but chuckle at his reaction. "This week, we''ll start scheduling meetings


    with them, one by one."


    "Are they far from here?"


    "Some are close enough to reach bynd, but a few will require flights."


    Leon sighed, realizing he was out of options. "Alright. I guess I don''t have much of a choice. But no, actually it could be quite fun if..."


    His brows knitted together as a thought struck him. "Who are these people, Freya? Do I know them from the game?"


    "I think it''ll be much more exciting if it''s a surprise for you. You just have to trust me, okay? I''m your personal manager for a reason."


    Leon groaned, leaning back in his chair. "Honestly, Freya, it''s starting to feel like you''re


    taking over my entire life..."


    Freya shot him a yful but slightly stern look. "I help you so much, both in the game and out of it, Mr. Always Comining. Can''t you just let me handle this for once?"


    "Fine, fine. I''ll let you handle it."


    After finishing their meal, Leon, Freya, and Lily wandered around the mall, taking in the


    lively atmosphere. Freya and Lily treated themselves to ice cream, while Leon politely declined he was never much for sugary treats.


    As the day wore on, Leon and Lily eventually headed home, their minds shifting to the ns


    for the evening.


    With the sun beginning to dip, they started getting ready for dinner with their Uncle. It was a special asion-Ben was introducing them to his future wife that night.


    Leon and Lily arrived punctually at the elegant restaurant that evening. They stepped out of Leon''s luxury car and made their way inside.


    As they entered, they spotted Ben standing near the entrance with a woman beside him.


    "Uncle Ben!" Lily called out eagerly, quickening her pace and tugging Leon along by the wrist


    as they approached.


    The woman standing next to Ben became clearer as they drew closer.


    The woman had shoulder-length blonde hair and appeared to be in herte thirties. Her smile was warm and weing as her gaze shifted to Leon and Lily. But just as they were about to greet her, Lily came to an abrupt stop, her expression turning to one of disbelief. The woman''s face mirrored Lily''s shock, her smile faltering as her eyes fixed on Leon.


    "You!" the woman eximed awkwardly.

 Chapter 608: Chapter 608 - Dinner with the Enemy

    Chapter 608: Chapter 608 - Dinner with the Enemy


    ?


    Ben stepped closer to Leon and Lily, greeting them warmly. He gave Leon a firm hug before turning to embrace Lily, who shot him a curious look.


    With a broad smile, Ben gestured to the woman beside him. "Allow me to introduce Lucy. She''s going to be my wife." Turning to Lucy, he added, "Lucy, these are my beloved nephew and niece, Leon and Lily. I hope you all can get to know each other well."


    For a moment, Ben paused, noticing something odd in Lily''s expression. "Have you two met before?" he asked.


    Lily hesitated briefly, then forced a lightugh. "Uhm... Haha... No, I must have been mistaken, Uncle," she replied, offering a small grin.


    Lucy gave a shy smile, extending her hand to shake theirs. "It''s lovely to meet you both. I hope I''ll have the chance to get to know you better. Ben has told me so many wonderful things about you. He''s so proud of you both!"


    Ben led them to the reserved table. As they walked, Lily moved closer to Leon, leaning in to whisper discreetly.


    "Leon, she''s Lucy..." she murmured.


    "Who?" Leon whispered back, confused.


    "The Guild Master of FairyTool," Lily rified. "The one who orchestrated the assault on Slumdon Town."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Leon''s brows furrowed as he replied in a hushed tone, "How do you know that, Lily?"


    "I remember her face from the live-stream broadcast," she said firmly, ncing cautiously toward Lucy.


    Leon''s mind raced as the realization sank in. The woman responsible for organizing two major attacks on Slumdon Town-both of which had ended in failure was now standing right in front of him. And she was about to marry his Uncle Ben.


    Oh, damn. What a ridiculous coincidence. She''s my enemy in the game, but now we''re being brought together like this? Damn!


    As they began their dinner, Ben, as always, took the opportunity to catch up with Leon and Lily, something he prioritized every time they met.


    "You''ve really be someone extraordinary, Leon," Ben said with a wide smile.


    "Not really, Uncle," Leon replied casually. "I''m just ying a game."


    Ben suddenly perked up as if a thought had struck him. He turned to Lucy, resting a hand gently on her back.


    "Oh! I just remembered," he said. "Lucy ys the same game as you, Leon. What''s it called? Immortal Legacy, right?"


    Leon gave a slow nod at Ben''s words. Lily, sitting nearby, watched him intently, waiting for how he''d respond.


    Lucy spoke up before Leon could. "Not really," she said smoothly, giving Ben a polite smile. "I just y as a hobby."


    Ben turned back to Leon. "Have you ever heard of Lucy before, Broken? She''s a pretty well- known live streamer with tons of followers."


    Lucy added in a quieter voice, "Not really... It''s nothing big." She offered a shy smile.


    "I think that game sounds really interesting," Ben continued. "I''ve been meaning to try it out myself, haha. Lucy even told me about a time she was teaching some arrogant yer a lesson


    "Ben!" Lucy interjected abruptly, cutting him off mid-sentence. "I really like the food here," she added with a forced smile, trying to redirect the conversation.


    Lily couldn''t suppress a small chuckle, clearly picking up on Lucy''s awkwardness. Meanwhile, Leon sat silently, unsure how to react to Ben''s words and Lucy''s sudden interruption.


    The moment was broken by the sound of a phone ringing. The call came from Ben''s direction. He nced at the screen before deciding to silence the device and ced it back down.


    "Uncle Ben... It''s alright," Lily said gently.


    "No, this is an important moment for me," Ben replied.


    However, the phone rang again, and with a sigh, Ben picked it up to check the caller.


    "It''s okay, Uncle Ben," Lily reassured him with a soft smile.


    Ben muttered under his breath, "Ah, I hate this." He looked at the group apologetically. "I''m sorry, I need to take this. Just a few minutes," he said, before standing and stepping away to handle the call.


    After Ben walked away, an awkward silence hung heavy over the table. Until, Lucy finally broke it. She sped her palms together, pressing them to her forehead as she spoke in a pleading tone.


    "I''m sorry... Leon... Please don''t let Ben know about the issues between us in the game..." Her voice trembled slightly as she continued. "I had no idea you were Ben''s nephew. I know I acted irresponsibly toward you in the game, and I''m truly sorry. I''ll do whatever it takes for you to forgive me."


    Lily''s lips twitched into a small smile as she watched Lucy''s earnest attempt to make amends, though she remained silent.


    Leon leaned back slightly, "So, you really are Lucy from Vntar City?"


    Lucy nodded slowly, her gaze dropping to the table.


    "Yes, that''s me..." she admitted. "I deeply regret the loss of two of your knights and the destruction of homes in Slumdon Town. I... I''ll do everything I can to make it right," she added.


    "Are you apologizing only because I''m Uncle Ben''s nephew, Lucy?"


    Lucy shook her head quickly. "No, not at all... I would offer the same apology to anyone I met outside the game. I''m not as bold in real life as I am in the game. I did all of that... just to get viewers and sponsors."


    Leon''s eyes narrowed slightly. "Why, of all people, did you decide to attack my town? I''ve never even known you before, and I''ve certainly never had any issues with you."


    Lucy took a deep breath, steadying herself before finally meeting his gaze. "I did it for the money, Leon... That''s the only reason."


    Leon''s voice lowered as he replied. "Aren''t you a famous live streamer? Don''t you already make money from your profession? Why would you need to go to such lengths?"


    Lily, sitting quietly, observed the exchange with growing curiosity.


    "Yes..." Lucy admitted slowly. "Arge portion of my ie goes toward covering my mother''s medical expenses. And because I love the gaming world, I''ve been trying to increase my earnings so I don''t end up being a burden to Ben with my hobbies and responsibilitiester on."


    She paused, taking a breath before continuing. "But I understand that my personal reasons don''t justify troubling or harming others. I take full responsibility for my actions and admit


    my mistake."


    Lily broke the silence. "Leon... Knowing you, I''m sure you''re nning to seek revenge on Lucy and her allies, right? I can''t imagine you letting this go without a response. You''re going to attack Vntar City, aren''t you?"


    Leon''s expression turned somber, his voice slow but firm. "Yes, that''s exactly what I''ve


    nned."


    Lucy nodded slowly.


    "I understand this is a risk I have to take," she said. "But after learning more about you, Leon,


    I''m hoping we can resolve this without creating more victims. I know it''s foolish of me to


    ask."


    Leon regarded her for a moment before responding. "I don''t think this has to end in the typical way," he said, though his voice trailed off, leaving his meaning ambiguous. Lucy tilted her head slightly. "Are you about to make me an offer, Leon? Is there another way I can make amends? If it''s money you need, I''m afraid I can''t provide it. But I can help you in other ways if it would make a difference."


    Leon''s lips curved into a faint smile. "That might work in my favor," he said. "Tell me, Lucy, was Constantine involved in the attack? What role did he y in your assault on Slumdon


    Town?"


    "Constantine?" Lucy repeated softly, her brows furrowing as if trying to process the question. "Why him?"

 Chapter 609: Chapter 609 - Revenge or Reconciliation?

    Chapter 609: Chapter 609 - Revenge or Reconciliation?


    ?


    "Constantine?" Lucy repeated softly, her expression puzzled as she processed Leon''s question.


    "Why him? Has he also attacked or harmed you, Leon?"


    Leon hesitated, his thoughts racing. Lucy''s apparent confusion didn''t align with what he''d heard.


    Maylock had hinted at Constantine''s potential involvement, and Leon himself had already fought and ughtered Constantine and several of his guild members that night.


    "Was Constantine involved in the assault?" Leon asked again. "Did he support you in some way, or are you allied with him?"


    Lucy shook her head firmly.


    "That guy is cunning. I don''t trust him," she admitted. "He''s approached us multiple times, spinning tales about all the great things we could gain by attacking Slumdon Town. But I don''t trust him, and I refused to form an alliance with him."


    "So, you''re not in an alliance with him?"


    "No," Lucy replied firmly. "I don''t think we should trust him."


    Leon nodded slowly at her answer.


    "Lucy," he continued. "Do you n to attack Slumdon Town again?"


    Lucy took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as she met his gaze.


    "Leon... You''re Ben''s nephew, and soon, I''ll be marrying him. I want to get to know both of you better, and I''d be so grateful if we could form a good rtionship. I truly hope I can be forgiven for what I''ve done. Do you think that''s possible?"


    Leon paused for a moment, considering her words before nodding slowly.


    Lily giggled softly. "I''m sure you''ve changed a lot, Leon," she teased.


    Leon smirked faintly but shook his head.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Not really... I still n to take revenge, but maybe in a different way, especially against Constantine."


    He paused for a moment, "I don''t know what that guy is nning, but I''m certain he''ll make another move after the crushing defeat he just suffered."


    Lucy interjected, "Please let me know if there''s anything I can do to help."


    Without hesitation, Leon replied, "Just keep me updated. Every time Constantine contacts you or asks you to do something, let me know immediately."


    Hearing Leon''s response, Lucy let out a relieved sigh, her shoulders rxing. "That''s so easy, Leon," she said with a warm smile. "You''re really very sweet... I love both of you."


    Lily beamed at her words and replied, "You''re very kind too, Lucy. I''m d Uncle Ben has someone like you."


    Lucy''s smile brightened even more. "Really? Thank you, Lily. You''re very cute too."


    Leon sat in silence, lost in thought as he reevaluated his ns. Initially, he had been prepared to organize a swift counterattack against Lucy and her allies with his guild members. But with the new revtions about Lucy, his strategy needed aplete overhaul.


    Adding to his burden, he had an uing expedition with Princess Alora, leaving him with little time to spare. On top of that, he still needed topletemissions from his guildmates and dedicate time to studying the golem ss.


    He sighed, the weight of everything pressing down on him. Too many tasks, too little time.


    "Leon..." Lucy''s voice cut through his thoughts.


    "Yes?" he replied, ncing at her.


    Lucy hesitated for a moment before continuing, "What if my alliance, the Vntar Guilds Alliance, which includes several guilds... decided to support you? Would you be open to that?"


    "Support me?" Leon asked. "What do you mean?"


    "I''m convinced you have incredible potential in Immortal Legacy," Lucy exined. "If we were to be allies, I believe it could lead to significant rewards for both of us."


    She paused, appearing lost in thought for a moment. "I mean, the sheer number of our members might prove useful in certain situations. Or... perhaps this is too shameless of me to suggest after everything we''ve done to you?"


    Leon''s gaze sharpened as he considered her words. "Are you sure your alliance would even be willing to work with me, considering they originally viewed me as an enemy?"


    Lucy smiled faintly. "It won''t be an easy or quick process," she admitted. "But I''ll do my best. At the very least, influencing my own guild shouldn''t be too difficult."


    Having more allies in the game would undoubtedly be advantageous for Leon, but he wasn''t ready tomit to adding any more just yet-especially when he couldn''t fully determine their role in his ns.


    Trust was something he needed to build carefully, and that took time, particrly with such arge group. While it was an option he might consider in the future, he first needed to discuss it with Freya and the rest of his guild.


    Although it was clear that moving such arge group of yers to Slumdon Town would be incredibly beneficial, Leon knew he needed to consider it carefully. Bringing that many yers to the town would provide a significant boost, especially if they focused on hunting in the surrounding areas and developing the local economy.


    For Vntar, this would undoubtedly be a major blow. Losing a substantial number of their loyal yers to another town would hit them hard, both in terms of influence and resources. The impact would be far more devastating than a direct confrontation.


    Still, Leon reminded himself to think this through more thoroughly before making any decisions. This wasn''t something to rush into.


    "Thanks, Lucy," he said atst. "I''m sure we could achieve a lot of great things with the alliance, but I''m not ready to discuss this further at the moment."


    Lucy nodded understandingly, a warm smile on her face. "That''s perfectly fine, Leon. I won''t press you on it. I''ll keep you updated if anything newes up, and when the time is right, I hope my alliance can support you in some way."


    With that, the dinner eventually came to an end. Leon and Lily began their drive home, the city lights glinting through the car windows. As they settled into the drive, they had the freedom to talk more freely about the night''s events.


    Lily''s face was lit up with amusement, and she burst intoughter. "I still can''t believe any of this, Leon!" she said, shaking her head in disbelief.


    "How can this be such a coincidence?" Lily said, stillughing in disbelief. "I never expected Uncle Ben''s future wife to be someone who originally tried to antagonize you."


    Leon chuckled. "Is this what you''d call luck, Lily?"


    "Yes... in a way," she replied. "The Vntar Guilds Alliance might not have yers on par with your core members in terms of level, but they''re experienced. If you manage to turn them into allies, it could be a huge advantage for you."


    "I agree," Leon admitted, his smile fading slightly. "But it won''t be that easy, right?"


    Lily shook her head, though there was a spark of enthusiasm in her eyes. "No, but here''s the thing... people might hate you, Leon, but I''m certain most of that hatees from jealousy. Your reputation alone is enough to make people want to follow you, given the chance."


    "Really?"


    "Of course!" Lily replied. "The Ass Guild willingly joined the guild you created, that''s a massive deal. There''s no reason to doubt your influence anymore."


    Leon simply smiled.


    "I''m sure that if Lucy provides strong support, you could even bring their entire alliance under your banner. Can you imagine that? It would be incredible.


    "I thought so."


    As the car sped through the city streets, illuminated by the soft glow of streetlights, Leon pressed the gas pedal a little harder, the hum of the engine filling the silence.


    "Well, here I am," he mused inwardly, "No doubt my capsule device has been waiting for me.


    There''s so much to do..."

 Chapter 610: Chapter 610 - Remembering RememberMe

    Chapter 610: Chapter 610 - Remembering RememberMe


    ?


    Broken logged back into Immortal Legacy and found himself back in his study. As he looked around, he was surprised to see Yara standing cheerfully in the middle of the room.


    "Good afternoon, My Lord," she greeted with a bright smile.


    "Yara... is there something important you''d like to tell me?"


    "My Lord, I''ve been waiting for you since morning," she replied enthusiastically. "I''ve already finished all my tasks, so I thought I''d stay here in case you needed me for something else."


    Broken stepped away from his desk and gently patted her left shoulder.


    "You don''t always have to focus on work, Yara," he said kindly. "I''m not enving you. Take some time for yourself and do something that makes you happy."


    He began walking toward the door, but Yara followed closely behind.


    "I love doing housework, My Lord," she said earnestly. "So I really enjoyed myself."


    Broken nced back at her and offered another suggestion. "Why don''t you spend some time on your favorite hobby, gardening?"


    "I''ve already watered all the nts in the garden," she replied promptly.


    "Then why not go out, have some fun, and buy yourself some delicious food?"


    "My Lord, I''d rather cook my own food."


    Broken paused, thinking for a moment. "How about buying some new clothes so you can dress up and show them off around town?"


    Yara shook her head lightly. "My Lord... I''m afraid this town doesn''t have any good clothing stores."


    "Is that so?" Broken mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Then maybe I should open a clothing store here soon."


    Yara chuckled softly but said nothing.


    Broken moved forward with his ns for the day, starting by waiting for Livelywood''s arrival. He quickly made his way to the cksmith workshop and was pleased to find it impably organized. Yara had ensured the space was spotless, creating the perfect environment for him to work efficiently.


    As he inspected the workshop, a knock at the door broke the silence. Turning, Broken saw Livelywood standing there, his face lit up with excitement and a broad smile.


    "Broken! I never thought this day woulde!" Livelywood eximed. "You''re really going to start crafting my weapon today, right?"


    "Yes," Broken replied calmly. "As promised, I''ll be dedicating the next few weeks to fulfillingmissions from several people, and you''re first in line."


    "Oh, I''m so happy!" Livelywood said.


    He eagerly pulled out a rolled-up blueprint and ced it on the table. "I''ve been dreaming about this day for so long... You''re so kind, Broken..."


    Broken took the blueprint from Livelywood and studied it carefully.


    "I''ll be satisfied with any result," Livelywood said, a shy chuckle escaping him. "Though I don''t expect you to make a Legendary-grade weapon. Hehe..."


    Broken looked up, puzzled. "Why not?"


    Livelywood scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "I don''t know... I''m just afraid you wouldn''t sell it to me if it turned out to be Legendary-grade."


    Broken frowned slightly. "I''ve never thought that way," he said, chuckled. "I already have a Legendary-grade sword myself, but having more than one wouldn''t hurt."


    Livelywood chuckled nervously. "I''m not aiming that high, honestly. If it turns out to be Unique-grade, that would already exceed my expectations."


    "Don''t worry," Broken said with a faint smile. "If it ends up being Legendary-grade, I''ll still sell it to you."


    Livelywoodughed, though he wasn''t entirely convinced. "I''ll do my best to pay you fairly." Broken nodded. "Your swordsmanship is exceptional. If you can master the weapon I create for you, I have no doubt you''ll be a great asset to the guild."


    Satisfied with their exchange, Broken set to work without dy.


    Livelywood, understanding Broken''s strict focus while crafting, quickly excused himself and left the workshop. After all, everyone knew that Broken hated interruptions once he was immersed in his work.


    If only Broken had more time, he would have loved to take onmissions from every single member of his guild. After all, boosting the overall strength of the Vensalor Guild would undoubtedly benefit them all, wouldn''t it?


    They were his guildmates now, after all.


    Broken still couldn''t fully believe how everything had unfolded. His newly formed guild had skyrocketed to the top ranks, filled with experienced yers respected by many in Immortal Legacy. It was no surprise that this sudden rise to prominence had already sparked jealousy and animosity from others.


    Well, he wasn''t too concerned with their opinions. His focus was singr-bing stronger. Exceptionally strong. And quickly.


    He knew there were far greater powers out there, forces that dwarfed even the strongest yers. The Named Demons, the Original Divine Champions-beings that still existed and wielded power beyond anything most yers could handle.


    A simple example was his recent battle against ine. Even with his team of powerful yers, he had still required special assistance from Goddess Akidia to ovee her. That memory stayed fresh in his mind.


    Thinking of the goddess brought a faint smile to his lips. He had already asked Livelywood to construct a temple dedicated to her, with only one step left: finding a sculptor capable of creating a statue of her likeness.


    The idea made him smile. What would Goddess Akidia think if I managed to build a templeplete with a statue that captured her likeness perfectly?


    Well, while others could only imagine her form and face, crafting statues that were often inurate, he still remembered Goddess Akidia''s face vividly. He was determined to ensure that the statue would be as lifelike and urate as possible!


    **


    Leon''s schedule had been meticulously nned by Freya, ensuring he could meet with several people in the game over theing week. Determined to bnce hismitments, he nned to log out promptly after his sessions and follow the schedule Freya had carefully crafted for him.


    As Leon stepped out of his gaming room that morning, he found Freya loungingfortably in the living room. Lily had already left for school, leaving the two of them alone.


    "Hey, Mr. Forgetting-the-Real-World," Freya greeted him with a yful smile. "Are you ready for our tour today?"


    "Yes, I think so," Leon replied casually, a sly smile tugging at his lips. "I''m so thrilled because I''ll get to spend so much time with you."


    "Shut up and get ready already."


    "Alright, alright," Leon said with augh, heading to his room to grab a few things he


    needed.


    From the living room, Freya called out, "RememberMe said he''ll pick us up in an hour, so


    don''t take forever!"


    "Okay, Freya," Leon replied.


    This was going to be the first time he met yet another person he had only known through the


    game.


    Previously, he''d had chance encounters with PussyCat... Juliette, and now he was about to


    meet RememberMe, the same person who had been a huge source of support for him in Immortal Legacy. In fact, the idea for creating this team hade from RememberMe in the


    first ce.


    A few minutester, Leon stepped out of his room, looking ready for the day. As he approached Freya, his eyesnded on two suitcases sitting nearby.


    "I''m assuming you didn''t have time to pack this morning," Freya said, raising an eyebrow.


    "So, Lily must have helped you get everything ready for the week."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "I actually did n to pack my things this morning," Leon replied. "Guess she didn''t trust me


    to get it done."


    Freya smirked. "Smart girl."


    Once their preparations wereplete, Leon and Freya left their room and headed down to


    the hotel lobby. As they stepped outside, they were greeted by the sight of two luxurious home buses pulling into the hotel grounds.


    The doors of the first bus opened, and a man emerged, his confident stride matched by the enthusiasm on his face. Four others followed, stepping out from both buses.


    "Leon... I''ve been waiting for this day for so long!" the man eximed. He strode confidently


    toward Leon.


    Leon didn''t need a second look to recognize him-it was Ronald, the man behind the RememberMe Gamer Name in the game.

 Chapter 611: Chapter 611 - Beyond the Gates of Grandeur

    Chapter 611: Chapter 611 - Beyond the Gates of Grandeur


    ?


    Ronald, his face glowing with enthusiasm, quickly approached Leon and attempted to give him a hug. But Leon sidestepped smoothly, catching Ronald off guard.


    "Haha..." Ronald eximed. "Master Leon! It''s me, Remember Me!"


    Freya chuckled lightly and quipped, "Ron, could you tone it down a little? This isn''t the game anymore."


    "Oh, Freya," Ronald said confidently, shing a grin. "Can''t you see how thrilled I am to finally meet the person I admire? This is perfectly natural."


    Leon greeted him with a small smile. "Hi, Ron."


    "Hello, Master!" Ronald replied. "I''m ready and eager to take you on a journey across the country today." He gestured proudly to the two home buses parked nearby.


    "Can you just call me Leon, please?" Leon said with a grin.


    "Haha, sorry! It''s just a habit," Ronaldughed.


    He continued, motioning towards the buses. "As you can see, I''ve arranged for the most luxurious amenities. The first home bus has a fully equipped kitchen where the chefs will be preparing meals, and the second has two capsule devices and a cozy space for you to rx and unwind. I''m sure you''ll feel right at home," he chuckled proudly.


    "That''s so cool," Leon responded casually.


    Ronald frowned. He turned to Freya with a puzzled expression. "Freya, did you tell him about all this? Why isn''t he surprised?"


    Freya chuckled. "Ron, you''ll have to get used to his poker face," she teased.


    Ronald let out a heartyugh. "I think I''ll work on that soon," he joked. "But seriously, I''m sure you''re going to love the facilities I''ve prepared for you, Master."


    "Leon," Leon corrected.


    Ronald then borated on the features of the home buses he had brought along. Though at first nce they resembled Leon''s own vehicles, Ronald''s buses were clearly customized to cater to their specific needs for the journey ahead.


    The first home bus, carrying Ronald''s team, was equipped with a chef personally selected by Ronald and a maid to attend to the needs of the three of them. The second bus boasted two capsule devices, afortable sleeping area, and a leisure space for rxation.


    One particrly impressive feature was the sophisticated drone system, capable of ferrying food from the first home bus to the second, ensuring that meals prepared by the chef could be transported seamlessly even while on the move. Additionally, the first home bus carried a car onboard, ready for use in situations where navigating narrower or challenging roads might be necessary.


    "I''ve also booked hotel rooms along the way," Ronald added confidently. "We won''t be stuck on the road the entire time. I''m sure this trip will be a st, especially since you''ll still be able to use your time in Immortal Legacy without interruptions. Isn''t this just awesome?"


    "Yes, Ron," Leon replied. "This is really great. I''m looking forward to it."


    With everything prepared, the group finally set off on their journey.


    Leon, Freya, and Ronald settled into the second bus, sitting in the middle room near the driver''s cabin. The space was cozy,plete with arge television, and they chatted about various topics while enjoying the entertainment.


    "It doesn''t seem like many top yers will join thepetition this time," Ronald said with enthusiasm. "Haha, I''m sure it''ll be an easy win for us!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The event Ronald referred to was the first major tournament hosted by the Golden Age Company. Due to teams needing time to assemble their rosters and many yers being tied up withmitments outside of gaming, not all top yers were able to participate in this inaugural event.


    "Wouldn''t that make it a bit dull, though, Ron?" Freya teased with a chuckle. "I think Leon would enjoy the chance to face off against some of the best yers in the tournament." "Leon..." Ronald said, turning to him with a confident grin. "I''m telling you, this is the perfect chance to establish your reputation. You know that having a good name is the most important thing for top yers, right? Hahaha."


    He continued, "With a solid reputation, you can attract more sponsors and money. Sure, I can help you make plenty of money already, but wouldn''t it be way more exciting to showcase your talents to arger audience?"


    Leon nced at Ronald. "Gaining a reputation in Immortal Legacy might actually make my life harder. You realize that, don''t you?"


    Ronald blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Um... I hadn''t really thought about it like that."


    Freya chimed in. "No, Ronald, I''m sure Leon''s just not really interested in thispetition because it doesn''t help him advance in the game, right?"


    Leon nodded. "Exactly. It''ll take up too much of my time and slow down my progress."


    Freya smirked faintly, leaning back in her seat.


    "No problem," Ronald said confidently. "I''ll figure out a way for you to participate in thepetition without sacrificing your in-game time. You can count on me."


    Leon smiled in relief. "I really appreciate all your efforts, Ron. Thanks for your help."


    "That''s what I''m here for," Freya added with a grin. "I''ll do whatever I can to make this work for you."


    The journey took about four hours, a significant stretch of time, but thendscape gradually shifted as they approached the hignds. The towering buildings of the city faded into the distance, reced by rolling hills and stretches of open savanna on either side of the road.


    "The person we''re going to meet has a grand house and a vast plot ofnd! Haha!" He chuckled. "But I don''t want to spoil it by telling you who it is. I want you to be surprised when you meet them."


    Freya let out a smallugh. "Ron, you''re being way too obvious with your hints. Honestly, I''d call you dumb, but at this point, I guess I can''tin."


    The half-top of the home bus slid open, transforming it into a panoramic mode that made the journey significantly more enjoyable. They passed through a path lined with towering trees, the sunlight filtering through the canopy in golden streaks. asionally, a drone would descend from above, entering the bus with a pack of food and drinks.


    Leon sampled the delicacies, savoring the dishes as if they were prepared by a world-ss chef.


    "I brought the chef from my family''s restaurant," Ronald said enthusiastically. "He''s the best, and I brought him along just to serve us."


    "You really enjoy your privileges, huh, Ron?" Leon responded casually.


    "Of course!" Ronald replied. "I''m not ashamed to admit it. That''s why I make the most of these privileges to pursue my hobbies. Luckily, my hobby doesn''t always waste money. I love business and anything money-rted that catches my interest."


    As thendscape shifted, they entered a small town and drove along its winding roads before


    reaching a path leading into the mountains. Soon, arge gate came into view, guarded by several individuals. The two home buses approached, and the gate opened immediately


    without hesitation.


    Leon, amused by the seamless entry, asked, "Is this entire area private property?"


    Ronald puffed up proudly. "Yes... this is privatend," he answered.


    "Immortal Legacy has plenty of wealthy yers, Leon," Freya remarked. "But it turns out, even having a lot of money isn''t enough to make someone a top yer."


    "But having money can get them the necessary items or weapons, right?"


    "Not necessarily," Freya replied. "Even if they have the money, they might not be able to get the items they need. Some materials are incredibly rare, and finding a crafter skilled enough to make the weapon or item is another challenge entirely. So, even wealthy yers have to put in the extra effort."


    As their conversation continued, the buses rounded a bend, and a grand house came into view. Its pristine white walls and red roof stood tall and imposing. Turrets reached toward the sky, giving the mansion a castle-like appearance, while a meticulously maintained garden surrounded the property.


    The iron gate was wide, intricately detailed, and bore a crest at its center. As the home buses approached, the gate opened automatically, allowing them to roll smoothly up the driveway to the house''s grand entrance.


    "Okay, we''re finally here!" Ronald eximed.


    Leon, who had been quietly curious for a while, found his interest piqued even further. He


    still had no idea who they were meeting, and both Freya and Ronald had gone out of their way


    to keep it a secret, clearly relishing his confusion and anticipation.


    But judging by the sheer opulence of this ce, Leon couldn''t help but wonder, Who could


    possibly own such wealth?


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Panoramic home buses? Food and luxury on the road? A mansion? Sign me up! ??


    So, who''s waiting for Leon at this ridiculously fancy estate? An old rival? A secret sponsor? Or


    maybe someone unexpected?


    Drop your guesses below! And hey, if you''re enjoying this ride (pun intended), Power Stone and Golden Ticket would keep this party rolling in style! ??

 Chapter 612: Chapter 612 - The Predatory Walleye

    Chapter 612: Chapter 612 - The Predatory Walleye


    ?


    As the two home buses pulled up to the grand house, dozens of men in ck suits emerged, moving with synchronized precision. They formed a neat line in front of the entrance and, upon seeing the group, bowed their heads in unison.


    "I''ve brought an important person. Haha," Ronald said.


    A male butler stepped forward from the line and approached Leon. "Please follow me, Mr. Leon," he said politely.


    Leon nodded, ncing at Freya and Ronald.


    "I''ll wait here," Freya said with a smile.


    Leon followed the butler to an open car waiting nearby. After climbing in, they began another journey, the vehicle winding through the expansive property for about ten minutes before stopping near a sereneke in the distance.


    As the car came to a halt, Leon spotted a man seated at the water''s edge, casually fishing. The figure was rxed, wearing nothing but simple shorts, his white hair glowing faintly in the sunlight.


    Leon stepped out and began walking slowly toward the man, realizing that this must be the person he hade to meet.


    When he was close enough, the man spoke without turning. His voice was calm but carried a subtle authority.


    "So, the Guild Master came to see me in person?"


    The man turned his head, and his face became clearer. His features suggest an age of perhaps 50 or older.


    Leon stood still for a moment, studying the man intently. Despite the casual outfit of shorts and a t-shirt, so different from what he wore in the game, Leon could recognize him without much difficulty.


    "Goldrich?" Leon muttered.


    The man chuckled softly. "Why are you so surprised to see me, Guild Master Broken? Have my good looks left you speechless?"


    He stepped forward and embraced Leon, giving him a friendly pat on the back.


    "My name is London," he said with a broad smile.


    Leon nodded, a polite smile on his face. "Nice to meet you, London. I''m Leon," he introduced himself.


    "Leon, huh? That''s a pretty cool name... for a yboy," he teased.


    "Thanks for thepliment," Leon replied with a grin.


    Surprisingly, the vibe London exuded in person was entirely different from his in-game persona. In the game, he had seemed carefree and a bit entric, full of energy and spontaneity. But here, he radiated charisma and maturity, with a depth to his speech and demeanor that was almost captivating.


    It made Leon reflect for a moment. It wasn''t umon for people to showpletely different sides of themselves in games.


    But why did they do it? Was it simply for fun, a way to let loose and enjoy a version of themselves they couldn''t express otherwise? Or did they perhaps want to live a lifepletely detached from their real-world identity?


    "This is my favorite spot to enjoy my retirement."


    London said as he led Leon to the edge of theke. There, a pair of white wooden chairs and some fishing equipment were set up. Nearby, a small yacht bobbed gently on the water, clearly used for fishing.


    "Come, let me show you how beautiful this ce is."


    He gestured for Leon to sit, and they both settled into the chairs, taking in the tranquil view of theke.


    "Did you have a pleasant journey to get here?"


    Leon smiled faintly, ncing at the scenery. "The journey here was genuinely enjoyable. We passed through small roads, viges, and hills to reach this ce."


    London let out a heartyugh. "I can tell you enjoyed the trip here," he said, grinning.


    "But why did you choose such a remote area to live in?"


    "I fell in love with thiske and its peaceful atmosphere, so I bought the entire mountain range and built this pce for myself. Ha ha ha."


    His eyes sparkled with amusement as he turned to Leon. "What about you, Leon? Would you ever be interested in living somewhere like this?"


    Leon swallowed hard at London''s exnation. He had known, and Freya had mentioned, that Goldrich was wealthy, but hearing it firsthand and seeing it for himself was an entirely different experience.


    The sheer scale of London''s wealth was staggering. Buying such a vast area, building a residence with state-of-the-art facilities, and employing dozens of bodyguards and servants -this was far beyond what Leon had imagined.


    London was clearly no ordinary person.


    "You certainly have a lot of wealth," Leon said. "Enough to aplish quite a lot." Londonughed heartily. "Ha ha ha! When I told you I could single-handedly support the development of Slumdon Town with the money I have, I wasn''t joking. In fact, Leon, I''m confident you could even build an entirely new kingdom with my funds."


    Leon slowly nodded. "Thank you for cing so much trust in me."


    After spending some time getting to know each other through casual conversation, London extended an invitation for Leon to join him on his private yacht.


    "You''ll enjoy fishing from the middle of theke much more," London said. "And the view from there is simply breathtaking."


    Leon agreed, and soon the two of them were aboard the elegant yacht, gliding gently across the water. London handed Leon a fishing rod. A few servants discreetly moved about the boat, ensuring drinks and snacks were readily avable for the pair.


    As London prepared his fishing pole, he turned to Leon with a curious smile. "So, have you ever gone fishing before?"


    Leon shook his head. "No, this is my first time," he admitted softly.


    Londonughed heartily. "Well, it''s as easy as it gets," he said, casting his line into the water with practiced ease. "Just cast your bait and wait for a fish to take it."


    Following London''s example, Leon cast his line into the water and leaned back in his chair, the fishing pole restingfortably in his hand.


    The tranquil atmosphere of theke wrapped around them, Leon only by the asional chirping of birds and the soft sshes of fish breaking the surface. It was a rare moment of peace that seemed to stretch endlessly.


    After a while, Leon noticed the tip of his fishing rod shaking vigorously, the line pulling taut as if something beneath the water was fighting against it.


    Reacting quickly, he gripped the handle of the pole firmly. With a swift flick of his wrist, he began winding the reel. His brows furrowed in concentration as he focused on bringing his


    catch to the surface.


    "Ho... nice, Leon!" London eximed. "Come on, you can get the fish!"


    Leon gritted his teeth, his determination growing as he felt the fish resist, making the


    experience even more thrilling.


    Leon''s arm muscles trembled with effort as he gripped the fishing rod tightly, his movements steady and precise. His intense gaze was locked on the fishing line, which jerked and pulled unpredictably in his hands.


    Adjusting his grip and alternating between reeling in and loosening the line, Leon relied on instinct, drawing from memories of watching others fish to navigate this unfamiliar


    challenge.


    The struggle was exhausting, but Leon refused to give up. With a final, determined pull, he managed to lift the fish from the water.


    London moved quickly to assist, grabbing the and helping Leon secure his catch.


    The fish was striking... Olive-gold in color with a white underbelly and speckles of ck and green along its sides. Its most distinctive features were itsrge, golden eye and sharp teeth, giving it a fierce, predatory appearance. Measuring about 50 cm (20 inches) in length, it was an impressive first catch.


    "It''s a Walleye!" London eximed. "This is a predatory fish!"


    Leon couldn''t hide his delight, smiling proudly as he held up his first-ever catch.


    "Haha, this is so much fun," Leon said.


    "See? Fishing in the game is enjoyable, but doing it like this in real life has its own charm,"


    London replied with a knowing smile.


    "Yes, I''m really enjoying this experience. Thanks for introducing me to it," Leon said.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Of course! We can definitely do more fishing in the future," London said, then paused, a yful glint in his eyes. "But... I think it''s time we moved on to something else. Now, let''s hurry up and grab something to eat. And trust me, you''ll be even more excited when you get back to my house and see all the beautiful maids waiting for us." Leon chuckled, shaking his head. "You really don''t hold back, do you?" he said.

 Chapter 613: Chapter 613 - London’s Quiet Kingdom

    Chapter 613: Chapter 613 - London¡¯s Quiet Kingdom


    ?


    Leon, Freya, Ronald, and London sat together in the spacious dining room of London''s grand residence, enjoying the calm of the evening.


    The roof of the room featured a transparent ss surface, giving the sensation of dining under the light of the moon and stars.


    One by one, servants entered, cing dishes on the dining table. What stood out immediately was that all the servers were strikingly beautiful young women.


    "You don''t have to be so obvious, Leon," Ronald said with a burst ofughter. "Ha ha ha... London definitely has the loveliest maids around here, doesn''t he? Ha ha ha!"


    London responded with a grin, clearly proud. "I''m d to have such an energetic young man like you around, Ronald."


    Freya smirked, leaning back slightly. "You sure do seem to live life on your own terms, don''t you, old man?"


    "Ha ha ha, not entirely," London replied. "I just happen to choose the kind of maids I like to have around me. And it turns out most of them are young women. Pure coincidence!"


    "Pure coincidence, huh? Okay!"


    "So, Leon," London said, leaning back slightly, "what do you think of all this? Are you intrigued by the idea of living in a ce like this? I''m sure it''s far more enjoyable than being anywhere else, wouldn''t you say?"


    Leon smiled and replied, "I think it''s a tempting idea. Living surrounded by luxury and far away from the hustle and bustle of people."


    London chuckled, clearly pleased. "Then you''re always wee here, Leon. Come anytime you want!"


    The conversation continued as they enjoyed the sumptuous dinner that had been prepared. The night unfolded with London dominating the table talk, sharing stories on a wide range of topics, punctuated by Ronald''s boisterousughter that echoed throughout the room.


    Freya, however, eventually interjected with a dramatic sigh. "Can you two talk about something other than women for a change? My ears are starting to itch with all this nonsense."


    Londonughed at herment, not taking it the least bit seriously, and smoothly transitioned their chat back to lighthearted jokes.


    "So," London said, "you''re all staying here for the night, right? I''ve already prepared rooms for you."


    "Yeah, of course," Ronald replied immediately.


    Leon nodded in agreement as well.


    London''s grin widened as he turned to Leon. "What about you, Leon? Do you want to sleep in the same room as Freya?"


    "Shut up, old man!" Freya snapped. "I''m not afraid to smack you, even if it''s in your own house."


    London burst into heartyughter, clearly entertained by her reaction.


    Just then, a woman dressed in a maid outfit entered the room. Her ck hair framed her face, and she offered a warm smile and a polite bow as she approached.


    "This is Rose," London said, gesturing toward her. "Rose will take you to your room, Leon."


    Feeling the fatigue from the long journey, Leon stood up, stretching slightly before nodding. "Thanks," he said simply before turning to follow Rose.


    "Please, this way, Mr. Leon," Rose said.


    Leon followed Rose toward the elevator, and they ascended to the top floor. Stepping out, they walked together down a wide, elegantly decorated corridor.


    "I often see you on television, Mr. Leon," Rose said, her voice polite but warm.


    She appeared to be in her early 20s, and her striking appearance seemed more fitting for a model than a maid.


    "Really?" Leon replied casually. "I feel like I end up doing more ridiculous things whenever I''m on television."


    Roseughed softly. "Mr. London talks about you often," she said. "He seems very proud of you."


    As they entered the room, Leon took in its spaciousness. It was impressively furnished with a rxing sofa, arge bed, a mini bar, and a floor-to-ceiling ss window offering a stunning view of the property outside.


    Rose gestured toward a telephone set in the corner of the room. "You can use that phone to call us if you need anything at all.


    "Thanks, Rose."


    Rose walked over to therge ss window and pressed a small button on the wall. Instantly, the curtain slid open, revealing a breathtaking view of the forest bathed in soft moonlight.


    "If you''d like to sleep, you can close the curtain for some privacy," Rose exined. "Thanks," Leon replied.


    He slowly approached the ss window, drawn to the tranquility of the scene before him. Turning slightly, he asked, "This ce really is far from the city, isn''t it?"


    Rose nodded with a gentle smile.


    "Mr. Leon," she began, "are you curious about why Mr. London chose to stay here?"


    Leon blinked, surprised. It was as if she had read his thoughts.


    He nodded in response. "I did ask him earlier," he said. "He told me it''s because he really likes theke here."


    Rose nodded politely, stepping back and gesturing to a sleek device in one corner of the


    room.


    "Mr. Leon, there''s a capsule device here you can use if you want to log in to Immortal


    Legacy."


    "Yes, I really need that," Leon replied with a faint smile.


    After ensuring that she had exined everything Leon might need, Rose excused herself and


    quietly left the room.


    Leon took a few moments to rx, enjoying the peace and quiet of the luxurious space. The interrupted by a soft knock at the door.


    stillnes


    He opened the door and Freya stepped in.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    She plopped down onto a nearby chair.


    "Here, read this," Freya said with a grin, handing her cell phone to him.


    Leon took the device and began reading the article disyed on the screen.


    It was dated ten years ago and told the tragic story of a wealthy businessman''s young heir.


    ording to the report, the man had been out fishing on ake when his boat began leaking. Shortly afterward, a fierce storm struck, preventing him from reaching the shore. Tragically,


    he perished in theke.


    Leon''s eyes lingered on the details before he nced at Freya.


    "Is this the sameke as the one here? I mean... is this...."


    Freya nodded slowly. "Yes..." she replied softly.


    Leon''s thoughts churned as he considered the implications of the news. He turned back to


    Freya, the pieces falling into ce in his mind.


    "Is... this about London?" he started, but Freya quickly cut him off.


    "Yes," she said firmly. "The young man mentioned in the news is London''s only son."


    Leon shook his head slowly after hearing her answer.


    "And he decided to stay in this ce after that incident?"


    "Yes... he did."


    Leon fell silent, his thoughts swirling as he tried to imagine what London must have gone through. Despite his extraordinary wealth, the man seemed utterly alone in the world, having


    lost his only son in such a tragic way.


    "London''s son was the same age as you when it happened."


    Leon furrowed his brows and asked quietly, "What about his wife?"


    Freya took a deep breath. "She med London for the incident... and she left him."


    Leon inhaled deeply, trying to process the weight of what he had just learned.


    "So, no matter how wealthy someone is, they still have their own struggles, huh?" he


    murmured.


    Freya nodded with a faint smile. "For many people, money might be the biggest challenge they face in life. But that doesn''t mean those who are wealthy don''t have problems of their


    own."


    "Yeah, I guess that''s true."


    Freya rose from her seat, smiling again.


    "I just thought you''d want to know since I figured you''d be curious. And, knowing you, I''m


    sure you''re itching to get back into Immortal Legacy anyway. Well, see ya!"


    After Freya left, Leon remained seated for a few minutes, letting the evening''s calm


    atmosphere settle over him.


    He reflected on the conversation, savoring the quiet moment before shaking off his thoughts.


    He remembered the full schedule awaiting him and decided it was time to log back into


    Immortal Legacy.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Luxury under the stars, hand-picked maids, and next-levelfort... London''s mansion


    screams "living the dream."


    But man, that backstory hit hard. []


    Losing his son and being left alone by his wife. No wonder he stays in the shadows,


    surrounded by memories. It''s like his wealth built walls around his pain.


    Toss Power Stone and Golden Ticket my way if you''re just as intrigued as Leon to see where


    this story is heading next.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 614: Chapter 614 - Tempests Fury

    Chapter 614: Chapter 614 - Tempest''s Fury


    Livelywood strolled slowly as he wandered through the House of Slumdon. Along the way, he passed the vibrant flower garden that Yara had lovingly tended for months. "Hi, Lord Livelywood¡­" came Yara''s sudden voice from amidst the flowers. "Ah!" Livelywood jumped slightly, startled, before breaking into an awkward grin. "Hi, Yara¡­" Yara stepped closer. "Hi. So, what do you think of my garden?" Livelywood hesitated, looking a bit unsure of how to respond. "It''s¡­ it''s beautiful," he said, his gaze shifting between the garden and her. "Oh really?" Yara teased. "Is it the flowers, or is it me?" She giggled softly. "Ah, um¡­ the flowers," Livelywood replied, clearly flustered, scratching the back of his head.


    Livelywood nodded politely before continuing toward the cksmith workshop. Once he was out of earshot, he let out a deep sigh, shaking his head at the unexpected exchange.


    Livelywood once again wanted to confirm that Broken was still working on the weapon he had requested. Yet, as had been the case every other time he visited the workshop, Broken was nowhere to be found. Deciding to wait, Livelywood made his way back to the garden and settled on a long iron bench with a clear view of the cksmith workshop. From there, he could watch for Broken''s return. Meanwhile, Yara continued tending to her flowers, cheerfully watering them with care. "Lord Livelywood, did you know I''m studying magic?" Yara called out suddenly.


    Livelywood nced at her but quickly looked away, feeling awkward. He was never quitefortable talking with cheerful, outgoing women like Yara. Despite being the same age, his limited interactions with women left him feeling inept in such situations. "Ah, yes¡­ how''s it going? I''m sure you''re learning quickly¡­"


    Yara approached him, her face lit with a bright smile that only made Livelywood more flustered. "I heard you''re a very skilled swordsman," she said. "Could you give me some tips on how to learn something quickly and efficiently?" "Ah¡­ yes, um¡­ maybe the key is to practice continuously," Livelywood replied hesitantly. "I think that''s the most important thing." "I see!" Yara eximed. "Then I''ll have to reduce my sleep hours! I want to make Lord Broken proud." Before Livelywood could respond, she spun around and returned to her flowers, humming a cheerful rain-summoning song as she watered them.


    "Did I just give her the wrong advice?" Livelywood murmured quietly.


    Momentster, Elincia strolled into the garden and sat beside him. She nced at his face, noting his flustered demeanor, and let out a smallugh. "Hi, Elincia."


    "Are you taken aback by Yara''s overwhelming cuteness, Livelywood?"


    "Uh¡­ no¡­ I''m just here waiting for Broken¡­"


    "She is absolutely adorable¡­ I don''t think Broken would begrudge you for making a move on her," Elincia said teasingly.


    Before he could muster a reply, the wait was over. Yara suddenly burst out of the workshop with an ecstatic expression, practically sprinting toward Livelywood and Elincia. "Lord Broken has returned!" she eximed breathlessly. "He said he''s in the process ofpleting the sword!" Livelywood jumped to his feet. His face lit up with joy as he responded, "That''s wonderful! I''m so pleased to hear that!"


    Elincia and Livelywood rose eagerly, following Yara toward the workshop.


    Inside, Broken nced up briefly, offering them a warm smile before turning back to his work.


    Livelywood smiled nervously, unsure of whether to speak. Elincia leaned in and whispered, "Let''s wait and see!" The workshop was quiet and still, save for the rhythmic sound of Broken''s hammer striking the glowing metal. After a while, Broken paused, wiping sweat from his brow before casting a nce to the two. "I''m almost done.


    Elincia and Livelywood exchanged a look before stepping closer to get a better view of the nearlypleted sword. "It''s beautiful," Elincia whispered.


    "Yes," Livelywood agreed.


    Broken turned back to them, a confident smile spreading across his face. "I''m sure this will be Legendary-grade. I''ve put everything into it¡­. precision, dedication, and care." Livelywood''s face immediately grew tense. "No¡­ Unique-grade is more than enough for me¡­" Elincia smirked. "Oh, but a Legendary-grade sword would be fascinating, wouldn''t it? Surely, you can afford it, Livelywood." Livelywood shook his head. "Hopefully¡­ Hopefully, it''s not Legendary."


    Time seemed to stretch endlessly as they watched Broken perform the final hammer strokes with precision and skill. Then, in a decisive moment, thest hammer strike resounded through the workshop.


    A brilliant burst of energy radiated from the sword, signaling thepletion of its crafting. The dazzling disy filled the room.


    Broken''s face fell in disappointment, while Livelywood exhaled deeply. The luminous hue surrounding the sword: green. "Haha, I''m more than happy with this."


    "Damn," Broken muttered, shaking his head. "When I genuinely hoped for it to be Legendary, it still didn''t happen." Elincia chimed in. "Well, I can understand why someone as ''broken'' as you would have such high expectations." [Tempest''s Fury]


    [Grade: Unique]


    [Attack Power: 770~847


    Wind Elemental Magic Attack: 945~1040]


    [...]


    The sword was breathtaking, its de featuring a semi-transparent center that gleamed a brilliant blue, surrounded by a soft, light green aura that added to its stunning appearance. "I''m certain this sword suits you and your fighting style perfectly, Livelywood," Broken said with a faint smile. "I suppose it''s time to discuss the price, isn''t it?" Elincia chimed in.


    "Indeed!" Livelywood replied enthusiastically. "I''ll make sure to pay for it!" Elincia leaned in slightly, adding, "I have an estimate in mind, but I''d like to share the weapon details with the guild to gather some opinions. Would you be alright with that, Broken?"


    "No problem," Broken replied without hesitation. Livelywood immediately shared the sword''s information in the guild chat, and the responses came quickly. "Wow, this is incredible! I''m bidding 500 gold pieces for it, Broken!" Booba said.


    "Are you out of your mind?" Elincia shot back. "You won''t even be able to use this sword, you idiot! You''re not a wind element."


    "I can''t wait for my turn!" RememberMe chimed in. "I want a new sword too!"


    "It''s obvious this item''s description has caught my attention as well," Jovinamented.


    Elincia interjected, "Keep in mind, Livelywood also provided the materials and the blueprint for this sword." Broken spoke up. "I''m fully aware of Livelywood''s contributions. He gave me the Fae Soul Stone, his help during the war, and much more. Considering all of that, I believe 200 gold is a fair price." Livelywood said. "Please, Broken, I''m not asking for a discount. I''m ready to pay the appropriate amount."


    "Khi khi khi," Goldrich chimed in. "I think 200 gold is too low, Broken¡­ It doesn''t seem enough to value your potential and the time you''ve invested on it." Elincia added. "Exactly. We all want the chance tomission weapons from you, Broken. Setting a reasonable price will ensure you''re willing to continue takingmissions." Broken pondered for a moment before responding. "Alright then, 300 gold. I think that''s fair."


    "I agree," Livelywood said.


    "Deal," Broken concluded.


    Livelywood felt a wave of relief and satisfaction wash over him, a smile spreading across his face. Atst, he had acquired a weapon he could fully utilize to its potential. With that settled, he took a deep breath, his form fading away as he logged out, leaving the sword resting safely in the room.

 Chapter 615: Chapter 615 - A Greeting Sharp as Steel

    Chapter 615: Chapter 615 - A Greeting Sharp as Steel


    ?


    Leon stirred from his sleeping capsule as the first faint glimmers of morning light filtered into the room. Blinking the sleep from his eyes, he nced around and noticed something unusual¡ªarge suitcase packed neatly with all his belongings sitting nearby.


    A soft voice broke his thoughts, and he turned to see Rose standing beside the suitcase.


    "Good morning, Mr. Leon," she said gently. "I''ve made sure that everything is ready for your departure."


    "Thank you, Rose."


    The night before, Rose had requested permission to prepare his things, knowing he might be logged into the game for most of the morning. Leon had agreed, giving her the necessary details, and true to her word, she had everything organized and waiting for him.


    This day marked the continuation of Leon and his group''s journey to meet the next candidate for their team. Having spent two nights at London''s estate, they had been spoiled with the finest cuisine and the most luxurious amodations.


    It was no small challenge to leave behind such a pleasant andfortable ce.


    As Leon and Rose walked out of the room, they engaged in light conversation.


    "I''m sure Mr. London would be delighted if you visited more often."


    "Next time, I''ll bring my sister here. She''s still in school, so I''ll have to wait until her holiday break."


    After learning more about London''s past, Leon''s attitude toward him had subtly shifted. It wasn''t a jarring change but rather a quiet respect for someone who, despite enduring personal tragedy, managed to treat everyone with warmth and generosity.


    Initially, Goldrich had struck Leon as the epitome of carefree living-a man of immense intelligence with a deep understanding of Immortal Legacy. His asional tendency to steer conversations toward women gave him the impression of a lecherous old man, but beneath that exteriory aplex and admirable individual.


    As Leon and the others gathered to bid their farewells, they expressed their gratitude for the two days of exceptional hospitality they had enjoyed at London''s estate.


    London leaned in closer to Leon, and whispered softly, "So, did you do anything... interesting with Rose?"


    "Interesting?" Leon echoed, confused, as he turned his gaze toward Rose.


    Rose smiled warmly. "I can confirm that I have served Mr. Leon with all my heart, Mr. London."


    Freya, standing nearby, frowned. "So you really did it?"


    Leon sighed. "I have no idea what you''re all talking about."


    London burst intoughter. "Ha ha ha...!"


    He then said, "Next time you visit, I hope we can spend more time fishing at theke. How does that sound?"


    "Yes, sir," Leon replied with a nod and a faint smile. "I promise I''lle back and stay here for a couple of days."


    After sharing a few more jokes and enjoying the lighthearted moment, they finally bid farewell to London and his staff.


    As the bus rumbled back onto the road, Leon broke the silence. "So, Ronald, tell me... How many people do we need for thispetition team?"


    "Well, the team needs six core members," he exined. "But it''s a good idea to have one or two reserves, just in case. It might be tricky finding people with a lot of potential, though, so I think we should focus on locking down the main six first."


    Freya nodded, chiming in, "Now that we''ve got two people, we still need to find four more members."


    Leon leaned back in his seat.


    The grand event featured a wide variety ofpetitions, ranging from individual challenges to team-based battles. Among the highlights was the solo battle tournament.


    Team-basedpetitions also drew significant attention, particrly the team battles and team boss battles. These events were especially popr with spectators, who often rallied behind teamsposed of members from their home countries.


    While teams weren''t required to consist of members from a single country, special incentives and support were provided to teams with shared nationalities. This added an extrayer of intensity to thepetition, as countries vied to prove their dominance and establish their brand as superior to the rest.


    An ideal lineup for a six-yer team typically included. One tank, to absorb damage and shield the team. One close-rangebatant, to deal physical damage up close. One mage, for powerful elemental or area-of-effect attacks. One long-range physical damage dealer, such as an archer or sniper. One support, focused on healing and utility.


    The sixth yer''s role was often more flexible, chosen strategically toplement the team''s overall ystyle and adapt to specific challenges. This flexibility made the sixth position critical for achieving a well-rounded team.


    Having already secured what was likely the most intelligent mage in Immortal Legacy and with Broken, who could adapt to multiple roles, the team now turned their attention to finding the remaining members.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Their journey continued with another road tripsting about four hours. As usual, Leon made efficient use of the time, logging into Immortal Legacy and making the most of his sixteen hours of daily ytime.


    Eventually, they arrived in a bustling urban area, a stark contrast to the isted mountain range they had previously visited.


    "Another wealthy area, Ronald?" Leon asked as they drove into the city''s upscale district.


    "Not really..." Ronald replied casually, shing a grin. "I don''t think there''s a significant difference between my family''s wealth and theirs. Haha..."


    Freya chuckled. "Are you trying to make Leon feel small inparison?"


    "What? No!" Ronald eximed. "Leon''s about to reach some incredible heights! He could easily sell Legendary items worth, what, 1.5 million USD? Right, Leon? Haha..."


    The home bus navigated a windingne that eventually opened up to reveal a sprawling


    estate.


    The grounds were immacte, with manicured gardens, towering hedges, and perfectly trimmedwns surrounding the property.


    At the heart of the estate stood a majestic mansion, its towering structure exuding grandeur.


    A long driveway led up to the entrance, and the bus pulled into an expansive parking area


    filled with sleek sports cars, luxury sedans, and high-end SUVs.


    Leon couldn''t help but gulp nervously as he took in the opulent surroundings.


    "Who else are we going to meet, Ron? Does everyone you know happen to be ridiculously


    wealthy?"


    "Ha ha ha..." Ronald chuckled, but offered no real answer.


    "You should probably brace yourself, Leon," Freya advised with a sly smile.


    "Why?" Leon asked, raising an eyebrow. "Are they important government officials? Mafia bosses? Or something even more mysterious?"


    Freya merely smirked, leaving Leon to wonder what kind of person he was about to encounter


    next.


    A series of sleek ck luxury cars approached, their spotless, gleaming exteriors catching the sunlight and making them stand out against the sprawling estate.


    Leon and hispanions were escorted by a group of people in ck suits. Leon was led to arger, more imposing car, with a chauffeur already seated behind the wheel, ready to transport him alone to meet the mysterious host.


    The ride was smooth, and when the car finally came to a halt, Leon stepped out, nked by a small entourage of bodyguards in perfectly tailored ck suits.


    They guided him into the grand mansion, leading him through an immense foyer into an opulent living room.


    The room was a masterpiece of luxury: walls adorned with rich fabrics, exquisitely crafted furniture, and a warm light streaming through massive windows, illuminating the tasteful decorations ced with an almost artistic precision.


    How do people even umte this much wealth in one lifetime?


    He stood in silence for a few moments, soaking in the ambiance, until the sound of approaching footsteps broke the stillness. He heard a sharp, high-pitched female voice


    cutting through the air.


    "You actually dare toe to my residence?!" the voice said.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Alright, alright¡ªno peeking! Guess who this sharp-tongued mysterydy is! I''m curious to


    see if your guesses are right. So drop your theories in thements, and let''s see who gets it


    correct!


    And hey, while we''re at it, Power Stone and Golden Ticket wouldn''t hurt to fuel the suspense,


    right?


    Let''s go, Team Detective Readers!

 Chapter 616: Chapter 616 - The Heiress and the Guild Master

    Chapter 616: Chapter 616 - The Heiress and the Guild Master


    ?


    A young girl with blonde hair tied neatly at the nape of her neck strode confidently into the room and took a seat opposite Leon. Her bright yellow dress, which fell just to her knees, added a youthful vibrancy to her appearance. She seemed to be about fifteen years old.


    "Sit," she said, her tone light but firm.


    Leon smiled faintly and took a seat.


    "Leon Chambers!" she eximed, following her greeting with a yful, light-heartedugh. "Oh, how thrilled I am to receive a visit from the Guild Master, who I am, of course, endlessly proud of."


    The girl was exactly as he remembered her from the game, everything from her hair color to her distinctive mannerisms matched perfectly. However, here in hervish home, she fully embodied the role of a young, wealthy, and slightly snobbish heiress.


    "My name is Melliandra," she said. "So you can just call me that, just like in the game."


    "Hi, Melliandra," Leon replied. "Thank you very much for your warm greeting."


    Leon had grown ustomed to the stark differences between people''s in-game personas and their real-world behavior.


    Lucy, for instance, exuded confidence within the game but was gentle and reserved outside of it. Goldrich, on the other hand, aligned closely with his in-game persona.


    Melliandra, however, surprised him. Her initial impression in real life was far friendlier than he had anticipated.


    "So, how was your trip here?"


    "It was interesting," he said. "Though I didn''t really feel the journey. I spent most of it inside a capsule device."


    Melliandra slowly exhaled.


    "I still hate you for taking my precious ring," she said, leaning back on the sofa.


    "But you dropped it, remember?" Leon replied evenly. "I had every right to take it."


    "You''re really very annoying, you know that!"


    "But I''m your Guild Master now."


    "That doesn''t change the fact that I hate you," she shot back, crossing her arms with a mock pout.


    Leon smiled at her blunt words, feeling like the Melliandra he knew in the game was now fully present.


    "I came to extend an invitation to you," he began. "We want you to join us in thepetition."


    Melliandra leaned back on the sofa, her gaze drifting momentarily before settling on him.


    "I''m feeling pretty reluctant to partake in thispetition," she said firmly, "not without an upgrade to my sniper rifle."


    Her expression hardened. "You gotta do something about this, Leon!"


    "I''m certain that with the resources you already have, you''ll still be able to perform exceptionally well."


    Melliandra''s eyes narrowed, and she shook her head. "Yes, but I want more. I have the money, but I can''t find anyone who can craft me something powerful. Every gunsmith I''ve met has been utterly useless!"


    Leon tilted his head thoughtfully. "Do you have a good blueprint that fits your needs, Melliandra?"


    She nodded faintly. "Yes, I have two blueprints," she admitted. "But the requirements toplete them are ridiculously strict. I doubt I''ll ever manage to get a sniper rifle of decent quality."


    Leon remained quiet for a moment, letting Melliandra gather her thoughts.


    "Leon, do you know how I can make a contract with a spirit as cute as Polly?"


    "I''m not really sure," Leon admitted with a slight shrug. "I got Polly by coincidence. Maybe Goldrich, Freya, or Jovina could give you better advice."


    Melliandra sighed softly. "I really want a cute spirit like Polly..."


    "That stupid RememberMe... " Her mood shifted quickly, though, as she rolled her eyes.


    "I''ve already heard about the invitation to join the team. I was hoping for some more experienced members. But I guess I don''t have much of a choice if I have to be in a team with someone as much of a beginner as you."


    Leon raised an eyebrow. "You call me a beginner, yet you still chose to join my guild."


    "That''s because all the members of the Ass Guild decided to join your guild," Melliandra replied. "Do you seriously expect me to stay alone? You should consider yourself lucky to have someone as talented as me."


    "So, what''s your decision?"


    Melliandra let out an exaggerated sigh. "Yes... I don''t have another option," she finally said. "I suppose it won''t be too much of a burden for the team if I take on this task."


    "I''m d to have you on board, Melliandra."


    She waved a hand dismissively. "Of course you are. You''d be hopeless without me."


    Of all the people Leon had expected to meet, Melliandra was thest person who came to mind. Despite her outward stubbornness and haughty demeanor, he found her surprisingly amiable once he got to know her better.


    When they first crossed paths in the game, her immediate n had been to kill him. Likely a reflection of her youthful immaturity and impulsive nature. Yet, over time, her personality revealed itself to be moreyered than he initially thought.


    Melliandra had grown up in a life of privilege, surrounded by bodyguards, servants, and an environment that catered to her every whim. She seemed to have the means to obtain anything she desired, an upbringing that undoubtedly influenced her character, both in the game and in the real world.


    Her confident, sometimes brash nature masked a person who, despite her advantages, sought purpose and connection. Qualities Leon was beginning to recognize as valuable to the team.


    "What''s the best way for me to upgrade my game character, Leon?"


    She had been talking to Leon endlessly about the Gunsmith ss, suggesting he should consider taking it. However, Leon wasn''t keen on the idea-he already had too much on his te. Adding another production ss would be likemitting to being logged into the game 24/7, and he knew that wasn''t sustainable.


    "Well," Leon replied, "what about crafting new armor, rings, or nes?"


    Melliandra shook her head slightly. "I rely mostly on my weapon," she said firmly. "Since I''m


    a long-range shooter, the weapon is everything. Everything else seems fine as it is."


    Leon considered this for a moment before offering, "I can upgrade your armor and weapon, but only if you have enough soul stones."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Oh, really? You''ve never mentioned this before!"


    After chatting for a while about the potential of finding the best Gunsmith in Immortal Legacy, the conversation grew more rxed.


    Melliandra''s demeanor softened, and she appeared far friendlier and less stubborn than before. The two continued talkingfortably for several more minutes.


    "I''m sure you need some rest after the trip. Ronald said everyone was fine with staying here for the night. There are plenty of rooms in this house."


    "Sure, I''m on board with that n."


    He followed Melliandra to the elevator, and they rode up to her private floor. When they arrived, Leon found himself in a spacious room designed forfort and entertainment. The room boasted ample lounging space, several capsule devices, and a massive screen


    dominating one wall.


    Freya and Ronald were already there, waiting for them.


    "So, how is it?" Ronald asked enthusiastically. "Did she ept the invitation?"


    Leon answered with a friendly smile, "Yes, she did."


    "Shut up! I only epted this offer because I truly appreciate all of youing all the way to


    my house!"

 Chapter 617: Chapter 617 - Kindergarten Encounters

    Chapter 617: Chapter 617 - Kindergarten Encounters


    ?


    Broken logged into Immortal Legacy and found himself in his study. He skimmed through several documents detailing the progress of the city''s development, which was now entering its next stages.


    It all seemed to be going well, and today he had an important meeting scheduled his secondmission for crafting a new item.


    Descending to the main floor, Broken entered the living room, where his attention was drawn to a woman with long, jet-ck hair. She wore a casual dress in shades of ck and purple. Upon seeing him, she immediately stood up, smiled warmly, and waved.


    "Good morning, Broken," greeted Starfall


    "Hi," Broken replied. "I believe I promised to start work on yourmission today."


    Starfall nodded eagerly. "Yes, I''ve been looking forward to this day! I even had to reschedule some interviews to be here."


    Broken furrowed his brows. "Did I summon you at a bad time?"


    "No, no, no!" Starfall quickly responded, shaking her head. "I apologize if my words caused any misunderstanding. This isn''t your fault at all¡ªeverything is perfectly fine."


    "And..." Starfall continued, "I have a small gift for you. I''ve entrusted it to Freya, but I''d like you to confirm it directly with her."


    "A gift?"


    "Yes, please confirm the gift with Freya.


    "Okay, thank you," Broken replied. "Shall we continue our discussion in my workshop?"


    "Yes, of course," Starfall said with a nod and followed him.


    Once inside the cksmith workshop, Starfall carefully took out a blueprint and ced it on the table alongside an assortment of materials.


    "I''d be more than happy to provide you with additional materials if you ever decide to craft something to help you learn magic."


    Broken had considered delving into magic but had deliberately postponed it, waiting for a more opportune time. With Goldrich, Elincia, and now Starfall in his guild, he realized he had ess to a wealth of knowledge about bing a proficient mage, should he decide to pursue it.


    "I appreciate the offer," he replied, "but I don''t think I need it right now."


    He shifted his attention to the blueprint Starfall had provided. He was impressed. After working on Livelywood''s sword and now seeing Starfall''s project, he admired the precision and suitability of the blueprints for their respective sses and skills.


    "You have ess to many elements, don''t you, Starfall?"


    "Yes," she replied, a slight smile ying on her lips. "I''m an Elemental Mage. I can wield multiple elements simultaneously, though I''m still limited when ites to advanced elements."


    "That versatility must be incredibly valuable inbat. This blueprint reflects that perfectly. It''s almost like an extension of your abilities."


    "It is, but I still have a long way to go before I can master the advancedbinations. That''s why this weapon will be a crucial part of my growth."


    Starfall smiled warmly. "I must admit, I''m a bit jealous that you have ess to the dark elements, and even their advanced form, shadow. It''s truly extraordinary."


    "Really?"


    "Yes," she replied. "The Dark and Light elements are far more powerful than the basic elements-wind, water, earth, and fire. If someone masters them, they gain a huge advantage."


    She paused briefly, "Especially when ites to your Eternal me form. I''m curious... Do we have the same chance to acquire something like that?"


    "Uhmm..." Broken mused. "I''m not entirely certain. I gained my Eternal me form because of this ring." He held up his hand to reveal the Legendary Ring adorning his finger. "It


    requires a few specific conditions for it to activate."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Broken swiftly brought the materials to his forging station, positioning himself with precision to begin crafting. His eyes remained intensely focused on the blueprint, checking each material to ensure everything was ready.


    Starfall approached slowly, observing his focused expression as he immersed himself in the task.


    "Broken..." she spoke hesitantly.


    "Yes?" he replied without looking up.


    "Could I stay in the room with you?"


    "Yes, that''s fine," he said, ncing at her briefly. "But it may take a while. Are you sure you want to wait?"


    "This is a very special moment for me," she replied. "I want to savor the process and watch until my new weapon is finished."


    Broken smirked slightly and asked, "Didn''t you say you were very busy? Are you really a celebrity?"


    Starfall chuckled softly. "You can confirm it yourself if you don''t believe me."


    "I''ve watched the K-drama you acted in," he said casually. "I haven''t finished all the episodes yet... but my sister really enjoyed it."


    "Really?" Starfall responded enthusiastically. "I would love to meet her one day."


    "I''m sure my sister would be the one saying that," he added with a faint smile before turning back to his work.


    Starfall smiled warmly but decided to hold her tongue, not wanting to disrupt his concentration as he began crafting her item. She took a seat nearby, her gaze fixed on the forging process, savoring every moment of this significant asion.


    ***


    The next day, Leon, Freya, Ronald, and Melliandra all found themselves riding in the same car as they headed to meet their next potential recruit.


    Fortunately, the person they were seeking lived in the same city as Melliandra, making it convenient to stop by and pay them a visit.


    As the sleek ck car entered a more densely popted area on the outskirts of town, the surroundings shifted to rows of modest houses. The car slowed to a halt as a group of young elementary school children crossed the road.


    Leon nced out the window, lost in thought, contemting all of the tasks he had toplete.


    "We''ve arrived," Melliandra announced as the car came to a stop in front of a kindergarten


    school.


    Leon turned to hispanions. "Who am I supposed to meet? I don''t recall having any


    kindergartners in the guild."


    Freya chuckled softly, raising her fists in encouragement. "You can do it, Leon."


    Ronald, grinning widely, joined in. "Go, go, go, Master!"


    Melliandra added, "Just don''t take too long, alright? I don''t have all day to keep you


    company."


    Leon stepped out of the car, his footsteps deliberate as he made his way toward the


    kindergarten gate.


    The lively scene before him was one of joy and chaos-childrenughing and running past, holding hands with their parents.


    His gaze swept over the crowd, yet no face struck a chord of recognition. He lingered for a moment, watching the children''s carefree smiles, and felt a pang of nostalgia.


    I don''t even remember my parents picking me up from school.


    I don''t even have their pictures...


    Lost in his thoughts, Leon stood still, his reverie interrupted by the sudden approach of a


    man. The man was taller than him. In his arms, he carried a young girl who clung to him with


    wide, curious eyes.


    Leon instinctively raised his gaze to meet the man''s. Their eyes locked for a moment before


    the man offered a warm smile.


    "Good afternoon, Guild Master," the man said.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Alright, detectives, it''s time to put on your guessing hats! Who is this man calmly greeting Leon, and why is he holding a child in a kindergarten of all ces?


    Let me know your guesses in thements-no peeking at the next chapters! If you nail it, consider yourself the official Guild Detective. And don''t forget, Power Stones and Golden Tickets are the fuel that keep these mysteriesing! ??

 Chapter 618: Chapter 618 - The King’s New Chapter

    Chapter 618: Chapter 618 - The King¡¯s New Chapter


    ?


    Leon quietly said the name of the man standing before him, "Kingsley?" "Yes, Master," Kingsley replied with a small nod and a polite smile.


    The girl in his arms waved at Leon. "Hi... I know you..."


    Leon smiled at her. "Hi..."


    "My name is Azu," she said proudly. "And you''re... Broken, right?"


    Leon chuckled softly. "Yes, that''s me. Hi Azu, nice to meet you."


    "I knew you''de to visit," Kingsley said. "But I didn''t expect it to be today."


    "Hi, yes... it''s nice to finally meet you in person."


    "Likewise, Guild Master," Kingsley replied with a nod. Then, he gestured toward the nearby park. "Would you like to take a walk there? We can chat morefortably."


    "Absolutely, that would be great," Leon agreed.


    After arriving at the park, Kingsley returned with two cans of beverages he had purchased from a nearby vending machine. He handed one to Leon before taking a seat beside him on the park bench.


    Nearby, Kingsley''s daughter, Azu, could be seen running around,ughing and ying with other children.


    Leon cracked open the can, took a sip, and let the silence stretch for a moment before Kingsley spoke.


    "People call me King."


    "Is that your actual name?"


    Kingsley shook his head slowly. "No, it''s not. King isn''t my real name. It''s more of a title."


    He was quiet for a moment. "A reminder of who I used to be back when I was part of a gangster organization."


    His gaze fixed on the park where his daughter was ying, before continuing, "I held a lot of power back then. The name King was meant to represent that... but those days are long behind me."


    Leon nodded thoughtfully, recalling what Freya had once told him about Kingsley''s past. He had been a high-ranking member of a mafia gang but had left that life behind, choosing a quieter existence centered around his small family and his daughter.


    "It''s admirable," Leon said softly, "to leave behind a life like that and start over."


    Kingsley smiled faintly. "It wasn''t easy, but Azu gave me a reason to change."


    The two men shared a quiet moment, watching Azu''s joyfulughter echo through the park.


    "I think we could spend the whole night just talking about that, your... interesting story?" Leon said with a faint smile.


    "If that''s okay with you, Master," King replied, nodding slightly.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "It was a very dark past," King said gently, a soft smile gracing his lips. "But I''m so grateful for the life I have now... With my beloved daughter and a wife who understands my past and epts me for who I am."


    "I can really see the warmth in you when you hold your daughter."


    They chatted casually, covering lighter topics, until King steered the conversation toward something more relevant.


    "Ronald has told me about the team invitation, and I''ve already epted it," King said. "He mentioned that you''de to visit me personally, so I followed his n."


    "Thanks," Leon replied with a smile. "So you''re okay with joining the team, right?"


    "Yes, I don''t have any problem with it," King said. "However, I''m not as powerful as the others. I''m worried I''ll end up being a burden, Master."


    Leon shook his head reassuringly. "We''re not aiming for anything too serious. I just want everyone to enjoy thepetition and gain some valuable experience. Winning is just a bonus."


    King considered his words, then nodded slowly. "Alright, Master. I''ll ept this invitation. I''ll do my best."


    King''s daughter, Azu, skipped toward Leon with a cheerful smile.


    "I saw you riding a Pegasus, and it looked amazing! Could I borrow your Pegasus sometime?"


    Leon chuckled softly. "Hey there..." he said. "Of course, I''d be happy to let you borrow my Pegasus when you log in to Immortal Legacy. But... I hate to break it to you... the ''Pegasus'' you saw is actually a fox with wings. Is that okay with you?"


    Azu tilted her head. "Yes! So, is a fox not a Pegasus?"


    Leon smiled warmly, crouching slightly to meet her eye level. "Well, technically, a Pegasus is a flying horse. But I think the experience will be just as fun since my flying fox is super cute. I''m sure you two will get along great."


    "Yes, I like it!" she eximed enthusiastically.


    Having spent much of his life with his younger sister, Leon was naturally adept at engaging with little girls. His familiarity shone through as he responded warmly to Azu''s growing list of curious questions, each answer given with patience and kindness.


    As their time drew to a close, Leon stood up, preparing to leave.


    "Please let me know if you n to visit Melliandra''s mansion. I''ll be there until tomorrow morning," he said, smiling as he extended his hand toward King.


    "Of course," King replied with a nod. "I''ll contact Melliandra and keep you informed."


    Leon bid them farewell, walking away with a satisfied expression. This meeting had been unexpectedly enjoyable. Talking with King had been a unique experience, further adding to the list of fascinating individuals Leon had encountered in recent days.


    London, a wealthy man who chose to live in istion; Melliandra, a boastful and indulged youngdy from a privileged background.


    Well... even now, Leon hadn''t met all of his guild members in person. This thought only fueled his determination to meet them all eventually.


    But seriously, meeting each person and learning about their real-life backgrounds, so vastly different from the personas they portrayed in the game, added a whole newyer of surprise


    and intrigue.


    Kingsley, for example, was one of the most humble and amicable yers in the game. He was always quick to show appreciation and praise for others'' efforts. Even from the very beginning, he had demonstrated his humility by apologizing on Melliandra''s behalf for her mistakes.


    Back during the defense of Deadbay City, it was Kingsley''s effort that allowed them to hold out long enough for reinforcements to arrive. Without him, their survival might have been


    impossible.


    And here he was, in real life, a man who had retired from a dark and dangerous past to create a peaceful existence for himself and his family. The contrast was captivating, a testament to theplexity of people and the stories they carried.


    But there were still two or three more names on the list he needed to meet for the Eternal


    Challenge team.


    Who could they be?

 Chapter 619: Chapter 619 - A Staff for the Star

    Chapter 619: Chapter 619 - A Staff for the Star


    ?


    Leon, Freya, and Ronald stayed at Melliandra''s residence for two nights, and during that short stay, they managed to forge a strong bond with both Melliandra and King, who had joined them on the second night.


    Melliandra dared Leon to y a ssic fighting game with her, using a retro game controller. Though Leon had no prior experience with such games, the bet was simple: if he won just one match out of thirty attempts, Melliandra would have to act as a "good girl" for the next 24 hours.


    To everyone''s surprise-especially Melliandra''s-Leon managed to snatch a single victory after countless losses.


    "I''ll kill you, Leon! You''re cheating! You can''t possibly win against me. I let my guard down!" Melliandra yelled.


    Leon smirked, holding back augh.


    "How exactly did I cheat? This is literally my first time ying Tekken." He then reminded her, "And didn''t you promise? One win from me, and you''d act as a good girl for 24 hours."


    "I don''t want to ept this! Fight me one more time!"


    Leon leaned back, amused. "A promise is a promise, Melliandra. You lost. And, need I remind you, there are three witnesses here." He gestured toward Freya, Ronald, and King.


    King nodded slowly. "He''s right. You agreed to the terms, Mell."


    "King! Aren''t you supposed to support me? He''s cheating, isn''t he?"


    King shook his head. "I''m sure, Leon won fair and square."


    It was a short visit, but it left behind warm and enjoyable memories of shared moments with everyone.


    Ronald announced that their next journey would begin in a few days and would involve taking a ne, as the destination was abroad. With that n set, the group decided to return home for a short break. Leon followed suit, heading back to his residence after being away from Lily for an entire week.


    When Leon stepped into the living room, suitcase in hand, he found Lily lounging on the couch, her eyes glued to the television.


    "How are you, Lily?"


    Lily''s eyes lit up when she saw him.


    "Leon! I had no idea you''d be back so soon! Freya just sent me a message saying you guys were on your way!"


    "Well, here I am. Did you miss me?"


    "Of course I did!" Lily replied. "The house has been so quiet without you around."


    On that day, Leon made sure to dedicate a few hours to spending time with her. They enjoyed


    a meal together and hung out at the caf¨¦ on the top floor of the hotel, taking in the city skyline.


    It was the first time Lily had truly been on her own and away from him for such an extended period, and he couldn''t help but feel a twinge of guilt. Knowing he would be heading abroad with Ronald and Freya in just a few days only added to that feeling.


    Since they had no close family except for their uncle, Leon had suggested Lily stay at Ben''s house while he was away. But she had politely refused.


    "I''ll have a field trip for two days, and it happens to be at the same time you''re going abroad." "Oh, really? It sounds like you''re enjoying your new school activities, huh?"


    "Yes, this is the best thing I''ve ever experienced. So I think you can rx and focus on your work without worrying about me."


    Leon had briefly considered inviting her to join him on this trip, but knowing she had ns with her ssmates eased his mind.


    ***


    As soon as Broken logged back into the game, he found himself in his workshop. The environment around him came into sharp focus, and his eyes quicklynded on Starfall, who was seatedfortably in the corner of the room.


    "Hello there!" She greeted him.


    "Hi..." Broken replied softly.


    Starfall had remainedmitted to observing the entire crafting process. While she had only managed to be present for about 70% of the time due to her busy schedule.


    Despite having nothing to do during her visits, she was content simply to sit and watch, leaving Broken undisturbed.


    Today marked the final stages of crafting the item. As noon approached, Broken informed Starfall that only the finishing touches remained. Excited, she moved closer to then/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    workstation.


    Broken had just finished the final hammer stroke when a burst of greenish energy radiated


    from the newly crafted magic staff.


    "Is it a Unique grade?"


    "Yes," Broken replied. "It''s unique."


    "Thank you! I''m so happy... I couldn''t have hoped for anything better than this."


    She quickly shared the item details in the guild chat, and as expected, responses flooded in almost immediately.


    "Wow, that''s amazing! You can craft a Unique-grade item so easily, ha ha ha," Booba was the first toment.


    "When will it be my turn?" Optimus chimed in.


    "You''re always busy with yourself. How could it possibly be your turn, you idiot!" Jovina said.


    "I wouldn''t mind if you crafted something simr for me too, Master, Khi khi khi."


    "Yes, I''d like a new weapon as well," Elincia said.


    "I should have a turn as well," Toberry said.


    "And what exactly did your contribution to the expedition achieve, Toberry?" Jovina responded. "Starfall said you were killed by those monsters without even putting up a fight.


    Ha ha ha!"


    "I didn''t say that!" Starfall said.


    Starfall studied the stats and skills of her newly crafted Magic Staff, her face glowing with happiness as she admired its beauty.


    "Broken... how much do I have to pay? I don''t mind whatever price you name. I''m truly grateful for this opportunity," she said earnestly.


    Broken paused, thinking carefully before answering. "Typically, a Unique-grade weapon costs between 250 and 350 gold. That''s the standard price range I''ve gathered from others." The price included the materials and blueprint, which Starfall was already aware of. Still, she hesitated, not wanting to undervalue Broken''s skills.


    "What if I pay the optimal price of 350 gold?" Starfall asked quietly. "Would that be okay with


    you?"


    "Isn''t that a bit high?"


    Without hesitation, she replied, "No... I think that''s the right price."


    "Okay, then..." he agreed.


    Starfall''s face lit up with joy as she embraced the Magic Staff, holding it close like a cherished


    treasure.


    At that moment, the door to the workshop creaked open, drawing their attention. Melliandra stood there, arms crossed and an impatient look on her face.


    "Hey... are you guys done yet? I''ve been waiting forever."


    Starfallughed softly, still clutching the staff. "Yes, Melliandra, we''re finished now."


    Broken smirked faintly. "Is there something you need?"


    Melliandra stepped inside. "Need? Don''t you think it''s time to craft something for me?"


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    I know, I know-the past few chapters have been all about warm moments and guild bonding. Don''t hate me, okay?


    Don''t worry though, the calm is about to make way for chaos (you know, the kind that gets


    your blood pumping). I


    And as always, Power Stone and Golden Ticket goes a long way in keeping the story alive. Thanks for sticking with the Vensalor Guild! (0

 Chapter 620: Chapter 620 - Knuckles for the King

    Chapter 620: Chapter 620 - Knuckles for the King


    ?


    Melliandra ced a blueprint on the table, folding her arms as she waited for his reaction.


    Broken picked it up, expecting a design for the sniper rifle they had discussed earlier. Instead, he found a blueprint for a pair of knuckles-an unusual weapon suited only for Kingsley.


    "I want you to craft this for me."


    "Okay." He shifted his attention to the materials she had prepared, meticulously checking that everything was ounted for.


    Satisfied, he moved toward his forge.


    "Why didn''t you say anything?"


    Broken nced up. "I did. I said okay."


    Her teeth clenched as she let out a sharp breath. "Why don''t you ever ask why I want you to craft that item?"


    "This is for Kingsley, right?"


    "Yes," she confirmed. "But would it kill you to at least ask me why?"


    "I didn''t ask because I already figured it out."


    "Just do your best. I don''t care about the grade. I''ll pay you fairly, as always," she said sharply before storming out of the room.


    Broken stared after her, his brow furrowing.


    He took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as a smile spread across his face. Determined like never before, he resolved to pour his heart into crafting a new weapon, aspiring to achieve the rare and coveted Legendary grade.


    The thought of Kingsley receiving a finely made weapon filled him with satisfaction.


    Crafting a new weapon for everyone was an ambitious goal, but it was also grueling and time- consuming. Bncing his priorities became essential, as countless other responsibilities demanded his attention. Yet, he knew he couldn''t shy away from the task-it was something he had to see through.


    The idea of crafting while traveling struck him as a potential game-changer. If he could somehow set up a portable forge inside a moving carriage, it would save valuable time on long journeys. However, the practicality of such an idea posed another problem: the standard carriages avable in the Dissidia Kingdom weren''trge or advanced enough to amodate a forging setup. To realize this n, he''d need arger, more sophisticated carriage.


    His mind wandered to the central continent, particrly to the nation ruled by high elves. The region boasted skilled Gunsmiths and Mechanics who had mastered innovations like carriages powered by Monster Stones and other fascinating creations. The possibilities intrigued him, igniting a curiosity about how these advancements might simplify his life and improve his -craft.


    To gain this knowledge, however, Broken would need to travel to the central continent. The question lingered in his mind: could he afford the time for such a journey?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A few dayster, Broken informed Melliandra that the knuckle was nearly finished. And so she returned to the workshop and observed closely as Broken carried out the final steps of the process.


    As Brokenpleted the finishing touches, a sudden burst of green energy radiated from the knuckles, signaling its exceptional quality. It was a Unique-grade weapon!


    Melliandra couldn''t hold back her excitement. She leapt with joy.


    "Unique! It''s a Unique grade!" Her face lit up, glowing with happiness.


    Realizing how openly she was celebrating, she quickly tried to rein in her enthusiasm.


    "Thank you..." she murmured softly.


    Broken blinked, caught off guard. It might have been the first time he''d heard her say those words.


    "You''re wee," he replied.


    Melliandra nodded quickly. "I''ll pay you well! It''s 350 gold, right?"


    "Yes."


    "I''ll give you 400 gold," she dered firmly. "Consider it proof that I value your work and can afford to show it. I''ll send the gold over soon." With that, she hurried out of the workshop.


    The news of Broken crafting yet another Unique-grade item quickly spread throughout the guild.


    "Damn, Broken! How do you make producing high-grade items look so effortless?" Jovina eximed. "If you weren''t our Guild Master, I''d swear you were cheating!"


    "Thanks, Broken, for crafting the weapon. And Melliandra, thank you as well," Kingsley said. Melliandra scoffed. "Oh, for goodness'' sake! I''m just making sure no one I work with bes a burden to me. So you''d better shut up and use it properly!"


    Optimus chimed in, "I want to force him to focus solely on making weapons for everyone. But I guess I can''t exactly do that now that he''s our Guild Master..."


    "Khi khi khi," Goldrich added. "I''m willing to pay double if you prioritize mymission. Just putting that out there."


    Jovina said, "Why don''t we hear much from Skywarden anymore? You''ve been so quiettely."


    Skywarden snapped back immediately. "Shut up! I''m busy, unlike you fools who have nothing better to do than flood the guild chat!"


    Freya said, "Broken is the type who never tries to meet anyone''s expectations. He only works for his own amusement, ha ha ha."


    "You''re so bold, Freya. Ha ha, I''d never dare say that!" Elincia said.


    Goldrich interjected, "Well, I suppose she has earned the privilege, being a woman who''s shared a bed with him..."


    Freya snapped. "Goldrich, if I evere to your ce again, it will be thest day you draw breath!"


    "Khi khi khi... Why are you lovely youngdies always so cruel to a poor old man like me?"


    Elincia had originally been next in line, but she had assured Broken there was no need to rush. After all, he would soon be departing on an expedition with Princess Alora and had more pressing matters to attend to.


    Toberry said that he didn''t need a new item crafted. "Your time is far too valuable to waste on me."


    Melliandra had only requested Broken''s help with crafting her weapon on the condition that he had acquired the Gunsmith ss.


    As for Maylock, he hadn''t returned to the game, sparking concern and questions from everyone. His absence left a noticeable void, and it was clear how much the guild missed him. "Did I miss anyone? For the first wave of crafting?" Broken asked.


    No one voiced any objections. He had made it clear that everyone would get their turn eventually, ensuring that no one felt overlooked or excluded. His careful nning left little room forints.


    "Well, I suppose it''s time, then," he concluded, ready to move forward.


    Broken was about to dive back into the challenge of the Tower of Trials. He''d been attempting


    it daily for a while now, but no matter how hard he tried, he hadn''t managed to hit an S score. Still, he was confident-this time, he believed he could finally seed.


    On top of that, he was finally carving out time to study and prepare everything he needed for his Golem ss, something he had put off for far too long.


    Oh damn, finally?!


    Has he been so busy that he''s only now addressing this Unique-grade ss? Seriously?!


    And if that wasn''t enough, he also had to travel to the capital of the Dissidia Kingdom to meet Princess Alora and begin the journey they''d nned weeks ago.


    Their destination? The vige of the Forest Elves.


    But his schedule didn''t stop there. Later that same day, he would also need to join Freya and Ronald on an overseas trip. Even with all this piling up, his face brightened with a soft smile. "I''m so excited to keep myself busy," he said with augh before logging out of the game.

 Chapter 621: Chapter 621 - Flexing Platinum, Earning S-Rank

    Chapter 621: Chapter 621 - Flexing tinum, Earning S-Rank


    ?


    On the day of the journey, Leon was set to depart for an overseas trip arranged by Freya and Ronald. He had been kept in the dark about their destination-until that very morning!


    Freya had taken care of every detail, from booking the ne tickets to handling visa applications. Leon didn''t have to worry about a thing; his only job was to be ready and roll with whatever itinerary the pair had nned for him.


    However, as he walked into the main room, he noticed something unexpected: Lily, standing by with her own packed suitcase.


    Wasn''t she supposed to stay behind and attend school?


    "I decided to take a break from school ande with you!"


    "Are you sure, Lily? Why would you do that?"


    "It''s fine!" she replied. "My school is going on a field trip, and I decided to skip it so I coulde with you instead."


    "Are you absolutely sure about this?"


    "Yes," she said confidently. "I already talked it over with Freya, and she''s fine with it."


    Leon smiled. "Alright then... I''m guessing they''ve nned something fun for us, right? Otherwise, there''s no way you''d be this eager to tag along."


    With that, they quickly gathered their things and left the house, catching a taxi to take them to the airport.


    The day took an unexpected turn for Leon when they arrived and he discovered they''d be boarding Ronald''s private jet.


    His jaw nearly dropped as he turned to Ronald. "How rich are you?"


    "Ha ha ha... What, you think Elincia''s the only one with a private jet equipped with a capsule device?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Leon stared in awe as they boarded the opulent ne. The interior was a masterpiece of luxury-a spacious cabin with plush leather seats, full-sized beds, and a cozy lounge area with sleek sofas and elegant coffee tables.


    A dining sectionplete with a bar, an assortment of snacksid out buffet-style, and entertainment corners outfitted with cutting-edge technology left him utterly speechless. The idea of using the capsule device mid-flight only added to his excitement.


    "So, which country are we heading to? I still have no idea."


    The three people in front of him-Freya, Ronald, and Lily-turned to him with synchronized enthusiasm and dered in unison, "South Korea!"


    "South Korea?" Leon repeated, the names of a few guildmates shing through his mind. Elincia, Booba, and Starfall. All of them were from there.


    "Are we going there to recruit one of them?" he asked curiously.


    Ronald grinned. "With us, everything''s always a surprise."


    Turning to Freya, Leon asked, "You''re sure you''ve taken care of all the documents we need to enter Korea, right?"


    Freya smiled confidently and gave a small nod. Without saying a word, she reached into her bag and pulled out a small box. She held it out to Leon with an encouraging look.


    "Take it."


    Leon epted the box. As he opened it, his eyes widened in shock. Inside was an Immortal Legacy tinum Card.


    "That''s your new card, Leon," Freya exined. "With that card, several countries allow entry without the need for a visa. It''s incredibly exclusive. Getting one requires meeting some very difficult criteria."


    Leon already owned a Gold Card, though he rarely used it. Now, holding the Immortal tinum Card, he felt like he''d just unlocked an entirely new level.


    "This is incredible..." he murmured.


    Freya chuckled softly. "Yes, the privileges of owning an Immortal tinum Card are substantial. Just showing it earns you respect in most ces. It''s more than just a card-it''s a statement."


    "Haha, exactly!" Ronald added with augh. "That''s how the elite flex their status-with the Immortal tinum Card."


    "Congrattions, Leon!" Lily eximed


    Freya nodded. "Absolutely."


    "And..." Ronald said, leaning back in his chair with a mischievous grin, "I hope Golden Agees out with an even higher-tier card after this. Something like an Immortal Legendary Card or an Immortal Divine Champion Card. Haha, maybe even an Immortal Mythical Card or something wild like that!"


    "That would be really cool," Freya said with augh.


    By now, the ne was soaring through the skies on its way to South Korea. With fourteen hours of travel time ahead of them, there was plenty of opportunity to rx-but they weren''t content to just chat, watch movies, or indulge in the luxurious meals on board. After a few hours, Leon decided to explore the capsule device on the ne.


    ***


    Broken re-entered the Tower of Trials, standing once again on the first floor. This time, though, his gaze was sharper, his determination far stronger than when he first set foot in this


    ce.


    And yet, even on the very first floor, he was spending an incredible amount of time-not just to clear it, but to achieve the maximum score in the challenge.


    Gripping his spear tightly, he readied himself as the first wave of monsters entered the arena. A faint smile tugged at his lips-he was fully immersed in the thrill of the fight.


    When a boar-like monster charged toward him, Broken dashed forward to meet it head-on. His movements were fluid and focused, spinning his spear with precision as he maneuvered at thest second, narrowly avoiding a collision with the beast.


    Using the momentum of his speed, he struck its legs with devastating force, causing the massive creature to copse. Without hesitation, he delivered a fatal blow to it.


    Next came a massive serpent, slithering rapidly toward him. Broken darted to the side, circling the spectral creature while searching for an opening.


    The spectral creature repeatedly vanished and reappeared, attempting to outmaneuver him. But Broken stayed ahead of it. Every time the spectral beast materialized, he struck it with relentless uracy, wearing it down until he finally delivered the finishing blow.


    He repeated the same approach wave after wave, even as the number of monsters steadily increased. Broken maintained wless positioning,nding fatal strikes every time an opening presented itself.


    Withoutbat, protection, or healing abilities, he was forced to rely solely on his weapon and technique. This limitation pushed him to unlock the full potential of the spear he


    wielded.


    As he fought, he imagined how much more powerful he could be with the Wavebreaker Spear equipped, its Ocean Blessing enhancing his performance. The passive skills of that weapon would allow him to fight with even greater optimization, turning every move into a seamlessbination of power and efficiency.


    Atst, the waves came to an end. Broken smiled in satisfaction, gazing at the aftermath of


    his work.


    [Congrattions! You have sessfully cleared the Tower of Trials 1st Floor.]


    [Calcting score...]


    [You have achieved an S score!]


    [Would you like to repeat the challenge or conclude the floor''s challenge?]


    [You have received rewards...]

 Chapter 622: Chapter 622 - Aerin of Two Worlds

    Chapter 622: Chapter 622 - Aerin of Two Worlds


    ?


    [You have sessfullypleted the Tower of Trials - 1st Floor with an S score!]


    [You have earned the reward: The Unbreakable Token.]


    [Item Acquired: The Unbreakable Token]


    [A magical item designed to protect its bearer from fatal circumstances. If your health, stamina, or mana drops below a critical threshold, the token will activate and restore you to a functional state.]


    At first nce, the item he got seemed like one of those passive effects you''d expect to receive when leveling up. It wasn''t as overwhelmingly powerful as the item he had received from Goddess Akida, but it was still remarkable.


    In the right circumstances-like recovering from a critical state and immediately activating Ethereal Form-this item could be very useful.


    Sure, the token itself wasn''t extraordinary. What truly mattered was the experience of conquering the 1st floor of the Tower of Trials. The challenge had pushed him to his limits, forcing him to refine his instincts and techniques, particrly with the spear.


    He had always relied on his skills and equipment, letting them define hisbat style. While he had learned the basics of spearbat outside the game, this trial felt like a breakthrough - a moment where his mastery transcended what he thought possible. He had reached a new threshold, one built on instinct, precision, and discipline.


    "So, another challenge?"


    [Wee to the Tower of Trials, 2nd Floor.]


    [All passive skills have been disabled.]


    [..]


    [Please choose your weapon toplete the challenge on this floor.]


    Broken found himself on the second floor, and the space looked almost identical to the previous level.


    Momentster, an array of weapons materialized before him, floating in midair.


    Is this the same challenge again?


    He reached for the spear.


    [You must survive in this room for 30 minutes. Each time you move, attacks wille from all directions. Your task is to block every strike until time runs out.]


    [2nd Floor Challenge: The Challenge of Reflect begins now!]


    Not long after, Leon stepped out of the capsule device, letting out a frustrated sigh. He had onlysted three minutes before failing the challenge. It was far tougher than it had seemed.


    Fortunately, this particr challenge didn''t impose the harsh penalty of yer death, so he didn''t have to endure the six-hour cooldown to log back in. Even so, he decided to take a break from the game, fill his stomach, and chat with the others.


    The private jet flight had been an entirely new experience-nothing like themercial flights he''d taken before. With this jet, they traveled in unmatchedfort, attended to with gourmet meals and first-ss service.


    Ronald had even arranged for a personal masseuse and insisted Leon try it out.


    At first, Leon hesitated. The idea of a stranger touching him felt odd, especially since the masseuse was a woman. It made him a bit ufortable. But Ronald was relentless, and eventually, Leon gave in.


    To his surprise, he enjoyed it far more than he expected. The massage was nothing short of heavenly. The way the tension melted from his muscles was something he hadn''t experienced before. Rxation overtook him sopletely that, before he knew it, he had fallen asleep.


    ***


    Night had fallen over Yunatea as Broken guided his loyal steed, Polly, across the desert ins toward the heart of the Dissidia Kingdom. Pawpaw sat just ahead of him, perchedfortably atop the fox that had joined them on their journey. The air was cool, the only sound was the rhythmic thud of Polly''s paws against the ground.


    In the distance, the towering city walls of Dissidia''s capital rose like a dark sentinel against the starlit sky.


    As they passed through the gates and entered the inner city, the quiet gave way to bustling life. Even under the cloak of night, the capital refused to rest, its streets alive with the hum of activity, as though the city itself were breathing.


    Broken swiftly dismounted Polly and headed toward the nearest inn. Thanks to Pawpaw''s skill, he was shrouded in invisibility, allowing him to approach unnoticed by anyone in the vicinity.


    Tonight''s meeting with Princess Alora wouldn''t happen in the grandeur of the castle but at a more discreet location they had carefully arranged in advance.


    Climbing the stairs two at a time, Broken reached the room where Princess Alora waited. He rapped on the door, and a clear, feminine voice called from within.


    Wasting no time, he pushed it open to find a young woman dressed in green hunter''s attire. Her hood shadowed part of her face, but red hair peeked out from beneath its edge.


    "Good evening, Broken," the woman greeted.


    She was supposed to be Princess Alora, yet the name disyed above her head was unfamiliar. "Princess? Why has your name changed?"


    "This is one of the advantages of being half-human, half-elf," she exined with a hint of amusement. "I can shift between my human name and my elf name."


    At that moment, the name above her head was "Aerin."


    "Now, please call me Aerin, okay?"


    "Alright, Princess."


    She quickly interjected, shaking her head. "No, not Princess. Not Your Highness. Just Aerin."


    "Yes, Aerin."


    Satisfied, Aerin slowly pulled back her hood, allowing her vibrant red hair to cascade freely. "Unfortunately, there''s no way to hide this," she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Broken nodded. "I understand. I also have items that help me disguise myself."


    "But," he continued, "Pawpaw could actually help alter your appearance, like changing your hair color."


    Alora¨Dno, Aerinughed softly. "No, I think Pawpaw has terrible taste when ites to changing appearances."


    "I agree," Broken said with a slight smirk. "If you let him handle it, he''d probably make you look like viiness."


    After chatting casually for a while, Broken finally eased into the chair across from Aerin. She began outlining her n to visit the forest elf vige, a destination that would be much easier


    to reach by traveling through Slumdon Town.


    Because of this, Broken was preparing to use, for the first time, a special feature of his ne-one that allowed him to instantly travel back to Slumdon Town. It was a n that would now include Aerin as well.


    As they spoke, Broken shared the details of the ne with her. It was an item he had painstakingly crafted after his expedition to the Moonlight Fae.


    "So, this is the item you managed to create after what you did that night?" Aerin asked, chuckling softly.


    "Surely we''ve already covered that I had to take down some faebeasts to gather enough


    points, right?"


    "Yes, sure. I believe you. No need to exin," she said, waving off hisment with an


    amused smile.


    Broken then pulled out a small, ring-like key and handed it to her.


    Aerin froze for a moment, her fingers brushing against the key as her expression grewn/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    serious.


    "Are you sure about giving this to me? It''s your only one, isn''t it?"


    "It''s fine. It won''t be the only one for long. I''ll get more eventually, but I think this will serve


    you well for now."


    With a slow nod, Aerin epted the key and activated it, watching as it disappeared from his


    hand.


    "Well," she said, "I''m definitely intrigued to see what your private pocket dimension looks


    like."

 Chapter 623: Chapter 623 - Yara’s Suspicions

    Chapter 623: Chapter 623 - Yara¡¯s Suspicions


    ?


    Broken and Aerin found themselves in an entirely new ce, realizing they had been transported into a pocket dimension within the Unseen Universe Ne.


    As Aerin surveyed her surroundings, she noticed the sky was shrouded in darkness, with a familiar moon hanging low on one side.


    Her eyes drifted across thendscape until they settled on a smallke, its surface shimmering under the soft glow of moonlight. Drawn to the serene scene, she walked to theke''s edge and perched herself on arge rock.


    Broken followed her.


    "Does this mean I''m the first person to enter this ce after you? Doesn''t that make me someone special?"


    Broken smiled at her words. "Do you really need to ask that, Princess?"


    "Oh, clearly you still have a lot to learn about how to make a woman happy, huh?"


    "Don''t tell me you''re not happy with all this," Broken countered with a smirk.


    "It just seems you''re still as stubborn as ever, the same man I''ve always known." Broken moved closer and took a seat on arge rock beside her. They sat infortable silence for a while, both gazing at theke''s shimmering surface. Aerin had dipped her feet into the water, creating soft ripples that spread outward, reflecting the silvery light of the moon above.


    "So, who knows about this expedition you''re going on?"


    "The king... the two knight grand crosses... and a few servants in the pce."


    "Just them?" Broken frowned slightly, giving her a questioning look.


    Aerin turned to him, pausing for a moment as if considering her answer. Their eyes met, and she seemed to hesitate before speaking again.


    "Yes, just them," she said with a small nod.


    "Maybe it''s because there are only a few people I truly trust," she admitted softly. "My two knights and a handful of servants. That''s it."


    "Why didn''t you include the king on that list, Aerin?"


    Aerin smiled faintly and nced away.


    "It seems you don''t hesitate to get straight to the point."


    A moment of silence passed before she spoke again.


    "I do trust him¡ªhe''s my father and the King of Dissidia Kingdom. I respect him and do my best to meet his expectations," she said softly.


    "Does His Majesty also expect you to participate in wars like you usually do?"


    Aerin exhaled softly, and answered. "He wanted an heir who could fight-a man to carry on his legacy. Maybe that''s why not everyone approves of my presence," she admitted.


    Broken remained silent, letting her words linger in the air.


    "You certainly share more about these deeper matters of the kingdom with me," he finally said.


    Aerin turned to him, a small smile gracing her lips. "You were the one who trusted me first. You gave me the only key to this dimension. It''s only fair that I repay your trust with this story."


    If Princess Alora was indeed the sole surviving heir of the King and the rightful crowned Princess, one would expect her to have the unwavering support of her father.


    However, it was painfully clear to many that the King often chose silence when the Princess faced open ridicule and challenges-particrly from the king''s own brother, who was rumored to be plotting to seize the throne.


    Broken rose to his feet and extended his hand toward her.


    "Let''s go. I know we both crave adventure, which is why I''m eager to visit the vige of the forest elves."


    Aerin smiled at his words. She reached out and took his hand, their fingers intertwining. "We can get to Slumdon Town from here immediately."


    Broken walked slowly toward the portal door, which shimmered with a transparent green energy. Without hesitation, he stepped through, and Aerin followed close behind.


    However, the floor in his study on the other side was lower than the portal''s exit. As Aerin stepped through, she stumbled, losing her bnce. Before she could fall, Broken''s hand shot out, firmly catching her by the waist and steadying her.


    "Are you okay, Aerin?"


    "Yes... Sorry... Thank you..." she replied in a quiet voice.


    Just then, the door to the study creaked open, and Yara stepped inside, her arms full of


    cleaning supplies.


    Her eyes immediatelynded on the scene in the room-Broken standing close to a strikingly beautiful woman. Her face flushed red in an instant.


    "My Lord... I-I apologize," she stammered. "I thought you''d gone to the capital, so I came to clean the room."


    Keeping her gaze firmly on the floor, Yara quickly backed out of the room, her movements flustered and hurried.


    "I don''t want to be fired... I don''t want to be fired..." she muttered anxiously to herself as she scurried away.


    Broken stepped out of his study to find Yara standing in the hallway, her head bowed and her hands trembling slightly.


    "Yara..." he called softly.


    She lifted her face hesitantly, her gaze flickering to Broken beforending on the girl beside him. Aerin stood silently, her hood pulled low to conceal the lower half of her face, leaving only her striking eyes visible.


    "She''s so beautiful," Yara whispered, but her words escaped before she could stop herself. Startled by her own slip, she quickly looked back at Broken. "My Lord, forgive me..." Broken shook his head lightly. "It''s alright. Please, don''t worry. But I have a favor to ask. Don''t tell anyone about my friend''s presence here. I''ll be away for a few days. If you need anything, speak to Freya, and make sure to take good care of the house while I''m gone."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Yes, My Lord..." Yara replied.


    Broken turned away, and Aerin silently followed.


    Yara remained rooted in ce, her eyes fixed on the hallway where the two figures had disappeared. Something about Aerin gnawed at her thoughts, a familiarity she couldn''t quite


    pinpoint.


    "She''s so beautiful."


    "I feel like I''ve seen her before, but I can''t remember where."


    Her gaze lingered on the spot where Aerin had been moments ago.


    "She reminded me of Princess Alora," Yara muttered to herself. "But... Her name is Aerin."


    "Such a lovely name."

 Chapter 624: Chapter 624 - Pawns of the Dreamwood Curse

    Chapter 624: Chapter 624 - Pawns of the Dreamwood Curse


    ?


    Broken braced himself for yet another grueling journey. He had already endured the trek from Slumdon to the Capital, and now he and Aerin were soaring through the skies atop Polly. They needed to reach their nearest destination before the break of dawn.


    The South Continent stretched from east to west, its vast expanse split in two by a jagged chain of teaus and mountains that ran from north to south. To the westy the realms of Dissidia and the Kesseon Kingdom, while the east was home to three other kingdoms.


    Tucked deep within the eastern reaches of Slumdon Town, cradled by the mountain range, stood a mysterious woond known as The Dreamscape Forest. Aerin had exined that this was where the elusive forest elves resided.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The forest bore its name for good reason. Those who dared to enter often found themselves ensnared by its peculiar magic. Anyone who fell asleep within its bounds would awaken with no memory of their purpose and, worse still, lose all sense of direction, forever unable to find their way out.


    Still, there were always a few thrill-seekers lured by promises of extraordinary treasures. Yet their ambitions often ended in disaster, as bandits lurking in the outskirts preyed on these hapless adventurers, robbing them of everything they had.


    "So, will the curse affect you too when we enter the Dreamscape Forest, Aerin?"


    "Yes," Aerin replied with a nod. "Anyone who falls asleep in the forest will be caught by the curse and forget why they came. The only way to avoid this is simple, don''t sleep at all."


    "But," Broken said thoughtfully, "we could bypass the curse by entering my pocket dimension to rest. That should solve the problem, right?"


    "Yes, it could," Aerin agreed, then added with a frown, "but don''t forget the forest is crawling with high-level monsters. Didn''t you mention that your pocket dimension can''t be essed during battle mode?"


    "Are there really so many monsters in the forest that we can''t stay out of battle mode for just ten minutes?"


    Aerin shook her head. "This is actually my first time entering the forest without someone of a high level apanying me," she admitted. "Thest time I was there, I was with my father. So honestly... I don''t know exactly what to expect. But I suppose we still need to stay alert, right?"


    "Absolutely," Broken agreed with a firm nod.


    Pawpaw had assured Broken that he would handle the monsters himself, even going as far as to vow he would eat every single one of them. Yet, despite Pawpaw taking on the battles, Broken would still remain in battle mode. This limitation meant his ability to summon minions wouldn''t solve their predicament.


    "Aerin, do you think we could avoid triggering battle mode by flying over the forest?"


    Aerin paused to consider the idea before shaking her head.


    "No, I don''t think that''s a good n. If we''re flying, we''ll probably be much easier to spot. There are plenty of creatures in the forest that can fly too, and they''d have the advantage in their own territory."


    "Okay...." Broken murmured. "Looks like we don''t have much of a choice. I guess our best option is to take out the monsters as quickly as we can and keep moving."


    As the first rays of sunlight painted the horizon, they spotted a small vige nestled near the edge of the vast forest. Wanting to avoid unnecessary attention, Broken directed Polly tond a safe distance away from the vige, choosing a quiet area near the forest''s entrance.


    Broken had intended to log out for a few hours, determined to ensure Aerin''s safety within his pocket dimension before continuing their journey.


    But just as he was about to activate the ne, his interface shed a warning-he was already in battle mode.


    Emerging from behind the dense trees, a group of people stepped into view. They were dressed like hunters, d in leather attire reinforced with light armor. Each carried a weapon -swords, bows, and other armaments-and there were dozens of them.


    One of them, a man with sharp eyes and a confident air, strode forward. He offered Broken a slow bow before turning to Aerin with a charming smile. Then, his gaze shifted back to Broken.


    "Good morning, esteemed guests from afar," the man greeted.


    "What do you want?" Broken replied cautiously.


    "Are you nning to venture into the forest?"


    "Yes, that''s right."


    "In that case," the man said, "allow me to suggest hiring us as mercenaries to guide you through the forest. We know this ce like the back of our hands and can guarantee you an unforgettable journey to your destination."


    Broken carefully assessed the group''s levels. Most of them hovered around level 120, with one individual reaching 140-a level that Pawpaw could easily manage if things turned hostile.


    Yet, there was more to consider. Alora, as the Princess of the Dissidia Kingdom, faced a far moreplex dilemma. Engaging in a battle that resulted in harm-or worse, taking their lives-was not something she could do lightly. After all, they were still citizens of Dissidia. But criminals, weren''t they? Shouldn''t that simplify the decision?


    Or was it foolish to think that the mind of a crowned princess could operate so simplistically? "I''m afraid I don''t really need any services from you," Broken said, his tone calm. "Oh no, no, no," the man replied with a grin. "I really think you''re making the wrong decision here. You must understand, this forest is incredibly dangerous. The creatures lurking within are powerful, and the curse... Well, it''s relentless. We don''t want anyone foolishly risking their lives. That''s precisely why we offer our services-to keep you safe."


    "And if I refuse? What happens then?"


    Broken nced at Aerin, silently seeking her opinion, but she only shook her head slowly. She didn''t want a confrontation?


    Even if this group turned out to be robbers, Aerin or rather, Princess Alora-seemed to be weighing the bigger picture. These were citizens of Dissidia, and the kingdom''sws demanded due process.


    A proper trial would determine their guilt, with imprisonment being the likely consequence rather than execution. Such a perspective was undoubtedly shaping her reluctance to escte


    the situation.


    Broken sighed quietly, his gaze lowering as he whispered, "Pawpaw, scout the area. Figure out how many of them there are and how close they''re positioned to us."


    Broken had, on several asions, taken immediate and decisive action against anyone who stood in his way. Was that approach wrong?


    He couldn''t help but reflect on incidents like what had happened with the Moonlight Fae. While his actions had been aggressive, wasn''t it true that they had distrusted him from the start? And in the end, they hadunched a devastating attack on Deadbay City, nearly leveling


    it to the ground.


    The more he thought about it, the clearer it became: when someone-or a group-harbored bad intentions from the outset, those intentions wouldn''t simply vanish. They would linger, festering, until they achieved their goals or were dealt with decisively.


    But this realization came with a sobering cost. Acting against such threats would inevitably invite more enemies.


    He sighed. Even when he did nothing, enemies came for him. The attacks from Vntar City, the factions vying for the throne against Princess Alora-trouble always seemed to find him.


    Negotiation? Sure, he wasn''t opposed to it. He had sessfully brokered peace and formed an alliance with the Ass Guild, eventually merging them into his own guild. That had been a triumph born of dialogue and mutual respect.


    Yet, he couldn''t ignore a fundamental truth. In this world-or rather, in this game-strength was paramount. Being strong, standing firm, and holding his position without faltering were the only ways to win and survive.

 Chapter 625: Chapter 625 - A Princess Without a Crown

    Chapter 625: Chapter 625 - A Princess Without a Crown


    ?


    Pawpaw swiftly obeyed Broken''smand, slipping into the shadows to survey the area. When he returned, his report was grim: there were a dozen bandits scattered strategically throughout the forest.


    They appeared poised to attack at any moment, and their arsenal included long-range weapons, giving them the capability tounch a coordinated assault when needed.


    Escape was not an option. If Broken attempted to flee, the bandits would undoubtedly pursue him, dragging the situation into an unavoidable battle. Confronting them head-on seemed to be the only path forward.


    But time was against him. He nced at his system clock, realizing he had only twenty minutes left before a forced logout. Worse, with battle mode still active, there wasn''t enough time to safely enter the Unseen Universe of Moonlight and ensure Princess Alora''s protection. Leaving her outside, vulnerable to danger, was simply out of the question. He couldn''t allow her to face potential threats in his absence. She needed guaranteed ess to the Unseen Universe of Moonlight before he disconnected.


    Broken muttered softly, just loud enough for Aerin to hear, "There are about fifty people... They''ve got us surrounded."


    Aerin responded calmly. "Please remember, I am Aerin."


    She paused, then added, "Because I am Aerin, and you are the leader of this expedition, I will follow whatever decision you make."


    Broken gave a slow nod, his expression betraying the weight of his concern, though it was clear Aerin had understood the depth of his unease.


    Straightening, he lifted his head and locked eyes with the man before them.


    "So, have you made up your mind?" the man asked. "I''m sure you won''t want to miss this opportunity, right? Please... don''t resort to violence; we really don''t appreciate it."


    "I don''t ept your offer. Kindly leave now, and take all yourpanions hiding in the shadows with you."


    The man''s grin faltered, reced by a solemn expression. "Ah... it seems gentle persuasion won''t do the trick."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Without a moment''s hesitation, Broken took out a gleaming sword, gripping it firmly with both hands.


    [+9 Iron Heart Sword]


    [Grade: Elite]


    [Attack Power: 118~141]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Weight: 320]


    [...]


    "Do you really think we''ll be intimidated by that? We''re not fools. We know you''re carrying valuable treasures-you came here on a flying Spirit Beast, after all. Just hand over everything, and this will all be over quickly."


    Broken inhaled deeply, then exhaled slowly, his expression softening into an almost serene smile. "Thank you. That''s exactly what I needed to hear-proof that you''re openly attempting to rob us."


    He lowered his voice, murmuring under his breath, "Very well, Pawpaw. Go ahead and take them all out. Leave no one alive."


    Pawpaw''s response came instantly. "Yes, Broken! I''d love nothing more!"


    Shadows began to stretch across the ground, spreading like storm clouds creeping forward. As it grew, the darkness solidified, taking the form of a massive demon cat.


    The cat''s wsshed out with blinding speed, striking each bandit in rapid session. Chaos followed wherever the shadow moved. Trails of blood marked its path as its attacks tore through its victims effortlessly, leaving no time for retaliation.


    Panic gripped the bandits as the monstrous creature unleashed its fury. Their faces twisted in terror, and frantic cries erupted as they watched theirrades fall one after another.


    "What is that?! A demon! A demon!" one of them screamed.


    Aerin stood silently beside Broken, her head lowered as she struggled to process the horrific scene unfolding before her.


    Then, she felt a gentle tug at her hand. Looking up, she saw Broken holding it tightly. His face was unsettlingly calm, a stark contrast to the chaos surrounding them.


    "Don''t you feel anything because you''re not from this world, Broken?" she whispered.


    Broken met her gaze and shook his head slowly. "I don''t know how to answer that question," he replied softly.


    A few minutester, Pawpawpleted her grim task, eliminating all the bandits with ruthless efficiency.


    Once the battle mode ended and the required ten minutes had passed, Broken and Aerin finally entered the Unseen Universe of Moonlight.


    Aerin lifted her face, her expression softening as a faint smile touched her lips. "Thank you," she said. "I don''t know what I would have done if I had been alone."


    Broken smiled. "Honestly, I''m not sure what I would''ve done either. All I could think about was getting you here before I logged out. The only solution I coulde up with was to take them all out."


    Aerin nodded. "I''ve experienced many wars and conflicts in the past. War can solve problems in the short term, but it''s never asting solution. It only breeds more hatred and revenge, passed down for generations."


    Aerin smiled softly, her gaze thoughtful as she asked, "Is it possible to solve any issue, whether small orrge, without resorting to war?"


    Broken responded slowly. "I believe peace can only be achieved if there''s someone-or a powerful organization of influential individuals who can keep the world in bnce. With mutual consent, war could be minimized. That''s how it works in my world, though even there, those who hold power andpete with each other still find ways to engage in war." Aerin responded. "I''m certain that for thousands of years, many people have tried to solve this problem. And yet, war still persists as something unavoidable."


    Broken nodded slowly, his thoughts lingering on her words. For some reason, he felt that Princess Alora-no, the woman standing in front of him, Aerin-seemed... gentler than the crowned princess of the Dissidia Kingdom.


    Sure, they were the same person, yet they felt like two distinct individuals. Was it because, in this identity, she wasn''t burdened by the weight of being a crowned princess? Or was it simply that without the title, her true nature could shine through more freely?


    "Cecil..." Broken called softly, and in response, Cecilia materialized beside him.


    "Aerin," Broken said, shifting his attention to her, "I''m going to leave you here. I''m sure you and Cecilia can have a pleasant conversation while you wait for me to return." Cecilia nodded and addressed Aerin with a gentle tone. "You may leave the Unseen Universe of Moonlight whenever you choose. However, doing so will take you directly to Master''s study in the House of Slumdon. I trust you will only use this option in case of an emergency." Satisfied with the arrangements, Broken made sure everything was secure before logging out instantly, his presence vanishing from the pocket dimension.


    Now, the thought lingered in his mind: who else would he meet in South Korea?

 Chapter 626: Chapter 626 - Starfall’s Stage

    Chapter 626: Chapter 626 - Starfall¡¯s Stage


    The Olympic Stadium in Seoul gleamed under a canopy of dazzling lights. The crowd roared with enthusiasm, their arms swaying in unison as the excitement in the air reached fever pitch. From their luxurious, prime seats, Leon and hispanions had an unobstructed view of the stage. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    At the heart of the spectacle was Heejin, her vibrant and extravagant costume capturing the attention of every pair of eyes in the stadium. Her captivating voice and polished dancing left the audience mesmerized. The stadium itself had been transformed into an immense concert venue, with tens of thousands of fans singing along to the performers they adored. For Leon, this was his very first experience attending a live music concert. While he couldn''t say for sure if it was the ultimate concert experience, the electric atmosphere was undeniable. He couldn''t help but marvel at the sheer scale of the production. The grandeur of the event, paired with Heejin''smanding stage presence and mesmerizing voice, made it an unforgettable moment.


    Lily and Freya appeared thoroughly impressed, effortlessly keeping up with Heejin''s singing and clearly enjoying every moment of the concert. Leon, on the other hand, found himself swaying side to side and tapping his feet to the rhythm, even though he couldn''t understand thenguage or the lyrics. The music''s energy alone was enough to pull him into its spell.


    Ronald was enthusiastically trying to sing along to the lyrics shing across the massive screens. His efforts, however, were far from perfect, and his mispronunciations quickly drew the ire of Freya and Lily.


    "Ronald, you should really stop singing!" Freya said.


    "Ha ha ha, I know the song!" "No, you don''t!" Lily shot back.


    Freya turned to Leon, who was seated to her left, "She is your guild member. Did you ever think that she would be this popr?"


    Leon shook his head. "I knew she was a famous celebrity from what you told me, but I didn''t expect her to have this many fans. She really has made a name for herself."


    "Yes, she certainly has!" Heejin delivered a dynamic repertoire, seamlessly transitioning from soulful bads to high-energy tracks with fast-paced beats. She showcased an impressive vocal range¡ªfrom resonant low notes to soaring high ones¡ªall delivered live, with no reliance on lip-syncing.


    What made her performance even more extraordinary was her ability to dance with precision and grace, wlessly executing intricate choreography without missing a beat in her singing. Leon was spellbound by the two hours of breathtaking performance. The concert concluded with a spectacr finale, leaving the audience buzzing with excitement as they exited the stadium in an orderly flow. A few minutester, they found themselves in a luxurious restaurant. At the center of the room was arge, elegantly set table, where a single woman sat waiting.


    As they approached, it was Heejin, the very performer they had watched dominate the stage earlier that evening.


    Freya whispered to Leon, "I suggested earlier that we could postpone this meeting, but Heejin kindly insisted she was fine with having it tonight."


    As everyone settled into their seats around the dining table, Leon, who found himself seated next to Heejin, was greeted with a warm smile from the star.


    "It''s so kind of you toe all the way to watch my show," Heejin said warmly. "I''m really grateful for your presence here in this city and this country."


    "Thanks for the warm wee, Heejin," Leon replied. "It was a spectacr performance. I''ll definitelye again for your next concert."


    Ronald leaned forward. "Don''t you feel exhausted after such an incredible performance, Heejin?"


    "Yes, I might be a little tired, but that''s nothingpared to how excited I am to meet all of you tonight."


    Lily, still brimming with amazement, chimed in eagerly, "It was truly a wonderful concert, Ms. Heejin."


    "Thank you, Lily," she replied kindly.


    "Could I ask for your autograph? I''ve watched all the K-dramas you''ve acted in, and I absolutely love all your songs, too!"


    "Of course! An autograph is no problem. And if you''d like, we can take a photo together, too. Ask me for anything, and I''ll do my best to make it happen."


    Freya teased Lily with a yful grin. "You really enjoy the privilege of being Leon''s little sister, huh, Lily?"


    "Of course! It''s not my fault I''m making the most of it. Gratification fully deserved!"


    The dinner was bing an unforgettable experience. For Leon, it was a moment of rity. Just days ago, in his workshop, Heejin¡ªStarfall¡ªhad been quiet andposed, almost reserved, as she apanied him in crafting the magic staff meant for her. But now, seated at this table, he was seeing apletely different side of her. This was the vibrant, authentic Heejin, radiating the undeniable talent and charisma that had enchanted millions.


    Breaking his silence, Heejin turned her attention to Leon. "How has your holiday in South Korea been so far, Leon?"


    Leon smiled warmly. "It''s been wonderful. Honestly, I could see myself staying here longer."


    Heejin''s expression brightened. "If you ever need someone to show you around, don''t hesitate to call me."


    The conversation flowed effortlessly, filled withughter and lighthearted moments. After a while, Ronald finally announced that Heejin would be joining their team as the support yer. Heejin''s face lit up with excitement, and she responded with genuine enthusiasm.


    The dinner seemed to end all too quickly, as everyone was mindful of Heejin''s packed schedule. They made the most of their time together by taking several photos, mixing candid moments with perfectly posed shots. Heejin even shared one of the pictures on her social media ounts¡ªa yful image where she was covering Leon''s eyes with her hand, keeping his identity hidden.


    "He is someone I admire. Can you guess who it is? I''ll give 10 lucky people tickets to my next concert if you guess correctly!" The caption read.


    The post quickly gained traction, with fans flooding thements section with guesses and excitement over the mystery.


    "Heejin... You are so beautiful. I love you..."


    "Who is that guy? He looks like a foreigner. He''s so tall and fit¡ªlike an athlete!"


    "Is he Heejin''s boyfriend? No way. I don''t want anyone else to have Heejin."


    "Wait a second, is it possible that he''s Broken, the Guild Master of Vensalor? I heard someone spotted him at the concert. I''m pretty sure it''s him."


    "Yeah, I think the chances are high that it''s Broken. They must know each other outside the game. But seriously, did Heejin really meet him right after her concert? That''s wild."


    "Wow, Broken has been getting so much attention since bing the Guild Master. He''s practically a celebrity now!"


    "I bet he''ll be even more famous in Immortal Legacy. The guy''s making waves."


    "Could this mean Broken is assembling his team for the uingpetition? That would exin a lot."


    "Does anyone know who''s on his team? With Starfall and Broken on the same side, it''s bound to be an epic match. They''re both incredible!"


    "Hey, does anyone know Broken''s social media ounts? Or his real name?"


    The excitement in thements grew with each post, fans frantically piecing together clues about the mysterious connection between Starfall and Broken, their imaginations running wild.


    ***

 Chapter 627: Chapter 627 - The Wandering Iceblade

    Chapter 627: Chapter 627 - The Wandering Icede


    ?


    In the scorching midday heat, the desert sun zed mercilessly over the vast sandy expanse. Chaos? No, this was more like a massacre.


    Hundreds of monsters swarmed in one direction, their savage attacks focused entirely on a solitary figure standing at the center of the chaos. It was unmistakably a yer.


    His gamer tag read ''Frostedge'', a man with long ck hair tied neatly at the back. He wears armor in shades of silver and blue, decorated with icy patterns. A flowing silver-trimmed blue cloak trails behind him. He wields a glowing silver sword radiating frosty energy.


    The man charged his sword. With a powerful sh to the ground, a wave of icy energy burst forth, spreading like an intricatework of frost that ensnared and froze the oing monsters in their tracks.


    Without hesitation, the warriorunched himself forward, slicing through the frozen creatures with remarkable speed.


    The battle raged on. Eventually, as the icy energy dissipated, the field fell silent. Every single monstery defeated, their forms shattered like fragile ice under the desert sun.


    Left standing amidst the carnage was the man himself, his Asian features illuminated by a satisfied smile, clearly pleased with the oue of the fight.


    "Oh, the monsters around this area are quite high level," he remarked, brushing sand from his cloak as he turned his gaze toward a distant.


    "They said the ruler of that city is a yer? Interesting. Maybe I''ll stay there for a while."


    Frostedge threw his sword into the air, and instead of falling, it hovered effortlessly, suspended in the air.


    With a graceful leap, hended atop the floating de. The sword shot forward, gliding low over the barren desertndscape. As it sped along, shards of ice asionally dropped from it, piercing the sand below like.


    After some time, Frostedge''s sharp eyes caught sight of a group in the distance. A handful of figures were locked in battle with monsters, drawing his attention immediately. He observed them closely and realized with surprise that they weren''t yers-they were NPCs.


    Not just any NPCs, though. They bore matching emblems, and from their disciplined coordination, they appeared to be knights or guards. Frostedge''s smile widened. Could they be knights from the city he had been nning to visit?


    Intrigued, he urged his sword forward and drew closer. The group consisted of four individuals¡ªa magic swordsman, a sword fighter, an archer, and a woman hefting a massive greatsword.


    "Oh," Frostedge murmured, his eyes fixed on the magic swordsman. "That one''s skill with a sword is quite impressive. Rarely do I see NPCs with techniques that good."


    He approached further, observing the battle with growing interest. The knights disyed remarkable prowess, their fighting styles distinct yetplementary. They executed their moves with precision, each showcasing exceptional solo abilities while still working as a cohesive unit.


    As the battle concluded and thest of the monsters fell, Frostedge pped his hands in genuine admiration.


    However, one of the knights seemed to notice his presence and fixed him with a sharp re. As the knight began to approach, Frostedge gracefully descended from his floating sword and gave a polite bow.


    "Hey, what the hell are you doing here?" snapped the magic swordsman, whose name read Orion.


    Frostedge smiled faintly. "Pardon me. I''m a wandering yer, traveling from ce to ce in search of things I haven''t encountered before. I was nning to visit the nearest city... Slumdon Town, isn''t it?"


    "Shut up!" Orion barked. "Are you here to cause trouble for the town? I''ll kill you and send you crying back to your mom."


    Frostedge blinked, genuinely startled. "No, no, you''ve got it wrong. I only want to visit and stay for a while. The monsters in this area are high-level, and I thought it''d be interesting-" "Shut up," Orion interrupted again, his gaze shifting to the glowing sword Frostedge held. "A magic swordsman, huh?"


    Frostedge sped his hands together respectfully, bowing once more. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Frostedge, and yes, I am a magic swordsman. As a fellow magic swordsman, I must say, Sir Orion, I admire yourbat skills. Your technique is remarkable." "Orion, what are you doing?"


    A woman with short blonde hair approached, followed by the other knights. Her name identified her as Anna.


    "Hi," she greeted Frostedge with a polite nod. "Are you nning to visit Slumdon Town?" Frostedge bowed slightly in response. "That''s correct."


    But before he could say more, Orion stepped in front of Anna, raising his sword and pointing it directly at Frostedge.


    "So, you''re a magic swordsman, huh? Then duel me. Let''s see if you''re actually skilled or just pretending."


    "Orion, stop it," Anna interjected. "He''s not hostile. He''s just passing through on his way to Slumdon Town."


    Karl, another knight, stepped forward to back her up. "Orion, enough. The Lord won''t appreciate you challenging random travelers to duels."


    "Shut up," Orion shot back. "He''s not some random traveler. It''s obvious he''s high-level. I just want to test his skill-what''s the harm in that?"


    Frostedge bowed slightly again, his expression calm and collected. "I would be happy to ept your offer of a duel."


    The two warriors readied themselves for the duel. Their stances were sharp, signaling their intent to give it everything they had.


    Anna and the other knights sighed as they stepped back, creating space for the inevitable


    sh.


    "That stupid Knight Commander," Karl muttered. "He really should be removed from his position."


    Yann offered a calmer perspective. "I think a duel is fine as long as both parties agree."


    Karl scoffed. "More like he challenges anyone he pleases just because he feels like it."


    Anna, however, grinned widely. "Still, I''m interested in this magic swordsman. Fire versus ice? That could be a sight to see."


    Karl frowned. "What if something goes wrong? Worse, what if Orion dies? That would be a serious problem for Lord Broken, considering Orion is the candidate for City Lord of


    Deadbay."


    Yann shrugged. "Let''s just watch the battle and see what happens."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Orion charged his sword, now engulfed in zing mes.


    Across from him, Frostedge stood calmly, his de swirling with icy energy, a stark contrast


    to the fiery aggression of his opponent.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    With his calm demeanor, overpowered skills, and that signature "cool guy with a mysterious background" vibe, you could almost mistake Frostedge for a protagonist.


    But of course he''s not the main character. At least, not our main character. Frostedge is one of those wildcard characters-the kind who could either be your greatest ally or your most


    dangerous rival.

 Chapter 628: Chapter 628 - He is just an Ordinary Player

    Chapter 628: Chapter 628 - He is just an Ordinary yer


    ?


    In a sh, Orion and Frostedgeunched toward each other, their swords colliding in an explosive sh of fire and ice. The impact unleashed a shockwave, scattering sand and debris in all directions. The sand ignited briefly in the zing mes, only to freeze momentster under the icy energy''s chilling grasp.


    The two fighters moved with incredible speed, darting through the chaos as their des shed repeatedly in a dazzling disy of skill.


    Frostedge unleashed bursts of ice, attempting to trap Orion in a frozen cage, but Orion countered each time, shing through with massive arcs of fiery energy that shattered the icy structures midair.


    With a roar, Orion unleashed a powerful skill, summoning a massive phoenix wreathed in mes. The fiery creature streaked across the battlefield with blinding speed, diving directly toward Frostedge.


    Unflinching, Frostedge swung his icy sword in a wide arc, releasing a wave of freezing energy that engulfed the phoenix mid-flight. The battlefield crackled with opposing forces as, in an instant, both the zing phoenix and Orion himself were encased in shimmering, crystalline ice.


    Frostedge prepared to press his advantage, darting forward to strike. But Orion shattered the icy prison with a burst of raw power, breaking free and charging directly at Frostedge once again.


    Their swords collided with another deafening sh, sending shockwaves through the air. This time, however, Frostedge''s precise technique allowed him to disarm Orion, sending the ming sword spinning out of his grasp.


    Frostedge''s de continued its trajectory, stopping just short of Orion''s neck, the icy edge glinting dangerously close.


    "We should interfere!" Karl eximed.


    "It''s toote!" Yann replied.


    Just before the final blow couldnd, a ck object streaked through the air with incredible speed, mming into the sand between them with a thunderous impact. A series of energy waves ripple outward from the point of impact, forcing both Orion and Frostedge to stagger backward, momentarily halting their fierce battle.


    When the sand finally settled, a figure stood at the center of the battlefield-a woman with striking blonde hair, gripping a massive ck shield that now jutted from the ground where it hadnded.


    "Ms. Ivana," Anna eximed, moving quickly toward her.


    Orion scrambled to his feet, still holding his sword, though his expression now betrayed frustration. He red toward the neer, only to falter when she turned her gaze to him and smiled.


    "Hi, Lord Orion," Ivana said warmly. "Are you okay?"


    Orion looked away, clearly still angry but unwilling to respond.


    Ivana''s attention shifted to Frostedge. The man stepped forward, no longer holding his sword, and bowed respectfully.


    "Please forgive the chaos I''ve caused," Frostedge said calmly. "We had no intention of creating trouble-it was merely a casual duel. I apologize if I''ve caused any damage. My name is Frostedge, and I was on my way to visit the nearest town."


    From the distance, another figure began to approach, floating gracefully in the air. Crackles of blue electricity danced along her body as she drew nearer. It was Elincia, her eyes narrowing as she focused on the name disyed above the yer''s head.


    "Frostedge?"


    "What''s he doing here?"


    Elincia descended to the sand, her movements deliberate as she walked toward the group. Her gaze lingered on Frostedge, who was still bowing and apologizing to Ivana and the others.


    She sighed. "Why are more insane yers showing up around here? He''s not even supposed to be in this region."


    Frostedge was no ordinary yer. A renowned Pride Champion and holder of a Unique-grade ss, his reputation preceded him. Though his name wasn''t listed on any official dashboards, those who had fought him or even just heard of him knew one thing for certain: Frostedge was considered the best swordsman in the game.


    He was a solo yer, a wanderer who roamed from country to country and continent to continent, ying entirely on his own terms.


    Many major guilds had tried to recruit him, offering wealth and status, but Frostedge had declined every offer. His only answer was always the same: he wanted the freedom to travel wherever he wished, untethered by guild obligations.


    And now, this legendary figure stood near Slumdon, ufortably close to another ''broken'' yer known in the area.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Elincia couldn''t help but feel a growing unease about what might unfold next.


    But no... Frostedge wasn''t supposed to be tied to any alliance, and with Broken currently far from the city, Elincia knew there was no real reason for concern. After all, Frostedge had a solid reputation within the game.


    He rarely made enemies-either he utterly obliterated those who opposed him or he avoided conflict entirely. In some ways, wasn''t he simr to Broken?


    As Elincia drew closer, the others turned their attention toward her.


    "Elincia, he''s also a yer," Ivana said with a faint smile. "And surprisingly skilled at sword fighting."


    Elincia returned the smile, though her eyes lingered on Frostedge. "Yes, I know him."


    Frostedge bowed respectfully toward Elincia, introducing himself with the same polite demeanor he had shown the others.


    Yet Elincia couldn''t hide the faint furrow in her brow. It stung just a little-despite her reputation, the man standing before her didn''t seem to recognize her at all.


    "My name is Elincia," she said. "I''m a member of the Vensalor Guild. And yes, our Guild Master is the one who owns the nearby town."


    "It''s a great honor to meet you, Ms. Elincia," Frostedge replied.


    It wasn''t every day that Slumdon Town hosted a yer of Frostedge''s caliber. Recognizing


    the significance of his visit, Elincia took the lead, gesturing for the swordsman to follow her


    toward the town.


    The others trailed behind, exchanging nces as they walked.


    "What''s your purpose ining to this area, Frostedge?"


    "I''m just a wanderer," Frostedge replied calmly. "I go wherever my instincts take me, and


    this ce seems interesting."


    "Is this your first time in the South Continent?"


    "I don''t recall ever saying I wasn''t from this continent."


    Elincia smirked. "You''re more famous than you think, you know?"


    "Thank you for thepliment, but I''m just an ordinary yer."


    Elincia smiled and said. "Please, enjoy your stay in the town." "Thanks," Frostedge replied politely.

 Chapter 629: Chapter 629 - Booyoung’s Brags and Euna’s Grace

    Chapter 629: Chapter 629 - Booyoung¡¯s Brags and Euna¡¯s Grace


    ?


    Leon, Freya, Ronald, and Lily were in the midst of enjoying avish dinner at a high-end restaurant in downtown Seoul. The outdoor seating offered them a perfect view of the bustling city nightlife. Despite the cool night air, the warmth from nearby heaters created a cozy and inviting atmosphere.


    Their peaceful evening took a dramatic turn when two high-performance sports cars rolled into the restaurant''s parking lot, immediately drawing everyone''s attention.


    From the ck car stepped a man with amanding presence. His tall, muscr frame was perfectlyplemented by his tailored designer suit.


    The purple car, equally striking, revealed an elegant woman with long, flowing ck hair that cascaded down her back. She wore a stunning blue dress that entuated her wless figure, her designer bagpleting the look of effortless mour.


    All eyes turned toward them. Their wealth, beauty, and undeniable charisma set them apart as they made their way to Leon''s table.


    "Leon... ha ha ha... Wee to South Korea," the man said with a heartyugh. "My name is Booyoung, Kim Booyoung," he introduced himself, then gestured to the woman beside him. "And this is my cute sister, Euna."


    Euna smiled warmly. "Hi, everyone."


    As the group settled into introductions, Freya couldn''t help but notice how the entire everyone''s attention remained fixated on the siblings.


    "You two really are public figures, huh? "Everyone in this is still staring at you."


    Booyoung chuckled, clearly pleased. "Ha ha ha... I own this area-the building, the restaurant, everything here is mine."


    Euna rolled her eyes and interjected sharply, "It''s our father''s, not yours. Stop spouting nonsense, Booyoung."


    Booyoung''s smug expression faltered, reced by a sulky look as he turned to his sister.


    "Euna...e on, call me Oppa while we''re in front of them."


    "Not when you act like a spoiled child," Euna scolded.


    As the dinner progressed, the table was soon covered with a vibrant spread of dishes. Booyoung and Ronald quickly took over the conversation. Meanwhile, Euna kept trying to rein in her brother''s antics, resorting to discreet but firm kicks under the table.


    "Leon, my dear friend," Booyoung suddenly said, "tell us where you n on venturing during your time here! We''ll dly apany you wherever you wish to go. All free, of course! You can choose anywhere, and we''ll ensure you get the full VIP treatment-top-notch service, my brother!"


    Ronald smirked and quickly shot back, "Huh, you think Leon isn''t already getting VIP treatment with me? He spent the entire flight here gaming online in a capsule device on my private jet."


    Booyoung waved off thement with augh. "Oh, that''s nothing! I could lend him my private jet too, anytime."


    Euna cut in. "Shut up. Don''t you remember you don''t even have a jet anymore? That one''s mine now."


    Booyoung grinned. "Easy fix! I''ll just buy another one!"


    "I appreciate the offer, but I don''t think we''ll need yourpany, Booyoung," Ronald interjected with a smirk. "My assistant has already arranged a luxury car for our travels in this country."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Freya let out a sigh. "Can you two please give it a rest? You''re making my ears hurt with all this bragging."


    Euna didn''t hesitate to join in. "If you don''t stop talking, Booyoung, I''ll hit you over the head with my shoe. And then I''ll ask the security guards to throw you out of this ce."


    Booyoung chuckled at his sister''s threat and turned his attention to Lily. "And what about you, Lily? Is there a specific destination in Korea that has captured your heart?"


    Lily''s face lit up. "Yes, Booyoung Oppa! I''ve always dreamed of touring the Myeongdong area and visiting all the famous filming locations from Korean dramas."


    Booyoung grinned. "Ah, Myeongdong? Excellent choice. I''ll make sure you get a proper tour worthy of a VIP guest."


    Booyoung then said to Euna, "Did you hear that, Euna? She called me Oppa!"


    Euna rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed.


    "You should be careful teasing Leon''s sister like that," Freya warned.


    Booyoung immediately backtracked, his hands raised in mock surrender. "Oh, no, no! I didn''t mean anything like that!"


    Lily couldn''t help but smile at his enthusiasm. With that promise, she had a feeling her journey through Korea would be one to remember.


    Euna''s gaze shifted toward Leon, her expression softening as she addressed him.


    "Hi, Leon," she said warmly. "How has your vacation been so far? I''d love to hear about it from you."


    Leon''s face softened into a friendly smile. "It''s been great. We''ve only been here for two days so far, but it''s already been an interesting trip. I really like this country. The people are so friendly and weing. And the food? Amazing."


    Euna tilted her head slightly. "Really? You like the food here? Or are you just saying that to be polite?"


    Leon chuckled and shook his head. "No, I mean it. I genuinely love the variety of Korean food."


    Euna nodded. "Well then, I''ll have to introduce you to even more kinds of Korean cuisine." "Thanks," Leon replied with a grin. "I''ll make sure to prepare my stomach for the feast." Leon genuinely savored the evening. It was his first time meeting Booba and Elincia in person, despite havingmunicated with them countless times in the game.


    Booba had been one of Leon''s earliest friends in the game. Though he often created misunderstandings that made situations unnecessarilyplicated, his sincerity to helping Leon had always shone through.


    Elincia, on the other hand, had a far more eventful introduction to Leon. Their first encounter began with a misunderstanding-she greeted him by casting a high-tier magic skill that instantly killed him.


    Despite that rocky start, their dynamic evolved. Through tense moments, coboration, and eventually mutual trust. She humbly offered herself and her entire guild to join him,


    cementing their alliance.


    Without Elincia''s cooperative nature and willingness to bridge gaps, such a friendship and partnership might never have been possible.


    It was another good moment, one he truly valued.

 Chapter 630: Chapter 630 - The World Tree Historian

    Chapter 630: Chapter 630 - The World Tree Historian


    ?


    Broken rejoined Aerin for their journey after ensuring his y limit had fully reset. As they ventured deeper into the forest. The trees closed in tightly, their tangled branches forming an almost imprable canopy, while the fog thickened.


    In some areas, the mist was so dense it felt almost suffocating, blurring vision and dampening sound.


    They continued moving, leaping skillfully over the massive roots that jutted out from the forest floor. Aerin led the way. asionally, she nced back at Broken, offering a warm smile.


    "Let me know if I''m running too fast."


    "No, not at all. My concern is more whether moving this fast will attract monsters to attack us."


    Aerin chuckled softly. "Monsters wille regardless of whether we move fast or slow. But by running faster, we''ll reach our destination quicker."


    "Understood."


    At times, they slowed to a walk, adjusting their pace when the terrain became too difficult for running. Twisted roots and uneven ground made certain areas treacherous to navigate.


    "With a forest this dense and wild, I can''t imagine anyone finding the forest elves unless they already know where to look," Broken said as they carefully maneuvered around a steep incline.


    "I think you underestimate the fact that some races live many times longer than humans. Given enough time, it''s bound to happen."


    "Ah, okay," Broken replied with a nod. "That does make sense."


    On his screen, the map was equally unhelpful, covered by a thick fog that rendered it nearly useless. The forest seemed intentionally designed to disorient, making navigation nearly impossible without a guide.


    Information about the Dreamscape Forest was scarce online, leaving him to rely heavily on Aerin''s fragmented memories to locate the hidden forest elves.


    To ensure their safety, Broken sent Pawpaw ahead to scout the area. With his mobility and formidable battle skills, he had already dispatched multiple monsters before they could approach Broken and Aerin. His efficiency allowed their journey to remain rtively uneventful, even as they traveled for nearly six hours through the eerie forest.


    At one point, Broken reached into his inventory and retrieved a bottle of water, handing it to Aerin.


    She epted it, her expression softening as she took a sip.


    The two paused their journey, settling on the thick, protruding roots of a massive tree. All around them, the forest stretched endlessly, cloaked in towering trees and a suffocating fog that limited visibility.


    The silence, broken only by the faint rustle of leaves, added to the eerie atmosphere.


    "I don''t think anyone can help but feel anxious in this forest," Broken remarked, his voice low. "Even without the curse you mentioned."


    Aerin nced at him, her expression thoughtful. "It does seem like the forest elves are serious about maintaining their secrecy, doesn''t it?"


    The Forest Elves were a popr topic online. Despite their reputation for their enchanting beauty, they differed from their High Elves rtives in one key aspect: their proportions were more akin to humans,cking the towering height andmanding aura that defined High Elves.


    "I''m interested in learning more about Forest Elves, and I believe I''m with the right person to discuss that. Although, there are some Forest Elves in Slumdon Town as well."


    "But they''re not from Dissidia or even the South Continent, right?" Aerin asked.


    "Correct."


    "Some Forest Elf tribes are more open to outsiders," Aerin exined. "Perhaps the ones in Slumdon Town belong to one of those tribes."


    "Does that mean your tribe-the one youe from-has something unique or special about it?"


    Aerin smiled warmly and nodded. "You''ll find out more about that soon enough."


    "I''m intrigued," Broken said with a slight grin.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Aerin nodded slowly. "Shall we continue our journey while having this conversation?"


    "Of course," Broken replied, rising to his feet.


    As they resumed walking through the dense forest, Aerin continued.


    "There''s been a long-standing feud between Forest Elves, High Elves, and Dark Elves. It all stems from each race coveting the unique advantages the others possess-qualities they themselvesck."


    "Have you heard of the World Tree, Broken?" she asked, ncing at him.


    Broken had, in fact, heard of a World Tree before, though not the one she referred to-it was a different legendary tree located in Yunatea. Even so, he shook his head, deciding to let Aerin exin.


    "Tell me about it."


    "The World Tree is a guardian of the world," Aerin began. "It bestows life, blessings, and fertility upon thend. We Forest Elves are especially privileged to receive its benevolence, as it chooses several of our people to grant special blessings. Abilities so extraordinary they rival even the Blessings of Sins granted by the gods."


    After a moment, she continued. "Because of these blessings, the Forest Elves have long been the target of the High Elves. For centuries, a great war raged between our people until, eventually, the unthinkable happened-the World Tree was destroyed."


    Aerin''s words grew heavier with each sentence.


    "With the destruction of the World Tree, everything changed. We lost not only our blessings but our purpose in the eyes of the other elves. That marked the beginning of our istion."


    "And here we are now-the Forest Elves, a people who have chosen to seclude themselves from the outside world. While some of us still venture out as adventurers, our race is no longer considered one of the major powers."


    [Congrattions! You have earned the title ''The World Tree Historian'' for your understanding of the World Tree and its significance.]


    [Reward: 100 Stat Points have been added to your ount as recognition of your achievement!]


    "It seems like it''s been a while since Ist received bonus stat points," he mused aloud.


    Curious, he turned to Aerin and asked, "So, Aerin, is it impossible to restore the World Tree?"


    She answered immediately. "They are trying..."


    Broken nodded slowly. "If they really are trying to restore the World Tree," he said, "wouldn''t that risk starting another war if they seeded?"


    Aerin shook her head slightly. "I''m not sure, Broken. I don''t think I''m privy to that kind of information. But the World Tree means everything to us-it''s our protector. Because of that, I''m sure the Forest Elves will keep working to bring it back. In fact, I think they''ve already


    started."


    Initially, Broken had apanied Aerin to this forest for a different purpose: to find Mithril, a key material he needed toplete his quest for Fokil.


    However, hearing about the history and importance of the World Tree had sparked his


    curiosity. The more he learned, the more he felt drawn to understanding its significance and


    the potential ramifications of its restoration.


    But was he ready to involve himself in such a critical and potentially vtile situation? A relic


    as powerful as the World Tree had already sparked a great war between the elves.


    Could he handle being caught in something so monumental again?


    He checked his Mana Crystals, noting that the mana collection rate in the forest was impressive-averaging between 9 and 11 mana per minute.


    If the Forest Elves'' vige offered an even higher rate, perhaps 20 mana per minute, it would prove invaluable to his progress.


    "Broken!" Pawpaw''s voice suddenly called from a distance. "We are surrounded on all sides."

 Chapter 631: Chapter 631 - The Path of Twisted Trees

    Chapter 631: Chapter 631 - The Path of Twisted Trees


    ?


    "Broken!" Pawpaw called from a distance. "We are surrounded on all sides."


    The dense fog that had cloaked the forest began to dissipate, revealing a path lined with tall, dark trees. Their gnarled branches stretched out like weing arms.


    With the fog gone, a clear path nowy before them.


    "They weed us!" Aerin said.


    The trees had been bent and twisted into a grand archway, forming a tunnel-like entrance.


    Broken shook his head, still grappling with the sight, before stepping forward to follow Aerin''s lead.


    After several minutes of walking, they noticed a faint light ahead. Broken squinted as its brightness grew, forcing him to shield his eyes. As they emerged from the wooded tunnel, the scene before him came into focus.


    Scattered throughout the clearing were around a dozen elves, their pointed ears making their identity unmistakable. At the center stood an older elf. By human standards, he appeared to be in his fifties, but Broken knew he had likely lived for centuries.


    Among the group were several females and what appeared to be knights-elves armed with swords and bows.


    Surprisingly, the elves'' attire was more modern than Broken had anticipated. Rather than the flowing robes he had imagined, they wore functional armor and leather clothing, practical for life in the forest yet unexpectedly sophisticatedpared to the Faeries he had encountered before.


    "Wee, Aerin, my beloved niece!" the elder elf eximed.


    "Uncle Zeno..." Aerin murmured.


    She quickly stepped forward wrapping her arms around him.


    "Ha ha ha... I''ve truly missed you," Zeno said.


    Zeno''s gaze shifted to Broken, studying him.


    Aerin stepped back toward Broken.


    "So... who is this man you''ve brought with you?" Zeno asked. "A human, a yer... and someone beloved by the goddess," he added.


    Aerin nodded. "He is Broken," she said. "A Baron in the Dissidia Kingdom, and someone who has made many contributions to the kingdom."


    Broken''s brow furrowed slightly at Zeno''s words, particrly the mention of being beloved by the goddess.


    Does he know?


    Does he know that I''m the Champion of Sloth?


    "Yes, of course, he is special," Zeno said with a knowing smile. "But enough about that for now. Why don''t we continue this conversation inside? I''m sure you''ve been longing to return to this small vige, haven''t you?"


    "Yes, Uncle," Aerin replied with a gentle nod.


    She turned to Broken and grabbed his hand. "Come on, follow me."


    Though this settlement might have been referred to as a vige, it''s more like a small kingdom. Tucked away in a lush forest, the trees form a protective, nearly imprable cloak around it.


    The homes are crafted from ebony wood and have thatched roofs, blending in perfectly with the natural surroundings.


    Wisps of smoke gently drift out of the chimneys, while the pathways between the homes are illuminated by the soft glow ofnterns.


    In the very center of the vige stands a grand mansion, which stands out from the other smaller homes, likely indicating a higher-ranking family. The entire area radiates a tranquil atmosphere as if it is a sanctuary from the outside world.


    Broken observed the elves emerging from their homes, their curious gazes fixed on him. It was clear from their expressions that humans were a rare sight in this vige.


    Yet what stood out most was their power. The average level among them was over 150, and the knights were even more formidable, boasting levels of 250 or higher.


    After a short walk, they arrived at a massive mansion. The group paused as Zeno turned to Aerin.


    "Broken ising with you as your protector, isn''t he?"


    "Yes," Aerin replied with a nod. "He''ll be staying in the same room as me."


    "I''ll have Yuna escort him to the room we''ve prepared."


    Aerin turned to Broken. "Broken. I''m going to have a chat with my uncle first. I''ll catch up with youter."


    "Are you sure you don''t need me to apany you?"


    "Yes, I''m okay."


    Satisfied, Broken nodded. "Alright, I''ll wait for youter."


    A female elf with white hair approached Broken gracefully.


    "Lord Broken," she said with a slight bow, "allow me to escort you to your room."


    Broken nodded in and followed her without hesitation.


    The mansion was vast, and divided into multiple sections. Yuna led him toward the far-left wing. They walked through well-lit corridors adorned with ornate carvings, ascending a grand staircase until they reached the top floor.


    She guided him into a spacious room.


    The room was modestly luxurious, with two sizable beds ced against opposite walls, a few elegantly crafted tables and chairs, and windows made of thin, clear ss that let in the soft light of the forest outside.


    "Would you like me to move the mattresses and leave only one?"


    "No, that won''t be necessary."


    "If there''s anything you need, please don''t hesitate to call. The guards and servants assigned to this floor are at your service and will respond promptly to meet your needs," she assured


    him.


    "Alright, thank you," Broken said with a nod.


    Satisfied, Yuna excused herself with another bow and quietly left the room, leaving Broken to settle in.


    Broken satfortably in a high-backed wooden chair, savoring the fresh air that surrounded him. The soothing ambiance of the forest was almost hypnotic, and he felt as though he could easily drift off to sleep.


    The Forest Elves here had clearly established a dominion that rivaled the power and structure of any kingdom. Their knights were leagues above even the formidable Knights of theN?v(el)B\\jnn


    Moonlight Fae.


    Moreover, this tribe of Forest Elves held a unique connection to the Dissidia Kingdom. One of their families had married into the royal line, producing a daughter-a princess-destined to inherit the throne of the kingdom.


    It was clear that this tribe of Forest Elves and the upper echelons of the Dissidia Kingdom shared a close and mutually beneficial rtionship, their ties bound by both blood and


    influence.


    From his observations, Broken could tell that Aerin held a significant position among the Forest Elves of this vige. She was evidently one of their highest-ranking members, likely


    due to her lineage.


    Her uncle, presumably the tribe''s leader, had weed her warmly, despite the loss of her mother¡ªa gesture that underscored her importance.


    Still, Broken couldn''t help but wonder about the true purpose of Aerin''s visit.


    None of her knights had apanied her, as though this journey carried a secretive intent. Yet, he hadn''t pressed her for answers, choosing instead to trust her judgment.


    As hours passed and the sky darkened, a knock echoed from the door. The door opened to reveal Aerin, a warm smile gracing her face.


    "So," she began, "are you enjoying your stay here? I have good news for you."


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    That''s it for November 2024! From the epic showdown with the Eternal me ine to the


    creation of the Vensalor Guild, this month has been a wild ride.


    I hope you''ve enjoyed every step of the journey!


    What''sing in December? I can''t spoil it, but let me just say-it''s going to be the best Arc


    yet.


    Oh, and here''s a little hint for you¡ªjust a few keywords, no context: Capital, Demon, Dragon. December''s going to be Legendary!

 Chapter 632: Chapter 632 - Aerin’s Warmth

    Chapter 632: Chapter 632 - Aerin¡¯s Warmth


    ?


    Aerin beamed brightly as she sat opposite Broken.


    "I have some good news for you, Broken," she began. "There''s a cave nearby where the Forest Elves do their mining. Inside that cave, you''ll find the Mithril you''re looking for."


    "That''s wonderful news," Broken replied. "But can an outsider like me mine these resources? Is there a price I need to pay for it? After all, Mithril is incredibly valuable."


    Aerin nodded enthusiastically.


    "Mithril is one of the most valuable minerals out there," she said. "It contains powerful magical properties, making it ideal for crafting weapons and armor. Unfortunately, the Forest Elves haven''t been able to make good use of it for a long time-weck skilled cksmiths here. But from what I''ve heard, you''re free to take as much as you need."


    Broken furrowed his brow as he processed her words.


    "Free?"


    Mithril was a highly valuable resource, and he found it odd that they would so freely allow an outsider like him to im it. He had no real influence over the Forest Elves, and the offer


    seemed almost too generous.


    Nothing in this world is truly free.


    Should he be a bit more cautious?


    "Alright," he said. "When can I start mining? Can I do it immediately, for example, tonight?"


    "You can do it whenever you want," Aerin replied warmly. "But there''s no need to rush. We still have plenty of time. I suggest taking a break and resting first. This ce will look even more beautiful in the morning."


    Broken nodded, her suggestion seeming reasonable.


    One thing-one thing that Broken had increasingly noticed ever since Princess Alora began using her identity as Aerin-was how much cuter her way of speaking had be with this persona.


    Yes, he was certain about it. The Princess Alora he knew was undeniably friendly, but she tended to speak more directly, especially when they were alone. In fact, they often ended up in heated debates over various topics, their dynamic more blunt and intense.


    But this Alora-no, this Aerin-spoke with a gentler tone, her words carrying a cheerful softness that was almost disarming. Was the influence of her Aerin identity truly this strong? Could this be her original personality?


    Perhaps the weight of her responsibilities as a crowned princess had forced her to harden her demeanor. After all, she was constantly under immense pressure, required to remain steadfast against the burdens and challenges closing in from all sides.


    Broken couldn''t help but wonder-wouldn''t she be better off staying here with the Forest Elves, living a peaceful life free from the suffocating demands of the throne?


    After all, her current path came with the looming threat of arge-scale war, a risk she would have to shoulder alone.


    But he quickly pushed the thought aside.


    Alora had already chosen her path, and it was evident that she didn''t waver in the slightest, despite the monumental challenges she faced. Her resolve was unshakable, and Broken knew that whatevery ahead, she would confront it head-on.


    "Very well, then," Broken said. "I think it would be best for you to rest first since I''ll need you to apany me when I go to the cave."


    "No, Broken," Aerin replied gently. "They said you can go on your own. I have something else I need to take care of here. But don''t worry; some Knights will apany you in case you run into any monsters."


    "I''m not letting you out of my sight," he said. "I understand this is your second home, but I need to ensure your safety."


    Aerin shook her head, a soft smile tugging at her lips.


    "There''s no need to worry," she said. "They''re my family. The leader of the tribe is my uncle. I''m safe here we both are."


    Broken shook his head. "But..."


    His experiences with the Moonlight Fae lingered in his thoughts. Though he had tried to help them, they had ultimately betrayed him, teaching him a painful but vital lesson: trust should not be given lightly.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Aerin," he said. "I understand that they''re your family, and the leader of the tribe is your uncle. But don''t forget... You also have an uncle in the Kingdom. You know how he treats you." "But, Broken..." she started, her voice soft and uncertain, trailing off into silence.


    She seemed to search for the right words, her gaze thoughtful.


    Finally, she spoke again. "I''ll try to talk to them so I cane with you to search for the Mithril. You don''t need to worry-I understand your concern. And... Thank you for caring."


    See?


    Princess Alora wouldn''t have responded like this. She would have stood firm in her decision, insisting that Broken go to the cave alone.


    But this Aerin¡ªshe yielded so easily, reconsidering her stance without hesitation to amodate his concerns. Her gentleness and willingness topromise were markedly different from Alora''s resolute andmanding demeanor.


    Which personality did Broken prefer? The friendly yet assertive Alora or the gentle and kind- hearted Aerin, who seemed to prioritize harmony over dominance?


    Aerin had mentioned that the Forest Elves were working to restore the World Tree.


    Broken couldn''t shake the feeling that their scheme had broader implications-something that could deeply affect the Dissidia Kingdom, especially since the Forest Elves lived within its borders.


    What troubled him further was the mystery surrounding their generosity.


    "Broken," she murmured, "is there something that''s worrying you?"


    Broken hesitated. After a moment, he sighed and finally replied, "Yes, actually, there is..."


    Aerin let out a soft giggle. "You know, my knights usually aren''t this protective of me. They just follow my orders without question. But this is the first time someone has tried to protect me and tell me what to do."


    "Is that a problem for you, Aerin?" he asked. "I am the leader of this expedition, after all. And you''re not a princess here, so it''s only natural that you''d listen to me, right?"


    Aerin shook her head, smiling. "No... I''m okay with it. So, what''s the n?"


    Broken hesitated, ncing around. He wasn''t sure if this was the right ce to discuss his


    ns with her.


    They were in the Forest Elves'' territory, and he didn''t want to risk anyone overhearing something sensitive. Additionally, he had no intention of entering the Moonlight Dimension unless it was necessary, preferring to keep it as ast resort for emergencies.


    Finally, he responded, "The n is for us to rest for the night. Tomorrow morning, we''ll head


    to the cave you mentioned and explore it."


    Aerin nodded. "Yes... that sounds good."


    Broken found himself debating whether to log out of the game for the night. It would save him some ytime, but in the end, he decided to stay and enjoy the serene evening in the


    room.


    He couldn''t deny that the natural beauty of the Forest Elf vige was captivating. The harmony of the sights and sounds was a feast for his senses.


    The two of them spent time sitting side by side, sharing a simple meal and drinks. Aerin spoke


    with enthusiasm about her past experiences in the vige.


    It was the first time Broken had seen her talk so much-and with such joy. She truly seemed to


    love this ce.


    Perhaps there''s no need to worry so much about the Forest Elves?

 Chapter 633: Chapter 633 - Spore Strike and Wraith’s Cloak

    Chapter 633: Chapter 633 - Spore Strike and Wraith¡¯s Cloak


    ?


    [Using cksmith''s Soul Engrave on Invincible Paragon Gloves]


    [Epic-grade Sporew Bear Lv. 220 will be consumed for this process]


    [Do you wish to proceed?]


    Broken had been putting this off for quite some time, unsure of which Monster Soul Stones to use on which equipment.


    Monster Soul Stones were rare, valuable, and incredibly hard toe by. Not only could they be used to enhance equipment, but they could also serve as food for spirit beasts, helping to upgrade their power.


    These functionalities made them even more precious, and Broken had been hesitant to use them recklessly.


    Over the past few months, however, he had managed to collect a significant number of Monster Soul Stones. He had deliberately dyed using them, unsure of how to maximize their potential.


    Now, the moment had finallye. Broken decided to take the plunge and use them all, betting on the hope of obtaining skills that wouldplement his equipment.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    At the very least, he hoped for a skill that would enhance his Invincible Paragon set, his main armor set.


    As he prepared to channel the stones into his gear, he steeled himself for whatever oue awaited him.


    [Integrating the monster soul, the elements from both objects, andpatible skills.]


    [Congrattions, you have sessfully upgraded Invincible Paragon Gloves to Invincible Paragon Gloves - Sporew Bear Lv. 220 (Growth Type)]


    [The stats have been upgraded.]


    [New skill unlocked: Spore Strike (Passive Skill)]


    [+15 Invincible Paragon Gloves - Sporew Bear Lv. 220 (Growth Type)]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Strength +79


    Attack Speed +116


    Defense +362]


    [Durability: 100/100]


    [Skills:]


    [...]


    [Spore Strike: 20% chance to release spores on impact, slowing enemy movement speed by 30% for 5 seconds.]


    Not... bad?!


    Broken furrowed his brow as he read the description of the new skill he had just unlocked. 20% chance to slow down enemies!


    The probability was impressive, but the effect was even better-a massive 30% reduction in movement speed!


    "Okay, this is a good skill," he muttered to himself, his initial hesitation giving way to satisfaction.


    The added utility was a significant upgrade, especially now that the Gloves had also evolved into a Growth-Type item.


    Feeling a surge of confidence, Broken wasted no time and moved on to enhance another three pieces of his Invincible Paragon set.


    [+15 Invincible Paragon Helmet - Bloodblossom Serpent Lv. 218 (Growth Type)]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Health +870


    Mana +1450]


    [...]


    [Toxic Resilience: Reduces all poison damage received by 30%.]


    The new skill he unlocked for his Helmet... good... very good!


    Poison damage reduced by 30%.


    It was undeniably useful-though only in specific situations against poison-type enemies. While not overly versatile, it wasn''t a bad addition either.


    Still, Broken couldn''t help but feel a tinge of disappointment. He had hoped for something more impactful, like Life-Leech Aura: Recover 2% of damage dealt as Health.


    This time, luck didn''t seem to be entirely on his side. But he shrugged it off, knowing the upgrades were still valuable in the right circumstances.


    [+15 Invincible Paragon Armor (Chest) - Nightshade Wraith Lv. 221 (Growth Type)]


    [Grade: Unique]


    [Health +1450


    Defense +870


    Stamina +79]


    [...]


    [Wraith''s Cloak: Reduces damage taken from ranged attacks by 15%.]


    This upgrade... was extraordinary!


    While the Invincible Paragon armor set was already tailored for battling multiple opponents at once, the addition of the Wraith''s Cloak skill made it even more formidable.


    Reduces physical damage from ranged attackers by 15%.


    This was no small number-15% was substantial, especially inrge-scale battles. Against 10 or 20 enemies attacking from a distance, this reduction could mean the difference between survival and defeat. The cumtive effect was incredibly impactful.


    "Jackpot!" He thought.


    [+15 Invincible Paragon Armor (Pants) - Fungal Gargantuan Lv. 215 (Growth Type)]


    [Grade: Unique]


    [Health +9425


    Defense +580


    Stamina +290]


    [...]


    [Fungal Resilience: Reduces the duration of crowd-control effects by 30%.]


    And the final upgrade... Fungal Resilience.


    This one was nothing short of phenomenal!


    30% reduction to crowd control effects.


    This was incredibly overpowered!


    The significant reduction would allow him to break free from stuns, snares, and other debilitating effects much faster, giving him a major edge in chaotic battles.


    Satisfied with the results, he stored everything in his Inventory. While part of him was tempted to do more-particrly upgrades for his Woond Ranger set-he decided to hold off. He hadn''t yet found Soul Stones with skill sets that felt like the right fit for it.


    "Are you satisfied with the results?" Aerin, seated beside him.


    "Yes, Aerin," Broken replied. "I''ll upgrade your equipment too."


    "Oh, really?" Aerin asked with a soft chuckle. "Do I need to provide five Monster Soul Stones


    for it?"


    "Yes," Broken said with a nod. "But if you don''t have enough, I can share mine."


    "Don''t worry, I have more than enough Monster Soul Stones for that."


    Broken smiled faintly at her response before turning his focus back to his task.


    Upgrading his weapon was the next logical step, and Broken began searching through his


    inventory for high-grade Soul Stones.


    His eyesnded on something exceptional: Gremory''s Soul Stone.


    A Soul Stone from a Named Demon. This was no ordinary resource-it was rare and immensely powerful. If used correctly, it could elevate the chosen weapon or beast to entirely


    new heights.


    Broken mulled over his options carefully:


    Vampiric Command Card: It could be a decent match, considering its affinity for dark magic, but it wasn''t an item he relied on often enough to justify such a high-tier upgrade. The Scorchyer Sword: A strong weapon, but with its Fire element, it wasn''tpatible with Gremory''s elements. Thebination would sh rather than synergize. Pawpaw: Pawpaw shared an elemental affinity with Gremory''s, making this a tempting option. However, Pawpaw had already absorbed some of Gremory''s essence in the past. Further stacking the same source might lead to diminishing returns or wasted potential. The Abyssbreaker Greatsword: This was the most logical choice. It shared the Shadow element with Gremory''s Soul Stone, making thebination a perfect fit.


    Should I go through with this?


    However, in reality, Broken rarely used the Abyssbreaker Greatsword, so he hesitated to


    commit Gremory''s Soul Stone to it. It felt like a waste to use such a valuable resource on something he didn''t frequently rely on.


    Alright, I''ll hold onto it for now, he decided, storing the Soul Stone carefully for future use.


    With his own upgradesplete, Broken turned his attention to helping Aerin choose Soul Stones for her Invincible Paragon armor set.


    Aerin brought out her collection of Soul Stones-eight in total, and impressively, every one of


    them was at least Epic-grade.


    They worked through the upgrades, selecting the bestbinations to enhance her armor. And soon her Invincible Paragon armor set was fully upgraded to Growth Type.


    The timing felt perfect. From the start, these two sets had been crafted together by him. Now, both sets had evolved to their Growth Type.


    Alright, next on the agenda. Broken decided to make the most of his rare free time in the game -something that didn''te around often-by experimenting with his Unique-grade Elemental Forger ss, specifically its Golem Creation advanced ss.


    It had been nearly five months since he unlocked this ss during his battle with Gremory.


    Now, however, it was time to delve deeper. He opened the ss details and reviewed its features. While he had analyzed them briefly before, he had never truly utilized the ss yet. What truly caught Broken''s attention was the sheer variety of skills avable within the ss. For a single ss, it offered 7 skills.

 Chapter 634: Chapter 634 - Golem Core Forging

    Chapter 634: Chapter 634 - Golem Core Forging


    ?


    (Author''s Note:)


    Warning! For the next two chapters, we''re diving deep into the Golem ss! If you''re into detailed breakdowns and lore about game mechanics, this is for you.


    If that''s not your thing, no worries-you can skip these chapters without missing the main story!


    ***


    [Golem Synergy Network (Utility Skill)]


    [Summon Elemental Golem (Conditional Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    [Golem Core Forging (Production Skill)]


    [Elemental Command Slots (Utility Skill) Lv. 1]


    [Elemental Forge Storage (Utility Skill) Lv. 1]


    [Golem Frame Construction (Production Skill) Lv. 1]


    [Elemental Blueprint Synthesis (Production Skill) Lv. 1]


    There were seven skills listed under the Elemental Forger ss, and Broken decided to tackle them in order ofplexity, starting with the easiest to understand and test.


    The first skill was:


    [Golem Synergy Network (Utility Skill)]


    [Link multiple active golems into awork for coordinated attacks, defensive formations, or joint abilities.]


    This skill was straightforward in concept. It allowed him to group certain golems into a cohesive unit, enabling them to work together more effectively. The coordination made it easier to control the golems, streamlining their actions and ensuring they functioned as a team rather than as separate entities.


    The skill also directly connected to the second skill, which built on this synergy.


    [Summon Elemental Golem (Conditional Active Skill) Lv. 1]


    [Summon golems across great distances, even from different realms, provided they are within the same area or Synergy Network.


    Mana Cost per Golem: 100 Mana


    Cooldown: 24 hours.]


    This was the skill Broken had used back then to summon ckthorn into Gremory''s Trial Domain.


    The skill was impressive because of its capacity to summon multiple golems at once, as long as they were either in the same physical area or connected through the Golem Synergy Network.


    What set this skill apart was its remarkable synergy with ckthorn, a golem designed to carry others within its very structure.


    Thisbination had been nothing short of game-breaking during Gremory''s Trial Domain. By summoning ckthorn with a person inside, Broken had effectively bypassed one of the domain''s core restrictions.


    Ordinarily, transporting a person between realms was a feat of rare and extraordinary power. Yet, through the seamless interaction of Summon Elemental Golem and ckthorn, Broken aplished this with ease.


    Thanks to these extraordinary skills, he sessfully summoned ckthorn along with Ivana to Hell itself. The urrence unfolded across two worlds, making it a truly magnificent and momentous event!


    Broken took a deep breath before diving into the core of the Elemental Forger ss-the foundational steps of Golem Creation.


    The first and most essential item in the process was the Golem Core.


    Simply put, a Golem Core was like a battery. However, it did more than just power the golem and bring it to life¡ªit also yed a crucial role in shaping its skills, efficiency, and overall performance.


    Imagine a golem as a toy robot-it wouldn''t move or function without its battery. For the golem, that battery was the Golem Core.


    [Golem Core Forging (Production Skill)]


    [Forge Golem Cores from materials like Monster Cores or Monster Soul Stones. The synergy between the elemental properties of the materials and the intended golem''s design enhances resource efficiency and overall performance. Proper alignment of materials and golem traits increases durability, adaptability, andbat capabilities.]


    This skill was straightforward in concept. It allowed Broken to create Golem Cores using resources such as Monster Cores or Monster Soul Stones.


    He decided to experiment by converting some of the Monster Cores in his inventory into Golem Cores. However, he quickly noticed a significant issue: in most cases, the grade of the core would drop during the conversion process.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Out of five attempts, only one managed to retain its original grade.


    It seemed that using Monster Cores was still a viable option for crafting Golem Cores, but the process wasn''t without its challenges.


    The real difficulty, however,y in obtaining Monster Cores with elements that matched the specific needs of the golem. To truly optimize a golem''s performance, elemental alignment was crucial.


    This won''t be easy.


    The Elemental Forger ss was highly demanding, requiring substantial time and resources to meet itsplexity requirements.


    It made sense now why he had dyed diving into this ss. Unlocking its full potential required meticulous nning, careful material gathering, and a lot of time-luxuries he didn''t always have.


    He let out a smallugh, suddenly entertaining an absurd thought.


    If only I could split myself in two...


    His mind wandered briefly to Charmelyn, whose blessing allowed her to create duplicates of


    herself.


    Could such a blessing enable him to work on cksmithing and other tasks simultaneously?


    But then he chuckled again, shaking his head. Even Charmelyn''s duplicates were limited-she could only control one body at a time.


    "Not so practical after all," he mused, turning his focus back to the task at hand.


    Broken shared the skills information with Aerin, who seemed just as intrigued as he was while reading through the details.


    "Try using a Monster Soul Stone," she suggested.


    Looking through his inventory, Broken decided to test her suggestion with an Epic-grade Thornmantis Lv. 205. It seemed like a decent candidate for experimentation.


    [Golem Core Forging (Production Skill) activated]


    [Convert Epic-grade Thornmantis Monster Soul Stone Lv. 205 into Golem Core?]


    He selected "Yes."


    [Conversion sessful.]


    [You have obtained a Unique-grade Thornmantis Monster Lv. 205 Golem Core.]


    "Wow!"


    "Did it work?"


    "Yes," Broken confirmed with a grin. "It became a Unique-grade Golem Core!"


    "Does that mean the grade always goes up if you use a Monster Soul Stone?"


    Broken shook his head, sighing lightly. "I doubt it. I think the results are still random. But...


    it''s possible that using a Monster Soul Stone might give the Golem Core special traits tied to


    the original monster."


    Aerin nodded. "The potential of a Monster Soul Stone is impressive, but the value is


    incredibly high..."


    "Exactly," Broken agreed. "Considering how valuable they are, it feels like a steep cost for crafting Golem Cores unless it''s for something truly exceptional."


    [Elemental Command Slots (Utility Skill) Lv. 1]


    [Manage the number of active golems you can control simultaneously. Active golems respond


    tomands and perform tasks, while dormant golems remain inactive in the Elemental


    Forge Storage.]


    [Control 2 active golems.]


    The next skill was fairly straightforward. At Level 1, Broken could control up to two active


    golems simultaneously.


    With ckthorn already filling one of those slots as a Legendary-grade golem, he didn''t feel


    pressured to rush.


    ckthorn''s versatility and power made it an ideal primary golem, so he could take his time experimenting to create a second golem that eitherplemented ckthorn''s abilities or served apletely different purpose, such as support, utility, or scouting.


    "You can construct multiple golems at once and only activate the ones you need," Aerin


    remarked.


    Broken nodded. "Yeah, I was thinking the same thing."


    "Got any ideas?"


    "Not much," Broken admitted. "More like ways to deal with problems I''m toozy to face-


    like boring long-distance travel... or having to stay in one ce for cksmithing."


    Aerin smiled knowingly. "Then why not create a mobile cksmith workshop? That way, you


    can travel long distances and still get your work done."


    "That''s a really fun idea! Let''s see if it''s something I can actually make happen."


    With that, it was time to move on to the next skill.

 Chapter 635: Chapter 635 - Golem Frame Construction

    Chapter 635: Chapter 635 - Golem Frame Construction


    ?


    [Elemental Forge Storage (Utility Skill) Lv. 1]


    [A pocket dimension tailored for storing golems. Storage slots are based on the golem''s Grade, with each Grade requiring a specific number of slots.]


    [Slot Allocation by Grade:]


    [ - Common: 1 slot each.]


    [ - Rare: 1 slots each.]


    [ - Elite: 2 slots each.]


    [- Epic: 3 slots each.]


    [-Unique: 5 slots each.]


    [- Legendary: 12 slots each.]


    [Total Slots Avable: 0/10]


    This skill was a dimensional storage skill specifically designed for storing golems. However, due to the current limitations of the skill, Broken wasn''t able to store ckthorn Golem inside.


    Wait!


    A sudden thought struck him-didn''t he now have a private pocket dimension of his own? Could he store ckthorn there instead?


    "Cecilia," he called, "can I store a golem inside the pocket dimension?"


    "Yes, Master. You can store a golem, provided you can lift the golem''s weight within your carry capacity."


    "Damn it!" Broken muttered, rubbing his forehead in frustration.


    He hadpletely forgotten about that limitation!


    With ckthorn''s enormous size and weight, it was far beyond what he could handle physically.


    So much for that workaround.


    "Alright, looks like I''ll have to wait until the skill levels up," he sighed.


    Once the skill improves, I''ll finally be able to carry that oversized Gori Statue with me wherever I go.


    He continued analyzing the rest of his skills.


    [Golem Frame Construction (Production Skill) Lv. 1]


    [Construct golem frames that dictate the physical structure, utility, and capabilities of the golem. The material quality influences the resulting Grade, while designplexity impacts the Tier.


    Practical Designs: Focus on functional forms like humanoids, crawling creatures, four-legged beasts, or wheeled constructs. Excessively dynamic mechanics (e.g., too many moving parts) reduce Grade and Tier.]


    [Limited to solid materials.]


    Finally, Broken delved into the most crucial skill of the Elemental Forger ss: Constructing the Golem Frame.


    Now, activating the skill brought up an incredibly sophisticated UI, designed to guide him through the process of creating a golem''s frame.


    The system offered a variety of standard temtes to choose from, including humanoid and beast forms. But the real potentialy in its advanced customization tools:


    3D Design Mode: Broken could directly design the golem''s form in a fully rendered 3D environment.


    2D Scan-to-3D Conversion: Alternatively, he could upload a 2D drawing, which the system would convert into a 3D model.


    Damn, this is incredible!


    The possibilities were endless. With these features, no special crafting skills were required- just creativity and time. And with the scan function, Broken realized he could even ask others to draw unique golem designs for him, then scan them into the system to bring them to life. What if Imissioned someone with artistic talent to create something outrageous for me? he thought, already intrigued by the idea.


    For now, though, he decided to keep it simple. At the early stages of mastering the ss, a humanoid form would suffice. He could focus on filling it with high-quality materials to maximize its grade and potential.


    The skill documentation rified an important limitation: the shape of the golem could not be entirely random, as it significantly influenced the golem''s Grade and Tier.


    Broken noted the distinction between these two concepts:


    Golem Grade:


    This referred to the overall quality and rarity of the golem, akin to item grades such as Common, Rare, Epic, and so on. It was heavily influenced by the materials used in constructing the golem.


    Golem Tier:


    This determined the functionality andplexity of the golem and was divided into five tiers:


    Tier 1: Basic functionality (e.g., vision, basic movement).


    Tier 2: Offensive capabilities, such as the ability to wield weapons or natural attacks like


    ws.


    Tier 3: Defensive enhancements, including armor or elemental resistances.


    Tier 4: Self-repairing abilities, allowing the golem to recover over time.


    Tier 5: Advanced tools and utilities, such as flight, additional limbs, or other specialized features.


    To achieve a higher Tier, the design had to align with the functionality he wanted to unlock. Random or chaotic shapes risked limiting the golem to lower Tiers, no matter how high the Grade of the materials used.


    This made design precision crucial. If he wanted to create a truly powerful golem, he needed to think strategically about its form and purpose.


    Broken sat silently for a moment, absorbing all the information about golem creation. It was a lot to process, but he had already started forming a strategy. He also discussed it with Aerin, hoping her perspective might offer some rity.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "I''ll help youe up with a solid design for your first golem," Aerin said with a smile.


    "Yes," Broken agreed. "The core of this ss is really just about choosing the right form for


    the golem."


    Aerin nodded. "If you get too greedy with the design, the results will end up disappointing."


    Broken nodded as well. "Exactly. That''s why the standard humanoid golem shape seems like


    the safest option."


    "Especially if you''re nning to create guards for your town," Aerin added.


    Unfortunately, Broken could only control two golems at the moment. This meant his best option was to focus on crafting one extraordinary golem since he couldn''t manage arge number of normal ones.


    Because of this limitation, he needed to fully invest in this ss to level up quickly-so he could gain the ability to control more golems as soon as possible.


    In the end, the conclusion was simple: just try it. There was no harm in experimenting, especially with basic materials to test the mechanics. But the temptation to use rare materials


    for a more ambitious creation tugged at him.


    Should I start small, or dive straight in with something extraordinary?


    Deciding to leave that question forter, he moved on to the final skill on the list:


    [Elemental Blueprint Synthesis (Production Skill) Lv. 1]


    [Design and save blueprints for custom golems to ensure consistent replication and ease of


    future construction.


    There is a slight, unpredictable chance of blueprint creation failure.


    The precise risk of failure depends on theplexity of the design and the synergy of


    materials used.


    Save up to 3 blueprints.]


    This skill was straightforward but incredibly valuable. It allowed Broken to turn his creations into blueprints, which could then be used to replicate the golems with consistency.


    The risk of blueprint failure added ayer of unpredictability, but the chance seemed tied to howplex the design was and how well the materials worked together.


    He could experiment until he perfected a design, then immortalize it as a blueprint for future


    use.


    The ability to save up to three blueprints at this level was incredibly practical for mass production. However, even though he could only activate two golems at a time, that didn''t mean he couldn''t create as many as he wanted.


    He could craft any golem he needed and activate them interchangeably depending on the


    situation.


    Especially if he designed something like a Knight Golem with several backups-when one golem was destroyed, he could simply activate the next one.


    Broken carefully reviewed and summarized the skills of his Elemental Forger ss.


    Golem Synergy Network: Groups multiple golems into a singlework for coordinated


    actions.


    Summon Elemental Golem: Summons golems from distant locations.


    Golem Core Forging: Produces Golem Cores, which act as batteries to power golems.


    Elemental Command Slots: Determines the total number of active golems Broken can control


    at once.


    Elemental Forge Storage: Dimensional storage for storing the golems.


    Golem Frame Construction: Used to construct the golem''s body.


    Elemental Blueprint Synthesis: Savepleted golem designs as blueprints.


    "Alright, it''s not tooplicated. Let''s get straight to practice!"


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    Where are all of Freya''s fans hiding? Even Freya herself is starting to wonder if you still love


    her! Charmelyn has suddenly climbed the character rankings and overtaken her spot!


    And Ivana fans, are you okay over there? Because Goddess Akidia is creeping up fast and might


    overtake her any moment now...


    Take a peek at the character rankings-have you cast your support for your favorite yet? Don''t let them fall behind! Go show your love and make your votes count![]

 Chapter 636: Chapter 636 - Betteforge Crawler

    Chapter 636: Chapter 636 - Betteforge Crawler


    ?


    Broken was eager to create his first golem using this ss, but the big question was: what kind of golem did he want to make?


    At first, he considered creating a humanoid golem-the safest and most straightforward option. A battle-ready golem he couldmand to guard a town seemed practical.


    But strangely, the idea didn''t excite him. After all, he already had Dendros, a dependable and powerful fighter, as well as Pawpaw and his other summons, who were more than capable inbat.


    In Slumdon Town, he also had ckthorn and a squad of Knights at his disposal. Together, they were more than sufficient to handle tasks that would otherwise require a standard humanoid golem. Creating yet another seemed redundant.


    His thoughts then shifted toward creating a transportation tool.


    He quickly opened the golem creation UI and began selectingponents for the golem.


    "If you want to make a carriage that can adapt to various terrains..." Aerin chimed in with an idea.


    "Using legs?"


    "Yes, like an insect, maybe. Using at least four or five pairs of legs would be great for evenly distributing the carriage''s weight and adapting to different terrains."


    Broken nodded thoughtfully, then opened his inventory to see if he had any insect-type Monster Soul Stones.


    [Sun Beetle Lv. 205 Monster Soul Stone]


    This was the Soul Stone he had obtained during a dungeon expedition with Elincia and a few Ass Guild members near the capital a few months ago.


    He decided to proceed with the design and began crafting his new golem. Starting with two pairs of legs, he added a rectangr structure on top to serve as the carriage.


    "Broken, I don''t think two pairs of legs will be enough if the container is going to be thatrge," Aerin pointed out.


    He added another pair of legs.


    "But seriously," she said, raising an eyebrow, "are you really nning to make the carriage that big?"


    "Absolutely," Broken said with a grin. "I want it to fit at least ten people or hold cksmithing tools inside."


    "You''re reallymitted to this, huh?" Aerin said, shaking her head with a small smile.


    Broken adjusted the design further, eventually settling on five pairs of legs.


    Aerinmented. "This way, the carriage can move more smoothly because the weight is distributed more evenly across the legs."


    However, Broken had a concern. "Still, adding too many legs might lower the tier."


    "But all you really need is mobility, right? I don''t think you need to aim for a high-tier golem if it''s just for transportation," Aerin reassured him.


    Broken nodded, agreeing that the carriage didn''t need offensive weapons. As long as it could handle varied terrain and move well, it would serve its purpose.


    He finalized the design and sat back to review it.


    "Did you really have to add an insect-like head at the front?"


    Broken chuckled. "Who knows? Maybe the Monster Soul Stone I picked will like the design and give it some extra useful skills."


    Broken began selecting the materials he would use to create the golem. The UI helpfully suggested options like iron, steel, monster cores, and otherponents.


    He browsed through the contents of his inventory, carefully considering his choices. In the end, he tossed in mostly high-quality titanium bars and high-quality steel bars.


    As the materials stacked up, he gulped. With a project this size, the material requirements


    were enormous.


    Aerin chuckled softly at Broken''s concerned expression.


    "I think you could mix in some iron to bnce out the material costs," she suggested. "And maybe use monster parts-like bones, feathers, or skins-to make the interior morefortable."


    "Got it," Broken replied with a nod.


    "But I have to say," Aerin added with a grin, "I''m impressed by how much material you''ve stockpiled in your inventory."


    "Well, we have miners in town," Broken exined. "That means we can produce a steady supply of ore for crafting needs."


    "Instead of selling it, you''re keeping it all for yourself?"


    Broken nced at her with a smirk. "Well, I do n to sell some eventually, but for now, I''m paying out of pocket-especially for the high-quality stuff, Princess," he said, chuckling.


    Aerin raised an eyebrow with a mischievous smile. "Sounds like Slumdon''s tax contributions are still pretty low, huh?"


    "Oh,e on, Princess, I mean... Aerin," Broken said. "I''m still a new Baron-don''t pressure me with steep taxes already!"


    They bothughed as they continued working.


    Broken then added the Soul Stone along with monster cores from simr creatures.


    With another sigh, he watched his inventory empty out rapidly, especially the stash of his more expensive materials.


    "This carriage is going to cost a fortune," Aerin remarked with augh.


    "True, but with materials this valuable, I''m hoping the result will be worth it."


    After carefully reviewing the materialposition and following the UI''s rmendations, he made sure that everyponent met at least a medium-quality standard.


    He paused for a moment to double-check everything, then turned to Aerin. "What do you


    think?"


    "This is the most creative and out-of-the-box golem design I''ve ever seen," shemented.


    Broken chuckled as he stood up from the seat, projecting the final design of the crawling carriage into the room. It turned out there was just enough space to fit the massive structure.


    "If it ends up being Legendary-grade, I think we''ll have to dismantle the door to get it out," Aerinmented with a yful smirk.


    Broken grinned. "I just hope your uncle doesn''t get too mad. But if it''s Legendary-grade, I''d say the risk is worth it."


    [Golem Frame Construction (Production Skill) Lv. 1 activated.]


    [Confirm all the required materials.]


    [Collecting materials...]n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Confirming the design...]


    [Are you sure you want to proceed?]


    Broken immediately pressed "Yes," setting the process into motion.


    The materials shot into the air, arranging themselves as if following the design he had


    crafted.


    [Progress: 12%]


    Aerin, standing beside him, watched with interest. "So, can we adjust the process? Like building the frame manually and then applying the skill?"


    Broken nced at her and nodded, confirming her assumption.


    She was right¡ªjust like with the cksmith ss, yers could choose between auto- crafting or manually constructing the item. The same principle applied to the Golem Creator


    ss.


    Using the UI''s designer feature allowed for an automated build, but manual construction was also an option. It required more time and effort, but afterward, the skill could still be applied to transform the frame into a functional golem.


    They waited patiently as his dream of the crawling carriage began to take shape before their


    eyes.


    The result was an impressive, grand metallic carriage with a rectangr frame, heavily armored ting, and ten segmented legs resembling those of an insect.


    The legs were clearly designed for both agility and strength, making it perfect for traversing diverse terrains. The carriage featured reinforced windows, dark and opaque from the


    outside.


    Even before it wasplete, he could tell this golem was the transportation tool he had envisioned. A grin spread across his face as he imagined putting it to use.


    [Progress: 98%]


    The anticipation grew with every passing second. And then, finally¡ª


    [Progress: 100%]


    [The construction process isplete.]


    [Epic-grade Betteforge Crawler Level 205 has been sessfully built.]


    Broken beamed with pride when he saw that the golem''s level matched the Soul Stone he had


    fed into it.


    And it was Epic-grade!


    Eager to uncover the finer details, Broken quickly opened the golem''s status interface to


    inspect its tier and the skills it possessed.

 Chapter 637: Chapter 637 - Beebot

    Chapter 637: Chapter 637 - Beebot


    ?


    "Wait, let''s set up the name first," Broken said with a grin.


    Aerin watched him curiously, tilting her head as though trying to guess his choice. "Got a name in mind?"


    "The golem is made from a Sun Beetle Soul Stone, so I''ll call it Beebot. Hehe," he said, grinning even wider.


    "Beebot?" Aerin repeated, then giggled. "I think that''s a cute name. Beebot it is!"


    Satisfied with his decision, Broken immediately began inspecting the golem''s details.


    [Name: Beebot - Betteforge Crawler]


    [Grade: Epic]


    [Tier: 3]


    [Level: 205]


    [Skills - 3]


    [...]


    "So, Beebot is Epic-grade and Tier 3!" Broken eximed.


    "I think this is the most optimal result we could have hoped for, don''t you?"


    "Absolutely," Broken agreed. "With Tier 3, this golem can ''see,'' meaning it''ll be able to move autonomously without needing to be manually driven, which is perfect for long-distance travel. Plus, it has natural weapons-I''m guessing those sharp insect legs could double as offensive tools and built-in defensive capabilities."


    "I agree. With the high-quality materials we used, this golem is bound to be tough and durable. But I do have one concern: theposition might make it a bit slower than you''d like. All that heavy ting could limit its speed and agility."


    Broken furrowed his brow at her observation, feeling a mix of curiosity and concern. He was eager to test it out and see for himself just how agile Beebot would be-whether it matched his vision or fell short.


    He inspected Beebot''s skills, finding three listed.


    [Radiant Charge (Active Skill):


    Focuses sr energy into its legs, delivering a high-speed charge that deals heavy damage on impact.]


    The first skill was a charge attack. Considering the golem''s design, it wasn''t built for heavy offensive action, so this skill made sense. It could help with speeding up or smashing through obstacles. A perfect utility skill.


    [Scuttling Surge (Active Skill):


    Temporarily increases movement speed by 50%, enabling quick repositioning across various terrains.]


    The second skill was clearly meant to enhance its mobility, boosting speed by 50%. This was another excellent skill, perfectlyplementing the golem''s purpose as a transportation tool.


    [Leap Stride (Active Skill):


    Compresses its legs to perform a powerful leap, allowing it to crossrge gaps or reach elevated areas.]


    And thest skill... Leap Stride.


    With a body as massive as Beebot''s, having the ability to leap was unexpected but undeniably useful. This skill could be a lifesaver in tricky terrain or emergencies, making the golem even more versatile than Broken had anticipated.


    He grinned, impressed by the well-rounded skill set.


    He carefully installed the Golem Core into the golem frame, and the moment it connected, the golem''s eyes lit up with a radiant glow.


    Brokenughed, thoroughly satisfied as he watched Beebote to life.


    He began configuring various settings for the golem, carefully fine-tuning its functions to suit his needs.


    Options like auto-follow to a designated destination, charge attack settings, speed boost activation, and responses to approaching threats all required adjustment.


    Broken ensured the golem could function reliably as a transportation tool, knowing when to flee or fight if it encountered monsters.


    He spent a considerable amount of time immersed in the configuration console, tweaking every detail. While he acknowledged that voicemands would be more practical in high- pressure situations, he couldn''t afford to rush this setup phase.


    Once he finished, Broken leaned back and reviewed his work. Satisfied with the settings, he closed the interface.


    Broken continued inspecting Beebot''s interior. The golem could be entered through two doors on the left side-one at the front and another in the middle. Additionally, there was a rear door at the back, providing another ess point.


    Inside, the carriage was split into two sections: the front and the back, divided in a 60:40 ratio.


    The rear section was deliberately designed to house cksmith forging tools, while therger front area was set up for seating and resting.


    The seating featured soft, cushioned materials crafted from Epic-grade monster parts, providing bothfort and durability.


    The overall design and materials used in Beebot were evident in its final form-it was solid, well-crafted, and undeniably sturdy.


    Broken and Aerin spent some time sitting inside Beebot, testing out the interior. The seats were soft andfortable, perfectly suitable for rxing or even taking a nap.


    On either side, there were two rows of seats facing each other, eachfortably seating three people but capable of squeezing in five if needed. In total, Beebot could carry up to ten passengers-exactly as Broken had nned.


    This is just how I wanted it.


    How could he put it into words? This was undoubtedly the most advanced transportation tool


    he had ever encountered in the game.


    An autonomous carriage with an interior as luxurious and expensive as this-truly


    remarkable.


    If Broken calcted the cost of the materials alone, it would amount to somewhere between


    1000 and 2000 gold.


    But seriously?


    Yes. This crawling carriage was massive! With the same resources, he could have crafted


    several Wavebreaker Spears.


    Heughed at himself, shaking his head.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Damn," he muttered. "I really should''ve held back and used cheaper materials, like iron and


    basic monster parts."


    But there was one experiment he was eager to try. Since Beebot could carry up to ten people inside, he wondered-would his summoning skill also transport everyone inside, just as it


    had with ckthorn?


    To test it, Broken stepped out of the golem and asked Aerin to stay inside.


    His n was simple: summon Beebot in the same room. Even if it only shifted a short distance, it should be enough to confirm whether passengers would be teleported along with


    the golem.


    Once everything was ready, he activated his skill.


    [Summon Elemental Golem (Conditional Active Skill) Lv. 1 activated.]


    A glowing magic circle formed beneath Beebot, enveloping the golempletely. Momentster, a simr circle materialized in front of Broken, and Beebot reappeared at the new


    location.


    Unfortunately... Aerin remained standing at the original summoning point, looking mildly amused as she waved back at him.


    Broken sighed. It seemed his idea hadn''t worked. Beebot didn''t function the same way as


    ckthorn.


    The difference became clear as he thought it over. ckthorn had the Symbiotic Armor skill, allowing someone inside to merge with the golem, effectively bing part of it. They could even control the golem or speak through it.


    In contrast, Beebot was just a transportation vehicle-anyone inside was merely a passenger, no different from someone riding on or clinging to the exterior.


    Then a new thought struck him: what about tools? If he ced cksmith forging tools inside Beebot, would those also be left behind when the golem was summoned?


    His stomach sank at the possibility. Unfortunately, he couldn''t test it now. He''d have to wait 24 hours for the skill''s cooldown to reset.


    But Broken quickly brushed off his concern, remembering that Beebot could be stored in his


    Golem Storage.


    [Elemental Forge Storage (Utility Skill) Lv. 1 activated.]


    The golem vanished in an instant, leaving the room spacious once more.


    "Happy now?"


    "Not yet," Broken replied. "I still need to test its mobility outside."


    "I suppose that''ll have to wait," she said with a shrug.


    "Yeah, no way we can do this in the forest," he admitted. With that, their first golem creation project was officiallyplete!

 Chapter 638: Chapter 638 - Blocked Paths

    Chapter 638: Chapter 638 - Blocked Paths


    ?


    That evening, with little else to do, Broken decided to log out for the night. After all, they''d be staying in this ce for several days.


    The next morning, Broken and Aerin enjoyed breakfast in thefort of their room. A team of elf servants entered. They presented an array of delightful dishes-quite a departure from the vegetarian fare usually associated with the Fae.


    The meat dishes, in particr, boasted a unique and tantalizing vor that delighted their taste buds.


    As they finished their meal, Yuna, a female elf, entered the room. She bowed respectfully before addressing them.


    "Ms. Aerin," Yuna began in a warm tone, "I have delivered your request to Master Zeno."


    "Thank you, Yuna," Aerin replied. "What was my uncle''s response?"


    "Master Zeno has stated that you are wee to explore the cave," Yuna exined. "He said this is your home, and you may do as you please. However, he added that two Knights would apany you."


    "Knights? Do you think there are any monsters in the cave? Broken and I are only nning to mine Mithril, so we can manage if it''s safe."


    Yuna bowed gracefully. "I''m sorry, Ms. Aerin," she said. "Master Zeno didn''t provide any details. He only instructed me to ensure that two Knights would apany you."


    "Alright, that works," Aerin said brightly. Then, turning to Broken, she added, "What do you think, Broken?"


    Broken hesitated. The idea didn''t sit well with him, especially since he had noticed that the Elven Knights were rtively high-level. They''d likely be more of a hindrance than a help, not to mention the unnecessary supervision.


    What puzzled him further was why the Elves insisted on sending escorts if they had already assured him there were no monsters in the cave.


    "Yes, sure," he said finally. "I don''t think it''s a problem."


    In the early afternoon, the journey began. As Broken had guessed, the two knights apanying them turned out to be Level 249 and 251.


    He couldn''t help but scowl in frustration. Their levels were far too high, and their attributes were just as impressive, making them an intimidating presence.


    The knights followed silently behind, their stoic demeanor doing little to ease Broken''s irritation. Thankfully, the journey wasn''t long. After about an hour of walking through the forest, they arrived at the cave they sought.


    The cave''s entrance was nestled in a wide, open area surrounded by towering, moss-covered rocks. It was tall and spacious,rge enough for several people to enter at once.


    Aerin turned to Broken with an expectant smile. "So, are you all set, Broken?"


    "Yes, of course," he replied.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He retrieved his Legendary-grade Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe and slung it onto his back using his Crossforge Harness.


    Afterward, he took out a crystalmp.


    As they ventured further, the daylight faded, reced by the steady, glowing light from the crystalmp. The sound of their footsteps reverberated through the cave.


    "Pawpaw," Broken whispered softly, "could you please keep watch at the entrance for me?"


    ***


    At the headquarters of Golden Age Company, the CEO, Marco, was seated in his sleek office chair, his gaze fixed on the massive screen dominating the room.


    The scene unfolding on the monitor was captivating, showing Broken''s in-game actions with sharp rity.


    "I know Broken is supposed to visit this area with Princess Alora," Marco said. "But could it be that his actions will also trigger the major event tied to the Forest Elves?"


    One of his employees, standing nearby, chimed in. "Sir, based on the data we''ve gathered, Broken isn''t prepared for that kind of esction yet. If it happens too fast, he won''t be able to handle it. And if things spiral out of control, the Dissidia Kingdom could face massive disruption."


    Marco leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he mulled over the implications. After a moment, a wide grin spread across his face.


    "No, that''s the beauty of this game," he said. "The yers shape the story. They contribute to every twist and turn, every event that unfolds. Though," he added with a chuckle, "I won''t deny I meddled a bit during the Deadbay attack."


    He nced at the employee. "This game is designed to have a long lifespan. With all the world-building and endless content, yers should have decades of exploration ahead. But if Broken keeps scooping up all the most valuable resources, it might notst as long as we''d hoped."


    "Do you see that as a bad sign, sir?" the employee asked.


    "For investors and sponsors, yes," Marco replied. "They''re banking on this game running strong for decades."


    He clicked his tongue. "Giving him the Sloth Blessing was the biggest-and only-mistake the game have made. That kind of power throws the bnce out of whack."


    Marco inhaled deeply, organizing his thoughts before addressing the situation. "So, with his current condition, will Broken trigger the event?"


    "21%," the AI responded.


    Marco bolted upright in his chair. Every employee braced themselves as Marco''s sharp gaze scanned the screen.


    "Princess Alora is one of the Forest Elves," Marco muttered. "Surely, Broken wouldn''t be reckless enough to make them his enemies. He wouldn''t, right? Does he think that far


    ahead?"


    The AI responded, "He will. Mercy is not his defining trait. Anyone who crosses him is quicklybeled as an enemy."


    One of Marco''s staff members spoke up. "We need to find a way to get him to rx a bit."


    "What if we offer him a free vacation?"


    "Maybe something to take his mind off things-a world tour, perhaps. What do young men his age even enjoy these days?"


    The employees exchanged uneasy nces before one hesitantly suggested, "Well, he doesn''t have a girlfriend. Maybe we could... distract him with a beautiful woman?"


    Another employee immediately shook their head. "That''s absurd. He''s already surrounded by stunning women, both in and out of the game."


    Before Marco could respond, the room''s attention snapped back to the screen as a voice


    echoed in the game.


    "Broken!" Pawpaw''s voice rang out. "The entrance to the cave has been abruptly blocked by a


    powerful force."

 Chapter 639: Chapter 639 - Trapped Beneath the Earth

    Chapter 639: Chapter 639 - Trapped Beneath the Earth


    ?


    Broken continued his journey through the damp cave, Aerin walking beside him while the two Elven Knights followed silently a few paces behind.


    [Name: Broken]


    [Level: 147]


    [ss: Unique - Super Novice | Unique - Royal cksmith | Unique - Rift Digger | Unique - Elemental Forger]


    [Health: 15,575 | Mana: 8,278]


    [Strength: 1,124 | Agility: 524 | Intelligence: 579 | Constitution: 858 | Stamina: 884]


    [Charisma: 100 | Luck: 57 | Dexterity: 50 | Survival: 30 | Perception: 20]


    [Avable Stat Points: 280]


    [Weight: 4,877/6,744]n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Broken checked his overall status, noting with satisfaction that his level had reached 147. It was a significant milestone, especially considering his passive leveling over the past year in Yunatea''s time.


    Still, he knew much of his current power came from his Invincible Paragon armor set, which granted him substantial stat boosts.


    Curious about his base stats without any equipment, he decided to unequip the armor.


    As he removed the gear, his status disy adjusted, and he found himself in just a in white T-shirt and a pair of brown shorts.


    [Health: 3,830 | Mana: 6,828]


    [Strength: 915 | Agility: 384 | Intelligence: 569 | Constitution: 383 | Stamina: 365]


    [Charisma: 100 | Luck: 57 | Dexterity: 50 | Survival: 30 | Perception: 20]


    [Avable Stat Points: 280]


    [Weight: 23/5,490]


    Broken frowned as he reviewed his raw stats, the ring disparity between his current Stamina and the boost from his Invincible Paragon Armor immediately apparent.


    The Armor greatly increased his Stamina, but it was clear that without it, his endurance would plummet. This dependency troubled him he needed to raise his Stamina stats


    independently to avoid relying too heavily on gear for survival.


    His Constitution, on the other hand, was impressively high, thanks inrge part to the Abyssal Shatter Cuff, a Legendary-grade bracelet he had acquired after defeating Morel. It added a substantial 200 points to his Constitution. It was worth 20 level stats!


    Now, with 280 unallocated skill points to spend, he mulled over his options. He needed to ensure a careful bnce between his stats.


    Strength was a priority since many of his weapons were melee-focused and required a solid physical foundation.


    But he couldn''t neglect Magic either, as his Eternal me Scythe skill dealt significant damage through Elemental Magic. Additionally, his bow required dexterity and precision, meaning a bnced distribution across attributes was essential to maintain versatility inbat.


    "Broken..."


    Aerin''s gentle voice pulled him from his thoughts.


    "What is it, Aerin?"


    "Why did you take off your armor?"


    "Oh, nothing," he replied quickly, brushing it off as he began re-equipping his gear.


    They continued their journey through the cave. Nearly an hour had passed, and the path only seemed to stretch deeper into the earth with every step.


    He nced around at the jagged walls and the stone surrounding them.


    Will they bury us alive down here?


    "Broken!" Pawpaw''s voice suddenly echoed in his ear. "The entrance to the cave has been abruptly blocked by a powerful force."


    What?!


    The exit had been sealed, trapping them inside the cave with no visible way out.


    Why would they do that?


    From the very beginning, something about this situation had felt suspicious, and now the pieces were falling into ce in the worst possible way.


    If the elves wanted to harm us, they could''ve done it easily¡ªespecially with their superior skills and strength. So why trap us here?


    The more he thought about it, the clearer it became-they had stumbled into something far more significant than they''d anticipated. And now, they were caught in the middle of it, with no clear way out.


    His thoughts turned to the two elven knights following them.


    Despite their high levels and stoic demeanor, he couldn''t shake the sense that their presence wasn''t just a coincidence.


    Were they here as guards? Or were they simply observers, tasked with ensuring he and Aerin didn''t interfere with something they weren''t supposed to see?


    Instinctively, his mind drifted toward a familiar solution: eliminate the problem at its


    source.


    He entertained the idea of taking down the two knights. Their high skill level didn''t intimidate him¡ªhe had ovee worse odds before. This wouldn''t be an exception if it


    came to that.


    Broken knew he could easily unleash his Soul st skill, dealing devastating damage to one of the elven knights and likely ending their life in an instant.


    But a moment of hesitation froze him in ce. He had nearly forgotten about Aerin''s bond


    with her forest elf n.


    They were her family, after all.


    Family doesn''t turn against its own without apelling reason.


    Broken sighed, lowering his hand. He couldn''t bring himself to harm Aerin''s kin-not unless


    he was absolutely sure of their intentions.


    At the same time, he couldn''t afford to drop his guard.


    Were the elves really on the opposing side?


    Damn it.


    Thinking about it all made his head spin.


    I hate these kinds of situations.


    Broken suddenly stopped in his tracks.


    Aerin turned to him with a curious expression. "What is it, Broken?"


    Behind them, the two elven knights halted as well.


    Without a word, Broken reached for Aerin''s hand, gripping it gently as he turned to address


    the knights.


    "Could you give us a few moments of privacy?"


    The knights exchanged a nce.


    The way Broken had phrased his request made them wonder-was this a romantic matter?


    Aerin nced at Broken. "Broken?"


    "I want a few moments alone with you," he said. "Let''s walk a bit further ahead and leave them here for now. I don''t want anyone to see what we''re about to do."


    Aerin''s brow furrowed briefly, but she nodded in agreement.


    Together, they walked further into the dim cave, leaving the two knights behind.


    The elves exchanged curious nces.


    What could possibly be so urgent that Broken needed privacy with Aerin?


    As the pair disappeared into the shadows ahead, the knights'' thoughts lingered on the unusual situation. Their orders were clear: observe Aerin and Broken.


    However, there was nothing in their directive that explicitly prohibited the two from engaging in something personal-romantic or otherwise.


    "It seems Ms. Aerin has inherited her mother''s interests. She appears to have a fondness for


    humans."


    The other knight shrugged. "And why not? She isn''t a pure elf anymore. Honestly, I have no opinion on the matter."


    "As long as she doesn''t endanger herself or the n, I suppose it''s none of our concern."


    With that, they returned to their silent vigil.


    But seriously, what were Aerin and Broken nning to do by walking ahead?


    Did they really think they''d find a way out deeper in the cave?

 Chapter 640: Chapter 640 - Between a Crown and a Cage

    Chapter 640: Chapter 640 - Between a Crown and a Cage


    ?


    As Broken and Aerin walked farther from the watchful gaze of the elven knights, they finally reached a point where they felt sufficiently out of sight.


    In one swift motion, Broken grabbed Aerin''s arm, and before she could react, the two of them disappeared into the Unseen Universe of Moonlight.


    "Broken," she said as they stepped into the pocket dimension. "I thought we agreed not to use this pocket dimension for a while."


    "Listen, Aerin. I need to exin some things to you."


    "What''s going on?"


    "The exit of the cave is sealed. I don''t know why, but what''s clear is that we weren''t informed about this beforehand. That alone raises questions."


    Aerin''s expression shifted. "You think this was deliberate?"


    "I don''t know," Broken admitted. "But it''s suspicious, and I don''t trust the situation. We need to figure out what''s really going on... Without the knights eavesdropping or interfering." "They never discussed this with me."


    "I understand they''re your family and your people, but I can''t shake the feeling that they''re hiding something from us. Maybe the Forest Elves act independently for their own reasons, but there''s something here that doesn''t add up."


    Aerin hesitated. "I''ve never questioned them before, Broken... do you really think they might be nning to harm us?"


    Broken paused for a moment before responding.


    "Can I ask you something?"


    "Of course," Aerin replied. "I''ll do my best to answer."


    "What is your true purpose foring to this Forest Elf vige? And what exactly did you discuss with Zeno when we first arrived? Is that a secret?"


    Aerin''s expression shifted, her reluctance evident before she finally spoke.


    "It is meant to be a secret," she admitted, "but I don''t think it''s something I should keep from you. So, I''ll tell you."


    She fell silent for a moment, before continuing. "They invited me to stay here to rece uncle Zeno as the leader of the tribe. Their goal is to persuade me to renounce my title as the Crowned Princess of the Dissidia Kingdom."


    Broken exhaled slowly, his mind racing as the pieces of the puzzle began to fit together.


    "Why would they ask you to give up your rightful ce as the Crowned Princess of Dissidia Kingdom?"


    He added, "And they didn''t even bother to provide a valid reason?"


    Aerin shook her head. "I don''t know, Broken. They didn''t give me any exnation at all. It was like their decision was already made, and they just expected me toply without questioning it."


    "This doesn''t make sense," Broken said firmly. "You can''t just walk away from something like this without knowing the real reasons behind it."


    Aerin nodded, her expression resolute. "Exactly. This isn''t a decision I can make on a whim. There has to be more to it than they''re letting on."


    "They need toe clean about their intentions and their actions," Broken dered. "Their behavior-especially trying to trap us in that cave-is beyond suspicious. I won''t tolerate being treated like this anymore."


    "Neither will I, Broken."


    Broken''s expression grew serious. "I''m sure they''ll be searching for both of us soon."


    "Do you have any suggestions on what our next move should be?"


    He exhaled deeply, his tone grave. "Aerin, while I can offer advice, the final decision is yours


    to make. I don''t fully understand the Forest Elves'' intentions, but I cannot let you stay in that vige. And let''s not forget-you have responsibilities in the Dissidia Kingdom. You''re destined to fight for the throne, aren''t you?"


    "Yes," she said firmly. "I will fight for the throne and defend my people in Dissidia."


    Broken couldn''t shake his curiosity about mining Mithril, but he couldn''t help doubting whether the mineral was truly present in the cave. For all he knew, the Forest Elves could have lured him and Aerin there under false pretenses, only to trap them.


    At the same time, he wasn''t keen on facing the Forest Elves directly, especially given their high levels and potential hostility.


    Perhaps another time, when the situation is clearer, he could return to this ce.


    It was disappointing, though, that their visit to the Forest Elves seemed destined to be so short-lived.


    "When we decide to leave, we likely won''t be able toe back there," Broken emphasized again. "The choice is yours."


    Aerin nodded. "Let''s leave. There''s no point in staying."


    Broken nodded. "Alright."


    For now, Aerin could remain in this secure pocket dimension while he logged out. At least they were safe from immediate danger.


    As for the Forest Elves? Broken chuckled to himself at the thought of their reaction when they discovered he and Aerin had escaped their confinement.


    "Let them wonder how we managed it", he said smugly. "Serves them right for trying to confine us."


    ***n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zeno, the leader of the Forest Elves, paced furiously. The news of Aerin and Broken''s escape from the cave had thrown him into a state of frustration.


    "How?!" he roared. "How could you let them slip away? You are supposed to be elite warriors -far superior to those two!"


    "They went deeper into the cave," one knight exined, "but after that, they vanished."


    "Vanished?! How?! How could they vanish? Do they have teleportation skills?"


    Questions raced through Zeno''s mind, his expression taut with tension.


    "We must find Aerin immediately."


    He turned to his assembled warriors. "Spread out across the forest. Search every corner and bring them back. They can''t have gotten far."


    Zeno then fixed his gaze on the cave''s entrance. "And someone-go back inside. Search the cave thoroughly. I''m certain they''re hiding deeper inside, waiting for us to lower our guard and leave. There''s no way they could have escaped the forest in such a hurry."


    He clenched his fists. "Activate the monsters within the area. Make it impossible for them to leave without facing resistance. I want them cornered!"


    Zeno took a deep breath, his frustration barely contained. "Something monumental is on the horizon," he muttered.


    "Aerin could be in grave danger..." he said. "And I refuse to bear the burden of guilt-failing my sister by not protecting her daughter properly!"

 Chapter 641: Chapter 641 - The Forest’s Secrets

    Chapter 641: Chapter 641 - The Forest¡¯s Secrets


    ?


    "I can''t shake off this feeling that there''s something they''re not telling us," Leon said as he discussed the matter with Freya and Euna in the warm glow of a luxurious restaurant that evening.


    "They seemed too secretive and controlling, like they have some hidden agenda."


    Euna listened carefully and nodded slowly. "I worry this situation may escte. The Forest Elves may live in istion, but that doesn''t mean they''re weak or unwilling to act beyond their borders."


    Leon sighed. "You think they might attack because they feel threatened by what I did? But they''re the ones who started this."


    "It''s possible," Euna replied. "They are fiercely protective of theirnd and traditions. If they perceive your actions as a threat, they may seek retribution."


    "But I didn''t do anything wrong," Leon said.


    Freya leaned back with a smirk. "Taking Princess Alora away from them? That could easily be seen as quite the bold move, my dear Leon."


    He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling deeply.


    "Now..." Freya said. "Let''s guess-what could possibly be the motive of the Forest Elves?"


    "I think this is Maylock''s specialty," Euna chimed in. "He''s always been good at unraveling mysteries."


    "And... it''s been a long time since west saw him," Freya added. "Should we pay him a visit?"


    "I heard his wife is getting better," Euna said. "We should go next week. I''m free then."


    A heavy silence settled over the group, each of them momentarily lost in their own thoughts.


    As the night wore on, their conversation was filled with lively discussions and bursts ofughter.


    They were set to head home the next day when Ronald casually mentioned that the final potential member for their team lived near Leon.


    "Oh, really? Who is it?" Leon asked.


    But as usual, Ronald didn''t provide a straight answer, offering only a mysterious smile before changing the subject.


    ***


    In the Moonlight Dimension, Broken materialized once more. His eyes quickly spotted Aerin and Cecilia near theke, their feet dipping yfully into the cool water under the warm glow of the midday sun.


    As Broken approached, Aerin turned to him with a cheerful wave. Cecilia, meanwhile, floated briefly in the air before vanishing.


    "Good to see you again," Aerin greeted as Broken came closer.


    "How did you sleep in this ce?"


    Aerin chuckled softly and patted the rock beside her. "Come, sit with me, and I''ll show you," she said. "This ce is so tranquil, soforting. If only I could stay here forever."


    "Well, I wouldn''t mind you staying here," he said, taking the seat she offered. "But don''t forget-you''re Princess Alora. You have important duties waiting for you. Your kingdom needs you."


    "Thank you for reminding me, Broken. You''re right."


    Aerin leaned her head against his shoulder, her toes gently tracing ripples across the ssy surface of the.


    "Are you thinking about the Forest Elves?"


    She hesitated, her voice low when she finally spoke. "The decision has been made... and it was mine to make."


    Broken''s thoughts raced. While the potential threat to Slumdon Town weighed on his mind, a deeper concern began to surface-he might have underestimated the broader consequences of this decision and how it could ripple across the Dissidia Kingdom as a whole.


    He reached for her hand, giving it a firm, reassuring squeeze. For a moment, neither of them said anything.


    It wasn''t that he was escaping from the situation-what other choice did they have? Surrender to the Forest Elves and allow themselves to be confined?


    Damn it!


    The Forest Elves were powerful, no doubt about it. But what about Aerin-Princess Alora? Was she afraid her decision would spiral into something far bigger, far more dangerous?


    And him? Could he stand in front of her and face the Forest Elves if it came to that?


    The worst part was... he didn''t feel afraid. Instead, he felt a gnawing unease, not at the idea of fighting, but at the thought of trying to solve this mess without violence- and failing


    anyway.


    Broken clenched his jaw, the weight of the situation bearing down on him. Whatever path they chose, it felt like the storm was inevitable.


    "My heart tells me that I must fulfill my duties as heir to the throne of Dissidia Kingdom," Aerin said, "but it feels like a betrayal to the Forest Elves and their ways."


    "It''s not an easy decision," Broken said. "But ultimately, you must follow your own path and do what you believe is right for yourself and your people."


    Aerin nodded, findingfort in his words.


    "Let me take you back to the Dissidia Kingdom," he offered.


    Aerin agreed, and as night fell, Broken prepared to escort her back to the capital. To avoid drawing unnecessary attention, they traveled on Polly rather than using his eye-catching


    golem carriage.


    When they arrived at the capital, it was time to part ways.


    "Pawpaw, you stay here with Alora, okay?"


    Without a word, Pawpaw materialized and darted into the shadows, following Aerin.


    Broken left the inn room and made his way down to the ground floor, where Optimus and


    Trison were already waiting for him.


    "Hi, Broken!" Trison greeted, waving enthusiastically.


    "Not drunk?" Broken teased.


    "Well, he''s like this for about one hour a day," Optimus replied with a smirk. "Nothing unusual. You just got lucky and caught him in one of his rare sober moments."


    The three of them stepped out of the inn together.


    "I''m heading back to Slumdon," Broken said. "You two have a mission here, right?"


    "Yes," Optimus confirmed. "We''ll head to Slumdon in about two weeks."


    "Who else is around here?" Broken asked.


    Optimus paused for a moment before replying. "Elincia should arrive in the capital in a few days. Goldrich and Jovina have a mission nearby. And then there''s Charmelyn and Skywarden."


    "Okay... it seems most of the team is near the capital."


    He gave them a nod before urging Polly onward, riding out of the capital until he was farn/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    enough from watchful eyes.


    Once he was sure the coast was clear, he brought Polly to a halt.


    It was time to test his new golem!

 Chapter 642: Chapter 642 - The Crawling Masterpiece

    Chapter 642: Chapter 642 - The Crawling Masterpiece


    "Beebot,e out!" Broken shouted.


    At hismand, Beebot emerged. The pride of his creations, this golem carriage was nothing short of a masterpiece.


    Its sleek, rectangr frame rested on five pairs of sturdy, insect-like metal legs, gleaming with a resilient finish. The entire structure radiated a moonlit glow, standing impressive in the night.


    Broken couldn''t hide the satisfaction in his eyes as he took in the sight before him.


    At the forefront, the golem''s insect-like head sprang to life, its twin glowing blue eyes ignited.


    This was no ordinary means of transportation; it was a fully autonomous marvel, designed to obeymands and adapt its decisions to various situations.


    With a grin, Broken leaped to the left side of the carriage. The door opened, and light from inside spilled out, inviting him in. Settling into the plush interior, he immediately felt itsfort¡ªevery detail crafted to perfection.


    As he rxed into the seat, the internal lights dimmed, and exterior crystals activated, casting a gentle illumination around the carriage. From the square windows lining the walls, Broken could see the surroundings clearly.


    "Let''s go, Beebot!" Brokenmand. "Move out!"


    He felt a twinge of nervousness¡ªit was the first time Beebot would actually move!


    And then¡­


    The moment finally came. The golem stirred to life, and to his amazement, the massive insect-like legs began to move in perfect synchronization. The carriage started to glide forward smoothly, and Broken watched in awe as his creation performed just as he''d envisioned.


    Surprisingly, sitting inside the carriage was incrediblyfortable. The ride was stable, with none of the jolts or bumps he had half-expected.


    Oh, really?! A mix of delight and disbelief washing over him. He hadn''t imagined the movement would be this smooth¡ªor this fast?


    Curious, Broken nced out the window to see Polly running alongside. He had intentionally asked Polly to follow, wanting topare their speeds.


    At a normal pace, there wasn''t much difference between the two. But the moment Beebot activated its Charge Skill or Speed Boost Skill, the gap became strikingly clear. The golem surged forward with an incredible burst of speed, leaving Polly trailing behind.


    Even more impressive was the experience inside the carriage¡ªdespite the rapid eleration, it remained asfortable as ever.


    Another feature that struck him was the one-way visibility. From the outside, no one could see who was inside the carriage, maintaining privacy. Yet from within, the crystal-clear windows provided an unobstructed view of the surroundings.


    "This crawling carriage¡­ truly extraordinary!" he thought as he leaned back, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. Broken stayed seated for a while, savoring the experience. Even as the crawling golem crossed a stretch of desert, the ride inside remained astonishingly smooth.


    Amazing! Truly amazing! He couldn''t wait to bring more people along to enjoy this creation.


    Excited, hemanded Polly to enter the golem, then summoned Pawpaw to join him inside the carriage. Finally, he summoned ze, his fiery skeleton horse.


    With everyone now aboard, Broken made his way to the rear section of the carriage, where he had installed a cksmith workstation. Opening the door that connected the passenger area to the workshop, he stepped inside and settled into the space, ready to put it to use.


    A satisfied grin spread across his face as he lit the forging tool''s mes, watching them roar to life. Taking out his Royal Hammer, he brought it down on the anvil with a ringing strike, the sound echoing through the small space.


    It''s a bit cramped, he thought, ncing around. I''ll need to get used to working in such a tight area. Broken swung open the back door, revealing the forge setup positioned to face outwards. This arrangement meant he worked with his back to the open door.


    However, leaving the rear open like this proved far from ideal. The wind disrupted the forge''s mes, making them unsteady¡ªa critical w that couldpromise the quality of his cksmithing.


    Fortunately, Broken had thought ahead. The rear of the golem was fitted with arge window, and additional windows on both the right and left sides. This design ensured he wouldn''t feel trapped in a cramped space while working.


    Of course, smithing inside such a setup was far from optimal, but it was undeniably better than sitting idle in a carriage for hours on end. It was a significant step forward, nheless. Then, a thought crossed his mind¡ªwhy not just use the Unseen Universe of Moonlight to teleport straight back to Slumdon Town?


    He certainly could, without question.


    But this was his first journey in the crawling golem, and he wanted to savor every moment of it.


    There was nothing wrong with indulging in the experience.


    He then set to work repairing some of his equipment, which had begun to show a noticeable decrease in durability. This would keep him upied until he finally reached Slumdon Town.


    ***


    Leon sat in the passenger seat while Ronald drove, the car rolling to a stop near a park in Leon''s neighborhood.


    "We''re here," Ronald announced. "Thest member is waiting."


    Leon furrowed his brows, a suspicion forming in his mind about who Ronald was referring to.


    Stepping out of the car, he made his way toward the spot Ronald indicated. It was a familiar ce¡ªone he often visited when meeting someone. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Sitting on the park bench was a girl with wavy blonde hair. Leon''s lips curled into a faint smile as he recognized her.


    "Hi, Leon," Laura greeted, waving to him.


    Leon approached her and took a seat beside her on the bench.


    She chuckled softly as he joined her. "Was it too predictable?"


    "I think so," Leon replied with a smirk. "It''s clear the team needed a melee fighter, and when Ronald mentioned the person lived nearby, you seemed like the perfect candidate."


    Laura smiled, nodding.


    She then turned to the bag she had brought with her, pulling something out. "I made something¡­ food," she said softly.


    "For me?" "Yes, of course."


    "You''re always making me food. I really need to repay you somehow."


    "That''s just me asking you to try my cooking," Laura said. "So¡­ that''s my happiness."


    Leon shook his head slightly. "Let me think¡­ What could I possibly do for you?" He paused for a moment. "My hobbies are¡­ gaming and training. Not exactly the most exciting things, huh?"


    Laura chuckled softly at his words.


    Leon fell quiet, enjoying the cool night air. The moment stretched on until Laura suddenly turned her head, her gaze fixed in one direction.


    "What is it?" Leon asked, following her sight.


    Ronald was walking toward them, his pace brisk.


    "Leon!" Ronald called out as he approached. "It''s an emergency. We need to take a flight¡ªtonight."


    "A flight? Why?" Laura, startled by Ronald''s words, quickly stood, her bag slipping to the ground in her haste. "Does this have something to do with Maylon?"


    Ronald nodded. "Yes. His wife¡­ she''s in critical condition."


    Maylon''s wife, who also has the name Laura, had been under medical care for quite a while. That night, however, urgent news broke about her condition worsening.


    Without dy, Leon, Ronald, Freya, Lily, and Laura all prepared to board a flight that very night.


    "Euna and Booyoung are already on their way; they''re heading there too," Ronald added.


    Character Arts, Wiki, Discord!

 Chapter 643: Chapter 643 - A Grief Too Heavy to Bear

    Chapter 643: Chapter 643 - A Grief Too Heavy to Bear


    ?


    Leon walked down the hospital corridor, and there he was the man they had been meaning to meet that night. He sat on a long bench, his head bowed, his right hand covering his face as if trying to hold himself together.


    It was Maylon-the one behind the yer Maylock.


    Leon, Ronald, Freya, Laura, and Lily had arrived just as the devastating news had reached them.


    Leon stepped closer to the man, whose profound, overwhelming grief seemed to seep into the very air around him.


    It was etched into every line of his face, every slump of his posture.


    Someone like Maylon, known for his sharp mind and unshakableposure, almost never showed his emotions. But not tonight.


    Not this time.


    He wept openly, his body shaking with every ragged breath. The raw, unrestrained sound of sorrow cut through the silence.


    His anguish was so clear, it spoke louder than any words ever could.


    Leon eased himself onto the seat beside him, offering quiet support. The others lingered just


    a few steps away-close enough to show their presence, yet far enough to respect the


    moment and give him the space he needed.


    Just minutes before they had arrived, the devastating news had been delivered.


    Maylon''s wife... his partner, his everything... had not survived her illness.


    She was gone. She had left him behind.


    "Daddy..." A little girl came running from the distance with her babysitter close behind, and she threw herself into Maylon''s arms.


    "Why are you crying, Daddy? Tell me... is Mom okay?" she asked.


    Maylon lifted his five-year-old daughter into his arms, holding her close.


    "Mom... is..." Maylon began, his voice faltering. Yet the words wouldn''te. It was as though they were caught in a tangle of grief, too heavy to release.


    For perhaps the first time in his life, this man-always so strong, soposed-found himself unable to answer a question put to him.


    The moment lingered, heavy with silence and heartbreak, until Lily stepped forward and gently led the little girl away.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Everyone there knew¡ªthe person hurting the most tonight was the man sitting beside Leon.


    Not long after, others arrived. Leon looked up and saw familiar faces-Euna, Booyoung, and even London hade.


    The older man approached quietly and took a seat to Maylon''s left. London ced a firm hand on Maylon''s shoulder.


    "I can feel your pain," London said.


    Those words broke something in Maylon. The sobs he had been trying so desperately to suppress finally escaped, raw and unrestrained.


    This man, who always stood tall and unshakable in front of others, was utterly shattered tonight.


    The sound of the man''s sobs echoed through the hospital corridor.


    It was the cry of someone consumed by pain and loss-a grief so deep it seemed to reach into


    the soul. This was the cry of a man who had truly lost someone irreceable.


    Yes, in many ways, he had lost his very life that night. These were undoubtedly his darkest moments, the lowest point he had ever reached.


    London pulled Maylon into a firm embrace, his hand gently patting the man''s back. In this moment, London was perhaps the only person who could offer Maylon any measure of sce.


    London understood the weight of loss better than most.


    Years ago, he had suffered the devastating loss of his son. Not long after, his wife, overwhelmed by the grief, had made the heartbreaking decision to leave him.


    This pain drove London to iste himself in a remote ce-a ce that, cruelly, was also where his child''s life had been taken.


    But speaking of loss, wasn''t Leon, and his sister, Lily-also no strangers to it?


    They had lost their parents too, though in their case, it was even more haunting. They didn''t know if their parents were missing, dead, or something else entirely.


    Losses for everyone, in one form or another. It''s a universal thread that binds so many lives. Moments like these-moments of goodbye, of uncertainty-are among the heaviest burdens anyone will ever face.


    The next day...


    It was a somber, weighty day. The funeral for Maylon''s wife proceeded quietly, without pomp or ceremony-only the raw, unshakable presence of loss lingering in the air.


    Even after everyone else had left, Maylon remained. He stood motionless before his wife''s freshly covered grave, his figure rigid against the stillness of the cemetery.


    Not far away, Leon sat with the others, keeping a silent watch. London was there too. Lily, Laura, and Freya stayed close to Maylon''s little girl, trying to offer her somefort. "Mom will nevere back... Mom will never be here with me again," the girl sobbed, her voice breaking as she clung to Lily.


    "Listen... May," Lily said softly. "Your mom is at peace now. She doesn''t feel any pain anymore, okay? But you can trust that she''s still watching over you. She''ll always be so proud of you as you grow. Do you believe me?"


    "I miss her... I miss my mommy so much... I don''t want her to be gone."


    Lily pulled the little girl closer, wrapping her arms tightly around her, offering the only sce she could.


    After the funeral, Leon and the others stayed near Maylon''s resident for a while, keeping himpany when they could. They spent quiet moments with him, engaging in soft conversations. But it was obvious to everyone-what Maylon truly needed was time. Time and solitude toe to terms with his loss.


    Eventually, they decided it was time to leave.


    Leon and the group boarded Ronald''s private jet for the journey back.


    "That''s such a huge loss," Ronald began, cracking open a can of soda and taking a sip. "I don''t think that guy''s evering back to the game. He''s probably done for good."


    Lily chimed in. "Maybe, but Immortal Legacy is his second world. It''s where all his friends


    are. Don''t you think there''s a chance he might return?"


    Laura said, adding, "Especially since he can log in even while staying asleep..."


    "No," Freya interjected. "If we really know Maylon, he''s the kind of person who wouldpletely shut himself off from the world when things aren''t right. He could disappear entirely for who knows how long."


    Ronald sighed, leaning back in his seat. "I guess you''re right. This is a heavy blow for anyone, and now his daughter''s going to need him more than ever. He''ll have to step up, no matter


    what."


    The Ass Guild would have been apletely different guild without Maylock. Even now, after merging with the Vensalor Guild, his presence was deeply missed.


    Laura spoke up, breaking the quiet. "I wonder if there''s more we can do for him. But I think Freya''s right, that Maylon probably just needs more time toe to terms with everything."


    Leon nodded in agreement at her words.


    Storms would eventually pass, and Leon could only hope that Maylon would find the strength to weather this one and return to living his life.


    There woulde a time when they would y together again. If not in Immortal Legacy, then somewhere else.


    Maylon was one of the few people Leon truly trusted, even though they had only met in


    person once before.


    ***


    (Author''s note:)


    Even I, the author, was crying so hard while writing this chapter. This wasn''t an easy one to put together. Writing it felt heavy, and I can''t lie... I had to take a few breaks to wipe my tears. But I hope you''re still enjoying the story. Loss is never easy, but it''s part of what makes us


    human, right?


    I''m rooting for Maylon to find his strength again, just like Leon and the others are.


    And as always, don''t forget to toss all of your Golden Ticket (I''m being greedy) if the story''s touched you (or made you cry a little, too).

 Chapter 644: Chapter 644 - Legends Cross Paths

    Chapter 644: Chapter 644 - Legends Cross Paths


    ?


    Broken stood on the second floor of the Tower of Trials.


    The trial began. He spun his spear with precision, readying himself for the challenge ahead. In this trial, his task was simple yet unforgiving-survive without being hit. Various attacks and projectiles woulde at him from unpredictable angles, testing his reflexes and skill. An arrow! He bent his body backward just in time, narrowly avoiding it as it whizzed past him.


    A sword! It materialized and swung down from above. He spun on his heel, deflecting the de with a parry of his spear.


    An axe!


    It spun toward him from behind with incredible speed. Broken tilted his head just enough, the de whizzing past his cheek, so close he could feel the air shift.


    Damn, that was close.


    From below!


    He sidestepped swiftly as a trap shot up from the floor, narrowly missing him.


    This trial was relentless, designed to push his reflexes to their absolute limits. Every faint movement in his surroundings demanded his attention. Broken remained hyper-focused, his concentration so sharp.


    The way he wielded his spear was vital-not just as a weapon, but as an extension of himself. Every block, deflection, and maneuver was a testament to his mastery and the trust he had in his skills.


    Finally, the challenge was over.


    Broken dropped his spear to the floor, his chest rising and falling as he exhaled deeply, the tension finally releasing from his body.


    What was the result?


    [Congrattions! You have sessfully cleared the Tower of Trials 2nd Floor.]


    [...]


    [You have achieved an S score!]


    [You have earned the reward: Phantom Shard.]


    [A single-use item forged from condensed shadow essence. When activated, it releases a burst of obsidian smoke, cloaking the user in darkness and granting invisibility for 5 seconds. The perfect escape tool for when retreat is the only option. Once used, the shard crumbles into fine dust.]


    Broken analyzed the item for a moment.


    It was a single-use item, but undeniably valuable. This item had the ability to free someone from battle mode for five seconds-a crucial window for escape.


    For someone like Broken, who needed the option to retreat to his pocket dimension, this was a perfect emergency tool. Absolutely essential.


    Still, as expected, the reward item wasn''t particrly extraordinary. Perhaps it was because this was only the lower floors, floor 2 at that. Surely, the rewards higher up would be far more impressive.


    Even so, he felt more confident than ever in his Spear Mastery. The trial had reinforced his abilities, and he considered returning another time to repeat the challenge with a different weapon¡ªperhaps a sword-to expand his versatility.


    Satisfied afterpleting the 2nd floor, Broken exited the Unseen Universe of Moonlight and strolled through the city, apanied by Yara. The orange-haired maid, with her boundless energy and cheerful demeanor, never failed to make him smile.


    But something caught his attention-a crowd of people hurrying toward a single direction.


    "What''s happening over there, Yara?"


    "It''s the training ground, My Lord," she replied with a bright smile.


    "The training ground?" Broken frowned, curious.


    Why were both the city''s residents and yers rushing there?


    Intrigued, Broken decided to follow the crowd. As he approached, people quickly stepped aside, clearing a path for him to pass.


    When he arrived at the training ground, specifically the battle arena, he spotted two figures standing face-to-face, swords in hand.


    "Orion?" Broken murmured in recognition.


    The other figure, the one sparring with Orion... was a yer?


    "Frostedge?" he muttered.


    Broken recalled a discussion from a few days ago in the guild chat, started by Elincia. It was about a well-known yer reputed to be a Divine Champion and a Unique-grade ss holder.


    He had forgotten the man''s name, but after quickly confirming it in the guild chat, the answer was clear-Frostedge was the yer Elincia had been talking about.


    It was no surprise that the yers and townsfolk had gathered around the arena with such excitement. Their enthusiasm was evident in the way they watched the sparring match,pletely engrossed.


    Was this something that happened often?


    Yara spoke up cheerfully. "My Lord, almost every day Lord Orion trains by sparring against the yer named Frostedge."


    "Oh, really? So, how does it usually end?"


    "They fight without using skills, and only their swords. The winner is whoever can disarm their opponent first. And every single time they duel, Lord Orion always loses."


    "Is that so?" Broken raised an eyebrow.


    Broken knew that if he faced Orion in a full battle with skills and fully equipped gear, victory would likely be his. But even so, he couldn''t deny the remarkable sword mastery Orion


    possessed.


    Orion was the kind of fighter who could hold his own even after exhausting his mana. His ability to conserve stamina and fight efficiently with pure technique made him a formidable


    opponent.


    Still, how skilled was this Frostedge with a sword? And to think, he wasn''t even a pure swordsman-he was a magic sword fighter. A uniquebination.


    As the sparring match began, Broken watched with keen interest. The sh of their swords was swift and precise, each movement deliberate and fluid. Their footwork was masterful, almost like an intricate dance.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Broken could clearly discern the refined precision in both Orion and Frostedge''s movements.


    What truly caught his attention, however, was the look in Orion''s eyes. The fiery re of anger that usually defined him was absent. In its ce was something far more striking, a


    sharp focus.


    Orion, whose pride stood as tall as the heavens, was willingly facing someone who had beaten him repeatedly. And not only that¡ªhe kepting back every day for more. What had happened to push him this far?


    The match didn''tst long. With a swift and clean strike, Frostedge disarmed Orion. His sword flew into the air, spinning before embedding itself in the ground with a resonant thud. Frustrated, Orion stormed off, his expression dark with irritation. Frostedge, on the other hand, sped his hands together and gave a slight bow.


    The spectators erupted into apuse, clearly satisfied with the match, though their eager expressions suggested they wouldn''t mind seeing more action.


    At that moment, the yer known as Frostedge turned his gaze toward Broken and began walking in his direction.


    Broken stepped forward as well, meeting him halfway.


    This man was no ordinary yer. His reputation had been solidified long before Broken had earned his Divine Champion status. Frostedge was a lone wolf, known for traveling from one ce to another, rarely staying in any single location for too long.


    But what exactly was he doing here? Of course, the fact that he had stayed in this ce for several days suggested there was something specific he was working on.


    Despite his solitary and enigmatic nature, there was nothing about Frostedge that felt


    threatening.


    As the two men faced each other, the crowd,prised of both the city''s residents and curious yers, watched with attention.


    "My name is Frostedge," the man said, bowing slightly in greeting. "I offer my respects to the Lord of this city. I apologize if my actions a few days ago caused any disruption, and I am


    deeply grateful for your hospitality in allowing me to stay."


    Broken responded with a smile, mirroring the gesture with a polite bow.


    "I''ve heard much about you, Frostedge. My name is Broken, the Baron of this city. It is a privilege to wee you to our home."

 Chapter 645: Chapter 645 - When Sword Meets Spear

    Chapter 645: Chapter 645 - When Sword Meets Spear


    ?


    "Slumdon Town is just a small city, and I''m quite proud that someone as renowned as you would take the time to visit," Broken said.


    He added. "If you ever need assistance with anything, don''t hesitate to reach out or stop by the House of Slumdon. We would be happy to wee you there."


    Frostedge smiled and nodded. "I might not be as famous as the stories suggest. I''m just a humble adventurer, traveling from one ce to another in search of Yunatea''s many fascinating wonders."


    "I''m sure I''d enjoy hearing more about your adventures if you''d ever be willing to sit down and share your stories."


    "I''d be delighted to talk more with you, Baron Broken. You''re remarkably kind and weing," Frostedge replied.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The conversation between the two seemed a bit stiff and formal, as though neither was entirely ustomed to casual small talk. Yet, the mutual respect between them was unmistakable.


    "Frostedge, spar with Broken!"


    "Yeah, that would be amazing!"


    Excited shouts echoed from the crowd outside the arena.


    Frostedge turned toward the source of themotion, startled, and raised both hands. "No, sorry..."


    Broken, however, had already witnessed Frostedge''s skill with a sword and was silently impressed. He even admitted to himself that Frostedge might surpass Livellywood, one of the best swordsmen he knew.


    Recently, Broken had been focusing on honing his skills with a spear. The idea of a sparring match, sword versus spear, intrigued him.


    He couldn''t help but wonder if such a duel, fought purely on technique without the use of Skills, would truly be bnced. After all, the spear''s extended reach offered a clear advantage.


    "Frostedge," Broken called, drawing the swordsman''s attention back to him. "I can''t help but wonder-would a sparring match between a spear and a sword be bnced? I''d be very interested in testing it out with you."


    Frostedge tilted his head before nodding slowly. "It would certainly be a unique experience. If you''re interested, I''m willing to try. But the timing may not be ideal..."


    "Let''s not overthink it. I''m not exactly a master with the spear, but I''d be deeply grateful for the chance to learn from you."


    Frostedge paused, considering for a moment before nodding again. "In that case, I''m willing to ept the challenge."


    Cheers erupted from the onlookers. It felt like witnessing two stars about to engage in an impromptu match-a rare and thrilling spectacle that immediately captivated everyone''s attention.


    News of the sparring match between Broken and Frostedge quickly spread to the Vensalor Guild chat.


    [Elincia]: "Tora! Where is Tora? Hurry up! Where have you been? Something huge is about to happen!"


    [Tora]: "Yeah, yeah, I just logged in. Don''t worry, I won''t miss this moment."


    [Goldrich]: "Oh, my boy Broken is going to face the renowned swordsman Frostedge. I wish I could see this battle live!"


    [Livelywood]: "If only I were there too, hehe. I''d love to challenge Frostedge myself."


    [Jovina]: "Imagine! Hahaha, this fight should''ve been in the Eternal Challenge finals, but it''s happening early instead."


    [Optimus]: "From a skill perspective, who do you think will win?"


    [Goldrich]: "Broken has been training hard with the spear, and naturally, the spear has an advantage inbat against a sword."


    [Booba]: "Yeah, Broken will crush that Frostedge guy easily. Honestly, I''m sure even I could beat him! Hahaha."


    [Elincia]: "Shut up, Booba!"


    [Pussycat]: "I''m more curious-what if Broken loses this sparring match? Will it affect him?"


    [Goldrich]: "You mean affect his pride? Hahaha... He''s grown so much already. A loss might have some impact, but it''s part of growth."


    [Skywarden]: "Not to underestimate Broken, but this fight will be intense. Frostedge is a masterful swordsman-he''s faced every challenge in his adventures on his own."


    [Elincia]: "I have to agree with Skywarden on this."


    [Booba]: "Elincia, are you trying to betray the guild?"


    [Elincia]: "Shut up, Booba. This is just my observation."


    [Goldrich]: "Skywarden is absolutely right. Frostedge is as skilled and talented with the sword as they say. This will be a tight match and surely a valuable learning experience for our Guild Master."


    [Booba]: "If Broken loses, let me fight Frostedge instead!"


    [Melliandra]: "Why don''t you just die, Booba?"


    [Tora]: "I''m ready now! I''ll share the live broadcast to the Vensalor Guild Official Broadcast Channel!"


    The chat grew even more lively as the members eagerly anticipated the match.


    At the same time, Freya, Kingsley, Melliandra, and even Ivana had arrived at the scene, ready to watch the sparring match in person.


    Broken was handed a practice spear by Igor, while Frostedge already held his dummy sword.


    Both fighters moved into their ready positions.


    "This will be my first experience," Broken admitted, gripping the spear tightly.


    Frostedge nodded. "Striking anywhere is fine. The match ends if you manage to disarm your opponent or if their Health drops below 70%."


    "Understood," Broken replied.


    Igor stepped forward, raising his hand to signal the start.


    "The match begins now!" he announced.


    Broken held a clear advantage here, but that didn''t mean he would hold back. He was


    determined to give his best effort as a sign of respect for his opponent!


    He shot forward with remarkable speed, spinning the spear with precision before unleashing


    a series of sweeping attacks, thrusts, and overhead strikes.


    Yet Frostedge, with impable footwork and timing, managed to parry each strike with


    wless precision.


    It was as if Frostedge could read the spear''s movements, countering each sh with the calcted grace of his sword.


    Spotting an opening, Broken executed a powerful overhead strike, his spear cutting through the air with force.


    Frostedge reacted instantly, deflecting the blow before flipping backward in a fluid motion to absorb the impact and reset his stance.


    Opportunity!


    Broken swiftly pulled back his spear, preparing for another strike. However, Frostedge, already steady on his feet, countered with lightning speed. His sword carved through the air in a low, upward arc, aiming at Broken before he could finish his move.


    Their weapons shed sharply. Broken stepped back to reposition himself, now on the defensive against Frostedge''s advancing strikes.


    sh! sh! The sound of weapons colliding echoed as the two fighters exchanged blows.


    With a sudden leap, Frostedge soared into the air, his sword slicing down in a deadly arc. Broken spun his spear expertly, using its base to parry the strike in one smooth motion.


    Damn! He''s so fast!


    But Frostedge''s airborne position left him momentarily vulnerable.


    Seizing the moment, Broken stepped back and pulled his spear into position, sweeping it toward Frostedge in a wide arc.


    However, Frostedge countered perfectly, nting both feet firmly and shing against the spear''s arc. Using the momentum, he executed a controlled backflip, creating some distance


    between them.


    Broken wasn''t about to waste this opportunity. He lunged forward without hesitation.


    He unleashed a sweeping strike, but Frostedge had already regained his footing.


    Thrusts, strikes from left and right, spinning attacks-Broken''s assault was relentless. Yet Frostedge parried each blow with precision.


    When there was even the slightestpse in speed, Frostedge seized the moment. He maneuvered skillfully, delivering a swift, wide arc from the side with incredible force. Broken reacted instantly, blocking the strike with his spear and leaping backward to absorb


    the impact.


    Now they stood at a distance, facing each other once again. Their eyes locked, filled with


    mutual respect and anticipation.


    Broken let a faint smile across his lips. He understood now, that this would not be an easy


    fight.


    This guy... it''s as if he''spletely one with his sword.


    Next round!

 Chapter 646: Chapter 646 - The Duel That Almost Was (Super Special Chapter)

    Chapter 646: Chapter 646 - The Duel That Almost Was (Super Special Chapter)


    ?


    Tora''s livestream of the sparring match between Broken and Frostedge quickly gained traction, with viewers pouring in and the chat lighting up with a flurry of reactions.


    [Andthomas4]: "Broken''s got this in the bag! Spears dominate swords, no question!"


    [Adrian_Hardin]: "Frostedge all the way. That footwork is insane! The guy''s untouchable." [Lewis_Cooper_9575]: "How are people underestimating Frostedge? He''s literally the best sword fighter in the game! Broken doesn''t stand a chance. []"


    [Patrick_Raines]: "100 gold says Broken wins! His spear range is insane! ??"


    Broken tightened his grip on the spear. He needed to raise his game, to push beyond his limits.


    With a deep breath, he steadied himself, focusing entirely on the match. The trials he had endured recently had prepared his body for this moment-this was his chance to prove it. Spinning the spear in a controlled arc above his head, he surged forward,unching a precise and powerful strike.


    sh!


    The sharp sound of the des colliding rang out, echoing through the arena.


    Broken pressed the attack, sweeping his spear in fluid, relentless arcs. Frostedge parried each strike with precision, his feet moving in perfect rhythm as he leapt backward to create space. Damn, this guy is so agile.


    Adjusting his approach, Broken shed from the side, aiming to cut off Frostedge''s escape. But Frostedge, with incredible reflexes, leapt high into the air, evading the attack entirely.


    Before Broken could reposition, Frostedge countered. Not with his sword-no, the man kicked downward with surprising force.


    Broken barely managed to retreat, pulling back just as Frostedge''s foot passed mere inches from his face.


    So fast!


    Yet the assault didn''t end there. Frostedge used Broken''s partially withdrawn spear as a springboard, pushing off and twisting midair to unleash another strike.


    Broken raised his arm, narrowly deflecting the kick in time. However, Frostedge immediately followed up with a second, well-aimed kick, driving Broken further back and keeping him on the defensive.


    Quickly retreating, Broken adjusted his stance to avoid the rapid strikes. But Frostedge,nding nimbly, pressed the advantage, shing repeatedly with his sword, each strike closer than thest.


    Broken parried furiously, his spear meeting Frostedge''s de in a series of high-speed shes.


    Finally, with a decisive movement, Broken spun his spear, deflecting Frostedge''s de to the side and halting his momentum.


    Switching to a more defensive strategy, Broken tightened his guard. Frostedge darted into the attack range, his agility allowing him to exploit every opening for swift, precise strikes.


    sh!


    The resounding ng of the two weapons meeting reverberated across the arena. The sheer force of their final collision sent both fighters stumbling backward, momentarily separated by the impact.


    [McKeh_Pearison]: "Bro, why is Frostedge moving like an Assassin? Did he change


    sses??"


    [Sean_Weil]: "Well, Broken should have the advantage. He has greater attack range with that spear."


    [keh_burton]: "Maybe, but Frostedge is unbelievably agile."


    [Coaltrain]: "Isn''t he supposed to be a Magic Sword Fighter? His focus should be on Strength


    and Intelligence stats. How is he moving so quickly and fluidly?"


    [DaoistLIML10]: "No, he''s not as fast as an Assassin like Charmlyn. It''s just that his


    movements are efficient and perfectly calcted."


    [drg573]: "500 gold says this ends in a draw. Who''s betting?"


    [Twisted_Lives]: "Broken better step it up. This fight''s looking rough for him."


    [George_Barnhardt]: "Frostedge vs. Charmlyn when?"


    [Shiloso00]: "Spears are OP, change my mind. Broken has the advantage here."


    [Jamolikai]: "Who else thinks Frostedge''s just testing the waters here?"


    [FearlessKurono]: "Broken vs. Frostedge feels like a battle that should''ve happened in the final. This is way too early. []"


    [jurgen_tayman]: "I''m just here for the memes and the drama. Who''s posting clipster? [" [White RoseFluff]: "Everyone''s arguing, but I''m just here for the hype. What a match!"


    The chat continued to flood with cheers, debates, and wild spection as the fight raged on, captivating everyone watching.


    Frostedge''s movements were polished and precise, executed with an almost unnerving level of care. He hardly made a mistake, while Broken, despite his remarkable performance, asionally left small openings that Frostedge was quick to exploit.


    Yet, thanks to the reach of his spear, Broken managed to parry and evade most of the sword strikes before they couldnd.


    Suddenly, Frostedge''s demeanor shifted. His attacks grew more brutal, his strikes faster, and his approach far more aggressive.


    He pressed forward-sh, sh-strikes from the left and right, forcing Broken onto the defensive.


    [Jonathan_Craig]: "What''s happening? Why does he seem so rushed?"


    [Dax_Chaney]: "Broken needs to stop ying defensive. Just go for the big hits!"


    [ckout15]: "Spear range doesn''t mean much when Frostedge is THIS agile."


    Broken, in a momentary misstep, left an opening, and Frostedge''s de struck his shoulder. Broken stepped back, but Frostedge pressed the advantage, his relentless assault giving no room to recover. Though Frostedge''s aggressive technique asionally revealed small gaps, his blinding speed and wless efficiency made it nearly impossible for Broken to exploit


    them.


    Damn! This is getting harder.


    The crowd watched, holding their breath, tension thick in the air.


    [Luke_Phillips_3333]: "The precision from Frostedge is wild. I''m switching sides. "


    Another hitnded, this time grazing Broken''s arm, followed by a flurry of blows that forced


    him further back.


    Desperate, Broken spun his spear andunched a counterattack-sweeping strikes, an


    overhead swing, and a swift jab from the side.


    [Raiho]: "A mistake!"


    Everyone could see it: Frostedge deftly slipped past the spear''s right side, his body moving like a blur as he closed the distance to Broken.


    [Jacob_Gardner_5107]: "Is this it? Is Broken about to lose?!"


    Broken instinctively pulled back his spear, trying to parry, but Frostedge''s sword was too quick, shing across Broken''s wrist with precision.


    Damn!


    The blow forced Broken to momentarily lose his grip, the spear slipping from his right hand. Quick to react, he caught it with his left, but Frostedge didn''t hesitate. Seizing the momentum, Frostedge pressed forward, his relentless advance driving Broken to retreat even


    further.


    Another strikended-this time on Broken''s left hand-leaving him reeling from the


    impact.


    [JustBael]: "This is it! A fatal move! Broken is going to lose!"


    The spear slipped from Broken''s grip. One more attack, and Frostedge would have imed


    victory.


    Frostedge closed the distance, ready to deliver the finishing blow. With a calcted


    movement, he knocked Broken''s spear.


    Damn!


    But-!


    Suddenly, Frostedge froze mid-step, his figure flickering briefly before vanishing entirely


    from the arena.


    The crowd gasped in disbelief.


    Broken, catching his breath, quickly reimed his spear. He spun it once, steadying himself


    and assuming his stance again.


    Silence hung in the air. Then the chat exploded:


    [Mana_of_Void]: "WHAT?! Did Frostedge just... log out?! []"


    [Rvoll2010]: "No way. Frostedge doesn''t rage quit. Probably got hit with forced logout."


    [Josh_Minton_5566]: "Force logout? That sucks. But wait, does that mean Broken wins by


    default?"


    [soulsh_269]: "Technically, yes. But man, this doesn''t feel like a proper win." [Daniel_Daye_4365]: "Frostedge was about to finish it! If this fight continued, it''s obviousn/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    he would''ve won!"


    [FlippySteve]: "Doesn''t matter if he would''ve won. He''s offline, so... Broken''s still standing.


    "That''s a win."


    [Corodix]: "This is why live duels need better safeguards against stuff like this. Such a


    disappointing end. []"


    [AatroxVoid]: "Fight of the year... ruined by a logout. []"


    Broken stood silently for a moment after the match.


    He... had clearly lost. Frostedge had been forced to log out, which exined the uncharacteristically rushed and


    less polished movements near the end. He had been trying to finish the sparring match as quickly as possible before the disconnect.


    But in the end, Broken hade dangerously close to defeat. Without the forced logout, there


    was no doubt he would have lost. Yet, by the rules, he was the one left standing, making him


    the winner. Even if reality told a different story.


    Damn! Still, more than frustration, he felt excited. That sparring session had been amazing. He knew


    he had to do this again-next time, with no interruptions!


    ncing around, he scanned the faces of the crowd still gathered.


    "Sparring is over! Thanks for watching!" he called out with a wave before stepping down from


    the arena.

 Chapter 647: Chapter 647 - The Bracelet from the West

    Chapter 647: Chapter 647 - The Bracelet from the West


    ?


    A few dayster, Frostedge visited Broken at the House of Slumdon to offer an apology for his sudden forced logout during their sparring match.


    "I''m sorry about what happened," he said. "It wasn''t fair to end the sparring that way."


    Broken nodded, a small smile ying on his lips. "Don''t worry about it. We''ll spar again next time. Until then, I''ll focus on training. I need to be better prepared."


    "That was a great sparring session. It gave me a lot to think about," Broken added.


    "I enjoyed the battle too," Frostedge replied sincerely.


    As the Eternal Challenge approached, scheduled for early March, the Golden Age Company opened registrations for the highly anticipated event. To help participants prepare, they set up a private server-a separate dungeon-like space specifically designed for team-based training, such as monster raid battles.


    Broken''s schedule over the next several days was packed with training sessions alongside his team. Early on, the team faced a challenge in deciding who would take the leader''s role and handle decision-making during thepetition.


    He insisted that Goldrich should step into the position, but Goldrich simplyughed and waved off the suggestion.


    "Oh,e on. This old man''s far too slow for that. I''d be so busy thinking that we''d lose before I even made a decision," Goldrich said with a chuckle.


    "Yeah, this old pervert only cares about women. He''s not suited for the job," Melliandra chimed in.


    Kingsley looked at Broken and spoke up. "Broken, I think you''d do a great job as captain. You''re the natural choice."


    After several rounds of debate, Broken finally spoke.


    "Fine. I''ll take the captain''s role, but I''m going to need Goldrich to back me up as much as possible."


    Goldrich grinned. "Khi khi khi. Backup''s always easier than leading the charge. I think I can manage that without breaking a sweat."


    The team was set, and with roles established, they turned their full attention to preparing for the uing Eternal Challenge.


    His other concerny with the Forest Elves.


    Despite the days and weeks that had passed, Broken had yet to see any follow-up action from them.


    Could it be they hadn''t realized yet that Broken and Alora had managed to escape their captivity? No way.


    Even so, Broken remained vignt, preparing himself for the possibility of an emergency should the situation escte unexpectedly.


    Meanwhile, reports from guild intelligence suggested that the movements of the Shadow Wolves and the Horde of Hell had grown increasingly aggressive near the capital.


    This shift in activity had prompted most members of the Vensalor Guild to relocate closer to the capital, leaving only a small handful stationed in Slumdon Town-Broken among them.


    Though the town was quieter now, Broken knew the rtive calm wouldn''tst forever. He would need to stay sharp for whatever came next.


    That day, Broken sat at the front of Beebot, perched atop the golem as it crawled steadily across the desert ins near Slumdon Town. He wasn''t alone-beside him sat Ivana.


    Ivana had mentioned needing materials from the monsters in the area, and he had offered to apany her.


    "I want to go to Deadbay..." Ivana said softly, leaning her head against his shoulder.


    The sand stirred in clouds beneath Beebot''s skittering legs, quickly left behind as the golem moved swiftly across the terrain.


    "I''ll go with you."


    "I know you''re busy... with everything."


    "Yes, but Mr. Fokil is there. I need to see him too."


    "Even though he always chases you off the moment you arrive?" Ivana teased.


    Broken chuckled. "It doesn''t matter. He''s yed such a big role in my life, Ivana."


    "I''m sure he''s proud to have an apprentice like you."


    "That''s not what his face usually says," Broken quipped with a grin.


    Ivanaughed softly at that, lifting her head to look at him. Broken turned to meet her gaze, their eyes locking for a moment.


    "There''s a ce I want to visit, Broken," Ivana said suddenly. "I wonder if you''de with me sometime."


    "Where do you want to go, Ivana?"


    "Uhm... the West Continent?"


    "The West Continent?" Broken repeated. "Why the West Continent?"


    Ivana reached into her bag and pulled out a bracelet made of wooden beads. Attached to it was


    a circr wooden carving.


    She held it up for Broken to see, pointing to the carving.


    "What is this?"


    "Gia said this bracelet was on me when she found me."


    It was the first time Broken had heard such a detailed piece of Ivana''s past.


    "And then?" he prompted gently.


    "The carving on this bracelet..." Ivana turned it toward him, tracing the engraved image of a mountain.


    "It''s a mountain from the West Continent."


    "The West Continent..." Broken murmured.


    From what he knew, the West Continent was a region dominated by Beastkin kingdoms. While humans lived there, the area wasrgely a mix of different races, with Beastkin ruling the majority of the kingdoms.


    The West Continent was also home to many yers, drawn by its unique challenges and


    diverse opportunities.


    "Were you found in the West Continent, Ivana?"


    Ivana shook her head softly. "No, but... because of this bracelet..."


    "Are you trying to learn something about your origins?"


    Ivana nodded.


    "I''ll go with you to that ce."


    But Ivana gently shook her head again. "Don''t worry about it. I''m not in a rush. Finish


    everything you need to do first, okay?"


    Broken shook his head in return. "I''ll go with you to that ce right after the Eternal


    Challenge is over."


    "Eternal Challenge?" Ivana tilted her head curiously.


    Broken chuckled lightly. "Sorry, it''s an event that''s happening in my world."


    "That sounds fascinating... You''ll have to tell me more about it someday," she said.


    Broken nodded with a smile of his own.


    But then a thought struck him-he also had a promise to keep with Hazel, or rather SexyGrill, for an expedition rted to the Quest of Vensalor and the Floating Ind. Fortunately, SexyGrill hadn''t finalized her schedule yet, which gave him some flexibility. He realized he could easily apany Ivana on her journey, especially with the Unseen Universe of Moonlight allowing him to return to Slumdon Town at a moment''s notice.


    "In three months," Broken added.


    "Three months?"


    "Yes. I''ll go with you to that ce. I''ll even make a golem to help us cross the ocean," he said


    with a chuckle.


    "That sounds fun. Are you nning to make a golem for everything eventually, Broken?"


    "Well, unfortunately, the materials are ridiculously expensive. I have to think carefully before


    building any golem," Broken admitted.


    "Oh? Did you think carefully before making this crawling golem?"


    "No, I made that decision almost instantly," he replied with a grin.


    Ivanaughed softly, as if she already knew how his mind worked.


    "You''reughing at me."


    "Yes," Ivana replied. "Because you''re so funny."


    "Youugh at the smallest things, no matter what you see. It feels like even boring stuff


    bes funny to you, Ivana."


    "Yes, but no... With you, it''s different. You''re genuinely funny and enjoyable to be around."


    "Is that supposed to be apliment?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Are you still doubting the sincerity of my words, Broken?"


    Broken chuckled, reaching out to ruffle her hair.


    She smiled at the gesture, her eyes filled with a quiet, contented warmth.

 Chapter 648: Chapter 648 - The Forest Elves’ Warning

    Chapter 648: Chapter 648 - The Forest Elves¡¯ Warning


    ?


    In the main control room of the Golden Age Company, the atmosphere was buzzing with activity. Monitors disyed multiple in-game feeds, and staff moved briskly.


    Marco, the CEO, sat with his legs crossed, observing with a calm demeanor.


    "Tell me," he said. "Are we ready to take action yet?"


    His assistant, standing close by, responded promptly. "ording to the AI''s predictions, the monumental event is likely to ur within the next one or two weeks."


    Marco nodded. "Alright, then I want you to roll out an experience point boost event near the capital. Make it happen across multiple zones simultaneously, so it doesn''t raise too much suspicion."


    "Understood, sir."


    Marco rose from his seat, his expression contemtive.


    "The Battle of Dissidia..." he murmured softly.


    "This is the major event predicted by the AI. A monumental moment that will reshape the South Continent forever."


    He turned his gaze back to the screens.


    "I want to see just how much influence the yers can exert to change the ultimate oue of such a critical event."


    The inte quickly lit up with reactions as news spread about the experience boost near several capitals across different continents.


    [cj__savage]: "I''m sure this has something to do with the potential war brewing in Dissidia."


    [Alex_Dorrough]: "I think it''s still too early to say that."


    [DaoistT3Lqby]: "I believe it. The Shadow Wolves, Horder of Hell, and even Vensalor are already near the capital of the Dissidia Kingdom."


    [adwinhuey]: "Horder of Hell? Seriously? Is this going to be another big war like the one we had in Deadbay?"


    [AtayoToya]: "Damn, that was a nightmare. I don''t want to get dragged into a war like that again. I died and lost so much that time."


    [RawrImma]: "If you''re scared of war, why are you even ying this game, idiot?"


    ***


    As Broken toiled in his workshop, he carefully shaped amissioned piece for one of his guild members. The sound of his hammering was suddenly interrupted by a frantic knock on the door.


    Yara burst into the room.


    "My Lord, forgive the intrusion. But, our town is about toe under attack," she said. What?


    Broken immediately set his tools aside. Without hesitation, he followed Yara out of the workshop. As they stepped into the open air, Igor, his knightmander, was already waiting, his expression grim.


    "My Lord," Igor began urgently, "I bring dire news. It seems our suspicions were correct. The Forest Elves are preparing to attack. And there are three of them."


    "Very well. Thank you for your report, Igor," Broken said.


    Without wasting another moment, he called for Polly. Broken swiftly climbed onto her back.


    "Melliandra," Broken said through the guild chat, "please make sure no one overhears what the Forest Elves are going to discuss with me."


    "Broken, when have I ever taken orders from you?" Melliandra replied.


    "I''m not giving you orders," Broken responded. "I''m just asking for your help."


    Melliandra sighed before replying. "Fine. I''ll take care of it. I''ll kill anyone who tries to get close."


    "Thank you."


    Elincia chimed in. "Broken, are you sure you want to meet the Forest Elves alone?"


    "Yes. Give me some time. I need to talk to them."


    Broken cautiously stepped through the town''s gate, his eyes scanning the horizon. In the distance, he spotted three figures standing still. As he drew closer, their pointed ears and slender frames confirmed their identity-they were Forest Elves.


    At the forefront stood Iveth, an Elfmander at level 247. The elf woman, with her short silver hair, wore heavy silver armor adorned with a striking red cape that billowed behind her. Her presence alone was intimidating.


    Behind her stood two others, slightly less imposing but no less formidable-a level 218 woman and a level 224 man.


    This was no ordinary group; this was a gathering of elite warriors.


    "So, what''s their level, Broken?" Goldrich asked through the Guild Chat.


    "247, 218, and 224," Broken replied.


    Just the numbers alone painted a grim picture-it would take immense power and


    coordination to defeat opponents of this caliber.


    "That''s a level we can handle," Jovina dered. "We''ll just wage war with them and kill them immediately."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Broken said. "This isn''t the time for rash decisions. Let me talk to them first."


    The tension hung thick in the air as he advanced toward the Elves.


    Freya responded firmly. "We can''t afford to act impulsively. The threat they pose is far greater than you seem to grasp. Their forces outnumber and outmatch even the Moonlight Fae. If weunch an uncalcted attack, we may not have the strength to recover if they retaliate in full


    force."


    Broken moved closer to the elven woman.


    "Wee to our city," he greeted her.


    Iveth''s lips twisted into a sly smirk. "Well, well. It seems you''ve managed to slip out of our grasp and make your way here after all."


    "We may have neglected to say a proper goodbye when we left your vige, but that doesn''t make us fugitives or prisoners running from you."


    Iveth chuckled softly. "Oh, Broken. Do you really think you can leave our vige so easily, without facing the consequences?"


    Broken squared his shoulders. "Then I suppose we have some misunderstandings to clear


    up."


    "You took Lady Aerin away," Iveth said. "That is your greatest crime."


    "Crime?" Broken replied. "I don''t see it that way. Aerin wanted to return to her home. How is


    that wrong?"


    Iveth''s eyes narrowed. "Her home is in our vige," she dered. "She''s a Forest Elf, one of


    us.


    S."


    Broken tilted his head slightly. "Perhaps you should reconsider how you phrase things, because it seems Aerin doesn''t share your perspective."


    Iveth''s expression darkened "Once I''ve torn this town to the ground, I think you''ll finally understand what I mean."


    Broken gave a faint smile at the threat.


    While the Slumdon Town currently only had a handful of members from the Vensalor Guild


    present, he still had enough forces to mount a solid defense. Fang, Pawpaw, ckthorn, and


    Ivana were all here, ready to act if needed.


    However, if this situation were to escte into something muchrger, it was clear the


    oue might not be favorable.


    These Forest Elves seemed to hold humans in such contempt, arriving with only three individuals yet carrying arrogance as vast as the skies.


    A threat? So be it.

 Chapter 649: Chapter 649 - The Elves’ Ultimatum

    Chapter 649: Chapter 649 - The Elves¡¯ Ultimatum


    ?


    As word of the Forest Elves'' arrival in Slumdon Town spread, waves of curious yers gathered near the town gates. However, their excitement was quickly dampened by a line of Knights stationed in front of the gates, barring their way.


    One bold yer stepped forward, trying to push past the blockade. "Hey! We just want to see those elf babes! Why are you stopping us?"


    Igor, one of the knights, responded. "The Lord has issued strict orders. No one is to leave the town gates at this time. These orders are not negotiable."


    "What''s the deal with these NPCs acting all high and mighty? We''re the yers here. We make the rules!"


    Igor''s gaze turned steely. "I have given you fair warning. If you persist, I will be forced to take decisive action."


    The yersughed off his threat. "Oh, please! What can a bunch of useless NPCs like you do? We''re not scared of you!"


    The yers grew more restless, their shoving turning into outright attempts to break through the Knights guarding the gate.


    Igor, unsheathed his sword, "You dare challenge my authority again?"


    "Let''s go! Let''s take them down!" one of the yers shouted, drawing their weapon.


    Encouraged by the call to action, others followed suit.


    "Don''t let Broken talk to those elves alone!" another yer chimed in.


    Before anyone could act, a deafening explosion shattered the tension. The ground trembled as one of the yers crumpled lifelessly to the dirt, felled by a gunshot from an unseen assant.


    Chaos erupted. Shouts of confusion and fear filled the air as the remaining yers scrambled for cover.


    Another shot rang out, its sharp whistle cutting through the panic and narrowly missing its mark.


    "It''s Melliandra. Run..."


    "We need to get out of here!" another screamed.


    The once cocky and overconfident group dissolved into terrified chaos, scattering in all directions as they fled the ambush, their bravado reced with a desperate fight for survival.


    **


    "I could easilyy waste to this entire town," Iveth said. "Don''t test me."


    Broken tilted his head slightly. "If more Forest Elves came here, perhaps I''d have trouble defending it. But against just you? I think I''ll manage."


    "Oh, so you think you''re strong enough to stop me? Shall I show you what I''m truly capable of?"


    Unfazed, Broken met her gaze. "Perhaps it''s you who should reconsider. You might find our strength more formidable than expected."


    Suddenly, dark shadows began to coalesce near Broken. As they drew closer, the figures took shape. A massive cat stepped out of the darkness as it positioned itself protectively behind Broken.


    Iveth''s eyes widened briefly before she quickly masked her shock.


    "So this is the source of your confidence?"


    Broken''s voice grew firm. "I don''t make idle threats, but you need to recognize your position. The power I wield here surpasses the three of youbined."


    Iveth straightened her posture. "So you think you could kill all three of us with ease?"


    "I have no intention of fighting or killing you," he replied. "But you''re the ones who came here bearing threats, or have you already forgotten?"


    Iveth scoffed. "We''re not opponents you can defeat so easily."


    Broken remained silent for a moment, his thoughts carefully measured. He, Freya, and Elincia had already concluded that the Forest Elves bore no direct hostility toward Princess Alora.


    Even so, there had to be a deeper, significant reason behind their opposition to her ascension to the throne.


    "I want to protect Princess Alora, just as you do," he finally said.


    Iveth let out a bitterugh. "Protect? Don''t insult my intelligence. You''re only protecting your own interests, like all the so-called leaders of the Dissidia Kingdom. We cannot, will not, trust humans when ites to Lady Aerin''s safety."


    Though her usation struck a nerve, Broken maintained his calm demeanor.


    "Perhaps we should discuss this further," he suggested. "If we work together, we might find a solution that satisfies both sides."


    Iveth''s gaze remained cold. "Our mission is clear," she said bluntly. "We are here to retrieve Lady Aerin and return her to the vige. Negotiations hold no interest for me."


    Broken''s tone remained even. "I understand your mission, but you should know that Princess Alora has already left this town. You won''t find her here."


    Iveth''s eyes narrowed in suspicion. After a tense pause, she finally relented. "Fine. I''ll listen to what you have to say. But don''t think for a second that we trust you."


    Broken nodded briefly, observing the subtle shift in the elf woman''s demeanor-a response that hinted at a more positive turn. It was clear they hade for something connected to Alora, though their exact motives remained uncertain.


    However, their approach was undeniably forceful, a method that shed entirely with Alora''s current wishes. Asking her to relinquish her status as the crowned princess? That was nothing short of absurd.


    Even so, perhaps Broken didn''t need to escte this into arger conflict. If the Forest Elves were solely fixated on bringing Alora back to their domain and had no other agenda, the situation might be more manageable than it seemed.


    "Very well," he said atst. "Follow me to my residence, and we''ll talk there."


    As they walked through the town, Broken led the way with measured steps. Onlookers, yers


    and residents alike, watched with bated breath, awestruck by the Forest Elves'' striking


    presence. Yet, no one dared to approach.


    The Slumdon Knights and the threat of Melliandra were enough to keep even the boldest spectators at bay.


    When they arrived at the House of Slumdon, Broken invited them inside.


    "I have ced my full trust in Princess Alora''s decisions," Broken began. "Even when she chose to leave the Forest Elves, that too was her decision. Yes, I helped her leave, but let me emphasize, it was her choice."


    Iveth gave a slow nod.


    Broken continued. "If your intentions are truly good... for her. I wonder if you''vemunicated them clearly to her? That''s not my ce to judge, but... I know her well enough


    to understand why she made that choice."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Iveth leaned forward slightly as she finally spoke. "What do you know about the Demons?"

 Chapter 650: Chapter 650 - Shadows Over Dissidia

    Chapter 650: Chapter 650 - Shadows Over Dissidia


    "Do you know anything about the Demons?" Iveth asked.


    "Demons? Yeah, I''ve heard of them," Broken replied, deliberately vague, despite having fought and defeated two Named Demons himself.


    Iveth let out a frustrated click of her tongue. "We have reason to believe there''s been movements near the capital. Possibly some portals used to summon demons."


    This was exactly what Maylock, Elincia, and the others had warned about: the threat of the demon''s assault on the capital.


    "You''re saying there might be an attack soon?" Iveth gave a slow nod. "We can''t afford to let Lady Aerin return to the capital. It would be too dangerous for her."


    "Do you know where these portals are? Or when the attack might happen?"


    Iveth shook her head. "Not exactly. There could be more than just a few portals. We''ve destroyed the ones we''ve found so far, but I don''t know how many more are out there," she admitted.


    The recent event experience point boost organized by Golden Age Company across multiple capitals in various regions has raised suspicions that something significant is on the horizon.


    From the way the developers have handled it, it''s clear that this is tied to the main storyline of Immortal Legacy. It''s a stark contrast to the chaotic attack on Deadbay City some time ago¡ªa situation that had caused enough panic to prompt the developers to take unusual measures, including temporarily allowing yers who had run out of ytime to log back in.


    Meanwhile, Broken ryed his conversation with Iveth to the Guild Chat.


    "Who''s currently in the capital?" he asked urgently.


    "Almost everyone except Melliandra and Kingsley is at the capital, Broken," Elincia replied. "Only Ivana and I are still in Deadbay City."


    Broken and Iveth''s conversation deepened.


    "Why weren''t we told about this from the start?" Broken pressed.


    Iveth sighed. "Lady Aerin refused to listen when we tried to exin. We had no other option but to take drastic measures. Now that she''s back in the Capital, it seems we''ll have to forcibly take her again."


    "But how do you intend to pull that off when she''s in the pce itself? The guards won''t just stand by and let you take her."


    "We''ll figure it out. Her safety and well-being are more important than anything else right now," she said firmly.


    Broken couldn''t help but draw a connection to his own actions not long ago. He had taken Alora from the Forest Elves'' vige¡ªan act that weighed heavily on him, but one he believed necessary. The Elves hadn''t been transparent about their intentions, leaving him no choice but to act on instinct and duty.


    Now, with danger looming over the Capital, he felt the same urgency. "We need to go to the capital right away. There''s no time to waste."


    "How can we trust the pce?" Iveth demanded. "What if they''replicit in all this? I have no faith in royalty or their so-called intentions."


    Broken met her gaze steadily. "I understand your doubts," he said. "But right now, our priority has to be protecting Princess Alora and stopping this attack. If betrayales, we''ll deal with it then."


    He added, "I''m heading to the Capital immediately. Be prepared in case the attack happens soon."


    Iveth nodded slowly. "I''ll follow with a few Elven knights once they arrive."


    With that, Iveth and two other Elves departed from Slumdon, exining that they needed to regroup with the rest of the Elven knights before making their way to the Capital.


    Broken also prepared to leave, but before departing, he ensured that Slumdon Town would be secure. Orion, Igor, and Cedric were assigned to stay behind and defend it, while Elowen and Mira had already been sent ahead to the Capital on his orders.


    Additionally, Kingsley and Melliandra had already departed ahead of him as well.


    With onest nce at the town he was leaving behind, Brokenmanded Beebot to move. The crawling carriage sprang to life, its five pairs of legs propelling it swiftly across the desert terrain.


    But as he continued on, the reality Iveth had warned about earlier finally reached him.


    Guild chat exploded with activity, filled with frantic messages and alerts. The inte was buzzing with live streams and breaking updates.


    Dissidia Kingdom''s Capital City was about to face its longest night.


    The reports were clear¡ªthis wasn''t a small-scale attack. It was massive, a devastating assault with the potential topletely obliterate the Capital City of the Dissidia Kingdom.


    ***


    The capital city of Dissidia was consumed by chaos, its streets flooded with panicked crowds moving in frantic waves. At the towering gates, yers had gathered in staggering numbers, their presence both a show of force and a reflection of rising desperation.


    In the distance, the fabric of reality seemed to fracture. Portals tore open one after another, each one vomiting forth nightmarish creatures.


    Colossal monster with jagged ws and fangs sharp enough to rend steel charged forward, shaking the ground with each step. Above, winged abominations with leathery appendages and talons like serrated des swooped through the skies, their shrieks cutting through the din of chaos.


    The torrent of twisted horrors was unending¡ªsome grotesquely disfigured, others so alien in form they seemed plucked from a realm of pure madness. The once-brilliant sky dimmed under the weight of gathering storm clouds, a tempest of shadow brewing and darkening with each new portal that tore through the air.


    "What''s happening here? Is this some kind of emergency event?"


    "It''s a monster invasion! This is insane!" another yelled. "We need to warn everyone¡ªthis looks like it''s turning into an all-out war!"


    Trumpets rang out across the city. Knights and soldiers raced into defensive formations, sprinting toward the fortress walls. But the sheer magnitude of the invasion was beyond anything the kingdom had ever anticipated. Within minutes, live broadcasts from Dissidia''s capital spread across the Inte.This attack made the assault on Deadbay City seem trivial byparison¡ªthis time, the very heart of the kingdom was under siege, and no one wanted to miss the unfolding spectacle.


    "Why does this stuff always happen in Dissidia?" one yer grumbled. "I''m seriously thinking about switching kingdoms."


    "Are you kidding me?" another shot back. "This is the Capital! There''s bound to be even more top-tier yers here. The fights are going to be incredible!"


    "Do you think this attack is part of some n to overthrow the kingdom? The rumors have been saying something like that."


    "Could this be the work of the Champions of Gluttony?" someone else asked.


    The city trembled under the weight of the invasion, but the anticipation of battle coursed through the crowd like a current. For better or worse, the yers were ready to fight.


    [Elincia]: "Can you all hold out until at least Ivana, Broken, and I arrive?"


    [Goldrich]: "Khi khi khi, I''m sure this will be an entertaining distraction for this retired old man."


    [Skywarden]: "Keh! I''ll obliterate them with my shield!" n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    [Livelywood]: "Oh yeah¡­ finally, I''m not missing out on a big war."


    [Trison]: "Oh, another war? Ha hah¡­ I''m thrilled."


    [Starfall]: "Everything''s good. I''ve already asked my manager to adjust my schedule."


    [Kingsley]: "Melliandra and I are already on our way. Broken is following behind us."

 Chapter 651: Chapter 651 - The Four Gates of War

    Chapter 651: Chapter 651 - The Four Gates of War


    ?


    Dissidia Kingdom, Capital City.


    Hundreds, thousands-maybe even more-wereing from every direction. Dozens of spinning portals continued to churn, unleashing wave after wave of monsters in an endless cascade.


    The creatures-no, the demons-charged at terrifying speed, closing in from the distance. Meanwhile, along every city wall, the kingdom''s soldiers, Knights, and yers had already assembled, ready to meet the onught outside the gates.


    This was an unprecedented emergency, a sudden event of staggering proportions. Yet, because many yers had spected something like this might happen, most of those who had gathered were well-prepared. The majority were high-level, fully equipped for the challenge.


    The number of yers gathered at the Capital this time was several times greater than those who had defended Deadbay City. Among them were many with levels surpassing 180, and even a significant number over level 200.


    The kingdom''s knights and troops quickly took their positions, each ready to stand their ground. In mere seconds, the first sh-no, a massive sh-was about to erupt. Everyone present was prepared to give their all in this monumental battle.


    Of course, no one wanted to die prematurely. They were all determined to survive, to fight, and to im the best rewards this war could offer. To do so, they had to endure, kill as many demons as they could, and prove their worth on the battlefield.


    For many, this was their first time facing demons. The thrill, fear, and determination were so thick in the air, as they steeled themselves for what was toe!


    Western Gate.


    Optimus, d in pristine white heavy armor, his blond hair framing a tall, imposing figure, stood resolutely at the front line. Behind him stretched a massive force of hundreds of yers, their weapons and magic at the ready.


    Beside him stood Trison, a man with short ck hair wearing a cream-and-blue robe, a bottle of liquor in hand and a grin stered across his face.


    "Kha ha ha!" Trisonughed, swaying slightly as he took another swig. "This is going to be so much fun!"


    "Are you sure you''re not too drunk, Trison? We need you to go all-out this time," Optimus said.


    "Yeah, yeah, don''t worry about it," Trison replied with azy grin, waving the bottle in the air. "I''ve got plenty more where this came from, Kha ha ha... heugh." He punctuated his words with another long gulp.


    Nearby, a man with brown hair and a white robe stood observing the scene. It was Toberry, the Alchemist. Normally, he would be paired with Maylock, but with Maylock absent, he had joined Optimus and Trison at the Western Gate.


    "Ah ha ha!" Toberry chuckled, shaking his head. "Optimus, you''d better give it your all. You''ve got two top-tier supports backing you up, after all!"


    Optimus nced at him. "I''ll handle this just fine. You focus on supporting the yers around us and doing your job."


    "Getting a little cocky, aren''t you? Kha ha... heugh." Trison teased, still grinning as he staggered slightly.


    Standing tall, Optimus gazed out into the distance, ready to meet the enemy head-on.


    Eastern Gate.


    Goldrich and Jovina stood at the very front lines. The old mage, d in his flowing white robe, wore a faint smile as the desert wind swept across his face.


    Beside him stood Jovina, the beastmaster, her light green armor gleaming in the sunlight, her short hair tousled but fierce. She was ready, her posture firm.


    "Hey, Old Man," Jovina called out with a smirk, "you''re sure your back isn''t acting up, right? I don''t want to see you logging out in the middle of a battle."


    "Khi khi khi," Goldrich chuckled. "This old man is brimming with energy, especially when there''s a chance my reputation will soar. Imagine the flocks of adoring women afterward!"


    "Ha! Dream on." Jovina pulled out her staff, her grin widening into something wild and fearless. "Come on, you bastards! Mommy Jovina''s ready to feed her babies-ha ha ha!" Jovina whispered softly, a sly grin ying on her lips. "They''re about to witness the greatest beast that just joined my arsenal, thanks to the Guild Master."


    Southern Gate.


    Starfall, the elementalist mage with flowing ck hair and a striking ck-and-purple outfit, stood beside Livelywood, a sword fighter d in gleaming gold-and-silver heavy


    armor.


    "Haha!" Livelywood said with his usual cheerful grin. "This is going to be so much fun." "Finally getting to test out your new Unique-grade sword in a real battle, huh?" Starfall remarked with a smirk.


    "Yep... though it''s a shame Broken isn''t here yet," Livelywood replied. "But hey, I''m sure we can handle plenty before the main forces arrive. And speaking of new toys, isn''t this your first time showing off the power of your Unique-grade magic staff?"


    "Yes," Starfall said. "I''m not about to waste the opportunity or the effort the Guild Master put into getting it for us."


    "Yeah, same here!" Livelywood grinned again, raising his sword. "Time to have some real fun -haha!"


    "You do realize we''re not just facing the little demons, right, Livelywood?"


    "Yeah, Elincia mentioned there''s a chance Named Demons might show up... ha ha." Livelywood''s grin widened as he pulled his sword from where it rested on his shoulder.


    "While Broken''s already taken on two Named Demons, I''m hoping this one gives us a good fight, Starfall."


    "Sure, sure," Starfall replied. "I''ll keep an eye on your back. Just don''t get reckless out there." "As always." Livelywood''s grin didn''t falter as he shifted into a ready stance, eager for the


    battle ahead.


    Northern Gate.


    A towering man with blond hair stood firm, his gleaming white heavy armor catching the faint rays of light. In his left hand, he gripped a massive shield, its surface polished to a mirror finish. Beside him stood a woman d in a sleek ninja outfit of ck and purple, her hood partially pushed back to reveal strands of dark hair spilling out.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Ch! I just hope these idiot yers don''t mess up my work," Skywarden grumbled.


    "Some of them are skilled support yers," Charmelyn replied calmly, her eyes scanning the crowd. "I''m sure they''ll do enough to help us hold out longer in the fight."


    "Support''s useless if they''re just clueless fools who don''t know how to y properly. Ch!" Skywarden snapped again, his irritation evident in the set of his jaw.


    "We''ll hold the North Gate until Broken, Elincia, and Ivana get here," Charmelyn reminded


    him.


    "That''s an easy job!" Skywarden dered.


    [Mikelton]: "This is gonna be epic! Northern Gate holding it down until the big guns arrive?


    Let''s gooo!"


    [Jeffo21184]: "Skywarden''s gonna roast more yers than demons at this rate."


    [Abbys_Chronicle66]: "Trison''s over there living his best drunk life, haha."


    [TickNick]: "Livelywood''s too cheerful for a battle, lol. What a mood!"


    [lineupliam]: "Will Optimus finally meet his match? Nah, dude''s built different. North Gate''s


    gonna be solid!"


    [Fightrknight]: "The Western Gate crew is straight chaos, lol. Love it! ["


    [Troy_Bates]: "Trison better not pass out mid-battle, lol. Western Gate is chaotic, but I''m


    here for it! ["


    Despite the presence of many high-level yers in this battle, all eyes remained fixed on the members of the Vensalor Guild. Most of them were former members of the legendary Ass Guild, and their reputation alone made them the center of attention.


    The Western Gate was under the protection of Optimus, a renowned fighter celebrated for his ability to hold his ground in both solobat and against multiple foes simultaneously. He was not someone to be underestimated, with martial arts skills that made him a formidable


    force on the battlefield.


    Alongside Optimus were two other key yers: Trison, the best healer in the Vensalor Guild, infamous as the "Drunken Healer," and Toberry, a master of the alchemist ss whose potions provided a wide array of boosts and utilities to aid their side.


    The Eastern Gate was defended by Goldrich, the mage with the highest number of spells in Immortal Legacy. Known for his humble disys of wealth, Goldrich was apanied by Jovina, the top-ranked BeastMaster in the game.


    At the Southern Gate, the talented sword fighter Livelywood held the line alongside Starfall, a versatile elemental mage who could adapt to any situation. Together, they were a deadlybination of precision and raw magical power.


    The Northern Gate was protected by two of the most dangerous yers in the game. Charmelyn, a lethal assassin, the Envy Champion, and Skywarden, the Vensalor Guild''s strongest defenders.


    As the demons drew closer, the battlefield erupted into chaos. yers shouted at the top of


    their lungs, their cries blending into a deafening roar. From a distance, magic orbs streaked through the air, their bright glow cutting through the darkened sky, while a rain of arrows descended upon the charging enemy.


    "Attack!" everyone yelled, themand echoing as the battle began in full force.


    ***


    (Author''s Note:)


    And so, the Four Gates of War begin! XI Can you feel the tension in the air?


    So, who''s your favorite gate crew? Western? Eastern? Southern? Or Northern? Drop your pick


    in thements!


    Things are only heating up, and trust me-the best is yet toe. If this chapter hyped you


    up, toss Golden Ticket my way, and let''s get ready for what''sing next! War is here, and


    it''s going to be epic. 00

 Chapter 652: Chapter 652 - The Four Gates of Despair

    Chapter 652: Chapter 652 - The Four Gates of Despair


    ?


    A demon with a bull''s head, covered in thick fur and crowned with massive horns, charged through the ranks of thousands of its kind.


    The thunderous sound of its hooves striking the ground sent tremors through the battlefield, adding to the chaos. The air was alive with screams and roars, the noise blending with the swirling clouds of sand kicked up by the stampede.


    The demon''s colossal frame became an indistinct silhouette as it barreled forward, heading straight for the walls of the Capital City.


    Dozens, perhaps hundreds, of magic balls soared through the air, exploding across the


    battlefield with deafening sts. Some demons were struck directly, their forms obliterated, while others were knocked to the ground, only to be trampled by the relentless surge of theirrades.


    Arrows rained down in a deadly barrage, piercing the hide of the charging demon. It roared in defiance, clutching a massive greatsword in its hands, its pace unbroken by the projectiles.


    They pressed on with a singr purpose, a drive to destroy everything in their path.


    Crush them.


    Weak humans. Break them all.


    sh!


    The battlefield was chaotic. Demons roared as they tore through yers, one of them grabbing a yer by the torso and hurling them high into the air. Tankers stood firm at the front lines, absorbing the onught, while long-range fighters remained atop the fortress, providing cover with ranged attacks.


    "Tora! This is insane, Tora!" Max shouted, leaning over the edge of the fortress wall.


    "Yeah, Max, we all knew this day woulde," Tora replied. "But I didn''t think it would happen so suddenly, without any warning."


    "Exactly! I mean, I knew it wasing too, but seriously. And anyway, Tora, you''re in the Vensalor Guild now. That''s a total flex!" Max teased, shing a wide grin.


    Tora chuckled softly. "I know, Max. But let''s be real, I''m only in Vensalor because Broken decided to take pity on me, haha. Still, as the guild''s official Broadcaster and Streamer, I''ll make sure to do my part and represent us well today."


    "You? Struggle to narrate this fight? No way," Max said confidently. "Especially since most of Vensalor''s members are carrying this entire war on their shoulders."


    "True enough," Tora admitted with a nod. "But tell me, who''s your favorite, Max?"


    "Me?" Max tapped her chin. "I''d say Broken, but we haven''t seen him yet, have we?"


    "Not yet," Tora agreed. "I can''t say when, but I really hope he joins us soon."


    "Tora!" Max suddenly eximed


    "Yes, Max, did you spot something?" Tora asked, immediately on alert.


    "Look over there! Direct the camera to the far edge."


    Max and Tora were stationed on the western fortress, giving them a clear view of the battlefield where Optimus, Trison, and Toberry were locked inbat. From their vantage point, they monitored the other three battle zones using the virtual screens disyed in their vision.


    They quickly redirected a flying drone toward the rear of the western demon offensive. What they saw made both of them tense-a massive portal, at least four timesrger than the others, loomed in the distance.


    "Oh no, Max," Tora muttered. "I don''t think this is good news."


    "Could this mean the Named Demons areing, Tora?"


    "Max!" Tora''s voice suddenly turned urgent. "Check the other three areas. Look at East, South, and North. Each of them shows a single portal that stands out from the rest."


    "And these two," Max added, focusing intently. "The portals in the East and North-they''re both floating in the air."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Tora nodded quickly. "In the West, the portal is massive. In the East and North, they''re elevated. And in the South, it''s on the ground but smaller than the one in the West."


    "Does that mean something, Tora?"


    "I don''t know yet," Tora replied. "But whatever''sing, it''s not going to be easy."


    Western Gate.


    From the swirling portal, aze with fiery energy, emerged a figure that shocked the battlefield with its sheer presence.


    A towering demon stepped forward. It was simply 4 times higher than normal humans. Its head was that of a bull, crowned with twisted ck horns. A cape of glowing embers trailed behind its hulking, muscr frame, and its jagged breastte was etched with fiery runes.


    The demon let out a deafening roar that shook the very ground beneath it. With one powerful motion, it drew a zing greatsword.


    "Gah! So this is Yunatea? Time for me to have some fun! Gu ha ha ha ha!"


    [King Bm - Elder Hellborn Lv. 270]


    [Named Demon - Ranking 51]


    Toberry, busy distributing support to the yers around him, suddenly screamed hysterically, "Optimus... they''reing, Optimus!"


    Optimus sprang into action, moving with incredible speed as he turned toward the oing demon. His eyes narrowed, locking onto the massive figure approaching from a distance.


    "Nice, a massive demon," Optimus muttered.


    "Your muscr build looks tinypared to this demon, Optimus," Trison teased. "Kha ha


    ha... heugh."


    Eastern Gate.


    The floating portal hung in the air, a swirling vortex that radiated an ominous energy. From its depths emerged a demon-a striking female figure with flowing silver-white hair that cascaded down her back. Her griffin-like wings and the darkened gold and crimson feathers.


    She wore tarnished golden armor that bore the scars of countless battles, and in her hand was a corrupted spear, its shaft twisted with ck veins.


    "Boring... I might as well finish this quickly," the demoness said with a sigh. "Let''s hope they can at least put up a fight worth my time. Ch!"


    [Countess Murmur - Void Feathered Seraphim Lv. 263]


    [Named Demon - Ranking 54]


    Goldrich, firing magic missiles in all directions, nced toward the approaching enemy with


    a sly grin. "Khi khi khi, it seems our opponent this time is a young, beautiful woman."


    "Shut up. She''s a demon," Jovina snapped.


    "Beautiful and sexy demon."


    "Still a demon bitch!" Jovina eximed. "I''m going to rip her mouth open!"


    Southern Gate.


    A portal of molten energy burst into existence, radiating waves of blistering heat as mes and sparks erupted in all directions.


    From its fiery depths stepped a demon, its lizard-like head crowned with cracked, molten horns that glowed with an intense, smoldering heat. Jagged ck spiked armor clung to its muscr frame, and a single dragon-like wing extended from its left side.


    Clutching two massive double swords with searing hot des, the demon let out a thunderous roar. It mmed the weapons into the ground with tremendous force, the impact sending a shower of sparks cascading through the air and shaking the battlefield.


    "Ho ho ho!" it growled. "My hands itch to kill. Today, I''ll ughter everyst one of you!"


    [Duke Alloces - zing Legionnaires Lv. 265]


    [Named Demon - Ranking 52]


    Livelywood, watching from a distance, looked thrilled. "Ah hahaha! My opponent is a dual-


    sword fighter!"


    Starfall nced at him. "Livelywood, remember, he''s a Named Demon."


    "Yeah, I''m not underestimating him," Livelywood replied with a grin. "But surely, this is


    going to be fun."


    Northern Gate.


    The storm clouds swirled violently as a golden portal tore open in the sky, bathing the


    battlefield in a radiant glow.


    From the rift descended a demonic figure, both majestic and terrifying. His head was that of a


    lion, crowned with a zing mane of golden and crimson mes.


    His fiery, angelic wings spread wide, while his crimson robes and gleaming golden armor


    radiated a brilliance. In his hand, he gripped a golden staff.


    "Sinners... they must be annihted," the demon said softly.


    [Marquis Orias - Srion Prideborn Lv. 262] [Named Demon - Ranking 59]

 Chapter 653: Chapter 653 - The Prediction: Doom

    Chapter 653: Chapter 653 - The Prediction: Doom


    ?


    The atmosphere inside Golden Age Company''s main control room was just as chaotic as the battlefield itself.


    Marco, the CEO, sat in his chair, his gaze fixed on the central monitor. The live feed disyed waves of monstrous creatures advancing relentlessly toward the capital city of the Dissidia Kingdom.


    "Have we confirmed that the emergency quest has been sent to all yers?" he asked.


    An assistant immediately replied, "Yes, sir. The quest has been distributed, and push notifications have gone out to everyone."


    Marco exhaled slowly as his eyes flicked to the growing number of online yers disyed on a nearby screen.


    Sighing, he nodded. "The AI predicts a 97% chance that the kingdom will fall. The king... won''t survive."


    A heavy silence settled over the room, each team member processing the weight of those words.


    "Even so, let''s remember that predictions aren''t guaranteed. There''s always the chance for something unexpected. We need to stay sharp and ready."


    He leaned back slightly, running a hand over his face before letting out a deep, measured breath.


    "The AI''s analysis is clear-if things don''t change, the king will fall, and the throne will be lost. All we can do is hope the yers intervene enough to lessen the damage to the city." Marco''s voice softened as he added, "The Champions of Gluttony have been exceptional so far. They''ve exceeded expectations. Let''s see how far they can carry this fight."


    The screen flickered, shifting to show the appearance of the Named Demons now wreaking havoc on the battlefield.


    A member of the team stepped forward to give an urgent briefing, focusing on the profiles of the four monstrous foes.


    A woman in a crisp white coat took charge of the presentation.


    "In the western sector, we''re dealing with King Bm," she said, gesturing toward the disy.


    The screen showcased a towering demon with a bull''s head, massive horns, and armor wreathed in mes. And also a massive zing greatsword the demon held.


    "This demon possesses immense strength, unparalleled defense, and is extraordinarily difficult to kill. On top of that, his damage potential is catastrophic."


    The screen shifted again, this time to disy a summary of King Bm''s most dangerous skills:


    [Bull Head: Unleashes seismic shockwaves that shake the battlefield, creating fissures of moltenva.]


    [Molten Dominion: Summons a fiery aura, transforming the ground around him, scorching any who approach.]


    It became ringly obvious that King Bm''s fire-based attacks weren''t just devastating- they were relentless.


    His abilities inflicted continuous damage on anyone daring to engage him, and with his nigh- imprable defense, defeating him seemed an almost insurmountable task.


    "Just looking at that Demon from here is enough to give me chills."


    "Yeah, it''s massive-and those muscles? Insane."


    "I wonder if Optimus can handle this one."


    "Optimus has great agility and mobility. Plus, he''s versatile with his damage output, and he''s


    got solid survivability thanks to Trison and Toberry supporting him."


    "I''m sure he''ll pull off this fight with optim...ax?"


    The others paused, then exchanged awkward grins at the terrible pun.


    "In the eastern sector, we have Countess Murmur," the woman continued.


    The screen shifted to disy the demon. She was a striking figure, her dark, lightweight armor entuating her form. Flowing white hair framed her face, and a pair of graceful, yet ominous wings extended behind her.


    [Voidfeather Barrage: Summons dark, fiery feathers from her wings, raining them down in a storm of explosive projectiles.]


    [Duskwrath Aura: Emanates a field of corrupted light that disorients enemies while significantly enhancing her speed and agility.]


    "Countess Murmur is not only fast and incredibly agile, but her magic damage output is substantial," the woman exined.


    The image on the screen made it painfully clear. A demon that could fly, attack from range, and move with terrifying speed would be a nightmare to confront-especially in a battlefield as vast as the one in the eastern sector.


    Taking her down would demand a monumental effort.


    "Goldrich and Jovina will have a hard time keeping up with Countess Murmur," someone muttered under their breath.


    "Yeah, mostly because that demon can fly. It''s not exactly ideal when your opponents are better on the ground."


    "But who knows what kind of tricks those two might pull off," another chimed in.


    "Next is Duke Alloces," the woman continued.


    The screen now disyed a towering demon with a lizard-like head. His body was d in fiery armor that seemed to pulse with molten energy. A single dragon wing jutted out from his left side, and in his hands, he wielded two zing swords that radiated an aura of pure


    destruction.


    "Duke Alloces is a master of dual des. He''s a brutal fighter with exceptional agility,


    making him incredibly difficult to counter," she exined.


    The disy shifted, highlighting the demon''s key abilities:


    [Magma Veins: Alloces channels molten energy to reinforce his body, rendering him immune


    to physical attacks and reflecting damage back as bursts of fire.]


    [zing Wrath: When critically injured, Alloces engulfs his entire body in mes,


    dramatically boosting his speed and strength for a short time.]


    From the profile, it was painfully clear that this dual-de demon was a tricky adversary. His ability to nullify physical attacks and enter a berserk state when near death made him a


    formidable challenge.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    A few team members exhaled sharply as they processed the implications. "Livelywood looks like he''s going to have a st with the opponent he''s facing this time," someone murmured.


    "Yeah, I like that kid," another replied. "It''ll be interesting to see how he handles this one."


    "True, but the Magma Veins ability should be counterable by Starfall with her magic


    damage," a third added.


    "But then again," another interjected, "Starfall is more of a versatile mage. Her damage


    output isn''t exactly optimized for situations like this."


    The room fell into a momentary lull as the team collectively sighed.


    The woman pressed on. "Andst, we have Marquis Orias."


    The screen now disyed a demon with the majestic head of a lion, adorned with a pair of grand wings. His robe and crimson armor exuded an air of regal authority, his presence both


    graceful and menacing.


    [Crown of Dominance: Channels divine power to summon spectral lion soldiers or


    temporarily control the minds of his enemies.]


    [Infernal Roar: Emits a deafening roarced with fiery energy, stunning foes and unleashing a


    fiery shockwave that engulfs the battlefield.]


    "Marquis Orias has considerable magic damage potential," the woman exined. "And yes, like Countess Murmur, this one can fly- and he has the ability to summon familiars."


    The team nodded quietly, absorbing the weight of her exnation.


    Marco finally broke the silence, his voice calm but weighted.


    "What does the AI predict about their chances of defeating these four demons with the


    resources we currently have?"


    The woman straightened, her expression grave as she replied. "Inexperienced yers will struggle just to get close to them. Realistically, we can only rely


    on a handful of yers above level 200. As for the Versalor Guild, which is already engaging


    them directly..."


    She trailed off, hesitating before delivering the truth.


    "No. As of now, there''s still no viable solution to defeat all four demons."


    Marco nodded slowly. He exhaled as he muttered, "And this isn''t even the main dish."

 Chapter 654: Chapter 654 - A Shield Against the Crown

    Chapter 654: Chapter 654 - A Shield Against the Crown


    ?


    Princess Alora sat in her chambers, her gaze steady as she fastened thest pieces of her gleaming Invincible Paragon armor. The distant sounds ofmotion reached her ears-a reminder that the day she had dreaded, yet prepared for, had finallye.


    A knock at the door broke her thoughts.


    "Your Highness?" came a familiar voice.


    "Yes?" Alora called. "Come in, Lionell."


    The door creaked open, revealing Lionell, the knight, who stepped inside and bowed deeply.


    "You don''t need to go to war, Your Highness," he said firmly. "Let me handle this. Please, you should leave immediately with Sir Mercy."


    Alora shook her head. "This is my duty."


    Lionell straightened, though his expression remained troubled.


    "Forgive me, Your Highness, but it is also my duty to ensure your safety. You must leave the city at once. I fear what we''ve long suspected hase to pass."


    "The Named Demons?"


    Lionell nodded. "Four Named Demons have already appeared on the battlefield."


    Alora rose from her seat.


    Lionell''s jaw tightened. "But those four... they''re only ranked in the fifties."


    "Are you certain?"


    He nodded again. "Which is why I believe this isn''t all of them. There must be stronger ones yet toe."


    A heavy silence hung between them. Finally, Alora spoke. "The King will fight alone." Lionell bowed his head. "Your Highness, if the higher-ranked Named Demons do appear, the King is the only one capable of facing them effectively. With the aid of the Imperial Knights, perhaps the worst can still be averted."


    Alora clenched her fists before asking quietly, "Where should I go?"


    "Allow me and Sir Mercy to escort you to safety, Your Highness. We must move quickly."


    Before Alora could respond, another figure appeared in the doorway. Sir Mercy, another knight, strode in and bowed low when Alora turned her gaze toward him.


    "We have visitors, Your Highness," Mercy reported.


    Lionell''s eyes narrowed. "Are they the Champions of Gluttony?"


    "Yes," Mercy confirmed with a slight nod.


    Alora stepped out of her chambers, nked by Lionell leading the way and Mercy bringing up the rear.


    "We don''t need to confront them," Lionell said firmly as they walked. "The Champions of Gluttony only gained ess to the pce because someone let them in."


    Mercy frowned but kept his pace steady. "They''re just yers, Sir Lionell. Their levels are below ours."


    "Yes, but they''re Divine Champions," Lionell countered. "The blessings they possess give them significant advantages in certain situations. If we fail to counter their abilities, we could easily find ourselves cornered."


    They hurried through the dimly lit corridors. As they entered a grand, open chamber, they came to an abrupt halt.


    Standing in the center of the room was a man with striking blond hair, his confident smirk illuminated by the faint glow of light. He was d in ck and red armor that seemed to pulse with dark energy, and a pair of curved demon horns adorned his head.


    He was Paul, the leader of the Shadow Wolves Guild.


    "Paul," Lionell muttered.


    "Ha! Ha! Ha!" Paul let out augh. He spread his arms wide in mockery.


    "Two Grand Cross Knights," he said with enthusiasm. "And the esteemed Princess Alora. I must say, I''m ttered to be graced by such important figures tonight."


    Lionell''s gaze remained sharp. "Do you realize it''s pointless to fight us?"


    Paul chuckled. "That''s what I enjoy about you NPCs, so confident in your limitations. Your knowledge is pitifully finite, and you''re too foolish to understand just how extraordinary we Divine Champions and yers really are. Hah!"


    He began to stride toward them, slow and deliberate.


    "This war would end quickly if you hand over her Highness, Princess Alora, and allow me to escort her to safety," Paul said with a smirk.


    "You do realize you''ll have to get through me first before you can even think about doing that, right?"


    "Oh, absolutely... and I''m more than ready to take on not just you!"


    Lionell moved to block his path, drawing his sword as he turned slightly to speak over his shoulder. "Forgive me, Your Highness, but allow me to deal with him alone."


    Mercy stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Your Highness, I will take you to safety from here."


    Alora''s gaze flickered between Paul and Mercy. She nodded and turned to follow Mercy as Lionell prepared to face Paul alone.


    Alora and Mercy quickened their pace, racing through the prepared escape route that led out from the rear of the pce. Several knights stood on guard along the path, nodding in acknowledgment as they passed.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Finally, they emerged into the expanse of the pce''s back gardens.


    However!


    Without warning, Mercy unsheathed his sword and spun around.


    "Stay close, Your Highness!" he said.


    But the moment he turned, his breath caught. Princess Alora stood motionless, her figure encased within a shimmering transparent field.


    "Your Highness!" Mercy shouted, his voice edged with desperation as he swung his sword at


    the barrier.


    The de struck the dome-like energy shield with a sharp ng, but it held firm, sending vibrations through the air.


    Inside the energy shield, Princess Alora wasn''t alone. A man d in heavy ck and red armor stood confidently, his crimson hair gleaming in the light. His massive shield rested casually


    on his arm.


    "Ha ha ha!" The man''sughter echoed within the shimmering barrier.


    Above his head, glowing letters spelled out his name: SpeedGang.


    SpeedGang-a Champion of Gluttony and a member of the Horde of Hell Guild.


    "Surprised to see me, Sir Mercy?" he taunted. "Oh, don''t worry-I''m not here to fight you. My


    focus is solely on her." He motionedzily toward Princess Alora.


    This wasn''t the first time SpeedGang had made waves. He was infamous for his failed attempt to conquer Slumdon Town, where he was decisively defeated by Broken.


    But what made him truly feared wasn''t just his guild or his ambitions. It was his blessing: an ability that allowed him to create a Private Domain, a personalized battlefield sealed off from outside interference.


    Inside the domain, SpeedGang wielded absolute control. Its multiple tiers each came with unique restrictions that he could manipte to suit his needs, ensuring every encounter


    yed out on his terms.


    The blessing was a weapon designed to break even the most skilled opponents.


    SpeedGang turned his attention fully to Alora.


    "Your Highness, Princess Alora," he began smoothly. "My task is simple: to keep you contained here until the war is over."


    He paused, his lips curling into a thin smile.


    "But," he added, "if you refuse to cooperate..." His words hung in the air as his gaze


    hardened. "I won''t hesitate to fight you myself."


    The smile returned as he said. "I''d hate for it toe to that, but I can promise you- this


    domain is where all resistance meets its end."


    At the same moment, Princess Alora took out her sword-a Legendary-grade de forged by


    none other than Broken.


    Alora''s lips curved into a faint smile as she leveled her gaze at SpeedGang.


    "Thanks," she said calmly. "At least now I have a reason to fight. You''ve left me no other


    choice, after all."


    SpeedGang chuckled, his grip tightening around his massive shield as he shifted into a ready


    stance. "I like that confidence, Princess," he replied.


    "Let''s see how far it takes you." Princess Alora responded.

 Chapter 655: Chapter 655 - The Vensalor Vanguard

    Chapter 655: Chapter 655 - The Vensalor Vanguard


    ?


    [Toberry]: "What a mess this is..."


    [Trison]: "So, what''s the n now? Are we seriously supposed to kill that gigantic demon? I mean, how? That thing''s even bigger than Optimus! Hahaha."


    [Optimus]: "Just shut up and focus on the fight, you idiot."


    [Livelywood]: "Guys, check this out! I''ve got a Named Demon opponent with dual swords. This is going to be epic!"


    [Jovina]: "Where does all that enthusiasm of yourse from, Livelywood? Maybe prove you can actually handle it first before getting so excited."


    [Starfall]: "Does anyone have an analysis of these Named Demons'' abilities yet?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    [Elincia]: "I''m on my way to the capital with Ivana. Keep sending updates. Hold the line as long as you can, but if it gets too dangerous, fall back."


    [Broken]: "I''m en route as well-full speed ahead."


    Over the past few months, every member of the Vensalor Guild had undergone significant upgrades. They had improved their armor, enhanced their weapons, leveled up their skills, and even advanced their ss grades. Despite these efforts, most of them had only reached the maximum level of Epic-grade ss.


    In contrast, only four yers were known to possess Unique-grade sses. Among them was Broken, an anomaly who held an unprecedented four Unique-grade sses simultaneously. Then there was Frostedge, a Pride Champion; SexyGrill, the Lust Champion; and Gctron, the leader of the Horde of Hell Guild, who bore the mantle of Gluttony Champion.


    Rumors swirled about the possible existence of two or three additional yers with Unique- grade sses, but their identities remained a mystery for now.


    A Divine Champion ss alone granted immense privileges, but whenbined with a Unique-grade ss, the power and influence of the wielder became unparalleled.


    Western Gate.


    [Optimus - Epic Tempest Virtuoso]


    [Trison - Rare Drunken Healer]


    [Toberry - Rare Potionmaster]


    Optimus was one of the few whose ss grade had advanced to Epic. He darted through the swarm of demons surrounding him. He leapt, kicked, and punched with relentless power, each strikending with calcted force.


    Meanwhile, Trison stayed close to him, doing everything he could to provide healing support. His quick interventions ensured Optimus could keep pushing through the relentless tide of monsters.


    "Ah, damn these demons!" Trison eximed. "Heugh..."


    "Stay focused. Our target is the bull-headed demon at the far end," Optimus replied.


    In the distance, their adversary stood tall-King Bm, his massive greatsword plunged into the ground beside him. Even without considering his level, his sheer size alone made it clear this demon would be a monumental challenge to defeat.


    Optimus steadily pressed forward, cutting through the swarm of demons with precision. He aimed to clear as many as possible on his way to the Named Demon, ensuring he''d have the space to fight without constant interference.


    He knew full well that few others would be able to breach such a dense horde.


    But damn it, he cursed under his breath every time he struggled to finish off one demon, only to be attacked by another from a different angle.


    Meanwhile, Trison darted and weaved with almost uncanny agility, leaping from one side to another as though he could predict and avoid every strike aimed at him.


    This Drunken Healer was a remarkably resilient support, nearly impossible to pin down thanks to his mobility and potent healing skills, which made him incredibly self-sufficient in battle.


    Trison''s relentless healing allowed Optimus to fight at his maximum potential, unleashing his full strength without hesitation.


    Together, their synergy was undeniable-a perfect bnce of offense and defense. The duo was known as The Storm and Sanctuary, a pairing feared across countless battlefields.


    Eastern Gate.


    [Goldrich - Epic Sage Sorcerer]


    [Jovina - Epic Beast Enchanter Empress]


    On the other side of the battlefield, Jovina, her ss now elevated to Epic-grade. Goldrich, an aplished mage equipped with an arsenal of spells, positioned himself as a versatile fighter capable of adapting to anybat situation.


    Goldrich cast a circr area spell around himself, creating a zone where any approaching monsters slowed down drastically. Within moments, additional magic circles erupted from the ground, firing powerful attacks at the enemies.


    Jovina fought within the same protected area, masterfully controlling the battlefield with two summoned beasts. A third, more powerful beast remained unsummoned, held in reserve.


    "What are you waiting for? Deploy him," Goldrich said.


    "Are you kidding?" Jovina retorted with a smirk. "Why don''t you take care of these stupid monsters first? I''ll save him for when we''re up against that flying bitch! Haha!"


    The two of them continued to carve their way through the horde, with Goldrich ensuring they maintained a safe position. Meanwhile, Jovina''s two beasts tore through the enemy ranks, relentlessly attacking from every angle, clearing a path through the chaos.


    Southern Gate.


    [Livelywood - Epic Sword Saint]


    [Starfall - Epic Prismatic Elementalist]


    Starfall''s ss had recently ascended to Epic-grade, and alongside Livelywood, they formed a highly versatile duo. Livelywood pressed the attack with nimble, precise movements, darting through the battlefield and delivering relentless strikes.


    Starfall followed closely, her magic providing constant support. She controlled the crowd with spells that froze and slowed enemies, dealt massive damage, and even weakened their defenses. Her spells created openings for Livelywood tond devastating blows.


    Wherever Livelywood surged forward, Starfall was right behind, her magic seamlesslyplementing his aggression. She provided bursts of damage, healing when needed, and constant elemental control.


    As


    a Prismatic Elementalist, Starfall wielded a wide array of elemental affinities, making her


    an incredibly adaptable mage. Her skills perfectly bnced Livelywood''s focus on raw offense


    and overwhelming power, making their synergy both deadly and efficient.


    Northern Gate.


    [Skywarden - Elite Iron Titan]


    [Charmelyn - Epic Shadow Reaver]


    Charmelyn, now bolstered by the Divine Champion''s blessing, had ascended to Epic-grade ss. This elevation was a reward from her prolonged venture into Hell, a trip that honed her deadly skills. Paired with Skywarden, theirbination was a formidable one.


    Skywarden, the dependable tanker, could break through enemy ranks with ease, providing support and protection. Meanwhile, Charmelyn, with her shadowy copies, delivered precise and lethal damage in all directions.


    While Skywarden drew the enemy''s focus, forcing them to attack him, Charmelyn thrived in the chaos, striking as an unseen assassin. The enemies rarely realized what was happening until it was toote, their ranks dismantled by her relentless precision. Together, they embodied a lethal bnce of damage, evasion, and endurance. Even without a healer, they held their ground for extended periods. Skywarden''s reputation as the strongest tank in the Ass Guild had only grown after joining Vensalor, where he now reigned supreme. As for Charmelyn, she was undeniably the deadliest killer on the field-a predator no enemy


    could escape.


    Every member of the team was giving it their all, holding their ground despite only facing waves of enemy monsters so far. The real challenge, however, was still ahead-the four Named Demons. The looming sh promised to be monumental, and everyone knew it was only a matter of time before they faced it head-on.


    For now, each person was fully absorbed in their own battles, the intensity of the fights


    keeping them on edge.


    Amid the chaos, a message suddenly appeared in the guild chat from Elincia.


    [Elincia]: "I think our trip to the Capital is going to be dyed."


    [Broken]: "Elincia, what happened?"


    [Elincia]: "It seems these Gluttonies are seriously determined to stop some of us from


    reaching the capital, huh?"

 Chapter 656: Chapter 656 - The Princess and Her Demon Ally

    Chapter 656: Chapter 656 - The Princess and Her Demon Ally


    ?


    SpeedGang''s private domain was perfectly tailored for his task-keeping Princess Alora trapped for as long as possible. His objective was simple: dy her until the throne takeover wasplete. Once that was done, his job would be over.


    He smirked, confident this would be an easy assignment. With a casual demeanor, he sat on the ground, resting his massive shield by his side. Across from him, Alora stood, her sword gleaming in the faint light of the domain.


    "What? Why are you just standing there?" he asked mockingly, spreading his arms wide. "Come on, attack me! Ha ha ha ha!"


    Alora remained silent, her jaw clenched in frustration. Her quiet defiance only fueled his amusement.


    "Let me exin how this works. Since we''re going to be stuck here for a while, you might as well know the rules I''ve set for this domain. Oh, and yes, I can adjust them as needed," he added with a smug wave of his hand.


    "First!" he announced, holding up a finger dramatically. "Universal Movement Restriction. Everyone in this domain-yes, that includes summoned beasts-is affected by a weighing and damage-over-time effect tied to their speed. The faster you try to move, the heavier the burden, and the greater the pain. So don''t even think about trying to outmaneuver me."


    He paused, letting words sink in, then raised a second finger.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Second! Damage Reflection. Any physical attack made in this domain will reflect a portion of its damage back to the attacker. The faster your strikes, the more you''ll hurt yourself. Brilliant, isn''t it?"


    SpeedGang leaned back, pulling a bottle of tea from his inventory as if this were nothing more than a pic. He took a leisurely sip before shing her another smirk.


    "Well, that''s it¡ªjust two rules. Simple, effective, and perfectly tailored for this situation. So, have fun trying to figure out a way out of this. Oh, by the way," he added, holding out the bottle. "Care for some tea?"


    SpeedGang leaned back, still watching Princess Alora as she gripped her sword tightly.


    A shame, really, that she was so closely tied to that stupid pest, Broken!


    If only their allegiances didn''t sh. It might''ve been easier for him to approach someone like her under different circumstances. From this close, even SpeedGang couldn''t deny her beauty.


    But then again, what did it matter? With power and influence, beautiful women were never hard toe by¡ªespecially in Yunatea. As long as you held control and wielded strength, everything else fell into ce.


    He nced at the system clock, letting out a sigh. The minutes dragged on endlessly. He could check the live broadcast of the battle outside, but honestly, he couldn''t be bothered. It was all so... dull.


    His eyes drifted to the edge of the domain, where the Grand Cross Knight, some stupid NPC, was still hammering away uselessly, trying to breach the barrier.


    "What an idiot," SpeedGang muttered to himself, shaking his head. "You think you can break this domain? Stupid. Just... stupid!"


    He took another sip of tea, his frustration turning into boredom. Honestly, this whole war felt like a joke. Look at him-sittingfortably, sipping tea, and effortlessly trapping one of the most significant individuals in the conflict.


    If this was supposed to be a war, where was the thrill? The challenge?


    He scoffed, wondering if this tedious state of affairs was because Maylock had taken a break from the game. Without that wildcard stirring the pot, maybe even their so-called enemies, the Vensalor Guild-led by that clueless guildmaster-had lost their edge.


    Was everyone as brainless as the Grand Cross Knight out there?


    With a small chuckle, he turned his gaze back to Princess Alora, his lips curling into a sly smile.


    "Those Named Demons are incredibly powerful," he said with a sigh, his tone almost casual. "I can''t imagine how this kingdom will hold out against them."


    A faint smile curved his lips. "Well, once this is over, a new era in Yunatea will begin. And I''m certain we-the victorious-will reap countless benefits from it. Don''t you think that''s exciting, Princess?"


    He nced at Alora, but her expression remained t.


    "Why don''t we have a little chat?" he continued. "Like... oh, I don''t know... discussing the sheer stupidity of a man named Broken?"


    SpeedGang noticed the sudden shift in Alora''s expression, her once-calm demeanor breaking into something fierce and resolute.


    Oh, was she provoked?


    Alora gritted her teeth, and a burst of energy erupted from her body. She raised the heel of her right foot and stepped forward-one determined step.


    "Oh? A step? Impressive!" SpeedGang chuckled, tilting his head mockingly. "You know, you''re just going to run out of stamina and copse if you keep pushing yourself."


    Ignoring him, Alora clenched her teeth harder and took another step, her body trembling with strain. The energy around her intensified, forming a zing aura that wrapped her entirely.


    Then, with a fierce stomp, sheunched herself forward in a burst of speed-but just as quickly, she crashed to the ground with a loud impact. Her sword dug into the floor as she used it to stop herself from fallingpletely.


    SpeedGang watched with amusement as blood trickled from her mouth and even her eyes, her fiery gaze never faltering despite her obvious agony.


    "See?" SpeedGang said casually, sipping his tea. "You''re only hurting yourself. It''s pointless. And..." he gesturedzily at the distance between them, "you''ll pass out long before you get close enough to reach me."


    For several agonizing moments, Alora kept trying, pushing forward step by painful step, her aura crackling violently around her.


    SpeedGang leaned back, shaking his head. "Ah... is this princess really that stupid?"


    He stared at her, blood streaming from her mouth and nose, pooling around her trembling frame. She looked like she''d keel over at any moment.


    Surely she wouldn''t die, though-right? She wasn''t that fragile.


    Just as he shifted to lie on his side, ready to mock her further, something caught his eye.


    A ck-and-red magic circle suddenly materialized on the ground between him and Alora.


    SpeedGang froze, sitting up abruptly.


    "What is that?" he muttered.


    From the magic circle, a small figure emerged. SpeedGang squinted, his eyes narrowing as he tried to make sense of it. A cat-a small, ck creature with tiny horns protruding from its head-stepped out, its tail flickingzily.


    "A Demon Beast?" SpeedGang muttered in confusion.


    At the same moment, Alora stopped her agonizing attempts to move forward. She remained


    in ce, wiping the blood off her face with a steady hand.


    "Oh, Princess Alora," the cat purred in a yful tone. "I felt your pain and came over. It seems I''ve arrived just in time."


    "Hi, Pawpaw," Alora said softly. "I''m sorry I had to bring you here like this..."


    "Oh, no need for apologies," Pawpaw said with a toothy grin. "It''s my job as your protector."


    "What is that?!" SpeedGang barked. "Since when do you have a summoned Demon Beast?"


    But then, SpeedGang froze, his eyes widening in shock.


    "Wait a minute... is this that Demon Beast? The one Broken owns? How is it here?!"


    "Oh, this little piece of trash hurt you, Princess?" Pawpaw said.


    "No, I hurt myself."


    "Oh, but because of him, right?"


    "Because I''m trapped in this domain."


    "Well..." SpeedGang tried to regain hisposure. "It doesn''t matter! Even if you summoned ten beasts, it wouldn''t change anything. The rules of this domain still apply!"


    Before he could gloat further, Pawpaw melted into the shadows beneath him, vanishing in an instant. Momentster, the cat re-emerged directly in front of SpeedGang, springing from his


    own shadow.


    "Oh? So the rules don''t apply to teleportation?" Pawpaw said with a slyugh. "Interesting!"


    SpeedGang''s smugness evaporated as panic set in. He scrambled to grab his shield.


    "If you attack me, you''ll just hurt yourself! My reflection rule will-"


    "Really?" Pawpaw interrupted.


    Turning back to Alora, the cat raised his voice. "Princess, may I devour this yer?"


    "Yes, Pawpaw," Alora said. "Do whatever you like."


    In an instant, tendrils of shadow erupted from Pawpaw''s body, snaking toward SpeedGang.


    The dark tendrils wrapped around him tightly, cocooning him in seconds. "What are you doing?!" SpeedGang screamed, struggling against the restraints. "Well," Pawpaw said, his tone as casual as if he were discussing the weather, "I''m not attacking you. I''m just... draining your health. That''s an entirely different thing."

 Chapter 657: Chapter 657 - Wings of the Demoness

    Chapter 657: Chapter 657 - Wings of the Demoness


    ?


    The carriage sped across the vast desert in beforeing to an abrupt halt, jolting slightly as it stopped.


    Elincia stood, her eyes scanning the area before them, while Ivana leaped gracefully from the open carriage.


    Ahead of them-though not directly on the ground-a figure hovered in the air.


    The woman wore ck-and-red armor. Her short blonde hair framed her face, a stark contrast to the curved ck demon horns jutting from her head. Behind her, bat-like wings pped, suspending her effortlessly above the desert.


    With an almostnguid motion, she began her descent. The steady beat of her wings stirred the sand below as she touched down lightly on the dusty ground.


    Above her head, a glowing name shimmered in the air: Akiko.


    Elincia and Ivana exchanged brief nces as they assessed the figure before them-the Gluttony Champion, and a well-known member of the Horde of Hell.


    "Hi!" Akiko called out, raising a hand in an energetic wave.


    She giggled, her voice yful. "Oh, it''s Elincia, the famous one! What a surprise. I''m so happy!"


    Elincia and Ivana stood side by side, watching as the woman approached.


    Akiko sauntered forward leisurely, though she stopped a short distance away, maintaining a safe gap between them.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Oh... why the shocked faces?" she asked, followed by a soft chuckle. "I just wanted to say hello."


    She paused, tilting her head as if in thought before continuing, "I was wandering around nearby when I noticed you two. So, I thought I''de say hi!"


    Her smile widened, almost too cheerful. "What do you think about, uhm... ying a little game? How about it?"


    "I''m not in the mood for games," Elincia responded coldly. "Just get out of our way." Akiko''s expression shifted into a mock pout. "Oh... what''s with the cold response? I only wanted to greet someone as famous as you..."


    Elincia''s lips curved into a faint smirk at Akiko''s words. "Ivana," she said quietly. "You know the assignment, right?"


    Ivana gave a small nod.


    "Uh... wait, wait, wait!" Akiko said, her tone suddenly shifted. "I didn''te here to cause trouble, see? I came in peace. What about, uh, having a nice chat instead?"


    Elincia didn''t respond verbally, but her body suddenly lit up with crackling blue energy, arcs of electricity sparking around her form.


    Ivana followed suit, summoning her Massive Shield.


    "Oh,e on, girls..." Akiko said. "I came peacefully! I don''t want to fight!"


    "Shut up and save your excuses for when we''ve forced you to log out of this game, bitch!" Elincia snapped.


    "What? Bitch?" Akiko shouted back. "I came here nicely, and this is how you treat me? That''s just rude!"


    "I said save it," Elincia replied. "We''ll kill you easily."


    Akiko''s wings red out as her temper ignited. "Wait! You do know I''m a Gluttony Champion, right? You think you can just beat me? That''s adorable."


    With a flick of her wrists, two swords materialized in her hands, zing with scorching mes that danced along the des. She spun them once before pointing them at the pair.


    "Elincia, I know you''re famous and powerful, but let''s be real-you''re only at an Epic-grade ss," Akiko said.


    "While I... I''m a Divine Champion. You know how significant that status is. Consider this your final warning: I came in peace," she added.


    "Then let''s see what you''ve got," Elincia shot back, electricity crackling as blue lightning surged around her.


    Akiko was one of the less visible members of the Horde of Hell, a guild whose notorietyrgely stemmed from its mboyant leader, Gctron the Necromancer, and the loudmouthed SpeedGang.


    Unlike her guildmates, Akiko operated in the shadows, rarely making her movements known.


    She was a dual-sword fighter who specialized in overwhelming her enemies with blistering speed and devastating melee precision.


    Her ss revolved around maximizing the effectiveness of her double des while leveraging her bat-like wings for unparalleled mobility. With the ability to fly, she was a nightmare for grounded opponents, able to avoid meleebat while closing the gap on long-range attackers with terrifying ease.


    What made Akiko truly feared, however, was her rumored invulnerability to magic and projectiles. yers who had faced her spoke in hushed tones about her apparent immunity,ining that she seemed utterly unaffected by ranged spells or arrows-a seemingly unfair cheat.


    It was this lethality and her alleged invincibility that earned her a fearsome reputation. Many yers who had faced her barelysted seconds before being struck down, her swords carving through them with effortless precision.


    What a stupid cheat ability!


    That was themon sentiment among those who spoke of her exploits. The Divine Champions, after all, were notorious for possessing abilities that felt like they broke the very rules of the game.


    Even so, no ability was without its weaknesses. Akiko''s methods and powers remained a mystery to most, but weaknesses were always there-hidden, waiting to be exploited.


    With two skilled opponents like Elincia and Ivana, the odds were finally stacked against Akiko. Together, they might be able to push her to her limits, forcing her to reveal the cracks in her seemingly invincible armor.


    "Ivana, attack relentlessly without stopping!"


    "Oh, you''re really forcing my hand," Akiko replied, her expression shifting to one of


    disappointment.


    She tightened her grip on her dual swords, shing them in a series of quick arcs as she readied herself for the fight.


    Elincia floated in midair. Raising both hands, she unleashed several magic missiles that surged toward Akiko with deadly precision.


    Akiko''s lips curled into a faint smile as she pped her wings sharply, propelling herself toward her enemies. The missiles streaking toward her were effortlessly sliced apart midair by her twin des, dissolving into harmless sparks as they disintegrated.


    Elincia''s eyes widened in rm.


    Closing the gap in a sh, Akiko aimed a fierce dual-ded strike at Ivana.


    Ivana raised her massive shield just in time, bracing against the blow. The impact forced her back several paces, her feet skidding against the ground under the sheer force of Akiko''s


    attack.


    From above, Elincia swiftly summoned another spell, her hands weaving arcs of crackling energy. A deafening boom echoed across the desert as a bolt of lightning tore down from the


    sky, streaking toward Akiko.


    But Akiko didn''t flinch. She nced briefly at the iing lightning, smirked, and maneuvered her wings in a tight fold to shield her body. The lightning crashed into her, only to fizzle out harmlessly upon contact, dissipating like mist against her wings.


    Akiko''s smirk deepened as sheunched herself toward Elincia with a single, powerful p of


    her wings.


    "Elincia!" Ivana called out.


    Elincia hastily summoned a protective magic shield around herself, but Akiko''s swords carved through it like paper. The barrier shattered in a sh of blue light.


    Ivana moved to intercept Akiko''s next attack, hurling her massive shield with full force. The


    shield rocketed toward Akiko, aiming to knock her off bnce.


    But something unexpected happened...


    The moment the shield struck Akiko''s wings, it rebounded harmlessly, its momentum


    completely nullified. It ttered to the ground.


    "I told you, didn''t I?" Akiko said with a smirk.


    "It''s all pointless!" she shouted.


    Elincia''s expression tightened with visible stress. She needed to figure out the true ability of


    this bitch-and fast!

 Chapter 658: Chapter 658 - A Duel Postponed, A Chase Begun

    Chapter 658: Chapter 658 - A Duel Postponed, A Chase Begun


    ?


    Broken sat in the rear section of the crawling carriage, enclosed within the mechanical shell of Beebot.


    The journey to the capital stretched on, and every passing second gnawed at his patience. He hated the waiting-every moment felt like an eternity.


    He couldn''t stop his thoughts from spiraling. What kind of shape would the Dissidia Kingdom be in by the time he arrived? Would the capital already be reduced to rubble?


    The weight of the possibilities pressed down on him, intensifying the stress coiling in his chest. Reports were already flooding in about demons converging on the capital from all directions.


    The reality of the situation was overwhelming. He hadn''t expected the attack to be this massive. Thankfully, most of the Vensalor Guild members were stationed at the capital, providing critical support to keep the city from falling.


    At least, for now.


    But what about the King? And the Imperial Knights? They weren''t forces to be underestimated. With their strength and experience, the kingdom''s defenses should, theoretically, be formidable. Shouldn''t this be a straightforward victory if they intervened?


    Yet Broken knew better than to underestimate the enemy.


    A calcted assault like this wouldn''t happen without extensive nning. The opposing forces wouldn''t blindly throw demons into battle without considering the King''s power and his elite knights.


    The demons appearing thus far, averaging levels in the 2005, were likely just the first wave-a prelude. It wasn''t hard to deduce that the real threat hadn''t shown its face yet.


    And then there were the 4 Named Demons, each ranked in the 50s.


    He had faced one before in a simr ranking-Gremory-and the sheer terror of that encounter was something he could never forget. A haunting reminder of just how overwhelming such a battle could be.


    If Gremory''s power was anything to go by, facing a Named Demon in an open field would have been an entirely different nightmare. Even in a controlled environment, he had to die multiple times before he finally managed to scrape together every ounce of his power and strategy to defeat it.


    But now? Four Named Demons?


    The thought made his stomach twist. This was a battle on an entirely different scale, one he couldn''t imagine surviving without losses.


    "Broken!"


    A sharp voice echoed through the room just as Broken was about to bring his hammer down on the glowing anvil. He stopped mid-swing, his head snapping up as Pawpaw materialized atop the anvil.


    "Princess Alora is in a hard battle," the little cat said.


    "Then go to her!" he responded immediately.


    Pawpaw''s tail swayed. "Are you sure? The monsters on this journey aren''t more... appetizing than the ones at the capital?"


    "There are a lot of demons at the capital. What do you think?"


    "Meow!" Pawpaw purred. "I do want to eat a lot of demons."


    "Then assist her already."


    With a flicker of shadow, Pawpaw''s form dissolved into darkness, vanishingpletely. Broken''s grip tightened on his hammer as he stared at the empty space where Pawpaw had stood.


    In all the time he''d acquired the spirit beast, Pawpaw had never suddenly appeared to deliver a warning about Princess Alora.


    For him to im that Princess Alora needed help meant something serious was happening- something dire enough that her two elite knight protectors couldn''t handle it alone.


    His knuckles turned white as his grip on the hammer grew more tense.


    "If only this stupid journey didn''t have to take so damn long!" he growled under his breath.


    Broken couldn''t focus on his crafting. Every update that popped up in the guild chat pulled his attention, distracting him with escting reports.


    He gritted his teeth, hammer poised mid-air, as another update came through.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Elincia and Ivana-they had been intercepted by someone from the Horde of Hell Guild.


    That stopped him cold. If the Horde of Hell was putting in extra effort to dy them before they even reached the capital.


    This wasn''t a random attack. It was part of a carefully orchestrated n.


    The credit, of course, went to the Guild Master of the Horde of Hell-Gctron.


    Many said his brilliance rivaled even Maylock, the Vensalor Guild''s own tactical genius.


    But, before Broken could dwell on the thought...


    The carriage jolted to an unexpected stop. He was thrown slightly forward by the abrupt halt, a cold realization hitting him.


    Something or someone had stopped Beebot.


    Without hesitation, Broken flung open the rear door, vaulted onto the top of the carriage, and strode quickly to the front. Standing in Beebot''s path was a lone figure-a yer.


    The person blocking the way was a boy, barely in his teens, likely around the same age as Livelywood or Melliandra.


    His brown hair was a disheveled mess, giving him a careless appearance. He wore a flowing magic robe in hues of ck and green. Beside him hovered a grimoire, its pages flipping open and closed as if alive.


    Above the boy''s head floated a name that carried a clear and undeniable threat:


    Gctron.


    The Gluttony Champion. The leader of the Horde of Hell Guild. A Unique-grade ss holder. And a Necromancer.


    "Broken..."


    The boy''s voice wasn''t loud, but in the stillness of the desert air, it carried clearly.


    "I came alone... just for you," he said, his tone t.


    Of course. If the Horde of Hell had sent one of their Gluttony Champions to intercept Elincia


    and Ivana, it was only natural they''d do the same for Broken.


    And who better for the task than their guildmaster himself? Here he was-their weingmittee, in the form of Gctron.


    Broken''s eyes narrowed slightly, though his tone remained casual.


    "I''m in a bit of a hurry. Can you move? Because if you don''t..." He gestured to his crawling


    carriage. "...this living, breathing piece of metal is going to run you over."


    "Oh, yeah..." Gctron replied. "The carriage is pretty cool. A Golem, right?"


    "Yes. Wanna ride?"


    Gctron tilted his head slightly.


    "That''s a tempting offer... but not today. There''s something else I have to do right now."


    "Well then, by all means, carry on. I won''t stop you." Broken shrugged.


    "Can''t..." Gctron replied. "Because it involves you."


    "Oh, really?" Broken asked, still calm. "Make it quick. I''m in a hurry."


    Gctron''s tone shifted slightly, louder now. "Broken... let''s fight to the death."


    There it was. He''d already guessed Gctron was here for him, but now the guildmaster was making it official.


    The problem wasn''t the challenge itself. It was Gctron''s reputation. The boy was infamous for his brilliance and power, both of which made any fight with him a dangerous time sink.


    He wasn''t afraid, but he couldn''t afford to let Gctron''s intent-to dy him-seed.


    "That''s an interesting offer," Broken muttered.


    Gctron replied. "Alright then, let''s do it. I promise to give it my all in this fight... but


    please, don''t disappoint me."


    Broken leaped in front of Beebot, the crawling carriage vanishing in an instant as his boots hit the ground. He stood tall, facing Gctron, before a sly grin crept across his face.


    "But," he continued, "I think we can save this for another day."


    Without waiting for a reaction, Broken leaped backward as Polly materialized beside him, her


    massive wings spreading wide in a single, graceful motion.


    Broken timed his move perfectly, vaulting onto Polly''s back just as she began to beat her


    wings. With a powerful burst, the flying foxunched into the sky at incredible speed.


    "Well, I wonder... will running from him really be this easy?" Broken thought to himself,


    ncing back briefly.


    As his gaze shifted to Gctron, his heart sank.


    Near the boy, a magic circle had appeared. Not just any magic circle-this one was fucking massive, glowing with ominous green runes that pulsed across the desert floor.


    From within the circle, shadows began to rise, twisting and writhing as green energy surged through them. Slowly, something emerged-something monstrous.


    It was hell itself made manifest.


    A massive skeletal dragon, its colossal form dripping with shadow energy, its bones glowing faintly with an eerie green aura, climbed forth from the circle.


    Its form was sorge and clear against the barren desert that it seemed to dominate thend.


    Broken''s breath caught as he watched Gctron float, seemingly sucked into the dragon''s


    body. And then-


    The skeleton dragon''s massive wings unfurled with a deafening crack, sending a gust of wind


    rippling through the air.


    It pped once, twice, and then it too ascended, soaring after Broken with terrifying speed. "Are you kidding me?!" Broken growled, gripping Polly tighter as the chase began.

 Chapter 659: Chapter 659 - The Desert Sky Burns

    Chapter 659: Chapter 659 - The Desert Sky Burns


    ?


    Skeletal Dragon?!


    What the heck!


    How does someone like him already have a summon this massive? How?! Did he actually kill a dragon and turn it into his summon? That''s insane!


    The skeletal dragon spread its colossal wings, and with a single p, it surged forward, covering an incredible distance effortlessly. Perched atop its massive skull was Gctron, sitting as though it were a casual throne.


    "Polly, fly as fast as you can!" Broken shouted.


    The dragon opened its gaping maw, releasing a torrent of green-and-ck mes that roared through the air, heading straight for Broken.


    Polly banked hard, diving downward in a desperate maneuver to avoid the st. The mes streaked past, scorching the air above them, but the edge of the inferno still grazed Broken. His health bar dipped sharply.


    Damn!


    The dragon kept up its relentless assault, spewing fire that painted the sky in glowing trails of green and shadow. Polly pped her wings furiously, weaving through the air with incredible agility, while Broken pressed his body close to her back to reduce the wind resistance buffeting him.


    This skeletal dragon was a force of sheer destruction, its potential for devastation undeniable. Broken couldn''t help but imagine the chaos Gctron could unleash if he decided to visit any city and reduce it to ashes with the dragon''s terrifying power. The thought sent a chill down his spine. This wasn''t just a weapon-it was a symbol of terror.


    But one question gnawed at his mind. Was this the first time Gctron had summoned this skeletal dragon?


    He had never heard of such a thing before. Was this some new summon Gctron had acquired? Or was it simply another one of the Necromancer''s secrets, kept hidden until now? Whatever the answer, it was clear: the existence of this dragon meant Gctron''s strength was far more dangerous than anyone had previously assumed.


    Dozens of magic circles formed around the dragon. Before Broken could process what was happening, they began to fire in unison.


    Not just magic missiles-green shadow fireballs.


    They rained down like a relentless barrage, chasing Polly with brutal precision. Some of the fireballs exploded mid-air, creating chaotic shockwaves, while others struck randomly across the desert, sending up clouds of sand and fire.


    Polly darted and twisted in an effort to dodge, but one fireball clipped her wing. She let out a sharp cry as the green mes spread across the surface, leaving a burning trail of shadow fire.


    If this kept up, Polly would falter, and they''d both crash.


    The day was waning, the sky slowly turning amber. If night fell, Broken could activate his Eternal me form, granting him ess to his scythe and long-range bow skills. But right now?


    Would arrows even be effective against this thing?


    Polly dove sharply, hugging the ground in an effort to shake the projectiles. But the fireballs continued to rain down, each impact tearing into the earth and erupting in violent explosions that sent shockwaves rolling through the desert.


    "Damn!" Broken hissed, holding tight to Polly as he assessed the situation.


    How much mana does this skeletal dragon even have?!


    This level of sustained firepower was insane for a single summon. And worse, he knew this was likely not even Gctron''s only summon.


    He wasn''t just dealing with a dragon-he was up against the mastermind necromancer who had undoubtedly nned for this encounter from the start.


    Gctron had clearly anticipated that Broken would use Polly, his flying fox, to escape. It exined his confidence in bringing a massive skeletal dragon that could dominate the skies.


    Polly darted through the air, her agile maneuvers keeping them alive as explosions roared around them.


    Each st shook the air, forcing her to twist, dive, and dodge with every ounce of her speed and skill. But no matter how fast she moved, the green-and-ck fireballs kepting. One st after another struck closer and closer, grazing her body and scorching her fur.


    Broken clenched his fists.


    This isn''t sustainable. Polly can''t keep this up.


    Should he try to fight the Necromancer?


    Broken nced back at the massive skeletal dragon. There was no way Gctron could sustain a summon of this magnitude indefinitely. It was a gamble now-who wouldst longer: Polly or the dragon''s summon duration?


    Seconds felt like hours as Polly endured hit after hit. Her movements remained swift, but her body began to falter. Burns from the shadow fire marred her once-pristine wings, and every beat of her flight felt heavier.


    It wasn''t that Polly was weak. She simply wasn''t built for prolonged aerialbat. Her flying skill was still new, a result of Broken''s relentless upgrades, but itcked the endurance needed for battles like this.


    "Damn it!" Broken cursed loudly.


    He was wasting time, running with no way to counterattack. The dragon''s constant barrage kept him pinned, unable to mount any kind of offense.


    The situation became dire. Polly''s stamina and health were draining rapidly, her burns worsening. She couldn''t survive much longer.


    "Polly, head for the ground!" Broken ordered.


    Polly obeyed instantly, folding her wings and diving toward the desert floor. With a powerful kick, she transitioned into a sprint, her paws kicking up clouds of sand as she dashed across the ground. Explosions continued to rain down behind them, leaving craters in their wake.


    Just as Broken thought they had a brief reprieve, a thunderous p echoed through the air. The skeletal dragon surged ahead, its massive wings propelling it past them in a single, terrifying motion.


    The dragonnded heavily in their path, its glowing green eyes locking onto Polly and Broken. It pped its wings again, stirring a gust of wind that sent sand flying in all directions.


    Polly staggered, her body trembling under the strain. She was on the brink of copse.


    Broken''s jaw clenched as he assessed the situation.


    He had no choice-Polly couldn''t take another hit.


    Broken slid off Polly''s back, his boots hitting the desert sand with a heavy thud. He gently


    stroked the fox''s head, his expression softening briefly.


    "Master, I can still fight," Polly said, her voice faint.


    "It''s okay," Broken replied calmly. "Rest, Polly."


    Polly gave a small nod before her glowing form dissolved into light, vanishing.


    Across the battlefield, the skeletal dragon began to disintegrate as well, its massive frame breaking apart into streams of shadow and green energy. Slowly, Gctron descended from its head, his boots touching the desert floor as the dragon vanishedpletely.


    Was the summon duration up, or did Gctron dismiss it to conserve resources?


    Broken didn''t know for sure. What he did know was that the air was no longer an option. There was only one choice left-fight this Necromancer head-on and end this quickly.


    The grimoire beside Gctron moved sharply, its pages flipping at a rapid pace, glowing runes appearing on the parchment.


    Around him, multiple magic circles began forming in the sand. These weren''t massive like the one used for the dragon-they were smaller, justrge enough to summon human-sized


    creatures.


    From the circles, energy surged-shadow and green mist twisting upward-and skeletal figures began wing their way out, as if emerging from the depths of hell.


    Each skeleton was armed, some clutching swords, others daggers, their hollow eyes glowing faintly with green energy. They formed a ring around Gctron, standing at attention like a


    ghastly skeletal army.


    Broken narrowed his eyes. He wasn''t unfamiliar with facing opponents who relied on summons¡ªhe had his own, after all. But the scale of this was something else entirely. Whose summons were stronger? Whose were greater in number?N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Broken," Gctron called out. "Shall we continue? This is just the beginning. Stage one."


    He smirked, the faint glow of the grimoire intensifying as the skeletons raised their weapons


    in unison.


    Broken raised his hand, summoning his Wavebreaker Spear in a sh of shimmering blue light. The weapon materialized in his grip. As the energy surged around him, his full gear set materialized piece by piece, encasing him in armor designed for endurance and devastating


    strikes.


    He clenched his spear tightly, his eyes scanning the skeletal army that surrounded Gctron.


    Gaia, his most powerful summon, remained locked away for now. He couldn''t afford to call her out yet¡ªnot against these summons. She would be vital on the real battlefield, and Broken knew he''d need her strength when it mattered most.


    "Let''s see how durable these summons of yours really are," Broken muttered.

 Chapter 660: Chapter 660 - The Ice That Shatters Shadows

    Chapter 660: Chapter 660 - The Ice That Shatters Shadows


    ?


    Broken had trained relentlessly to maximize his efficiency with the spear, conserving both Mana and Stamina. He couldn''t afford to go all out, not until he fully understood the extent of


    Gctron''s power.


    The Necromancer, no doubt, would hold nothing back. His goal was clear: stop Broken at all costs, or better yet, kill him. But Broken had no time to waste. The capital was under siege, and a massive battle raged there. He had to make it in time.


    With a quick breath, he activated his skill.


    [Ocean''s Wrath (Active Skill) activated.]


    The ground trembled as waves of shimmering water materialized around Broken, crashing forward in a torrent toward Gctron and his skeletal army.


    Gctron''s eyes gleamed faintly, and with a flicker of movement, he floated backward, effortlessly dodging the oing waves. His summons, however, weren''t so lucky. The force of the water mmed into them, sending many tumbling backward.


    Seizing the opening, Broken dashed forward.


    His spear spun in his hands as he delivered a precise sweep, followed by a powerful thrust and a defensive spin parry.


    [Spear Guard (Conditional Passive Skill) Lv. 5 triggered.]


    One of the skeletons lunged, but Broken''s spear caught the attack perfectly, deflecting it and sending the creature sprawling to the ground.


    [Groundbreaker (Active Skill) Lv. 5 activated.]


    Broken mmed the spear into the earth, creating a shockwave that erupted around him. Several skeletons were flung backward, their bones rattling as they crumbled under the force.


    But the skeleton warriors were relentless. They attacked from all directions with brutal precision,pletely disregarding the damage they sustained.


    Broken countered each strike, his movements fluid and agile. Overhead strikes, sweeping cuts, precision thrusts.


    He knew the fastest way to defeat a summoner was to go for the summoner himself. Gctron was the linchpin. If Broken could break through andnd a decisive blow, the battle would be


    over.


    But damn it-these skeletons just kepting. Their numbers weren''t just overwhelming; they seemed to multiply.


    "Damn it!"


    His frustration mounted as more skeletons rose to rece those he had already destroyed.


    Broken pulled on his Legendary-grade Flowing Tide Cape, the fabric shimmering like liquid water in the sunlight. With a quick motion, he activated his Water Domain.


    A dome of shimmering water expanded outward, enveloping the skeleton warriors surrounding him.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    [Sea of Storms (Active Skill) activated.]


    Dozens of magic circles appeared in the air above him, glowing faintly before unleashing a barrage of water spears that rained down mercilessly on the skeleton warriors below.


    The spears struck with devastating force, shattering many of the skeletons into splinters of bone and shadow.


    But the respite was brief. More skeletons emerged from the edges of the battlefield, wing their way out of Gctron''s ever-present magic circles.


    What about their damage, do they have good damage output?


    Yes they did.


    Their attacks weren''t particrly strong on their own, but their sheer numbers made it impossible to ignore. Each scratch and strike chipped away at Broken''s health, the swarm slowly wearing him down.


    [Nature''s Herald (Active Skill) Lv. 2 Activated]


    Summoning one of his Gaia Beasts, Broken called forth the Elder Tree Dragon.


    A dragon formed from twisting wood and lush greenery appeared above the battlefield. It roared as it swooped through the air. With a deep breath, the dragon unleashed a sweeping magic attack, its breath tearing through the skeleton warriors like a storm.


    Despite the relief, more skeletons reced the fallen. The battlefield was bing a war of attrition, and Broken knew he couldn''t keep this up indefinitely.


    He continued to fight. His spear spun in elegant arcs, cutting through skeletons with sweeps, thrusts, and powerful underhand strikes. Each movement was precise, but the endless swarm left him little room to breathe.


    Seeing no other choice, Broken leapt toward Gctron, aiming to end this at its source. His spear glinted as heunched himself forward, ready to strike.


    But Gctron simply smirked.


    The Necromancer floated effortlessly away, drifting just out of reach with an infuriating ease.


    Broken''s spear spun as he shed through another wave of skeleton warriors, his frustration mounting. He had plenty of area attacks, but the mana usage for those skills was too high to sustain against an enemy that seemed endlessly replenished.


    His Invincible Paragon defensive skills were holding up well, mitigating much of the damage from the relentless attacks. But even with his strong defense, it was clear this battle wasn''t about defeating him-it was about stalling.


    Damn it!


    Broken gritted his teeth as the realization hit harder.


    Gctron wasn''t trying to win outright. This entire fight was a deliberate ploy to waste his time, to drain his resources and leave him weaker for the real battle at the capital.


    Then, suddenly-


    The temperature around him dropped drastically!


    Broken''s movements faltered as his breath became visible in the air. "What the...?" he muttered, ncing around in confusion.


    In an instant, the ground beneath him began to freeze, shards of ice spreading out in intricate, jagged patterns. The ice expanded rapidly, forming a massive magic circle of fragmented frost across the battlefield.


    Before he could react further, the encroaching ice enveloped the skeleton warriors, freezing them in ce.


    The horde that had been relentlessly attacking moments ago was now nothing but a frozen army, captured mid-strike in jagged blocks of glistening ice.


    As if on cue, a sword fell from the sky with blinding speed, embedding itself into the frozen ground. A shockwave of icy energy erupted outward from the impact, sending cascading explosions of frost in all directions.


    The frozen skeletons shattered instantly, their remains scattering like brittle ss.


    Broken shielded his face from the st, lowering his arm only when the icy destruction


    subsided.


    Above, a figure descended gracefully,nding atop the hilt of the sword now lodged in the


    ground.


    Bnced perfectly, a man stood tall, his long ck hair tied back behind him. He wore light blue armor with an icy sheen.


    Broken turned to the neer. It was Frostedge, someone he had sparred with a few weeks


    ago.


    The man descended gracefully from his sword,nding lightly on the ground before pulling the de free. He turned to Broken, holding his sword downward with both hands, and gave a


    slight bow.


    "Broken, forgive my interruption. I happened to be passing by and noticed this swarm of


    skeleton warriors."


    "Btw, thanks for the assistance," Broken replied.


    "Anyway," Frostedge continued, "I''m on my way to the capital and was hoping I could hitch a


    ride in your carriage-if you don''t mind."


    "Sure, that''s fine," Broken said with a small nod. "But I think you''ll need to wait until I''m


    done dealing with these skeletons."


    Frostedge nodded again. He nced toward Gctron, a faint smile ying on his lips.


    "Broken," Frostedge said casually, not looking away from Gctron, "would you mind if I... helped speed up your journey a bit?"


    "Surely, that would be appreciated," Broken replied, stepping to Frostedge''s side. "Any help


    is always wee."


    Gctron, standing at a distance, remained motionless for a moment. Then, a low chuckle


    escaped his lips. He lowered his head slightly, running a hand through his messy brown hair


    before pushing it back.


    "Ha ha ha..." Gctron''s shoulders shook as his chuckles grew louder. He raised his head, his


    grin stretching wide.


    "I''m so happy!" he eximed. "Hahaha! This is going to be so much fun!"


    From the guild chat, members who were keeping tabs on the situation quickly chimed in with


    theirments.


    [Goldrich]: "We have three protagonists from different perspectives meeting in the same


    ce. This feels like a pivotal moment in a novel."


    [Tora]: "Damn it! I should be there to witness that battle firsthand!"


    [Freya]: "I''m on my way toward Broken''s location with RememberMe and the others. Let me


    record what''s about to be an epic showdown."


    [RememberMe]: "Hahaha! This is going to be so much fun to watch!"

 Chapter 661: Chapter 661 - Galactrons Nightmare Summons

    Chapter 661: Chapter 661 - Gctron''s Nightmare Summons


    ?


    What was Frostedge doing here? He mentioned heading to the capital earlier.


    Of course everyone knew something monumental was happening in the capital. A massive war was underway, and someone like Frostedge wouldn''t want to miss a rare moment like this.


    Fighting any demons there would undoubtedly yield significant experience points, and contributing to the takedown of a Named Demon could mean unparalleled rewards.


    For now, the battlefield was clear of skeleton warriors, all of them frozen and shattered by Frostedge''s earlier disy of power. However, Gctron still stood at a distance, his expression t and unbothered.


    A sudden agreement had been made-Frostedge would assist Broken in defeating Gctron in exchange for a ride to the capital.


    Not a bad deal, all things considered.


    But Gctron wasn''t fazed. His grimoire spun faster now, emanating green-and-ck energy.


    Broken''s eyes narrowed-he recognized this pattern. Gctron was preparing another summon.


    Surely, he''s not out of summons already. No way he''d run dry against two Divine Champions, right? For an instant, the scene might''ve looked like two adults bullying a teenage boy. But in this game, appearances were deceiving. Gctron wasn''t just a child-he was a Necromancer with overwhelming power. A divine champion, and also a Unique-grade ss holder.


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 Chapter 662: Chapter 662 - Elemental Rune Cataclysm

    Chapter 662: Chapter 662 - Elemental Rune Cataclysm


    ?


    Frostedge glided across the desert, a thin sheet of ice forming beneath his feet as he skated with effortless grace. And this guy-seriously-this guy was skating like an Olympic athlete, weaving and maneuvering with unbelievable agility.


    He closed in quickly on his two targets: the archer skeleton and the mage skeleton. The moment they noticed him, both locked onto him with precision.


    The mage skeleton unleashed a volley of magic missiles, while the archer skeleton moved with unnerving speed. Despite being nothing more than a collection of bones held together by a mass of shadow and green energy, the skeleton moved with the grace and agility of a living being!


    Frostedge swung his sword repeatedly, conjuring discs of ice in midair with rapid precision. The icy shields blocked each projectile as he advanced, his movements fluid and calcted. This magic sword fighter wasn''t just fast-he was blindingly fast. He closed the distance to the mage skeleton in moments, his de shing as he executed a powerful sh. A massive ice formation erupted around the mage skeleton, rising like jagged spires to entrap it in a frozen prison.


    But the mage skeleton didn''t go down without resistance. It radiated a violent burst of energy, cracking the ice that encased it, refusing to be subdued.


    Meanwhile, the archer skeleton charged its bow with a glowing green arrow. The pull was so intense that the skeleton itself recoiled from the tension of the string. The arrow fired with a deafening snap, rocketing toward Frostedge.


    It was a direct hit-


    ¡ªuntil, in an instant, walls of ice sprang up behind Frostedge, formingyers of protective barriers. The projectile struck one of the walls with a loud crack, shattering it but failing to reach its target.


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 Chapter 664: Chapter 664 - When Two Champions Collide with Death

    Chapter 664: Chapter 664 - When Two Champions Collide with Death


    ?


    The ground shook violently, a deafening quake that cracked the desert. Massive chunks of earth rose into the air, creating a chaotic battlefield of floating, crumbling tforms. Massive boulders rained down, crashing into the ground with earth-shattering explosions, sending plumes of sand and debris flying into the sky.


    The battlefield waspletely consumed by the chaosyer uponyer of destruction, so dense that it became impossible to see what was happening in the heart of it all. The air itself seemed thick with sand and energy, leaving the oue shrouded in uncertainty.


    "This fight is insane," Forev muttered.


    "Ch, if only we could do something to at least help," RememberMe said.


    "No way!" Forev snapped back, shaking her head. "Even getting close would be suicide. Just one hit from those elite skeletons, and we''d be dead instantly."


    Freya sighed. "This Necromancer is a real cockroach... rumor has it he''s never died in this game. Not even once."


    Pussycat chimed in. "But this fight is a nightmare. Even with Broken and Frostedge working together, it''s not getting any easier."


    Freya nodded. "More like, none of them can actually kill each other. It''s just a matter of dragging this fight out as long as possible."


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 Chapter 666: Chapter 666 - Striking From Above and Below

    Chapter 666: Chapter 666 - Striking From Above and Below


    ?


    Elincia and Ivana vs Akiko.


    Elincia finally decided to stay on the ground, standing close to Ivana, who kept a magic shield up to protect her. Their opponent, Akiko, floated above them, her bat-like wings pping steadily as she looked down on them.


    "Didn''t I tell you?" Akiko sneered. "I just wanted to chat, but you two insisted on fighting me. And for what? It''s all a waste of effort."


    Elincia had thrown everything she had at Akiko earlier, casting magic attack after magic attack, but all of them had been neutralized by Akiko''s wings. The constant futility had left her frustrated and emotionally drained.


    Now, she''d retreated to the ground, recovering under Ivana''s protective skills, while her mind raced with possibilities.


    Elincia had a few theories about how Akiko''s Gluttony Champion powers worked, but putting them to the test was proving to be nearly impossible. Akiko''s agility and mobility were off the charts-she darted and flew effortlessly across the battlefield, evading every attempt to pin her down.


    No matter how hard Elincia and Ivana tried, not a single attack had managed tond. The frustration was overwhelming. This fight wasn''t just draining their energy-it was pushing Elincia''s patience and emotions to their breaking point.


    They couldn''t let this drag on any longer. Akiko''s purpose was clear-to stop Elincia and Ivana from reaching the capital. If they continued defending like this, the battle would never end. The only option left was to kill her, and fast.


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 Chapter 667: Chapter 667 - Fire vs. Fists

    Chapter 667: Chapter 667 - Fire vs. Fists


    ?


    Western Gate.


    Optimus, Trison, and Toberry vs King Bm.


    Optimus moved with relentless speed, leaping into the air and delivering a powerful punch that sent the demon blocking his path flying.


    With barely a pause, he followed up with an overhead kick, mming another demon to the ground. His movements were fluid and precise, darting from one enemy to the next, weaving through the horde of demons surrounding him.


    Behind him, Trison, with his impressive agility, dodged and danced around attacks, providing critical support from the rear. Meanwhile, Toberry, visibly frustrated, struggled to keep up with the duo''s chaotic fighting style.


    "Optimus...!" Toberry shouted, breathless. "Wait for me! Don''t move so fast!"


    Momentster, the three of them stood together, facing the towering figure of King Bm. The massive demon, with his bull''s head and fiery greatsword, loomed over them like a living mountain. His glowing eyes nced down.


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 Chapter 668: Chapter 668 - Abyss Devourer

    Chapter 668: Chapter 668 - Abyss Devourer


    ?


    Eastern Gate.


    Goldrich and Jovina vs Countess Murmur.


    Countess Murmur hovered just above the ground. Unlike most demons, she looked


    surprisingly human. Without horns, she carried an air of nobility that seemed almost regal. Still, her presence was anything but subtle. The ornate armor she wore, the magic staff in her hand, and her grand, feathered wings left no doubt about her power.


    [Countess Murmur - Void Feathered Seraphim Lv. 263]


    [Named Demon - Ranking 54]


    In front of her stood two challengers: an old mage and a summoner.


    The mage gave a small, respectful bow. "Goldrich sends his regards to the renowned Countess Murmur."


    "Pathetic worms," the demoness said.


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 Chapter 670: Chapter 670 - Solarion Prideborn

    Chapter 670: Chapter 670 - Srion Prideborn


    ?


    Northern Gate.


    Charmelyn and Skywarden vs Marquis Orias.


    Marquis Orias. This demon at first nce doesn''t even seem like a demon. Picture this: a creature with the head of a lion, golden-red wings, golden-red armor, a halo floating above its head, and a magical staff in hand. It practically looks more like a celestial warrior than a demon.


    But no, this is definitely a Named Demon. Among the four Named Demons currently present, Marquis Orias holds the lowest rank. Even so, its presence is intimidating-especially since it is a magic user and it can fly.


    Seriously, why are all the Named Demons that keep appearing either capable of flying or ridiculously massive?


    Every encounter has involved aerial opponents or towering giants. Fighting them is beyond exhausting; it''s downright infuriating.


    The reality is that for yers, having the ability to fly is far frommon. Only a handful of people can do it naturally, like Elincia, Or Kingsley who can transform into a flying beast. Others, like Livelywood, rely on elemental skills for boosted jumps, or like Goldrich, use hovering tforms, which still demand incredible mana control and mobility.


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 Chapter 671: Chapter 671 - The King’s Missing Command (Full-Length)

    Chapter 671: Chapter 671 - The King¡¯s Missing Command (Full-Length)


    ?


    The battle across the gates of the Capital of Dissidia Kingdom raged on, and hope for a brighter oue seemed increasingly distant.


    Even as more yers arrived to bolster the fight and the Knights spread out to reinforce the frontlines, the sheer numbers of demons were overwhelming. From the fortress walls, troops unleashed powerful ranged attacks, yet it wasn''t enough to stem the unrelenting tide of enemies.


    Only yers whose levels approached or exceeded 200 dared to push deeper into the chaos, where the monsters'' strength climbed to terrifying heights. At the forefront were the Vensalor Guild members, locked in directbat with the Named Demons-an impossible task for most.


    At the Western Gate, Optimus fought relentlessly, embodying the perfect bnce of speed and strength. He zipped across the battlefield like lightning, delivering punishing blows to any demon that dared to stand in his way. Yet, despite his brutal assault, his strikes barely seemed to scratch the immense defense of his foe, King Bm.


    The bull-headed demon, wielding a massive ming greatsword, stood as an immovable force. His area attacks devastated swathes of yers and knights alike, forcing Optimus to constantly dodge while chipping away at the behemoth. But Optimus alone was not enough.


    At the Eastern Gate, Goldrich and Jovina were also locked in a fierce struggle. Despite their incredible teamwork and Goldrich''s massive Abyss Devourer summon, they couldn''t bring down Countess Murmur.


    The demoness, with her elegant wings and masterful control of the skies, skillfully evaded the Abyss Devourer''s devastating attacks. Her mobility was unmatched, and she used it to her advantage, striking from unexpected angles and keeping her challengers on the defensive.


    With each passing moment, the battle across the capital''s gates grew more desperate, and the demons seemed unstoppable. The Named Demons stood as unyielding titans, turning even the most valiant efforts into a grueling fight for survival.


    "Tora, now tell me," Max said, her eyes fixed on the battlefield screens as she closely monitored the progress. "What''s your analysis of the situation at the Western and Eastern Gates?"


    "The facts are grim, Max. At the Western Gate, Optimus is struggling to deliver enough damage to pose a real threat to King Bm. That demon''s Constitution, Health, and Defense are ridiculously high. Optimus has to constantly bnce attacking with avoiding fatal blows -because one serious hit could take him out of the fight entirely."


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 Chapter 672: Chapter 672 - Alloces’ Wrath

    Chapter 672: Chapter 672 - Alloces¡¯ Wrath


    ?


    Reinforcements have arrived!


    Hope surged across the battlefield.


    Each of the four gates had now received powerful new additions to their forces, turning the tides of despair into a glimmer of optimism. With these reinforcements, the battles at the gates were poised to shift dramatically.


    On the ground and through the live broadcasts, the tension was so high. Those on the battlefield fought with renewed vigor, while spectators clung to the edges of their seats, eager to witness the pivotal moments that could finally break the stalemate.


    Would this be the turning point everyone had been waiting for?


    Western Gate.


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 Chapter 673: Chapter 673 - Fatherhood or Glory?

    Chapter 673: Chapter 673 - Fatherhood or Glory?


    ?


    The caf¨¦ door creaked open, letting in a gust of cold air carrying traces of snow from outside. Inside, the usually tranquil atmosphere was anything but. Patrons clustered around arge screen dominating one wall, their faces tense as they watched what seemed to be a massive, vividly animated war unfolding.


    The one who had entered was a man d in a thick coat, his blonde hair tousled by the icy wind. Beside him was a little girl, no older than five, her small hand tightly sped in his.


    "I''m so hungry. I want to eat," the girl said.


    The man hesitated, ncing at the crowd. He gently pulled her hand, leaning down slightly. "Are you sure you want to eat here? What about finding another ce?"


    "No, Daddy," the girl replied. "You promised we''d eat here this morning."


    "Okay." With a soft sigh, he relented, guiding her toward the farthest table, tucked away from the crowd.


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 Chapter 674: Chapter 674 - Dominant Surge

    Chapter 674: Chapter 674 - Dominant Surge


    ?


    Eastern Gate.


    And then there was Melliandra. Countess Murmur had broken free of containment and was charging straight for the fortress. Chaos trailed in her wake, leaving the yers stationed there helpless to stop her advance. One by one, they fell, unable to withstand her devastating assault.


    Melliandra sprinted across a series of floating, translucent tforms, desperately dodging a relentless barrage of magic missiles raining down on her. Her face was etched with frustration and despair.


    "Damn it, this bitch! Goldrich! Jovina! Do something!" she shouted.


    Northern Gate.


    Kingsley, meanwhile, was under relentless assault, barely managing to hold his ground. Charmelyn wasn''t in much better shape, overwhelmed by the unending swarm of summons unleashed by Marquis Orias.


    Forced to stay grounded, Kingsley found himself struggling against a pack of spectral lions that relentlessly attacked him, Charmelyn, and Skywarden. The trio could do little more than defend each other. They were bing increasingly powerless, unable to mount any kind of meaningful offense against the Demon.


    The team was stretched to its absolute limit, and with every moment, the battle''s oue grew more uncertain.


    Southern Gate.


    Meanwhile, on another part of the battlefield, Elinciay pinned to the ground, two swords crossed at her throat. Towering over her was Duke Alloces, his cruel grin promising her demise.


    Livelywood stood nearby, frozen by the Duke''s chilling threat¡ªany attempt to intervene would lead to Elincia''s immediate execution.


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 Chapter 675: Chapter 675 - Shadowborn Aeriarchs

    Chapter 675: Chapter 675 - Shadowborn Aeriarchs


    ?


    Western Gate. Optimus, Trison, Toberry, Ivana, and Fokil vs King Bm.


    "Tora!!!" Max shouted loudly. "I''m seriously starting to lose it watching all of this. We''re barely holding our ground against attacks from every direction, and now another wave of reinforcements has shown up... Tora, please, exin who all these people are. I recognize some of them as members of the Vensalor Guild, but the others..."


    Tora gave an awkward grin, rubbing the back of his neck before replying. "Alright, Max, let''s start with the Western Gate. That one over there? He''s a cksmith from Deadbay City."


    "A cksmith? How? From Deadbay City? Why didn''t anyone notice him during thest war there?"


    "Well," Tora said with a shrug, "I''m pretty sure the cameras didn''t cover the entire fight, but I''m certain he was part of it."


    "But how does a dwarf cksmith suddenly end up here? Can you tell me more about him, Tora?"


    Tora hesitated before answering, "I''m not sure I can exin all that, Max. I don''t know much about him myself. But judging from the damage he''s already dealt, I''m confident this guy is going to put up a strong fight against King Bm."


    "Agreed, Tora. Now let''s move on to the Eastern Gate."


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 Chapter 676: Chapter 676 - The Abyssal Shroud

    Chapter 676: Chapter 676 - The Abyssal Shroud


    ?


    [Prince Sts - Shadowborn Aeriarchs Lv. 386]


    [Named Demon - Ranking 36]


    The demon''s wings fluttered lightly before fading away, disappearing into thin air. A faint smile curved his lips as he watched the humans scatter in panic, their fear growing at the mere sight of him.


    "A demon! There''s a demon in the city!"


    "Call the Knights!"


    "Everyone, run!"


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 Chapter 677: Chapter 677 - Doom Beneath the Dome

    Chapter 677: Chapter 677 - Doom Beneath the Dome


    ?


    A massive dome-shaped domain suddenly enveloped nearly the entire pce and arge portion of the city. It happened so quickly, escting beyond anything anyone could have anticipated.


    Imagine this: outside the city walls, people were locked in battle against demons and Named Demons. And then, out of nowhere, a higher-ranked Named Demon appeared within the city itself! The demon cast a domain that trapped most of the city and everything within it. As if that wasn''t enough, demons began appearing all over the city, swarming through the streets. It was a catastrophe-a full-scale cmity!


    Even Tora and Max were left speechless when the news reached them. Turning around, they stared at the colossal dome-shaped barrier looming in the distance.


    "Max, are we seriously seeing this? A dome that size, covering nearly half the city! And demons showing up inside the walls? This wasn''t supposed to happen!" Tora eximed, his voice tinged with disbelief.


    "Yeah, no kidding," Max replied grimly. "A higher-ranked Named Demon sneaks in, traps the entire city, and starts summoning demons everywhere? It''s insane."


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 Chapter 678: Chapter 678 - The Crown Princess and the Stubborn Cat

    Chapter 678: Chapter 678 - The Crown Princess and the Stubborn Cat


    ?


    Alora and Pawpaw vs SpeedGang.


    "I''m warning you¡ªif you keep this up, you''ll bring doom upon yourselves!" SpeedGang shouted, his voice filled with desperation as Pawpaw relentlessly drained his health.


    Something unexpected had happened-something so sudden no one had time to react. They found themselves within a domain inside another domain. SpeedGang''s Domain had beenpletely enveloped by the Domain cast by Prince Sts.


    Through the translucent boundaries of the ovepping Domains, the chaos outside was visible. Countless demons surged through the area, swarming every corner. Among them, Knight Mercy, who had been working to destroy SpeedGang''s Domain moments ago, was now locked in a fierce battle, desperately fighting off the horde.


    "If you kill me, fine, sure, you''ll get free! But then what''s waiting for you out there? Haha! Stop it, you stupid cat!" SpeedGang sneered.


    "I''m the Mighty Hell Lord!" Pawpaw roared. "I don''t take orders from you, you asshole! You''re the one who''s dying today!"


    "You''re so damn stubborn!" SpeedGang snapped back. "Take a look outside, you fool! Look at their levels! You can''t seriously believe you stand a chance against them!"


    "Pawpaw, don''t listen to him!" Alora yelled from the far side of the Domain. "Finish him now! We don''t have time to waste. Mercy needs us! Those demons won''t stop unless we help!"


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 Chapter 679: Chapter 679 - King Balam Under Siege

    Chapter 679: Chapter 679 - King Bm Under Siege


    ?


    "We need to end this battle quickly. The way this grand war is progressing doesn''t look good," Elincia stated firmly through the guild voice channel.


    "I''ve been keeping an eye on the progress too," Broken replied.


    He paused before continuing. "My only fear is that I''ll arrive toote to do anything meaningful."


    "Don''t worry, young man," Goldrich interjected. "We''re slowly finding our footing here. Each gate is getting the support it needs, and we''re holding our ground well enough to either oust or even defeat the Named Demons entirely."


    "Booba has been absolutely phenomenal here, hahaha," Livelywood said with a heartyugh.


    "I think Booba should tell us more about his Wrath Champion. I''m sure it''s a fascinating story," Goldrich added.


    "Oh, he''ll go on and on about it without us even needing to ask!" Melliandra quipped.


    Jovina joined in. "Tell me, Booba, did you get that blessing by squeezing someone dry or ckmailing them? I bet we could use that method to im every Divine Champion blessing for ourselves. Hahaha!"


    Booba then shared some notes about the blessing he had received.


    [Blessing of Dominant Surge]


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 Chapter 680: Chapter 680 - Booba and Livelywood Unleashed

    Chapter 680: Chapter 680 - Booba and Livelywood Unleashed


    ?


    Southern Gate.


    Booba and Livelywood werepletely dominating the battle against Duke Alloces. Booba, already a skilled swordsman in the real world, had previously been held back by his low level, making it difficult for him to contribute meaningfully-but not this time.


    Combining his refined expertise with Livelywood''s graceful finesse, the twounched a relentless and coordinated assault.


    With Booba''s total stat points now high enough to match their formidable opponent, the duo delivered an unrelenting and powerful performance.


    Booba fought with a direct and brutal style, charging head-on with devastating strikes. Meanwhile, Livelywood danced around the battlefield with agility and grace, her movements resembling a choreographed performance in the midst of chaos.


    Boobaunched a swift sh at Duke Alloces, his de moving like a blur, only to have the attack intercepted by the demon''s dual swords. As Alloces retreated, Livelywood darted in from behind Booba, seamlessly following up with a precise strike of his own. The two repeated this pattern, taking turns advancing and withdrawing, creating an endless cycle of pressure.


    Even though Booba stillcked a refined ss or advanced skills, his boosted stats-enhanced by an astonishing 60% to 75%-turned him into a force of nature. He fought with raw strength that rivaled the power of legendary champions.


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 Chapter 682: Chapter 682 - When the Frontlines Fall

    Chapter 682: Chapter 682 - When the Frontlines Fall


    ?


    Not many knew what was truly happening inside Prince Sts'' Domain. The information was scarce, with no yers able to share what transpired within. However, the chaos of the great war raging outside the city wall seemed to reflect whatever was urring deep in the domain.


    Western Gate.


    The battle had dragged on for far too long. King Bm still hadn''t been defeated, and the toll was beginning to show. Resources were depleting, and, more critically, stamina was running dangerously low for many yers.


    Trison''s movements were slowing; his energy and healing potions had nearly run out, leaving him unable to continue supporting Optimus. Meanwhile, Toberry, who had been skillfully dodging the demons'' attacks, was now overwhelmed by the unrelenting horde.


    The yers who had once tried to cover for them had either fled out of fear of death or had already fallen, their avatars unable to withstand the assault.


    Then it happened. A sharp, brutal w burst through Toberry''s chest from behind. He froze, blood dripping from his mouth.


    "Trison... save yourself... I''m sorry..." Toberry''s voice cracked as he spoke. Momentster, his body dissolved into pixels.


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 Chapter 683: Chapter 683 - Abyssal Chain

    Chapter 683: Chapter 683 - Abyssal Chain


    ?


    Inside the royal castle.


    A regal man in histe fifties walked calmly through the grand halls, nked by two knights who followed a step behind. His long, flowing blond hair framed a calm andposed demeanor, and he wore opulent green robes adorned with intricate gold embroidery.


    The man came to a halt as he stepped into a vast hall. There, standing before him, was a group of yers who seemed like they were waiting for him.


    The man''s lips curled into a faint smile as he lifted his chin slightly. "Well, look who we have here."


    "Lord Demian..." one of the yers addressed him. She was a woman with flowing red hair, d in sleek, form-fitting leather armor and a crimson cloak that rippled lightly as she moved.


    "Marlene..." Demian replied.


    "You certainly look every bit as dignified as expected in that outfit," Marlene said.


    "Thank you for thepliment," Demian responded with a slight smile.


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 Chapter 684: Chapter 684 - Demian Ascends (Full-Length)

    Chapter 684: Chapter 684 - Demian Ascends (Full-Length)


    ?


    King Alorik vs Prince Sts.


    "Even on the brink of death, you still waste your breath," Prince Sts sneered. "Well, I have no time for this. Goodbye."


    The crimson magic circles surrounding King Alorik spun faster, their patterns glowing brighter as streams of magic missiles erupted, one after another, mming into his broken and bloodied form.


    Yet, just as the barrage reached its peak... it suddenly ceased!


    Silence fell as swiftly as the assault had begun.


    A low growl, almost a whimper, escaped the demon prince''s throat. King Alorik, battered and on the verge of copse, mustered what little strength he had to lift his head. His gaze, blurred and heavy, sought the reason for the unnatural pause.


    And there, just behind Prince Sts, stood a figure cloaked in shadows. The demon''s glowing eyes widened in shock as a de''s edge glinted cruelly in the dim light¡ªa dagger, its sharp tip protruding through his throat from behind.


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 Chapter 685: Chapter 685 - Demian’s Game (Full-Length)

    Chapter 685: Chapter 685 - Demian¡¯s Game (Full-Length)


    ?


    Demian raised his chin slowly, his gaze fixed on the dome-shaped domain looming before him. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips as if he already knew the oue of what was about to unfold.


    He stood motionless for a moment before ncing over his shoulder. Behind him, a group of knights had arrived, apanied by a handful of yers. Although the yers didn''t seem poised to attack, they lingered, perhaps out of curiosity-or their usual foolish tendencies.


    "Lord Demian, you are hereby charged with treason and the assassination of the King," one of the knights dered.


    Suddenly, a piercing scream erupted from within the domain.


    "DEMIAN!"


    It was unmistakably Alora''s voice.


    "YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS!"


    Simultaneously, a wave of energy burst from inside the domain, rippling through the air and causing the walls of the domain to tremble faintly.


    Demian''s faint smile widened slightly as he turned back to face the knights.


    "The King is dead," he said. "And I am the rightful heir, the only one with a legitimate im to the throne. Does your rebellion against your new king not count as treason?"


    The lead knight stood firm. "You are no rightful heir to the throne," he retorted. "You''vemitted treason and murder. Your sentence is death."


    Demian chuckled softly, shaking his head as if the knight''s words amused him.


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 Chapter 686: Chapter 686 - A Blazing Behemoth

    Chapter 686: Chapter 686 - A zing Behemoth


    ?


    "SpeedGang! We don''t have much time!" Pawpaw growled, ring intensely at him.


    SpeedGang nced toward his domain wall, which was visibly trembling and steadily shrinking in size. His expression was tense.


    Outside the domain, Demian stood with his usual calm demeanor, a faint smirk tugging at his lips as he observed the scene.


    "So... this domain of yours, is it sustained by your stamina? Or does it drain your health as well?" Demian said.


    "Shut up, you traitor!" SpeedGang barked.


    "Tell me, SpeedGang," Pawpaw pressed, "is it true?"


    "Shut up!" SpeedGang snapped, his frustration spilling over. He turned to point usingly at Pawpaw. "This is all your fault! Your stupid actions have doomed us all! Now we''re all going to die together!"


    "And yet you''ll die too," Pawpaw shot back. "But somehow, you can still manage to run your big mouth, huh?"


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 Chapter 687: Chapter 687 - The Capital’s Frozen Hope

    Chapter 687: Chapter 687 - The Capital¡¯s Frozen Hope


    ?


    As the massive zing behemoth emerged in the sky, the entire battlefield froze. Panic and uncertainty gripped everyone, halting the once-ferocious shes.


    But the shock wasn''t limited to the yers or NPCs defending the city-the demons themselves began to scream in terror. Their bodies ignited with mes, writhing as though the very fire descending from the sky was consuming them.


    "Why are they burning?!" a yer shouted. "Isn''t that their own attack?! The meteor ising from their side! It shouldn''t hurt them!"


    The chaos was overwhelming. Some yers hesitated, unsure whether to press forward or retreat, while others resumed fighting in smaller, scattered skirmishes. Yet, the once-brutal intensity of the battle had diminished, reced with a chilling sense of dread.


    "This isn''t a fight anymore," one yer muttered, his weapon trembling in his hands. "This is a goddamn nightmare!"


    "We''re doomed..." a nearby archer whispered. "It doesn''t matter what we do anymore. Nothing will stop that thing!"


    From the sidelines, an NPC soldier screamed in despair. "We''re all going to die! That fire... it''ll consume everything! RUN!"


    "Is this what defeat feels like?" another soldier asked as he fell to his knees. "No... this is worse. This is the end of the world."


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 Chapter 688: Chapter 688 - The Behemoth Meets the Barrier

    Chapter 688: Chapter 688 - The Behemoth Meets the Barrier


    ?


    Western Gate.


    The quake reached its peak, a deafening, bone-rattling crack splitting the air as the very battlefield began to rise. Chunks of earth the size of buildings tore free from the ground, heaving upward with a violent lurch.


    From above, massive boulders rained down.


    The first of them struck with catastrophic force, mming into the ground and sending shockwaves rippling outward. Entire squads of demons were flung into the air by the impact, their screams swallowed by the roar of the destruction.


    Demons caught in the path of the frost howled in rage and terror, their bodies slowing as the cold overtook them. Ice spread rapidly across their limbs, encasing them entirely as their movements froze mid-scream.


    The trembling earth became a rolling sea of chaos. Demons, yers, and NPCs alike struggled to maintain their footing, only to be swallowed by copsing ground or crushed beneath falling stone. The quake grew so violent that even the air seemed to hum with tension, the sheer power of the event threatening to unmake the battlefield entirely.


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 Chapter 689: Chapter 689 - Crafting Hope in Chaos

    Chapter 689: Chapter 689 - Crafting Hope in Chaos


    ?


    A few minutes earlier.


    "What the hell is that?!" RememberMe eximed, his eyes wide in shock as he shook his head in disbelief at the massive magic circle looming over the distant capital city of the Dissidia Kingdom.


    RememberMe, Broken, and the others stood atop the speeding crawling carriage as it


    rumbled down a road that had grown smoother and more structured, nked by vast savannahs on either side. They were closing in on their destination-the heart of a colossal battle they had been racing toward all this time.


    Freya began to exin the situation. "Here''s the progress so far. Demian, the king''s younger brother, seems to have had some major disagreement or outright falling out-with the Shadow Wolves. And thetest update... King Alorik is dead," she said grimly.


    "Damn it! Demian!" RememberMe spat. "I''ve wanted to kill that man for so long. Just the sight of his face makes my blood boil."


    Broken muttered under his breath, "Alora is trapped in SpeedGang''s domain."


    Freya nodded. "And the fact that SpeedGang is holding his domain even while Demian attempts to destroy it is proof enough of a rift-or outright betrayal-between them and Demian."


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 Chapter 690: Chapter 690 - Astral Aegis of Unity

    Chapter 690: Chapter 690 - Astral Aegis of Unity


    ?


    [Astral Aegis of Unity Blueprint]


    [Grade: Unique ~ Unique]


    [A crafting blueprint for a one-time-use legendary shield capable of creating a massive dome-shaped barrier to neutralize catastrophic threats. The shield channels the caster''s energy, reinforced by contributions from allies, to sustain and mitigate damage until the threat is eliminated.]


    [Titanium Bars x2


    Moonstones x1


    Monster Soul Stones x10 (Any grade, additional stones enhance effectiveness)]


    [Master cksmith.]


    Broken shared the blueprint description with the group, and for the first time in a while, they felt a glimmer of hope. Fortunately, the item grade was limited to Unique, meaning no matter how it was crafted, the final result would always be of Unique quality-a relief given their limited time.


    They quickly shuffled into the cramped space at the back of the carriage. Some of the team moved to the front to make room, while Broken began preparing the materials.


    Heid out all the Soul Stones he had:


    [Epic - Emberw Soul Stone Lv. 215]


    [Common - Spider Goblin Monster Soul Stone Lv. 215]


    [Rare - Shadow Wolf Monster Soul Stone Lv. 218]


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 Chapter 691: Chapter 691 - Weapons of Mass Salvation

    Chapter 691: Chapter 691 - Weapons of Mass Salvation


    ?


    Forev crossed her arms. "So, any ideas on how to kill a lot of demons in a short amount of time?"


    Broken had already nned to use his Golden Bow of Artemis tounch his Legendary weapons into the battlefield. However, the problem was clear-there were four sides of the capital under siege. It would be impossible for him to attack all sides optimally or deal significant area-wide damage by himself.


    He quickly reviewed his inventory, listing weapons with potential forrge area damage. The Bedrock Breaker Pickaxe, Gravestone Greatsword, and Wavebreaker Spear stood out as viable options. The Moonvine Knuckles, however,cked sufficient area damage and were unsuitable for this task.


    "I can use my bow..." he began.


    Before he could borate, Frostedge cut in. "I can lend you my sword, Broken."


    Broken raised an eyebrow but listened as Frostedge continued.


    "My sword is highly versatile and has excellent area damage. On top of that, I can add a buff to imbue your skill with massive ice damage."


    "That sounds promising," Broken replied.


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 Chapter 693: Chapter 693 - Divine Favor Gauge

    Chapter 693: Chapter 693 - Divine Favor Gauge


    ?


    [Congrattions, Broken, for your ascension to a new role! You have received the following new titles and skills:]


    [You have received a new title: Consort of Dissidia''s Radiance.]


    [This title reflects your role as a protective and inspiring presence through your union with Alora Rogwyn.]


    [Effect: Allies within a 10-meter radius receive 5% damage reduction.]


    [You have received a new title: Vowkeeper of Dissidia''s ord.]


    [This title represents the strength of your Sacred Bond with Alora Rogwyn and your shared determination to protect the kingdom.]


    [You have received a new skill: Sacred Bond Resilience (Passive).]


    [Effect: You and Alora take 10% less damage when fighting together. Additionally, healing received by both is boosted by 20%.]


    [You have received a new title: Champion of Dissidia''s Sacred me.]


    [This title ties your power to the divine energies invoked during the Sacred Bond ceremony.]


    [Effect: Attacks have a 10% chance to deal an additional 15% fire damage over three seconds. Fire damage taken is reduced by 10%.]


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 Chapter 694: Chapter 694 - Glacier Fang

    Chapter 694: Chapter 694 - cier Fang


    ?


    "Do you know anything about Golden Paragon?" Broken asked Alora.


    "Y-yes..." she replied hesitantly. "How do you know about it, Broken?"


    "I gained ess to the skill after marrying you," he exined.


    "Oh, how?"


    "How?"


    "No..." Alora appeared confused. "Only the King is supposed to have ess to Golden Paragon.


    It''s a skill passed down exclusively to the heirs of the throne."


    "Wouldn''t that mean you should also have ess to Golden Paragon?"


    "No... I don''t think so, I don''t know..." she said.


    "You don''t know? You can''t activate the skill?"


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 Chapter 695: Chapter 695 - Dome of Aetherial Unity

    Chapter 695: Chapter 695 - Dome of Aetherial Unity


    ?


    Broken activated every protective and defensive skill at his disposal, leaving nothing to chance. With his Invincible Paragon Set equipped, he brought each ability online.


    [Blessing of Health (Active Skill) Lv. 6 activated.]


    [Invincible Shields (Active Skill) activated.]


    [Earth Skin (Active Skill) activated.]


    [Earth Elemental Protection (Active Skill) activated.]


    [Miner''s Fortitude (Conditional Passive Skill) Lv. 3 activated.]


    [Dome of Aetherial Unity (Active) activated.]


    The miniature shield-shaped device he held began to hover above them, spinning rapidly. It projected a series of interlocking hexagonal shields that expanded outward, glowing gold as they connected and enveloped the entire city and the battlefield beyond.


    At the same time, a massive meteor-zing like a fragment of the sun-descended from the heavens. The ground shook violently and the temperature soared as the meteor neared impact.


    Alora wrapped her arms around Broken from behind and resting her head gently against his back. "We can get through this," she whispered.


    "Yes, we can!" Broken replied firmly.


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 Chapter 696: Chapter 696 - All Hands to the Sky

    Chapter 696: Chapter 696 - All Hands to the Sky


    ?


    "Damn it, we need more healers! I''ll bring more healers from below!" Jovina shouted, her voice barely audible over the roaring mes. Her butterfly summon fluttered nearby, but it was doing little to lessen the damage they were all enduring together.


    From below, a wyvern soared closer-it was Booba, with Starfall riding behind her.


    "Oh, damn it, the damage is insane," Booba remarked as the wyvern circled around them.


    Starfall wasted no time, casting an array of supportive skills, their effects barely holding as they all worked desperately to reinforce each other.


    Earth shields, ice barriers, and countless other protective spells formed around them, only to melt or shatter almost instantly under the meteor''s relentless assault.


    "Where is the damn Trison?" Jovina yelled in frustration.


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 Chapter 697: Chapter 697 - Cracks in the Sky, Cracks in Hope

    Chapter 697: Chapter 697 - Cracks in the Sky, Cracks in Hope


    ?


    It was Demian!


    His form had changed slightly from before. Dark veins, like streams of ckened blood, spread across his skin, giving him a corrupted appearance. A pair of newly-formed wings unfurled from his back, carrying him upward as he closed the distance toward them with the group.


    "Damn it, this bastard is really pushing my limits!" Jovina snapped.


    "I''ll take him on," Frostedge said firmly.


    "No, Frostedge, let me handle this!" Elincia shouted back, her body crackling with blue energy as she separated from the group.


    But before she could move, the wyvern that had been circling around suddenly dove with incredible speed toward Demian.


    "Damn you, sucker! Now you''re dealing with me!" Booba roared, shing his sword as his wyvern charged at Demian.


    Elincia followed quickly, unleashing a barrage of magic missiles that streaked toward him in rapid session. The air around them erupted with rattling thunder, arcs of lightning crashing toward Demian with deafening force.


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 Chapter 698: Chapter 698 - The City in Ashes (Full-Length)

    Chapter 698: Chapter 698 - The City in Ashes (Full-Length)


    ?


    Broken plummeted freely through the chaos, the wind roaring past him as he desperately reached out. With his right hand, he caught Alora''s, and with his left, he grabbed Ivana''s. The three of them tumbled wildly through the air, their bodies spinning uncontrobly.


    Explosions erupted all around them, the heat from the shattered meteor scorching their skin. Smaller fragments, even though still big enough, rained down alongside them, fiery shards from the once-massive meteor tumbling in every direction.


    Yes, they had seeded in destroying thergest threat-but the danger wasn''t over. The smaller meteor fragments were still devastating.


    Chunks of the meteor struck the city below, each impact creating massive explosions that sent shockwaves tearing through buildings. Fire and debris rippled outward, toppling entire blocks. The battlefield beyond the city was no safer-each piece that struck the ground caused massive damage, crushing demons and unfortunatebatants alike.


    The destruction was relentless. Every impact brought a thunderous roar, shaking the earth and the sky. Smoke and fire spread in every direction as the ground erupted under the force of each collision.


    Amidst the chaos, Broken and the two women continued to fall, the ground rushing closer with every second.


    If they hit the ground from this height, there was no way they''d survive-not even with their strength. Broken had to think of something, fast.


    His grip on Alora and Ivana tightened as he scanned the chaos below, searching for any way to break their fall.


    Broken could use Moonlight Pocket Dimension to take himself and Alora to safety, but... Ivana? There was no way Broken would let Ivana fall to her death alone. He had to save them both.


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 Chapter 699: Chapter 699 - The Burning Eye of the End (Full-Length)

    Chapter 699: Chapter 699 - The Burning Eye of the End (Full-Length)


    ?


    The massive magic circle floating high above was eerily simr to the one that had summoned the meteor earlier. Its glow cast an oppressive light over the city and the battlefield, stretching across the horizon.


    It was a sight that made hearts feel as if they had stopped beating, an oppressive weight pulling at their very souls. The sheer magnitude of it, paired with the lingering destruction below, seemed to snuff out any remaining hope.


    What about the city''s remaining inhabitants? Were there any survivors left, or had the destruction imed them all?


    On the battlefield, the panic was so real, though it felt different now-less frantic, more drained. People moved sluggishly, their energy spent, their spirits shattered. Some didn''t even react to the looming threat, perhaps too exhausted to muster fear.


    Broken directed Beebot to keep moving, the crawling carriage skimming over rubble and destruction as he searched for the rest of hispanions. They reached the West Gate, where a figure sprinted toward them from a distance. As the figure came closer, it stopped directly in front of the carriage, blocking its path.


    It was Fokil.


    The cksmith dwarf stood firm, his gaze meeting Broken''s. Without hesitation, Ivana jumped down from the carriage and ran to him, wrapping her arms around him tightly. "You survived," Fokil said.


    "Mr. Fokil, I''m so d you''re alive too," Ivana replied.


    Broken approached the dwarf, who turned to look at him.


    "You did well, kid," Fokil said.


    "Thanks, sir," Broken offered a weary smile and nodded back, the weight of everything still pressing heavily on his shoulders.


    One by one, more familiar faces began to appear. Optimus arrived first, followed by Elincia, who soared toward them with her crackling blue aura flickering faintly. She was battered but alive.


    Then came Kingsley, Goldrich, Jovina, Starfall, Charmelyn, Skywarden, Booba, and even Frostedge. All of them converged at the same point, gathering together. They were bruised, battered, and exhausted-but they were alive.


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 Chapter 701: Chapter 701 - When the Dust Settles

    Chapter 701: Chapter 701 - When the Dust Settles


    ?


    The evacuation went on for hours. yers who had stayed behind volunteered to help, their earlier fatigue reced by a newfound sense of duty. They carried the wounded, cleared rubble, and guided civilians to safety, working tirelessly to keep things running smoothly.


    To everyone''s relief, Knight Lionell, who had miraculously survived the brutal battle, stepped up to lead. He began organizing the efforts, directing knights and troops.


    The operation stretchedte into the night, lit by the quiet determination of those who had endured the chaos. Amidst the ruins, a fragile hope persisted. For now, they had won. And together, they would rebuild.


    As the battlefield settled and calm returned to the city, yers began to log out one by one. But before they disconnected, many made sure to collect their hard-earned loot, sharing it with others and celebrating their hard-fought victory.


    This was a triumph for everyone involved, a monumental win in the face of overwhelming odds. Those who survived and fought gave their respects to every individual who had yed a part in the massive battle, whether they had fallen or emerged victorious.


    Tora and Max, who had overseen and broadcasted the event from start to finish, now sat slumped in chairs within the fortress. The exhaustion was evident on their faces, but so was the lingering sense of disbelief that it was finally over.


    "This has been our longest broadcast, Tora," Max said, letting out a weary sigh. "And wow, the ups and downs, the chaos, the triumphs-I still can''t believe it''s done. What do you think, Tora?"


    Tora nodded slowly. "Yeah, Max. Everyone''s confirmed it now. No demons left in the city. The troops, knights, and guild members have spread out and cleared every corner. All the demons have been killed."


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 Chapter 702: Chapter 702 - The Thousand Circles of Hell (Full-Length)

    Chapter 702: Chapter 702 - The Thousand Circles of Hell (Full-Length)


    ?


    "Demian?" "Yes!"


    Forev confirmed that she had seen Demian inside a small building on the outskirts of the city. He was encased in a cocoon that covered most of his body, leaving only his face exposed. The cocoon seemed to be made of shadows, with writhing tendrils thatshed out at anyone who dared to approach.


    Without wasting a second, Broken and the others rushed to the location alongside the reinforcements. But as they arrived at the building Forev had indicated...


    A massive explosion erupted!


    The structure was obliterated in an instant, and from the epicenter of the st, a figure shot into the air, moving impossibly fast. Its body waspletely shrouded in shadows, concealing its identity.


    Everyone immediately gave chase as the figure flew toward the western edge of the capital, heading beyond the city walls.


    Broken stepped outside the city walls, and came to a halt as the shadowed figure descended slowly to the ground, its massive wings pping in a deliberate rhythm. Alora, Ivana, and the rest of the Vensalor Guild were at his side, equally transfixed by what they were witnessing.


    As the figurended, its form became clearer. It was humanoid, but its body was wrapped in writhing shadow tendrils. A pair of curved demon horns jutted from its head, he had glowing red eyes, and behind it stretched three pairs of massive, dark wings.


    And then, a name appeared before them all, floating in the air-a name that revealed not just the identity of the being they were facing, but also the sheer catastrophic threat it represented.


    [Duke Focalor - Lv. 402]


    [Named Demon - Ranking 34]


    Duke Focalor?


    Level 402?


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 Chapter 703: Chapter 703 - Demian’s Reckoning (Full-Length)

    Chapter 703: Chapter 703 - Demian¡¯s Reckoning (Full-Length)


    ?


    "Tora, I don''t even know how to put this into words," Max said, her voice shaking as she stood atop the city walls of Dissidia''s capital.


    Beside her, Tora clenched his fists. "Yes, Max, I know. We fought to the bitter end in thest war, barely catching our breath after all the horrors we faced. But this..."


    From the battlefield below, the ground shook with the force of monstrous roars and pounding footsteps.


    Demonic creatures wed and mmed into the earth, their cries echoing across the carnage. The unrelenting sounds of destruction filled the air.


    Above, the six massive demon worms twisted and writhed, their forms looming over the battlefield. Their piercing screams tore through the skies, each shriek sending a shiver through the soul. The very atmosphere seemed to quake under their fury, as though even the world itself feared what hade.


    [Daniel_Daye_4365]: "WHAT THE ACTUAL F*** IS THIS?! SIX WORM DEMONS?? 5 NAMED DEMONS?? LVL 402?! IS THIS A NIGHTMARE??"


    [DaoistLIML10]: "We''re done. This is it. Game over, man. GAME OVER!"


    [ckout15]: "This isn''t a boss fight. This is genocide. They''re throwing an entire army into the grinder."


    [Josh_Minton_5566]: "This is a catastrophe on a scale I can''t even describe. Someone, please, do something!"


    [Shilosooo]: "Why are we even watching this? There''s noing back from this. Just delete the whole world."


    Broken stood motionless, staring at the overwhelming sight before him. The battlefield was a nightmare he couldn''t fully process. No matter how hard he tried to think, no matter how many scenarios he yed out in his head, he couldn''t see a way out of this.


    How could they possibly end this?


    Even when it was just Focalor alone, they couldn''t so much as touch him. And now...


    If he failed, or if his Vensalor Guild members failed, they could always resurrect. But...


    His gaze shifted to his right. Princess Alora stood beside him-the woman he had vowed to protect.


    Then he turned to his left. Ivana. No matter what, he would never allow anything to happen to her. Not a chance!


    "Princess... Ivana..." he said quietly.


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 Chapter 705: Chapter 705 - Shut up and turn to ash!

    Chapter 705: Chapter 705 - Shut up and turn to ash!


    ?


    Skywarden and Optimus, the two frontline warriors of Vensalor Guild, charged forward in unison, their sights set on their target-Duke Alloces.


    "Ho ho ho ho!" Duke Alloces chuckled, spinning his twin swords with ease. "Interesting! It seems you''re still curious just how powerful my attacks can be."


    Before Alloces could finish his taunt, Optimus surged forward, mming a powerful strike toward the duke''s face. The impact forced Duke Alloces to retreat, but Skywarden was already behind him. With perfect timing, Skywarden bashed him with his shield, sending Alloces flying once more.


    This time, as the duke struggled to regain his footing, Goldrich and Starfall closed in, relentlessly unleashing magic damage upon him from a distance.


    Optimus darted forward with incredible speed, unleashing a flurry of punches and kicks that shed against the demon''s swords in rapid session.


    "Let''s see who''s faster, huh?" he said with a confident grin.


    Goldrich smirked from the sidelines, raising his hands as magic energy began to gather. "Let''s also see if he has enough defense for my magic!" he added with a sly chuckle. "Khi khi khi."


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 Chapter 706: Chapter 706 - The Demons would Fall!

    Chapter 706: Chapter 706 - The Demons would Fall!


    ?


    Dozens of Skeleton Warriors rose from the ground and fell from the sky, charging at Duke Focalor with massive axes and greatswords. Despite their relentless assault, Focalor easily deflected each blow with calcted precision.


    "What are you aiming for, wasting resources on these weak skeletons?" Focalor said casually.


    Gctron responded with a faint smirk, his messy hair falling over one of his eyes. He appeared entirely unaffected by the demon''s provocation.


    A colossal skeletal giant wielding a greathammer swung down with devastating force, but Focalor blocked the strike with little effort. Above, a skeletal dragon loomed, spewing a torrent of me toward him. Focalor darted to the side, narrowly evading the attack, only to be met with a relentless barrage of arrows striking him from another direction. He raised his arm to block the projectiles but was forced onto the defensive.


    Snarling, Focalor suddenly surged toward Gctron.


    "Enough with your toys, kid!" he growled. But just as he was about to reach him, a pickaxe mmed into Focalor''s side, sending him skidding off course.


    Broken had struck from the nk with perfect timing.


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 Chapter 707: Chapter 707 - The Necromancer’s Army

    Chapter 707: Chapter 707 - The Necromancer¡¯s Army


    ?


    "Tora!" Max shouted excitedly. "I can''t hide my enthusiasm, Tora, but may I say that this time it feels like we''re holding our ground better? I mean, from an amateur''s perspective like mine, it''s clear that the four Named Demons are starting to struggle against their


    opponents."


    "Yes, Max, I''d say I agree with your observation," Tora replied thoughtfully. "And we''re all hoping there won''t be any more unexpected twists in this battle. It''s already dragged on for so long, and I''m sure everyone isn''t just relying on their resources anymore-they''re drawing heavily on their mental strength to keep fighting in this massive war."


    "Now, Tora, I need your analysis of the overall battle. Let''s start with the four Named Demons."


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 Chapter 709: Chapter 709 - Breaking the Demon Ranks

    Chapter 709: Chapter 709 - Breaking the Demon Ranks


    ?


    [Spellweaver Chrono Booster]


    The Legendary-grade device, which when activated, allows the user to instantly cast any spells without casting time for 10 seconds.


    The device hovered beside Elincia as she prepared to bring this battle to its decisive conclusion!


    King Bm had been battered relentlessly by Fokil, Ivana, and the reinforcements assisting in the fight. And her time hade.


    The device activated. Elincia gritted her teeth, raising both hands to the sky.


    "Please, just die already!" she shouted.


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 Chapter 710: Chapter 710 - Radiant Swordmaster

    Chapter 710: Chapter 710 - Radiant Swordmaster


    ?


    Broken, Frostedge, Gctron and Zeno continued their relentless attacks in the same consistent pattern. The damage they dealt wasn''t overwhelming enough to push Focalor into a dire situation, but it was steady, proving their strategy was working.


    As more reinforcements arrived-particrly high-level yers and NPCs fresh from defeating the other four Named Demons-theirbined efforts began to significantly amplify the damage output against Focalor.


    Even so, only ranged attackers dared to engage directly, maintaining their distance as they unleashed barrages of arrows, spells, and projectiles. Meanwhile, close-range fighters focused on clearing the battlefield of lingering demons to ensure Focalor remained isted.


    Broken was careful to ensure that both Alora and Ivana stayed out of closebat against Focalor. The demon''s level and raw power were simply too high. Even Broken himself, bolstered by Gaia''s healing skills and defensive support, found it incredibly difficult to hold his ground.


    Now, a pressing question loomed: Is this the right time to summon the Golden Paragon?


    Just as he managed to parry another one of Focalor''s devastating attacks, two figures approached rapidly from opposite directions. In unison, they struck the demon with a spear and a greatsword, theirbined force sending Focalor hurtling to the side.


    The sheer impact of the sh also caused Broken to skid backward, struggling to maintain his footing after the forceful parry.


    "Thanks, Broken, for holding him off this long!" one of the figures said.


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 Chapter 711: Chapter 711 - Celestial Bulwark

    Chapter 711: Chapter 711 - Celestial Bulwark


    ?


    The Golden Paragon was truly extraordinary!


    Broken quickly amplified not only his own attacks but also boosted the impact of every ally around him, making their strikesnd with devastating force. His confidence surged as he advanced toward Focalor. This time, he wielded his Wavebreaker Spear, activating his Water Domain to gain even more control over the battlefield.


    With the ability to stay airborne, Broken executed a relentless flurry of spinning strikes and sweeping attacks, parrying every attempt the demon made to retaliate. The Golden Paragon''s buffs elevated the attack power of everyone in his vicinity, creating a surge of momentum that was impossible to ignore.


    The spectacle turned heads across the battlefield. Whispers spread rapidly as onlookers tried to make sense of what they were witnessing.


    "Is that... a skill simr to the one King Alorik used?"


    "Yes! That''s the Golden Paragon-I''m certain of it!"


    "What even is that?"


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 Chapter 712: Chapter 712 - The Clock Strikes Zero

    Chapter 712: Chapter 712 - The Clock Strikes Zero


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    Ivana!


    Broken dashed forward with everything he had. Focalor had just ughtered two forest elves and now surged through the air, evading strikes from skeletal warriors. His hands glowed with twin orbs of crackling energy, each aimed directly at Ivana.


    Ivana was in danger.


    Focalor moved with terrifying speed, bearing down on her. But then, out of nowhere, a figure d in heavy crimson armor appeared near them.


    In an instant, a domain expanded outward from the armored figure, encapsting everyone within its shimmering boundary-Broken, Ivana, Alora, and Frostedge were all caught inside. The figure, SpeedGang, struck his shield against the ground with a resonating ng, pointing at Focalor, who hovered above them.


    "No one can use magic in this domain!" SpeedGang dered.


    No magic? That would be disastrous. Focalor thrived on raw power based on his stats alone, making him even deadlier without magic to counter him.


    Is this guy out of his mind? Broken cursed inwardly.


    "Hah! It seems you''ve learned nothing," Focalor sneered.


    Unfazed by SpeedGang''s deration, the Named Demon ascended higher into the air. With terrifying precision and raw, overwhelming power, he mmed into the domain''s barrier.


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 Chapter 713: Chapter 713 - The Queen of Pride Watches

    Chapter 713: Chapter 713 - The Queen of Pride Watches


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    If one were to ask where in Yunatea technology advanced the most rapidly, where immense power converged, and where the ruler''s authority was unrivaled and justice was enforced with unyielding precision, the answer would be clear:


    The Central Continent, specifically the Kingdom of Calenvalis.


    The throne room of the kingdom was a masterpiece of grandeur. Its polished white stone floor gleamed with intricate patterns, while towering pirs and walls shimmered with white and gold. Every detail radiated regal authority and unmatched luxury.


    At the far end of the hall, seated upon the throne, was a woman ofmanding presence. She wore a flowing gown of white silk, ented with simple yet elegant light gold armor that symbolized both grace and strength. Her long, silver hair cascaded down her back,


    complementing her sharp, regal features.


    This was no ordinary ruler. Her pointed ears marked her as an elf, but not just any elf. She was a High Elf, the mightiest among her kind-not only of High Elves but also of all elven races.


    She was the Queen of Calenvalis, a figure renowned for her unmatched power, influence, andmand.


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 Chapter 714: Chapter 714 - The Ancestral Greed Champion

    Chapter 714: Chapter 714 - The Ancestral Greed Champion


    ?


    449 Days Earlier.


    "A special NPC?" Maylock repeated.


    "Khi khi khi, yes... the boy was sought out by a Special NPC who waited for him all morning near the central za-a stunning woman so beautiful that every man passing by couldn''t help but gawk, their mouths hanging open," Goldrich chuckled.


    Maylock, seated in the room alongside Goldrich and Elincia, rubbed his chin thoughtfully.


    "Broken certainly has a knack for attracting the attention of Special NPCs, doesn''t he?" Elincia said with a softugh. "First Princess Alora, and now this new woman."


    "And who exactly is this woman? Someone important?"


    "I''m not entirely sure," Goldrich admitted, still smiling. "Why don''t we ask Broken directly?" 394 Days Earlier.


    "That''s certainly an extraordinary taunt skill," Maylock said as he watched a video clip circting online.


    "She definitely has an impressive set of skills, doesn''t she?" Elincia replied. "They went to the desert area earlier today-looks like Broken wanted to test his new Legendary-grade spear, and... well, that happened."


    "She used a taunt skill that drew in so many monsters at once? That''s definitely a high-grade skill. Is this the first time she''s shown it?"


    "We''ve never been on the same battlefield as her before," Elincia admitted. "But she does seem worthy of the title Special NPC."


    Maylock was quiet for a moment before speaking again. "It''s strange. Just a few months ago, people in Deadbay only knew her as a chef with nobat potential. And now, she''s a powerful Special NPC."


    "Do you know what triggered it?" Elincia asked.


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 Chapter 715: Chapter 715 - Lunar Tear Crystal

    Chapter 715: Chapter 715 - Lunar Tear Crystal


    ?


    The Ancestral Wielder of the Greed Champion was once the ruler of the Dragon race, the mightiest being in Yunatea''s history. However, their reign was ultimately brought to ruin by the Pride Champion, the High Elf Queen-who now rules the Central Continent, specifically the Kingdom of Calenvalis.


    The High Elf Queen formed an unholy alliance with King Bael, the ruler of Hell. Together, their pact led to the annihtion of the dragon race. Dragons were hunted and ughtered, their once-mighty kingdom crushed. Even the Dragon King, the First Ancestral Wielder of the Greed Champion, was ultimately defeated, their power extinguished.


    But the war didn''t truly end there. It was foretold that the dragon lineage would endure, as a sessor had been born-a hidden heir, prophesied to rise as the Dragon Princess, the next Ancestral Wielder of the Greed Champion.


    The tale of the Dragon Princess faded into obscurity, buried by the passage of time. That is, until years before the yers'' arrival in Yunatea, when whispers emerged of a devastating raid that annihted the Dragonkin tribe in the West Continent.


    This raid was said to have been orchestrated by emissaries of the High Elf Queen, determined to hunt down the elusive Dragon Princess.


    The story of her escape and disappearance remains cloaked in mystery. However, rumors suggest her survival was made possible by the intervention of a revered figure in Yunatea- particrly celebrated in the East Continent-the Moon Goddess.


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 Chapter 716: Chapter 716 - Stay With Me

    Chapter 716: Chapter 716 - Stay With Me


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    All eyes were locked on Duke Focalor, their primary adversary that night. However, two figures remained caught in the demon''s grip-Princess Alora, struggling as his right hand tightened around her neck, and Ivana, pinned beneath his foot, her head crushed harshly into the dirt.


    Desperation filled the air as yers and NPCsunched attack after attack, trying to free the two women. But Focalor proved too strong. Without moving from his spot, he summoned several magic circles around him, effortlessly repelling every assault. Each st sent attackers flying backward, their efforts reduced to nothing.


    Then, suddenly¡ªsomething changed.


    Ivana''s body, pinned beneath Focalor''s foot, began to glow with a brilliant white energy. The light pulsed, burning away the shadow tendrils binding her to the ground.


    Focalor immediately nced down, his expression shifting from smug confidence to shock.


    What happened?!


    The tense question echoed through the battlefield, whispered by everyone who witnessed the sudden change.


    With a snarl, Focalor flung Alora aside, throwing her body toward the ranks of the knights. Her limp form flew through the air before crashing into the defensive line, where Lionell caught her, pulling her to safety.


    Focalor, now enraged, conjured a massive energy ball in his right hand. His teeth clenched as he channeled all his fury into it, mming the attack toward Ivana.


    "Ivana! No!"


    Broken sprinted toward them, panic seizing his chest. But before he could reach her-


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 Chapter 717: Chapter 717 - Mythic Forge Crystal (Info Dump Alert!)

    Chapter 717: Chapter 717 - Mythic Forge Crystal (Info Dump Alert!)


    ?


    Broken gently released Ivana from his embrace, but his hands lingered, cupping her face. His thumbs brushed against her cheeks as he looked into her eyes.


    And there it was-the same warmth, the same kindness, the same Ivana he had always known.


    But she was no longer the simple chef girl from the coastal vige.


    She was the Dragon Princess.


    She was the Ancestral Wielder of the Greed Champion.


    Ivana was the Greed Champion.


    His heart pounded, but he smiled softly at her.


    Then, without a word, he turned toward Duke Focalor, his gaze locking on the demon who stood across the battlefield. Ivana moved to his side, standing just to his left.


    As the dust settled around them, Broken nced at the notifications from his questpletion, reading through the details he had ignored in the chaos.


    [Deity Bane Quest II - The Dragon Princess'' Call Completed]


    [You have sessfully located the Dragon Princess and assisted her in unlocking her true power.]


    [The Princess''s fate is no longer her own. She is free to walk her path, thanks to you.]


    [Performance Evaluation]


    ["Fate bends for those bold enough to defy its flow. I once gave you a tool to reshape destiny, and now, I offer you another-though ites with greater risks this time."]


    [You not only unlocked the Dragon Princess''s potential but also forged unbreakable bonds with allies willing to defend her cause.]


    [Reward Unlocked: Reset & Recharge Ticket]


    [Hit the ultimate do-over button! With this ticket, you get a total reset and a fresh recharge. Everything back to full, like you never even ran out. Perfect for when you need a second wind (or third... we won''t judge)!]


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